Devotional Thoughts

Psalm 69:18-20    "Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies.  (19)  Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.  (20)  Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none." A closer reading of this Psalm reveals to us that it is a prophecy concerning our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  The very next verse (verse 21) speaks of them giving Jesus vinegar to drink as He hung on the cross.  I do not want to discount that at all, but I do want us to think of a practical application of these verses for us. David expresses that he was heartbroken. His very soul was heavy because of all the things that were happening to him. He had been reproached even by the elders of the city. They had held him in their eyes as a dishonorable man. David knew his integrity and inten...

Psalm 69:12-13    "They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.  (13)  But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation." David's life was filled with struggle. It seemed every way he turned, there would be someone who opposed him. There were those of the Philistines who opposed him because he had slain their champion named Goliath. King Saul opposed him because of his fits of jealousy. Many people of Israel opposed him because Saul opposed him. There were times when his own family opposed him. And finally, there were times when David opposed himself because of bad decisions that he had made. The elders of the city opposed him.  In most towns where I have lived, the local diner has a table where mostly retired men sit and drink coffee each morning.  Some of them even have their own cups that hang on the wall and they drink...

Psalm 68:20   "He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death." "He that is our God..."  Who is the "our" in this verse?  I could get into a deep theological discussion concerning this but I simply want to say as the Apostle Paul, "they that are Christ's at his coming." (1 Corinthians 15:23)  The answer lies with those for whom Christ died and will spend all eternity with Him.  But I want to go even a little deeper than that. Who is the "our" that speaks of the Lord God Almighty as "our God"?  Let us look back to the events and things spoken by Jesus on the cross.  Jesus cried with a loud voice, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"  If your God is the same as the God to Whom Christ cried out as He was on the cross, then you can say that the "our God" in Psalm 68:20 includes you and Jesus. I can say that the "our" of verse 20 is Jesus and ...

Luke 2:18-19   "And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. (19)  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Can you imagine how Mary felt during this time? No doubt she was tired, excited, maybe a little frightened at the thought of raising a child in that environment of hostility of the Roman Empire.  We often hear it said that this is not the best time to bring babies into the world. But stop and think about it. The rulers of the Roman Empire were wicked tyrants. Surely it was a difficult time even for Mary and Joseph to raise Jesus, though He is the Son of God. The shepherds were blessed to see and know the truth of this baby named Jesus. They had been given the incredible announcement by the angel of the Lord and "the heavenly host praising God" as they declared this baby to be the promised Messiah. "Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord....

Luke 2:6-7    "And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. (7) And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." We read in verse 1, "And it came to pass..." and now we read in verse 6, "And so it was..."  Can we conclude from these two phrases that there is something we should take to heart as we read them? We saw yesterday that God brought to pass that which had been declared even from eternity past.  In the fullness of time, He would send His Son into the world. We saw that He had declared through His Prophet Micah that this miraculous birth would take place in the town of Bethlehem.  I believe God put into the mind of Caesar to declare a census to be taken at that point in order for Joseph to take Mary and the unborn BABY to Bethlehem. "And so it was..."  Yes, it came to pass. "...

Luke 2:1-6    " And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.   (2)  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)   (3)  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.   (4)  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)   (5)  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.   (6)  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered." God's grace, mercy, love, and purpose for His children never ceases to amaze me.  We have things that occur in our lives that we often attribute it to "luck" (which I do not believe in such a thing as luck) or we attribute it to happenstance. It just happened to ...

Luke 1:59-64    "And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.  (60)  And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.  (61)  And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.  (62)  And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.  (63)  And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.  (64)  And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God." We're back to Zacharias this morning. Luke chapter 1 bounces back and forth between Zacharias, Mary, Elisabeth, and now back to Zacharias. If you remember, when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias, he told him that Elisabeth would give birth to a son and his name was to be John.  Poor Zacharias did not believe it could happen. Aft...

Luke 1:46-49 Yesterday, we saw the response of Elisabeth and John (while still in his mother's womb). They rejoiced at the news of the coming birth of the Messiah. Today's passage is Mary's elation at the work of the Holy Spirit upon her in allowing her to be the vessel by which the Son of God would come into the world. It is important that we understand Mary was a vessel used by God. She was blessed among women to be the human through which the body prepared for the Messiah would enter by natural birth.  Let us look at her words to see her position of humility before the Lord God Almighty. (Vs. 46)   "And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord."   Her heart and soul was worshiping the Lord even as she was speaking to Elisabeth. She loved her Master and was filled with humility and gratitude that God would use her. (Vs. 47)   "And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."  There was great joy in her heart. Think about this situation. She came t...

Luke 1:44-45    "For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy."   These verses present two beautiful thoughts for us this morning. First, we see a great truth that is being ignored by a large part of society: "the babe leaped in my womb for joy."  Why do I say a large part of society is ignoring this truth?  Notice, Elisabeth did not say the "fetus" is in my womb.  The BABY is in my womb and the BABY is alive!   The question of life deserves a Biblical answer; though many in our world ignore that as well.  When does life begin?  From my point of view, life began back in the Garden of Eden. "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7) Life began when God breathed life into the nostrils of Adam. Life continued when God took a living bone (the rib) from Adam to form Eve. Life ...

Luke 1:18-19   "   And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.  (19)  And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings." Zacharias and Elisabeth had been praying for a son. At the appointed time, God sent Gabriel his angel with the wonderful news that their prayer was going to be answered. Today, we see Zacharias' response: "Whereby shall I know this?"  How can I know this is going to happen? "I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years."  My thought just went to Zacharias and his prayers. For years, he had asked God for a son. I'm convinced that at the moment Gabriel appeared to him that Zacharias was pouring his heart out to God for a son. Then suddenly in time, Gabriel appears. "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard."  Not only was he told t...

Luke 1:9-14    "According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.  (10)  And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.  (11)  And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.  (12)  And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.  (13)  But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.  (14)  And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth." As we fast approach the day we celebrate the birth of Christ, my heart's desire is to try to prepare myself for proper worship and devotion unto my Lord. I realize people celebrate in different ways. Some decide not to celebrate at all. But since I'm writing, I get to express my views....

Psalm 68:19    "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." There are some passages of Scripture which really require no explanation. This is one of them.  David expressed it in this manner back in Psalm 40:5, "Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." This is one of those days when I need to just stop and think upon the Lord, my God, for He is my salvation.  "Selah" Through the fog and through the struggles, think upon these things. When you feel overwhelmed, think about these things.  "Blessed be the Lord, my God." Whether He bestows another blessing or not, He is "the God of our salvation"; therefore, He is worthy. He is worthy. He is worthy.

Psalm 67:5-7    "Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.  (6)  Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.  (7)  God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him." Not wanting to add anything to the Word of God, I would understand if the word, "Selah" was placed at the end of these passages.  Think about these things. Think about what God is saying to us through David. Meditate on these things. Apply these things.  We want our nation to turn around and be what we remember as we were growing up. What is the answer? How can that be accomplished?  Read these three verses again and see what God is saying to America today. As I read these verses, I'm tempted to say, "Yea! That's what everyone else needs to be doing!"  If people in Washington would apply these verses, then our nation would be great once again.  That's what I'm tempted to say, but the Holy...

Psalm 67:1-3    "God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.  (2)  That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.  (3)  Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee." As you read verse one, can you say in your heart and mind that God has indeed blessed you? Has He been merciful to you? Have you experienced the blessing of Christ Jesus shining into your heart the truth of God's love bestowed upon you? Can you exclaim with John, the Beloved, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." (1 John 3:1) We find another "Selah" in this passage.  It requires some time for us to stop, look, listen, and think upon the great blessing of God's grace; yet, it is so very much worth the time and effort spent. Why is it important for us to meditate upon these things?  First, I think it is important that we remain h...

Psalm 66:16-17    "Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.  (17)  I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue." "Come and hear."  David had something to talk about.  He could speak with all clarity and authority. He could sing boldly, "God is so good! God is so good! God is so good, He's so good to me."  Did you sing that as you read it?  "Come and hear."  Let me tell you about my God. Let me tell you what He has done for me. Let me tell you of His goodness, His mercy, and His grace.  Let me tell you how He delivered me from the paw of the lion and bear. Let me tell you how He directed the stone to the only spot on Goliath's body that was exposed. "God is so good, He's so good to me." Toward the end of his life, David said, "Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure."...

Psalm 66:5-7    "Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.  (6)  He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.  (7)  He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah." Selah! Selah! Selah!  Think about what you read. Take time for it to soak in.  There will be those who disagree with what I am about to say, but I prefer the King James Version of the Bible because it requires me to stop, look, and listen to what it is saying.  Yes, the other versions take it down to a lower level where supposedly it is easier to understand.  "Come and see the works of God."  Selah: Stop and think about what you see. Read it. Think about it. Dissect it. Look up the word meanings. Make an application. For instance, we look at the word terrible, and think of it in negative turns. If we don't lik...

Psalm 66:1-4    "Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:  (2)  Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.  (3)  Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.  (4)  All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah." We often see the word, "Selah" in the various Psalms. Although every word of the Bible is true and very important, we find the writers of the Psalms often saying to us, "Selah" - Stop! Think about what you just read.  So this morning, we are going to think about what we just read.  "Make a joyful noise unto God." What things must be met in our lives before we make a joyful noise unto God?  Must we have everything going well for us before we make a joyful noise unto God?  Must every prayer be answered exactly the way we ask it before we make a joyful noise unto...

Psalm 65:11-13    "Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.  (12)  They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.  (13)  The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing." I remember thinking when I was a boy that I would not live past 30 years old. That seemed so old, even ancient to me. Now here I am two times that plus some years. In fact, as I think about this subject, I am at the point of appointed years. We are told in Psalm 90:10, "The days of our years are threescore years and ten." If my math is correct, that is 70 years.   This morning, I look back on those 70 years and realize that I probably wasted more time than I should.  But through it all - (Wouldn't that make a good song? Oh, yes it already is a beautiful song) - Through it all, my Lord has crowned my years with His goodness, mercy, and g...

Psalm 65:4    "Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple." "Blessed is the man."  Before we can understand the thought of this verse, we must understand our need for blessings. And of what do blessings consist? The word as used in this verse carries the meaning of happiness in prospering, or going forward. Sometimes we might be guilty of thinking that blessings only consist of material things, and they definitely can be a blessing. But those things can also be a curse when used improperly.  The Psalmist here is speaking of finding happiness, joy, and contentment with the success of life in dealing with struggles and troubles of life. We could even be guilty of thinking we can work our way through without any help whatsoever.  Time heals all things, right? In my opinion, that is not necessarily true.  Even after tim...

Psalm 63:3-6     "Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.  (4)  Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.  (5)  My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:  (6)  When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches." (Colossians 3:1-2)    "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  (2)  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." There are legitimate complaints, I suppose. But there are also complaints that come as a result of a wrong mindset, or maybe even as a result of habit.  It can become a habit to only speak negatively of anything and everything.  David had legitimate complaints because of the wrongdoing of King Saul. He also brought upon himself some of the reas...

Psalm 63:1-2    "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;  (2)  To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary." This Psalm was written by David when he was in the wilderness. It seems many, if not most of David's Psalms were written while he was experiencing troubles and struggles in his life. He was separated from family and friends. He had an army with him; yet he felt himself to be alone. Have you ever felt that way? Being surrounded by people and yet feel like you are all alone? It is not a good feeling. Oftentimes, it is not because others have separated themselves from us; rather, we have separated ourselves because of sin. David experienced loneliness at times for both reasons. It was in these times that he fully needed to know and experience the presence of God's love, mercy, and grace.  "O God, MY GOD, (remind you of J...

Psalm 62:5-8    "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.  (6)  He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.  (7)  In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.  (8)  Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." In olden times, people called vigilantes would take matters into their own hands to try to bring things to a conclusion of their own liking. They often would go outside the law to accomplish this and yet say they were doing it for the sake of the law. Maybe it was their own laws they wanted to follow. David had many opportunities to do this during the time he was evading King Saul. Instead, he set his heart. Let me use his own words from the Psalm last week, His heart was fixed; that is he was in a set position to seek the Lord, wait on the Lord, and follow the leadership of the Lord i...

Psalm 61:1-4     "Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.  (2)  From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  (3)  For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.  (4)  I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah." After several Psalms speaking to God's wrath, the Psalmist now speaks of his God-given faith.  Even though things were not in the best of situations, David was not going to turn to any other source for help. As I read these verses, I think of my precious Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ as He hung upon the cross, experiencing the wrath of the Father.  He was enduring such pain and humiliation because of my sin and my transgressions.  Even as He hung there, He cried out to the Father, "My God! My God! Why hast thou forsaken me?"  After He cried those words with a loud v...