Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

Daily Nugget: Psalm 29 is a Hebrew poem that perhaps was put to music. Their poetry is not like modern poems with rhyming words. Their poetry, as is this one, often repeats a thought from different angles. This poem is about a storm. It was not a weather anomaly sent from the fairy tale character “Mother Nature,” it was sent and controlled by Father God! Its outbursts that only God controlled got the attention of even powerful people (vs. 1). They recognized where the winds, lightning, and rains came from — God. God showed His mighty power in the torrential rains and exploding thunders (vs. 3). His voice bellowed across the countryside, letting all know of His power (vs. 4). His voice ordered the lightning to attack a tree that all admired to be strong and resilient against whatever it faced. The towering cedar fell cracked and splintered (vs. 5) on the forest floor. Even the pregnant cattle were so frightened that they gave early births (vs. 6, 9). Nature even bowed down in

Daily Nugget: Since man’s beginning, most have known many of God’s commandments but chose to “do their own thing.” David observed sinful behavior during his reign and knew those people should not get away with their rebellion against God. To those ungodly, it may have appeared they were getting away with their iniquities; no lightning bolt zapped them from Heaven. However, David knew a principle about sin that cannot be avoided; payday for sin will come someday. David knew God would deal with their crimes against Him, and he did not want to be anywhere near them when God’s wrath was poured out upon them (vs. 3). The king was wise enough to know that the words of those enemies towards him and God could not be trusted. Their speeches and actions may have seemed innocent and harmless to many, but David was aware it was a smokescreen to cover up their plan to commit sin (vs. 3 — “mischief is in their hearts.”). He asked the Lord to unleash His judgment on them for their sin. King

Daily Nugget: One of the most devastating and crippling human emotions is fear. All have fears be they rich, poor, young, old, weak, or strong. There is something frightful to everyone. As powerful, wealthy, and a strong leader as King David was, there were also some circumstances that he could have feared. However, we learn why he was not afraid of them in this Psalm and how they were handled. He was not afraid of the unknown and overpowering because the Lord was His strength — Psalm 27:1. God had proven to David that the leader was safe under His care. In the past, David observed that those that went against the ruler were stopped by His God. They “stumbled and fell” (vss. 2-3). He had learned the God often hid him from danger (vs. 5). Even when his own family turned against him, David saw God’s intervention in his life (vs. 10). David would not have had the strength and faith he did if he did not repeatedly see God helping him (vs. 13). Instead of cowering fearfully f

Daily Nugget: David never forgot his sinful past. However, he did not go around with guilt and never forgiving himself, as some do. He encouraged himself by remembering, because of God’s help, that he did some things that were “righteous” in God’s eyes. King David recalled that he had: A godly testimony and character (“integrity”) — vs. 1. To the best of his ability, obeyed God’s commandments — vs. 3. Not associated himself with people of false self-worth — vs. 4. Done his best to not be in the company of people that portrayed themselves as those that they were not, like those that appear like Christians on Sunday but live the same as the ungodly the rest of the week — vs. 4. Not associated with those doing evil — vs. 5.  Been grateful and had given God the glory for the great things He had done — vs. 7. Loved to be in the Temple and to be around the things of God — vs. 8. The closer to God we try to be, the clearer we see the defects and sins in our lives. Sometimes,

Tomorrow is Decoration Day at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church at Murphy, NC.  Hope to see you at 10 AM on Sunday!

Daily Nugget: This Psalm is another peek into David’s prayer life. We can see how sincere, reliant, needy, and willing the king was on his Lord. We see that: His prayer was not just words without any feeling and meaning. He was opening up his heart and pouring his soul out to his God — vs. 1. His trust was on God’s help. He put his faith on the line because if God did not answer his pleas, he would look foolish to his enemies and those watching his testimony — vss. 3-4, 20. He was willing to follow God’s direction if He would make it clear to the leader — vss. 4-5, 15. He remembered he did not get what he deserved for his mistakes and sins and wanted God to remember His past mercy to the king. He was hoping for more undeserved kindness — vs. 6. He was trusting on his merciful God to overlook his sins — vss. 7, 11, 16, 18. He was grateful for God’s goodness and righteousness — vs. 8. He was often meek and did not do what the flesh wanted him to do but did what the Lord wou

Daily Nugget: Psalm 24 is the last of the prophetic trilogy about Jesus. This Psalm talks about having a future with Him. An important question was asked in verse three, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? ….” Where will one spend their eternal future was the query? Will it be with the Lord or separated from Him in Hell? The answer to that question is in verse four: “He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” Although I have never heard anyone use Psalm 24:4 to falsely justify that the only way to be with Jesus is by good works, this verse’s explanation may have one wondering. When verse four is first read, one may interpret that to be with the Saviour one has to never sin which would make one’s “hands” free from iniquity. One may also think that he has to have a sinless, pure heart, never done anything that was not of spiritual value (“vanity”), and never said bad words. Believing that is what is

Daily Nugget: Although prophetic at the time it was written, this Psalm is about our living Saviour. Psalm 23 teaches who Jesus is to all. It is one of the most used and memorized chapters in the Bible as it encourages and comforts those amid troubles and facing a fearful future. This chapter teaches: As David said Jesus would be, He is our personal shepherd (vs. 1). He is the trustworthy One that can safely lead one through life if He is allowed.  Jesus knows we are like sheep: stubborn, and prone to go wayward. Sheep, I have read, only lay down when they are fed and taken care of. In verse two, we read that those that faithfully obey and follow Him will be lead to places where their needs are met. What a good shepherd He is. When the cares of this world lay heavy burdens on us, and we are exhausted from the load, Jesus will encourage us to continue. He will always lead us in the right direction if we will faithfully follow and heed His leadership (vs. 3). Each of us are g

Daily Nugget: Psalm 22 is the first of a three prophetic Psalms about Jesus. It describes some of what would happen at Christ’s crucifixion. Although some believe it may have been written about 1,060 years B. C., it is very accurate about what did happen to our Saviour. Some of the foretold events about Jesus’ death, according to this chapter, include: ”To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?” Psalm 22:1 Jesus fulfilled it: “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Also: Mark. 15:34. “All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 8 He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.” Psalm 22:7-8 It was fulfilled: “And they that passed by re

Daily Nugget: As was mentioned in previous Psalms, David was grateful for all God had done for him. In vss. 1-6, David recalled what God had done for him. Despite David’s opposition from his enemies, he still trusted the Lord (vs. 7). The leader would not waiver or worry as David knew he was safe in God’s hands. Many of God’s helps for David were dealing with those that opposed him. In vss. 8 to 13 we see that the King’s enemies were severely dealt with: Vs. 8: God knew of David’s enemies. They could not escape from the eyes and reach of the Lord. Vs. 9: God’s wrath would be poured out upon them. No one escapes God’s anger when they attack God’s people. Politicians and false religions who intend to cripple Christianity need to learn this quickly before God deals with them. There is a terrible price for sin that they may have to pay. Vs. 10: David was confident that what his enemies thought precious would be ripped from their grasp. God’s wrath would also be poured out on their

Daily Nugget: Although this Psalm is concerning Israel, there is much that applies to us in this church age. One of the verses that teaches a principle that should be remembered today is Psalm 20:7. “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7 Some trust in the things of this world, be they friends, government, cars, job, or their wealth, but can all let you down. Friends can storm off and forsake you over the slightest matter. Governments can be corrupt and self-purposing no matter what they say before the election. Technology can break down. One can lose a long-held job over a simple decision by management. A bank account or investment can quickly be lost, as was experienced during the 2008 financial disaster. “They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.” Psalm 20:8 However, God “… will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5). His own (“his anointed”) are those that have tru

Daily Nugget: Here, David’s Psalm points out three important truths about God and what He has done. 1. In Psalm 19 verses 1-6, we are reminded of God’s wonderful creation. We see it every day, and there is no real explanation for all we see except God made it. Our sky and the contents of outer space show us what God has done (vs. 1). Just having a day and night by simple planet movements should have most in awe and amazement for what God has done. Man’s science may think they have an explanation for all that is around, but it is usually just unproven theories. Often their ideas violate their laws, are always changing, reject what God has said, and is sometimes a theory accepted by people that have rejected what God said in the Bible. Many times the creator of an explanation on what surrounds us is from one that has rejected that there is a God. 2. Verses 7-11 recalls the wonderful Word of God that He has preserved for us to know His will and way. His words are: Perfect (vs.

Daily Nugget: It was a joyful day for David when he was finally delivered from his enemies, including Saul (vs. 1). In this Psalm, the king rehearsed many of God’s helps and interventions during the difficulties he faced. Verse two is a much-quoted verse for those that face tribulations and testings. It has been a reassurance and encouragement to so many. “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2 God is a rock. He is a strong foundation upon which one can build his life. A rock foundation that a house is built upon will withstand whatever is faced (storms, winds, and even fire and floods). A life obedient to God’s commands, preserved for us in the Bible, will also allow one to handle what happens during their life.  He is a fortress. A fortress is a safe place for those to live within in its high and sturdy, protecting walls and gates. God protec

Daily Nugget: “ I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me , O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.” Psalm 17:6 In David’s prayer, we find why he and so many pray. He called on God’s help because he knew God would hear him. From experience, the leader had learned God listened to him. The key to why David was such trusting prayerer is not just that he knew God would hear him, but that He never forgot what God did for him in the past. So many pray for God’s assistance in matters, but they forget about it, and when the need was met they never recognized that God answered their prayers. Since it was never realized, they most likely did not thank the Lord for His help. As a new Christian, I sadly found this out about myself. I had prayed about a matter and told my friend Barbara (at the time we were not married) about the need. Time passed and I forgot all about it until one day Barbara realized what I was praying about was answered. She reminded me by saying,

Daily Nugget: “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Psalms 16:8-10 As mentioned previously, there are parts of the Psalms that are prophetic. In Psalm 16:8-10 the verses are talking about the future (then) coming of the Messiah. New Testament verses refer to these scriptures and reveal that it is Jesus being talked about. Peter in Acts 2:25 referred to some of Psalm 16:8: “ … he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:”. He was talking about Jesus when he quoted much of the verse about the Lord: “For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:” Acts 2:25 Again in Acts 2: 27, Psalm 16:2 is referred to as a prophecy when Jesus led Old Testament

Daily Nugget: “A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” Psalm 15:1 Psalm 15:1 starts with a question David asked the Lord. He asked who should live (“abide”) in the tabernacle? At that time, there was no temple. It had not been constructed. Worship to the Lord was done at the tent tabernacle. Although in Israel’s past it was portable and carried during their wilderness journey, it was then permanently raised on Mount Zion (“the holy hill), which today is called the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It was on this mount where worship was done. However, no one lived in the tabernacle. Levite priests and members of the tribe were the only ones that worked on the site and performed what was required for the Old Testament worship. This, and many other Psalms speak prophetically about the millennial reign when Christ will return and rule in Jerusalem for 1,000 years. During that time I do not believe anyone will live at the temple eith

Daily Nugget: Although this, and many of the Psalms are prophetic about futuristic conditions, there is much in Psalm 14 that has pertained to people that have existed since man’s beginning. One type of people that have always been on earth is those that deny the existence of God. God’s Word makes it quite clear that those God-deniers are “fools.” He also warns that they are corrupt, and certainly should not be trusted,even though they boast of their accomplishments, God sees their deeds as abominable, and there is nothing “good” about them. A closer study can show that the atheist referred here is a unique kind of fool. In verse one, the Greek word for “fool” is “nabal.” Nabal was a man that married Abigail in I Samuel 25. Nabal was an unreasonable, rude (“churlish”) man (I Sam. 25:3). Noah Webster’s 1828 defines this type of fool with even stronger language. He declares such foolish people as “stupid, wicked, vile persons.” There are many today that when asked about their b

Daily Nugget: In Psalm 13, King David found himself in a position he had been previously (Psalm 10:1). Although he was an influential and powerful leader, he had his share of hard times. Some believe this Psalm was penned when he was fleeing from Saul. “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?” Psalm 13:1 No matter what the problem was, he felt what so many feel when they too are amidst tribulations. They wonder where God is in their time of need. Often people in that situation feel alone and abandoned by God. Those in one of life’s storms believe if God was by their side that they would not be in the predicament. They feel that He would not want such a trial in their life. I have heard many people question God when they find themselves in a similar situation. They often even ask why God would allow such an experience to befall them. Much of the time my answer to these frightened peop

Daily Nugget: Many today see and hear the similar problem that David bemoaned in Psalm 12. Then and now, it is more difficult to find godly people. So many purpose or claim to be living the way God commands but somewhere they fail (vs. 1) from being and doing as He has instructed. For many, their fall from living the way their Creator planned is due to the damage done by their tongues. Their concern and speech are about things that are not fruitful and have little, moral value (vanity — vs. 2). They deceitfully flatter to win those to their fruitless ways, but their true, hidden purpose is to benefit themselves. Defiantly, they speak what they want with little regard to what their speech will do to others. Their deceitful speech often hurts those involved in their sin (vs. 5) As above the laws of the land they think they are, the Lord will deal with those ungodly, deceiving people (vs. 3). God has promised he would and what He says will come to pass (vs. 6). God’s promises have

Daily Nugget: “ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?” Psalm 11:1 Psalm 11 finds David in a situation that many find themselves in today.   David was facing trouble and trials, and those around the King urged him to flee to a safer place (vs. 1). Many fall for the temptation to run from trouble forget one truth.   An unsolved problem usually follows one where ever one flees.   Often, those that run away from a situation face the consequences from a poor decision or repeat performances much of their lives. Many times those that give up in a marriage find that they also have problems in the second, third … marriage. Often a marriage split-up is not just one-sided. Both partners often could do things differently to make the partnership work.   Since a problem in the relationship was never solved, it will be easier to quit on the next attempt in committing with a spouse. Those that do