When Desperation and Hope Collide
July 27, 2025
Today, we are pleased to welcome Cecil Seagle as our guest preacher. Cecil was married to Peggie Hames Seagle for 63 years. Together, they served Jesus’ Church as pastor and wife for over 20 years. Cecil led the Florida Baptist Convention’s mission division for 25 years. He also served as the Executive Director for the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana for six years before retiring to Florida eight years ago. Since then, Cecil has continued to serve churches as an Interim Pastor and guest preacher. He is, of course, best known for being Mark Seagle’s dad!
Passage
Psalm 118;
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
Today, we are wrapping up the Summer Psalms Mixtape Series with a discussion on Psalm 16 (which was the first Psalm in this Year’s Mixtape). This Psalm, like Psalm 118 from today’s sermon, proclaims Jesus as our cornerstone and firm foundation. What is your favorite Psalm and why? Why do you think the Book of Psalms is so popular and widely read?
HEAR
Read Psalm 16:1-2
- Who wrote this Psalm? Can you think of examples from the author’s life that might have inspired verses 1-2?
- When have you felt the most secure? Have you ever realized that you were living with a false sense of security? What caused you to recognize that?
- What does the author mean when he says he has no good thing except God? What would it mean for you to tell God, “Apart from you, I have no good thing.”
Read Psalm 16:3-6
- Who is being contrasted in verses 3 and 4? How does making this distinction help us feel more secure and find refuge in God? How can you do this without becoming judgmental or isolated?
- What event in Israel’s history might have inspired the verse about boundary lines and territory? How does this event connect to the author of Psalm 16's message about seeking refuge in God?
- Does the idea of God’s sovereignty cause you comfort or distress, and why?
Read Psalm 16:7-11
- How does one receive counsel from the Lord? What does it mean to keep one’s eyes always on the Lord? What have you found helpful in staying focused on the Lord throughout your day?
- What are verses 9-10 about? How was this hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ?
- Verse 11 talks about life, joy, and pleasure—three things everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs, desires. Where are these things ultimately found? What happens if you look for them elsewhere?
HUDDLE
Where do you find your security? Where do you find life, joy, and pleasure? Talk about it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Psalm 111-115
- Day 2: Psalm 116-118
- Day 3: Psalm 119:1-48
- Day 4: Psalm 119:49-88
- Day 5: Psalm 119: 89-136
- Day 6: Psalm 119: 137-176
- Day 7: Psalm 120-125
Passage to Memorize: Psalm 118:14
Think Deeper
- When have you called on the Lord in a time of great distress?
- When has God been your strength? Your song? Has He become your salvation?
- If all someone had was your calendar and bank statement, what would they identify as your cornerstone?
Suggested Resources
Reflections on the Psalms, by C. S. Lewis
The Songs of Jesus, by Tim Keller
Psalms (Kinder Classic Commentaries), by Derek Kinder
One Year Bible Book of Psalms, by William Petersen and Randy Petersen
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.