Author: Scott Chafee

Scott serves on staff at King’s Grant Baptist Church in Virginia Beach.

Psalms

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First Book: Sin and Redemption (Psalm 1:1-41:13)

  1. Psalm 1
    1. The Godly (Psalm 1:1-3)
    2. The Godless (Psalm 1:4-6)
  2. Psalm 2
    1. The Apostates (Psalm 2:1-3)
    2. The Almighty (Psalm 2:4-6)
    3. The Anointed (Psalm 2:7-9)
    4. The Advice (Psalm 2:10-12)
  3. Psalm 3
    1. Scorn (Psalm 3:1-2)
    2. Supplication (Psalm 3:4, 7)
    3. Sleep (Psalm 3:3, 5-6, 8)
  4. Psalm 4
    1. Supplication (Psalm 4:1, 6)
    2. Shame (Psalm 4:2)
    3. Sanctification (Psalm 4:3)
    4. Scrutiny (Psalm 4:4-5)
    5. Security (Psalm 4:7-8)
  5. Psalm 5
    1. Deliverance of the Godly (Psalm 5:1-3, 7-8, 10-12)
    2. Destruction of the Godless (Psalm 5:4-6, 9)
  6. Psalm 6
    1. David’s Request (Psalm 6:1-7)
    2. David’s Reassurance (Psalm 6:8-10)
  7. Psalm 7
    1. David’s Supplication (Psalm 7:1-9)
    2. David’s Shield (Psalm 7:10-16)
    3. David’s Song (Psalm 7:17)
  8. Psalm 8
    1. The Lord’s Greatness (Psalm 8:1-3, 9)
    2. The Lord’s Goodness (Psalm 8:3-8)
  9. Psalm 9
    1. God’s Righteous Redemption of the Elect (Psalm 9:1-3, 9-14, 18)
    2. God’s Righteous Resistance of Evil (Psalm 9:5-6, 15-17, 19-20)
    3. God’s Righteous Rule Over the Earth (Psalm 9:4, 7-8)
    4. God’s Rule (Psalm 9:7-10, 12, 17-18)
    5. God’s Rescue (Psalm 9:1-6, 9-16, 18-20)
  10. Psalm 10
    1. The Arrogance and Contempt of the Godless (Psalm 10:2-11)
    2. The Anguish and Cry of the Godly (Psalm 10:1, 12-18)
  11. Psalm 11
    1. The Security of the Believer (Psalm 11:1-3)
    2. The Sovereignty of the Lord (Psalm 11:4-7)
  12. Psalm 12
    1. The Problem (Psalm 12:1-4)
    2. The Purity (Psalm 12:6)
    3. The Protection (Psalm 12:5, 7-8)
  13. Psalm 13
    1. David’s Perplexity (Psalm 13:1-3)
    2. David’s Petition (Psalm 13:3-4)
    3. David’s Praise (Psalm 5-6)
  14. Psalm 14
    1. God and the Foolish (Psalm 14:1-5)
      1. Arrogance of Fools (Psalm 14:1)
      2. Actions of Fools (Psalm 14:1, 4)
      3. Abundance of Fools (Psalm 14:2-3)
      4. Anguish of Fools (Psalm 14:5)
    2. God and the Favored (Psalm 14:6-7)
  15. Psalm 15
    1. The Question (Psalm 15:1)
    2. The Qualifications (Psalm 15:2-5)
      1. Positive (Psalm 15:2, 4)
      2. Negative (Psalm 15:3, 5)
  16. Psalm 16
    1. David’s Security (Psalm 16:1-7)
      1. Confidence (Psalm 16:1-2, 5-7)
      2. Companions (Psalm 16:3)
      3. Commitment √16:4)
    2. David’s Son (Psalm 16:8-11)
  17. Psalm 17
    1. Hear Me (Psalm 17:1-2, 6)
    2. Vindicate Me (Psalm 17:3-5)
    3. Show Me (Psalm 17:7)
    4. Guard Me (Psalm 17:8-13)
    5. Rescue Me (Psalm 17:13-14)
    6. Satisfy Me (Psalm 17:15)
  18. Psalm 18
    1. David’s Delight (Psalm 18:1-3)
    2. David’s Distress (Psalm 18:4-6)
    3. David’s Deliverance (Psalm 18:7-49)
      1. The Lord Arrives (Psalm 18:7-15)
      2. The Lord Assists (Psalm 18:16-49)
    4. David’s Descendants (Psalm 18:50)
  19. Psalm 19
    1. Natural Revelation (Psalm 19:1-6)
    2. Supernatural Revelation (Psalm 19:7-14)
      1. David Describes God’s Word (Psalm 19:7-9)
      2. David Desires God’s Word (Psalm 19:10-14)
  20. Psalm 20
    1. The Requests (Psalm 20:1-5, 9)
    2. The Reassurance (Psalm 20:6-8)
  21. Psalm 21
    1. The Lord Gives David the Desires of His Heart (Psalm 21:2-12)
      1. Regarding David (Psalm 21:2-6)
      2. Regarding David’s Enemies (Psalm 21:7-12)
    2. David Gives the Lord the Devotion of His Heart (Psalm 21:1, 13)
  22. Psalm 22
    1. Jesus’ Grievous Crucifixion (Psalm 22:1-21)
      1. The Testimony (Psalm 22:9-11, 19-22)
      2. The Travail (Psalm 22:1-8, 12-18)
    2. Jesus’ Glorious Coronation (Psalm 22:22-31)
  23. Psalm 23
    1. The Shepherd and His Sheep (Psalm 23:1-4)
    2. The Guide and the Traveler (Psalm 23:3-4)
    3. The Host and the Guests (Psalm 23:5)
    4. The Physician and the Patient (Psalm 23:5)
    5. The Prophet and the Promised (Psalm 23:6)
  24. Psalm 24
    1. The Glorious Kingdom (Psalm 24:1-6)
    2. The Glorious King (Psalm 24:7-10)
  25. Psalm 25
    1. Protect Me (Psalm 25:1-3, 15-22)
    2. Pilot Me (Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10)
    3. Pardon Me (Psalm 25:6-7, 11)
    4. Prosper Me (Psalm 25:12-14)
  26. Psalm 26
    1. David’s Separation from Sin (Psalm 26:1-5, 9-11)
    2. David’s Separation to God (Psalm 26:6-8, 12)
  27. Psalm 27
    1. David’s Praise (Psalm 27:1-3)
    2. David’s Petitions (Psalm 27:4-14)
  28. Psalm 28
    1. David’s Dependence (Psalm 28:1-5)
    2. David’s Delight (Psalm 28:4-5)
  29. Psalm 29
    1. The Veneration of the Lord (Psalm 29:1-2)
    2. The Voice of the Lord (Psalm 29:3-9)
    3. The Victory of the Lord (Psalm 29:10-11)
  30. Psalm 30
    1. David’s Triumphs (Psalm 30:1-3)
      1. Danger (Psalm 30:1)
      2. Disease (Psalm 30:2)
      3. Death (Psalm 30:3)
    2. David’s Troubles (Psalm 30:6-10)
    3. David’s Testimony (Psalm 30:4-5, 11-12)
  31. Psalm 31
    1. The Deliverance Sought by David (Psalm 31:1-5)
    2. The Despair Suffered by David (Psalm 31:9-13)
    3. The Dedication Shown by David (Psalm 31:6-8, 14-24)
  32. Psalm 32
    1. The Confession (Psalm 32:1-5)
    2. The Counsel (Psalm 32:6-7)
    3. The Commission (Psalm 32:8-11)
  33. Psalm 33
    1. The Methods of Praise (Psalm 33:1-3)
    2. The Messages of Praise (Psalm 33:4-22)
      1. Goodness (Psalm 33:4-5)
      2. Power (Psalm 33:6-9)
      3. Sovereignty (Psalm 33:10-12)
      4. Omniscience (Psalm 33:13-15)
      5. Omnipotence (Psalm 33:16-17)
      6. Protection (Psalm 33:18-22)
  34. Psalm 34
    1. David the Student (Psalm 34:1-7)
    2. David the Teacher (Psalm 34:8-22)
  35. Psalm 35
    1. David’s Persecution (Psalm 35:11-16)
    2. David’s Petition (Psalm 35:1-8, 17-26)
    3. David’s Praise (Psalm 35:9-10, 27-28)
  36. Psalm 36
    1. The Cruelty of the Godless (Psalm 36:1-4)
    2. The Characteristics of God (Psalm 36:5-12)
  37. Psalm 37
    1. The Godly (Psalm 37:3-9, 11, 16-19, 21-31, 34, 37, 39-40)
      1. What They Sow (Psalm 37:3-5, 7-8, 16, 21, 30-31, 37)
      2. What They Reap (Psalm 37:3-5, 6, 9, 11, 17-19, 22-29, 34, 37, 39-40)
    2. The Godless (Psalm 37:1-2, 9-10, 12-15, 17, 20-22, 28, 32-33, 35-36, 38)
      1. What They Sow (Psalm 37:12, 14, 21, 32)
      2. What They Reap (Psalm 37:1-2, 9-10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 28, 33, 35-36, 38)
  38. Psalm 38
    1. The Penalty (Psalm 38:1-14)
      1. Chastised by God (Psalm 38:1-10)
      2. Cut Off from Friends (Psalm 38:11)
      3. Conspired Against by Enemies (Psalm 38:12-14)
    2. The Pardon (Psalm 38:15-22)
      1. Sin Confessed (Psalm 38:15-22)
      2. Sin Cleansed (Assumed)
  39. Psalm 39
    1. David’s Pledge (Psalm 39:1-3)
    2. David’s Petition (Psalm 39:4-13)
      1. Show Me (Psalm 39:4-6)
      2. Save Me (Psalm 39:7-9)
      3. Spare Me (Psalm 39:10-11)
      4. Satisfy Me (Psalm 39:12-13)
  40. Psalm 40
    1. David’s Praise (Psalm 40:1-10)
    2. David’s Petition (Psalm 40:11-17)
  41. Psalm 41
    1. God’s Favor (Psalm 41:1-3)
    2. God’s Forgiveness (Psalm 41:4)
    3. God’s Faithfulness (Psalm 41:5-13)

Second Book: Ruin and Recovery (Psalm 42:1-72:20)

  1. Psalm 42
    1. David’s Desire (Psalm 42:1-2)
    2. David’s Despair (Psalm 42:3, 9-10)
    3. David’s Determination (Psalm 42:4-8, 11)
  2. Psalm 43
    1. Defend Me (Psalm 43:1-2)
    2. Direct Me (Psalm 43:3-5)
  3. Psalm 44
    1. Israel’s Past Glory (Psalm 44:1-8)
    2. Israel’s Present Grief (Psalm 44:9-26)
      1. Pain (Psalm 44:9-22)
      2. Perplexity (Psalm 44:17-22)
      3. Petition (Psalm 44:23-26)
  4. Psalm 45
    1. The King (Psalm 45:1-8)
      1. Charm (Psalm 45:2)
      2. Conquests (Psalm 45:3-5)
      3. Crown (Psalm 45:6-7)
      4. Clothing (Psalm 45:8)
      5. Courts (Psalm 45:8)
    2. The Bride (Psalm 45:9-17)
      1. Clothing (Psalm 45:9, 13-15)
      2. Commitment (Psalm 45:10-11)
      3. Coming Glory (Psalm 45:16-17)
  5. Psalm 46
    1. The Protection from God (Psalm 46:1-3)
    2. The Paradise of God (Psalm 46:4-5)
    3. The Power of God (Psalm 46:6-8)
    4. The Peace of God (Psalm 46:9)
    5. The Praise to God (Psalm 46:10-11)
  6. Psalm 47
    1. The Ruler Over This Kingdom (Psalm 47:2-3, 7-8)
    2. The Redeemed in This Kingdom (Psalm 47:1, 4-6, 9)
  7. Psalm 48
    1. The God of Jerusalem (Psalm 48:1, 3-8, 10-11, 14)
    2. The Jerusalem of God (Psalm 48:1-2, 9, 12-13)
  8. Psalm 49
    1. The Psalmist’s Summons (Psalm 49:1-4)
    2. The Psalmist’s Sermon (Psalm 49:6-14, 17-20)
    3. The Psalmist’s Savior (Psalm 49:5, 15-16)
  9. Psalm 50
    1. The Judge (Psalm 50:1-3, 6)
    2. The Judged (Psalm 50:4-5, 7)
    3. The Judgment (Psalm 50:8-23)
      1. What God Desires (Psalm 50:8-15, 23)
      2. What God Despises (Psalm 50:16-21)
      3. What God Declares (Psalm 50:22)
  10. Psalm 51
    1. David’s Confession (Psalm 51:1-6)
    2. David’s Cleansing (Psalm 51:7-10)
    3. David’s Concern (Psalm 51:11-12)
    4. David’s Commitments (Psalm 51:13-15)
    5. David’s Confidence (Psalm 51:16-19)
  11. Psalm 52
    1. The Boast of the Godless (Psalm 52:1-5)
    2. The Boast of the Godly (Psalm 52:6-9)
  12. Psalm 53
    1. God and His Foolish Foes (Psalm 53:1-5)
      1. Atheism (Psalm 53:1)
      2. Apostasy (Psalm 53:1-3)
      3. Attacks (Psalm 53:4)
      4. Annihilation (Psalm 53:5)
    2. God and His Faithful Friends (Psalm 53:6)
  13. Psalm 54
    1. David’s Travail (Psalm 54:1-3)
    2. David’s Trust (Psalm 53:4-5)
    3. David’s Triumph (Psalm 53:6-7)
  14. Psalm 55
    1. David’s Trials (Psalm 55:2-15, 20-21)
    2. David’s Testimony (Psalm 55:1, 16-19, 22-23)
  15. Psalm 56
    1. David’s Grievous Foes (Psalm 56:1-2, 5-6)
    2. David’s Glorious Friend (Psalm 56:3-4, 7-13)
  16. Psalm 57
    1. David’s Persecutors (Psalm 57:4, 6)
    2. David’s Petition (Psalm 57:1-2)
    3. David’s Protection (Psalm 57:1, 3)
    4. David’s Praise (Psalm 57:5, 7-11)
  17. Psalm 58
    1. God and the Godless (Psalm 58:1-9)
    2. God and th4e Godly (Psalm 58:10-11)
  18. Psalm 59
    1. David’s Wicked Foes (Psalm 59:1-7, 11-15)
    2. David’s Wonderful Friend (Psalm 59:8-10, 16-17)
    3. David’s Witness (Psalm 59:16)
  19. Psalm 60
    1. The Rejection (Psalm 60:1-5, 10-12)
    2. The Request (Psalm 60:5-12)
  20. Psalm 61
    1. Lead (Psalm 61:1-5)
    2. Lengthen (Psalm 61:6-8)
    3. Listen (Psalm 61:8)
  21. Psalm 62
    1. The Treachery (Psalm 62:3-4)
    2. The Trust (Psalm 62:1-2, 5-10)
    3. The Truths (Psalm 62:11-12)
  22. Psalm 63
    1. David’s Thirst for God (Psalm 63:1-2)
    2. David’s Thanksgiving to God (Psalm 63:3-5)
    3. David’s Thoughts Concerning God (Psalm 63:6-7)
    4. David’s Triumph in God (Psalm 63:8-11)
  23. Psalm 64
    1. Protect Me (Psalm 64:1-6)
    2. Punish Them (Psalm 64:7-8)
    3. Praise God (Psalm 64:9-10)
  24. Psalm 65
    1. David Thanks God for His Redemptive Works (Psalm 65:1-5)
    2. David Thanks God for His Creative Works (Psalm 65:6-13)
  25. Psalm 66
    1. The Deeds of the Lord (Psalm 66:1-12)
      1. Preeminence (Psalm 66:1-2)
      2. Power (Psalm 66:3-7)
      3. Protection (Psalm 66:8-9)
      4. Purging (Psalm 66:10-12)
    2. The Dedication to the Lord (Psalm 66:13-20)
  26. Psalm 67
    1. The Features of the Psalmist’s Prayer (Psalm 67:1-5)
    2. The Fruits of the Psalmist’s Prayer (Psalm 67:6-7)
  27. Psalm 68
    1. The Works of the Lord (Psalm 68:1-2, 4-17, 21-23)
      1. God’s Punishment (Psalm 68:1-2, 21-23)
      2. God’s Power (Psalm 68:4-14)
      3. God’s Place (Psalm 68:15-17)
    2. The Worship of the Lord (Psalm 68:3, 18-20, 24-35)
      1. Praise (Psalm 68:3, 19-20, 32-35)
      2. Procession (Psalm 68:24-28)
      3. Presentations (Psalm 68:18, 29-31)
  28. Psalm 69
    1. David’s Suffering (Psalm 69:1-12, 19-21)
    2. David’s Supplication (Psalm 69:13-18, 22-29, 19)
    3. David’s Song (Psalm 69:30-36)
  29. Psalm 70
    1. David’s Concern (Psalm 70:1-3)
    2. David’s Confidence (Psalm 70:4-5)
  30. Psalm 71
    1. Trouble (Psalm 71:10-11)
    2. Triumph (Psalm 71:1-7, 9, 12-14, 17-18)
    3. Testimony (Psalm 71:8, 15-16, 19-24)
  31. Psalm 72
    1. The Concern for the King (Psalm 72:1)
    2. The Characteristics of the King (Psalm 72:2-17)
      1. Moral Equity (Psalm 72:2)
      2. Prosperity (Psalm 72:3, 6-7, 16)
      3. Security (Psalm 72:4)
      4. Duration (Psalm 72:5, 15, 17)
      5. Extent (Psalm 72:8)
      6. Glory (Psalm 72:9-11, 15)
      7. Compassion (Psalm 72:12-14)

Third Book: The Holiness of God (Psalm 73:1-89:52)

  1. Psalm 73
    1. Asaph and the Evil Ones (Psalm 73:1-20)
      1. Consternation (Psalm 73:1-16)
      2. Clarification (Psalm 73:17-20)
    2. Asaph and the Exalted One (Psalm 73:21-28)
  2. Psalm 74
    1. Asaph’s Frustration (Psalm 74:1-11)
    2. Asaph’s Faith (Psalm 74:12-23)
  3. Psalm 75
    1. Asaph’s Praise (Psalm 75:1, 9)
    2. Asaph’s Promise (Psalm 75:2-8, 10)
  4. Psalm 76
    1. God’s Excellence (Psalm 76:1-10, 12)
      1. Seat (Psalm 76:1-2)
      2. Splendor (Psalm 76:4)
      3. Strength (Psalm 76:3, 5-10, 12)
    2. Asaph’s Exhortation (Psalm 76:11)
  5. Psalm 77
    1. Asaph’s Sorrow (Psalm 77:1-10)
      1. Present Grief (Psalm 77:1-4, 7-10)
      2. Past Glory (Psalm 77:5-6)
    2. Asaph’s Song (Psalm 77:11-20)
  6. Psalm 78
    1. The Command (Psalm 78:1-7)
    2. The Consequences (Psalm 78:8-72)
      1. Rebellion Against God (Psalm 78:8-12, 17-20, 22, 34-37, 40-41)
      2. Retribution from God (Psalm 78:21, 30-31, 33-35, 59-64, 67)
      3. Redemption from God (Psalm 78:13-16, 23-29, 38-55, 65-66)
  7. Psalm 79
    1. The Pain of Israel (Psalm 79:1-4)
    2. The Prayer for Israel (Psalm 79:5-13)
  8. Psalm 80
    1. The Sheep and the Shepherd (Psalm 80:1-7)
    2. The Vine and the Vineyard (Psalm 80:8-16)
    3. The Sinner and the Savior (Psalm 80:17-19)
  9. Psalm 81
    1. The Psalmist Exhorts Israel to Rejoice (Psalm 81:1-4_
    2. The Psalmist Exhorts Israel to Remember (Psalm 81:5-16)
      1. What God Has Done (Psalm 81:5-7)
      2. What God Desires to Do (Psalm 81:8-16)
  10. Psalm 82
    1. God’s Judgment on Earthly Judges (Psalm 82:1-7)
      1. Indictment (Psalm 82:1-2, 5-7)
      2. Instruction (Psalm 82:3-4)
    2. God’s Judgment on the Nations (Psalm 82:8)
  11. Psalm 83
    1. The Plot Against Israel (Psalm 83:1-8)
    2. The Petition by Israel (Psalm 83:9-18)
      1. Concerning Those Nations (Psalm 83:13-17)
      2. Concerning God’s Name (Psalm 83:18)
  12. Psalm 84
    1. What the Temple of the Lord Means to the Psalmist (Psalm 84:1-10)
    2. What the Lord of the Temple Means to the Psalmist (Psalm 84:11-12)
  13. Psalm 85
    1. Acknowledging the Past (Psalm 85:1-3)
    2. Questioning the Present (Psalm 85:4-7)
    3. Anticipating the Future (Psalm 85:8-13)
  14. Psalm 86
    1. David’s Troubles: What He Seeks from God (Psalm 86:1-4, 6, 11, 14)
    2. David’s Testimony: What He Says About God (Psalm 86:5, 7-10, 12-13, 15)
      1. Good and Forgiving (Psalm 86:5)
      2. Answers Prayer (Psalm 86:7)
      3. Deserves Worship by Nations (Psalm 86:9)
      4. Deserves Worship by Me (Psalm 86:12)
      5. Unique (Psalm 86:8)
      6. Miracle Worker (Psalm 86:10)
      7. You Love Greatly (Psalm 86:13)
      8. Merciful and Gracious (Psalm 86:15)
  15. Psalm 87
    1. The Great Honor Bestowed on Jerusalem (Psalm 87:1-3)
    2. The Great Honor of Being a Citizen of Jerusalem (Psalm 87:4-7)
  16. Psalm 88
    1. Suffering From Unanswered Prayer (Psalm 88:1-2, 13)
    2. Suffering From Unending Pain (Psalm 88:3-5, 9, 15)
    3. Suffering From Undeserved Persecution (Psalm 88:6-8, 10-12, 14, 16-18)
  17. Psalm 89
    1. The Praise (Psalm 89:1-37)
      1. God’s Person (Psalm 89:1-2, 5-8, 14)
      2. God’s Power (Psalm 89:9-13)
      3. God’s Provision (Psalm 89:15-18)
      4. God’s Promise (Psalm 89:3-4, 19-37)
    2. The Problem (Psalm 89:38-45)
      1. Time (Psalm 89:38-39)
      2. Tragedy (Psalm 89:40-45)
    3. The Plea (Psalm 89:46-52)

Fourth Book: The Kingdom of God (Psalm 90:1-106:48)

  1. Psalm 90 – the Oldest Psalm
    1. The Eternality of the Creator (Psalm 90:1-4)
    2. The Mortality of the Creature (Psalm 90:5-17)
      1. The Problems (Psalm 90:5-11)
      2. The Petition (Psalm 90:12-17)
  2. Psalm 91
    1. The Foundation of Faith (Psalm 91:1-2)
    2. The Foes of Faith (Psalm 91:3)
    3. The Fruits of Faith (Psalm 91:4-10, 13)
    4. The Friends of Faith (Psalm 91:11-12)
    5. The Fellowship of Faith (Psalm 91:14-16)
  3. Psalm 92
    1. God and the Redeemed (Psalm 92:1-5, 8, 10-15)
      1. What They are to Do (Psalm 92:1, 8)
      2. When They are to Do It (Psalm 92:2)
      3. How They are to Do It (Psalm 92:3)
      4. Why They are to Do It (Psalm 92:4-5, 10-15)
    2. God and the Rebellious (Psalm 92:6-7, 9)
  4. Psalm 93
    1. The Lord’s Robes (Psalm 93:1)
    2. The Lord’s Reign (Psalm 93:2-4)
    3. The Lord’s Righteousness (Psalm 93:5)
  5. Psalm 94
    1. The Lord and His Foes (Psalm 94:1-10, 20-21, 23)
      1. Requests Their Punishment (Psalm 94:1-3)
      2. Reviews Their Perversions (Psalm 94:4-10, 20-21, 23)
    2. The Lord and His Friends (Psalm 94:11-19, 22)
  6. Psalm 95
    1. The Positive: the Believer Should Always Praise God (Psalm 95:1-7)
    2. The Negative: the Believer Should Never Provoke God (Psalm 95:8-11)
  7. Psalm 96
    1. The Two-fold Invitation (Psalm 96:1-10)
      1. The Call to Witness (Psalm 96:1-6, 10)
      2. The Call to Worship (Psalm 96:7-9)
    2. The Celebration (Psalm 96:11-13)
  8. Psalm 97 – the Messiah’s Reign…
    1. Over the Creation (Psalm 97:1-2, 4-5)
    2. Over the Corrupt (Psalm 97:3)
    3. Over the Countries (Psalm 97:6-9)
    4. Over the Consecrated Ones (Psalm 97:10-12)
  9. Psalm 98 – the Messiah’s Reign…
    1. What to Sing (Psalm 98:1)
    2. How to Sing (Psalm 98:4-6)
    3. Why to Sing (Psalm 98:2-3, 7-8)
    4. When to Sing (Psalm 98:9)
  10. Psalm 99
    1. The Psalmist Calls People to Exalt the Lord (Psalm 99:1-5, 9)
    2. Those Who Have Exalted the Lord are Described (Psalm 99:6-8)
  11. Psalm 100
    1. God is the Song (Psalm 100:1-2)
    2. God is the Creator (Psalm 100:3)
    3. God is the Shepherd (Psalm 100:3)
    4. God is the Blessed One (Psalm 100:4)
    5. God is Love (Psalm 100:5)
  12. Psalm 101
    1. David’s Witness About God (Psalm 101:1)
    2. David’s Walk with God (Psalm 101:2-7)
      1. Private Life (Psalm 101:2-3)
      2. Public Life (Psalm 101:3-7)
    3. David’s Warfare for God (Psalm 101:8)
  13. Psalm 102
    1. The Psalmist’s Travail (Psalm 102:1-11, 23-24)
      1. His Plea (Psalm 102:1-2, 24)
      2. His Plight (Psalm 102:3-11, 23)
    2. The Psalmist’s Testimony (Psalm 102:12-22, 25-28)
  14. Psalm 103
    1. David’s Summons to the Adopted on Earth (Psalm 103:1-19)
      1. Who and What God is (Psalm 103:1-13, 17-19)
      2. Who and What We Are (Psalm 103:14-16)
    2. David’s Summons to the Angels in Heaven (Psalm 103:20-22)
  15. Psalm 104
    1. The Praise to God (Psalm 104:1, 24, 31, 33-35)
    2. The Power to God (Psalm 104:2-9, 32)
    3. The Provisions from God (Psalm 104:10-23, 25-30)
  16. Psalm 105
    1. God’s Majesty (Psalm 105:1-4)
    2. God’s Miracles (Psalm 105:5-45)
      1. Invitation (Psalm 105:5)
      2. Illustrations (Psalm 105:6-45)
        1. Abraham’s Time (Psalm 105:6-15)
        2. Joseph’s Time (Psalm 105:16-23)
        3. Moses’ Time (Psalm 105:24-43)
        4. Joshua’s Time (Psalm 105:44-45)
  17. Psalm 106
    1. A Request for the Present (Psalm 106:1-5, 47-48)
    2. A Remembrance of the Past (Psalm 106:6-46)
      1. Israel’s Corruption (Psalm 106:6-7, 13-43)
      2. God’s Compassion (Psalm 106:8-12, 43-46)

Fifth Book: The Word of God (Psalm 107:1-150:6)

  1. Psalm 107
    1. What the Redeemed are to Do (Psalm 107:1, 8, 15, 21-22, 31-32, 42-43)
    2. Why the Redeemed are to Do It (Psalm 107:2-7, 9, 13-14, 16, 18-20)
      1. Israel’s Sin in Spite of God’s Grace (Psalm 107:10-12, 17, 34)
      2. God’s Grace in Spite of Israel’s Sin (Psalm 107:2-7, 9, 13-14, 16, 18-20)
  2. Psalm 108
    1. David Praises the Lord (Psalm 108:1-5, 7-10)
      1. How (Psalm 108:1-2)
      2. When (Psalm 108:2)
      3. Where (Psalm 108:3, 5)
      4. Why (Psalm 108:4, 7-10)
    2. David Petitions the Lord (Psalm 108:6, 11-13)
  3. Psalm 109
    1. The Persecution (Psalm 109:1-5, 22-25)
    2. The Petition (Psalm 109:6-7, 9-20)
    3. The Prophecy (Psalm 109:8)
    4. The Protection (Psalm 109:21-22, 26, 30-31)
  4. Psalm 110
    1. He is God (Psalm 110:1)
    2. He is King (Psalm 110:2-3)
    3. He is Priest (Psalm 110:4)
    4. He is Judge (Psalm 110:6)
    5. He is a Victorious Warrior (Psalm 110:5, 6-7)
  5. Psalm 111
    1. The Worship of God (Psalm 111:1-2)
    2. The Wonders of God (Psalm 111:2-9)
    3. The Wisdom of God (Psalm 111:10)
  6. Psalm 112
    1. The Godly Person’s Consecration (Psalm 112:1, 4-5, 9)
    2. The Godly Person’s Compensation (Psalm 112:2-3, 6-8, 9, 10)
  7. Psalm 113
    1. The Majesty of the Lord (Psalm 113:1-6)
    2. The Mercy of the Lord (Psalm 113:7-9)
  8. Psalm 114
    1. Out of the Land of Bondage (Psalm 114:1-3, 5)
    2. Into the Land of Blessing (Psalm 114:3-4, 5-8)
  9. Psalm 115
    1. The True God (Psalm 115:1-3, 9-18)
    2. The False Gods (Psalm 115:4-8)
  10. Psalm 116
    1. What God Does for the Psalmist (Psalm 116:1-11)
    2. What the Psalmist Does for God (Psalm 116:12-19)
  11. Psalm 117
    1. What (Psalm 117:1-2)
    2. Why (Psalm 117:2
    3. Who (Psalm 117:1)
  12. Psalm 118
    1. The Psalmist’s Prompting (Psalm 118:1-4, 24)
    2. The Psalmist’s Pain (Psalm 118:5, 25)
    3. The Psalmist’s Peace (Psalm 118:6-9)
    4. The Psalmist’s Power (Psalm 118:10-13)
    5. The Psalmist’s Praise (Psalm 118:14-17)
    6. The Psalmist’s Purging (Psalm 118:18)
    7. The Psalmist’s Pledge (Psalm 118:19-21)
    8. The Psalmist’s Prophecy (Psalm 118:22-23, 26)
  13. Psalm 119
    1. The Names for God’s Word: What it is Called (Psalm 119:1, 3-37, 39-40, 42-69, 71-116, 119-120, 123-131, 133-148, 150-164, 166-176) Laws, Decrees, Light, Commands/Commandments, Principles, Rules, Ways, Statutes, Judgments/Decisions.
    2. The Nature of God’s Word: What it Accomplishes (Psalm 119:1-2, 9, 11, 24, 28-29, 37-38, 41-42, 45-46, 49-50, 62, 67, 70, 98-100, 103, 105, 111, 114, 116, 120-122, 132, 139, 141, 149, 165, 170)
  14. Psalm 120
    1. Save Me From Wicked Tongues (Psalm 120:1-4)
    2. Save Me From Warring Hearts (Psalm 120:5-7)
  15. Psalm 121
    1. The Psalmist Looks Up to the Lord (Psalm 121:1-2)
    2. The Lord Looks Out for the Psalmist (Psalm 121:3-8)
  16. Psalm 122
    1. Praise for Jerusalem (Psalm 122:1-5)
    2. Prayer for Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6-9)
  17. Psalm 123
    1. The Servant/Master Relationship (Psalm 123:1-2)
    2. The Persecuted/Protector Relationship (Psalm 123:3-4)
  18. Psalm 124
    1. The Worst of All Possible Worlds (Psalm 124:1-5)
    2. The Best of All Possible Worlds (Psalm 124:6-8)
  19. Psalm 125
    1. God’s Deliverance (Psalm 125:1-3)
    2. The Psalmist’s Request (Psalm 125:4-5)
  20. Psalm 126
    1. The Reality (Psalm 126:1)
    2. The Reaction (Psalm 126:2-3)
    3. The Request (Psalm 126:4-6)
  21. Psalm 127
    1. The Foundation for a Successful Family (Psalm 127:1-2)
    2. The Fruits from a Successful Family (Psalm 127:3-5)
  22. Psalm 128
    1. The Requirements (Psalm 128:1)
    2. The Rewards (Psalm 128:2-6)
  23. Psalm 129
    1. The Persecution (Psalm 129:1-4)
    2. The Petition (Psalm 129:5-8)
  24. Psalm 130
    1. The Psalmist Speaks to God (Psalm 130:1-6)
    2. The Psalmist Speaks to Israel (Psalm 130:7-8)
  25. Psalm 131
    1. The Psalmist (Psalm 131:1-2)
    2. The People (Psalm 131:3)
  26. Psalm 132
    1. David Desire to Build a House for the Lord (Psalm 132:1-10)
      1. The Nature of the House (Psalm 132:1-5)
      2. The Need for the House (Psalm 132:6-10)
    2. God Decrees to Build a House for David (Psalm 132:11-18)
      1. The Promise (Psalm 132:11-12, 17-18)
      2. The Place (Psalm 132:13-14)
      3. The Provision (Psalm 132:15-16)
  27. Psalm 133
    1. Exhortation to Unity and Fellowship (Psalm 133:1)
    2. Examples of Unity and Fellowship (Psalm 133:2-3)
  28. Psalm 134
    1. Render a Blessing to the Lord (Psalm 134:1-2)
    2. Receive a Blessing from the Lord (Psalm 134:3)
  29. Psalm 135
    1. The Only True God (Psalm 135:1-14, 19-21)
      1. Who Should Worship (Psalm 135:1-2, 19-21)
      2. Why Should We Worship (Psalm 135:3-14)
    2. The Many False Gods (Psalm 135:15-18)
  30. Psalm 136
    1. The Reason to Give Thanks (Psalm 136:1-26)
      1. His Goodness (Psalm 136:1, 26)
      2. His Uniqueness (Psalm 136:2-3)
      3. His Miracles (Psalm 136:4)
      4. His Creative Works (Psalm 136:5-9, 25)
      5. His Relationship with Israel (Psalm 136:10-24)
    2. The Refrain for Giving Thanks (Psalm 136:1-26)
  31. Psalm 137
    1. Judah and Its Captors (Psalm 137:1-6)
    2. Judah and Its Creator (Psalm 137:7-9)
  32. Psalm 138
    1. The Personal Worship of God (Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8)
    2. The Universal Worship of God (Psalm 138:4-6)
  33. Psalm 139
    1. God’s Omniscience (Psalm 139:1-6)
    2. God’s Omnipresence (Psalm 139:7-12)
    3. God’s Omnipotence (Psalm 139:13-24)
  34. Psalm 140
    1. David’s Petition Regarding the Godless (Psalm 140:1-11)
      1. What They Do (Psalm 140:1-5)
      2. What They Deserve (Psalm 140:6-10)
    2. David’s Petition Regarding the Godly (Psalm 140:12-13)
  35. Psalm 141
    1. Hear My Prayer (Psalm 141:1-2)
    2. Honor My Prayer (Psalm 141:3-10)
      1. Conversion (Psalm 141:3)
      2. Conduct (Psalm 141:4)
      3. Companionship (Psalm 141:4-10)
  36. Psalm 142
    1. David’s Desperation (Psalm 142:1-4)
    2. David’s Realization (Psalm 142:5-7)
  37. Psalm 143
    1. Save Me (Psalm 143:1-4, 9, 11-12)
    2. Show Me (Psalm 143:8)
    3. Sanctify Me (Psalm 143:10)
  38. Psalm 144
    1. David’s Source of Victory (Psalm 144:1-8)
    2. David’s Song of Victory (Psalm 144:9-15)
  39. Psalm 145
    1. God’s Greatness (Psalm 145:1-6)
    2. God’s Goodness (Psalm 145:7-10)
    3. God’s Glory (Psalm 145:11-13)
    4. God’s Guarantee (Psalm 145:13)
    5. God’s Grace (Psalm 145:14-21)
  40. Psalm 146
    1. The Basis for Trusting God (Psalm 146:1-4, 10)
    2. The Blessing of Trusting God (Psalm 146:5-9)
  41. Psalm 147
    1. What Israel Should Do (Psalm 147:1, 7, 12)
    2. Why Israel Should Do It (Psalm 147:2-6, 8-11, 13-20)
      1. Works of Nature (Psalm 147:8-10, 15-18)
      2. Works of Heavens (Psalm 147:4-5)
      3. Works of Redemption (Psalm 147:3, 6, 11)
  42. Psalm 148
    1. Praise from Creation (Psalm 148:3-6, 8-9)
    2. Praise from Living Creatures (Psalm 148:1-2, 7, 10-14)
  43. Psalm 149
    1. What Israel Should Do (Psalm 149:2)
    2. How Israel Should Do It (Psalm 149:1, 3, 6)
    3. Where Israel Should Do It (Psalm 149:5)
    4. Why Israel Should Do It (Psalm 149:4, 6-9)
  44. Psalm 150 – Praise the Lord
    1. Where (Psalm 150:1)
    2. What (Psalm 150:2)
    3. How (Psalm 150:3-5)
    4. Who (Psalm 150:6)

* LESSONmaker Outlines + the Outline Bible

Another World Series

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The Yankees and the Phillies are going at it this week. I am not a huge baseball fan, at least not on TV, but I’ll admit that I tune in for a few moments to see what’s happening. I discovered a little World Series information that you might use to stump your friends:

  • Although the Series began in 1903, two years went by without a World Series: 1904 (when the Pittsburgh Pirates refused to play) and 1994 (when the players’ strike shortened the season).
  • There have been 22 ejections in the history of the World Series. Thirteen of them have been a result of arguing with the umpire. No one has been ejected more than Atlanta manager Bobby Cox.
  • Each year, the winner and loser of the World Series split a revenue share from the event. In 1903, the Pittsburgh Pirates took home a winner’s share of $1,182. In 2008, the Philadelphia Phillies took home $351,504.48.
  • In 1989, as the players were warming up in San Francisco for the third game, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit. The game was postponed for 10 days as disaster relief took place.
  • The only non-U.S. team to win a World Series is the Toronto Blue Jays. They did so twice, in 1992 and 1993.
  • There have been twenty World Series sweeps in history.
    • The American League has won / swept thirteen.
    • The National League has won / swept seven.
  • Eight of the thirteen American League World Series sweeps were courtesy of the New York Yankees. In the National League only the New York Giants and Cincinnati Reds have had more than one Series sweep.

World Series Highs and Lows:

  • The New York Yankees have won 27 World Championships, the most of any team.
  • Eight franchises have not won a World Championship. This list includes the San Diego Padres, Houston Astros, Colorado Rockies, Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals, and Seattle Mariners.
  • The last World Series title for the Chicago Cubs was in 1908. That’s more than 100 years ago—the longest drought in professional baseball.

From www.baseball-almanac.com

Men and Accountability, Part 4

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Hold on one more time… I have revisited this story in the life of Moses and Joshua a few times but this lesson is key to accountability and men. (see Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)

“Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill, so it came about when Moses held his hand up that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.” (Exodus 17:10-11).

Men of today are engaged in a battle. Another item related to our Bible story is how Moses and the Israelites were able to win this battle in Exodus 17:12. Get this… if Moses was able to keep his hands up, the Israelites were winning. But, when Moses was tired and lowered his hands, the enemy began to win. So, Moses had two other men with him to help support his hands. When Moses was without strength, there was another man on each side to support him and hold him up. Our common enemy is battling for your soul, family, marriage, your children, your integrity and your reputation, your finances, your health, your thoughts. There is often a temptation to let our hands down because we are just plain tired, but don’t, that is when the enemy begins to prevail.

Solomon wisely wrote that we should not be alone (Ecclesiastes 4:12) and from the beginning God recognized that particular weakness in men (Genesis 2:18). So, where do you stand in regard to accountability with other men? We’re not suggesting that “Big Brother” invade your life, but we are stating the fact that without others to support us, challenge us, correct us, or even get in our face every once in a while when we do stupid things, we will go the way of the stragglers (Deuteronomy 25:18).

The Men of Steel is a gathering of men for Motivation, Encouragement and Instruction; and yes, there is an element of informal accountability. Accountability cannot be forced, manufactured or assigned, but it will be found once you make the commitment to God and a connection to another man (realizing that he’s got your back and you’ve got his). There is strength in numbers. Be aware of your kryptonite, and don’t let it destroy you.

Men and Accountability, Part 3

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For the third time I want to revisit the story in the life of Moses and Joshua that encourages accountability between men. (see Part 1 and Part 2)

“And he named the place Massah and Meribah… and Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim.” (Exodus 17:7, 8).

Where are they? Rephidim. “So what” you say? I discovered that Rephidim in Hebrew has different meanings. It could mean “supports” which is a convenient definition since it is here that Moses’ hands were supported by Aaron and Hur, which led to the Israelite victory (Exodus 17:11). Another definition I found is “rests” or “stays” or “resting places.” I see how these two definitions might be similar, since “rests” and “supports” appear to be the same idea.

But the idea of “resting places” intrigues me because it is here, at Rephidim, where the people of Israel were doing anything but resting.

First they were fussing about the lack of drinking water. So much were they ticked off at Moses that they intended to stone him and go back to Egypt (Exodus 17:3, 4). Leave it to the people of God to forsake all they know to be true… that God loves them, that Moses was God’s deliverer, that God provided for them… like the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14:21), quail for dinner (Exodus 16:13), manna for breakfast (Exodus 16:14, 15, 31)… and then complain. Not much has changed in 3500 years. When life gets hard we tend to blame God rather than the enemy. Think about it, how many swear words do you know that include the name of or reference to Satan (the adversary) or Lucifer or the devil?

They were also fighting for their very existence. Rather than a honorable adversary who fought on the battlefield, they had an enemy that attacked the weak and weary (Deuteronomy 25:18). Remember that it was here at Rephidim that the people grumbled about having no water and turned against Moses (Exodus 17:1, 3). After the water came from the rock, perhaps Rephidim could be a “resting place” but they named the place Massah (from the root word “to test”) and Meribah (meaning strife or argument) (see Exodus 17:7).

My point here is that in a location called, “resting places” the enemy came to attack. After they received the refreshing waters from the rock (Exodus 17:6) and a full tummy of manna each morning, there was an enemy ready to fight against them. Our enemy comes to us when we are most comfortable and vulnerable. At times we have a false sense of security, believing that since everything is going our way, we are not in danger. I used to tell my teenagers, if you don’t bump into the devil every once in a while, you might just be travelling in the same direction.

Accountability and men… when you are comfortable, you will often compromise or slide into places that you never thought you’d be. Moses told the people they should not test God (Exodus 17:2, 7), so let us not test him by pushing ourselves up to the line we said we would never cross. In a moment of weakness we can cross that line and have enormous regrets. We are accountable to God, so let’s not fuss and fight with God or His leaders on earth because there is a real enemy out there who seeks to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Come to the place of rest and keep watch. Allow God to bless your life while you offer thanksgiving and obedience to Him each day.

Men and Accountability, Part 2

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In Part 1, I wrote about Moses and the Staff of God; emphasizing that we each are accountable to God to use that which He has given us to further His kingdom. Today I want to revisit this story in the life of Moses and Joshua that encourages accountability between men.

“Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim.” (Exodus 17:8).

Remember who they are fighting, the Amalekites, perhaps the most savage and inhumane of the Canaanites.

  1. They were a nomadic tribe of formidable people that first attacked the Israelites after the Exodus at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8).
  2. They were descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12) and they inhabited the desolate wasteland of the northeast Sinai peninsula and the Negev Desert.
  3. They were the first to attack Israel after the Exodus (Numbers 24:20). Israel won the initial battle (Exodus 17:8-16), but later was driven back into the Sinai wilderness by a coalition of Amalekites and Canaanites (Numbers 14:43, 45).
  4. From then on, the Amalekites waged a successful guerrilla war against Israel (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). Fighting even continued after Israel settled in the Promised Land.
  5. Because of their atrocities, God commanded Saul to exterminate the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:2-3), but Saul disobeyed, and the Amalekites were not defeated completely until late in the eighth century B.C. (1 Chronicles 4:43). Interestingly, no archaeological data concerning the Amalekites has been discovered. Talk about God wiping them out (1 Samuel 15:3).

Now with the history lesson over, notice what is happening. According to Deuteronomy 25:18, they would attack the stragglers, those who were weak and weary. Think about how many men get attacked by the enemy simply because they are not keeping up with the right crowd.

Straggling behind is really all that most men need to do in order to have the enemy harass, capture, control and destroy them right before their (and their family’s) eyes. Stragglers don’t have their eyes on the prize, or their minds on the task before them. They wander through life underestimating the mission, tactics, power and the patience of the enemy. These enemies don’t come at you with a frontal assault, but will subtlety grab you when you least expect it; perhaps a moment of weakness at the computer late at night or on a business trip, or maybe joking with that attractive co-worker in the office break room. The stragglers were faint and weary (Deuteronomy 25:18). We need strength to defeat this enemy.

So what? Do we not see the importance of accountability for men? We need other men to keep us moving forward, to keep us from straggling, to keep us focused on the important areas of our lives. Men, please don’t be caught straggling behind!

Counselors and Friends

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In 2 Samuel 14, there seems to be a deep dissatisfaction about Absalom’s encounter with his father, and seemed to fuel a lot of bitterness. Beth Moore points out the fact that reuniting and reconciliation are two different things. Let’s take a look at 2 Samuel 15, where things go from bad to worse. David is no longer the courageous and confident that he once was.

  1. It helps to know people in high places… who do you know who is in a high place?
  2. What is your favorite conspiracy theory? Absalom will be conspiring a lot in this section.
  3. What do “chariots, horses and 50 men” signal of Absalom’s ambitions? (2 Samuel 15:1, 1 Samuel 8:11) What goal do you see behind Absalom’s behavior?
  4. As a victim of injustice, what would you make of Absalom’s two decrees? (2 Samuel 15:3-4) How about his greeting? (2 Samuel 15:5)
  5. Why do you think Absalom waited four years to carry out his plot? (2 Samuel 15:7) When else has he waited patiently in devising evil plans? (2 Samuel 13:23, 13:38, 14:28)
  6. How can David be so gullible? (2 Samuel 15:7-9) What do you know about the significant about Hebron? (2 Samuel 2:1, 4)
  7. How did David respond to the news that “the hearts of the people are with Absalom”? (2 Samuel 15:13, 14)
  8. What was David thinking at this point? What was he feeling? How could he run away since God had anointed him to be on the throne?
  9. What was the significance of the ark? (2 Samuel 15:24, 29)
  10. Where did David go? (2 Samuel 15:30) How would a reporter describe the mood and the scene this day?
  11. What is the significance of this one key verse? (2 Samuel 15:31)
  12. What special assignment did David have for Hushai? (2 Samuel 15:34) Skip ahead to the beginning of chapter 17. How did this work out?

A few questions for your consideration:

  1. How did they all get to this point?
  2. What do you do when someone you love is out of control?
  3. When could this have been nipped in the bud?
  4. This story makes an interesting point: we all need friends we can be sure are on our side when difficult times come. Who did David have on his side?
  5. How can we develop the kind of relationships so that we know we have some friends on our side when the storm comes? How do you determine who is your friend?
  6. What is the difference between an advisor or counselor and a friend? (1 Chronicles 27:33)
  7. In your darkest times, is prayer and church your usual course of action? (2 Samuel 15:31, 32) How does God fit into your crisis resolution plan?

Take a look at Psalm 3… I’ll have some other insights on Sunday.

Traitors, Friends, and Regrets

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The end of Absalom is getting closer… notice the correct advice of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:1-4), he urges Absalom to attack David’s troops immediately while David is still weary and weak. Then came the crafty advice of Hushai (2 Samuel 17:5-14, 23). He advises that the attack be delayed until a large number of soldiers throughout the land can be assembled, and then Absalom himself should lead them into battle (2 Samuel 17:11). Hushai’s plan is accepted, causing Ahithophel to go home and hang himself. This leads us to the main chapter for today.

  1. Why did David want to go into battle? (2 Samuel 18:2, 5)
  2. How has David benefitted from the delay in Absalom’s attack? (2 Samuel 18:1-2)
  3. Why didn’t Joab and the people want him to go into battle? (2 Samuel 18:3)
  4. What are David’s specific instructions to Joab? (2 Samuel 18:5)
  5. What do you make of the reoccurring phrase, “the young man, Absalom?” (2 Samuel 18:5, 12, 29, 32), perhaps the youthful rebel could still be forgiven.
  6. How do you think this sounded to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai? (2 Samuel 18:5)
  7. With all the betrayal going on, why does David trust these three generals? (2 Samuel 18:5)
  8. How did Absalom die? (2 Samuel 18:9, 14, 15)
  9. What irony do you see in Absalom’s getting hung up? (2 Samuel 18:9, 14:24, 25)
  10. How does the man reporting to Joab respond to Joab’s rebuke? (2 Samuel 18:11, 12, 13)
  11. What do you make of Joab disobeying King David’s order? (2 Samuel 18:5, 12)
  12. What does Joab’s treatment of Absalom reveal about him? (2 Samuel 18:14)
  13. What do they do with Absalom’s body (2 Samuel 18:17, 18) Notice the irony; a heap of stones and a monument to himself (similar to 1 Samuel 15:12). His death as a traitor remains far more memorable than his self-absorbed life. (Deuteronomy 21:20, 21, Joshua 7:26, 8:29)
  14. Why did Ahimaaz want to run back to David, and persist in his request? (2 Samuel 18:19, 22, 23)
  15. What did Joab fear if the truth be known? (2 Samuel 18:21, 31, 32), perhaps killing the Cushite was better than killing one of his soldiers.
  16. Why did Ahimaaz lie when he was in front of the king? (2 Samuel 18:29, 20, 29)
  17. What did David have on his mind when the got the word that they had won the war? (2 Samuel 18:24, 25, 26)
  18. Why is David so preoccupied with Absalom’s safety more than his own? (2 Samuel 18:29)
  19. Why did Ahimaaz waffle in his answer after being so eager about running to tell the king? (2 Samuel 18:28, 29)
  20. Why didn’t the Cushite just say, “Absalom is dead”? (2 Samuel 18:31, 32)
  21. How did David celebrate the victory? (2 Samuel 18:33) But David should have cried these tears long ago, intervening after the rape of his daughter.
  22. This section sends a chill up the spine of any parent. Death would be easier than a life without our children.
  23. How does David feel after Joab’s rebuke? (2 Samuel 19:5, 6, 7) Was Joab right in doing so?

Here are a few life application questions:

  1. Why do you believe that our King is worth ten thousand of us? (2 Samuel 18:3)
  2. These men were pawns in the hands of King David, what will you do tangibly to demonstrate your belief that Jesus is absolutely worthy of our sacrifice?
  3. What news or information or sin are you hiding from the King? What will bring this hidden truth into the light?
  4. From what enemies has God delivered you? Like David, what has preoccupied your mind from the reality of your current situation? What role does your faith and this small group play in your victory?
  5. Think back over this long story. How could David have avoided this eventuality?
  6. What regrets do you think David had at this point?
  7. What is the lesson of this story for our lives? What break in relationship is happening in your family right now? Act quickly to make reconciliation, before it all spirals out of control.

Men and Accountability, Part 1

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This is a topic that many men don’t want to discuss, accountability. We are ruggedly independent and often run from any outside accountability to others. We like being our own boss, at work, at home and in our private lives as well. This just might be the reason for the downfall of so many men today. If we are not accountable to another man who will get in our face when we go astray, we will likely find ourselves in a hole that keeps getting deeper and deeper.

We will look toward God and understand that we must be accountable to Him, knowing that one day we will all give an account for what we have done with the life He has given to us (Matthew 12:36, Luke 16:2, Romans 14:12, Hebrews 13:17). But that will usually not transfer to an earthly relationship. Our spiritual lives (or lack of one) can be hidden from others.

I was reminded of a story in the life of Moses and Joshua that encourages accountability between men. In the next few posts, I want to address various lessons we can learn from this interesting passage of Scripture.

“Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands'” (Exodus 17:9).

Moses’ staff represented his vocation as a shepherd. When God first met Moses in the desert at the burning bush (Exodus 3:2), he told him that he was going to use his staff to perform miracles and bring a people out of slavery (Exodus 4:17). God related to Moses through his vocation as a shepherd. Think about how God uses your vocation to allow you to bring glory to Him. There are things you can do, and people you will meet, that no one else can do. God has uniquely positioned you where you are to work through you, no matter what your vocation happens to be.

Moses later faced one of his enemies in the new land, the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16). Isn’t it just like real life to run into an old enemy not too long after a great victory (like the Hebrews leaving Egypt just two chapters earlier, Exodus 15:21). Back to the Amalekites, God told Moses to go to the top of the mountain and hold his staff up to heaven. As long as his staff was outstretched to heaven, Israel would win the battle. But if it was not uplifted, they would suffer defeat (Exodus 17:11).

Isn’t this an interesting picture? When we raise our “staff” up to the Lord, He becomes our protector. He is our defender. As long we offer up our staff before the Lord, He can work through it. He works on our behalf. When we lower it, we lose the blessing of God.

When God told Moses He was going to use his staff to bring a people out of bondage, he first had to lay his staff down on the ground (Exodus 4:3). God changed it into a snake and then God told Moses to pick it up by the tail. God was telling Moses to take authority over the snake. When Moses picked up the staff, the scripture tells us it is no longer Moses’ staff, but it is now the staff of God (Exodus 4:20, 17:9).

The lesson for us is to continually offer up our work lives to the Lord and see His protection and blessing upon us as we continually raise our work to the Lord for His use. You are not in your current place of employment or in your vocation for no reason. You are in the place where you can influence others for the kingdom’s sake, if we all look at that vocation as God’s opportunity for service toward others. Once we change our perspective on the work we do, we just might find better purpose, meaning, joy and significance in the task. Be accountable to God, and use the “staff of God” to live life victoriously.

Always on Call

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Christianity is about being “others oriented.” It’s relational. When Jesus called his closest men, they came out of the everyday work life, fishermen, tax collectors, political activists, rather than the religious community. The problem is that not many people in a local church are called to full time vocational Christian service. Men have their careers and need to make a living, and time is valuable to take care of business, family, chores and relaxation. Who has time for people or anything else?

I remember my younger days and looking forward to the future. Automation and machines would make life so much easier that Americans would have shorter work weeks and lots more free time. With the emergence of the computer and the simpler life we’d enjoy from our modern conveniences, our biggest challenge was supposed to be choosing how to spend all this extra time we’d have on our hands.

I look at life today and think, “What a cruel joke.”

Have you ever seen a day when people were this strung out with work demands, longer hours, tighter deadlines, breakneck schedules, and higher expectations? Whatever little time and energy is left at the end of earning a paycheck, running errands, and keeping our homes in working order usually ends up stretched out on the sofa with a cold drink; and then hope that no one will bother us. At this pace, we just don’t have time for people.

Check out what Jesus said to the disciples in Mark 10:35-45. I believe they may have had their own ideas on theology and what pleased God, and basically wanted to follow God on their own terms, as long as Jesus did what they wanted Him to do (Mark 10:35). When we try the same thing, Jesus reminds us that we just don’t know what we are asking for (Mark 10:38). We don’t get it, just like the Twelve. We always think we know best. In our ignorance and selfishness we would never expect the same answer (Mark 10:39). We don’t expect to be treated in the same fashion as Jesus Himself; abused, beaten, misunderstood, homeless, poor and eventually executed. These never make our to-do lists. We (as did the disciples) want to sit at the left and right hand of God, to have a place of honor and comfort, were we belong (Mark 10:37). Problem is that if Jesus did not spare his closest men from hardship, why should we expect anything less?

So what was the specific instruction of Jesus for the disciples? Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). To me, this means that we are to be “others oriented” and always looking for opportunities to serve people. While men are in a vocation in the real world, we have to realize that we are always “on call.” An opportunity arises and the pager goes off, we must decide to do the right thing or to ignore the page. When you’re on call, ignoring a page is not an option.

What an opportunity, then, for men to make the love of Christ stand out in a crowd—every time you forsake the sofa in order to meet a need, serve a brother, or help a neighbor. The sky light is open for us to “shine like stars in the universe” (Philippians 2:15) and see God’s face light up.

Resolving Old Conflicts

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David was strongly attached to Absalom and he has been absent for three years, but the fear of public opinion made him hesitant to grant him a full pardon. Joab, David’s general, had obviously witnessed David’s irresponsibility toward Absalom long enough and he devised a plan to get David’s attention.

Think about these questions:

  1. How could David long for Absalom. Absalom had killed his other son, Amnon. Why isn’t he mad at him? (2 Samuel 14:1)
  2. What do we learn about God from 2 Samuel 14:14?
  3. What do you think about the whole ruse orchestrated by Joab. What was the point?
  4. How did David know Joab was involved? (2 Samuel 14:19)
  5. If David longed for Absalom, why did he have to be talked into taking him back? (2 Samuel 14:1, 21)
  6. How is the relationship between father and son now? (2 Samuel 14:21, 24, 28, 33)
  7. If you were casting Absalom in a movie, what actor might you choose? (2 Samuel 14:25)
  8. Tamar, we have heard that name before. Who was Tamar? (2 Samuel 14:27)

    There used to be a song called, “We didn’t start the fire.” Who did start the fire? (2 Samuel 14:30) What is the fire about?
  9. Have you heard the adage, “negative attention is better than no attention”? How do you see that demonstrated here? Where have you seen this demonstrated in real life?
  10. Is all better now? (2 Samuel 14:33). There may be forgiveness and reconciliation, but is it all sealed with a kiss?

Let’s look at some details in this chapter:

Joab sets up a story about a woman and her prodigal son (2 Samuel 14:2, 3). It could work; after all, he saw Nathan use a story to get David’s attention back in 2 Samuel 12:1-7.

The woman tells the story (2 Samuel 14:4-7) and David tries to blow her off (2 Samuel 14:8), perhaps David doesn’t want to be blamed for defending a guilty son!

She says that she will take any blame from sparing the son (2 Samuel 14:9). David tells the woman to bring her persecutors before him (2 Samuel 14:10).

The avenger of blood (2 Samuel 14:11) is a specific term identifying the nearest relative of the deceased who would seek to put to death the murderer (Numbers 35:6–28; Deuteronomy 19:1–13; Matthew 27:25).

She mentions that death is irreversible and that God acts in accordance with mercy (2 Samuel 14:14) as in David’s own experience (2 Samuel 12:13), and the king should do the same.

Those who were wanting to kill the woman and her son were like the people David feared whom resented what Absalom had done and would have stood against a pardon for him (2 Samuel 14:15, 16).

David finally gets it (2 Samuel 14:19), that Joab is behind this woman and her story.
Joab is excited that Absalom is coming back, as selfish as his motives really were (2 Samuel 14:22).

While Absalom returned to Jerusalem, the estrangement continued (2 Samuel 14:24, 28). Everything looked good on the outside, but none of it came form the heart. David summoned Absalom to appease him, not to accept him. Absalom wanted David to look him in the eye rather than to beg for forgiveness. He requests an audience with the king, but nothing, he finally sets fire to Joab’s field to get his attention… like acting out, or manipulation of others. It was like Absalom was saying, “accept me or kill me.” By the time David finally received Absalom, (2 Samuel 14:33) his son’s heart had already grown cold and bitter (see chapter 15).

Application Questions:

  1. This story is a story about resolving old conflicts. What could David or Joab or Absalom done to make this better?
  2. Have you known anyone who kept a fire of conflict stoked for decades?
  3. How can we settle old conflicts?