In a recent post, we used the video and story of Paul Potts to talk about how we should not judge a book by its cover. Paul was the unlikely hero of the show Britain’s Got Talent. Well, the season ended over the weekend. If you’d like to know how Paul did, watch the video below.

The background for this lengthy psalm is Second Samuel 22, when David was “delivered from the hand of Saul.” It is obviously a psalm brewing with thanksgiving, and filled with references to the reason for the thanksgiving. 1. The word “love” in verse 1 is not the typical word for love found in the Old Testament, especially the psalms. Usually the word “love” in the Old Testament was the word for a covenant relationship. Here, though, the word means a tenderly intimate relationship. David is basically saying, “I’ve never felt closer to You, Lord, than I do right now.” 2. From The MacArthur Study Bible on verse 2: “Military metaphors…

This book is the first in a 3-volume series by Joseph Parker. Mr. Parker was a Congregationalist “pastor” in England in the late 1800s. The Inner Life of Christ is a series of 28 sermons preached by Mr. Parker covering the first 7 chapters of Matthew. (Volumes 2 and 3 cover the rest of Matthew, and I plan on reading and reviewing them in the near future.) This was a hard book to figure out. One one hand, the book was very deep and detailed. Many times an entire sermon, seemingly, was based upon one phrase, instead of the entire text. Also, Parker must have been an intelligent man, because…

1. This psalm teaches us something about asking God for things. It contains about 17 petitions from David to God covering several similar topics. Just from that fact we can learn that there is nothing wrong with asking God for things, and asking Him several times. 2. Verses 1 and 2 sound much like the book of Job, due to the legal language being used. These verses sound almost like some sort of opening statement from a lawyer. 3. In verse 3 it seems as if David is bragging about his pure life, but then, at the end of the verse, he reveals the reason why he could be so…

We are proud of our blog. We are also proud of so many others (many of whom are listed on the right-hand side) who use this medium as a way to promote the Truth. People all over the world can search for Bible articles and “fall into” our blog through search engines, Technorati, Stumble Upon and other sites. We find that exciting. But, as is more often reported, there is another side to the internet. It is the side that is used to promote evil. Sites that promote drinking, lewd behavior and pornography seem to hold sway on the internet. And then a story comes across that shows that there…

1. The opening request, “Preserve me,” is a common theme in the psalms (see 17:8, 140:4, 141:9) and is common among men even today. When we trust in God and are His child, this may, in reality, be our most common request. 2. Verse 2 contains these words: “I have no good besides You.” MacArthur says the thought is: “My well-being is entirely dependent upon You.” When we trust God to that level, we will have a better and more peaceful life. 3. Verse 3 should continue to be the thought of every Christian. Do we truly make Christians our “delight”? Just for me to think about: why don’t I…

1. Psalm 14 speaks mostly of those who are wicked, so Psalm 15 is a great breath of fresh air, speaking mostly of those who are righteous and how they live. 2. In my mind, verse 2 shows a “reverse progression.” We have integrity when we live righteously, and one way we do that is to speak truth. 3. Verse 2 says that the truth is in our heart. That’s where every good or bad thing we say and/or do begins. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” 4. I have used verse 3 on more than one occasion speaking to young people. Slander is very prevalent…

1. Most scholars believe that verse 1 is speaking of a moral “fool;” one who does not know the right way to live. He does not believe in God. Sadly, many live as though there were no God, making them “fools” in a way, too. 2. Verses 2 and 3 fit well together as a lesson. In verse 2, God is seeking those who understand (thinking), while in verse 3 they are not doing. What we think leads to what we do. 3. Verse 5: When one realizes that God is with him, it should cause great comfort. Those without God should fear. 4. God’s saving power comes from the…

1. This psalm moves quickly from the depths of despair to the highest places of confidence. The first two verses feature four questions beginning with “how long?” that show how low man can get at times. 2. While not a direct correlation, David asks in verse 1, “How long will You hide Your face from me?” I just wonder if Jesus wondered the same thing while God literally turned away from Him on the cross. 3. Verse 3 serves as a transition. When we realize that God “enlightens” us, it will cause us to gain confidence. If God does not, we will be as dead. 4. David uses the same…

The 9th Avenue church of Christ will have her Summer Gospel Meeting beginning Sunday morning. Our guest speaker is brother Ted Burleson of Hamilton, Alabama. The entire Gospel Meeting will focus around marriage and the family. In our day and time, families need strength and encouragement. Brother Burleson is highly qualified to present Biblically-based lessons to build up our families. If you are in the area, please come to one or more of the services. The times are: Sunday at 9:30 and 10:30 AM and 7:30 PM (preceded by a period of singing at 7) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7 PM If you cannot come to the building,…