Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

Daily Nugget: Asaph, a musician, experienced what many God-fearing and God-obeying people have. He saw the ungodly against, sometimes violently, the things of God. They were vehement against their Creator and anything that reminded them of Him. The musician reported that the ungodly: Had done wicked things in the “sanctuary” where God was worshipped (vs. 3). Complained (“roar”) about the worship and worshippers of God (vs. 4). Mark the place of worshipping God as their own with signs, symbols, and banners (vs. 4, 9) of whom or what they respect or worship. Were gaining fame for their destruction and vandalism of the things of God (vss. 5-8). Purposed in their hearts to destroy memories and reminders of God (vs. 8). After seeing what the ungodly were doing to the places and people of God, Asaph questioned why God was allowing such atrocities against Him and the people called by His name (vss. 1, 10-11). The musician knew God was capable of stopping the enemies of God, as H

Daily Nugget: Asaph, a musician, looked around him and saw how God had blessed, protected, and led his country, Israel (vs. 1). In his own life, however, he had many struggles (vs. 2). As he thought more about his difficulties, he recognized something that we all recognize and can be discouraged by. It appeared to Him that the ungodly were getting away with their sin and disobedient-to-God lifestyle. Asaph was jealous (vs.3) of what the worldly crowd had and was doing. He saw that: They were foolishly doing what he dared not do (vs. 3). They seemed to be prosperous (vss. 3, 12), They seemed to die peacefully without pain or weakness (vs. 4). They seem to not be in as much trouble as others, and it seems their conscience does not bother them much as it does a child of God (vs. 5). They are proud and often violent (vs. 6). They seem to have all the niceties of life (vs. 7). They are corrupt, speak wickedly about hurting others, and are boastful (vs. 8). Their speech is o

Daily Nugget: Although commentators vary widely in whom they believe wrote Psalm 72 and for whom it is about, those answers are very clear after reading the chapter. The title indicates the prayer was for King Solomon by his father, King David (Psalm 72:20). “A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.” Psalm 72:1 It is read in verses 1-7 that King Solomon’s reign would be one with godly judgment and righteousness. For much of his rule, Solomon was known for his fair judgment and great wisdom. That prayer was answered. “And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.” I King 5:7 There is another person that Psalm 72 describes. It describes the future ruler of a 1,000-year reign on Earth. Christ will return and be that millennial leader. Jesus will not be like so many politician

Daily Nugget: Although the writer of this Psalm is not mentioned, it most likely is David as the speech is very similar to how he has written in the past. Whoever the writer is, he had one advantage that most do not have. From his youth, he had trusted God (Psalm 71:5, 17). “For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.” Psalm71:5 Most likely, his start in trusting the Lord should be credited to his parents. Psalm 71:6 indicates he was prayed for even before he was born. Such training and godly influence at a young age surely contributed to his faithfulness and loyalty to the Lord. He was a person in the womb, not a lifeless “fetus” as abortionists have convinced themselves, and received love and concern before his birth. The prayers and guidance of his loved ones helped mold his future. “By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.” Psalm 71:6 Godly influences

Daily Nugget: Except for a few word changes, Psalm 70 is similar to Psalm 40:13-17. God certainly realizes our conditions and situations and must know that we need to hear this hymn of remembrance more than once. We are reminded in this Psalm that we all find ourselves in situations where we are in a hurry for God’s help (Psalm70:1, 5). We are also not alone in wanting God to swiftly deal with those that are against us (vs. 2-3). When God does graciously deliver us from a bad predicament, we should want others to know about His intervention and deliverance in the situation. He should “be magnified” for what He has done. The world would certainly know God is alive and still working in lives if those that prayed for and received His help would let others know of His intervention. When He gets the glory He deserves, more would know that He is an answer when some believe there is no hope for the situation in which they find themselves. Magnify God’s name today by letting others kn

Daily Nugget: Much has been said about this Psalm. Some point out it foretold the life of Christ. Another characterizes it as a Psalm of reprisal. Psalm 69 may be all that and more, but there is mention of what God knows about each of us that should keep us humble and obedient to His will and way. Those revelations include: Our foolishness (vs. 5). God knows about the many unwise things we do. Often He will help straighten out the messes we made by our poor decisions. Our sins (vs. 5). What we have done, even when we thought no one would ever know, is known by God. Iniquities that we have forgotten about are remembered by Him. Gulp! Thankfully, He will forgive all if we ask and are sincere. If we are not earnest, He knows that also because even our thoughts and intents are clear to Him. Our reproach (vs. 19). God knows how others view us, especially how one is looked down upon because of his godly testimony. Our shame (vs. 19). God knows about our embarrassment over the sin

Daily Nugget: Psalm 68 is a song about the power, accomplishments, and majesty of the Almighty. It reminds the reader that: He is a mighty God to His people. He defends His people from their enemies (vss. 1-2) and deals with those opposing them. Under God’s help and guidance, His people have much for which to be joyous (vss. 3-4). God has compassion for the fatherless, widows, families, and prisoners (vss. 5-6). He is a delivering God , as when He directed and came to the aid of Israel (vss. 7-18). He is the Savior. He is the giver of benefits (vs. 19). He is our deliverer (vss. 20, 22). He is our protector (vss. 21, 23). He is the King (vss. 24-35) to which one day all, even royalty, will bow. There is so much God has done for each person, yet so few bless His name for His help and accomplishments. Israel did and sang many songs about what their great God had done. We also should have an appreciative, grateful heart for His goodness. Today’s Thought: There is

Daily Nugget: “Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. 6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.” Psalm 67:5-6 As J. Vernon McGee’s commentary of this Psalm chapter (Thru the Bible) reminds the reader, there is one purpose that all Christians should intend to accomplish and promote. Getting the world to read their Bible is important and life-changing, but it should not be the primary objective. Leading souls to a saving knowledge of Christ is a challenge that all should be engaged to do. Getting folks to obey God’s commandments should also be at the forefront of our priorities. However, all those things are not what God wants most of all. God wants all to praise Him for who He is, for what He is, and for what He has done and will do. The entire book of Psalms is about giving God the honor and praise He deserves. In that preserved, Hebrew songbook, “praise” is found in 132 verses. “Praises” is used in 19 verses.

Daily Nugget: Too many Christians are not the examples they need to be. They go through life unhappy, complaining, and defeated. The world sees this and sees little difference between Christ-believers and those that do not claim to be His disciples. Believers are on the winning side. We may have difficulties and trials as do the lost, but we have hope. We should be grateful and show it with a joyful spirit and be living evidence for a wonderful and working-in-lives God. It should be our goal to have the world see our grateful testimony of God’s goodness in our life. Even if we do not have a good singing voice, it will give God the glory and more attention to Him if on-lookers heard us sing or hum hymns as we go about our day (Psalm 66:1-2). They need to know our minds are on Christ every day, not just on Sunday. They would have a better opinion of Christians if they overheard us giving praise for something God has done in our life. Those around us need to see and know that we

Daily Nugget: This Psalm reminds the reader of many things for which he should be grateful. God should be continually praised for: His help: For answered prayer (vs. 2). For helping us overcome and avoid our sins (vs. 3). For using and accepting us for His glory (vs. 4). Who are we that the Holy God would choose to use us for His purpose if we allow Him? His mightiness: For helping us, no matter where we are (vs. 5). For keeping this world stabilized (vs. 6 ). The world is falsely panicking about the world falling apart. Because they do not know God and trust Him, they do not see how he has everything under control. For controlling the seas (vs. 7). Again this verse contradicts the world’s thinking that God cannot maintain His creation, and somehow they have to control it. His creation: For keeping the Earth stable (vs. 8). The sun rises every morning and sets in the evening. It will always do that until God creates a new Earth (Rev. 21:1). The fear the ungodly

Daily Nugget: “Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: 3 Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:” Psalm 64:2-3 One of the most dangerous weapons David feared, as do people today, is the damage done by the tongue. The majority of problems all have faced usually start as words intended to plant doubt, suggestions of wrong-doing, and divisiveness. “These six things doth the LORD hate: … 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-18 Most that are disenchanted are cowards allowing their tongue to do what they do not have the courage to do face to face. They rarely go to the one they have a problem with directly and try to solve the situation. Instead, they pour their poison in private, where their enemies cannot hear the gossip and defend themselves. The sin of gossip, backbiting, and planting seeds of discord have

Daily Nugget: “A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;” Psalm 63:1 As in previous chapters in the Psalms, we learn of an attitude, priority, and practice all believers should adopt in their life. That spiritual habit should be to start one’s day with God on his mind and seeking His will and way — “… early will I seek thee ….” We also notice that David ended his day meditating on the things of God. All through his day, he engulfed his thinking in the principles taught in the Word of God and what the Spirit of God was teaching and had taught him — from morning to night. It is more difficult to fall spiritually when one’s mind is constantly on God and His Word. “When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.” Psalm 63:6 David understood this sin-soaked world has little to satisfy a spiri

Daily Nugget: “To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.” Psalm 62:1 Also: Psalm 62:5. One of the most common weaknesses, found in Christians also, is impatience. Many want what they desire now, and often wonder why God is taking so long to answer their requests. “Why it’s already been 24 hours, and God still has not answered my need.” God is then written off as a “no show,” and the impatient one attempts to solve the problem himself. Usually, the impatient do-it-your-selfers fail to solve the situation and often regret their decision and solution. Sometimes their seizing the predicament just prolongs and worsens the situation they were facing. David learned early that he must wait on God. God hears the prayers of His people. With the confidence he had in God, it was just a matter of time before God intervened in the situation, so David just awaited for God’s help to arrive. His Father in Heaven was the

Daily Nugget: “To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.” Psalm 61:1 David reveals an important ingredient that should be in more prayers — a cry. A “cry” is a desperate utterance, often accompanied by heartfelt tears. Unfortunately, prayers are not the sincere pleas in times of distress they should be. For many, their prayers are more like a list a child hopes Santa Claus will fulfill. Their “prayer” usually goes something like: “Gimmee this and gimme that. Oh, yea. Bless Mommy, Daddy, Uncle Frank, and keep the bullies away. Oh Lord, could you give me an ‘A’ in Arithmetic.” Sadly, “lists” are the most popular form of talking to God. Occasionally, one will open a prayer book and recite what someone else has written and labeled to be prayed in the situation one finds himself. Prayer is us communicating with a Holy God. He owes us nothing, and we owe Him everything. It is an honor and privilege that we are even permitted to

Daily Nugget: Psalm 60 referred to the historical event when David got the victory over the Edomites. However, as do most of the Psalms, there is something that one can relate to in their own lives today. There are times some have the feeling David had when he knew He was not in fellowship with the Lord. He sensed something was different between him and His relationship with the Lord. David knew he and Israel had displeased God, and he desired His heavenly Father’s help, guidance, and fellowship again. “… O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.” Psalm 60:1 We are joyous over the times we know God is close, and we see His hand in our lives every day. We pray, and we see His answers. Miraculously we see his blessings in our lives. They are wonderful days, but something happens. Those feelings disappear. For some those God-filled days are only a dim memory. Frantically, we search our lives. We know God would ne