(2) 5-Day Devotionals on psalm 1:1 & 1:2

If you’d prefer a downloadable version of either of these devotionals, a PDF is available below.

 

psalm 1:2 devotional

week of November 10th

How to use this page

  1. Each day this week invest the time to open your Bible to the assigned reading.
  2. As you read each passage, consider how you can apply it to your life based off of Sunday's message.
  3. Look for a key verse that you can commit to memory and intentionally meditate upon throughout the day.
  4. Complete the action item(s) each day.
  5. End your time with intentional focused prayer.

MONDAY: Read Psalm 1:1-3, Psalm 119:97-104

Sunday’s message emphasized the importance of delighting in God's Word. As we read Psalm 1, we see a vivid contrast between those who find joy in God's law and those who don't. The blessed person is described as one who meditates on Scripture day and night. This isn't just casual reading, but deep, intentional reflection.

The blessed life begins with a deep love for God's Word. As we read in Psalm 1, the person who delights in God's law and meditates on it day and night is like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season. This image beautifully illustrates the nourishment and growth we experience when we daily choose to fully immerse ourselves in Scripture.

Questions to Ponder:

  • Do you desire to be blessed by God today? If yes, what are you choosing to do about it?
  • Consider how you tend to approach God's Word. Is it more of a duty or a delight?
  • In what ways can we actively 'delight' in God's Word beyond just reading it, and how might this change our perspective on Scripture?
  • Do you find yourself longing for God’s Word, as the Psalmist describes in Psalm 119?

Today, ask God to re-kindle a fresh love for His Word in your heart. Ask Him to help you actually delight in it and meditate on it throughout the day. As you read Scripture this week, don't just skim the surface – meditate on what you're reading. Reflect on how it applies to your life and how it reveals God's character. Let His Word become the source of your strength, wisdom, and joy.

TUESDAY: Read Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 15:22, Colossians 3:16-17

Today's readings highlight the importance of seeking wise, godly counsel. Sunday's message warned against walking in the counsel of the wicked, emphasizing instead the necessity of following God's wisdom as revealed in God's Word.

The path we choose to walk and the counsel we follow have a profound impact on our spiritual lives. The book of Proverbs reminds us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and a fool chooses to despise wisdom and instruction. In contrast, the wise person daily seeks godly counsel and listens to advice.

Today, evaluate the myriads of voices you've been listening to. Are they drawing you towards God or pulling you away from Him? Seek out godly mentors and friends who will encourage you in your faith and provide biblically sound advice. Most importantly, make God's Word your primary source of counsel, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape your thoughts, decisions, and actions.

Remember, as Colossians warns, empty philosophies and human traditions can lead us astray from Christ.

Questions to Ponder:

  1. Do you desire to be blessed by God today? If yes, what are you choosing to do about it?
  2. Reflect on the multitude of sources of counsel in your life. Are you surrounding yourself with godly influences, or are you being swayed by worldly wisdom?
  3. How might your daily choices in seeking counsel impact your spiritual growth and relationship with God?

Ask God to grant you discernment to recognize and follow only counsel that is godly. Ask Him to help you establish your life firmly in His Word and to only seek wisdom from those who honor Him.

WEDNESDAY : Read Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

In a world full of challenges and temptations, standing firm in our faith is crucial. Sunday’s message discussed the importance of standing firm in our faith, rather than standing in the way of sinners. Today's readings in Ephesians and Corinthians echo this theme, calling us to be strong and courageous in our spiritual walk

Standing firm doesn't mean being rigid or unyielding. Instead, it's about being deeply rooted in Christ, able to withstand the storms of life and the temptations that come our way. Paul's imagery of the armor of God in Ephesians reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. Our strength comes not from ourselves, but from the Lord. We're called to stand firm, equipped with truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God.

Questions to Ponder :

  1. Do you desire to be blessed by God today? If yes, what are you choosing to do about it?
  2. Consider the areas in your life where you feel most vulnerable to spiritual attack. Are there places where you've been wavering or compromising? Remember Paul's exhortation to "be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
  3. What is one area where you need to take a firmer stand for your faith? Pray for God's strength and wisdom in this area.

Today, commit to strengthening your spiritual defenses. Choose to put on the full armor of God through prayer, Scripture reading, and fellowship with other believers. Stand firm not in your own strength, but in the power of God's might. Let your stance be one of passionate pursuit of God's righteousness and active resistance against sin.

THURSDAY: Read Proverbs 22:10, James 4:6-10, 1 Peter 5:5-7

Sunday’s message warned against sitting in the seat of scoffers – those who mock God and His ways. Today's readings reinforce the dangers of pride and the importance of humility in our walk with God.

It's easy to fall into a critical, scoffing attitude, especially in today's cynical culture. But God calls us to a different path – one of humility and reverence. James and Peter both remind us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Questions to Ponder:

  1. Do you desire to be blessed by God today? If yes, what are you choosing to do about it?
  2. Consider your own attitudes. Are there areas where you've become overly critical or dismissive of others, especially in spiritual matters? Remember, a humble heart is fertile ground for God's work in our lives.
  3. What are some practical ways we can stand firm in our faith while continuing to grow spiritually, avoiding the stagnation warned against in Sunday’s message?
  4. Reflect on your spiritual journey to date. Are you actively growing in your faith, or have you become stagnant?

The Christian life is a journey of continuous growth and transformation. Spiritual growth requires intentionality – it doesn't happen by accident. It involves studying God's Word, applying its truths, and allowing the Holy Spirit to change you from the inside out.

Today, identify one area where you need to grow spiritually. It might be developing a more consistent prayer life, deepening your understanding of Scripture, or cultivating a particular fruit of the Spirit. Set a specific goal and create a plan to work towards it – then share it with your accountability partner(s). Remember, spiritual growth is a lifelong process, so be patient with yourself while remaining committed to progress.

Ask God to stir in you a deepening desire for continual growth in your relationship with Him. Ask Him to help you to press on, always seeking to know Him more deeply and reflect His character more clearly.

FRIDAY: Read Joshua 1:8-9, Philippians 4:8-9

We conclude our week by returning to the theme of meditation on God's Word. Last Sunday's sermon emphasized that true blessing comes from not just reading Scripture, but deeply reflecting on it throughout our day.

Joshua 1:8 promises success and prosperity (in the fullest, spiritual sense) to those who meditate on God's law day and night. This isn't about achieving worldly success, but about aligning our lives with God's will and experiencing the richness of life in and with Him.

Philippians 4 gives us a practical guide for what to meditate on – things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. As we fill our minds with God's truth, it transforms our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Questions to Ponder:

  1. Do you desire to be blessed by God today? If yes, what are you choosing to do about it?
  2. What does it mean to live a blessed life?
  3. How might regular meditation on God's Word impact your decision-making processes and daily interactions with others?
  4. Reflect on your thought life. What occupies your mind throughout the day? Are you intentionally focusing on God's truth?

Ask God to align your heart with His definition of blessing. Ask Him to help you not just hear His Word, but to live it out daily, experiencing the true joy and fulfillment that comes from following Him wholeheartedly.

 

Psalm 1:1 devotional

week of November 3rd

How to use this page

  1. Each day this week invest the time to open your Bible to the assigned reading.
  2. As you read each passage, consider how you can apply it to your life based off of Sunday's message.
  3. Look for a key verse that you can commit to memory and intentionally meditate upon throughout the day.
  4. Complete the action item(s) each day.
  5. End your time with intentional focused prayer.

Monday: READ Psalm 1:1-3 and Proverbs 3:5-6

Today's reading reminds us of the importance of seeking God's wisdom rather than following worldly advice. The Psalmist paints a vivid picture of the blessed person as one who delights in God's law and meditates on it day and night. This person is like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season and prospering in all they do.

Consider the areas of your life where you might be leaning on your own understanding rather than trusting God completely. Are there situations causing anxiety or fear? Remember, true blessing comes not from our own efforts or wisdom, but from a deep, abiding trust in and obedience to the Lord.

Reflect on the sources of wisdom you turn to in your daily life. Are you more inclined to seek counsel from godly individuals and Scripture, or do you find yourself swayed by popular opinion and worldly advice? Consider how you can intentionally align your thoughts and decisions with God's wisdom today.

Questions to Ponder:

  • Do you desire to be blessed by God today? If yes, what are you choosing to do about it?
  • What steps can you take to avoid the counsel of the wicked, the way of sinners, and the seat of scoffers?
  • How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God in your daily every moment living, especially during challenging times?
  • What does it mean to truly 'fear the Lord' in a positive, reverent way, and how can you develop this attitude?

Ask God to help you choose to delight in His Word and meditate on it continually. Ask Him to guide you to consistently seek His wisdom in all areas of life, trusting in His perfect understanding rather than your own limited perspective.

Tuesday: Read Psalm 28:6-9 and Ephesians 1:3-14

Today we focus on the blessing of trusting in God's love and provision. Trust is part of the foundation of our relationship with God. Proverbs 16:20b says, "...blessed is he who trusts in the Lord." To trust God fully, we must place our hope, our worries, and our future entirely in His hands.

Psalm 28 beautifully expresses how trust in God leads to joy and thanksgiving, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. The passage from Ephesians reminds us of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, chosen and adopted as God's children. Use Psalm 25:1-2 as a personal declaration of trust: "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust."

Consider areas in your life where you typically struggle to trust God fully. What fears or doubts keep holding you back? Remember that God has already blessed you with every spiritual blessing in Christ. How might fully embracing this truth change your perspective and actions today? This week?

Questions to Ponder:

  1. Do you desire to be blessed by God today? If yes, what are you choosing to do about it?
  2. How can you actively choose to trust God more each day?
  3. In what ways can you actively 'walk' in God's wisdom rather than following worldly advice?
  4. What are some practical steps you can take to align your life more closely with the portrayal of the blessed person described in Psalm 1?

Take a moment and thank God for His unfailing love and the blessings He’s given you in Christ. Ask Him to help you trust Him more deeply, especially in areas where you feel uncertain or afraid. I pray that your heart overflows with joy and thanksgiving today as you reflect and remember His faithfulness.

Wednesday : Read Proverbs 9:10-12 and Psalm 34:8-14

Our readings today explore the concept of fearing the Lord. This isn't about being terrified of God, but rather having a deep Focus, Exaltation, Awe, and Reverence for His holiness, majesty and power. Proverbs tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, while Psalm 34 invites us to taste and see that the Lord is good. Throughout the day today, reflect on your own understanding of who God is .

Let this fear of the Lord motivate you to seek His will in all things. Before making decisions today, pause and ask, "What would honor God in this situation?" Allow your reverence for God to guide your worship, your choices, words, and actions. As you do, you'll find yourself growing in wisdom and walking more closely with the Lord.

Questions to Ponder :

  1. Do you desire to be blessed by God today? If yes, what are you choosing to do about it?
  2. How do you currently express your fear of the Lord in your daily life?
  3. How can you cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord that leads to wisdom and blessing?
  4. What are some ways you can intentionally focus on God's greatness and holiness today, allowing it to shape your thoughts and actions?
  5. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper awe and reverence for God in your daily life and worship?

Take a moment and pray. Express to God how you stand in awe of His holiness and power. Ask Him to help you cultivate a proper, godly fear of Him that leads to wisdom and righteous living. I pray that your ever-increasing reverence for Him guides all your decisions and relationships today.

Thursday: Read Luke 11:27-28 and James 1:22-25

Today's passages emphasize the importance of not just hearing God's Word but consistently putting it into practice. Jesus tells us that those who hear the word of God and obey it are truly blessed. Obedience is a response to trust in and a fear of the Lord. James compares those who merely listen to the Word without acting on it to someone who looks in a mirror and immediately forgets what they look like.

Questions to Ponder:

  1. What does it mean to you to be "blessed by God"?
  2. Do you desire to be blessed by God today? If yes, what are you choosing to do about it?
  3. Consider areas in your life where you know what God's Word says but struggle to obey. What obstacles prevent you from fully living out your faith?
  4. How can you take practical steps today to become a "doer" of the Word and not just a hearer?
  5. In what ways does choosing to worship God challenge your own priorities and daily choices?
  6. How might your life look different if you consistently chose to 'worship God and God alone in everything you think, say, and do'?

Ask God to give you the strength and courage to not only hear His Word but to obey it. Ask Him to help you recognize areas where you fall short and empower you by His Spirit to live out your faith today in tangible ways.

Friday: Read Ephesians 5:8-21 and 1 John 1:5-7

God’s blessings come from walking in His counsel, not the counsel of the ungodly. Our final devotional thought this week focuses on walking in the light as children of God. Ephesians calls us to live as children of light, exposing the fruitless deeds of darkness and seeking to understand what pleases the Lord. John reminds us that God is light, and as we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another and are cleansed from sin.

Questions to Ponder:

  1. Do you want to be blessed by God today? If yes, what are you choosing to do about it?
  2. Invest some time today reflecting on areas of your life that you tend to keep hidden or in darkness. How can you bring these areas into the light of God's presence and the loving accountability of fellow believers?
  3. What are some practical ways you can "walk in the light" today, living with integrity and transparency before God and others?
  4. How might regularly meditating on God's law (Psalm 1:2) impact your decision-making and character?
  5. What practical habits can we develop to incorporate more scripture meditation into our lives?

Thank God for calling you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Ask Him to help you walk as a child of light, exposing any areas of darkness in your life to His purifying presence. I pray that your life daily reflects His light to those around you, drawing others to His love and truth.

Committing to live out these principles will bring you closer to the blessed life God desires for you. Reflect daily on God's word, trust Him completely, fear Him rightly, obey His commands, and seek godly counsel.