The Book of Psalms is often referred to as “The Prayer Book of Jesus.” These 150 psalms give expressions of praise, thanksgiving, repentance and prayers for help. Jesus prayed some of these psalms out loud, especially during his Passion. I have often been impressed by the first sentence of the first psalm, for it expresses basic sentiments of the entire Book of Psalms. These words give a timely warning to reject false and deceptive advice of those who are living sinful lives. Certainly, those who are wicked should not be counseling other people, and this psalm clearly states the wicked, themselves, will end in ruin (see verse 6).
This little psalm of only 6 verses gives real and genuine advice on how we are supposed to live: Follow the Law of the Lord. It is the foundational teaching for a happy and blessed life. That is the message of Psalm 1; the other 149 psalms are commentary.
*** How does one learn to not take counsel from the wicked? To be in Gods' Word in Psalm 1:1a, "Blessed (happy) is the person who obeys the law of the Lord (God's Word). They don’t follow the advice of evil people!" *** It looks like this for those who are in God's Word and happy in Psalm 1:1b-2, "They don’t make a habit of doing what sinners do. They don’t join those who make fun of the Lord and His law (God's Word). Instead, the law (God's Word) of the Lord gives them joy. They think about His law (God's Word) day and night!" *** It looks like this for those who are not in God's Word in Psalm 1:4-5, "Sinful people are not like that at all. They are like straw that the wind blows away. When the Lord judges them, their life will come to an end. Sinners won’t have any place among those who are godly!" ******* Summary in Psalm 1:6, "The Lord watches over the lives of godly people. But the lives of sinful people will lead to their death!" *** 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "God has breathed life into all Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. By using Scripture, the servant of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing!" *** Hebrews 4:12, "The Word of God is alive and active. It is sharper than any sword that has two edges. It cuts deep enough to separate soul from spirit. It can separate bones from joints. It judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart!" *** It is important to know God's Word especially today in the book of Psalms.
The book of Psalms is 150 prayers of God's people in the form of lament of their situations and praise to God demonstrating to us the faith of God's people in God's Word and the hope of the coming Messiah to God's people ✝️ You can search for Bible Project and find a summary of the book of Psalm! It gives me a picture of the book of Psalm that I won't see on my own!
Fr. James your words inspire self reflection for all. To see in ourselves and what we don't want to do and who we really want to be. It is up to us to make that choice. If everyone in this world spent more time looking within themselves and how they could be better people what an amazing world we would have. Blessings to all the LFF especially those with extra needs these days. For Pope Francis' healing. Prayers for the Holy Spirit to guide President Trump to lead this country to be a better God filled country. May we all spread the love of God through all the world everyday.
AMEN!!
AMEN!
Amen!
Amen. :)
How many times have we read Psalm 1? How many times have I read over it to think “I don’t take council from the wicked”….and yet Fr. James your word of “deceptive advice of those living sinful lives” made me ponder a bit deeper. People who feel justified in cheating others in giving change for a purchase, those who can “buy” their child’s way into a prestigious college, a landlord that takes liberties and advantages skirting the law in order to make a bigger profit……thousands of examples of people who would tell me through social media or personally “there is nothing wrong with trying to get ahead”……except at the expense of another. I will be more mindful today and hopefully everyday forward to not let the “advice” and modern day attitude of advancement at all costs to sneak into my mind and influence my decisions. Thank you! Birthday wishes to you all beginning another year of love and service. Prayers for our community here and our intentions, prayers for God’s will for the Pope and for his limited suffering. May you each be blessed today.
Love this Vicky. Amen.
Amen.☮️
Thank you Fr James for a thought penrtrating reflection this morning as we pray, one day at a time Lord, may we live following Your laws, for your words are indeed Spirit and they are Life. May we always find joy serving You and defying constantly, the counsel of the wicked. Sending prayers and blessings to all thosr with special needs and intentions today. Remembering in a special way Pope Francis, praying for a speedy response and rebound to health snd well being. Your mercies Lord, Amen. Peace and love Living Faith Family.
Amen... thank you Fr. James... we must try a little each day to follow God's way and plan for us
Thank you Father James. Following God’s law is always a good plan. God’s ways and our ways are not the same. Lord, help me to walk on your path and understand your ways. Amen. Continued prayers for Pope Francis.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those in need. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
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AMEN!!