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May 2023 Devotional Thoughts


May 1

Ephesians 5:17-21


“Speaking to yourselves in psalms….”


Our devotions for the next while will be concentrated on the Book of Psalms. The word “psalms” in our text today comes from a Greek word that speaks of a pious or spiritual song. It has been said, and rightly so, that the Book of Psalms was the song book of Israel, so what better “songs” to speak to yourself than those out of the Jewish songbook.

The Book of Psalms is filled with songs that were used in worship, and can be used today for our edification and instruction. Some of the Psalms are prayers that were prayed. Some are prophecies that speak of a future event, or of the Messiah that was to come. (And has come! Amen!) Many of the Psalms were songs of praise and adoration. There were some that were prayers concerning those that oppressed the people of God. As we go through the Psalms we will examine these and see what application there can be to our lives today.

Is it possible that a book written three thousand years ago could have any meaning for us in this current time? Absolutely! Please note the following passages: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 3:2; 15:4; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:19-21; and finally Psalms 19:7-11.

Let’s pray together that through the meditating on the great Jewish songbook we can be draw closer to our Lord and His will for our lives. Amen!


May 2

Psalms 1


“Blessed is the man…The ungodly are not so….”


This is a recurring theme throughout the Word of God; there are some that are “blessed,” and there are others that are “not so.” When the Lord pronounces blessings, He does not do so in the way that the world considers what are “blessings” and what are not. In the eyes of the world, one is blessed who is wealthy, enjoying good health, or who has all things supposedly working in his favor. None of these constitute blessings of a spiritual or Scriptural nature.

Psalms 1 is a summary of the remainder of the Psalms. It considers things both negative and positive concerning knowing the blessings of

God in one’s life. Negatively, the blessed man walks not after godless counsel, does not take a stand in the way of sinners and does not sit in the seat of the scornful (meaning to talk arrogantly). Positively, the one that would know God’s blessings delights in His Word, and in that Word there is continual meditation. By meditating on God’s Word, the blessed find wise counsel and the wisdom needed to stand in the right place at the right time. God’s blessings show forth in such a life, making it bring forth the fruit of a right relationship with God and His Word, regardless of the circumstances it is facing. “…his leaf shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

“The ungodly are not so….” In other words, the “ungodly” seek not wise counsel, and care not where they stand or sit. Consequently, these know not the blessings of God in their lives. As we go through the Book of Psalms, many references will be made of the ungodly, their walk and their plight.

Beloved, be “like a tree planted by the rivers of water,” a tree that brings forth its fruit when seasonal and produces those signs of life regardless of the drought around it. Be a “blessed” person by delighting in the Lord and His law! Amen!


May 3

Psalms 2


Early in the Psalms we find this song of prophecy; a prophecy of the coming Messiah and King of Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ. It identifies the Messiah as the Son of God; “Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.” See Matthew 3:17; 16:16; 17:5; Hebrews 1:5-6.

The promise of the Messiah was given early, (Genesis 3:15) was given in successive stages of revelation, (Genesis 12:1-3; 8-12; 2 Samuel 7:12-16; and other passages such as we have here in Psalms 2) and revealed fully in its finality in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 20.

Look at the response of the unsaved world to the prophecy and Person of the Coming King. They “rage,” and “imagine a vain thing.” They “set themselves,” and “take counsel together…saying Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” But, beloved, the King of Kings is not so because of a popular vote of the people of the world. He is King by Divine decree, and His authority and reign will be supreme and world-wide.

What should be the response to these prophesies, and to the Coming King? He should be served, adored and worshipped, and trusted completely. “Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” Amen!


May 4

Psalms 3-4


Notice the heading of Psalm 3: “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.” It is difficult to imagine the hurt and disappointment David felt in his heart during this most difficult time. So is life at times. None really escape them, and some seem to have more than their share of trying seasons of life.

What are we to do when these times come? David teaches us an important lesson in this Psalm. Notice the things that David did, and those bits of counsel he provides for all. First, David called upon God in prayer, (3:4; 4:1) seeking God’s strength and help in his time of need. He advises us to do the same; “…commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.” “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.” Where else could the follower of Christ turn when facing trials of this nature?

Another thing David did was to reflect on the goodness of God in his life; “Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.” Beloved, dark days can be brightened by reflecting on God’s goodness in your life, and all have to agree that the Lord has been so much better to us than we deserve. Amen!

When all this was considered, in spite of his circumstances, David affirmed, ‘I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” So it can be with us when we cast all our care upon Him Who cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7) Amen!

May 5

Psalms 5


“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”


Prayer can be made at any time of the day or night. The prophet Daniel prayed three specific times every day, a habit that he developed and doubtlessly practiced for many years. The Lord Jesus prayed often, at times dedicating an entire night in prayer. There is something special, however, about morning prayer. (See Psalms 63:1; Proverbs 1:28; 8:17)

Morning prayer times set a standard and mood for the rest of the day. To start out in prayer early in the morning is to work on a day-long communion with the Lord in one’s heart. Such a day is a great success and builds our spirits for God’s glory. The writer of Proverbs spoke of this; “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” (Proverbs 8:17) Like Daniel, make regular prayer sessions a habit in your life, a habit that will benefit you beyond measure. Amen!


May 6

Psalms 7


“O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me….”


Paul wrote, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12) The history of the true Church testifies to this fact most clearly. While not all the “godly” suffer the same type of persecution, all who live lives pleasing to the Lord will suffer some measure of opposition. Our adversary will see to that.

What are God’s people to do when being opposed by the world? The Psalmist has the answer for that question; “…in thee do I put my trust….” Even Messianic passages speak of the Lord Jesus saying much the same thing through prophetic Scriptures. Note the following passages: Psalms 22:1-2, 19-21; 40:6-11.

It may be some difficulty on you job, or a problem with a neighbor that resents your faithfulness to Christ. It certainly could come from a family member, but opposition and persecution will come to God’s people that seek to live for Him. Beloved, when those times come, hurtful as they may be, we must not strike back or retaliate. Take your case to your Lord and trust in Him. You may be blessed to see your opposer come to faith in Christ as your faithfulness and patient love is expressed. The Apostle Paul was a blasphemer and a persecutor of the Church, but after his conversion became one of the Church’s greatest champions. Continue your faithful walk with Christ, and commit your adversaries to Him. The Lord will reward your faithful walk and trust in Him. Amen!


May 7

Psalms 8 - 9


Have you praised the Lord today? The Psalms are filled with praise. Imagine hearing the Temple choir as they lifted up their voices and sang together, “O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.” That must have rung throughout the city of Jerusalem from the Temple mount. Paul spoke of this praising of the Lord in Hebrews 13:15; “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Praise is always appropriate for the child of God.

We praise the Lord for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a prophecy of our Lord in Chapter 8, Verses 3-9. Compare this with Hebrews 2:1-9. The world as yet does not praise the Lord Jesus, but someday every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father. (See Philippians 2:5-11) Though the world does not recognize Him, we who have been recipients of His grace certainly do. Let’s take every opportunity to lift our voices to sing His praises, and let’s do so today! Amen!


May 8

Psalms 10


“…God is not in all his thoughts.”


The distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous, the godly and the ungodly, is getting more pronounced every day. At least, it seems that way to me. It seems that the ungodly are getting bolder, more up front with their anti-Christ sentiment. Those things that at one time were done in secret are now being done in the open, and that without reserve or apology. Isaiah 5:20 declares, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter.” Is it just me, or does this seem to be the attitude of the day in which we are living?

Here is the issue: “…God is not in all his thoughts.” The thought of the goodness and mercy of God is not in all his thoughts. The thought of standing before God in judgment is not in all his thoughts. The thought of the gift of life that God has provided in not in all his thoughts. The godless man is just that, he is godless. And, the nearer we find ourselves to the Second Coming of Christ, the more ungodliness and wickedness becomes the norm and the accepted mindset and attitude. It’s just where we are today!

But, beloved, that need not be, and must not be the case with the child of God. He should be, and must be in all our thoughts. Lynn and I watched the sun come up again this morning, filtering through the snow white blooms of a dogwood tree in our back yard. What a gracious gift He gave us this morning to be able to observe that illustration of His power and faithfulness. His Word fed my soul this morning, and gave me thoughts for the day. This is Wednesday when I’m writing this devotion, and He is giving us the opportunity this evening to gather back together with His children to mediate on His Word and to gather around His throne for prayer. God surely is good! And, praise the Lord, He is in our thoughts today! Praise God!


May 9

Psalms 11-12


“Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.”


Do these thoughts ever cross your mind? David’s thoughts on the godly and the ungodly continue, and his concern is that it seems that the ungodly are more than the godly, and ever increasing. This certainly seems to characterize the day we find ourselves in. O, there are still some godly saints that love God and His Word. There will always be a faithful remnant, believers that seek to walk with and to please their Lord. But, it really does seem more and more that the godly are in the minority.

What should be the believer’s response and mindset toward this reality? For one thing, we must remind ourselves that our Lord is still on His throne, and that “his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.” Remember, beloved, that the “righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.” As the song says, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

Child of God, seek Him and His strength, and meditate upon His Word throughout your day. Remember, His Bible is filled with “pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” He will “preserve them from this generation for ever.” David wrote these words three thousand years ago, and they are just as true and powerful today as then. The “godly man,” that man or woman that truly loves the Lord and His Word, will continue to be blessed and used of God for His glory. Do not think yourself alone, believer, for the Lord still has His own that love Him and are faithful to Him. Let’s you and I be of that number. Amen!


May 10

Psalms 13


Do the heavens ever seem to turn a deaf hear to your cries? Does it ever seem that the Lord is not concerned with your current state, and that He is oblivious of the situation you find yourself in? If so, know that you are not alone in this feeling. It usually comes through the circumstances we are enduring, from some opposition or disappointment we are called upon to face. Reading the Biblical account of David’s life reveals many events and seasons he had to endure that could lead one to that conclusion. There were times that David felt that the Lord had forgotten him, and that He had hidden His face from David’s cries. Had He?

The Lord never hid His face from David, and He will never hide His face from you, child of God. When David thought of that, he concluded, “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.” You are not alone, and the Lord has not forgotten you. Let these words sink into your heart; “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the psalms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” (Isaiah 49:15-16) Just keep trusting Him, seeking Him and walking with Him until He comes for you. And know this, child of God, His eyes are upon you and His ear is open to your cries! Amen!


May 11

Psalms 14-16


In the first Psalm, we saw two types of humanity; the godly and the ungodly. The godly were blessed. The ungodly know no such blessings. We will continue to see the two depicted in various ways throughout the Psalms.

Here is a reality expressed in Psalms 14; “They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no not one.” Compare this with Paul’s writings in Romans 3:10-18, which is a reference back to Psalms. The fact of the matter is that we were all among the “ungodly,” those who could not know or enjoy the blessings of God; that is, before we came to Jesus Christ in faith. What made the difference is expressed in Psalms 16, where we read, “Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.” The saved of earth, those who would know and enjoy the blessings of God, are those that have placed faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. As the great hymn declared, “I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.”

Notice also before we leave these chapters that we have a prophecy of the Lord Jesus. To be specific, it is a prophecy of His resurrection from the dead. “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” In Jewish thought, the corpse of the deceased began corruption on the fourth day after death. (See John 11:39) Jesus was in the tomb after death for three days and three nights, but was raised again from the dead in fulfillment of this prophetic Psalms, and many other prophecies of this most important event. Because Jesus did rise from the dead, believers have found “the path of life,” and that in His “presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Amen!


May 12

Psalms 17-18


“Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.”


David’s enemies were real. He fought with the Philistines, the Midianites, the Moabites and others. These enemies sought to overpower and to destroy the people of God, and David’s cries for help and jubilations for victories are many.

The enemies of God’s people today are just as real. O, I’m not speaking of different nations and people, but of those spiritual enemies that are just as real, as vicious and as dangerous as those facing David and Israel three thousand years ago. One of David’s prayers in these chapters was, “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” This should ever be our prayer. Because of the enemies that would defeat us, we must watch carefully the paths that we take. That’s where we need our Lord’s wisdom and direction in our lives.

David wrote something that we should keep close to our hearts. I noted it above. “Keep me as the apple of the eye….” The apple of the eye is the pupil, and as you know, when anything nears the eye there is a natural response of protection. What a blessing it is to know that the Lord is keeping His own as the “apple of the eye,” protecting against any danger and harm. This is such a blessing for God’s own, especially when we consider our enemy and his relentless tactics.

Know this, child of God, He cares for you and longs to guide you through this life as a victor over all your enemies, and will do so if we will but follow and obey Him. As the Psalms said, “He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou has delivered me from the violent man.” He will do the same for us today! Amen!


May 13

Psalms 19


“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse….” Romans 1:20


Creation testifies so clearly of the existence of God that mankind is “without excuse.” That testimony is convincing, convicting and even condemning. However, there is not enough testimony of God in creation to teach mankind the way of salvation. For that there is the need of Scripture.

See Psalms 19:1-6. Here is seen the testimony of the existence of the Almighty God given in creation. Now see Verses 7-11. Here is the clear testimony given from the Word of God of the existence of God and of our opportunity to be made right with Him. That possibility comes through the Scripture, for the entrance of His blessed Word He gives us light. See Psalms 119:30. Thank God for the light of His Holy Word!

Also note that in Verses 11-13 not only do we learn the way of salvation through the Bible, we also can glean from God’s Word what is needed to find cleansing from our sins, as well as the ability to overcome our temptations. May our prayer ever be, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Amen!


May 14

Psalms 20


I just read in the news recently of the United States launching new satellites carrying devices that will help warn our nation of incoming missiles that could be launched from China, Russia, or some other nation hostile to us. We are constantly being assured that our country still is the most power nation, with the most powerful military on earth.

Beloved, our nation must not trust its satellites, its missiles or its advanced military capabilities. We must trust in the Lord. “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”

Would it not be refreshing and hopeful to hear one of our chief political leaders calling for a return to God and prayer in America? Would it not be a blessing to hear our leaders calling upon God, seeking His strength and expressing full faith and confidence in His power.

For over 40 years I have been warning of a coming day of judgment for our land. Many other men of God of done likewise. Perhaps that day of reckoning is approaching. I pray for Divine mercy and pardon, and urge us all to pray fervently for those that are in our government. Yes we need a military, and satellites, and missiles in this perilous and troublesome day, but our greatest need is a right relationship with Almighty God. Let’s pray that the Holy Spirit might sweep through this great land, drawing souls to Christ for salvation, and drawing believers to a closer walk of fellowship with our Lord. Amen!


May 15

Psalms 21


Along with this chapter, please read Isaiah 37. It provides a perfect illustration of this Psalm of David. Hezekiah faced a situation much like David speaks of in this chapter. He sought God’s face, along with the help of the prophet Isaiah, and a great deliverance and victory was the result.

Beloved, apply these spiritual truths and principles to your own life. We may not have advancing armies marching against our homes or our country, but we have many spiritual enemies that seek our spiritual defeat. For this cause we must seek God’s face and rely on His protection. With this thought in mind, please read Romans 8:32-39. Praise the Lord for watching over His own and for His Divine provisions and protection! Amen!


May 16

Psalms 22-24


These three Psalms are Messianic, prophetic, and sequential. In the first, we see the suffering Savior, dying on Calvary for our sins. In the second, we see the wonderful Shepherd, leading, feeding and caring for His own sheep. And, in the third, we see the Sovereign King of Kings, ruling and reigning.

The order of these chapters is of the utmost importance. Before He could be our Shepherd, He had to die on the Cross for our sins. Before He could wear the crown of a King, He had to wear a crown of thorns.

Worship the King today! Praise the Suffering Savior and the loving Shepherd Who cares so for you. And, praise the One Who will be crowned King of Kings, and Lord of Lords in the not to distant future. Amen!


May 17

Psalms 25


Look for the following words in this Psalm; “thy paths,” “thy ways,” “his way,” “the way,” “the paths of the Lord.” This Psalm is a prayer for direction in life. Why would the Psalmist make such a prayer? There are several reasons offered in this prayer. First, there was the presence and design of his enemies. There were sins and transgressions to avoid, and trap nets that had been laid that needed to be avoided.

O how we need the Lord’s direction in our lives. We find that direction from the pages of God’s Holy Word, and from the leading of the Holy Spirit in our heart. The challenge to you and I is to find that wisdom from the Scripture, to heed that wisdom and to listen to that “still small voice” of the Holy Spirit as He guides us into all truth. Our enemy is shrewd, deceptive and is forever setting traps for God’s people. He would love to see us fall and bring a reproach on the Name of our Savior. May it never be so! Like the Psalmist, let’s seek the Lord’s direction and protection in our lives, that our lives may shine for His glory and honor. Amen!


May 18

Psalms 26


Look at the word “congregation” found in Verses 5 and 12. It actually comes from two different Hebrew words, both meaning “an assembly.” David did not long to be in the “assembly” of “evil doers,” but he did cherish his “foot” standing in “an even place, in the congregation” of the Lord. The Psalmist said “I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honor dwelleth.” David loved going to the house of the Lord.

Church is so vitally important to the child of God, and that by God’s design and decree. We are commanded not to forsake it, especially in these important “last days.” (See Hebrews 10:25) There was a good reason why God gave that command. He knew well how we need the “assembling” together with fellow believers, how we need the instruction that comes through the teaching and preaching of God’s Word and how we need the sense of His blessed presence in these gatherings. Jesus made the promise that if we gather in His Name, He would bless us with His presence “in the midst.” Blessed truth!

Time is surely rushed, and all know that well. However, time spent in the presence of the Lord in His house with His own is of immeasurable importance to God’s people. Never find yourself to busy for the gathering of God’s people in His house! Amen!


May 19

Psalms 27-28


“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage….” This is great advice, especially in a day when there is much cause for fear and concern. Have you ever noticed how many times the comforting command is given in Scripture, “Fear not?” It is found many times, and the reason is because we have a tendency to be fearful people.

In our Psalm today, there is the question posed, “…of whom shall I be afraid?” Then there is the affirmation, “…my heart shall not fear….” This was David’s self-encouragement, for he surely faced situations that could cause fear. His affirmations were not claims of fearlessness, but were claims of God’s goodness and grace in those times of fear. We face things in our lives that result in feelings of dread and fear. What are we to do in times like that? Like the Psalmist, we are to take those fears to the Lord and trust in His power and provisions. As David declared, “thou hast been my help.” David learned through experience the truths he proclaimed in this chapter.

To avoid fearful situations, we could seclude ourselves from the world, never watch the evening news and live like hermits. But, as you know, that wouldn’t work either. Even then there would be situations that would arise that would cause our hearts to fear. The solution to this is a confident walk with the Lord, and a trust in His promises to us as His children. The Psalmist gave the best advice when he said, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Amen!


May 20

Psalms 29-30


“…Lord, be thou my helper.”


Notice all of the glories attributed to God in Chapter 29, with His “voice” thundering and bringing forth the praise and honor for which He is certainly worthy. This Psalm magnifies God’s glory and His Almighty power.

With that in mind, think of the Psalmist’s prayer in 30:10, “…Lord, be thou my helper.” Do we need His help? Do we face things in our lives for which we simply have no answers and no power to overcome? Absolutely! It is then we need to join with the Psalmist in seeking the Lord’s help. When we do find ourselves in such need, we can rest assured that our God “is a very present help in trouble.” (Psalms 46:1) He proved that time and again with Israel, especially in their journey through the wilderness on the way to the land of promise. He literally provided everything thing they needed to get them through that journey, and did so continually for forty years. He will do the same for us.

Is it wisdom you need? Are you in need of understanding, of strength or of the ability to overcome an obstacle simply to great for your present ability? Turn to the One Whose voice is powerful, full of majesty and power. Turn to Him that “sitteth King for ever, Who will “bless his people with peace.” Amen!


May 21

Psalms 31


Did you see the Messianic references in this Chapter? Look carefully at Verses 5, and 11-13. These were glimpses of Jesus’ suffering for our sins. Because of His suffering for us, we can know His blessed favor as seen in Verses 19-21, and can fulfill that challenge given in Verse 23 and 24.

The Psalm ends with “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalms 20:7) “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” We are surely among those that “hope in the Lord,” and trust that He will ever strengthen our hearts to meet every challenge facing us in this life. Beloved, “Be of good courage,” and continue to “hope in the Lord,” for all who do that will find His blessed favor, preservation and reward. Amen!


May 22

Psalms 32


“For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found….”


Look carefully at the change found in this Chapter between Verses 7 and 8. The Psalmist is praying in Verses 1 through 7, and the Lord answers in Verses 8 through 11. Read carefully the Lord’s answer to David’s prayer, and claim that answer for yourself.

The Lord promised to instruct us, and to guide us with His all-seeing eye. He promised us that we would find His all-encompassing mercy. Our God then commands us to “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye his righteous: and shout for joy….”

Beloved, we must not be “as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding." They have to be led around with a bit and bridle. The child of God does need that, he only needs to heed God’s Word and His Blessed Holy Spirit. By doing so, the believer will enjoy God’s blessings and direction in life. What could be better than that? Amen!


Matt 23

Psalms 33

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord….”

Nations have several options as to what will be adhered to as lord. It can be financial or material. Power and strength can serve as a nation’s lord. For nations like China, the greatest driving force is the desire to be the most powerful and wealthiest nation on the planet. I fear that the lord of America has become the environment, with climate change being the most important consideration of all. Neither of these are guaranteed blessings from on high. It is only that nation whose God is the Lord that is promised Divine favor and blessings.

Supposedly, our government was designed to be of the people, by the people and for the people. If that be the case, then it would seem a good majority of the nation’s population is unconcerned with the Lord, His Word or His will. In order for this to change, there would need to be a change in the heart of the majority of the people of this country, and that would take a work of God and their response to that work. Our responsibility as followers of Christ when it comes to our country is found in 1 Timothy 2:1-6. Our task is one of prayer for those who have been placed in authority, and to live our lives Scripturally as an example to those around us. In your prayers, pray that the Holy Spirit will do a work in our Church, our state and in our nation. And, pray that we could be closer to that promised blessing as a nation whose God is the Lord. Amen!


May 24

Psalms 34


“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”


Notice the heading of this Chapter: “A Psalm of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.” You will find the incident in 1 Samuel 21. David had fled from Saul and had taken up residence in Gath. Achish was king in Gath, and his advisors reminded the king of David’s popularity in Israel for his brave exploits. When David learned of their counsel, he feigned himself as a man that had lost his mind, and the king had no desire to be near a mad man. David, therefore, was permitted to leave Gath without incident. It was this event that occasioned the writing of this Psalm. David’s deliverance from danger in Gath did not come because of his ingenuity, but because of God’s providential protection. His deliverance came because “the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”

A song we sing says, “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free; For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” How true! Beloved, His caring and observing eye is ever upon you that know Him as Savior. You will never be out of His sight, His mind or His care. Like the Psalmist, we should forever “magnify the Lord…and…exalt his name together.” The next time you fill fearful, threatened or in some type of difficulty, remember that “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Amen!


May 25

Psalms 35


If popularity and approval from the world is what you are seeking, you will not find it as a follower of Jesus Christ. In fact, your association with Jesus will automatically make you at odds with the unsaved world. You will be ridiculed and hated without cause, simply your connection to the Lord and His will guarantees that reality. In Scripture, we read that Jesus went about doing good, healing and showing great compassion on the needy around Him. And their response? Jesus said in prophecy, “They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head….” (Psalms 69:4)

In spite of this reality, the follower of Christ can rightly affirm, “…my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation.” Acceptance and approval from a godless world is not where blessing is found, but it is found in a right relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you have that relationship?

Our relationship with other followers of Christ is of the utmost importance to us. The Psalmist wrote, “I will give thee thanks in the great congregation….” This becomes even more a reality when we realize the world’s feelings toward the Church. Our relationship with the world is an interesting one. We are to be concerned for the souls of the unsaved, sharing with them the love of God found in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are in the world, but not to be of the world, but at the same time we are to love the unsaved of the world as does our Lord. Without that Christlike attitude toward the unsaved, we will not be able to share with them Christ’s love. While it is a given that the follower of Christ will not find acceptance and approval in the world, and will actually find animosity and often hatred, we cannot respond in kind. Interesting, is it not? We can only do this through the help of our blessed Lord. Remember, with Him all things are possible.


May 26

Psalms 36


“For with thee is the fountain of life….”


Albert Barnes says of this Verse, “The fountain or source from which all life flows. All living beings derive their origin from thee, as streams flow from fountains….” If all life comes from God, and it does, then all life is precious and of great worth. The living, regardless of their love for or belief in God, derive life from Him. That includes the unborn life of the child in the womb of its mother. If all life comes from God, then the taking of a life that God has granted is a great crime against the Author of life. Only the Lord has the keys of death, (Revelation 1:18) and only He can determine when life must end. However, we have lived to see doctors playing God violating the very oath of life taken, with the practice of abortion and euthanasia.

The living should rejoice in this wondrous gift from God, and seek to live life to the full for His honor and glory. Every breath drawn is a continuation of His gracious provision. Realizing this gift from God should bring us to this question, “How can I live my life to God’s glory? How can I best honor Him with the life that He has given me?” God has given you life today. Live today for Him, and seek through your life today to reflect His goodness to you. Amen!


May 27

Psalms 37


“…for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.”


Let’s face it; we are sinners. Saved sinners, yes! Sinners that have been born again and washed in the precious blood of our Savior, but sinners none the less. As such, as the song declares, we are “prone to wander.” We are constantly struggling with flesh, endeavoring to overcome the baser tendencies of the old nature. At times we feel like the psalmist and want to cry out, “man at his best state is altogether vanity.” (Psalms 39:5)

In light of these truths, here is a blessed passage that brings peace to the troubled heart, “the Lord unpholdeth him with his hand.” This is an affirmation of a previous statement made in Verse 17, “…but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.” Jesus said it this way, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:27-29) Praise God! You are upheld by His Almighty hand. Amen!


May 28

Psalms 38-39


“…My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” (Hebrews 12:5-6) David knew the chastening hand of God. Perhaps this chapter was David speaking of the chastening of the Lord brought upon him for his sin with Bathsheba. Whatever the occasion, David was experiencing Divine chastisement.

Chastisement comes in various forms and severity. With the Lord, the crime, or sin, determines the way in which He deals with the erring. For that follower of Christ that finds himself in the place of chastisement, the counsel of Scripture is plain and clear; “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to please us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9). He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. Praise God for mercy and forgiveness! Claim that today if that is your present need. And, if not today, then perhaps tomorrow. Amen!


May 29

Psalms 40


Did you see the Messianic prophecy in this Chapter? Read carefully Verses 6-8, and then go to Hebrews 10:5-12. Because the Lord Jesus came in the flesh, because He suffered in that flesh for our sins, we can claim that precious truth, “Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust.” The sacrifices and offerings of the Old Testament could never fully take away sins, so Jesus came to become the Lamb of God in order that our sins might be atoned. It is for this cause, we join that grateful multitude that are spoken of in Verse 16; “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified.” Rejoice in Christ’s salvation today, dear friend!


May 30

Psalms 41


Here is another prophetic Psalm, a Psalm of the coming Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Look at Verse 9. Compare this with Psalms 55:12-14 and John 13:18. The Lord suffered many things as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. One of those had to do with His being betrayed for thirty pieces of silver by Judas Iscariot.

Here is a blessed truth, child of God. He suffered betrayal, and we might have to endure such also. However, He will never betray His own. Scripture declares that He is one that “sticketh closer than a brother,” (Proverbs 18:24) and He has promised to never leave or forsake His own. (Hebrews 13:5) With the psalmist we can proclaim, “Blessed by the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.”


May 31

Psalms 42


Beloved, we live in a spiritually dry and thirsty world. The Psalmist knew that, and longed for communion with the Lord; “…so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God….” Like him, at times we feel that our souls are cast down and in need of that which only our Lord can provide. The psalmist encouraged himself in the Lord, and so must we. “…hope thou in God: for I will yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” With that encouragement came a reminder, “Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.”

There is much in this life that can cause discouragement and a feeling of mourning, but with the Lord there is much cause for hope and rejoicing. Read this Psalm carefully the next time you feel down and out, and “hope thou in God…” and “praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” Amen!

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Good News Baptist Church

PO Box 241, Candler, NC 28715

Email:  pastor@goodnewsbaptistchurch.com

Phone:  (828) 667-8867

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