Psalms Book II (42-72) on Rice Family Ministries

Psalm 42

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

November 29, 2023

Battle in the Mind #

Psalm 42:1-6

Introduction

These Psalms often gives us a lot of insight into the thoughts and emotions of the Psalmist. We find they are men like us. Men who suffer hardship. Face enemies, and even within themselves struggle to remain faithful in hard times.

The reality is we are all cut out of the same cloth, sinful cloth, that has inherent flaws. We must recognize the flaws we have and not let them get the best of us, but continue battling them.

Psalm 43

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

December 06, 2023

Survival Guide for the Struggling Soul #

Psalm 43:1-5

Introduction

Sometimes we struggle in our christian life. There are times of discouragement, times of great victory, and times of simply plodding along. It is much like a life journey, sometimes we travel through long deep valleys, and sometimes we travel through mountaintops with majestic views. Sometimes there are unexpected turns, sometimes there are long downhill paths, and long climbs. Everyone’s life experiences are going to be different.

Psalm 44

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

December 13, 2023

Trusting through Trials #

Psalm 44:1-8

Introduction

This is an excellent Psalm that helps us when we are in tough times. We often find ourself in difficult situations not even a result of our own sin. Much like the life of Job, sometimes trials come our way. The trials of our faith are to strengthen us!

1Pet. 1:6 ¶ Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Psalm 45

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

January 10, 2024

Full of Joy #

Psalm 45:1

Introduction

We find that the Psalmist is overflowing with joy, blessings and praise in this Psalm. Do you remember the time you were filled with joy to overflowing? Perhaps when you got married, when a child was born? When you were just with your family, and joyful to have everyone together. Or perhaps that day you trusted in the LORD as your personal Savior! And you were full of joy to know that God loved you.

Psalm 46

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

January 17, 2024

Finding Help in Trouble #

Psalm 46:1-11

Introduction

This is an incredible Psalm we have this evening. I have no doubt it will be a blessing and help to you! There are no doubt prophetic references in the Psalm, I want to get bogged down in tracking and proving those references. I want us to see the application, the help, the encouragement we can get from it.

Psalm 47

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

January 24, 2024

The King of Kings #

Psalm 47:1-9

Introduction

The theme of this Psalm is clearly that God is the LORD God, Jehovah, King of Kings. There is no higher God than the God we serve. This becomes evident throughout this Psalm.

I. His Position (1-2) #

A. Royalty - Kingly #

1. Great King (2b) #

2. Our King (6b) #

3. King of all the earth (7a) #

1Tim. 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

Psalm 48

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

January 31, 2024

Power in Praising God #

Psalm 48:1-14

Introduction

This Psalm is about praising God and thanking God specifically for His protection. This Psalm starts out with a very emphatic statement, “Great is the LORD”. We literally cannot even begin to understand how truly magificent, marvelous, and awesome our God is. And if we could understand it, it is not likely we could express it!

I. The City of Jerusalem (1-3) #

A. God’s city (1) #

1. Jerusalem a historical place #

Matt. 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Psalm 49

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

February 07, 2024

Contemplating Eternity #

Psalm 49:1-5

Introduction

Verses 1-4 of this Psalm give a flowery introduction to this Psalm.

I. Call (1-4) #

A. Invitation (1-2) #

1. Attention!!! - Listen, learn! #

2. All people! #

B. Instruction – (3) #

1. Wisdom (from God) #

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Psalm 50

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

February 14, 2024

God’s Expectation #

Psalm 50:1-6

Introduction

There is no doubt, this is a Psalm of God’s Judgement. In looking at this Psalm, you can focus all your attention on the judgement of God that is coming, or you can look into it, and find what does God truly expect from us.

Knowing what is expected of us from God, is far better, than just blindly going before a judge! I’m the kind of person that likes to know what is going on.

Psalm 51

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

February 21, 2024

Plea of the Guilty #

Psalm 51:1-6

Introduction

Among the 150 Psalms, there are relatively few with Titles as specific as this one. We will see in the next 10 Psalms some of the others with very specific Titles. These titles specify the exact circumstances to which the Psalm is written, which clearly gives us insight about what is going on in the life of the Psalmist.

Psalm 52

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

February 28, 2024

The Way of the Wicked #

Psalm 52

I. Path of Doeg (1 Sam 21) #

A. David’s situation (1 Sam 20) #

1. Jonathon has discovered Saul’s true intent to kill David #

2. Jonathon informs David (arrows field) #

B. David’s flight to Nob #

1. Doeg’s presence (1 Sam 21:7) #

2. David asks for a sword, Ahimelech (priest), Goliath’s Sword (1 Sam 21:9) #

C. Saul pursues (1 Sam 22:6-8) #

1. Saul’s manipulative speech (1 Sam 22:8) #

2. Doeg takes opportunity (1 Sam 22:9-10) #

D. Saul orders execution of priests -1Sam 22:17-19 #

1. No Israelite dared lift a finger against a priest of the LORD! #

2. Doeg (heathen Edomite) #

Displayed his disregard for God

Psalm 53

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

April 03, 2024

Different Perspectives #

Psalm 53

Introduction

Psalm 14 is very similar to this Psalm. Clearly, God thought we needed to look at this Psalm twice, and included it twice in the book. It is a somber Psalm.

Have you ever looked at something and tried to point it out to someone else, and they cannot see it, because they are not looking at it from the right angle? They have to move to actually see what you are looking at.

Psalm 54

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

April 10, 2024

Keeping Faith #

Psalm 54:1-9

Introduction

Who are the Ziphims? - The title mentions them. We have a fascinating Psalm that is pinned to a specific time in David’s life. This was a difficult time in David’s life at best. He constantly had to be on the move, he constantly had to watch his back. He literally lived like a wild animal being hunted. Yet through it all, he maintained his sanity, faith, and life.

Psalm 55

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

April 17, 2024

Finding Assurance #

Psalm 55:1-7

Introduction

We find the Psalmist in great distress, feeling very betrayed. He was hurt, but not by the typical enemy, who he knew was against him, but notice in verse 12-14.

12 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: 13 But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. 14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

Psalm 56

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

April 24, 2024

Managing Fear #

Ps 56:3, 11 Key verses

Introduction

When I think of David, I don’t think of a fearful person. I think of a giant killer, I think of slaying the bear, the lion. I think of a great warrior, a brave king, someone who is an over comer. Yet through it all, we find that warriors, victorious, brave warriors have fear!

If they have fear (and they do), how is it managed, and how can we be a victorious overcomer as they are. David clearly lays out for us some clear steps in this Psalm that will help us.

Psalm 57

Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

May 01, 2024

Firmly Fixed on God #

Psalm 57:1-11

Introduction

Some Psalms, you can sense that the Psalmist is overwhelmed in his circumstances, other Psalms, you don’t see it at all. There is not a sense of being overwhelmed in this Psalm. There is not a sense of ignorance either.

We find a few things that are repeated in this Psalm. We will focus on those things this evening. Repetition is a way to emphasize something in poetry, writing, and song. All apply to this Psalm.

Psalm 58

Wed, 15 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

May 15, 2024

A Prayer of David #

Psalm 58:1-5

Introduction

As we go through the Psalms, we witness many different moods of David. As he goes through the struggles of life. We can find common ground even within our life. While we certainly do not live in the same day and age as David, life bears many similarities to his.

We have our ups, we have our downs, we have our fears, we have our trials, we have our mountain top views.

Psalm 59

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

June 05, 2024

Who is God for you? #

Psalm 59:1

Introduction

It is amazing how many of the Psalms are born out of great hardship. May we ever be reminded that hard times are not without fruit.

Spurgeon “The Music of the sanctuary is no small degree indebted to the trials of the saints.”

Great trials bring great victories, and even great songs. Don’t think that a trial is worthless or vain there are great lessons to be learned in every trial and difficulty in life.

Psalm 60

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

June 12, 2024

Walking with God, or Wandering away? #

Psalm 60:1-5

Introduction

In this Psalm, we see a clear distinction between two paths. Walking with God, or wandering away from God. In reality there is not another option. In your Christian life, you are either walking with God, or you are walking away from God!

You have seen people walk in sync, that is the way we should be with God! Are you in sync with God?

Psalm 61

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

June 19, 2024

Overwhelmed #

Psalm 61:1-2

Introduction

Overwhelmed means to overspread or crush beneath something violent and weighty, or to become faint, or feeble at the weight of something.

We sometimes use it in a positive way, overwhelmed with joy, but in the Bible, we find it's context is always negative.

Psa. 55:5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.

Psa. 77:3 I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.

Psalm 62

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

June 26, 2024

Contrast of Believer & Unbeliever #

Psalm 62:1-12

Introduction

This Psalm gives us some great truths about man that the Psalmist points out to us. Many of the Psalms relate specifically to an enemy, a circumstance, this Psalm contains great truths about mankind in general. We find mankind’s position in contrast to that of a christian, someone who has firmly placed his faith in God alone for Salvation! That phrase is abundantly clear in this Psalm.

Psalm 63

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

July 03, 2024

Rejoicing in the Wilderness #

Psalm 63:1-11

Introduction

The Title of the Psalm included most of the time in verse number 1, reads, “A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.” Psalm 3’s title reads, “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.” Only time mentioned in Psalms.

David is the author of this Psalm. There were a few times that David was in the wilderness. While he was running from king Saul who was trying to kill him, is probably the most notable, and longest time David was in the wilderness. I do not believe that was the time that it was written, because verse 11 reads, “But the king shall rejoice in God” I believe that is written of himself, not of king Saul.

Psalm 64

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

July 10, 2024

Hope for the Righteous #

Psalm 64:1-10

Introduction

Many of the Psalms are based on the affliction of good people. This Psalm is no different. There are many reasons, many times that righteous people suffer through no fault of their own!

I. The Request (1-2) #

A. Hear - “Hear my voice” #

1. As Christians we can ALWAYS go to God #

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Psalm 65

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

July 17, 2024

A Psalm of Praise #

Psalm 65:1-13

Introduction

A Psalm is literally a song. We of course do not have the music score written down for us, so we have no way of knowing how it sounded when song. If you think about it, many of our hymns speak of hardship, and how God has blessed. We are literally going through the song book of the Jewish nation as complied and largely written by David.

Psalm 66

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

July 24, 2024

Submitted to God #

Psalm 66:1-7

Introduction

There are some pretty clear breaks in this Psalm as you read it and study it.

Being submitted to God doesn’t come naturally, or without effort. We find two completely different reasons for being submitted to God, based on where they start from. You only fit into one of two categories, you are a born-again child of God, or you are not. There is no middle ground. You are saved, or you are not saved.

Psalm 67

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

July 31, 2024

Joy in the LORD #

Psalm 67:1-7

Introduction

The Psalm, is certainly a victorious Psalm, much like we would sing Victory in Jesus, A Mighty Fortress, Faith is the Victory, He is Able to Deliver Thee, or Stand Up- Stand UP for Jesus, it is a song of deliverance, joy, gladness, and praise to God for the victory given.

I. A Prayer Delivered (1) #

A. Mercy “be merciful unto us” #

1. No one is deserving! #

2. We request mercy, not receiving what we do deserve. #

B. Blessings – #

1. We ought to recognize God’s Blessings #

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Psalm 68

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

August 07, 2024

Marching to Victory #

Psalm 68:1-3

Introduction

We have a lengthy Psalm before us, in which we will not be able to touch every verse of it, much less every phrase. It is a full Psalm, with many messages that could be brought from it. We will limit ourselves to one simple message from the Psalm as we trek on through the forest of the Psalms.

Psalm 69

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

August 14, 2024

Prophecies of the Messiah #

Psalm 69

Introduction

Shoshannim means lilies, and it is in reference to the spring time and the passover. It is a very prophetic Psalm. Spurgeon says of it

“In the forty-fifth they were golden lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh, and blooming in the fair gardens which skirt the ivory palaces: in this we have the lily among thorns, the lily of the valley, fair and beautiful, blooming in the garden of Gethsemane.”

Psalm 71

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

September 04, 2024

Faith for all Ages #

Psalm 71:1-2

Introduction

We truly have a wonderful Psalm before us. This is a great Psalm, because we have a message of a Seasoned Saint who has seized onto God as his source of strength and salvation, and has not slipped. There is a message for the young, a message for the middle aged, as well as a message for the senior saint! The Secret to success is ultimately unveiled in this Psalm, so lets stop and consider the wisdom of God’s aged saint helping us tonight.

Psalm 72

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

September 11, 2024

Looking Forward #

Psalm 72:1-4

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34

I. The Prayer #

A. For Decency (2, 4, 6) #

1. Righteousness & Judgement (2) #

2. Compassion (4) #

3. Helpful (6) #

B. For Dominion (8-9, 11) #

1. Greatness of kingdom (8) #

2. Greatness of Authority (9) #

C. For Deliverer (12-13) #

1. A deliverer of the Gospel! – Pray that God would use your children! #

2. There is a world that needs delivered from the hand of the devil! #

II. The Prophecy #

Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;