Day 4 A Sentimental Journey Through Psalm 1:1 and Psalm 1

Day 4 A Sentimental Journey Through Psalm 1:1 and Psalm 1  

3 CROSS-REFERENCES (CONT.)
On Day 2, we looked at several cross-references for Psalm 1:1. Today, we will continue to look at more of them. I may or may not write them out here. Please look them up on your own regardless. They are important. Just because I may not talk about them, it doesn't mean they won't speak into your life. I'm just trying to look at the verses that I think are most important in my life and will share my thoughts with you about them. you might find others most important in your life. So, please, look all of them up in your favorite versions of the Bible (yes, the versions was a plural--meaning look up several translations in order to get the most out of this exercise). 

WHY ARE CROSS-REFERENCES IMPORTANT?
They help deepen our understanding of the verse we are studying and help deepen our understanding of the chapter, the Bible Book, and the Bible as a whole. 
How? They get us to look at more books of the bible and see how they work hand-in-hand with the book we are reading and studying, along with the book we are studying, and the Testament as a whole, and the Bible as a whole. 
This is the beauty about the bible. One word in one verse can be traced to other verses and chapters within the book we are studying, within the Testament we are studying, and the Bible as w hole. They all come to play each time we look at one word, let alone look at a verse or a passage. I know I have repeated this again for the third time in two paragraphs, but please know there is a reason for it. It is important. That's why.
Every time we read one word in the Bible, or one verse, we must, without fail, take it in context. Hence, we must look at how it applies, and adds meaning to: the verse we are studying, the four verses before and after, the chapter we are studying, the Book we are studying, the Testament in which we are studying, and the Bible as a whole. We must take each of those into account each time we read one word and one verse of the bible, let alone multiple. Cross-references help with this. (Note: We will talk more about context in a section later in this study of Psalm 1:1, by the way.)

CROSS-REFERENCES OF PSALM 1:1 (CONT.)

Matthew 16:17

Luke 11:28: Here is an example of reading a verse and seeing right away how important context is. The verse addresses things that are not said in the verse. We are missing information. So, we must look at the context  (and should do so anyway, regardless). Read Luke 11:15-36 for the best context of Luke 11:28. Prayer journal your thoughts.

Now, after reading it and praying on it and about it, let's look at: 

Luke 11:28 / New King James Version (NKJV)
28 But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” 

-- NKJV: Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

How else are we blessed? When we hear the Bible (read it, think it, study it, pray it) and do what it says (apply it to our lives). 

Lord, help me to do so. Help me to live in this manner. Teach me to apply the Word to my life so I may live it and do what God tells me to do.

John 13:17 is another example of needing context. Read John 13:12-21 and prayer journal the context and what verse 17 means in particular and how it applies to Psalm 1:1. 

John 20:29 needs more context as well. Let's look at John 20:24-31. 

Want more blessing in your life? Life John 20:29:

John 20:29 / New American Standard Bible (NASB)
29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”  

-- NASB: Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.  

Lord, what an important verse. Help me to live this verse in my life--and to live it well. Teach me how.

Revelation 22:14

Psalm 81:12 is an example of how not to live out Psalm 1:1. 

Genesis 5:24 Walk with God, not with anyone who can lead you astray.

Leviticus 26:27-28

1 Kings 16:17-34 is a very important passage to remind us of the slippery slope we walk if we walk with or near the wrong crowd. Read this passage carefully and pray over it a great deal. It is important for us to think about everything this means in our lives. For example, we need to be careful of those who we vote into office at elections. We also need to make sure the leaders in our lives are truly leaders we should respect and follow. What else is God saying to you about this verse? Any of us could fall prey to these verses, regardless of how much we try to deny it. We are all sinners. We really could fall into this trap and think these things. So, how can we avoid them personally and with those we allow in our lives? 

Spend a great deal of time today and tonight pondering these verses. Carry them with you today and tonight and keep listening to what God has to tell you about 1 Kings 16:17-34 in your life. 

We will look more at cross-references tomorrow. 

Write a summary of today's reading, studying, prayer journaling, and praying of the Word of Psalm 1:1 in your prayer journal.
Now, write a prayer about what you have learned and what God has put on your heart.

Wattpad.com and A Sentimental Journey Through the Book of Psalms, Part 1

I know it can at times be difficult, and borderline frustrating, to read this devotional Bible study and spiritual memoir on this blog. Hence, I have put this book here as well:

http://www.wattpad.com/36265673-a-sentimental-journey-through-the-book-of-psalms

Every time I add a new Day here on this blog, I will also add it to Wattpad.com.

Enjoy!

Day 3 Psalm 1:1 (Cont.): A Sentimental Journey Through the Book of Psalms, Part 1

This is a verse to repeat at least in the morning, if not throughout the day, particularly every time we stand at the throne and are ready to read the Holy Bible, the Word of God, the Scripture. It's not something to take lightly. It is a time of reverence and we are to give God and His Word the respect they are due.

I recommend memorizing it in your favorite version of the Bible so you can pray this every time you approach the throne and the Word of God.

Now, let's look at this version of Psalm 1:1 and bring us back to where we were yesterday and last night. 

Psalm 1:1 /Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

1 How happy is the man

who does not follow the advice of the wicked

or take the path of sinners

or join a group of mockers!

-- HCSB: Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. 

Let's prayer journal our thoughts.

Now, let’s look at this version:

Let's prayer journal our thoughts.

BLESSING

I don't know about you, but my life can sure use God's blessing. Then again, whose couldn't? 

Lord, You tell us how we can get some blessing and happiness in our lives. It's through being careful as to who we listen to and watching the company we keep. We need to make sure we keep God and eternity first in our lives (see Matthew 6:33 EXB in particular). If we do not do this, it's easy to be friends with those who bring us off track with God or keep us from Him. 

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU COUNT AS A FRIEND

Let's be honest here. I have a couple of friends who are not Christ-followers, but they are those who actually help me keep God and eternity first in my lives because of who they are, how matter they are, and their life's outlook. And, I have some Christian people in my life who hardly act like a Christ-Follower. As a matter of fact, they don't read the Bible once a year, let alone several times a day--and their lives show it. But, then, I have those who are believers in Christ in my life, who never go to church, never read the Bible, and are far more Christian than I could ever dream of being, if you know what I mean. 

Do you know who I hand out with and talk with on a regular basis? Those who allow me to be me, no judgment given, and who bring me closer to God. These are the few I allow to speak into my life, and I can count them on less than one hand. 

I count my friends very carefully. After all, I guard my heart (see Proverbs 4:23) and my life. 

I spent years trying to figure out who in my life I found who could increase my faith--and I associate most with those who do. Some are Christ-Followers, some are Christian and do all the Christian stuff, and some are not believers. 

Why? So I stay on track. Why? I am a sinner and deserve death (see Romans 6:23). I am prone to stumble. I mess up. I easily wander and get sidetracked. 

Psalm 1:1 is about this. 

I am not a popularity contest and I certainly am not in one. (No!) 

I know the way of the believers is through the narrow gate (see Matthew 7:13-14); hence, the road I am on with have few companions. And, most of the time, I will walk it alone (without a human by my side), but I will have the Lord and the Word with me forever. 

It might be a lonely road to travel at times, this walk of faith, but I am never alone. Not when I have God and His Word, the Bible.

Prayer journal your thoughts. 

BE CAREFUL WITH MARRIAGE

We should be very careful who we marry, by the way, because of this. 

LADIES: Ladies, only marry a true spiritual leader of the home. Marry one who is worthy of it. Be choosy about this. It's your faith we're talking about here. If you are not willing to have your man be the spiritual leader of the home, do not marry. Do not live in sin either. Instead, wait until you are mature enough to handle this and marry rightly. For, you do not want to be his stumbling block, for he will answer to God about you and your behavior, plus your home and your faith-life as a couple. 

GENTLEMEN: Gentlemen, be careful who you marry and when you marry. If she is not willing to let you be the spiritual leader of the home, then wait until she is or move on to find someone else or stay single. You are never to force your hand to be the spiritual leader of the home. You should be humble, but close with the Lord and in His Word. You will answer to God about this one day. Your wife should be wiling to allow you to take your proper role ehre and not try to steal your thunder. If she is the right one, you'll never have to ask her to. She will just allow you to be the spiritual leader of the home without saying a word. Her behavior and faith will dictate this naturally. If this is her, this is the lady you want to marry. You shouldn't have to force the issue. Your faith should be so strong and you should be so knowledgeable that you are worthy to be the spiritual leader of your home. 

THIS PRINCIPLE LIVED OUT: My husband is the definite spiritual leader of the home. It's never one he's had to impose. He just is. We talk about God and the Bible all the time, along with our faith. We worship Him and help each other draw closer to Him and to His Word each day. It's part of who we are. Our marriage vows were specially written for this to be. He took his role and I took mine, in the sight of God. We know our marriage is a reflection of our relationship with the Lord--and do not take this lightly. Consequently, since we both know our roles in our marriage, and keep them, we are even closer because of it--with God and with one another. It is something that just happens naturally. We seek God and eternity first and never get jealous of one another's time with the Lord. This allows us to be close and stand through more gale force storms because of these choices. And, this all stems to Psalm 1:1. 

Prayer journal your thoughts.   

Psalm 1:1 GW: A Verse to Pray, Ponder, Memorize

Pause. Selah.

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 43:2

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 43:2

Isaiah 43:2 / Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
2 I will be with you
when you pass through the waters,
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not overwhelm you.
You will not be scorched
when you walk through the fire,

and the flame will not burn you. 

-- HCSB: Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.  

What a sweet reminder.

God will be with us at all times. He is with us at all times. He's there in the good times, the tough times, and the in-between times. He's always, without fail there. 

When we do not hear Him, or feel Him, He's still there. It's us who are not listening as we could or should. Why aren't we listening? It's because, we are tempted, we aren't listening, we are too busy, too stressed, we sin, and/or most likely we haven't been in the Word throughout the day and night--today or in quite some time. Those are the reasons why we don't hear God. There may be times one or two of these may come to play in our lives and other times when they all do. 

Regardless, remember this. Jesus died for this, too. We are forgiven. We just need to cling to Him, to the Bible, be with Him, and let go of the chaos in our lives. We also need to read this verse. That will sure help. 

God is with us now. The Almighty God, the all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present God is with us now--whether it's a time of trial or a time of joy. He is with us. Even now. Look around. Listen. He calls. He is waiting. 

(Image Credit: Microsoft Images Online 2008-2014.)

Blog Post Title: Day 2: A Sentimental Journey Through Psalm 1:1 and Psalm 1

Blog Post Title: Day 2: A Sentimental Journey Through Psalm 1:1 and Psalm 1

21 January 2014, Tuesday, 1232 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

1 FIRST READING
Let's read all of the English versions of Psalm 1:1 and prayer journal as we go. 
Go ahead and do yours first. Then, come back and read mine:
Blessed and happy. That sounds good to me. How can I be blessed and happy? 
Blessed and happy will I be if I do not walk in the counsel of the wicked or ungodly. 
I will be happy and blessed if I do not walk according to the counsel of the wicked or ungodly. This means I will not listen to them, their advice or suggestions, or what they claim is wisdom. I should not listen to them or follow their counsel. For, their ways are wicked and ungodly. 
I also shouldn't stand in the path of sinners or go where sinners go. I should not follow the example of sinners. I shouldn't do what they do, in other words. 
If I stand in their way, or stand with them, then I could easily get pulled into following their ways. They are sinners, hence, I would then sin as well. I can do this just fine on my own without standing with those who do or standing in their path or way. 
I also should not sit with, or be in the company of, those who are scoffers, the scornful, mockers, or the sarcastic. 

2 PRAY THE WORD
a Word by word
Lord, I would like to be blessed and happy. 
So, how do I do this? How can I be blessed and happy?
I need to listen to Your counsel, Lord, not to others. Your counsel and advice is found in Your Word, the Bible. I need to be careful whom and what I allow to speak into my life. 
Listening to others can give me poor advice and lead me down the wrong path. 
I shouldn't hang out with the wicked, get in the way of sinners, or sit with anyone who mocks God or the Scripture. 
That last sentence makes me pause. The world is full of those people. That's why it's important not to let my guard down. I must be always watchful and vigilant not to do so. 
b phrase by phrase 
Covered already
c line by line
Covered already
d the entire verse
Covered already. 

3 CROSS-REFERENCES
Make sure to look up each cross-reference for yourself. 
I will comment on some, but not on all. 
Psalm 2:12
Psalm 32:1: Look this up in multiple versions of the Bible. 
Psalm 32:1 / The Message (MSG) / A David Psalm  Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be—
    you get a fresh start,
    your slate’s wiped clean.  
--  MSG: Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.  
When I fail to do anything I'm told to do in Psalm 1:1 in order to be blessed and happy, I have Psalm 32:1 to bring me comfort. After all, I will mess up. I will faith to live in the godly manner, since I am a sinner. However, I am also forgiven and redeemed. I am washed clean of all my stench and wrongdoing. 
Psalm 34:8: Make sure to look up this verse in several translations of the Bible and Word of God. 
Psalm 34:8 / GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
    Blessed is the person who takes refuge in him.  
-- GW: Scripture is taken from GOD’S WORD®, © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.  
I am also blessed and happy when I find my refuge in God and in the Word of God. 
Psalm 84:12 / New Century Version (NCV)
12 Lord All-Powerful,
    happy are the people who trust you!  
-- NCV: Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.  
I am also happy and blessed if I trust You, Lord. 
Psalm 106:3
Psalm 112:1 / Expanded Bible (EXB)
112  Praise the Lord!
Happy [Blessed] are those who ·respect [fear] the Lord [Prov. 1:7; 31:30],
    who ·want [take great delight in] ·what he [his] commands.  
-- EXB: Scripture taken from The Expanded Bible. Copyright © 2011 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 
Every now and then, there is a verse that makes me pause. Psalm 112:1 is one of those. It will be one to meditate on for a long period of time, so I can take in all of its goodness. There is a great deal to be found there and I don't want to miss any of it. 
Fearing the Lord is to respect and revere. 
I am happy and blessed when I revere God and when I want to find and take delight in the Word of God, the Bible. 
Psalm 115:12-15
Psalm 119:1 / Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) 
1  How happy are those whose way is blameless,
who live according to the Lord’s instruction!  
-- HCSB: Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.  
How can I be blessed and blameless? By living according to the Bible and Word of God. 
Psalm 119:2 / GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
2 Blessed are those who obey his written instructions.
    They wholeheartedly search for him.  
-- GW: Scripture is taken from GOD’S WORD®, © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.  
I am blessed and happy if I obey Your Word and search for You, God. 
Psalm 144:15
Psalm 146:5
Deuteronomy 28:2-68
Deuteronomy 33:29
Jeremiah 17:7 / Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
7 The man who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed.  
-- HCSB: Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.  

More cross-references tomorrow.

Write a summary of today's reading, studying, and praying of the Word of Psalm 1:1.

A Remarkable Resource and Tool for Bible Reading, Praying the Word, and for Bible Study

A Remarkable Resource and Tool for Bible Reading, Praying the Word, and for Bible Study

I love several online Bible programs. I find each one has important features the others do not have. That being said, there is one in particular on:  http://www.biblegateway.com/ (BibleGateway.com). The feature is the most important feature we will use of any online Bible program as we study the book of Psalms along our Sentimental Journey Through the Book of Psalms. 

Let me share with you what it is and how to use it:

IN ALL ENGLISH VERSIONS: HOW TO USE THIS FEATURE

Please do this now so you can see what I mean.

1 Go to the link I listed previously for BibleGateway.com.

2 Look up the verse you are studying. type it in the search box. 

Note: Look up only one verse at a time. This feature will not work if you look up more than one verse. 

For instance, use Psalm 1:1. 

3 Click enter.

4 Go to the bottom of the page.

5 Click on "IN ALL ENGLIGH VERSIONS."

6 Look at all of the English versions of that verse in one-stop shopping, so to speak. They are all there. 

Can you believe what a rich tool this is and how much this can help us in our Bible study, reading, application, prayer journaling, and meditation (praying the Word)? I do not know a more important resource for studying the Word of God.