Psalms 36:1-12

GOD’S UNFAILING LOVE

Keywords 36:9

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

 

1. Concerning the wicked (1-4)

What is God’s message concerning the sinfulness of the wicked? They do not fear God as God. They live to be great in their own eyes. They do not hate sin. Their words and deeds are wicked. The sinful man sets a course based on what is expedient for him, often at the expense of the godly. They live without God. David prayed for God’s protection from such godless and wicked people (11).

 

2. How priceless is God’s unfailing love! (5-12)

In contrast to the wicked are those who see the immeasurable love of God. It is expressed in his faithfulness to those who come to him, and it is made known in his righteousness. The love of God never fails. He is the source of life and light to all who take refuge in him. He loves us by making his life and his light known to us. We pray for his love and righteousness to sustain us in a sinful world.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for making yourself known to me. Help me to continue to live in your unfailing love each day.

One Word Live in God’s light

Psalms 35:1-28

CONTEND FOR ME, MY GOD AND LORD

 Keywords 35:23

Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord.

 

1. Arise and come to my aid (1-10)

David prayed this prayer as God’s anointed king. Attacks against him were more than personal. They were attacks against God’s people and even the name of God itself. David prayed for God to contend with these enemies and fight against them. He wanted God to be his salvation. These enemies sought to trap David and bring about his ruin for no reason at all. So, he prayed that they would be snared in their own traps and brought to their own ruin. Then, David would rejoice in God’s deliverance and salvation. Only God could rescue the poor and the needy like this.

 

2. Contend for me (11-28)

David’s enemies were ruthless, pressing him with accusations he knew nothing about. He had been kind to them and even mourned and prayed for them when they were sick. However, when David needed help, they behaved like a pack of wolves. He longed to be freed from their gloating, malicious talk, and sneering. David’s answer was to simply turn to the LORD and pray, “Contend for me, my God and LORD.” His allies would witness God’s intervention and David would sing his praises.

 

Prayer Father, let your righteousness prevail.

One Word The LORD will vindicate his people

Psalms 34:1-22

THE LORD DELIVERS THOSE WHO FEAR HIM

Keywords 34:4

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

 

1. Taste and see that the LORD is good (1-10)

Can you feel David’s exuberance in this psalm? He was determined that God’s praise would always be on his lips and he wanted others to join with him in worshipping God as well. The reason for his joy was simple. When he was taken captive in a Philistine city, David cried out to the LORD in his time of need. The LORD heard his cry and delivered him from all his enemies. The joy David experienced is available to everyone who fears the LORD. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and they are delivered. David invites us to experience this for ourselves. Put your trust in the LORD. Taste and see that he is good!

 

2. The LORD delivers the righteous (11-22)

What does it mean to fear the LORD? David says we are to keep our tongues from evil and our lips from lying. Even more, we are to turn from evil and do good. Doing so honors and glorifies God. The righteous enjoy God’s full protection. He hears their prayers, and—even though they may have many troubles—he delivers his people from them all. The brokenhearted can take comfort in the knowledge that God is near, and he will save them.

 

Prayer Father, we commit ourselves to you.

One Word The LORD will rescue his servants

Psalms 33:1-22

SING JOYFULLY TO THE LORD!

Keywords 33:1

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

 

1. Reasons to sing (1-19)

In the previous psalm, David declared the blessedness of those who have received God’s forgiveness. What is our response to this? We worship and praise the LORD! We sing songs to him and make music for him. There are so many reasons to praise the LORD. His powerful, life giving word is right and true. He is faithful to his word and fulfills all his promises. He is righteous, just, and his will always prevails. He has a deep, intimate knowledge of each one of us, and he watches over our lives. He understands our needs, and he delivers those who fear him and put their hope in his love. You can see why we need new songs for him. There are always more and more reasons to praise his name!

 

2. We trust his holy name (20-22)

Worship has a wonderful effect on our faith. As we worship God joyfully with all our hearts, our faith grows deeper and deeper. We trust him and desire his unfailing love even more. After such worship, his people declared in one voice that they would wait in hope for the LORD, trusting him to be their help and their shield.

 

Prayer Father, we praise your wonderful name.

One Word Sing to the LORD!

Psalms 32:1-11

THE BLESSING OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS

Keywords 32:1

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

 

1. David experiences God’s forgiveness (1-7)

The blessed person is the one who has received God’s mercy and forgiveness. The burden of their sin has been lifted and it is no longer counted against them. Such people are honest about their sin with both God and themselves. They no longer try to hide their sin or ignore it. To do so would be to deceive themselves. When David was silent about his sin, he felt crushed under the weight of his guilt and shame. However, when he confessed his sin, God was faithful to forgive him. David’s advice to everyone is to seek God while he can be found. Those who trust in God are hidden in him and receive protection and deliverance.

 

2. Listen to God’s counsel (8-11)

It is far better to listen to God’s counsel and obey his word than to have to be disciplined all the time like a horse or a stubborn mule. God doesn’t want us to be that way. Instead, he wants to teach us the right way to live in his sight. Those who trust him like this will be surrounded by his wonderful, unfailing love. David went from the depths of despair to the heights of joy. This happens when we confess our sins and trust in the LORD.

 

Prayer Father, we rejoice in your goodness.

One Word God forgave the guilt of my sin

Psalms 31:1-24

BE STRONG AND TAKE HEART IN THE LORD

Keywords 31:24

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

 

1. The LORD is our refuge (1-9)

The LORD was David’s rock, fortress, and refuge. Because of that, David put his trust in God. He trusted God’s faithfulness with his very soul, saying “Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.” The LORD is the only one we can trust in this way. He sees our need, knows our anguish, protects us from our enemies, and sets us free. Even in desperate times, we can trust him and rejoice in his love as David did.

 

2. “You are my God” (10-24)

David was surrounded on all sides by enemies who whispered and conspired against him. His distress was so great that his body and soul were consumed with sorrow, and he felt like dying. Yet, his faith and resolve were solid. “But I trust in you, LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’” David knew that God was much bigger than his circumstances and that the goodness of God would prevail. God has an abundance of good things stored up for his people. He hides us in his presence and shields us from our enemies. Is your hope in him? Then be strong and take heart. He is our God!

 

Prayer Father, have mercy on us and deliver us.

One Word Deliver me, LORD, my faithful God

Psalms 30:1-12

PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS MERCY

Keywords 30:1

I will exalt you, O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

 

1. David praises the LORD (1-5)

With a renewed spirit, David declares, “I will exalt you, LORD…” David had cried out to the LORD for help, and the LORD rescued him from the depths of despair and death, like a bucket being drawn up from a deep well. Everyone in Christ shares in David’s exuberance. All of us were dead in our transgressions and sins but have now been made alive in Christ. Over the course of six hours on the cross, Jesus bore the wrath of God for the sins of the world. But then, on the third day, he rose from the grave, and there was great rejoicing. Because of this, we have a great hope in eternal life. All our sorrows and sufferings will pass, and rejoicing will come in the morning when we are with him forever.

 

2. God answers David’s cry for mercy (6-12)

David realized his sin and his desperate need for God’s mercy, so he went on to do what every one of us should do when we have sinned. He turned to the LORD and prayed for mercy. God is faithful to answer such prayers. He forgives our sin and transforms our sorrow into joy. What an amazing God we have. Praise his name forever!

 

Prayer Father, thank you for your great mercy.

One Word You lifted me out of the depths

Psalms 29: 1-11

THE LORD IS ENTHRONED AS KING 

Keywords 29:10

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.

 

1. The voice of the LORD is powerful (1-9)

David compares the power of God’s voice to a big storm. David says, “The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.” His voice thunders over the raging waters, snaps great trees like little twigs, and even shakes the mountains. The Israelites often worshipped idols and pagan gods, but even these “heavenly beings” must bow before our God.

2. The LORD gives strength to his people (10-11)

Our powerful God is King over all creation. He reigned over the flood in Noah’s day, sending the rain and determining its extent. Everything is under his control, now and forever! His enemies tremble because they will never escape the storm of his fierce wrath. God’s people, on the other hand, can rejoice in gladness. His strength protects them and lifts them up. It is the source of their peace.

 

Prayer Lord, we rest in your mighty strength.

One Word Our God is King forever!

 

Psalms 28:1-9

THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND SHIELD

Keywords 28:7a

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.

 

1. A cry for mercy (1-5)

David lifted his hands towards heaven and cried to the LORD for mercy. But why? Why would David or anyone need to do that? It was because David realized his sin and weaknesses. David pleads, “Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil…” He also realized that God was the only one who could help him. If God remained silent, he would be doomed. God will judge the wicked and repay them for what they have done. This is most certainly true! However, David knows and trusts in the LORD. He knows that God is rich in mercy and will answer his prayers. The LORD is his Rock.

 

2. He helps me (6-9)

The LORD hears the prayers of those who trust him and cry out to him. David’s heart was filled with joy as he praised the LORD for the mercy he received. We can depend on the LORD as David did because he is our strength and our shield as well. If we trust him, he will provide the same help for us. All of our sorrow and shame will be replaced with a never-ending joy and delight in the LORD. With a renewed spirit, David prayed for the whole nation to find strength and salvation in God.

 

Prayer Lord, we praise you for your great mercy.

 

One Word The Lord helps those who trust him

Matthew 10:34-42

BE WORTHY OF JESUS

Keywords 10:37

"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;

 

1. Love Jesus first (34-39)

When a close relationship does not share our love for Jesus, this often causes resentment. At that time we are faced with a decision: choose the person or choose Jesus? Jesus is clear: “Anyone who loves [another] more than me is not worthy of me.” Loving Jesus requires self-denial, and taking up the cross. If we try to hold on to our life and our loved ones, we will lose them. But Jesus promises that if we give our lives to him, we will find life. If we hold on to our cross, sharing the gospel, our loved ones may be saved, and enter the kingdom of God together with us. Entrust them to Jesus.

 

2. He who receives you receives me (40-42)

When we love Jesus first and are hated by family members, it can be discouraging at that moment. But Jesus encourages us to see how important we are. Those who do receive us in Jesus’ name find Jesus, and the Father. They will also receive a reward from Jesus.

 

Prayer Father, this teaching is challenging. I do love you, and want to be worthy of you. Help me to love you most.

One Word Love Jesus most

Matthew 10:26-33

FEAR GOD NOT MEN

Keywords 10:28

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 2

 

1. So do not be afraid of them (26-28)

The worldly system seems to be all secrets and power, and God’s people’s suffering seems hidden. But we need not fear their intrigue and deceit. The truth will prevail, so we may proclaim it clearly and confidently. While the world may kill our body, God has power over body and soul. Instead of fearing man, put our faith and trust in God, who loves us.

 

2. You are worth more than many sparrows (29-31)

God can put both body and soul in hell, but that is not his motive. Jesus reminds us of the loving Father, who knows every intimate detail about us, even including the number of hairs on our head! We need not be afraid of men, but trust that all things happen for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose (Ro 8:28).

 

3. Acknowledge Jesus before men (32-33)

Ultimately, what people think doesn’t matter. The goal is to be recognized before God by Jesus. Keep this in mind and live as a gospel witness.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for your intimate love and sovereignty over my life. I don’t want to fear men, but put my trust in you. Help me proclaim Jesus’ words today.

One Word Acknowledge Jesus in all your ways

Matthew 10:16-25

STAND FIRM TO THE END

Keywords 10:22

All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

 

1. …to bear witness before them (16-20)

 Jesus knew his disciples were weak like sheep, so Jesus encouraged them to be

shrewd like snakes, maintaining their innocence as doves. Men would arrest them

and flog them, even put them on trial. To Jesus this was the opportunity to witness

to the small and great alike. A witness simply shares what they saw and heard,

and need not worry about the result. The Holy Spirit would give them the words

to say that would pierce hearts. With this promise, they may live as courageous

witnesses of the gospel, keeping in step with God’s Spirit.

 

2. He who endures to the end will be saved (21-25)

 The rejection of the gospel will divide families, and some will be martyred.

Christians will be hated, since Jesus was hated and we follow his example (24-25).

Jesus gives us his promise in this environment: “He who stands firm to the end

will be saved.” Whether we live or die, let’s courageously share the gospel to all

the towns and villages of the world, until Jesus comes again on that glorious day.

 

Prayer Father, I feel like a sheep among wolves. Help me not to fear, but trust in

Jesus’ promises, depend on your Holy Spirit, and courageously share the

gospel in my generation.

One Word Stand firm to the end