Psalm 1
                                                                            By Pastor F. M. Riley
                                                                            July 25, 2019
     "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful, Psalm 1:1.  
Introduction
     The Book of Psalms is an inspired song book compiled especially for Israel, the chosen people of God.  It is filled with praises to the Lord God who chose the Hebrew people as His own special people, through whom He would show His glory to all the nations and peoples of the world.  As the Jewish people sang these Psalms in their assemblies, they were giving praise and honor and glory to the Lord God, even as many of the Psalms admonish God's people to do.  
     But the Psalms also set forth righteousness, history, prophecy, and God's great Plan of the Ages.  
     This is why the Apostle Paul in the New Testament, admonished the Lord's churches to speak to one another "in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs," Ephesians 5:19.  See also Colossians 3:16 and James 5:13.  Obviously, the Psalms were meant to fill an important role in the life of every true believer, whether Jew or Gentile.   Take heed!
The Right Way
     Psalm 1:1.....This inspired Scripture introduces the entire Book of Psalms, by pronouncing a blessing upon every person who refuses to walk in "the counsel of the ungodly."  Dear readers, it is still true right to this present day that "the wisdom of this world" is foolishness with God, 1 Corinthians 1:18-21.  If any reader,, young or old,  is looking for advice from lost people, for answers to the problems in their life, or  in order to plan the future course of their life, they are looking to the wrong source.
     It is indeed the "ungodly" who live in "a way" that is sinful in the sight of God, and who "scorn" God, Christ, and the Word and will of God.  Read Proverbs 14:12.   
     Yet millions of people today have sought, and still seek,  counsel from the "ungodly."   So just take a close look at the hellacious mess the world is in today, and see the results of the unbelieving world's "counsel" for yourself.  Hello!
     Psalm 1:2.....Back to the blessings pronounced upon the righteous in verse 1.  This blessing is for those who "delight" themselves "in the law of the Lord," and who "meditate" upon it "day and night."  Before the first coming of Christ, this had a particular application to the Jewish people who were living under the Law.  New Testament believers are not under the Law, but live by and under the Grace of God, yet we should be daily meditating upon the whole Word of God, and allowing it to permeate our souls and direct our lives.  Glory to God!  
     Psalm 1:3.....In this inspired Scripture, the Lord God contrasts the life of the true believer with the life of the "ungodly" in the Scriptures which follow.  
     The life of the true believer who is obedient to these instructions from the Lord, will be "like a tree planted by the rivers of water..."  It is obvious that such a tree always has the water needed to live and bring forth "fruit."   Trees are used to typify mankind in the Bible, both good and evil.  Read Matthew 7:15-20.  Also the "water?"  Read John 4:7-14 and 7:37-38.    
     Psalm 1:4.....But, "The ungodly are not so:..." Rather, the "ungodly" are likened to "chaff" which is driven away by the winds of "the counsel of the ungodly," 1:1.  Readers should also notice that the inspired Word clearly states that "chaff" is good for nothing but to be burned, Matthew 3:12.  
     Psalm 1:5.....Due to their unbelieving, lost in sin, condition, "the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment."  This literally means that the "ungodly" will not be able to stand when the time of judgment comes, Rev. 20:11-15.  
     But the same is true for "sinners in the congregation of the righteous."  Wicked men and women may try to hide their true nature by joining some church or religious organization, but it won't work.....
     Psalm 1:6....."For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."  Remember that it is men who look on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart, 2 Corinthians 10:3-7.  One may fool men with their "religious" profession, but they will never fool the Lord God.  This is exactly why the Apostle Peter urged the readers of his epistle, "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do this, ye shall never fall," 2 Peter 1:10-11.  
Conclusion
     And with this final warning, the inspired Psalmist ended this first Psalm.  Yes, this first Psalm is short, but oh what a message it sets forth for every reader.  
     Do you know, that you know, that you are saved by the grace of God, and are a true, born-again, child of God?  I am not writing to entertain any reader.  I write because I have a deep and true burden for the souls of my readers.  Right now, as I write, the tears of that burden are streaming down my cheeks.  
     Dear readers, time is so very short.  What is about to happen; the resurrection and rapture of all true believers, and the terrible judgments which will follow, upon mankind left behind on the earth, will be a short work.  Read it for yourself in Romans 9:28.  Any reader who has not been saved, or who has doubts about their salvation, should rush to the Lord in earnest and since prayer, "to make your calling and election sure."  Putting it off until tomorrow may be just one day too late!  
     I truly would like to meet every reader of my studies in glory when our Lord comes for us, and by His Grace, I know He is coming REAL SOON.  Please don't disappoint me!  
     Read again, believe, and act upon John 3:3-7, 3:16-18, 3:36, 5:24, 14:6, Acts 4:12, 16:30-31, Romans 6:23, 10:8-13, Ephesians 2:8-10, and many other Scriptures in God's Word setting forth the way of salvation.   
     Dear readers, you have my message, and may our gracious Lord God bless it to your heart.  
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     My personal contact information:
POSTAL.....Pastor F. M. Riley, 14275 Co. Rd. 8120, Rolla, MO 65401
EMAIL........francismriley34@gmail.com
PHONE......573-202-6493
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