Devotional Thoughts

Psalm 59:9-11    "Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.  (10)  The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.  (11)  Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield." Psalm 58 and Psalm 59 show David's humanity and the fact that he dealt with the same emotions that you and I deal with. Quite honestly, I almost passed right over both of those Psalms after this past week of trying to focus on the blessings of life.  When I read Psalm 58, my heart and mind just could not take the thoughts of David concerning his enemies. I'm showing my side of humanity just now. It overwhelmed me, so I skipped Psalm 58. Then in Psalm 59, David was still pouring out his heart concerning the enemies that stood against him. Then I realized David was just like you and me in that his emotions would get the best of him at times. But also in these Psal...

Psalm 57:7    "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise." In the first six verses, David speaks of his being placed among those who seek to destroy him. But the overall theme of those verses is concerning the greatness of our God. He is determined that even among such distorted and perverted individuals, his goal was to exalt the name of the Lord.  "Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth." (Psalm 57:5) Wouldn't it be wonderful and a "world changing" position if all of God's people spent as much time worshiping and honoring God as they ( we - I ) spend doing the things of the world?  As I watched one of the football games recently, I couldn't help thinking about the level of intensity that was placed into that game - by the fans.  What would happen if even half that intensity was placed into worshiping our God? David said, "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fi...

Psalm 56:12    "Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee."  It's a shame that only one day a year is called Thanksgiving because we are to be thankful every single day of our lives.  God pours out His blessings, yes He pours them out, every single day of our lives. Thankfulness (gratitude) should be a way of life for each of us everyday. Notice the verb tense of our text today. "Thy vows ARE upon me, O God." That is not just one day a year; rather, the vows (promises) of God are constantly upon us.  David said in verse 10, "In God will I praise his word." Why does He mention the Word of God more than once in this Psalm?  It is in the Word of God that we are taught concerning the vows, or promises, of God. We do ourselves a great injustice when we neglect time in God's Word. We learn in God's Word that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no va...

Psalm 56:8-11    "Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?  (9)  When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.  (10)  In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.  (11)  In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me." Are you a daydreamer? Do you ever find your mind wandering away even when someone is talking to you? Do you ever find yourself sitting in the sanctuary, but your mind is somewhere else? Do you ever find yourself attempting to pray only to find your mind goes away even while talking to God? And then of course the word wandering can also apply to our leaving the place where you're supposed to be because something looked better in another place? I find myself going back to the Prodigal Son so many times, but he wandered away from the father's house because the lure of the world was calling him. Da...

Psalm 57:1   "Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast." This morning, I am letting my mind go back to the first Thanksgiving. I cannot begin to imagine how it was for those brave men and women in that first year in the new land. I have to admit that I take for granted the tremendous blessings we enjoy in this great land where we live. Those men and women were subjected to hunger and cold and danger each day.  I sit in a comfortable home that has all the comforts of the day. Truly the Lord is so merciful to me and to my family. I look at today's verse and think about David fleeing for his life. He faced the dangers of the land and also was being chased by a mad king who was jealous of David for no reason whatsoever. He knew there was One Who He could lean upon and find sweet comfort and refuge. He likened that place of comfort as a hen who spr...

Psalm 56:3-4    "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.  (4)  In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." There are many phobias of which people suffer. I personally am afraid of heights and snakes among other things. What a combination! Right?  What do you fear? I have heard people say they are not afraid of anything. The folks from Grace Church know my answer to that, but I will say it again: I don't believe them.  That sounds judgmental, but that's how I feel.  The right giant has not come along in their lives at this point, but when it comes along fear will accompany it. I do not associate fear with King David; yet, I'm sure there were many things that troubled him. Back in Psalm 42, he spoke of being disquieted within his soul. In other places, he called upon the Lord to help him go against his enemies. In today's Psalm, he did not say "IF I am afraid."  He said, "WHAT TIME...

Psalm 55:5-6    "Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.  (6)  And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest." Several years ago, I was driving through the countryside at night when suddenly a deer bolted from the woods to my left. I thought it was going to run into the side of my car when it turned and began running parallel to the road. I thought it was strange and had slowed down to watch when I saw three dogs run out of the woods chasing the deer.  I could only imagine how tired that deer must have been as it was literally running for its life. David must have felt the same way as we see so many of his Psalms are filled with sadness and fear. I think he expressed so much of his struggles because he had many people who were chasing him, including King Saul. But David also had his own past that chased after him for the rest of his life.  It was because of this that David expres...

Psalm 54:6-7    "I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.  (7)  For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies." "I will freely sacrifice unto thee." Life is filled with sacrifices of all types. We sacrifice 40 hours a week of our time in order to receive a paycheck. Parents constantly make sacrifices for their children. Spouses sacrifice for one another.  In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve sacrificed their home in such a glorious place for one bite of "evil".  Yes, you see they had everything good. The only thing Satan could offer them was "evil".  When they took one bite of the fruit of that tree of knowledge of good and evil, they sacrificed their home in the Garden and their close fellowship with the Lord.  They were plunged into a state of being dead in trespasses and sin because of their desire for that one thing that they did not possess. But they...

Psalm 53:6    "Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad." David begins this Psalm with the doctrine of total depravity of man. This is a very basic teaching of Scripture that sometimes is overlooked. Let me place a few of the previous verses just now and let us think about it.  "God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.  (3)  Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.  (4)  Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God." (Psalm 53:2-4) These thoughts are repeated again by the Apostle Paul in the book of Romans, chapter 3. When this teaching is properly understood, the blessing of salvation through Jesus Christ becomes even more so ve...

Psalm 52:7-8    "Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.  (8)  But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever." This 52nd Psalm contrasts two individuals. One is a man who has tried to cause trouble for David and the people of Israel.  David said of this man, "Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness." He went on to say that the man loved to devour other people with deceitful words.  In other words, the man was trying to destroy David.  It was during the time when David was trying to avoid Saul because Saul was trying to kill David. This man, of whom David wrote, had gone to Saul with words that were untrue and seeking to rid David from Israel.  But instead of trying to "get even" with the man, David left the situation in the hands of God.  "God shall lik...

Psalm 51:12    "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." David was deeply troubled when he wrote this Psalm.  It is understood this Psalm was written after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. But sin, in general, produces the same results within our hearts and minds. Prior to this verse, David is asking the Lord for forgiveness and cleanness of spirit. He is very heavy in his spirit because he had transgressed against God's law. It is very important to understand what David is requesting in this verse. He is not lamenting because he lost his salvation.  It is impossible for one who has been bought by the blood of Jesus Christ and born of the Spirit of God to lose his/her salvation. Let me give a couple verses that prove what I just said.  Read the words of Jesus with me, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  (28)  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, n...

Psalm 50:14    "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High" In the verses prior to these, the Lord was speaking to Israel concerning their ritualistic worship. They were apparently going through the motions, but their hearts were not bent toward God. He told them that He really did not need their bullocks and rams and lambs and other objects of sacrifice. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and does not need anything. I have often asked this question of myself, "Is it possible to go to the meeting house, sing songs, maybe even mouth a prayer, listen to words spoken by the preacher, and still not actually worship the Lord?"   The purpose of this Psalm is for a self-examination concerning our walk with the Lord. He continually speaks of the Lord's judgment concerning His people. Yes, he speaks specifically concerning the people of God. "He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.  (5)  G...

Psalm 50:1-2   "The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.  (2)  Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined." "The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth."  How did this universe, and pertaining to this verse, - How did the earth come into existence? Contrary to what is being commonly taught, the LORD spoke and it happened. The Lord spoke, "Let there be light." And - "There was light." Each aspect of this earth was spoken into existence by the Lord God Almighty.  We saw back in Psalm 29, "The voice of the Lord is powerful and full of majesty." We must never discount this grand truth.  The Lord spoke and called the earth into existence. "The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof."  What keeps the earth and the entire universe in constant ...

Psalm 49:15    "But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah." Sometimes we might be guilty of being envious of those who seem to prosper even though we know what they are doing is corrupt. We look at the immediate results without giving consideration to the end result. David tells us emphatically that the grave has the ultimate victory for those who are not redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.     Farther Along, by William B. Stevens Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder Why it should be thus all the day long; While there are others living about us, Never molested, though in the wrong. Our text verse today begins with my favorite two words in the Bible: "But God...." I'm not sure to what extent David understood what will take place after our bodies die. I'm not sure to what extent David understood the resurrection. But we saw in a previous Psalm that he declared he would be satisfied when he would ...

Psalm 49:6-9    "They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;  (7)  None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:  (8)  (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)  (9)  That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption." This entire Psalm is one that can bring two different results depending on the frame of mind of the reader. David speaks of the one thing that is a certainty in life: death. He speaks concerning this reality for all men, whether strong, weak, of high degree or low, rich or poor, all nationalities.  Unless the Lord returns and we are instantly changed (See 1 Corinthians 15), we all are going to die.  I realize this is not a subject that is high on the list of things to discuss; yet, it is the reality of life.   David begins this conversation with a question.  "Wherefore should I fear in the ...

Psalm 48:8    "As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah." What have you heard about the "city of the LORD of hosts" - His Church?  There are so many things that are spoken about the Church.  Actually, what you hear about the Church depends upon which group of people you listen to. What people say about the church depends upon their experience in the Church. People's experience depends upon the reason they went to Church. So, what have you heard and what have you seen? This particular Psalm tells us what we can see, if we go with a heart prepared to worship. Let's look at some of those views. First, in verse 3:  "God is known in her palaces for a refuge." The preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ should give us peace and comfort in our hearts to know we serve the risen Lord Who forgives our sins. The world is really accomplished at accusing and bringing c...

Psalm 48:1-3    "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.  (2)  Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.  (3)  God is known in her palaces for a refuge." This Psalm speaks to us concerning the House of the Lord.  How do  you feel about God's House of worship? David was in love with the Lord and also the Lord's House.  I realize there are those who feel they can worship God just as well on the creek bank or the beach or wherever. I do not dispute that God is to be worshipped wherever we are. But nowhere else can the Lord be worshiped to the same height as when we are in His House alongside others who believe and love the Lord as we do. Someone might say that is just my opinion, but I would disagree. And not only that, but God's Word backs me up concerning the importance of coming together to worship ou...

Psalm 47:6-9    "Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.  (7)  For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.  (8)  God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.  (9)  The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted." What are we supposed to do as we live in a world that is upside down?  What are we supposed to do when there are people who say evil is good and good is evil? What are we supposed to do when it seems the ungodly are controlling the world?  David must have had the same thoughts and the Lord spoke to him and to us through him. What are we supposed to do? "Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises."  Jesus spoke concerning the manner in which good will overcome evil.  "Blessed are t...

Psalm 47:5-8    "God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.  (6)  Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.  (7)  For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.  (8)  God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness." "God is gone up."  What a beautiful prophecy concerning our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Before I address the second part of the verse, let us think about the departure (ascension) of our Lord.  What had to happen before Jesus could ascend back into heaven? Let me answer that: the work had to be finished before He went back home.  He could not have gone home if He had not finished that which He came to do.  "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) I never get tired of this passage in connection with the f...

Psalm 47:4    "He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah." From early in life until late in life, we want to make our own decisions. We hear much today about "choice".  To be very direct about this matter, wanting to make my own choice stems from the source of selfish pride. It is saying, "I know more than anyone else."  Quite honestly, we are not smart enough to always make intelligent choices.  Most "self choices" that are made result in disappointment. Today's text tells us that "He (God) shall choose our inheritance for us."  I, personally, am thankful that my God has made a choice for me.  I'm not smart enough to choose God because I get distracted by all the "bells and whistles" of life.  In order to understand and rejoice in this great truth, we must understand that our God is indeed the GOD. If we could take our thoughts of God to the very extreme, He would still be...

Psalm 47:1-3     "O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.  (2)  For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.  (3)  He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet." This morning, my mind is made to think upon my relationship with my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. As I read verse one, I ask myself this question, "How do I feel about my relationship with God?"  You might ask that's a strange question to ask, and maybe it is.  We talk about having joy in the Lord. The book of Nehemiah tells us the joy of the Lord is the strength of His people.  So, I ask myself concerning my relationship with my Lord and the subject of joy, "Why do I have joy?" Do I have joy because the Lord answers my prayers? Do I have joy because He gives me what I ask for? Do I have joy because of the blessings I receive? Why am I joyful in the Lord?  If it is because of answere...

Psalm 46:8-11    "Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.  (9)  He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.  (10)  Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.  (11)  The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah." "Come, behold the works of the LORD."  What do you think when you read of the great battles of the Bible?  Do you truly believe the God of the Bible is the same God of today? "He maketh wars to cease." Do you believe the Lord caused the people of Egypt to give their jewelry to the children of Israel? Do you believe when they thought there was no way, God opened the Red Sea to make a way? What about those times when God caused the enemy to become confused and turn on one another? Do you believe God gave the people...