Predicting the Betrayal of Jesus. Psalm 41

 

Psalm 41 -Predicting the Betrayal of Jesus

 

“I speak not of you all; I know whom I have chosen but that scripture may be fulfilled, He that eats bread with me has lifted up his head against me.” John 13:18

 

The death of Christ saves no one; it is the death and resurrection of Christ that saves. Paul says, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” I Cor. 15:3-4. Without the resurrection of the Lord there is no gospel.

 

That stone was rolled away and the Lord left the tomb. He was raised from the dead.

 

Christ rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Christ finished the work of salvation for us.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary

 

 

 

A Psalm for Funerals. Psalm 39 & 40

 

Psalm 39 – A Psalm for Funerals

 

David now asks the Lord: “What is the purpose of life? What is it that gives meaning to existence?”

The brevity of life on this earth should tell us something. If this life is all there is to human existence, it is a huge failure.

 If you don’t turn to God, you won’t find the meaning of life. We are just pilgrims and strangers down here, but we don’t think of it that way. We want to fix up our little corner of the earth and think it is going to be permanent. We want to wrap ourselves in a blanket of false security. At best, we are pilgrims, and strangers on earth, and that is the way we should live our lives. We are on a journey, and we seek a city “..whose builder and maker is God” Hebrews 11:10. The Psalmist says of God, “My hope is in thee.”

 

Psalm 40 Predicting the Crucifixion

 

The death of Christ was not a defeat. It was a great victory. It is likened to a horrible pit, a pit of destruction. We cannot conceive how terrible the death of Christ on the cross really was.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the example of a man who puts his trust in God, who does not respect the proud, and who does not turn aside to lies.

“Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou has done, and your thoughts which are toward us.” The cross reveals God’s love for us.

He identified Himself with us and He became a servant. And He became a sacrifice. He gave his body to be crucified because He loved us and would not return to heaven without us.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary

 

 

A Promise of Future Blessing. Psalm 37 & 38

 

Psalm 37 – A Promise of Future Blessing

 

The prosperity of evil doers troubled David a great deal. It was in those days that man could look around and see the ungodly prosper. In God’s timing He will deal with the wicked. Trust in the Lord, and He will take care of you. He has already blessed you with spiritual blessings, and He will shower on you all the spiritual blessings you can contain. Let us delight ourselves in the Lord.

God loves you, He wants to save you, but you have to commit your way to Him.

God will see to it that those who wait upon the Lord will one day inherit the earth. The wicked are going to be cut off.

The steps of a good man are established by the Lord on a foundation that is the rock- and the Rock is Christ.

The “perfect man” is one who is perfect toward God in that he trusts God and rests upon His salvation. The end of the upright man is peace, God will see to it.

 

Psalm 38 Physical Disease

 

David in deep distress, prays that God will not judge him in anger.

David suffered from sickness because of his sin. He carried a heavy burden and was crushed under it. He was ready to quit. Sin comes as a friend to entice you and then becomes a master to enslave you.

God loves us too much to let us sin and get away with it. If you disobey, he will first rebuke you. Then come closer and put His hand upon you to let you know He is displeased.

You and I cannot carry our burdens, and we especially cannot carry the burden of sin. We must give that burden to God.

Sin puts a wall between you and those who can help you, but it builds a bridge between you and those who want to exploit you and hurt you.

The only hope is to confess and cry out to God for mercy. He promises to forgive. So, claim that promise.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary

 

 

 

A Plea for Deliverance. Psalm 35 & 36

 

Psalm 35 – A Plea for Deliverance

 

God is not an unfeeling, hardhearted judge. God is gracious, wonderful, and eager to help His children, and we are to turn over to Him our grievances. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay said the Lord.” Romans 12:19 He will handle it better than you or I can handle it.

When David had an opportunity to kill Saul, he refused to do it. Saul said to David that he knew God had given the kingdom to David and admitted that David was more righteous than he was. Yet he continued to treat David as an enemy instead of bringing him home in peace.

The cry for righteous judgment will be answered when Jesus Christ comes the second time. He will execute judgment and will deliver God’s elect.

If you think God is not going to take vengeance on evildoers, you are mistaken. He will do it without being vindictive. He will do it in justice and in righteousness.

 

Psalm 36 A Picture of the Wicked

 

Every human being has a wicked heart. Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

 

Matthew 15:19. Christ says, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”

 

To those who say, “Let your conscience be your guide,” I want to say, “Your conscience is not your guide. The Holy Spirit is your guide.

 

Matthew Henry said, “They are self-destroyers by being self-flatterers; Satan could not deceive them, if they did not deceive themselves.”

 

Under His wings there is protection, security, rest, and the warmth of God’s love. This is the God that many people are rejecting today.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

Praise from Redeemed People. Psalm 33 & 34

 

Psalm 33 – Praise from Redeemed People

 

God is worshipped as the Creator, and as a potential ruler, He is praised for His majestic and matchless grace.

We are to rejoice in the presence of God. The new song we will sing in heaven will be because the Lord Jesus Christ is our Redeemer.

The Word of God is powerful. He spoke into existence all created things. Vegetation, animal life, and man were all created by God’s word. Because of this He sees You, He sees me and no one can escape His eye. When we trust in the name of God, our hearts will rejoice.

 

Psalm 34 – Praise For Deliverance

 

David kept running, running, running, and it looked like it would never come to an end. He lost heart and was discouraged. He thought, one of these days I will be killed. Yet he says, “I will bless the Lord at all times.” Praising the Lord is not so easy when things become difficult. Yet David could say, “His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

The Word of God and the name of God are just about the same. Both are important. We want to get out the Word of God because it will magnify the name of the Lord.

David was thankful for God’s deliverance. “The angel of the Lord encamps them.” In Hebrews 13:5 the Lord Jesus says, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Matthew 28:20 the Lord says, “..lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

Blessed or happy is the man who trusts in the Lord. David had noticed that those who sought the Lord had not lacked in any good thing. David knew God’s care was real. He hears and answers our prayers.

All you must do is confess yourself a sinner and trust Christ as your Savior. He will automatically forgive you. “Believe in the Lord and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31. If a person is willing to take the place of humility, come to the Lord as a sinner and trust Him. The Lord will be near to him. We are God’s children so we can expect deliverance.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

A Psalm of Instruction. Psalm 32

 

Psalm 32 – A Psalm of Instruction

 

David is giving instruction. He is telling us that he had made his confession to God, was forgiven, and had found complete restoration. He found shelter in God and was given a song of deliverance.

It is the blessedness of a man whose sin has been forgiven. Christ died for our sins; and, in His death as substitute for sinners, He met and satisfied the righteousness of God.

When faith is exercised in Christ, it is counted for righteousness. In Romans 4:5, it says, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

God does not impute sin who trusts in Christ. That sin was put on Christ. “Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification.” Romans 4:25

David had sat on the throne, but his conscience bothered him. Even his bones bothered him.

If you are a child of God, you can sin, but you cannot get by with it. That is the difference between the saved and the unsaved.

“For if we would judge ourselves we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world” I Cor. 11:31-32.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9. God can be your hiding place.

You must be very close to the Lord if you are going to be guided by His eyes.

If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, you can lift your heart in great joy to God.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

A Prayer of Deliverance Psalm 31

 

Psalm 31 A Prayer of Deliverance

 

Sin required a penalty; and, if the sinner did not pay it, someone else would have to pay it. God has a plan, and He can save sinners because Someone else has paid the penalty for sin. That Person is His Son, Jesus Christ.

 

The Savior, Jesus Christ is the strong Rock upon which we can rest.

 

“Into thine hand I commit my Spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of Truth.” V. 5 On the cross Jesus cried, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said this, he gave up His Ghost.” Luke 23:46. Stephen, when he was stoned, he called upon God, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Acts 7:59. Many martyrs throughout the ages have used the same expression.

 

There is great comfort in knowing God sees us in our trouble. We need to look at David as an example when he didn’t take his troubles to others but cried out to the Lord, “I am in trouble!”

 

Our times are in Christ’s hands, and those are crucified hands. Our sins are in His hands, and they are the tender hands of a shepherd. Some day He will come with a blessing, and those hands will bless. We should rejoice that we are in His hands.

 

The Lord Jesus came down here to show us the Father. He is the face of God. Through Him we know God.

 

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for his mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” Psalm 107:1-2

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

God Moves in Mysterious Ways. Psalm 30

 

Psalm 30 – God Moves in Mysterious Ways

 

First the thunder rolled over the Mediterranean Sea. Then the storm broke and moved across the land. Seven times the storm is called “the voice of the Lord.” Even the angels shout “Glory” as they watch it.

 

God sat as King at the Flood, and He is still King! No storm is greater than God. If you trust Him, the storm will bring glory to God. If life is stormy just now, worship Him and wait on Him. The storm will pass, and He will give you peace.

 

David expressed his thanks to God for the changes in his life. God had healed David and lifted him up from the grave. His sickness had been a discipline from God because of David’s pride and self-sufficiency. Perhaps it was in connection with the sin of numbering the people.

 

There is a contrast between God’s momentary anger and His gift of lasting joy, between weeping and joy, and between the night and the morning. Things may seem dark to you now but wait for His morning to dawn. He can change everything in a hurry.

 

David humbled himself before God and begged for help and mercy. When God saw that the discipline had done its work, He healed David and forgave his sins. David changed clothes, picked up his harp, and began to sing praises to the Lord.

 

No matter how dark the night, dawn will come. No matter how heavy your heart, one day there will be a song. Wait patiently and trust the Lord. “His favor is for life.”

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

A Cry in the Time of Trouble. Psalm 28 & 29

 

Psalm 28 A Cry in the Time of Trouble

 

A rock is something to stand on. It provides a sure foundation, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” I Cor. 3:11

God hears and answers prayer. God is power. He is mighty. And He is a shield for protection. If you trust God, He will help you. Let’s not forget to thank Him and praise Him when He answers our prayers.

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” Isa. 40:11

 

Psalm 29 -He is in the Thunderstorm

 

David addresses himself to the ‘mighty ones of the earth,’ exhorting him to ‘give’ God the glory and to submit themselves to the kingdom of the Messiah.

The storm is gathering, the voice of Jehovah is the thunder. The wind begins to blow, the clouds become back and angry. It shakes everything. As the thunder rolls and rumbles, Lebanon is shaken. The trees are struck by lightning. Its approach is majestic and awe-inspiring. The lightning is near Jerusalem and the streets are deserted. Rain comes down in torrents. David waits patiently and listens to the voice of Jehovah.

Now the storm is passing over. The rains let up; the winds die down. The air is fresh. Animals were frightened, causing some that were carrying young to give birth. It also caused some people to go to the temple to call upon God.

God was in charge of this storm all of the time, just as He was in charge of the flood.

God can strengthen and enable us to go through the storms of life and know what peace is afterward. If you are God’s child, you have been through storms. He will see you through them.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

Personal Righteousness and Prayer. Psalm26 & 27

 

Psalm 26 – Personal Righteousness

 

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” I Corinthians 1:30.

David committed a great sin, but David did not continue to live in sin. Every king was judged by whether he walked in the steps of his father David. If he followed David’s example, he was accepted and proclaimed a good king.

 

David knew that when he trusted the Lord, the Lord would sustain him.

David did not sit with false persons. He is sure-footed now. He is established on the Rock.

 

Psalm 27 A Prayer

 

God not only gives life, He also empowers us to live that life on earth. If you fear God, you have no one else to fear.

David’s confidence was in God, and this is the provision that God has made for His own today. “..But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3 :13-14

David wanted the ark with him in Jerusalem, so he erected a tabernacle for it and planned a temple for God. Through that he had access to God. The was the “one thing” in David’s life.

We have access to God through Christ, and this is the thing we ought to rejoice in. “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-5.

 

In the house of God was the mercy seat. David needed mercy. This provided for David access into the presence of God. You and I can approach God through Jesus Christ today. We have access to this marvelous grace. Because the Lord Jesus has shed His blood, we have a mercy seat to which we can go. And that is where He hides us.

 

When David sinned, he found out what it was like for God to hide His face from him. He lost his fellowship. He lost his joy. But he prayed, “restore unto me the joy of my salvation.”

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

A Plea for Mercy and Deliverance. Psalm 25

 

Psalm 25 – A Plea for Mercy and Deliverance

 

The time will come when the remnant of Israel will find themselves in a position where there is no one upon whom they can depend, but God. And it is good for us to come to that place also.

 

There are two ways a man can go. He can go God’s way or his own way. God gives us a choice. We can walk in the path of our choosing. “There is a way which seems right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12. What a glorious thing it is to be able to call out to God and ask Him to show us the way we should go.

 

What was good for the saints of the past and will be good for the saints of the future is also good for us. God is not yet through with His people.

 

God is rich in both goodness and mercy and there will be some left over for you and me.

 

God forgives us for Christ’s sake, never for our sake. You and I do not merit forgiveness. We know that God forgave David; and, if we trust in the Lord, He will forgive us too.

 

Many of us should forget about some of the questions we have and simply put our hand in His and walk with Him.

 

All of us who are God’s children have trouble during our lifetimes. This is a prayer for us. O God, deliver us out of all our troubles.

 

‘It came to pass,’ and I thank God that my troubles came to pass, and they did not come to stay.

 

The primary interpretation is for the nation Israel, but we certainly can also pray this prayer for ourselves.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

 

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Christ as the Chief Shepherd. Psalm 24

 

Psalm 24 – Christ as the Chief Shepherd

 

“The earth is the Lords.” There are many people today who want to run this earth, but it belongs to God. On the third day of Creation God said, “..Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear; and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering of the waters He called Seas; and God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:9-10. It was life out of death and speaks of the resurrection.

 

I am going to ascend into the hill of the Lord, because I am going to be there in Christ. He has undertaken to present me before the throne of grace in His present priestly office because I have trusted Him as my Savior.

 

“Lift up your heads, O ye gates, even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. He is the Lord of hosts; he is the Lord Jesus Christ! He is King of kings and Lord of lords. And He is the King of glory.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

 

Christ is the Great Shepherd. Psalm 23

 

Psalm 23 – Christ is the Great Shepherd

 

David the king never forgot David the boy. When he came close to the end of his life, he looked back upon his past life. It was then that he wrote this Psalm.

Life had beaten, battered, baffled, and bludgeoned this man. He was a hardened soldier, a veteran who knew victory, privation, and hardship. He was tested and tried. We have here the fruit and the mature judgment born of a long life.

There is nothing between man’s soul and God. By the authority of His redemptive work, His death and resurrection, you can trust Him and call Him your Shepherd. My Shepherd sees to it that I won’t want for protection. He protects me. The security of the believer rests upon the Shepherd. And the believer’s deduction rests upon his declaration.

When sheep are lying down in green pastures, it means they have their tummies full. And Christ is our sufficiency. We need rest in our days, not so much physical or mental rest but rest of the soul.

David knew that he had sinned, he was that little lost sheep that had strayed from the fold, and his Shepherd had restored him. Our Shepherd leads us in right paths, and it is up to us to follow Him. When a person is born, he starts down a great canyon, and that canyon is the valley of the shadow of death. All the while I walk through that valley, I will fear no evil. If one of our loved ones die as a child of God, this is our courage and comfort. We can know that the Shepherd is always with us, and even at the time of death.

He gives us gentle reproof and severe rebuke. He has a rod for our defense, but he also has a staff for our direction. Our Shepherd promises spiritual blessings. He wants our joy to be full.

John 14:2-3 the Lord says to us, “…I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

The Crucifixion of Christ. Psalm 22

 

Psalm 22 – The Crucifixion of Christ

 

“.. the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. The One who left heaven’s glory and became a man, He became a man to reveal God, but most of all to redeem man. “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Heb. 2:14.

We see the Man Christ Jesus on the cross as the perfect Man. In that desperate and despairing hour, He was abandoned of God. Because on the cross in those last three hours, in the darkness, He was made sin. Jesus said, “Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own and shall leave me alone; yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me,” John 16:32. When Christ takes my sin upon Himself, He is forsaken of God.

It is the human cry of suffering, aggravated by the anguish of His innocent and Holy life. That awful and agonizing cry of the loneliness of His passion! He was alone with the sins of the world upon Him. When they beat Him, he said nothing; when they nailed Him to the cross, He did not whimper. But when God forsook Him, He roared like a lion. It was a roar of pain. Then He said, he was a worm because He reached the lowest level.

The vileness of the human heart was being poured out as they remained there and ridiculed Him in His death. “Then said Jesus, forgive them; for they know not what they do..” Luke 23:34

“Woman, behold they son” His hour has come! The reason for His coming into the world is now being accomplished. The soldiers that were crucifying Him were described as the bulls of Bashan. Rome crucified Him. He compares them to a roaring lion. His garments were gambled for ownership. He went through it all, crucified naked, that you might be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, and so be able to stand before God throughout the endless ages of eternity. “.. There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

When He died on the cross, He provided righteousness that would satisfy a Holy God. All He asks of you is that you receive the message, the gift of God, which is eternal life in Jesus.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

A Plea for the Success of the Messiah. Psalm 20 & 21

 

Psalm 20 – Plea for the Success of the Messiah

 

He saved Jacob by His grace.  God knew Jacob made mistakes, but He was never ashamed to be called the God of Jacob. Jesus, in the days of his flesh, offered up His prayers and tears and finally His body.  Christ is probably the only One whom the Father always hears and always answers. Christ is for Israel. He is Savior, and we pray in the name of Jesus.

 

Psalm 21- The Ascension of Christ

 

Joy in the Salvation of our Lord. Even though David is speaking of his personal experiences here. It can also be interpreted of Jesus Christ. It speaks of the Lord having joy in bringing salvation to us. He rejoices in the power and the strength that has been bestowed upon Him. He has gone to heaven and the angels are now made subject to Him. It is through Him that we are saved. God honored Jesus’ request by allowing Him to ascend into heaven. His prayer then and still is, “that all who was given to Jesus, when He was on earth and those after Him will be where he is and they can behold His glory, which God has given Hmi before the earth was even created.” John 17:24. This prayer will be answered when we leave earth and join Him in heaven. Jesus asked God if He could live forever and ever, and Christ rose from the grave and ascended into heaven to live in His glorified body forever. He is now at God’s right hand. His glory is greater every time one of us gives our lives to Him and comes home to dwell with him in heaven.

If a person does not believe in Hell, he will not live a godly life and when he dies he will find out the truth and his judgment will be to spend eternity there.

Jesus came to earth, lived with sorrow and grief all around him, he died a cruel death, but he rose again and is now filled with joy. He wants us to have the same joy. Then he speaks of those who are troubled, he tells them to rest with us because the Lord will come from heaven with His mighty angels, and in flaming fire He will take vengeance on them that does not know God and that does not obey the gospel of Jesus Christ. He will bring judgment upon His enemies.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

The Revelation of God in His Creation. Psalm 19

 

Psalm 19 – The Revelation of God in His Creation

 

Romans 1:20 says, “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.”

The New Testament tells us that the Lord Jesus was the agent of creation, and the Holy Spirit came in and refurbished and revamped it.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:1-3. This is the Lord. God the Father planned it, the Son paid for it, and the Holy Spirit protects it. Someday Jesus is coming in glory to this earth, but before He comes, He is going to take His church out of the world. He is the Bright and Morning Star.

God gave us the commandments. They are perfect. “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” The law was given to show us that we are sinners before God. The testimony of the Lord is sure. God is going to punish sin. He says that is what He is going to do. Judgment is coming. The statutes of the Lord are right. God determines what is right. This is His universe; He made it, and He made the rules. The commandment of the Lord is pure. It will enable you and lift you up. The fear of the Lord is clean. We do well to fear God. The fear of the Lord will clean you up. The judgments of the Lord are true. The Lord Jesus Christ is Truth. The judgments of the Lord are righteous. The ten commandments are wonderful; God says you cannot keep them because we are sinners. We must come as a sinner to God.

“Cleanse me from secret faults.” They are secret from themselves, those who think they are not sinners. The greatest transgression is the rejection of Jesus Christ, the One who is set before us.

O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.” He becomes that through the grace of God.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

David's Prayer in Grave Danger, Prase for Deliverance. Psalm 17 & 18

 Psalm 17 – David’s Prayer in Grave Danger

 

This is a prayer of David, probably when he was being pursued by Saul. He was in danger. This speaks of the Lord for us today when we find ourselves in similar situations of trial, anxiety, or danger. The Lord is willing to balance things out for us and extend us mercy.

The destroyer is Satan. Because of his presence in the world, every child of God should be alert. David was in enemy territory, and we are in enemy territory.

David knew he was heard. We can be sure that he hears and answers our prayers when we are in trouble. We are placed in the shadow of His wings.

David was hiding in a cave, and he called out to God to deliver him. David knows that God is going to deliver him and that one day he will be in His presence.

Today we have a resource and a recourse by coming to our Heavenly Father. This is what our Lord did when He was on earth, and so did David when he was in real danger.

 

Psalm 18 David Praises God for his deliverance

 

Praise toward God begins because He loves us and has provided a salvation for us. He preserves us and by His providence watches over us.

David called the Lord his strength, his rock, his fortress and his deliverer. In all of this He is his Savior, his shield, his horn, and his high tower. By laying hold of the horns of the altar a person would be safe from attackers. That is how we need to hold on to our God today. A high tower is a good place for protection and a good place to get a vision and a perspective of life. 

God is not only all of things to David; he is all these things to us. We need to incorporate the word, “my” in our speech. He is my Savior.

David sang, “I will call upon the Lord.” Because “He is worthy to be praised.” “He delivered me from my strong enemy”

Jesus said, “..lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Psalm 118:8 says, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” Psalm 107:1-2

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Comm

The Resurrection of the Messiah. Psalm 16

 

Psalm 16 – The Resurrection of the Messiah

 

This Psalm reveals the wonderful voice of Jesus Christ when He said He had come to do the Father’s will and had committed Himself completely to the Father. John 5:30.

We have a heavenly Father who made us in His image, and He likes us to come to Him and tell Him, “You are my Lord.”  He is the Lord to His saints on the earth – the privilege does  not extend to everybody as “Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god. It means they hasten after another whom they think is God.

The Lord came to earth and took His place, walking in a world of sin and sorrow. He was a perfect stranger down here.  He rejoiced in Jehovah. There was peace and joy in His life.

My portion is what belongs to me- whether I enjoy it – it’s mine. My cup is what I appropriate and make my own.

“These things have I spoken to you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your might be full.” John 15:11

 

Simon Peter said that Psalm 16 refers to the resurrection of Christ and Peter also said, “This Jesus has God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses. Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Christ, and has shed forth this, which you now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens; but he said himself, the Lord said unto my Lord, Sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool. Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God had made the same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ” Acts 2:32-36. Paul also said this in Acts 13:35-37. Paul also said it was the psalm of Jesus’ resurrection.

He died there upon the cross, knowing that God would raise Him from the dead.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. J. Vernon McGee Commentary and NKJ Bible and Nelson’s Quick Reference.

 

Atheistic, Filthy Rebellious People. Psalm 14 & 15

 

Psalm 14 – Atheistic, Filthy Rebellious People and 15

 

This Psalm sets before us the corruption and wickedness of the last days, the end of the age. The corruption of the world, the enmity against the people of God, and the longing and prayer for salvation.

Atheism says there is no God. Only madmen say there is no God. “They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that does good.”  You will find that most atheists are also great sinners. Gross immorality is generally one of their characteristics.

“The Lord looked down from the heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.”

Romans 3:12 says, “They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good, no, not one.”

They are not only against God, but they are against the people of God.

No rich man today is giving up his riches to help the poor. What little you and I accumulate he will tax to death; yet somehow he escapes taxation himself.

Out of Zion will come salvation for Israel. In that day Jacob shall rejoice and Israel shall be glad. The joy is in the future when God establishes a kingdom on earth with Israel at the center.

 

Psalm 15 Who will be in the Presence of God?

 

There is only one holy hill; Zion, which is in the land of Israel. He is talking about those who will enter the millennial kingdom, the kingdom of Christ that will be established on earth with Israel at the center.

In our culture the vile person is honored, and the godly man is despised. He will go on record for the truth and will not change his story to protect himself.

Who is going to stand before God? Those who have had a faith in God that has produced a life of righteousness. If you really believe Jesus is coming soon, or if you believe you will someday stand before Him to give an account, you will make sure that you live your life in such a way that it will count for God. This is the real test that will prove whether you love Him and look for Jesus’ return.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. J. Vernon McGee Thru the Bible

The Godly During the Tribulation. Psalm 12 and 13

 

Psalm 12 – The Godly during the Tribulation & Psalm 13

 

“I am the only one standing for God.” Many people develop that complex. It is not accurate, but it can happen when you see godlessness on every hand. Christians need to speak the truth. We should not say one thing to a man’s face and another thing when his back is turned. It is being two-faced.

 

Apostasy in the church is noted by pride like this. Jude says, “These are the murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaks great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage” Jude 16. In other words, those in apostasy are a bunch of liars.

 

God says, “I will set him in safety at whom they puff. I will hide him in the clefts of the rocks. I will put him in a place of safety.

The wicked boast and use flattery. But the words of the Lord are pure. That is one reason why we need to spend more time in the Word of God. It is the fortress into which God wants to put us.

 

Psalm 13 – David’s Desperate plight

 

Day after day David found himself in a desperate situation. In weariness of body and soreness of mind and heart he cries out to God. He feels that God has forsaken him. He asks, “How long will this continue?” He was afraid to go to sleep for fear his enemy would kill him. So, he asked the Lord to protect and give him sleep.

 

The enemy would rejoice if he could get to David. The rejoicing of the enemy would not only be against David but also against God, so he prays that the enemy will not get the upper hand. He knew only God could deliver him. God was his salvation.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible. Nelsons Quick Reference Commentary.

 

Testing of the Righteous. Psalm 11

 

Psalm 11 – Testing of the Righteous

 

Many who were counseling David to run away and to get out of the country were afraid for his life, because Absalom, his son of his, was trying to kill him. Those who were following Absalom were willing to kill David if they had the opportunity.

When Absalom came in battle against his father, David did not leave the land. David retreated in order plan and then come against his son with his army. He told his army, “Remember my boy Absalom and don’t harm him, I want him safe.” David knew how to fight in the woods and the mountains, Absalom and his men were not as experienced, and they lost.

Joab, one of David’s captains put a dart through the boy and killed him. The death of his son broke David’s heart.

When Absalom tried to take over, David left Jerusalem. Law and order had disappeared. No longer was there worship of the living and true God.

Today the authority of the Word of God is being challenged on every hand.

God is watching us today. He is testing us. And the only place we can turn is to Him. When the foundations are taken out from under us, the righteous have God to cling to. These are the days when we can believe God and hold on to Him. God knows who are His own. He is testing us for our good and His glory.

God has loved you so much that He gave His Son to die for you; but if you persist in your sin and continue in that sin, you are the enemy of God. God wants to save you, and He will save you if you turn to Him and forsake your sins.

The wicked are prospering. He makes it rain on the unjust as well as the just. The Lord loves the righteous.

Instead of flying away like a frightened bird, you should trust God and “mount up with wings like angels.” Isaiah 40:31

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible. Nelsons Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

God's Side. Psalm 9 & 10

 

Psalm 9 & 10- God’s Side

 

The praise is when all things will be put under the feet of Him who was made a little lower than the angels. We should not be so concerned about having God on our side as to us being on God’s side.

The Psalmist makes it clear that all the enemies of Israel are to be conquered. This is God’s victory for the remnant that will be on His side.

It all started in the land of Egypt. A new king in that land enslaved God’s chosen people, and he tried to exterminate the whole race which would frustrate the grace and purpose of God in redemption. Ever since that time the nations have been Israel’s enemies. They will continue to hate Israel until the day of deliverance comes.

 

Righteousness is what is needed today. God is the One who declares what is right. He makes the rules for this universe, and He is running it. Justice has    already been established in the person of the Lord Jesus when He bore our sins, and He has been made unto us righteousness. Mercy is also extended to us in Jesus Christ. The poor will receive Justice when Jesus comes. He is king of kings and Lord of lords. Only God will meet their need.

 

The wicked are those who are filled with pride, the “great” of the earth, who have no place for God in their lives. Pride identifies the false messiah, and the Anti-Christ will be an atheist filled with pride and boasting. He despises God.

God is probably the most unpopular Person in the world right now. That’s because the wicked are in control. We are moving forward the time when the sin of man will lead to the “man of sin,” this final anti-Christ. The man of the earth is Antichrist.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible. Nelsons Quick Reference Commentary.

Humanity of Christ and His Victory as Man. Psalm 8

 

Psalm 8 Humanity of Christ and His Victory as Man

 

This scripture looks to our Lord Jesus Christ and to the future.

“..verily I say unto you, except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” Matt. 18:38. According to J. Vernon McGee it was the children who cried this song, “Hosanna to the son of David.” Matthew 12:15.

 

It was God who put the moon and the stars in their places. It was the Creation of His finger-work. The Bible says that God created us and put us on earth. Then man sinned and turned aside from God. They disbelieved and disobeyed Him. The question is “What is man, that you are mindful of him?” Jesus Christ died on a cross to let us know that He loved us. He did not save us by love; He saved us by grace because we did not have anything to offer. We were not worth saving.

 

When Jesus made Old Testament appearances, He came as the Angel of the Lord; but when He came to Bethlehem, He came much lower than that – He came to the level of man.

 

God made the beasts of the field, the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea. He made you and me. Someday the name of the Lord will be excellent in all the earth. In our time we live in a universe that is groaning, travailing in pain, waiting for redemption. He has set His glory above the heavens. He is now seated at God’s right hand. Only by faith will we be able to see Him.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible. Nelsons Quick Reference Commentary.

 

A Cry For Mercy. Psalm 6-7

 

Psalm 6 -7– A Cry for Mercy

 

We can look at this Psalm as a picture of David, a picture of Jesus Christ, and a picture of Israel in the last days, and a picture of believers – you and me. This is a cry for mercy out of the depths of despair. Only mercy can save us.

The Spirit of Christ speaks prophetically of His own suffering through which He would pass in the days of His humiliation. His people, the nation Israel, that remnant in the Great Tribulation, will also pass-through suffering. Today many of God’s saints are passing through it.

Regardless of what you are going through today, He has already been through it, and He can comfort you.

In Hebrews 5:7 we are told concerning the Lord Jesus, “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared.” That is our confidence today. God will hear and answer our prayer when we are in deep trouble.

 

Psalm 7 – A Cry for Revenge

 

David is crying aloud in song. It reveals prophetically the persecution and the final suffering of the God-fearing remnant of Israel during the time of the Great Tribulation. It is the outcry against the “man of sin.”

There are things in our life that we don’t understand, but He is going to explain it someday.

David cries for God to avenge and vindicate him.

“I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.” Vs. 17

God will deal with sin and wickedness, and He will finally eradicate it from His universe. Praise the Lord!

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.

 

A Cry in Great Trouble. Psalm 5

 

Psalm 5 – A Cry in Great Trouble

 

Arthur Pridham states, “It is a prayer of faith, sent up from a heart in which the discernment of God as the shield and rewarder of them that seek Him, is found in union with a very deep sense of the prevailing evil and ungodliness which daily present themselves to the contemplation of the faithful.”

 

Listen to the voice of my cry, my King, and my God; for to thee do I pray.

 

“The evil man cannot dwell with thee. The arrogant shall not dare to stand before your eyes. You hate the workings of iniquity. You will destroy them that speak lies. As for me, through your great mercy will I enter my house. I will fall, facing your holy temple in fear.”

 

Wickedness does not please God, nor will it please those who know God. Wickedness may prosper for a time, but the day is surely coming which will bring destruction and eternal shame to those who practice lies and iniquity.

 

David is praying to God that He will not let him stumble and fall, and that He will lead him. He prays for the guidance which will enable him to walk in a way that will not bring disrepute upon the name of God. He asked God to intervene and bring judgment.

 

Scripture makes it very clear that God will take vengeance. “And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.”  Luke 18:3-8

During the Great Tribulation these people under the law will pray this kind of prayer as they did in the past under the law, and He intends to bring vengeance upon their enemies.

 

When we take matters into our own hands, we are not walking with Him by faith. God wants us to trust Him to take care of our enemies.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.