June 1
Psalms 43-44
“We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in times of old.”
The setting of both of these psalms is uncertain, but must have come in a time a national testing as seen in Verses 10-15. In that time of difficulty, the psalmist was reminded of those blessed truths that had been handed down through the years by the “fathers,” rehearsing the goodness of God to Israel in times past. Part of the responsibility that had been given to the “fathers” was the teaching of the younger generations of the things of God; His blessings, His law and His expectations for Israel. See Deuteronomy 6:4-12. It was through this continual teaching that each successive generation would be kept familiar with the things of God.
The Church today would be wise to remember this duty of keeping the things of God before the younger generation among us. We should forever be speaking of the goodness of God, of His blessings on our lives and our church in days gone by. His Word and His will should ever be kept before our young people. These things should be engrained in the minds of our children from their earliest years. In doing so, we are sowing seeds of hope in an otherwise hopeless world.
One quick illustration of this should suffice. When Paul wrote to Timothy the second epistle to this young preacher, he reminded him of something that was most important in his life. He wrote, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in the also.” This grandmother and mother had kept the things of God and His precious word before their young son, and it had paid great dividends. May the Lord ever keep this blessed truth in our hearts as we consider the future of our youth. Amen!
June 2
Psalms 45
“…therefore the people shall praise thee for ever and ever.”
As companion passages for this Psalm, please read Hebrews 1:8-9 and Luke 1:32-33. It is obvious that the Psalmist is speaking of the Messiah King, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is what is referred to as a Messianic Psalm. Contained in this psalm are praises and exaltations of the Lord Jesus, written in beautiful form that would have been sung by the Temple choir. Note the introduction given; “To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of Loves.”
Beloved, one of the greatest responsibilities and most blessed privileges of the Church of the Lord Jesus is the continual praising of our Lord and Savior. His praises should forever fill our hearts, and should ever ring out in the congregational gatherings of His Church. Our tongues should ever be the pens of a ready writer. Our prayer should ever be, “…in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness….”
The Church really has one all important message, and that message is Jesus Christ. He is our Lord and our Savior, and the world’s only hope. It is because of this that the Psalmist wrote, “I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.” So be it, Amen, in His Church today!
June 3
Psalms 46
“Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Fear agitates and unsettles. It distorts and causes sanity to flee. When fear takes offer, it gets larger than reality, and all sense of logic and sound reasoning is scattered like leaves blown by the wind. It is at that time that Psalms like this one before us are like precious ointment heaven sent, and that is their design.
The causes of fear are legion, and our limited understanding, vision and abilities compound the problem. Beloved, the “Lord knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.” (Psalms 103:4) This blessed Psalm is balm for a troubled soul, and should be applied liberally when needed. When life seems to cast your mountains into the sea, and the waters of your life roar with your trouble, it is then you must meditate on that “river,” whose flowing streams “make glad the city of God.” It is in these troubling times we must remember that “The Lord of Hosts is with us,” and that “the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
Are you facing fearsome realities? Is the noise of your present dilemma drowning out the more pleasant and peaceful sounds that should be produced by faith in Christ? If so, listen to what the Lord is whispering in your ear, “Be still, and know that I am God….” That “still small voice” can breath sweet peace into your soul, drowning out all the raging storm about you. Our Lord has given us the prescription for our fears, now we must apply this precious remedy for our troubled hearts. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Amen!
June 4
Psalms 47-48
The prophesies of the Kingdom reign of Jesus Christ are many. Here please read Revelation 20. The promises of a coming kingdom began with the Davidic Covenant found in 2 Samuel 7:12-13. These promises are not symbolic, but literal and will see literal fulfillment.
What does this mean to us as followers of Jesus Christ? It is a promise full of hope, an exciting prospect awaiting the Lord’s people. He promised His disciples that they would join with Him in this Kingdom, reigning with Him over the earth. See Matthew 25:14-30. See also Luke 19:12-27. Jesus made a promise to His Church recorded in Revelation 2:26-27, saying, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my father.”
There is coming a glorious day, a glorious era, when the Lord Jesus will reign as King of Kings over the earth. For the first time in the history of humanity, there will be a perfect government and a glorious era of peace and prosperity over all the earth. Beloved, we that have trusted Christ as Savior will enjoy this blessed one thousand year reign of Christ on earth. Thank God for the blessed hope! Amen!
June 5
Psalms 49
“They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.”
Soul redemption is a precious thing. It is “precious,” highly valued, and beyond the reach and capability of the best of humanity. “None of them can by any means redeem….” “None,” not even the most moral, the greatest of personalities, or the most power or wealthy can redeem himself or his brother. None can by any means. The reason for that is that salvation is of the Lord. (Jonah 2:9; Psalms 3:8; 68:20; Acts 4:12)
Beloved, there are many “important” individuals, those whose names live on beyond their days in the minds of people around the world. But this has nothing to do with eternal issues, with salvation or eternal loss. The greatest of men are still ill-prepared to meet God in judgment if they know not the Lord Jesus Christ. Their goodness has no effect whatsoever on the need of their immortal soul. For this they must come to the God of salvation, trusting the Lord Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection for their eternal redemption.
If your are reading these words and are uncertain of your relationship with God, may I encourage you to call upon Him today in faith believing in Christ’s sacrifice for you. Read the following passages: Romans 5:8,12; 6:23; 10:9-13) Don’t trust in your own goodness! Trust in Jesus Christ and call upon Him today and be saved! Amen!
June 6
Psalms 50
“…thou thoughts that I was altogether such an one as thyself….”
Low thoughts about God have led to all sorts of error, and continue to do so to this day. Isaiah wrote, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heaven are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, Andy thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) When men think about God as a man, or as a being of low character, power or understanding, they in essence create a god after their own being. This was one of the errors of mythology; gods were created in the image of men. Because of this, they were base, immoral and ever demonstrating the baser human traits.
Our Lord is above all, greater than all and holier than all. He has all power and wisdom. His righteousness and holiness are beyond our comprehension, and his glory beyond our ability to express. He is “mighty,” (Vs. 1) righteous, (Vs. 6) the Possessor of all things, (Vs. 10) all knowing, (Vs. 11-12) all gracious and protective of His own (Vs. 15). As His children, our most important duty and greatest of privileges is that we can glorify Him by offering Him the praise that He is due. What a blessing to have been shown “the salvation of God.” May our thoughts about our God ever be in keeping with the revelation of Him we have been given in His Word. Amen!
June 7
Psalms 51
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
The chief musician of the Tabernacle Choir was preparing for the worship service, getting the songs together that would be used that day in the worship of Almighty God. These songs would be sung by priests that were dedicated to the praise of their God in song. There was a knock upon his door. “Enter.” The Tabernacle servant entered with a small scroll in hand. “This is sent to you, sir, from the king. It is a new song that he has written, and he has requested that it be sung today in the worship service. He instructed that the song be sung to the same tune as the great Prayer Song the choir presented yesterday.”
He opened the scroll and slowly read the words that the choir would be singing that day. David’s sin with Bathsheba was known; the wicked deed of the adulterous act, only to be followed by the murderous treatment of a faithful warrior. The priest's heart was touched by the repentant attitude of the most powerful man in Israel, a man broken by his own misdeeds. There was relief in his heart when he realized that David, although truly set back by these personal failures, was indeed a “man after God’s own heart.” He could feel the king’s remorse in the words he was reading, and that he would be singing later that day. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he practiced this song of brokenness that had flowed from the pen of a sorrowful King David. The crimes David had committed in private would now be confessed before the entire kingdom, and the priestly choir would shout it the from the roof tops.
Beloved, David was a man after God’s own heart. He did foolishly, paid severely, but repented sincerely of his sin with Bathsheba. And, the Holy Spirit recorded it all for our benefit. While the above scene I presented is not Bible, it very well could represent what may have happened the day the chief Musician was given David’s Psalm of repentance. May the Lord ever help us to live holy and godly lives in His presence, and may He ever help us to confess our sins before Him without pause. Amen!
June 8
Psalms 53
Along with this Psalm, please read Romans 1. The conclusion is simple; “…there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” This is a fundamental truth. All are sinners. All are separated from God because of sin, and all are facing eternal damnation. That is why the Lord Jesus came and died on Calvary. He did so in order that He might deliver us from this present evil world, cleansing from all sin.
All humanity have a great need, and it is the task of the Church of the Lord Jesus to bear witness of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ for that need. Oh that the salvation of the Lord Jesus would ring forth from churches around this world! Oh that Christians would catch the burden for lost souls, and share with them the good news of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. Oh that Good News Baptist Church would see that need and respond accordingly. Amen! Let’s pray that it be so!
June 9
Psalms 54-55
“But it was thou…mine acquaintance….”
When Judas led the Temple guards into the Garden to apprehend Jesus, our Lord addressed him as “Friend,” saying “wherefore art thou come?” When Judas kissed the Lord on the cheek, a sign he had given for the guards to identify Jesus, our Lord inquired, “Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”
David saw this in prophetic vision a thousand years before it happened. Did the Lord allow David to experience a similar betrayal? Was this a life experience of the king of Israel permitted by the Lord as a catalyst for this prophetic vision? Haven’t we all suffered some type of betrayal by a friend, associate or co-worker? Haven’t all known the hurt in David’s heart causing us to say like him, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.”
There is a place of rest, and we can fly away to it any time we like. It is the throne room of God’s amazing grace. It is a place of rest, of comfort, of strength and a place where we can find understanding. The next time hurt enters your life and you long for that place to “fly away,” make that place the presence of your Lord. Enter into His rest, and find the peace your soul longs for. “As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me.” Praise His Name! Amen!
June 10
Psalms 56
Before reading Psalms 50, I was reading in my personal devotions Acts 6. In that chapter is recorded the opposition the godly deacon Stephen faced that eventually led to his martyrdom. The opposition began with unbelieving Jews started “disputing” with him concerning his faith and doctrine. Scripture declares that they “were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake.” From there “they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.” These charges were not true, but they led to Stephen being apprehended and brought before the Sanhedrin court. This resulted in the godly deacon being stoned to death for his faith.
God’s people will always have enemies, those who are opposed to their faith. Some will take that opposition to the extreme, their opposition being turned to bitterness and hatred. Not many believers in our country have faced the kind of opposition faced by Stephen, but as we near the coming of the Lord, the opposition believers face could become more extreme. God forbid that this should happen, but it could. Psalms 56 is a good source of wisdom, comfort and guidance for such occasions. With that in mind, take the time to read this Psalm again slowly, taking note of David’s resolve in days when he faced enemies that were bent on his demise. With the Psalmist, may our determination be that, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Amen!
June 11
Psalms 57
“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed….”
Try to get this image in your mind. The man that faced the giant in the Valley of Elah, and singlehandedly defeated that champion of the Philistines, is hiding in a cave from King Saul and his army. This is the man that had been anointed by the Prophet Samuel to be the next king of Israel. It was of him that the women sung their song, “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” As a captain in Saul’s army, David had been the hero of a nation, but now is hiding as a fugitive in a cave. From that precarious position, the sweet psalmist of Israel wrote in the words of this song, “My heart is fixed….”
The Hebrew word translated “fixed” means made to stand erect, set up, fastened and made firm. David’s circumstances were trying, but his heart was established in his faith in God. Some would surmise that David’s end was at hand, but his heart was trusting in his God. Saul despised David, but the Lord loved him and sheltering him “in the shadow of” His wings.
These trials were real, and designed by God for David’s good and for His glory. Through all of these difficulties, the Lord would be magnified and David brought to the place of praise and adoration of his God. Beloved, every trial you face is under God’s control. It may not seem so, but it is. All things do work together for your good and God’s glory. Perhaps the best recourse for us when we find ourselves with our backs against the wall of a deep, dark cave is to pray from our hearts, “Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.” May our hearts “be fixed,” and our lips ever ready to praise the One Whose power and promise makes them so. Amen!
June 12
Psalms 58-59
I read an article this week about a company that started in Texas and has franchised across the country. This company offers to buy homes quickly, supposedly saving the seller closing costs and the time it normally takes to sell a home. The franchises post adds saying, “We Buy Ugly Houses.” Many of the purchases are very questionable. The article spoke of one such transaction in which an elderly woman with dementia sold her home at around two-thirds its value. When her son realized what had happened, he contacted the buyer and asked that the sell be canceled. What followed was a lawsuit which eventually nullified the sell, revealing much of the dishonest practices of the buyer. When I read this I wondered how anyone could take advantage of an obviously challenged and vulnerable elderly person. These Psalms adds light to such questions.
We live in a wicked world. Unfortunately, the poison of some of the “wicked is like the poison of a serpent,” bringing death and destruction in all their actions and deeds. It could cause the righteous, those saved by faith in the Lord Jesus, to pray as did the Psalmist in these Psalms. But, remember beloved, this Psalm was written during the era of the Law. In this dispensation, our Lord informed us that we should “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust.” (Matthew 5:44-45) Beloved, this does not come naturally, only through the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit. Be that as it may, this should be our goal. May the Lord ever help us to maintain our righteousness through His strength in this wicked world, and ever display His goodness and mercy to the lost world around us. Amen!
June 13
Psalms 60-62
“…lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
Jesus is the Rock upon which the Church is built. (Matthew 16:18) He is that “rock” upon which we were grounded when we were brought up “out of the miry clay” of sin and condemnation. (See Psalms 40:2). The unsaved do not have this solid foundation upon which to rest their lives. Their’s is a world of “miry clay,” shifting sand of “the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, who’s waters cast up mire and dirt.” (Isaiah 57:20)
In this world of “slippery places,” (Psalms 73:18) and scattering winds (Jude 1:12), we have the stability of the Rock of Ages.
“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word.
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?”
The next time you feel overwhelmed in this troublesome world, like the Psalmist pray, “…lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Amen!
June 14
Psalms 63-65
“Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.”
The “paths” that “drop fatness” are the paths you and I should long to trod. That is why the Psalmist prayed, “Teach me thy ways, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path….” (Psalms 27:11) His thought was, “Make that path of goodness plain that I may see it and travel it in my life.” There are many paths we may choose to travel, but the Lord’s paths are the ones filled with goodness and fatness.
The Lord’s paths are those of purity, holiness and honor. His paths are the ways of obedience and surrender. The will and way of the Lord can be found on that path, leading the child of God to the place of joy and peace. When you look around at the world, and the paths that many are traveling in this life, you can see how fruitless and hopeless such wandering souls truly are. That is not the case for the child of God. Hear what the prophet said, “This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21) Let’s find His path and walk it today. Amen!
June 15
Psalms 66
“…I will declare what the Lord hath done for my soul.”
The Lord Jesus said to His disciples, “Ye shall be witnesses unto me….” Later, the Apostle Peter spoke these words to those who longed to silence him, “…we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) That is exactly what being a witness is. Its telling others what the Lord had done for your soul, what you have seen and heard and what you have experienced through God’s working of His grace in your heart.
Why is that so significant? It is significant, of course, because it is a command from Almighty God; a command we must obey. However, it is also significant that God has chosen that sinners are to be reached by other sinners that have had their sins forgiven and cleansed by the Lord Jesus Christ. We are not called upon to discuss things of which we have no experience or knowledge. The Lord has called us to simply tell others what has happened to us and the effect that has had on our lives and on our eternities.
Think about it this way. If you were suffering from some illness, and someone told you that they heard a certain doctor might be able to help, you might consider giving that doctor a call. But, if someone told you that they had suffered the very same illness, and that a certain doctor had diagnosed and treated their illness successfully, their testimony would carry much more weight with you. So it is when one sinner tells another sinner how they can be saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. May we ever be ready to tell others what the Lord has done for our souls. Amen!
June 16
Psalms 67
This Psalm is a prayer; a prayer that was sung in worship in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. It is a prayer that the redeemed of the Lord should ever be praying, and it will see a clear answer when the lord Jesus sets up His kingdom upon this earth. In that day His way will be known upon earth, and his saving health among all nations. All the nations will be glad and sing for joy in that day, for the Lord’s rule will be one of righteousness and equity. In that day the earth shall yield her increase, and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.
There is a glorious day on the horizon, child of God. Our hope as believers is not founded upon human government, upon human effort or human goodness. Our hope, our “blessed hope,” is “the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13) When the world is trying you, and discouragement is mounting, look ahead to that wonderful day when Jesus shall reign upon this earth. Until that day, let’s join in this prayer song that our Lord will “cause his face to shine upon us.” Amen!
June 17
Psalms 68
“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.”
The Hebrew word translated “published” means to announce good news. There is no greater news than that of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. Paul stated that it is “the power of God unto salvation,” (Romans 1:16-17) for “therein is righteousness of God revealed….” The message of salvation, and salvation itself is from the Lord, and the world needs desperately to hear that message. People in Europe, in Africa, in South America and in the far reaches of this planet need to hear of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Beloved, your neighbor, your co-worker, your next of kin, the bag boy that bags your groceries and all others you come in contact with need to hear the “good news” of salvation in Christ.
One of the highest callings, most pressing duties and greatest of privileges afforded mortal man is that of sharing the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. You do not have to be a Biblical scholar to be a witness. All that is required is that you share with others what the Lord Jesus has done for you. You do your part and the Holy Spirit will certainly do the rest.
An old adage declares, “You are known by the company you keep.” Let’s be known as being part of the “company” of those who share the good news of salvation that is in our Lord.
June 18
Psalms 69
Glimpses of the Coming Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, can be see all through the Psalms, especially in the Psalm we are looking at today. Look carefully at Verses 4, 7-9, 20-21. While the entire Psalm looks forward to the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, these verses are clearly referred to in the New Testament’s record of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I’m sure that the Temple choir, and the chief musician had no idea that they were singing of something that would take place a thousand years later, but they were. And, it did take place just as prophesied. The Lord Jesus experienced all of the emotions spoken of in Psalm 69, of “waters” coming into His soul, of sinking in “the deep mire,” and of being hated “without a cause.” The Lord Jesus could truly pray to the Father, “…hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble….”
Notice one precious thought expressed in this Psalm. It is found in Verse 4, where we read, “…then I restored that which I took not away.” The Lord Jesus did just that. He did not take away life from humanity. Nor did He take away the blessing of communion with God, and the blessed hope of eternal life, joy and peace. But, while He did not take those things away, He did restore them to humanity that would look to Him in faith. He suffered the loss of all things that we might enjoy to blessings of all things good given on His behalf. What a blessed hope is expressed in this Psalm, for in it we read these words; “The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.” Praise the Lord Jesus for His suffering in order that we might forever enjoy His perfect salvation. Amen!
June 19
Psalms 70-71
“Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort….”
What do you think of when you read the word, “resort?” It makes me think of a place where you might stay on vacation, a “resort” where you can relax, regroup and recharge your weary batteries that life has drained. It makes me think of a place where someone else cleans the room, cooks the meals and caters to your needs. At a resort you’re treated as special, as someone who is important.
We don’t get to stay in resorts at all times. In fact, we may never actually get to stay in a resort, but we can “resort” in our God “continually.” He is our “strong habitation,” and our “rock” and “fortress.” In this “resort” we are treated as someone very special, for we are special to Him. Paul spoke of it this way, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)
The next time the world starts closing in on you, and like the Psalmist you feel that your “strength faileth,” run to your “resort,” and your “refuge.” Run to the Lord in prayer. Find His “strength” and rest in His “hope.” Then, like the Psalmist you say, “My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou has redeemed.”
June 20
Psalms 72
A Psalms For Solomon
David wrote this Psalm with his son Solomon in mind. Undoubtedly David was in his final years, Solomon having been chosen as his successor. This Psalm is actually a prayer for his son, that Solomon’s reign would enjoy the blessings of God on his throne and kingdom.
God’s blessings, power and direction are really the only way that government can succeed In this world. George Washington, our first president, said, “It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.” Some have questioned the claim that Washington made this statement, but this statement is certainly true. God established human government, and only He can provide the guidance needed for a government to be successful.
David prayed for Solomon and for his kingdom, and all are to pray for their governmental leaders. Paul wrote, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1 Timothy 1:1-2) Beloved, I feel that there has never been a time when prayer for our governmental leaders has been more pressing. We surely seem to be at a pivotal time in our country, and we need governmental officials that govern in keeping with Biblical principles. May the Lord grant this to be the case. Amen!
June 21
Psalms 73
“Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.”
Have you ever looked at the wicked of this world and wondered at how they prosper and how that their lives seem so charmed? If you have, know that many have done so before you. (Psalms 37:1,7; Job 21:7; Jeremiah 12:1) In our Psalm today, that question arises, with the Psalmist saying, “…my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” But then, he was brought to a reality that caused him to look at things differently. He was reminded of the end of the wicked.
What is the “end” of the wicked? In another Psalm we read this, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Psalms 9:17) Regardless of how prosperous an individual may be, as the old song reminds us, they are “headed for a long eternity.” That eternity for the wicked is in a Christless hell without hope. When you think of it that way, the wicked are not to be envied but pitied. For the believer, however, as Paul said, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18) We, too, are headed for along eternlty, one of peace and joy in the presence of our Lord in that place He has gone to prepare. Think of that, child of God, the next time you’re made to wonder about the prosperity and success of the wicked.
June 22
Psalms 74
“For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.”
It is obvious that the Psalmist is here confused about all that is going on in his world. From his thoughts here expressed, it seems that he wonders why the Lord is not working in His congregation. But, He was!
There are admittedly sometimes that we look at all that is going on in our world and wonder why the Lord is permitting it, why He is not working to right the wrongs and punish the evil doers. Of course, the Lord does not do things the way we think He should do them, or in our time frame. Praise Him for that! I am so thankful that the One Who knows all knows best, and I am thankful that He is so longsuffering.
The Lord is working in our world. He is “working salvation in the midst of the earth.” The Lord Jesus is calling out of this world His Bride, one soul at a time. He is aware of the wickedness and vileness of our world, of the sufferings of His people and the discouragement that often comes their way. But, beloved, He is working in our world. He is working in your life. We just have to remind ourselves of that repeatedly.
Aren’t you thankful that individual souls that need salvation are on the heart of our Lord? And, aren’t you thankful that He is still in charge of all things, and that all things are working according to His schedule? It is our responsibility to have faith in Him, to trust Him and to wait upon Him. May He help us to do just that! Amen!
June 23
Psalms 75-76
“In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.”
May I state the following, “In the Church is God known, His name is great in the Church of the Lord Jesus.” I am not changing God’s Word, just stating a reality. The true Church of the Lord Jesus knows Him and makes Him known in our world. This is our responsibility and it is our privilege.
While it is true that nature itself bears witness of the reality of our God, so much so that all mankind is rendered inexcusable before Him, (Romans 1:20) but that revelation of God is insufficient when it comes to bringing the lost to salvation that is in Christ. For that, the Word of the Lord is necessary, and the Church has been given His Word and the responsibility to share it with a lost world. Thus I say that a true Church knows the Lord and makes Him known.
Let’s pray together that Good News will ever be a true Church, and a Church that is actively and prayerfully involved in making Christ known. And, along with that, let’s pray that He will ever be magnified in our Church. As the Psalmists said, “…his name is great in Israel.” “His Name is great in Good News!” Amen!
June 24
Psalms 77
“I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.”
The Psalmist Asaph was having a “day of…trouble….” And, it must have been a very difficult time of trouble. His nights were sleepless and it seemed that the “mercy” of the Lord was “clean gone forever.” While we don’t cherish these moments, days of trouble come to all at some time or another. Peter said, “…now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations….” He wasn’t speaking of times of temptation to do evil, but times of difficulty and testing. All have those.
Asaph gives us some good advice through his experience. When he found himself being tried, he thought on the works of the Lord, of His greatness and power, and on the glorious things He had done in the past. This reminded Asaph of God’s goodness and of His ability to do all things. This turned Asaph to a time of worship and praise; “…who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders….” By the end of the Psalm he was concentrating more on the worship and praise of his God that he was his day of trouble. This, beloved, is great advice for those who are going through a time of testing.
In my devotions this morning I read where the prophet Jeremiah said that God had rejected Judah. Those words sunk deep into my soul. The thought of being rejected by God is awful. I had a time of prayer and thanksgiving that the Lord has promised never to reject those whose faith is in the Lord Jesus, promising to never leave or forsake them. What a blessed thought! The next time you feel you are in a “day of trouble,” concentrate on the goodness and mercies of our Lord, and praise His name through your troubles.
June 25
Psalms 78:1-41
“Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.”
This was a lengthy song, an instructive Psalm (Maschil) of Asaph in which he reminded the people of their history; a history of disobedience and the consequences that brings to the people of God. It was to be taught to their children in order that they might know and hand these truths down to future generations.
Look at the verse I pointed out above, Verse 41. The actions and disobedience of the Children of Israel at times “limited the Holy One of Israel.” The Holy One of Israel has unlimited wisdom, grace and power, but the disobedience of His own limited Him. This reminds me of a statement made of the Lord Jesus when He returned to Nazareth during His earthly ministry; “And he could do there no mighty work…because of their unbelief.” (Mark 6:4-6) There, the Almighty Son of God was limited in what He could do because of their refusal to believe. Beloved, He could have done anything He so desired, but He did not desire to because they refused to believe and trust in Him. They limited the Holy One of Israel.
Let’s not limit the Holy One of Israel in our Church, in our homes, in our lives. The Lord longs to do much for us and through us, but will not if we limit Him through unbelief or disobedience. May the Lord help us to enjoy all the blessings He longs to share with us in this life. May He help us to continue to “trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
June 26
Psalms 78:42-72
This entire Psalm is filled with God’s chastisement of Israel because of their unbelief and disobedience. It is really a rather heavy Psalm, but points out the reality of Israel’s history. The Lord loved Israel, and continues to do so to this very day. His dealings with them was not brought on by hatred, but by love. Has He cast off His people that He foreknew? God forbid! See Romans 11:1.
Can I remind us all that the things that are recorded in God’s Word are there for our benefit. Paul said it this way, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensembles: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” Israel’s history has been recorded for our “fearful warning,” “to the intent we should no lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” (1 Corinthians 10:1-11) May the Lord help us to learn from Israel’s mistakes, rather than having to learn such lessons the hard way, by experience. Amen!
June 27
Psalms 79
This Psalm of Asaph ties in with the previous Psalm we looked at on the 25th and 26th. When Israel disobeyed the Lord, as in the days of the Judges, He would allow a foreign enemy to rise to power and allow them to subdue Israel and chastise the chosen of God. This is what happened during the Babylonian captivity. Asaph sought God’s face in this Psalm during a time of Divine chastisement, praying for a time when, once again, God’s people might give Him thanks and show forth His praise to all generations. With this Psalm in mind, please turn to Hebrews 12, and read carefully Verses 3 through 13. When times of chastisement come, it is always for our good and for God’s glory, and the result will be the “peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
June 28
Psalms 80
“Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.”
In a few days, we will be celebrating our nation’s 247th birthday. Our country has truly been blessed by God, and when we look back at statements and policies of our founding fathers, those blessings are understandable. When we consider the true Church that has flourished in this country in days gone by, Her missionary endeavors and revivals of the past, we can see why God has blessed the country so. Also, this country has stood behind Israel since the mid 1900s. God has blessed America for these things.
The condition in our country today is not conducive to God’s continued blessings. Preachers have been warning for years of the judgment that is coming to this great land of ours, and we are perhaps witnessing the early stages of that judgment. I hope not, but I fear that it is so.
What is needed? Hear these words, “Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man who thou madest strong for thyself. So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name. Turn us again….” This is what is needed; American to turn back to God in faith and obedience to His Holy Word. That really, beloved, is our country’s only hope. It is not in the ’24 election. It is in the Lord! Our prayer must be continually, “Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine, and we shall be saved.”
June 29
Psalms 81
“…open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.”
God longs to bless His people. It is as simple as that. We do not always allow Him to do so, just as Israel in days gone by, but He longs to bless. He longs to bless His own in this dispensation.
What blessings does the Lord long to bestow upon His Church today? He certainly longs to bless His people with peace of heart. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace give I unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) He would bless His own with joy. Again, the Lord Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11) In fact, we are promised “no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalms 84:11)
God is good, and is ready and willing to bring good things to His children. James said, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) Beloved, none of us are truly deserving of God’s favor, but He does long to bless us abundantly. Let’s seek His face and His will for our lives so that we can enjoy to the full the blessings He fully has intended for us, His children. Amen!
June 30
Psalms 82-83
“…they that hate thee have lifted up the head.”
Asaph wrote this Psalm to express a reality; the people of God will forever have “enemies,” those that are filled with hatred and animosity for the Lord and His people. It was true when this Psalm was written, and it is true today. In fact, it seems to me that the true Church and the true follower of Jesus Christ is seeing more opposition today than we have in the past. There seems to be much hatred for Jesus Christ and His Church in our day.
Having said that, might I remind us all of a couple of precious truths found in God’s Word? “What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:31-37) “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
Just some food for thought, child of God. Don’t be weary in well doing, and don’t let the world’s opposition cause you to fear or to get you down. Just keep looking up! Amen!