Therefore, the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous. But the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1:5-6
Those who remain impenitent and continue on in their sinful and rebellious ways will not stand in God’s judgment or be counted members of Christ’s Church. Instead, they will be condemned to the eternal fires of hell. But the LORD knows the way of those who are sorry for their sins and trust in Christ Jesus. He will give them eternal life in His presence.
Grant that I acknowledge and repent of my sins, O LORD, and look to Christ Jesus and His cross for mercy and forgiveness that I may stand uncondemned in Your presence. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised Common Version of the Bible.]
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in season, and its leaf shall not wither. And whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Psalm 1:3-4
Those who delight themselves in the truths of God’s Word are like trees growing along streams of water. Even in times of drought, their leaves do not wither and they continue to bear fruit. The ungodly, those who do not hear and heed the teaching of God’s Word, are like chaff which the wind blows away. They are not gathered into God’s kingdom but are cast out and burned in the fires of hell.
Teach me Your life-giving Word, O God, and strengthen and preserve my faith in You and Your promises of life and salvation in Christ Jesus, the Son. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised Common Version of the Bible.]
The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the habitation of the just. Proverbs 3:33
Though most are blind to this truth, the curse and condemnation of the LORD rests on the house of those who do not fear, love and trust in the LORD God who made them and redeemed them. But the blessing of the LORD is upon the house of those who repent of their sinful ways and look to God for mercy and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, God’s Son.
Grant that I repent of my evil ways, O LORD, and look to You for mercy in the atoning sacrifice of the Son, Jesus Christ. In His name I pray. Amen.
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2
The people of this world — including those counted as wise and successful — offer much counsel and advice, but true blessing comes from delighting in the Word of God and meditating day and night on that which God reveals and teaches in the Bible. Rather than walking in the ways of this world, God would have us hear and heed what He teaches us in His Word.
Grant that I hear and learn Your Word, O God, that I may be blessed through faith in my Savior. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised Common Version of the Bible.]
And Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. John 2:13-16
Our churches are to be houses where we hear God’s Word and offer up our prayers and praises. They are not to be places for us to buy and sell and do business. Many seem to forget Jesus’ zeal for the Lord’s house and treat it like a marketplace to sell music, books and other items.
“LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth” (Psalm 26:8). Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
