Just this week someone asked me where they should begin in their Bible reading. So many people are looking for a plan or devotional help. Some are looking for a place to get started. Others are looking for a place to start again.
It is easy to allow your devotional life to grow stale. Remember that your soul may grow dry but the Word of God never does – it is perennially fresh! Go back to the Scriptures and you will find that the river still flows!
My suggestion to others in recent days connects to this month’s free resource: REDISCOVER THE PSALMS.
The book of Psalms is God’s devotional book for His chosen people. It is both the Hebrew Hymnbook and a Personal Prayer book. Use God’s devotional book!
In the Psalms you find both prayer and praise. The purpose of the book is to bring every experience into the presence of God. The psalms are expressions of the heart for every experience in life. They have become a great help in my personal worship and devotional time.
Let me suggest a few simple suggestions as you approach each psalm:
- Read the psalm slowly. Selah…stop and think about that.
- Read the psalm out loud.
- Read the psalm as an expression of your own soul.
- Read the psalm as a prayer or praise to God.
- Read the psalm on your knees. Allow it to lead you to worship.
- Read the psalm again. You did not get it all the first time.
- Read the psalm as the psalmist wrote it – with a pen in hand! Make your own personal reference list.
- Read the title to see if the author attached a particular purpose or background to the psalm. If it is a historical psalm take the time to go back and read the narrative passage for context.
- Read each psalm looking for Jesus Christ. You will note that an asterisk has been placed beside the psalms that are most commonly referred to as Messianic. Remember that Christ is on every page!
- Read the psalms watching for repetition. This will help you to discover God’s emphasis.
The “Ready Reference for the Psalms” grew out of my own time in this profound and practical book. It is designed to be printed front and back and folded to put in your Bible.
Throughout life we constantly are collecting tools to add to our toolbox. It has been encouraging to hear from friends who have been helped by the free resources we are offering this year. This month’s resource has a very specific purpose: to aid in your personal devotional life.
I hope you will take this guide to the Psalms and make it your own. Then, pass it along to someone else who is trying to find a good place to begin again in their devotional life. May you have the joy of meeting God in His Word today!
Download the Ready Reference to the Psalms.
Recently I heard of your ministry from Bro. Taylor Gillaspie of Gospel Light Baptist Church Rogers, Arkansas. I have truly enjoyed listening to you teach through the Psalms each morning.
I’m so happy to hear that! Brother Taylor is a friend and we appreciate the recommendation. God bless you.
I got to hear you preach for the first time at virtual Christian Camp through Southland and very much enjoyed it. I have since been listening to your podcast and enjoy those as well. Thank you for taking the time to teach God’s word every morning it truly helps me and I’m sure it helps many more!
Thank you for letting me know! God bless you.
Your Enjoying the Journey devotions have been a tremendous help to me for over a year now. I became acquainted with you from Bro. Dean Miller, our former pastor, back in January 2019. This was during the difficult time of his leaving our church in Mississippi in order to answer a call to pastor in Colorado. While I was listening to one of your devotions, you mentioned that “God was up to something” in the lives of the disciples. That thought struck my heart with great impact. Though our church was having to say good-bye to our wonderful pastor, God was definitely up to something. We still miss Bro. Miller immensely, yet the Lord did send us another wonderful pastor, in short time. I find myself repeating that phrase often, now. Your current series in the Psalms are blessing my heart as well. May the Lord bless you and your ministry is my prayer.
I am so happy to hear that you all are doing well. We have prayed for your church. Thank you for listening to the podcast and encouraging me. God bless you!
I somehow came across your sermons over a year ago. I believe I have listened to them all! Thank you for your testimony, and sticking with the “old paths” AND the KJV Bible! God Bless you and your family!
I appreciate your encouragement and prayers. God bless you!
Is your ready reference to the Psalms still available, I did not see the download.
Yes, it is under the “Access Resources” tab. Here is a direct link: https://enjoyingthejourney.org/ready-reference-to-the-psalms/.