For the 2nd quarter of 2020, we are continuing under our theme, “A clearer Vision of who God is and the Plans He has for us.” To assist us, we will stay in the Gospel of John during the month of April and look closely at Jesus’ last days on earth; His trial, His resurrection, and final days before His ascension with His disciples. Our objective is to see how much Jesus loved and cared for His disciples and His people in that He gave His life for us despite committing no wrong Himself. Further, though His disciples left and deserted Him, Jesus still found time to restore and spend time with them before returning to the Father. Jesus is the Savior that forgives, restores, and relates with us so that we can walk into our calling and purpose.

In the month of May and June, we will go back to the Old Testament and look in the Psaltery at different psalms that explores the various attributes of our God. One of the joys of a believer is to celebrate and revel in the strong, faithful character of our Father. From these psalms, our goal is to (1) have a better understanding of the God we worship, (2) develop a greater faith and trust in our God, and (3) live out our faith based off of our praise and adoration to our God.

We invite all to join with us as we study and grow in God’s Word together. Come, let’s read, study, take notes, mediate and share in the following lessons as we learn more of our God and our response to His love, His beauty, and His faithfulness. It’s time for God’s people to learn more about Him and become the person He created us to be.

Lessons:April 5 “Guilty, Not Guilty” John 19: 1-16April 12 “Jesus Appears to Mary” John 20: 11-18April 19 “The Miraculous Catch” John 21: 1-14April 26 “Jesus Restores Peter” John 21: 15-23

May 3 “God Helps His People” Psalms 3: 1-8May 10 “The Glory of God’s Work & Word” Psalms 19: 1-14May 17 “Call on the Lord” Psalms 86: 1-17 May 24 “Abiding in His Presence” Psalms 91: 1-16May 31 “Praise for God’s Mercies” Psalms 103: 1-18

June 7 “Praise God for His Goodness” Psalms 118: 14-29June 14 “All Present and All Knowing” Psalms 139: 1-18; 23-24 June 21 “Praise Belongs to God” Psalms 145: 1-21 June 28 “Praise God for His Blessings” Psalms 146: 1-10

April 5, 2020 Lesson 1

“Guilty, Not Guilty”John 19: 1-16 (NKJV)

1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.

2 And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe.

3 Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.

4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”

5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”

6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”

7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”

8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid,

9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.

10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”

11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore, the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying,

“If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”

13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha.

14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to

the Jews, “Behold your King!”

15 But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”

16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away.

Commentary:

In John 18, Jesus, now arrested, was taken from Caiaphas (the high priest) to Pilate (the Roman governor) for questioning and sentencing. Pilate, not wanting to get involved with the matter of sentencing Jesus tells the Jews that they should handle the case themselves. The Jewish leaders however informs Pilate that according to Roman law, they were not permitted to put anyone to death. Pilate then inquired Jesus about the charges made against him, asking him if he was the king of the Jews. Jesus tells him that his kingdom is not of this world. After a few more questions, Pilate comes out and tells the Jewish leaders he finds no fault in Jesus and is allowed to free one prisoner. He asked the leaders if he should free Jesus, the king of the Jews, to which the leaders shouted, “No we want Barabbas.”

Pilate gave them a choice, either free Jesus, the king, or Barabbas, a violent revolutionist. Though Jesus committed no crime, the people called for Barabbas to be set free. However, Pilate was not ready to condemn Jesus to death. Instead, Pilate

ordered for Jesus to be whipped. In addition, the soldiers mocked Him in calling Him king by placing a crown of thorns on His head and placed a purple robe. They then teased Him saying, “Hail, King of the Jews,” while hitting Him in the face. Pilate then brought Jesus out in front of the Jewish leaders stating, “I find no fault in Him.”

With Jesus standing in front of them with the purple robe and the crown of thorns, the Jewish leaders shouted, “Crucify Him, crucify Him. Attempting to push Jesus back to the Jews, Pilate said to them, “You take Him as I find no fault in Him.”

The Jewish leaders stated their opposition of Jesus saying that Jesus was making Himself the Son of God. All throughout the gospels, the leaders charged Jesus with blasphemy as He was placing Himself on the same level as God. However, despite all they saw Him do and the words He proclaimed, they refused to admit that Jesus was the promised Messiah and the Beloved Son of God.

Seeing and feeling the pressure from the Jews, Pilate went inside the palace where he asked Jesus, “Where are you from” to which Jesus remained silent. Pilate asked “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” Here in verse 10, we see Pilate getting frustrated and upset. He has already attempted to free Jesus as he finds no fault in Him but the Jewish leaders are not agreeing with Him. Now here is Jesus refusing to answer his question. So, Pilate reminds Jesus who he is and he had the power to pronounce life or death over Him.

Jesus then speaks and informs Pilate that the power he claims was only granted to him by His Father above. Further, those who were delivering Him to Pilate would be guilty of a greater sin. This does not pardon Pilate of guilt but is stating that his guilt is less than those who handed Jesus over to him, because he was not acting against Jesus out of deliberate hatred or malice like the Jewish leaders.

Pilate, believing Jesus is innocent, brought Jesus out to the Jewish leaders and sought that he be released. However, the Jews said to him, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s

friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.” The Jewish leaders knew exactly what to say in order to have Pilate rule in their favor. They threatened to speak out to the emperor of Pilate’s unfaithfulness to him. Historians claim that the emperor, some say was Tiberius at that time, was very jealous and tyrannical, and if Pilate showed any sign of unfaithfulness to the Roman empire, would lose his position; if not worse.

Seeing how adamant the Jews wanted Jesus to be killed, despite believing that Jesus was innocent, Pilate set Jesus before the people. He asked them again if they wanted him to kill their king on the cross. The Jews sarcastically responded, “our king is Caesar.” Feeling the pressure and not wanting to lose ground or face, Pilate gave in to the people and handed Jesus over to them so that He could be crucified on the cross.

Questions:

1. From the beginning, what has Pilate concluded about Jesus?

Why do you think Pilate ordered that Jesus be whipped and allow the soldiers to mock and punish Him?

2. What do you think of when you read verses 1-5 about what Jesus endured as the soldiers mocked and beat him?

3. Why do you think Pilate allowed the trial to proceed even though he found no fault in Him?

4. What does Jesus tell Pilate about authority in verse 10 & 11? Who is really in control in this trial? How can we use this to help us when facing trials and tribulations?

5. In looking at how Pilate handled the pressure placed on him by the Jews, was there a time you were “pressured” to choose between doing the right thing (Godly thing) or the opposite?

6. When we consider what Jesus endured; whipped, beaten, mocked, and eventually crucified, how should you as a Christian and believer respond to Jesus?

Daily Readings:

Monday, April 6, Luke 23: 26-34Tuesday, April 7, Luke 23: 35-43Wednesday, April 8, Luke 23: 44-49Thursday, April 9, John 19: 17-27Friday, April 10, John 19: 28-42Saturday, April 11, ReflectionsSunday, April 12, John 20:11-18

April 12, 2020 Lesson 2

“Jesus Appears to Mary”John 20: 11-18 (NLT)

11 Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in.

12 She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying.

13 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her. “Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”

14 She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him.

15 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked

her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.”

16 “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).

17 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message.

Commentary:

In the gospel of Mark chapter 16, we are told that when the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint the body of Jesus. They went to the tomb very early, just after sunrise, to care for Jesus’ body. However, when they arrived to the tomb, they discovered that the stone was rolled away from the opening of the tomb. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man there dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side. Mark 16: 5-6 says that they were frightened yet the young man told them that the same Jesus they are looking for has risen from the dead. He then instructed them to tell His disciples that He is going ahead of them to Galilee and there they shall see Him. In John 20:2, Mary Magdalene goes to Peter and John and informs them that the body is missing; that someone has taken His body and there is no one knows where it is. Together they go to the tomb and see the linen cloths, the handkerchief, and wondered what has happened to the body. John 20:9 says “they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead.” John 20:10 says that the disciples went away to their homes.

Our lesson picks up with Mary standing outside the tomb weeping. As the gospel writer zooms in on Mary, it is imperative we get a better understanding of who she was and her relationship with Jesus. Mary Magdalene, from Magdala, was the one Jesus casted out seven demons from and healed her from an illness. She was shunned and rejected by many during her sickness. However, when Jesus healed her, she became a devoted and faithful follower and disciple of Christ. Mary loved the Lord and supported Him financially and traveling with Him as He taught.

Here in our lesson, we see Mary, weeping, hurting, mourning over the loss of her friend, her teacher, her Savior and Lord. She goes in the tomb and there sees two angels in white seated where Jesus; body was laid. The angels asked here why she was crying to which Mary responded, “They have taken my Lord away and I don’t know where they have put him.” It is here, in verse 14, where the other main

character of our lesson appears. Mary turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but did not recognize that it was Jesus.

There is much speculation as to why Mary did not know that it was Jesus there with her. Some suggest that her tears and emotional state caused her not to recognize Jesus. Others believe there was a change in His appearance in Jesus’ body and refer to the two disciples on the Emmaus road who also did not recognize Him. It is also believed that Mary did not recognize Him as she was not expecting Him to be alive.

Jesus said to Mary, “Woman, why are you crying and whom do you seek?” Believing that Jesus was a gardener, she asked, “if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Here, one can see how hurt, sadden, distraught Mary was in the death of Jesus. On top of this, His body is missing and she would do anything she could to retrieve His body. In her distressed condition, Mary did not recognize the voice of Jesus until He called her by name.

In verse 16, Jesus called out to her saying, “Mary.” Just hearing her name and now recognizing His voice, Mary responded back in an enthusiastic way, “Rabboni, my dear Teacher.” Filled with joy and being overexcited, and not wanting to lose Him again, one can see Mary reaching out to hold and cling to Jesus. However, Jesus stopped her and said, “do not hold on to me as I have not ascended yet to the Father.”

Though Mary was not permitted to cling onto Jesus’ body at that time, the Lord gives her a special assignment of announcing and proclaiming that she has seen the risen Lord and that He is ascending to the Father. In other words, tell my disciples, it is done and my job is complete.

The resurrection of Jesus, from the grave, was now accomplished and made it possible for all who believe in Him to become brothers and sisters in Christ. What Jesus professed to Nicodemus in John 3 is now in effect, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. And the first person to witness and proclaim His victory of death and opening the door to eternal life was one who once was casted away by others and possessed by demons but now a loyal follower of Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene.

Questions:

1. From watching Mary weeping by the tomb and asking about the body of Jesus, how would you describe her relationship and loyalty with Jesus?

How would you describe your relationship with and loyalty to Jesus?

2. Why do you think Mary did not recognize Jesus standing there with her by the tomb?

Why do you think she recognized Him when He called her by name?

3. What assignment did Jesus give to Mary to do and how quickly did Mary respond to the assignment?

What is your assignment(s) from the Lord and what is your typical response time?

4. (BONUS) In verse 17, Jesus used a term in referencing His disciples. He said, “my bothers.” Earlier in the gospels, there were known as His disciples, servants and later (in chapter 15), His friends. Here, the Lord says, “my brother.” Why the difference?

Daily Readings:

Monday, April 13, Luke 24: 1-12Tuesday, April 14, Luke 24: 13-27Wednesday, April 15, Luke 24: 28-43Thursday, April 16, Luke 24: 44-53Friday, April 17, John 20: 19-31Saturday, April 18, ReflectionsSunday, April 19, John 21: 1-14

April 19, 2020 Lesson 3

“The Miraculous Catch”John 21: 1-14 (NLT)

Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened.

2 Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.

3 Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So, they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.

4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was.

5 He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?”“No,” they replied.

6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So, they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.

7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore.

8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore.

9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.

10 “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said.

11 So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.

12 “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are

you?” They knew it was the Lord.

13 Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish.

14 This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.

Commentary:

In our lesson today, Jesus appeared to His disciples again along the Sea of Galilee. Seven of the eleven disciples are mentioned being there by the Sea of Galilee. Historians say that where they were, was approximately 100 miles to the north of Jerusalem or about a five-day journey from the holy city. Galilee was home to the disciples so with them returning after the resurrection of Jesus could suggest that they returned home to pick up with their lives before meeting Jesus.

This theory is more evident as to where the setting of the story takes place and what they are found doing in this chapter, on the water fishing. Verse 3 says that Peter tells the others that he is gong fishing to which the others join him. They go out, fished all night, and caught nothing. However, in verse 4, Jesus, unbeknownst to them, stood on the shore at dawn and asked if they caught anything. They responded they had not caught anything to which Jesus offered a suggestion of casting their nets to the right side of the boat. Heeding to his suggestion, the disciples hauled in so much fish that it was too much to bear.

This miracle reminded the disciples of an earlier encounter with Jesus. In Luke 5, we find a similar incident as Jesus got into Peter’s boat and started teaching the people who were standing on the shore. Afterwards, Jesus tells Peter to sail out and let down his nets to catch some fish. After obeying Jesus, Peter found so much success catching fish that he had to ask others to come help him with haul in the fish.

In our lesson, when the disciples found success fishing, they recognized that the man who offered that advice was Jesus. Perhaps they didn’t recognize Jesus earlier because of the distance; they were 100 yards from the shore. Perhaps they did

not recognize Him because it was still rather dark; it was dawn. Or perhaps they did not recognize Him because Jesus did not reveal Himself to them.

When Peter heard that it was Jesus, he put on his robe, jumped into the water and headed to shore to Jesus as the others stayed in the boat and came back on shore. When they all landed on shore, they saw that Jesus already had a fire going with fish cooking over the fire and some bread. Jesus then asked that they bring some of the fish they caught and invited them for some breakfast. Jesus served them bread and fish and together they shared a meal.

Questions:

1. Why do you think Peter and the other disciples reverted back to their fishing, their previous occupation, not long after Jesus’ resurrection?

2. Why do you think Peter jumped into the water to go meet Jesus instead of staying with the others who stayed in and rowed on shore to meet the Lord?

3. What is the significance of the net not tearing with such a large catch?

How does this connect with the haul being a work of Christ?

4. What way(s) is Jesus serving the disciples in our lesson?

5. Are you currently involved in your calling; purpose with Christ., presently in close communion with God, or like the disciples “out at sea” and back to your old way of life before Christ?

6. Why was it important for Jesus to go out to them on the shore and “commune” with them during this time of their lives?

Daily Readings:

Monday, April 20, 1 Peter Chapter 1Tuesday, April 21, 1 Peter Chapter 2Wednesday, April 22, 1 Peter Chapter 3Thursday, April 23, 1 Peter Chapter 4Friday, April 24, 1 Peter Chapter 5Saturday, April 25 – ReflectionsSunday, April 26, - John 21: 15-23

April 26, 2020Lesson 4

“Jesus Restores Peter”John 21: 15-23 (NLT)

15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you

and take you where you don’t want to go.”

19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

20 Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved; the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?”

21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”

22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”

23 So the rumor spread among the community of believers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

Commentary:

In our previous lesson, we saw the disciples retreat back to fishing after the resurrection of Jesus. Peter was the first to suggest the fishing excursion. After fishing all night and not catching any fish, Jesus, unbeknownst to them, appeared on shore and offered a suggestion of casing their nets from the right side of the boat. After following Jesus’ suggestion and hauling in a huge catch, the disciples recognized that the person on shore was Jesus. Peter puts on his robe and jumps in the water to meet Jesus while the others stay in the boat and row the hundred yards back on shore to Jesus. It is believed that Peter’s actions of jumping in the water to see Jesus and the feeling he probably felt from his denial of Jesus during Christ’s trial leads to what will take place in today’s lesson.

When the disciples, including Peter landed on shore, they discovered that Jesus already had breakfast prepared for them. After eating together, Jesus addresses Peter by asking him if he loved Him to which Peter responded in the affirmative. However, Jesus continues and asks him the question two additional times.

If one can recall, it was Peter who, under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit, who declared that Jesus was the Christ; the Son of God. Also, it was Peter who boldly declared his commitment to Jesus, even unto death in front of the disciples. However, it was Peter who also denied knowing Jesus publicly when confronted if he was one of Jesus’ disciples. And, as stated earlier, it was Peter who decided to go fishing there in Galilee; his previous occupation.

One can only speculate what was going through Peter’s mind knowing that he professed to never leaving Jesus’ side; that he would die with him only to deny ever knowing Him. How could the Lord count on him to be a pillar in His church if, when tough times came, he would deny the Christ he claimed to love and follow. But here is Jesus, speaking directly to him,

asking him if he loved him. What Peter needed to know was that he was forgiven, restored and reinstated back in the Master’s plan as an ambassador to Jesus’ Kingdom.

Jesus asked him three times if he loved him. After each answer, Jesus told him to feed His flock. It was important for Peter to hear that he was to love, comfort and serve the children of God. Jesus wanted Peter to make a public declaration that to watch over God’s flock and to be devoted to the Will of God. With each declaration, Peter only heard his own voice, but heard Jesus declaring that he was forgiven and restored back to his place as leader in Christ’s Church.

The lesson continues in verse 18 and 19 with Jesus telling Peter what would happen to him. He tells him that when he becomes old, he will stretch out his hands and others will dress him and take him where he will not want to go. Jesus was telling him that he would live to a good old age and be useful for the cause of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, it will be in His old age that he would be tied and bound and led to his death. It should be noted that historians say that Peter was crucified; just may not have been nailed to the cross but limbs were stretched and fastened with cords to the cross. Jesus added that his death would glorify God. With that, Jesus told him to follow him.

Those two words, “Follow Me” spoke liberty, forgiveness, restoration, and reinstatement. Despite Peter’s denial of Jesus and going back to what he did before becoming a disciple, Jesus forgave him and received him back to his divine role and purpose. Those two words serves as a launching pad for the Peter we find in Acts who was filled with the Holy Spirit, preached the gospel and walked in boldness in the faith of God.

Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus asked Peter the same question three times?

2. Why do you think Jesus said “feed my lambs” the first time and “sheep” the second and third time?

3. What does Jesus mean by “more than these” in verse 15?

4. What does it mean to “shepherd God’s sheep”?

5. Why do you think Peter asked what would happen to Jesus and how did Jesus respond?

6. Knowing that Jesus forgave and restored Peter, how can we use this lesson to help ourselves and others who are struggling, suffering and torturing themselves over a relapse, a backslide or a regressed moment in one’s walk with Christ?

Daily Readings:

Monday, April 27, Mark 16: 14-20Tuesday, April 28, Matthew 28: 16-20Wednesday, April 29, Acts 1: 4-11Thursday, April 30, Psalm 1: 1-6Friday, May 1, Psalm 2: 1-12Saturday, May 2, ReflectionsSunday, May 3, Psalm 3: 1-8

May 3, 2020 Lesson 5

“God Helps His People”Psalm 3: 1-8 (ERV)

1 Lord, I have so many enemies. So many people have turned against me.

2 They say to themselves, “God will not rescue him!” 

3 But you, Lord, protect me. You bring me honor; you give me hope.

4 I will pray to the Lord, and he will answer me from his holy mountain. 

5 I can lie down to rest and know that I will wake up, because the Lord covers

and protects me.

6 So I will not be afraid of my enemies, even if thousands of them surround me.

7 Lord get up! My God come rescue me! If you hit my enemies on the cheek, you will break all their teeth.

8 Lord, the victory is yours! You are so good to your people. 

Commentary:

Today’s lesson comes from Psalms 3; the first psalm with a title. The title says, “A psalm of David written during the time he was running from his son Absalom.” The events that led to the writing of this psalm are recorded in 2 Samuel 13-18. There we see Absalom angry at his father, David, for not responding and caring for his sister Tamar who was raped by her half-brother, Amnon. Absalom had Amnon killed and sought to take down his father David and become the new king. In response to Absalom’s threat, David flees the city out of fear for his life. It is during this flight that it is presumed David wrote this psalm.

David begins by stating his problem, “I have many enemies; many have turned against me.” David was in trouble as his son is leading a revolt against him which now included some of David’s friends and associates who forsook him and joined

ranks with Absalom. David’s predicament was so bad that many felt he was beyond God’s help. Verse 2 says, “They say to themselves; God will not rescue him.” They perhaps felt that God was punishing David for his past sins and negligence as king to handle his own household. Their thinking was that God wanted nothing to do with David, thus putting him in a place of vulnerability and defenseless.

However, starting in verse 3, David declared, “You, Lord, protect me; only You can bring me honor and give me hope.” One translation says, “You, O Lord, are a shield for me.” David knew that God was his shield, his protection. But, more than that, God was the One who lifted David to the place of honor. For David, his hope, courage and confidence were found in God.

David continued in verse 4 saying, I will pray to the Lord and he will answer me from his mountain. Though others felt that God wanted nothing to do with him, David knew the magnitude of his relationship with God. Here David exclaimed that if he called on the Lord, God would hear his cry. And because of his faith and trust in knowing God would hear him, David said he could lie down and rest knowing God would cover and protect him.

David declared that he will not be afraid of his enemies, regardless of how many there were. David knew that with God on his side, he could stand up to any foe. With this confidence, David declared the victory already belonged to the Lord.

Questions:

1. What was going on in David’s life when he wrote this psalm?

2. What does David say to God in verses 1 and 2?

Describe a time when you had similar thoughts as expressed in verses 1 and 2.

3. How does David describe God in verse 3?

What are some ways you describe what God is to your life?

4. List the evidences of assurance and faith David has in God in verses 4-6.

5. How does this psalm help you in dealing with a troubled time in your life?

Daily Reading:

Monday, May 4, Psalm 4Tuesday, May 5, Psalm 5Wednesday, May 6, Psalm 8Thursday, May 7, Psalm 18: 1-24Friday, May 8, Psalm 18: 25-50Saturday, May 9, ReflectionSunday, May 10, Psalm 19: 1-14

May 10, 2020Lesson 6

“The Glory of God’s Work and Word”Psalm 19: 1-14 (NLT)

1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.

2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.

3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.

4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.

6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.

7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.The decrees of the Lord are

trustworthy, making wise the simple.

8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.

9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,lasting forever. The laws of

fair.

10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.

11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

14 May the words of my mouthand the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Let the words of

my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. NKJV)

.

Commentary:

David begins this psalm stating that the heavens proclaim the glory of God. He continues by saying the skies display His craftmanship. There in the sky, all should see the beauty of God’s glory and work in the sun, moon, stars and clouds. The magnitude, the vast beauty of the heavenly bodies shows how awesome our God is. David Guzik commented on verse 1-3 by saying,

“He is glorious in His size, having created something so big. He is glorious in His engineering, having created something that works together so well. He is glorious in His artistry, having created something so beautiful. He is glorious in His goodness and kindness, having created something for all humanity to see.” (Blue Letter Bible)

The entire earth benefits from the works of God as the sun shines its light for all to see and gives off heat so all can feel its warmth. The sun covers the sky and everyone can benefit from its power. This is a great example of God’s glory and it stretches over the entire world and is declared in the heavens.

As we go into verse 7, David moves the psalm from praising God who reveals Himself through His works to praising the same God who reveals Himself in His Word. Though one can see the glory of God and all His wonders in the sky through the sun, moon and stars, God’s Word reveals so much more about the nature and character of Him. According to this psalm, the Word of God is pure, offers direction, hope and joy, and yields blessings to all who heed and follow them.

In describing God’s Word, David used a variety of expressions to pronounce how wonderful and effective the Word of God is. In our translation, David called God’s Word: the instructions of the Lord, the decrees of the Lord, the commandments of the Lord, the commands of the Lord, and the laws of the Lord. He comments on how they are perfect, trustworthy, right, clear, pure and true.

David continued in verse 10 and 11 saying that the Word of God are more desirable that gold, and sweeter than honey yet is a warning to those who listens and a blessing to those who obey. This is evident in verses 12 and 13 where God’s Word is used to expose the sins of our hearts and reminds us that we are set free from our sins. God’s Word keeps us in line with Him and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

David ended this psalm with a plea to God that his mouth and heart be devoted, committed and faithful to God. David knew that true godliness is not just through what a person does, but also what a person say and what is in their heart. David asked the Lord to continue working on him as he continued to grow on the inside and out in being a man after God’s own heart. David closed with calling on the One who could only help him; his Lord, his strength, and his redeemer.

Questions:

1. Describe in your own words, how observing nature has helped you see the beauty and magnitude of God’s glory.

What are some particular things in nature you like observing and how does it relate to the way you see God?

2. David named God’s Word using the following terms: instructions, decrees, commandments, commands, and laws. What are their descriptions and benefits given in

verses 7-9? (Ex: The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul)

Which one of these descriptions and benefits have you benefited personally?

3. What does David ask of God in verse 14? What, if anything can we take from his request; his prayer in helping us in our Christian life?

Daily Readings:

Monday, May 11, Psalm 23Tuesday, May 12, Psalm 27Wednesday, May 13, Psalm 46Thursday, May 14, Psalm 73: 1-14Friday, May 15, Psalm 73: 15-28Saturday, May 16, ReflectionsSunday, May 17, Psalm 86: 1-17

May 17, 2020Lesson 7

“Call on the Lord”Psalm 86: 1-17 (ERV)

1I am a poor, helpless man. Lord, please listen to me and answer my prayer!

2 I am your follower, so please protect me. I am your servant, and you are my God. I trust in you, so save me.

3 My Lord, be kind to me. I have been praying to you all day.

4 My Lord, I put my life in your hands. I am your servant, so make me happy.

5 My Lord, you are good and merciful. You love all those who call to you for help.

6 Lord, hear my prayer. Listen to my cry for mercy.

7 I am praying to you in my time of trouble. I know you will answer me.

8 My Lord, there is no God like you. No one can do what you have done.

9 My Lord, you made everyone. I wish they all would come worship you and honor your name.

10 You are great and do amazing things. You and you alone are God.

11 Lord teach me your ways, and I will live and obey your truths. Help me make worshiping your name the most important thing in my life.

12 My Lord God, I praise you with all my heart. I will honor your name forever!

13 You have such great love for me. You save me from the place of death.

14 Proud people are attacking me, God. A gang of cruel men is trying to kill me. They don’t respect you.

15 My Lord, you are a kind and merciful God. You are patient, loyal, and full of love.

16 Show that you hear me and be kind to me. I am your servant, so give me strength. I am your slave, as my mother was, so save me!

17 Lord show me a sign that you care for me. My enemies will see it and be

disappointed, because you helped and comforted me.

Commentary:

Psalm 86, one of the five psalms called prayers, is listed as one of the prayers of David. Historians cannot pinpoint which historic backdrop in David’s life this psalm is connected with. However, in this psalm, one can hear the cry of David calling out to God to hear him in his anguish, troubles, trials and times of struggle and weakness. David gives at least 14 requests for God to help him, save him, protect him from his enemies, teach him the ways of the Lord and listen to his cries. Yet, with each request, David shows just how great, kind and merciful the Lord is; knowing and trusting that God will hear and answer his prayer.

David begins stating he is a poor, helpless man and needs the Lord to hear and answer his prayer. David, not known to be poor in finances, speaks of him being poor in spirit. This could have been during the time when he was suffering from persecution or dealing with an enemy. David states that he is helpless yet recognizes that his help is in the Lord. For this reason, he cries out to God for Him to hear and answer his cry.

Beginning in verse 2, David said that he is a follower of God as well as a servant who trusts in the Lord. David shows his relationship with God and that he is committed and faithful to the Lord. It is in this relationship with God that David is confident to ask that the Lord protect and save him. David knows that God is good and merciful and loves those who call on Him for help.

In verse 6, David repeated his call for God to hear and answer him. His trust and confidence in knowing God will answer him is supported in his knowledge that there is no one like the Lord. With this knowledge, it is David’s desire that all would come and worship the Lord and give Him the glory and the honor. David praises God in saying, “You are great and do amazing things. You and you alone are God.”

In verse 11, there seems to be a shift in the prayer as instead of asking God to hear and answer his cry, David asks God to teach

him the ways of the Lord. It is as if David is saying, do not teach me how to get of out my trouble, but teach me how to live to give you honor in the midst of my trouble. David recognizes that worshipping God is the most important thing in his life and though he is facing troubles, his situation should not interfere with his praise and worship. David says he will praise the Lord with all of his heart and will honor His name forever!

In verse 14, David said that proud people were attacking him; a gang of cruel men were trying to kill him. David lived such a life of adventure and danger where many tried to take his life. Many of such were not followers of God nor had respect for the Lord. Yet, because of David’s loyalty and commitment to God, he knew the Lord would be kind to him, save him and help him in the presence of his enemies.

Questions:

1. In verse 1, David gives two reasons why he desires the Lord to hear and answer his cry. What are they and how would you define them?

2. In verse 2, David define himself in two ways: as a follower of God and as a servant of God.What does it mean to be a follower of God? What does it mean to be a servant of God?

3. In his prayer, David describes his relationship with God and his complete trust and confidence in knowing God will answer him. How would you describe your relationship with God and your trust in the Lord?

4. How can we worship and praise God in the midst of our troubles?

5. List the requests David asks of God and reasons he believes God will answer his requests.

What are your needs/requests from God and reasons you believe God will answer your request(s)?

Daily Readings:

Monday, May 18, Psalm 87: 1-7Tuesday, May 19, Psalm 88: 1-18Wednesday, May 20, Psalm 89: 1-25Thursday, May 21, Psalm 89: 26-52

Friday, May 22, Psalm 90: 1-17Saturday, May 23, ReflectionsSunday, May 24, Psalm 91: 1-16

May 24, 2020 Lesson 8

“Abiding in His Presence”Psalm 91: 1-16 (NLT)

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.

4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.

6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.

8 Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.9 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,

10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.

11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.

12 They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

13 You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.

15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.

16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

.

Commentary:

Psalm 91, though not attributed to a specific writer, is written by one who displayed great faith in the loving arms of God. A writer, eloquently said that this psalm is, “one of the most excellent works of this kind which has ever appeared. It is impossible to imagine anything more solid, more beautiful, more profound, or more ornamented.” This psalm cites one who has complete trust in God, knowing the Lord will provide the help and safety for all who have faith in Him.

A key word that jumps out in reading this psalm is “security.” Here we see a faithful child of God finding safety in the Lord. Psalms 91 is divided into two parts. In the first section, the faithful believer speaks of God’s protection over His people (verses 1-13). In the second part, God Himself vows to always watch over and rescue those who call on Him (verses 14-16).

The psalmist begins saying that for anyone who lives, dwells, abides in the shelter of God will find rest in the shadow of God. In this opening line, the psalmist makes it clear whom God will protect; those who choose to live, abide with Him and act according to His Way. God will rescue and protect those who have chosen and decided to be with Him and continues to abide in Him. To live in the shelter of God means that one constantly seeks God’s love, comfort, and protection. The Lord will watch over, protect and rescue those who desire to know Him on a much deeper level and grow in His grace and mercy.

God invites those who yearn for Him and learn more about Him to come to the place where He is, His shelter. It is there one feels secure and protected. And who can come or stand against Him as He is the Most High God. God alone is our refuge and only in Him are we rescued from every trap and protected from deadly diseases. Verse 4 tells us that God will shelter; cover us with His feathers, like a bird covering its babies. And there under His wing are we well protected.

Starting in verse 5, the psalmist reassures the readers that in all dangers, God will give strength and courage to His people. The writer lists various ways the enemy can attack us: terrors of the night, the arrow in the day, diseases, disasters, and destruction. Yet, God is able to help and defend His people. The psalmist encourages us by saying, “Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.” Even when the odds are against you, God is still faithful to protect His people. The psalmist says, “Look, it’s the wicked that are being punished.”

In verses 9 and 10, the psalmist repeats the assurance that God will protect and help His people. The psalmist says again that for those who make the conscious decision to live and abide in the Lord, no evil will conquer and overtake you or any plague, disease, outbreak or epidemic shall come near our home. The Lord will order His angels to us; wherever we should go.

In Matthew’s and Luke’s gospel, we find the story of Jesus being led into temptation by Satan. Satan tempted Jesus to create an artificial dilemma by throwing Himself from the highest point of the temple used Psalm 91:11-12 stating that the angels will lift Him up in their hands and not allow His foot to hit against a stone. Though the angels were there to help Jesus in His temptation, what Satan failed to recognize was what is said in verse 13; “You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!” Jesus trust in His Father resulted in Satan’s defeat and Jesus’ resurrection from the grave fulfilled the divine message in Genesis 3:15 that, he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

In verses 14-16, God Himself speaks of the promises and blessings over His people. The Lord says that He will rescue those who love Him and protect those who trust in His name. God promises to be there for those who call on Him and save them in their troubles. To those who pray and speak to Him, listen to His voice, read, study and mediate on His Word, love to dwell in His presence and spend time with Him, God promises to reward them with a long life and give to them His salvation. God spoke blessings over the lives of those who are committed to Him, blessings of protection, prosperity and His loving presence. However long we may be here on this earth,

there awaits for those who are faithful to God a home in heaven with Him; eternal life to those who are saved.

Questions:

1. Verse 1 speaks of living in the “shelter of the Most High” and finding rest in the “shadow of the Almighty”. What is this place and how can one come to live there?

2. In verse 2, the psalmist made a declaration about the Lord. What was that declaration, and have you ever made a declaration to God before? When?

Why?

3. Name the dangers the writer names in verses 3-7 along with their responses to each danger.

What is your response to fear-provoking situations and how does this psalm address your fears?

4. Name the promises of deliverance God gives in verses 14-16.

What are your feelings to His responses in these verses?

5. How can you make God your shelter, your refuge, your safe place?

Daily Readings:

Monday, May 25, Psalm 92: 1-15Tuesday, May 26, Psalm 95: 1-11Wednesday, May 27, Psalm 96: 1-13Thursday, May 28, Psalm 98: 1-9Friday, May 29, Psalm 100: 1-5Saturday, May 30, ReflectionsSunday, May 31, Psalms 103: 1-18

May 31, 2020Lesson 9

“Praise for God’s Mercies”Psalm 103: 1-18 (NKJV)

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul;And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,And forget not all His benefits:

3 Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases,

4 Who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.

7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.

8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger,

and abounding in mercy.

9 He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever.10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;

12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him.

14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no

more.

17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlastingOn those who fear Him, and His righteousness to

children’s children,

18 To such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them

Commentary:

Today’s lesson, Psalm 103, is entitled in our bibles as “A Psalm of David.” Though the circumstances of David’s life is given to date this psalm, some historians suggest that David penned the words in his latter years, perhaps after David passed through some major crisis in his life. Many commentators call Psalm 103 a magnum opus of praise psalms, filled with gracious gratitude of God and all of His beauty.

David begins this psalm by beckoning to his soul to bless the Lord. He called on his soul to do more; that he wasn’t praising God enough. David knew the importance of true worship and that true worship came for deep within. David said, “and all that is within me.” He knew that God deserves every part, every being of ourselves when we come to worship Him. All is due to Him, our bodies, our voices, our minds, our soul, everything as His name is holy and only to Him deserves our praise.

In verse 2, going into verses 3-5, David talks about the benefits given by God. We are to bless the Lord and forget not all of His benefits that the Lord gives to His people. It is the Lord who forgives all of our iniquities, heals all of our diseases, redeems (brought back) our lives from destruction, crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies, and satisfies our mouths with good things. Not only does the Lord heals us physically, but heal us spiritually. It is because of the Lord we are saved and cared for during from life’s calamities, troubles and distresses and are crowned with God’s grace, love and mercy.

David continues the theme of the benefits God offers to His people in verse 8 by saying that the Lord is merciful and gracious to those who follow Him. God’s anger comes, but slowly and after much mercy has been shown. Through His love for His people, God will not reprimand and rebuke us forever nor stay angry with us. Even though we deserved to receive a greater punishment because of our sins, God, through His love, showed us much kindness and forgiveness. From the gospels, we know that it was Jesus who became the sacrificial lamb and bore the penalty of our sins on Calvary’s cross and died in our place because He loved us that much. It is because of this love why we should give God our total praise.

David said that as the heavens are high, so great is His mercy towards those who fear and love the Lord. God’s mercy abounds as far as the distance between the earth and the sky. Furthermore, as far as the east is from the west describes the great forgiveness God forgives His people. As the east and the west can never meet in one point and are forever the same distance from each other, so too is God’s love infinite, immeasurable and endless towards us.

God knows us; knows that we are from the dust, like flowers in the field that soon pass away. Yet, like a good father, the Lord pities and have mercy on us. He understands our frailties and weaknesses. With care, love and understanding, God watches over us and helps us in our weaknesses. As long as we commit ourselves to following Him and seeking Him for guidance and direction, the Lord will be there to hold us, preserve us and shower us with loving mercies. For this we are to give Him the highest praise.

Questions:

1. How would you describe David’s mood, expression and attitude in verse 1? Does he sound eager, reluctant, uninterested, etc.?

How would you describe your mood, expression when it comes to offering praise to God?

Explain.

2. In verse 2, David talks about not forgetting all of the benefits God offers to us, to which he begins listing starting in verse 3. Which benefit(s) most speaks to you? Explain.

3. What is meant by the word “mercy” and how would you explain it to someone?

Why should we praise God for His mercy?

4. Verses 11 and 12 speaks of how high the heavens are and how far the east is from the west regarding the magnitude of God’s love toward us and how far He removed us from our transgressions.

What does this mean to you about His love and forgiveness.

5. What ways can we show God’s character, found in Psalm 103, to others?

Daily Readings:

Monday, June 1, Psalm 104: 1-18Tuesday, June 2, Psalm 104: 19-35Wednesday, June 3, Psalm 110 & 111Thursday, June 4, Psalm 112 & 113Friday, June 5, Psalm 118: 1-13Saturday, June 6, ReflectionsSunday, June 7, Psalm 118: 14-29June 7, 2020

Lesson 10

“Praise God for His Goodness”Psalm 118: 14-29 (NKJV)

14 The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.

15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.

16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.

17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

18 The Lord has chastened

me severely, but He has not given me over to death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the Lord.

20 This is the gate of the Lord,

through which the righteous shall enter.

21 I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.

23 This was the Lord’s doing;It is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Save now, I pray, O Lord;

O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity.

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.

27 God is the Lord, and He has given us light; bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.

28 You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You.

29 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Commentary:

Psalm 118 is the last psalm in a collection of psalms known as the “Hallel psalms”, Psalms 113-118. Hallel, which in Hebrew means praise, is a Jewish prayer composed of praises to God for his saving power. The psalms were used during Jewish festive days like the Passover, Shavuot, and Chanukkah. In Psalm 113, the psalmist praised God for being great yet concerned about helping the lowly humans. In Psalm 113, it speaks of being called by God. Psalm 114 give praise to God for preparing a way to lead us to the path He desired for our lives. In Psalm 115, praise is offered to God as only through Him comes salvation. Psalm 116 speaks about how we are blessed for following God. Psalm 117 praises God that salvation flows from His chosen people to other nations in the

world. This leads us to the psalm of our lesson…Psalm 118 which deals with praising God for the ultimate salvation that comes to all through the Lord. Here in Psalm 118, the psalmist focuses on victory and strength in the life of the believer that comes from the Lord.

The psalm begins with a call to worship, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” In verses 3-13, the psalmist paints a picture of the challenges and adversities the children of Israel faced yet God saved them. It was through God’s presence and saving power that Israel gave Him glory, praise and thanks.

This leads us to our lesson, starting in verse 14 where the psalmist said, “The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.” This verse is also found in Exodus 15:2 which is part of the song Moses and Israel sung when God delivered them from the Egyptian army at the Red Sea. The psalmist realizes the God has guided them to victory and that He is their strength and song.

Verses 15 and 16 and the response to God’s rescue and the people cry out in voices of praise and joy. The psalmist praises the “right hand” of God, recognizing it as the strong hand of God’s strength, power and skill. God will always be there to deliver and save His people.

In verses 19-20, the psalmist says, “Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord, through which the righteous shall enter.” Here we picture the righteous entering into the holy city and dwelling in the midst where God is. The righteous going and entering in the glory of the Almighty and praising the Lord forever.

In verses 22 and 23, we see what many claims as a reference of Jesus Christ. The verses say, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, it is marvelous in our eyes.” Many would believe this is Jesus who was rejected by the Jews yet who became the foundation of our faith; the only way to have access to God. Some believe that this verse is in reference to the Jewish people

or even God’s holy laws that were rejected by the world. The answer could be both as the Jews were called to be God’s witnesses to the world. Further, in His Word, we find the truth to stand and live. Moreover, Jesus became the stone for us to stand on and He is the stone that was rejected.

The psalm ends as it begins, giving God the praise. Verses 28 and 29 say, “You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” The psalmist reemphasizes their whole intention of this psalm of recognizing the goodness of God and offering to Him praise and glory. Despite all that we may experience, if we start and end with praise, we can find ourselves in a much better place.

Questions:

1. What did the psalmist mean in saying, “He has become my salvation”?

2. In verses 15 and 16, the term “the right hand of the Lord” is mentioned three times. What is meant by the “right hand of God?”

3. Read verse 17 again and write what it means to you personally.

4. What is meant by the gates in verse 19 and 20 and what feelings come to you when you read them?

5. What thing(s) do you praise God for? How does this psalm assist you in expressing your praise to God?

6. How can you use this psalm in developing a lifestyle of praise and worship to God? Give practical ways.

Daily Readings:

Monday, June 8, Psalm 121: 1-8Tuesday, June 9, Psalm 122 & 123Wednesday, June 10, Psalm 124 & 125Thursday, June 11, Psalm 136: 1-26Friday, June 12, Psalm 138: 1-8Saturday, June 13, ReflectionsSunday, June 14, Psalm 139

June 14, 2020Lesson 11

“All-Present and All-Knowing”Psalm 139: 1-18; 23-24 (NLT)

1 “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.

2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.

4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.

5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!

7 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!

8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.

9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,

10 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.

11 I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night

12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.

13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous; how well I know it.

15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

16 You saw me before I was

born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.Every moment was laid outbefore a single day had passed.17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!

18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life

Commentary:

In today’s lesson, we will look at the greatness of God’s character and the limited reality of the human experience. This psalm, attributed to David, shows a conversation of one praising God and acknowledging the presence of God all throughout his life. David addresses the Lord and tells Him: you know me, you see me, you are with me, and you made me. In this psalm, David lifts various attributes of God such as: omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. God has all knowledge, present everywhere at all times, as well has unlimited power.

David begins the psalms by saying, “Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.” David knows that nothing inside of him is hidden from God. The Lord knows everything we ever did, everything we have said, why we did and said those things, as well as our thoughts. God knows everything about us. Yes, He knows our thoughts, but understands the reasons behind our thoughts. Simply put, our Father knows us better that we know ourselves.

In verse 5, David says, “You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” Here we see David speaking of his close relationship with God. The Lord goes before him; clearing the way for the psalmist to walk as well as guarding him from his rear. With God, one has a leader; a

guide, one who shows us where to go and leads the way for us getting to our destination. Yet also, with God, one has protection and support as God guards our back so that we can continue walking and following Him.In verses 7-12, the psalmist speaks of God being everywhere. David says, “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!” David continues by saying everywhere he can think of going, heaven, his grave, farthest oceans, even in darkness, the Lord is there. As children of God, we have immediate access to God’s presence. God is always watching over His children and we can never escape His eye or hand over our lives.

David continues in verses 13-18 addressing on God’s wonderful hands as our Creator. God made each one of us and knew us before we were born. Matter of fact, the Lord knew us before we were conceived in our mother’s womb and made the parts of our bodies in the womb. The psalmist thanked God for making him, as verse 14 puts it, “so wonderfully complex.” Only a wise and awesome God can create and watch over a beautiful baby being formed and growing into a living being. David says in verse 16, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”

God continues watching over us after we are born as verse 17 says that God has precious thoughts about us. We are on the mind of God. God has great plans for each one of us as we are special to Him. God intends that we become His ambassadors; His partners here on earth and always has us on His mind. Even Jesus had us on His mind as that was the reason He took our place on the cross and died for our sins so that we could have a right relationship with the Father again.

Our lesson ends with a request from David as he invites the Lord to search his heart for any unrighteousness. David wants that the Lord would reveal anything that may be displeasing to the Lord. David desires that be in a right standing with God and be on the path of everlasting life. Since the Lord already knew everything about David, he is asking God to make his heart pure and his thoughts blameless as he sought to have a heart after God’s heart.

.Questions:

1. If someone were to examine our hearts and thoughts, what would they find? Are our hearts fully committed to serving God? Explain

2. Compare verse 5 with Psalm 23. What assurance do you find in verse 5?

3. Verses 11 and 12 speak of God seeing and being with us even in darkness. Describe the peace you receive knowing that God is there even in the dark storms of our lives.

Describe the warning that gives knowing God sees us before indulging in a dark sinful act against His Will.

4. What does it mean to you knowing God made every atom of your being; knew you before you were conceived in your mother’s womb?

5. What was David’s prayer in verses 23-24? How can we use this to shape our prayer in desiring to be right before God?

Daily Readings:

Monday, June 15, Psalm 140: 1-13Tuesday, June 16, Psalm 141: 1-10Wednesday, June 17, Psalm 142: 1-7Thursday, June 18, Psalm 143: 1-12Friday, June 19, Psalm 144: 1-15Saturday, June 20, ReflectionsSunday, June 21, Psalm 145: 1-21June 21, 2020

Lesson 12

“Praise Belong to God”Psalm 145: 1-21 (NLT)

1 I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever.

2 I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.

3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.

4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.

5 I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.

6 Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness.

7 Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.

8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

9 The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.

10 All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you.

11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.

12 They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.

13 For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations.The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.

14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.

15 The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it.

16 When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.

17 The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.

18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.

19 He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.

20 The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked.

21 I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.

Commentary:

Today’s lesson comes from Psalm 145; attributed to David and is known as his psalm of praise. This psalm is the last psalm written by King David and in it, he praises and honors God as the Great King over all. In the first few verses of the psalm, David speaks of the royal and regal presence of God. In verse 1 he says, “I will exalt you, my God and King…” In verse 3, David says, “Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.” He continues is verse 5 stating, “I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.” David emphasizes the fact that there is only one God, who is the true and wise king, and only

Him deserves all the praise for His glorious works and greatness. David continues starting in verse 6 of how all should share and proclaim the goodness of the Lord of His mighty acts. Verse 7 says, “Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.” He continues in verses 10-12 in saying, “All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom… They will tell about your mighty deeds” All of God's works shall speak of His glory and mighty deeds. The saints shall rise and bless Him as their Lord, their God and Creator. Of all God's works, His saints, the workmanship of His grace, the first-fruits of His creation, those created in His likeness and image, we have most reasons to bless him. When we praise God, we speak and declare His kingdom. When we lift up His holy name, we expand His kingdom so others will hear and know how wonderful He is. The psalmist concludes, with a resolution to give glory to God himself, “I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever” (v. 21). David, as he does in verse 1, states his declaration and stance that he will exalt and praise the name of the Lord. David also invites others to join with him and make the decision to put God first and bless the name of the Lord as well. He said, “may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.” This psalm reminds all of us of who God is, the reasons why all should praise Him, and an invitation to make the choice to put God first and bless His Holy name.

“I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.”

Questions:

1. Throughout this psalm, David reveals God’s identity and gives reasons why God deserves our praise. List as many characteristics of God that you can find in this psalm. (Ex: v.8 God is merciful and compassionate)

From your list, which one(s) speak most to you today? Why?

2. What happens to those who believe, fear and seek?

What happens to those who do not believe in God and refuse to give Him praise?

3. Why do you praise God? What are some reasons; “experiences in your life” to cause you praise God?

4. List all the action words David uses in verses 1-7. What do these words reveal to us about praise? What should we be doing if we call ourselves worshippers of God?

Daily Readings:

Monday, June 22, Psalm 9: 1-23Tuesday, June 23, Psalm 10: 1-18Wednesday, June 24, Psalm 63: 1-11Thursday, June 25, Psalm 107: 1-22Friday, June 26, Psalm 107: 23-43Saturday, June 27, ReflectionsSunday, June 28, Psalm 146: 1-10June 28, 2020

Lesson 13

“Praise God for His Blessings”Psalm 146: 1-10 (NKJV)

1 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! 2 While I live, I will praise

the Lord; I will sing

praises to my God while I have my being.

3 Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.

4 His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; in that very day his plans perish.

5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God,

6 Who made heaven and earth,the sea, and all that is in them;Who keeps truth forever,

7 Who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.

8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.

9 The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; but the way of the wicked He turns upside down.

10 The Lord shall reign forever; Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!

Commentary:

Our lesson today, found in Psalm 146, begins the last five psalms in the psaltery known as the “Hallelujah Psalms.” Each psalm in the five Hallelujah psalms begins and ends with phrase, “Praise ye the Lord.” There is a cry for all to give praises to our God who I sour Creator, our Lord, wonderful and powerful. Psalm 146 though is the only one of the five that contains the personal pronoun, “I” to denote a personal call to praise God.

In verses 1 and 2, the psalmist offers a commitment to praising the Lord. Here, the writer expresses their desire to offer praises to the Lord from the depths of their soul. God has given us each free will to either follow Him or not, do good or choose to do evil. The psalmist here in verse 1 and 2 states that their choice is to praise the Lord with everything within them. The writer goes to say that while I have my being; while I have a mouth to

speak, a body to move around in, and breathe in my body, I will praise the Lord.

In verses 3-4, the psalmist addresses misplaced trust people give to others instead of trusting in God. The writer desires that their audience do not put their trust and faith in mere humans; government officials, world leaders, anyone with rank of “power” but in God, the Creator of all. Everyone, regardless of race, sex, gender, position, rank or title, will die and return to the earth. Everyone; all are mere mortals and one day will die. Therefore, humans cannot be depended upon as our promises may fail. For this, our trust and faith should lie and be depended upon by God Almighty who never dies.

Beginning in verse 5, the psalmist reminds us of the blessed hope we have in God. Verse 5 says, “Happy are they that has the God of Jacob for their help; whose help is in the Lord.” The term “God of Jacob” refers to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; those who are the recipients of God’s blessing in the Abrahamic covenant. The psalmist continues by saying that it was the true God, the Creator who made the heaven and earth, the sea and all that is therein. Everything is made by Him and without Him, nothing is made. It is in this God, the true God, where our hope is found.

In addition to being the Creator, the psalmist gives ten more traits and characteristics why we should trust and depend on the Lord. It is God who keeps truth forever, executes justice for the oppressed, feeds the hungry, frees the prisoners (those who are bound in affliction), opens the eyes of the blind, lifts those who are burdened down, loves those who seek righteousness, watches over the strangers (Gentiles), helps the fatherless and widow (those who have no helper) and punishes the wicked. God cares for those who loves Him; are in need, while punishing the wicked. God will always be there to help, strengthen, provide, support and care for those who reach out to Him.

The psalm ends with a proclamation of praise to the Lord. The psalmist says, “The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, unto all generations.” Zion, a reference to Jerusalem, is symbolic of the church. We, the believers and the church of

Christ, are to offer praises to God. With every beam of us, we are to praise the Lord.

Questions:

1. In verses 1 and 2, how will the psalmist praise the Lord and for how long will they praise Him?

2. To whom should we not put our trust in? Why not?

3. In verses 6-9, the psalmist lists numerous traits of God. Which one(s) speak most to you? Explain.

4. What does it mean to you to praise the Lord with all of your being/ all that you are? Are you giving your all in your praise to God? Explain your answer.

Daily Readings:

Monday, June 29, Psalm 147: 1-11Tuesday, June 30, Psalm 147: 12-20Wednesday, July1, Psalm 148: 1-14Thursday, July 2, Psalm 149: 1-9Friday, July 3, Psalm 150: 1-6

Saturday, July 4, ReflectionsSunday, July 5, Genesis 1

Notes:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________