Success in the Psalms (2)

Series | Summer in the Psalms

Pre-Message Welcome

Grace Place family! It’s awesome to have you here with us today, whether in person or online.

I’m Shawn, and along with my wife, we serve as the Co-Pastors of this incredible church.

At The Grace Place, our mission is clear: we are Caring People, Caring for People.

We pray that you experience God’s care in our time together and in your life.

Please continue to pray for Krista as she is in Africa ministering at a women’s conference.

Spanish Welcome -

A nuestra familia de habla hispana .... Bienvenidos…

To our Spanish speaking family... welcome, we hope you and your family feels cared for as well.

Before we get into the message today…. Make sure to Mark your Calendars and save the Date for…

Pastor Plug: A-Team ONE DAY

On: Sept. 6, 9AM-3PM

This is our Annual Volunteer and Leaders Conf. This is alway san amazing time.

We encourage all volunteers to attend and if your interested in volunteering this would be a great event for you.

Our Long time friends and Pastor of “His Church”… Aryan and Alyson Wallwork will be our speakers for the Weekend.

You can Registration and More info on CC app

By the way Childcare will be limited so if you have kiddoe’s you might want to get registered Asap.

Transition: This week we are starting a brand new series called…

Series | Summer in The Psalms

This series invites us to catch a glimpse into the worship life of the ancient Jewish people as they reflected on their experiences with God. Our hope is that, we’ll slow down, lean in, and meet with God in a fresh and personal way.

Because of this…

It’s not a book to speed read… but to sit with.

One person said, the Psalms are like an Art Gallery… intended to sit with and ponder.

He continued and said…

“Sitting with God… opens you up to unclenching your fist, and meeting-Him… in surrendering and letting go.”

Here is what Martin Luther said about the Psalms…

In the Psalms we looked into the heart of all the saints, and we seem to gaze into fair-pleasure-gardens—into heaven itself, indeed—where blooms in sweet, refreshing-gladdening flowers of holy and happy thoughts about God and all his benefits.

Here is what John Calvin said about the Psalms…

What various and re-splendent riches… are contained in this treasury…. it were difficult to find words to describe.… I have been wont… to call this book not-inappropriately, an anatomy of all parts of the soul;.... for there is not an emotion of which any one can be conscious that is not here represented as in a mirror.

This so true… as we read the Psalms… we see see nearly every human emotion and experiance both delightful and devastating.

With this in mind… here are…

4 things to keep in mind as you enter the Psalms

These are in no particular order. The first thing we should keep in mind is…

We’re reading a PRAISE book.

The Psalms were the worship songs and prayers of God’s people. They were sung in temples, whispered in caves, and shouted in on Battlefields. Whether they express joy, sorrow, trust, or desperation, they were written to lead God’s people into worship.

The second thing we should keep in mind is…

We’re reading an ANCIENT book.

These words were written over 2,500 years ago in a Hebrew poetic-style. They reflect the language, culture, and worldview of the ancient Near East. But while they’re old, they speak timeless truths to the human heart.

The third thing we should keep in mind is…

We’re reading a PERSONAL book.

The Psalms don’t speak from a distance—they invite us in. They reflect raw-human emotion: joy, grief, fear, anger, hope, and trust. We hear real people wrestling with real faith, and we’re invited to do the same.

The last thing we should keep in mind is…

We’re reading a FORMATIONAL book.

The Psalms don’t just express our feelings — they shape them. They teach us how to acknowledge and bring every part of life before God. Over time, the Psalms teach our souls to respond to life in an emotionally-honest way.

Today we are going to be looking at Ps 1…. here is what it say’s beginning in V 1

Text: Ps 1

English Standard Version Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the man

who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

2  but his delight is in the law of the LORD,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

3  He is like a tree

planted by streams of water

that yields its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers.

4  The wicked are not so,

but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

5  Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

6  for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked will perish.

***Feel free to encourage people to listen to the Holy Spirit speak to them personally as the message is preached

LETS PRAY

Transition: the title of our message today is...

Sermon Title | Success in the Psalms

Introduction

How many of you have ever asked, “How am I doing?”—in a job, a relationship, or even with God?

Psalm 1 helps us answer that. It invites us to see success not by culture’s standards—though things like Academic, financial, or, career success, —but by how God defines it.

Our culture values efficiency and productivity… which I think is a reflection of Humanities impatience… and inability to wait. while God values the process.

Because of this… we get over focused on the destination… and fail to enjoy the journey.

As kids we all asked, “Are we there yet?”

The funny thing is we never stoped asking it … the only difference is…. for the impatient… it’s the central theme of their prayers

God timing is more like an avocado tree—Did you know… it can take 8–10 years to bear fruit. When it does, it’s worth the wait.

That’s why spiritual success and the hand of God is easy to miss because we are in such a rush for results.

So how can we be successful in this life… ? Lets answer that today…

Transition: the title of our message today is...

Sermon Title | Success in the Psalms

If you want to be a success in this life… you can find help by sitting patiently… with the author of Psalms 1 as he gently guides us into a life of success.

Here is what I notice about a successful life according to the Psalmist of Ch 1

Notice…. IN YOUR NOTES I notice…

The PATH of the Successful. v.1-2

Yea… there is a certain path that one must walk… to be a success…. as a beleiver…. its not a destination more than it is a way of living.

We see it contrasted here with the ways of the wicked…

According to v. 1 the successful IN YOUR NOTES…

They seek out right PEOPLEv. 1a, Pro. 13:20

Friends… if we want success… we need the right people in our life.

When the successful need help, they don’t go running to the world for advice.

They’re careful about who they let speak into their life.

They seek out people with biblical values, shared goals, and solid character.

Friends if you don’t have solid believers in your life that you can lean onto for some wisdom… you should get some.

Join a C-Group

Get involved on a team serving

Reach out to those you would want to emulate… those that inspire you…

Lets look at Proverbs 13:20… is a great one to memorize… look at what it says…

Prov. 13:20 “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

The Psalmist is saying notice… the path of the wise…

The seek out the right PEOPLE…

Here is the question I believe scripture is inviting us to ask ourselves today…

Question: How do I have in my life to give me godly counsel?

List out the people you have in your corner to give you good advise in areas like…

Relationship advise

Financial advise

Career advise

Spiritual growth advise

Physcal/nutrition advise.

And do it BEFORE you make decisions.

Let me take some weight off of you today…

Successful people don’t have it all figured out on their own.. they are not the smartest person in the room… but they-have…. gathered-themselves around the smartest people in the room.

Anyone want success in the Lord?

According to verse 1, the path of the successful starts with seeking the right people.

IN YOUR NOTES: next, the path of the successful…

They seek right PLACES v. 1b, Prov. 5:8

We see this in v.1b say’s they don’t stand with… or go in the way of sinners

The Psalmist say’s… if you want success… don’t plant yourself in the same places that are attractive to the wicked.

Many… might make-excuses or try to justify why they are there by say…

I’m not participating… I’m was just there… there is nothing wrong with that… the bible does NOT explicitly say…

Friends… this is a slippery slope… that eventually leads to full participation… in the way of sinners.

Some of you wonder why you find yourself falling to temptation… yet you are hanging around in the wrong places, in the way of sinners…

You cant life an overcoming life…. while walking in opposition to Gods word

I’m reminded of Prov. 5:8 speaking of the adulteress woman… it says…

Proverbs 5:8 “Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house,”

In other words… don’t go near places of temptation… avoid them.

Don’t test your strength… you will fail.

I don’t know what that means for you - but I’m sure you do.

This is why my wife and I don’t go out 1:1 with the opposite sex…. this is how we protect our marriage. We don’t give the oportunity…

Here’s something you might want to write down… We’ll put it on the screen for you…

You might not be able to choose the path you START on, but you can choose the one you END on.

LET ME also say it like this

You might not like… the path you start on but you can choose the one you end-up on.

Sure some choose their path.. but some have not, a bad hand has ben dealt to them…

Friends, if you have failed… if you have been dealt a bad hand…

If you can’t seem to find your footing…

It’s not too late… you can chose how this season ends…

By Choosing NOT to stand in the way of sinners…

Here is the question I believe scripture is inviting us to ask ourselves today…

Question: Where am I lingering that I have no business being?

Are there places you keep returning to—physically, digitally, or emotionally—that quietly pull you away from obedience to God?

According to the Psalmist… the successful…. Seek the right paths…

They seek out right people, places… and..

According to v. 1c the successful IN YOUR NOTES…

They seeks right POWWOWS v. 1c

Yea, you heard that right… successful people don’t pwerwow with just anybody.

Their friends and their inner circles are TIGHT.

How might you know if your in the right POWWOW?

The Psalmist say’s… don’t hang out with Scoffers… a scoffer is someone who is openly disrespectful… they love to stur up a good argument. They tend to be on the pessimistic side always throwing shade on people… I think its safe to say here Don’t hang out with people who have poor character.

Have you ever found yourself walking away from a conversation carrying an offense that is not even your’s?

All becuase, someone you’re Powwowing with was a scoffer… with a negative nancy…

If the people you hang with are scoffer’s you need a new POWWOW… because chances are you have a bit of scoffer in you.

There is an ole saying that Pastor Mike used to say and it is this… you are the sum total of the 5 people you spend the most time with.

Here is the question I believe scripture is inviting us to ask ourselves today…

Question: Do you want to become like those you are spending the most time with?

I’m not talking about your job in the secular space… that is your mission filed you are called to bring light there…

But I am talking about your inner circle..

Your close Friends and family…

Transition: the title of our message today is...

Sermon Title | Success in the Psalms

If you want to be a success in this life… you can find help by sitting with the author of Psalms 1.

Here is what I notice about a successful life according to the Psalmist of Ch 1

I notice the Path… of the successful

Next… IN YOUR NOTES… I notice

The PLEASURES of the successful v.2

Those who have found success as a beleiver… find it differently from the world around them.

Lord knows there are a lot of temporary and fleeting pleasures…But the Successful find pleasure in ways that are very different from the world.

According to v.2 The Psalmist say’s if you want to find success, make sure IN YOUR NOTES…to

Find pleasure in SCRIPTURE. v.2 Matt. 4:4

Yea… the writer say’s here that his DELIGHT is in the Law of the Lord… or we could say the ways of God

He is saying… the Word of God has captivated me… and I find pleasure it Gods word… it’s my greatest delight to dive in.. to seek out the truth… it fufill’s my deepest needs, deepest yearnings as a human.

In Matt. 4:4 Jesus say’s this… when he is tempted by the enemy to trust in the pleasures of the world…

Matthew 4:4  ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ 

Friends I promise you will find yourself delighting in Gods word… when you open the book…. it will re-orient your pallet…

You will develop an appetite for the things of God.

Scripture will bring you pleasure and delight when you most need it… IN YOUR NOTES…

According to scripture… IN YOUR NOTES

On your darkest day’s the Word is a LIGHT (Ps 119:105)

On your most confusing days, the Word is… CLARITY (Pro 3:5-6)

On your most sinful day’s… the Word is CLEANSING

On your most parched day’s… the Word is QUENCHING (Jn 4:13-14)

On your most stubborn day’s… the Word is HAMMER (Jer 23:29)

-it will chizzel off your hard edges..

Friends when you delight in the Law of the Lord you will find everything you need for Success in this life as a Christ follower…

Here is the question I believe scripture is inviting us to ask ourselves today…

Question: How am I taking pleasure in Gods word?

“What would it look like for me to actually delight in God’s Word—not just respect it, but crave it… life in it?

Transition: the title of our message today is...

Sermon Title | Success in the Psalms

If you want to be a success in this life… you can find help by sitting with the author of Psalms 1.

Here is what I notice about a successful life according to the Psalmist of Ch 1

I notice the PATHS of the successful

I notice the PLEASURES of the Successful

Lastly… IN YOUR NOTES… I notice

The PROSPERITY of the successful v.3-6

Yea, those who have found success as a beleiver… they prosper.

We see this in v.3.. it say’s…

Psalm 1:3–4 “He is like a tree PLANTED by streams of water that YEILDS its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he PROSPERS. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.”

This is about inner thriving and fruitfulness in all seasons of life…

This is why you can find people in 3rd world countries prospering from the inside… planted and fruitful… successful in the Lord.

This kind of prosperity only comes by being PLANTED.

Friends… it’s hard to be prosperous when your not planted?

When your planted you do not MOVE easily…

When your planted you do not SHIFT much

When your planted and the wind blows… you DON’T BLOW OVER with it.

In your notes… here is what the writer is saying… IN YOUR NOTES

Being PLANTED brings PROSPERITY… FRUITFULNESS is the REWARD of staying.

Fruitfulness is the results of being PLANTED

Does anybody know what I’m talking about?

If you wonder why you not yielding any fruit… maybe it’s becuase your NOT planted…

Some people are just too busy to be planted…

Planted in a Church

Planted in the Word

Planted in your Family/Tribe

Planted in your marriage

Planted in your finances

Locked in on your budget, locked in on generosity…

Friends according to Ps. 1:4… when your not planted… your like what?

Psalm 1:4 “ are like chaff that the wind drives away.”

Chaff is the unusable part of a harvest…

God is saying… I sowed into you… but you did not produce anything useable… its good for nothing.

Friends when you are NOT planted… there is a warning here that at some point… it’s possible that you along with all you will be driven away by the wind…. you are unusable for God.

Friends… we live in a world that values speed and efficiency, if there is a quicker way to do it we are going to find that way… but the truth is there no short cuts in the Kingdom.

You can not reap where you do not sow…

You can not have a thriving relationship with your church by coming once a month

You cant’t have competency in the word if you only read it as the Pastor say’s on Sunday… Open your bible to Ps 1

You can’t have a thriving marriage or family or life with your tribe when you don’t invest in it.

You can’t have abundant finances if you spend every penny you have and fail to make generosity a priority.

Here is the question I believe scripture is inviting us to ask ourselves today…

Question: Where do I want to yield more fruit?

Perhaps the answer to this quesiton… reveals a place of shallow roots….

Perhaps you do to much shifting and moving in this space that the roots are not settled enough… to grow deep…

Friends… here is the Good news…. God didn’t bring you here today to beat you up… he brought you here to life you UP.

I believe it’s the kindess of the Lord that is revealing your shollow roots and inviting you to slow down and get planted…

As I close today….

How do we find success as a beleiver? I would simply say this… You might want to write it down… we’ll put it on the screen for you…..

Success is about OBEDIENCE, not an OUTCOME.

Stop comparing yourself to others to determine your success in the Lord.

God has not called you to be them… he has called you to be you…

So simple be obedient to what God has put in front of you.

Here is the good news… I like how the NIV puts it in

Psalm 1:6a “The Lord watches over the way of the righteous…”

Gods Got your back.. he is looking after you.. he is looking over you… he will take care of you.

Friends…. you might want success in a relationship, in your career… but if you haven’t made the most important decision of your life that will determine your eternal success… today is the day of Salvation…

So today… if you do NOT know Jesus as your Lord and Savior today is your day…

Salvation Altar Call

I believe Jesus is here today, and He wants to save you. Salvation simply means to deliver or to free. It’s not just about delivering you…

It’s about believing

Believing in Jesus means trusting what He say’s—about sin, and eternal punishment, thats the bad news.

The good news is this… that His death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins, making us right with God.

Ephesians 2:8 reminds us: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Salvation requires two things:

1. God’s Grace—His undeserved gift of forgiveness and life because of His love for you.

2. Faith—placing your trust in Him for salvation.

If you’ve never asked Jesus to save you, today is your day. If you’d like ask him… , raise your hand.

I want to invite you to Repeat a prayer after me

· There is nothing magical in this prayer.. it simply is a way of declaring to Jesus what has taken place in your heart.

Here is how I would like to end the service for everyone else….

Call to Action Altar Call

We’re going to end the service with A question as we do nearly every week.

ALL ACROSS THE ROOM – HAS THE HOLY SPIRIT spoken to you in anyway today?

Going Deeper

What stuck out to you the in this passage? Proverbs 1

Why do I have in my life to give me godly counsel? v. 1a, Prov. 13:20

Where am I lingering that I have no business being? 1b, Prov. 5:8

Do you want to become like those you are spending the most time with? 1c

How am I taking pleasure in Gods word? v.2, Matt. 4:4

Where do I want to yield more fruit? v. 3-6, Ps 1:3-4

What might the Holy Spirit be saying to you in light of this teaching?

How might the Holy Spirit want to transform you in light of this teaching?

What actions might the Holy Spirit want to take in light of this teaching?

Tongues & Interpretation

1. To STRENGTHEN the Church (1 Cor14:5)

For prophecy is greater than SPEAKING in TONGUES, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be STRENGTHENED.

Believers, God has operated through this gift today to strengthen you today. Let your faith be strengthened and know that God is in control and using supernatural measures to speak to us.

2. Is a SIGN for unbelievers. (1Cor. 14: 21a, 22)

1 Corinthians 14:21–22 (ESV)

In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.

22 -  So you see that speaking in tongues is a SIGN, not for believers, but for UNBELIEVERS.

The Bible explains to us God has chosen to use this gift to be a sign for you. A sign for what? It is a sign of his realness for those of you who have been doubting or questioning the existence of God. He wants you to know he is REAL and he wants to bring you spiritual life and health. If you're in here today and you don't know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior... he wants you to know he has gone to great lengths to show you his love today. (Great opportunity for a salvation altar call if it fits).