Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

  Daily Nugget: “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. 5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works….” Psalm 145:4-7 One reason the Word of God was preserved is mentioned in Psalm 145:4. It was kept intact so that future generations would know what God had done. His great works were recorded so they could be shared. God wants all to know what He has done for His people. That is why the genealogies have peppered the pages of the Bible. God wants us to understand who our ancestors were and what they did, so we would not repeat any of the sins and mistakes they have made. God also wants us aware of our godly forefathers and how He blessed them.  God wants future generations to know the promises and covenants He has made with His peop le. “And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy s...

  Daily Nugget: “My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.” Psalm 144:2  Also: Psalm 18:2, II Sam. 2:23. An obedient, walking-with-the-Lord Christian has little to fear. Psalm 144:2 points out seven bits of help upon which God can be relied. They applied to David and his people, and they are also available to today’s believers. The provisions of the Lord include: He is good. We do not deserve the blessings God dumps on his faithful followers, but because of His merciful love, He bestows so much on us. We would not have anything if it were not for His generosity! He is our fortress. Like biblical fortresses, God is a protector of all within His family — the family of God. No one can get through God’s mighty fortification unless, for His reasons, He allows them. He is our high tower. Many fortresses had at least one tall building in them. One could see far-...

  Daily Nugget: “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:10 In this Hebrew hymn, David pleaded for God’s help. He asked God for something wise to request and will always keep one from having regrets. The leader asked God to teach and show him His will. If we know God’s desire and follow it, we will always be where and what God wants us to be and will accomplish what He has planned for us. Unfortunately, our fleshly desires are often followed rather than God’s way. Because of that, we can find ourselves in a harmful situation or in the wrong direction. Most of our mistakes in life are because we did what we wanted and did not seek God’s guidance in our decision-making. God’s leadership is never wrong. Knowing God’s will can be found: In His Word. In the Bible, He has carefully preserved examples of others facing similar challenges we may have to face. We can learn from others’ example...

  Daily Nugget: David often found himself in trouble. In Psalm 142, he wrote recalling the time he had to hide in a cave. Perhaps it was the cave he and others hid in that we read of in I Sam. 22:2. Most can also relate to how he felt. All will, or will sometime, feel the same as did David. Things were not looking up for him. His problems were overwhelming and seemed too much for him to bear. However, whatever place or trial we face, we have someone we can turn to and to whom we can tell all our problems, as did David. That great Listener is the holy God in Heaven. We can unload our tribulations to the listening ears of a friend, but rarely will the person be able to solve the problem. Talking to God is different. He will listen and can do something about the situation. Not only can we talk to God and have the situation handled the way God knows best, but we can tell Him all the details. Much of the time, when we tell others our troubles, there are som...

  Daily Nugget: David was a man of prayer. The prayer warrior had some important advice for others who also wanted their prayers to be heeded by the Holy God. Like the burnt offerings and incense burned in the Tabernacle, David wanted his prayers to be a sweet savor (Gen. 8:20-21, Ex. 29:18, 40:25-28, Lev. 3:5) unto the Lord who heard them (Psalm 141:1-2). To have his prayers pleasant and heard of Him, David knew he had to be obedient to God’s commandments. He purposed to keep himself as holy as he could. David asked God to help him with the words that came out of his mouth (Psalm 141:3). We, too, must keep our promises, make our language glorifying to God, and never utter words that we will one day regret. David asked that God help him keep from wickedness (Psalm 141:4a). David asked that he would not let the wickedness of the ungodly be duplicated in his life (Psalm 141:4b). David purposed to heed the advice and rebukes of godly people (Psalm 141:5). David asked God to help ...

  Daily Nugget: David faced an enemy that was not like most. Common decency and sense were nowhere to be found in the villain. This wrongdoer was also void of usual moral and social standards. There was little he would not stoop to, to get his way. The king recognized this danger to him and society as an “evil man.” Although there have always been menaces to normality and morality, today’s society also sees evilness. With decades of efforts to remove God’s commandments from conventional thinking, controlling powers have succeeded. Because of past plans, plots, and schemes, we now have a majority that does not know right from wrong. Although not all social engineers were in politics, some preyed on the innocent in school systems. The media is careful of the “news” they disseminate. Ungodly intentions have brainwashed millions of their “students.”  We see evilness today in: Entertainment.  People watch movies, video games, and television that capitalize on cr...

  Daily Nugget: J. Vernon McGee points out that Psalm 139 shows three characteristics of God. It reveals His omniscience (God knows all), His omnipresence (God is everywhere, always), and His omnipotence (God is all-powerful). We can also see this about our God as we read the chapter. There is nothing God does not know about us (Psalm 139:1-7). “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.” Psalm 139:1 He knows your intentions (Psalm 139:1), when you get up and lay down (vs. 2), your thoughts (vs. 2), where you are going (vs. 3), how you do things (vs. 3), what you have said (vs. 4), and what has troubled you (vs. 5). There is no place one can go to escape the presence of God (Psalm 139:7-17). “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” Psalm 139:7 He is in Heaven (vs. 8), near the grave, or world of the dead (“Hell” — vs. 8), near you, when you are in bed clothing (vs. 9 —“wings of the morning”), far awa...

  Daily Nugget: "A Psalm of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.” Psalm 138:1 There is an unusual phrase in the first verse of Psalm 138. The wording is “… before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.” There is only one God. It is our Creator, our Saviour, and our Deliverer. There are no other “gods,” so whom is David referring to here? All Christians are surrounded by those who put faith in false gods. It is many of 33 million “gods” and “goddesses” of Hinduism for some. Others have made the unbiblical teachings of cults, some even claiming to be Christian, their “gods” they follow and obey. Many claim not to trust in any “god,” but they rely on things, including money, to be what they put in high esteem. We are encompassed by false beliefs everywhere we are. David realized this. Knowing he was outnumbered by heathens and unable to talk to most about the Lord, the King made his beliefs publ...

  Daily Nugget: Psalm 137 is a sad hymn that Israel sang.   The time referred to in this song was when God’s people had been captured (Psalm 137:1-3) by the Babylonians and taken to a foreign land. There, they found themselves slaves to their captives.  Their freedom was lost all because of their sin (Lamentations 1:8). They found themselves surrounded by godless people, and all Israel could remember was what it was like in Jerusalem.  Their beloved Temple and Jerusalem were destroyed. Israel pined for their freedom and their country.  They remembered how it was before captivity left them grief-stricken. They and their Jerusalem were known for joyous singing and happiness in the past. In their bondage, they could not (Psalm 137:4) utter a note when they were requested to sing.  Their hearts were broken, and their spirits were crushed. Too many today find themselves with a similar sadness.  They remember the joy and good times they had before they ...

  Daily Nugget: Psalm 136 is a hymn giving God credit for much of what He has done. It is always good to remember what He has done for us. Our God is generous with His forgiveness and mercy, which none deserve. In this song, the singer is reminded that God is good to all (Psalm 136:2), not just those who obey and reverence Him (Psalm 136:3). In this piece of music, He is also accredited for: His creation (Psalm 136:5-9). His deliverance of Israel (Psalm 136:10-20). His blessings on His people (Psalm 136:21-22). Although the hymn reminds one of what God has done, the repeating words “mercy” and “endureth for ever” are in all 26 verses. This repetition points out that God’s goodness was not just for the past. His undeserved kindness will extend to believers and followers forever.  God is not done helping those that certainly do not deserve His loving gifts. His mercy is never-ending. We can and are receiving it today.  Can you imagine what would happen to sinners ...

Daily Nugget: Much of Psalms reminds believers to be thankful for a mighty God and all He has done for His people. This Psalm is no different. Psalm 135 starts with “Praise ye the Lord,” and it ends with the same reminder. Old Testament and New Testament believers should have one grateful emotion in common. We both have so much to be thankful. There are so many reasons we should praise the Lord.  Some of which we should appreciate the Lord include: For His controlling of the weather (Psalm 135:7). For God’s deliverance of Egpyt’s bondage of Israel (Psalm 135:8). Today’s believers also need to be thankful for safety in this life and liberation from sin. For the miracles God allowed to happen in lives (Psalm 135:9). For deliverance from enemies (Psalm 135:10-11). For the land, God gave Israel (Psalm 135:12)! We also need to be grateful for the freedoms and opportunities we still have. For his enduring faithfulness to His people (Psalm 135:13). For His ...

  Daily Nugget: “A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 One of the hardest things in life is to get along with others. We are all different, and we will have our own opinions. Also, disagreements and disapproval of what others do may cause strife. However, if one is a Christian, we should get along with others, especially other believers. After one is born-again into the family of God, one has an obligation and is commanded to be on friendly terms with fellow Christians. There is much in God’s Word about getting along with other Christians. Here is some of what the Bible teaches about having relationships with other believers: We are commanded not only to get along with other Christians, but to love them. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34 “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, a...

  Daily Nugget: Psalm 132 was possibly sung after the pilgrims arrived at the Temple. Israel was reminded of King David's overwhelming desire (II Samuel 7) to build a permanent place to worship the Lord. The leader took worshiping the Lord seriously. One should not desire to build a Temple today as did the king, but the seriousness in wanting to do one’s best for the Lord should still stir Christians today. We may not always get our desires, as David experienced when his son, Solomon, got the honor of building the place of worship. Still, we should long to do mighty things for the Lord. Today, too many can barely muster the desire to be faithful to church and Bible reading. Few surrender life’s comforts to advance the cause of Christ. Rarer are those that will give their all so that others can be saved and experience the goodness of God.  This world needs more that have prioritized the things of God in their lives so that others are reached. Obeying God’s will a...

  Daily Nugget: King David, in Psalm 131, describes what made him so different from other leaders and many citizens. Although David had wealth and power, he was a humble man. He did what so many today need to do. The leader was subservient to God’s will and way. He obeyed and followed His Lord, as a small child would mind his parent (Psalm 131:2) — faithfully and trustingly. “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4 Unfortunately, when most do well financially and position-wise, they allow their success to go to their heads. Too many believe they are more than they are. We are all sinners. None of us deserves what we may have and experience in this life. It was only by God’s grace and mercy that David was blessed with all he had. It is also by the same grace that we have accomplished anything. We are no different than David. Despite education, wealth, experience, or...

  Daily Nugget: Psalm 130 reveals several points that will help the child of God receive more answers to their prayers. They include: “… I cried unto thee….” Psalm 130:1 A “cry” is an earnest plea. This type of prayer comes from a heart that knows there is no other way to receive what is desired except through God, to whom the request is directed. “ … be attentive to the voice of my supplications.” Psalm 130:2 A humble, earnest request shows God a reliant, dependent heart, trusting in His intervention and help. Realizing that God owes us nothing. All are sinners, but God is forgiving (Psalm 130:3-4), and He will still intervene if it is His desire. Wait patiently for God’s answers to prayer. When God intervenes in our situation, it will be the way He deems is best, and when it is the right time (Psalm 130:5-6). Listing needs and desires like reading a shopping list often does not get God’s attention to meet one’s requests. God knows the heart of the petitioner a...

  Daily Nugget: “A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.” Psalm 128:1 Psalm 128 is an excellent chapter for all, including the unsaved, to take to heart. It can guide and change influences in lives.  Verse one states that “every one” that respects and honors (“feareth”) the Lord will have a more pleasant experience. Lives would be different if people followed God’s leadership. Of course, all must be saved (Romans 10:9) to dwell in Heaven and one day on the New Earth (Revelation 21:1-4), but lives would have more positives than most experience if God were allowed to guide them. There is a blessing for all in following God’s laws and desires. If people realized that following what God commands is in their best interest, their grief in this life would be lessened. There would be fewer divorces and destroyed families if couples would reserve sex and family building to marriage only. Fewer, if not any, babies would be ...

  Daily Nugget: At first reading, Psalm 127 seems to be about two separate subjects. However, since it is all one unit and no paragraph separations (¶) are included, which usually is seen when ideas in a chapter change, all that is read must be one teaching. Other commentators’ insights did not help me understand the connections of what seem to be two different pieces of wisdom, either. The writers I read often contradicted each other’s ideas and seem to have a mishmash of theories on what this chapter teaches. One writer (J. Vernon McGee) stated that it was for a different Solomon than David’s son, without how he came to his conclusion. The more I studied, the more I was confused. Although it appears to be scattered thoughts, I believe Psalm 127 is one idea. The first two verses tell of three things that are a waste of time (“vain”) without God’s help and approval.  Except God is the foremost authority, director, and guidance in building a “house,” it will not last....

Daily Nugget: The children of Israel were excited to return to Jerusalem (Psalm126:1). Instead of misery and what seemed to be endless waiting, their prayers were answered, and they were joyous (Psalm 126:2). They were back in the land where they longed to be because of God’s intervention (Psalm 126:3-4). All the happiness they experienced did not come overnight. There were years and countless prayers offered to God to receive for which they longed. Many tears and broken, sincere hearts bombarded the throne room of God for what they were now enjoying. In God’s timing, they reaped from the prayers, patience, and trust they put in Him. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5-6 Life can be rough, and I cannot imagine getting through the speed bumps and ruts that happen along the way without God’s help and protection....

  Daily Nugget: “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.” Psalm 125:2 As the pilgrims journeyed to Jerusalem, they sang many hymns. Psalm 125 was sung as a reminder that wherever His people were, they were surrounded by God’s protective hand — forever. Today’s Christians can also have the same comfort and security. Wherever the believer goes, God is nearby. In theology, this doctrine is recognized as “omnipresence.” This teaching is that God is everywhere at the same time. Although God’s omnipresence is taught in the Old Testament, verses in the New Testament show how the ability of God still applies to today’s believers. We read that: God promised never to leave His own. To always be with believers, God must be where we are, and we are at different places all over the globe. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I...