This program of daily devotions is designed to take you through the Bible in three years. It is our desire to help you gain a better general understanding of God's Word.
Please understand that in a study this brief, we will be concerned with only the major emphases and context of the Scriptures.
Each day a devotion for one or two chapters is posted, beginning with chapter one of Genesis and going through chapter twenty-two of Revelation. You are free to print each page as it appears. If you miss a day, you may contact us and request that devotion. Please send your request, along with $.50 (p&handling) for each page to:
Bruce McGee,Pastor
205 Adams
Columbia, LA 71418
HERE
Bro. Bruce's commentaries for the books of
Genesis through 2Kings are
now available in hard copy for $7.50. Just
mail your request for COMMENTARY ON (BOOK NAME) to the address above.
PSALM
CHAPTER 19
1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
This song is a testimony to the glory of God. First, David praises God for the revelation of Himself in His creative work.
God is the Master Creator. All this universe is a testament to His handiwork. What glorious beauty is displayed!
Each dawn brings the "speech" of God's purposeful creation as the earth revolves and the sun appears to "come up" and dispel the darkness. And each night expresses His wisdom as the stars of this massive universe display their beauty.
A person doesn't even have to have a "language" (verse 3) to see God's glory!
When the sun appears in the morning it is as if a bridegroom were coming out of his house and heading to the wedding. His face is bright with excitement and anticipation.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Second, David praises God for His WORD.
God's Word is "perfect" - always true. God's Word alone has power to bring a man to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. And God's Word will make even the "simple" man learned.
God's laws and commandments are moral truths that will bring joy if mankind would abide by them. His laws and commandments also make us realize what a depraved creature man is because of selfish use of his own free will.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Third, there is the testimony of reverence for God. The word "fear" in verse 9 means "reverential awe." It is by reverential awe that we obey parents and magistrates.
To obey the commandments of God is to demonstrate our reverence for God. Through obedience we show that God's Word is sweeter to us than all the money and power or other things in the world.
The truly obedient servant of God is "warned" to stay away from sin by the Lord's Word.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
The majesty, power and glory of God having been testified, David turns to realization of our own finiteness. We are unable in and of ourselves to understand our own sin. Without God's Word to guide us, we'd not be able to know purity.
Then a plea is offered in this song. The plea is that God, by His Word and Spirit, will guide His servant and keep him from sinfulness.
Also, the plea continues with a request that both the words and thoughts of the servant of God would be acceptable to God. This plea is in the form of a prayer of commitment. David's desire is that what he says and thinks will be right in God's sight.
It is right to prayerfully commit to God personally all our words and thoughts. Taking such action will present us "acceptable" in His sight, and in the sight of all men.
CHAPTER 20
1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.
This song was obviously written by David as a prayer for the people to sing to God. The word "thee" in this song refers to David as the king. If used today, it could refer to any government official, especially kings and presidents.
We are told by Paul that we should pray for those in authority in our world.
The prayer includes requests that God hear David's prayers (verse 1), and defend Him in battle.
The prayer includes a request that God send help both from heaven and from the people (verse 2).
The prayer includes a request that God accept David and therefore attend to his needs (verse 3).
The prayer includes a request that God give David wisdom and discretion (verse 4).
The prayer also includes a commitment from the people to praise God and to fight with David when necessary (verse 5).
6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
9 Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.
The prayer also includes acknowledgement that God is the Saviour and He is the One Who saves the king (verse 6).
Friends, if God does not KEEP those in authority, authority will be corrupt!
It is not the power to war and fight that saves people. David acknowledged that and he wanted his people to acknowledge it too. It is GOD Who protects and keeps us! (verses 7-8)
Finally there is a commitment to the REAL KING!! The words "Save, LORD" are recognition that salvation comes only from Jehovah God. It is HE Who came in the Person of Jesus Christ to die for our sins and offer us eternal forgiveness and salvation. It was God Himself Who declared this through Isaiah the prophet: Please continue in Bible Study with us.
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." (1Timothy 2:1-2)
David sincerely desired the prayers of the people for him in his duties as king. All those in authority should desire God's people to be praying for them and their work.
"I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour." (Isaiah 43:11)
Yes! May KING JESUS hear us when we call!