1. This psalm is one of the easiest to understand of them all. So, there won’t be a lot of notes in this post. 2. The psalm begins with a plea to God to hear his complaint (verse 1). We often complain to God, but do we ever simply ask Him to hear those complaints? We know He hears, but we still need to show respect to Him! 3. The bulk of the psalm (2-8) list many ways in which evil people operate. Many have already been listed elsewhere in the Psalms, but a listing of these in one place is quite powerful. It should cause us all to take…

Continuing with my sister’s family, we now post what will have to be the, well, um…., let’s just say the most “unique” video. Lucas James Tatum is in 1st grade in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Here’s his favorite song: Tomorrow, you will see what his daddy’s favorite song is.

1. Written when David was in the wilderness of Judea, Psalm 63 expresses some of the deepest feelings of love for the Lord in the entire book. 2. Verse 1 can be translated, “I will seek you in the morning,” but the emphasis seems to be more on the intent of David’s search for God than on the time of day of that search. 3. When viewed in the context of a wilderness, David’s words in verse 1 take on an even deeper meaning. David truly was searching for God in the wilderness, and thirsted for God more than even for water. 4. Verse 4 expresses how we should feel…

Leah and I enjoy many programs on the ABC Family network. They show reruns of shows that make us laugh. Most of the shows are ones we don’t mind showing with our kids around. (Of course, if we wouldn’t show it to our kids, we don’t need to be watching it, either!!!!!!!). Recently, though, the network has unveiled some new shows that are not good. The show Greek features college life and portrayed partying, dating and talking about sex as normal college behavior. Drinking is such a heavy part of the show that the “logo” for the series is a crumpled-up plastic cup. Tonight, another new series begins on the…

1. While we do not know which case it is, David is facing the fact that someone near him has committed a crime of treason. As he does often, though, he keeps his overall focus on God. 2. Verses 1 and 2 give us a good “formula” to follow when trouble comes our way. We should wait for God’s answer and realize that He is ultimately in control and is our only place of safety. 3. Verses 3 and 4 are the words indicating the treason (possibly by Absalom?) that sets the idea for the psalm. It is obvious that the one committing this crime was close to David (“high…

1. This psalm is filled, from beginning to end, with word pictures of God’s dealings with Israel, especially his covenants. Some feel that this psalm was written when David was driven from his throne by his own son, Absalom, although this cannot be proven. 2. No matter what the background for this psalm, David, as he has done over and over, turns to God in the very first verse. His prayer to God should remind us to turn to God first when troubles come; not just when we have exhausted all human help. 3. Verse 2 is one of the verses that leads some to think that David is running,…

Today, I am beginning a fun series about my family. I have asked each member of my family to give me the name of his or her favorite song, and I will be posting a YouTube video of each song. Our first entry comes from Daniel Tatum, my nephew. He lives in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. His favorite song: Tomorrow, you’ll find out what his big brother’s favorite song is.

The “dog days” are definitely here. Yesterday, it was about 102 and today it’s supposed to be about the same…and tomorrow… The heat index is around 105-110, which is weird, seeing as how is hasn’t rained recently. Oh well, all this heat can’t stop good events from happening this weekend. If you are anywhere near this area, I want to invite you to two good things: 1. The Cox Boulevard church of Christ in Sheffield, Alabama, will have her annual “Celebration in Song” tonight from 7-midnight. This singing is usually attended by about 900 people, and is fabulous. I’m one of the song leaders, so you can take advantage of…

1. This psalm reflects national shock and dismay at a military defeat. The defeat that is being lamented is mentioned in Second Samuel 8 and First Chronicles 18. The nation of Israel was attacked by surprise and defeated. Now David expresses their disbelief at the events that have unfolded. 2. David understands that it is God Who has made this (or allowed this) defeat to happen, and so, in verse 1, he asks God to “restore us.” Sometimes national repentance is necessary. Could it be that our nation needs to be on its collective knee? 3. Verse 2 poetically speaks of security lost. The use of an earthquake in the…

I submitted the recent guest article written by Chris Gentle to the Christian Carnival, and it was posted. Check out all the articles in the Carnival here. Thanks again, Chris, for writing that great article!