By Jerry Price
Retired Pastor, Spring Hill

Focal Passage: Psalm 19:7-14

One of my favorite hobbies is woodworking. I have a few power tools which either came with a printed owner’s manual or one I downloaded from the Internet. Each manual begins with a statement similar to this: “Please read, understand and follow all instructions included in this book.”

Then follows three to five pages of detailed safety instructions that apply to that tool. Without exception, there are some of those instructions which include strong warnings that failure to follow them may lead to serious injury or even death. [Read more…]

By Greg Steele
Pastor, First Baptist Church, Jasper

Focal Passage: Psalm 42:1-3,6-8; 43:3-5

There is a question that we like to ask when the trials and storms of life gather. “Why do bad things happen to good people.” Has this question ever plagued your mind? Of course, it has! One day, a woman asked R.C. Sproul that particular question and his answer to her was a classic. Dr. Sproul said this, “I don’t know, I haven’t met any good people.” His answer accomplished two purposes. First, it was designed to remind the lady that we are all sinners. None of us are really good people! Secondly, he wanted her to understand that no one is immune from trouble. This second truth is what we are looking at in the Psalm.

It would seem that the author of this Psalm is going through a time of stress, personal attack and inner struggle. His life has brought him face to face with circumstances that are out of his control and they have brought pain and confusion to his heart. [Read more…]

By Michael Koontz
Pastor, Pine Ridge Baptist Church, Harriman

Focal Passage: Psalm 138:1–8

As we study Psalm 138, King David is teaching us about praise. We are to praise the one true God. David said he did this with his whole heart. That place in us where our true self is seated. Our emotions, devotion, love, intellect, all that we are is to be focused towards Him and giving thanks and praise to Him alone. [Read more…]

By Rick Elsey Pastor
West End Baptist Church, Columbia

Focal Passage: Psalm 23:1-6

According to Wikipedia: “sheep are frequently thought of as unintelligent animals. Their flocking behavior and quickness to flee and panic can make shepherding a difficult endeavor for the [untrained].” Sheep need a good shepherd. As a shepherd himself, David would know this to be true. [Read more…]

By Joshua Franks
Pastor, First Baptist Church, Bruceton

Focal Passage: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

One of my favorite memories growing up was getting to watch Saturday morning cartoons. Very few things brought joy into my little heart like waking up and running to the living room to see what kind of hijinks Bugs Bunny and his friends were up to. Every now and then they would have a storyline that featured “The Drunk Stork.” His job was to deliver babies but he was usually drunk and delivered them to the wrong family.  [Read more…]