Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

Daily Nugget: “Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men. 3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.” Psalm 59:2-3 Readers of this Psalm are made aware of other’s attempts on David’s life. That scenario is not unusual as the Psalms are examined. This account in chapter 59 references when King Saul’s spies were watching younger David for an opportunity to kill him. It is referring to the attempt mentioned in I Samuel 19:11-21, where people, at least five times, were sent to keep their eye on David. In verse three, we are made aware of something all Christians must be wary of today. Many are always watching us and how we live our lives. Their reasons for skeptically watching believers is not because of what wrong things Christians have done, but what they were taught to believe was done or is being done by Christ-followers. David’s observers were watching him to kill h

Daily Nugget: Throughout the Bible, Old and New Testaments, man is declared and shown as a sinner. Psalm 58 reinforces what most instinctively know about themselves; we trespass God’s commandments. We are all guilty of iniquity. None are free from the plague on all mankind. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans 3:10 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23 Many think that God is concerned about only the “big” sins, like murder, adultery, robbery. This Psalm lists transgressions that are ignored and not given attention and concern. However, they are still against God’s laws. Many iniquities that are not addressed and not thought sinful are: Failure to speak righteously (vs. 1), Judging others (vs. 1), Wicked hearts (vs. 2), Violent actions and thoughts (vs. 2), Lying (vs. 3), A venomous tongue (used in deceit, backbiting, spreading discord — vs. 4), And not listening to wisdom, common sense, or reason (vs. 5).

Daily Nugget: “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” Psalm 57:7 Psalm 57 reflects David’s gratefulness from God’s deliverance from the angry hands of King Saul (I Sam. 22-24). However, there is one verse (vs. 7) that should also be the character of every Christian. That trait should be “steadfastness”: a determination to go forward when uncertainty and fear loom ahead. When being chased by the enemy, King Saul, David’s heart was fixed. He knew it was all under God’s control even as uncertain and fearful as his future was. David was steadfast in his trust and faith in the Lord. He knew somehow he would be delivered. A Christian needs the same steadfast faith in what he faces. When the doctor gives a fearful prognosis, he will not doubt God or even shake his fist and blame his heavenly Father who knows all and has His plans for one. If a job is lost and the fear of financial failing seems eminent, God is still good, and He will work it out to

Daily Nugget: Fear is an emotion that all experience. David wrote about his fearsome feelings often. Here he is admitting that he was struggling with many things that made him afraid. David daily faced enemies (vss. 1-2). Peace must have escaped him as he was often cautious and wary of attacks. Not knowing who or where he would be attacked, physically or mentally, would have most people on edge. His enemies twisted his words around (“wrest”) — vs. 5. Quite often, I imagine, he had to defend himself from their convoluted remarks and slander, much like those that are currently hurled at President Trump. Much of what the president says is misinterpreted and bent to make him look bad to the public. David seemingly faced a similar battle with his opponents. Having what you have said being constantly misquoted and questioned would also have one on the alert and cautious. His adversaries constantly watched what he was doing to find something that could be misconstrued as being wrong.

Daily Nugget: “For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: 13 But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. 14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.” Psalm 55:12-14 All have acquaintances that make life a little more difficult. Some are what we consider our enemies. They are easier to identify and keep our distance from. However, there is an opposition with which it is most difficult to deal. It is those that we considered our friends or those we have spent a lot of time with that break our hearts when they turn against us. It is those that are closest to us, people we thought we could rely on that break our confidences and expectations the most when they let us down. David had such adversaries. People that guided him, those that he knew fairly well, those that shared advice, and eve

Daily Nugget: God is a believer’s help and guardian at all times. David attested to this after many had done wrong to him, including when he was betrayed in the wilderness of Ziph (I Sam. 23:14-25). David recounted his experience with the Ziphites who told the pursuing King Saul where he and his band of warriors were hiding (I Sam. 23:19). The Ziphites were also given the task of spying on David and reporting to Saul the whereabouts of the small army. David and his troop not only had to avoid angry Saul and his army but now the Ziphites added to those David had to avoid. The trials and dangers seemed to be increasing. No matter the situation, be it advancing troops, betrayal, or any other obstacle we experience, there is a way to summon help. David took advantage of that spiritual tool and prayed for God’s help Psalm 54:2-3). Reading the end of I Samuel 23 (vss. 27-28) we see that God did what seemingly was impossible and He answered David’s plea. It was no coincidence that

Daily Nugget: Except for a few word changes and a compiled sentence, Psalm 14 and Psalm 53 are much the same. This chapter also talks about a people that have existed since man’s beginning. It speaks of 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 (vs. 1), and there is nothing “good” about them. A closer study shows that the atheist referred here is a unique kind of fool. In verse one, the Hebrew 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. Mr. Webster declares such foolish people as “stupid, wicked, vile persons.” There are many today that when asked about their beliefs, quickly respond

Daily Nugget: Although many writers dwell on the prophecies of this chapter, there is also a lesson that can be learned from an event in David’s life. This Psalm was David’s recollection when he was fleeing the jealous and angry King Saul. An Edomite “set over the servants of Saul” (I Sam. 22:9), Doeg, informed Saul that David had fled and was being helped by priests at Nob. Saul then ordered Doeg to kill over 85 priests (I Sam. 22:18) and the wicked man obeyed the command of Saul. This Psalm reveals what David knew about the informer. He knew Doeg to be a: Braggart (vs. 1), Mighty warrior (vs. 1), Person that used his tongue to stir up trouble (vs. 2), Person that loved evil “more than good” (vs. 3) and lying more than truth, Person whose speech was deceptive (vs. 4) and had a plan to hurt and destroy others. (Sounds like many of our politicians and others today.) As evil as Doeg was, David knew he would not get away with his sin (Psalm 52:5). There is always a wage o

Daily Nugget: This song of David records a time in his life where the king had a broken, repentant heart. It occurred after the leader had been rebuked by Nathan, the prophet, for his sins of adultery and allowing the death of a woman’s husband (II Sam. 2:1-19). King David’s sin, which he kept private, was made public by God’s prophet, and it broke David’s heart. Although he lived with the guilt of his sins, Nathan’s accusation changed the heart of the leader. Most are also guilty of sin against God, but many hide it, forget about it, and never get it right with the Lord. David could not hide it any longer and did what every person in his situation should do. He was honest to himself how he sinned against God and repented of his sins. Although so many when caught or exposed with their hands in the sin jar ignore guilty feelings (which may be the Holy Spirit bringing it to light so it can be dealt with) and justify it, David did not. Many say they are sorry, but there is never

Daily Nugget: Psalm 50 is a powerful song reminding the hearer of something all fear — judgment. It is this frightful, gnawing thought that has led many to salvation to escape the judging hand of God. In this Psalm, it is addressing judgment for the Jews in the last days. However, there is a judgment of which all should be wary. Sin and ultimately all people will be judged. Many are facing judgments for their sin, actions, or lack of doing what they should be doing now. There is a wage for all evil. No one, including nations, will get away with sin. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Gal. 6:7 Many fear judgment after this life, but it can occur today. God’s dissatisfaction on us is not always expressed by lightning flashing out of the sky or “natural” phenomenons. Sometimes His wrath is poured out with failed harvests, hardened hearts, the influx of foreigners, loss of freedoms, lost wars, pestilences, plagues, poverty,

Daily Nugget: Psalm 49 reminds the reader of some of the shortcomings of relying on money more than the Lord: “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; 7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:” Psalm 49:6-7 All the money in the world cannot buy salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9) and the promise of Heaven. We often assume that everyone knows this, but they do not. Money is the little “god” that so many worships, cherish, and on which they rely. In the past, many have given fortunes and energy to build architecturally magnificent cathedrals or other “religious” endeavors. Their thinking was if they had built such an edifice or done many good works that God would be impressed and let them into Heaven. However, all the money given and good deeds committed cannot redeem one’s soul. Wealth cannot purchase one’s soul from the penalty for the sins they have committed. Salvation cannot be earned. The only

Daily Nugget: “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” Psalm 48:14 This Psalm also speaks of the millennial reign and the victory of the Messiah during that time. However, verse 14 applies throughout all time, including today. That declaration is that God has been and will be one’s guide no matter the generation, trials, and throughout our lifetime. That realization and comfort have gotten many of God’s followers through their life. Be it health, life-changing decisions, survival, financial, and all other situations in life; God will never “leave thee nor forsake” His own. He will be one’s guide through life no matter what is faced if He is allowed. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Heb. 13:5 I lived 28 years without seeking or following godly leadership. Most of my regrets today have been because of the wrong choi

Daily Nugget: “Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. 7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.” Psalm 47:6-7 Much of the world is regrettably developing a disdain for Christianity. Looking at Christians the way the unsaved may see them, they may have a reason to believe as they do. The lost see a people who tout the name of ones being Christ-like, but they see little difference between them and the supposedly “godly” people. They hear Christ followers ridicule their church leaders, catch them complaining, question and doubt God’s Word and the principles it teaches, and they see believers live a life that is much like their own. The unsaved world sees poor Christian examples. Dishonesty and perversion of church leaders are in media headlines. The lost often see the children of God begging money and sometimes doing dishonest things to get it. They hear of the sin the “godly” commit and observe the disunity

Daily Nugget: As with many Psalms, there is a prophetic message in this verse. In this Psalm, there is also comfort and surety for today’s Christians. One of the emotions that will be experienced during the Tribulation, Christ’s reign, and certainly today is fear. Most experience fears throughout their lifetime, be it fear of being overcome by adversaries, health issues, family problems, financial strains, standing up for what is right, and a myriad of other traumas. Fear can alter successfulness, allow us to make wrong choices, cripple our dreams, and handicap our thinking. This debilitating emotion is often the root of panic, apprehension, anxiety, phobias, worry, and even nightmares. However, concern about most problems is not necessary if we draw close to God, obey, and trust Him. Psalm 46:1 reminds the believer that God is a safe place to hide (“refuge”). When obedient and guided by Him, He gives us strength and will be our help in time of trouble. “... God is our refuge

Daily Nugget: Psalm 45 is a messianic psalm describing what will happen when Christ returns the second time. When Jesus rules and reigns from an earthly throne, His guiding principles will be like those of no other leader on Earth. Jesus’ ruling will make truth, meekness, and righteousness of top priority. No other leader or government has had such a principled reign as will the returning Christ. (vs. 4). “And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.” Psalm 45:4 There have been very few leaders that have been godly and rule according to God’s commandments. Most have led with the interests of others, what was popular, or by their philosophies and even their personal gain as a motivating force while in power. However, when Christ returns and rules from Jerusalem for 1,000 years, His leadership will be different. The truth will be of utmost importance. Much of those truths will be based