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!

Christians form a great family. We are brothers and sisters with Christ and have the greatest Father, God. We know one another. We care for one another. Some may be “closer” than others, but we are all a close-knit family. Or are we? Can you name the people who sit in the pews around you? How about those who sit across the auditorium or in the balcony? If we don’t even know each other’s names, how can we say we care for one another? Also, why is it that our fellowship meals have had very low attendance lately? I know that some have been away on vacation or visiting family…

1. This psalm, if the superscription is correct, shows us the power of a negative memory. Most scholars believe that the psalm was written after David became king of Israel, but it points back to a time when Saul looked to kill the young man (First Samuel 19). We often have similar “negative flashbacks,” recalling a bad time in our life after we seemingly have moved beyond it. As with many other psalms, David pleads with God to take away his enemies and asks the Lord for deliverance (clearly seen in verse 1). 2. As he has done several times, David again enters a plea of “innocent” (verses 3-4). He…

Until just a couple of years ago, I was a Barry Bonds supporter. While I’m not always the greatest at it, I try to see the best in every person. When Bonds hit 73 home runs in 2001, I was somewhat skeptical, but I still supported him. When he won the batting title the next year, I was totally amazed. When BALCO entered the picture…and stayed in the picture…and stayed… Bonds is now just one swing of the bat away from being alone in first place. But the last few weeks have been fascinating to watch. Fans are booing when Bonds strides to the plate, feeling he has cheated the…

1. Many psalms discuss very similar themes. Psalm 58 discusses a theme that is constant in David’s writings: the fact that evil people lead others and a prayer that those evil leaders be overthrown or even destroyed. 2. David calls these leaders “gods” in verse 1, probably as a stinging rebuke of their arrogance. 3. Verse 2 gives a brief outline of how sin works, especially in those who habitually sin. Their hearts devise evil and then they do it. It simply does not work the other way around. 4. Verse 3, despite what many commentators say, is not teaching that we are sinners from birth. What David is saying…