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....