This program of daily devotions is designed to take you through the Bible in three years. It is our desire to help you gain a better general understanding of God's Word.
Please understand that in a study this brief, we will be concerned with only the major emphases and context of the Scriptures.
Each day a devotion for one or two chapters is posted, beginning with chapter one of Genesis and going through chapter twenty-two of Revelation. You are free to print each page as it appears. If you miss a day, you may contact us and request that devotion. Please send your request, along with $.50 (p&handling) for each page to:
Bruce McGee,Pastor
205 Adams
Columbia, LA 71418
HERE
Bro. Bruce's commentaries for the books of
Genesis through 2Kings are
now available in hard copy for $7.50. Just
mail your request for COMMENTARY ON (BOOK NAME) to the address above.
PSALM
CHAPTER 2
1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
Why indeed do people insist on believing there is no God? Why do people try to find fault with the Holy and Righteous God that created them?
People do not want to be bound by rules of righteousness and truth (verse 3). They want to "break" those "bonds." People, by nature are sinners, and want to serve self more than anything or anyone else.
Those who insist upon serving self rather than God, are enemies of God and of His "anointed." The words "His anointed," refer to the Lord Jesus Christ, our One and only Saviour, Who is the Ruler of all nations.
The words "His anointed," also refer to God's PEOPLE (Christians). God's people are constantly held in derision because of their faith.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
One day, and I think SOON, our Lord is going to split the Eastern sky and come to set up His kingdom in its fullness on this earth. At that time, it will be the non-believers who will be held in derision.
Jesus Christ will be the "king upon" the "holy hill of Zion" (verse 6). He is the One and only true "Son" of God (verse 7).
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Therefore, it is wise to "kiss the Son;" or give honor and worship to Him. This indeed is the "instruction" of God.
CHAPTER 3
1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Ab'sa-lom his son.
LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
David's own son had rebelled against him and tried to take over the kingdom which God had granted to David for a lifetime. This was an horribly emotional time for David.
He cried out to God for help, and God answered. God restored David to the kingdom, and also made a way that David himself would not have to deal with Absalom.
Note: The term "Selah" could mean a pause in the music while instruments continue to play. It could be used as a form of "AMEN!;" meaning "this is RIGHT."
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
David, realizing God's sovereignty, was assured that God would protect and keep him. Therefore he could lay down and sleep peacefully even though he was pursued by his own son.
There is no greater peace than to KNOW that we BELONG to God, and that our eternity rests in His hands. "There is no safer place," says my friend Dr. Earl Williams (former missionary to Africa), "than in the WILL of God."
David said he would have that peace even if he were surrounded by 10,000 or more enemies.
CHAPTER 4
To the chief Musician on Neg'-i-noth, A Psalm of David.
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
The psalm is addressed to the "chief musician" in the house of the Lord. It was to be sung on "Neginoth," or stringed instruments.
There had been many of David's kingdom who had joined Absalom in revolt. They obviously told falsehoods about David (verse 2) and tried to shame him.
But God had purposed that David be king (verse 3). And God heard David's call for help, and delivered him.
When God has appointed one of His servants for a specific action, He will UPHOLD that servant!
4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
6 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
David had experienced God's anointing and protection for the work he was called to do. He beautifully expresses God's loving protection in this song.
David also passes on some very wise instruction through this song. "Sand in awe" of God and His work! Be servants and not sinners. Though a man be a sinner always in this life, he is looked upon by our Lord as righteous when he determines to be a servant!
God not only grants PEACE in troubled times to His servants (verse 8), He also grants them JOY! (verse 7)
Do you have problems in this world? Of course! No person is without problems! But you can face your problems with PEACE and JOY, if you face them with GOD!
Please continue in Bible Study with us.
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2Timothy 1:7)