Today's prayer: In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.

Psalm 31

1

Psalm 31 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.

2

Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.

3

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

4

Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.

5

Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

6

I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.

7

I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.

8

You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.

9

Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.

10

My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, ^[1] and my bones grow weak.

11

Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends-- those who see me on the street flee from me.

12

I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.

13

For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life.

14

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."

15

My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

16

Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

17

Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave. ^[2]

18

Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.

19

How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.

20

In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.

21

Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city.

22

In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.

23

Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.

24

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Today's prayer: O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

Psalm 6

1

Psalm 6 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith. ^[1] A psalm of David.

1

O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

2

Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.

3

My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long?

4

Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.

5

No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave ^[2] ?

6

I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.

7

My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.

8

Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping.

9

The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.

10

All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.

Today's bible teaching: Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice

*REJOICE IN THE LORD*

*Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.*

Everyone wish to be happy and feel joy at all times. The Lord is our source of joy. We should always exhume the unspeakable and glorious joy of the Lord. It is an easy thing to feel joy when things are palatable  or when the Lord makes one lie down in green pastures; but how can one feel joy in the midst of sickness, joblessness, enemies and the financial difficulties of life?

*Charles Spurgeon* was able to make a strong statement about joy while in difficulties. "When the day darkens into midnight, and the midnight into a sevenfold horror of great darkness, rejoice in the Lord."

Beloved, let nothing pull you down. As you rejoice in the Lord always, His joy will overflow into all circumstances of your life in Jesus Name. Amen!

*Shalom!*

*#UncleRichCares*

Today's bible teaching: The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty

Psalm 37

1

Psalm 37 Of David. 

1

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;

2

for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

3

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:

6

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil.

9

For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10

A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.

11

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

12

The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;

13

but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.

14

The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.

15

But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.

16

Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;

17

for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18

The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever.

19

In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20

But the wicked will perish: The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish--vanish like smoke.

21

The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;

22

those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.

23

If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;

24

though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

26

They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.

27

Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.

28

For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;

29

the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.

30

The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.

31

The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.

32

The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives;

33

but the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34

Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

35

I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,

36

but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37

Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future ^[2] for the man of peace.

38

But all sinners will be destroyed; the future ^[3] of the wicked will be cut off.

39

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

40

The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Today's bible teaching:Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121

1

Psalm 121 A song of ascents.

1

I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?

2

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3

He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber;

4

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5

The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

7

The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life;

8

the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Today's prayer: Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.

Psalm 35

1

Psalm 35 Of David.

1

Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.

2

Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid.

3

Brandish spear and javelin ^[1] against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."

4

May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay.

5

May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away;

6

may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.

7

Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me,

8

may ruin overtake them by surprise-- may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.

9

Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation.

10

My whole being will exclaim, "Who is like you, O LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them."

11

Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about.

12

They repay me evil for good and leave my soul forlorn.

13

Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,

14

I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.

15

But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; attackers gathered against me when I was unaware. They slandered me without ceasing.

16

Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked ^[2] ; they gnashed their teeth at me.

17

O Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue my life from their ravages, my precious life from these lions.

18

I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.

19

Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye.

20

They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land.

21

They gape at me and say, "Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it."

22

O LORD, you have seen this; be not silent. Do not be far from me, O Lord.

23

Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord.

24

Vindicate me in your righteousness, O LORD my God; do not let them gloat over me.

25

Do not let them think, "Aha, just what we wanted!" or say, "We have swallowed him up."

26

May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace.

27

May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, "The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant."

28

My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.

Today's prayer: May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away

Psalm 36

1

Psalm 36 For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD.

1

An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: ^[1] There is no fear of God before his eyes.

2

For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin.

3

The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and to do good.

4

Even on his bed he plots evil; he commits himself to a sinful course and does not reject what is wrong.

5

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.

6

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.

7

How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find ^[2] refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8

They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.

9

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

10

Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.

11

May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

12

See how the evildoers lie fallen-- thrown down, not able to rise!

Today's prayer: Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack.

Psalm 56

1

Psalm 56 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "A Dove on Distant Oaks." Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.

1

Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack.

2

My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride.

3

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

4

In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

5

All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me.

6

They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life.

7

On no account let them escape; in your anger, O God, bring down the nations.

8

Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll ^[2] -- are they not in your record?

9

Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.

10

In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise--

11

in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

12

I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.

13

For you have delivered me  from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. 

Today's praises: I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders

Psalm 9

1

Psalm 9 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "The Death of the Son." A psalm of David. ^[1]

1

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.

2

I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

3

My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you.

4

For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously.

5

You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.

6

Endless ruin has overtaken the enemy, you have uprooted their cities; even the memory of them has perished.

7

The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.

8

He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.

9

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

10

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

11

Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done.

12

For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.

13

O LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death,

14

that I may declare your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion and there rejoice in your salvation.

15

The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.

16

The LORD is known by his justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion. ^[2] Selah

17

The wicked return to the grave, ^[3] all the nations that forget God.

18

But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.

19

Arise, O LORD, let not man triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence.

20

Strike them with terror, O LORD; let the nations know they are but men. Selah

Today's bible teaching: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning

*YOUR MORNING OF JOY IS HERE*

*Psalm 30:5 - ...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.*

Ups and downs in life are inevitable. There are unpredictable nature of life. Life may not be perfect, comfortable, or free of pain and struggle. But in the midst of our pain, uncertainty, and fear, God is always with us and working for us.

David experienced his darkest moments in life. In the presence of his dark night, David never gave up. He pressed on to win all his battles with full joy.

Beloved, we can always find joy in the promises of God, knowing fully well that in the hours of fear, and moments of greatest uncertainty, God is still God and Him alone is in control. He has a plan, and that plan is ultimately good. I see a glorious morning filled with joy in your life.

God doesn't promise a sorrow-free life, but God does promise that joy will come. When we know God, we believe that despair will not rule the day. The clouds may eclipse the sun, but they cannot eliminate it. The morning sun always comes, maybe not as quickly as we would like it to be, but morning must come. Joy will come out of your sad and darkest night. Your morning of joy is here. Amen!

*Shalom!*

*#UncleRichCares*

Today's prayer: Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.

Psalm 5

1

Psalm 5 For the director of music. For flutes. A psalm of David.

1

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.

2

Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.

3

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

4

You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell.

5

The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.

6

You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.

7

But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.

8

Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies-- make straight your way before me.

9

Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit.

10

Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.

11

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

12

For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Today's prayer: To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

Psalm 25

1

Psalm 25 Of David. 

1

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;

2

in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

3

No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.

4

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;

5

guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

6

Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.

7

Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD.

8

Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

9

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

10

All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.

11

For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

12

Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.

13

He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land.

14

The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.

15

My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.

16

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.

17

The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.

18

Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.

19

See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me!

20

Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.

21

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.

22

Redeem Israel, O God, from all their troubles!

Today's prayer: To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.

Psalm 28

1

Psalm 28 Of David.

1

To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.

2

Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

3

Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.

4

Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve.

5

Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again.

6

Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

8

The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

9

Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Today's bible teaching: I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34

1

Psalm 34 Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left. 

1

I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.

2

My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

3

Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.

4

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

5

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

6

This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

7

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

8

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

9

Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.

10

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

11

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,

13

keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.

14

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

15

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;

16

the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

17

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

18

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19

A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;

20

he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

21

Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

22

The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

Photos From Mr Ibu's 60th Birthday Celebration

Star actor John Ikechukwu Okafor aka Mr Ibu over the weekend celebrated his60th birthday with friends.The celebration washed at Villa Toscana on Sunday November 15, 2020.

See more photos below

Today's bible teaching: Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.

Psalm 4

1

Psalm 4 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

1

Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

2

How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame ^[1] ? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods ^[2] ? Selah

3

Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.

4

In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah

5

Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.

6

Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.

7

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.

8

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Today's prayer: Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer-- it does not rise from deceitful lips

Psalm 17

1

Psalm 17 A prayer of David.

1

Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer-- it does not rise from deceitful lips.

2

May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.

3

Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.

4

As for the deeds of men-- by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.

5

My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.

6

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.

7

Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.

8

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

9

from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

10

They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.

11

They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.

12

They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a great lion crouching in cover.

13

Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword.

14

O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.

15

And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

Today's bible teaching: When we live a life of obedience, we stay connected to God, and we sustain the joy that He has given us

*OUR JOY*

*1 Thessalonians 2:20 - For ye are our glory and joy.*

Joy is the calm happiness through faith in God. Jesus is the source of all joy. Joy is one of the essential marks of God's Spirit ruling and reign in us. When God becomes our joy, we will live each day to please Him alone. If joy is not available life will be miserable. Joy is what makes life meaningful and attractive.

In life, we have our good and bad times. When we live a life of obedience, we stay connected to God, and we sustain the joy that He has given us. With joy, you are unstoppable.

Beloved, you are in for joy unspeakable full of glory. Amen!

*Shalom!*

*#UncleRichCares*

Today's prayer: Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues

Psalm 120

1

Psalm 120 A song of ascents.

1

I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.

2

Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.

3

What will he do to you, and what more besides, O deceitful tongue?

4

He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom tree.

5

Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar!

6

Too long have I lived among those who hate peace.

7

I am a man of peace; but when I speak, they are for war.

Today's prayer: Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death

Psalm 13

1

Psalm 13 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

2

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3

Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;

4

my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

6

I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.

Today's praises: Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might

Psalm 21

1

Psalm 21 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give!

2

You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

3

You welcomed him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.

4

He asked you for life, and you gave it to him-- length of days, for ever and ever.

5

Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

6

Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

7

For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.

8

Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes.

9

At the time of your appearing you will make them like a fiery furnace. In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up, and his fire will consume them.

10

You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind.

11

Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed;

12

for you will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow.

13

Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might

Today's bible teaching: Blessed is the one whose fault is removed, whose sin is forgiven.

1Psalm 32
aOf David. A maskil.

I

Blessed is the one whose fault is removed,

whose sin is forgiven.

2Blessed is the man to whom the LORD imputes no guilt,

in whose spirit is no deceit.

II

3Because I kept silent,* my bones wasted away;

I groaned all day long.b

4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;

my strength withered as in dry summer heat.

Selah

5Then I declared my sin to you;

my guilt I did not hide.c

I said, “I confess my transgression to the LORD,”

and you took away the guilt of my sin.

Selah

6Therefore every loyal person should pray to you

in time of distress.

Though flood waters* threaten,

they will never reach him.d

7You are my shelter; you guard me from distress;

with joyful shouts of deliverance you surround me.

Selah

III

8I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk,

give you counsel with my eye upon you.

9Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding;

with bit and bridle their temper is curbed,

else they will not come to you.

IV

10Many are the sorrows of the wicked one,

but mercy surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.

11Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous;

exult, all you upright of heart.e

Today's prayer: O LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death

Psalm 9

1

Psalm 9 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "The Death of the Son." A psalm of David. ^[1]

1

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.

2

I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

3

My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you.

4

For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously.

5

You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.

6

Endless ruin has overtaken the enemy, you have uprooted their cities; even the memory of them has perished.

7

The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.

8

He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.

9

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

10

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

11

Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done.

12

For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.

13

O LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death,

14

that I may declare your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion and there rejoice in your salvation.

15

The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.

16

The LORD is known by his justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion. ^[2] Selah

17

The wicked return to the grave, ^[3] all the nations that forget God.

18

But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.

19

Arise, O LORD, let not man triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence.

20

Strike them with terror, O LORD; let the nations know they are but men. Selah

Today's prayer: O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me

Psalm 7

1

Psalm 7 A shiggaion ^[1] of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite.

1

O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me,

2

or they will tear me like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.

3

O LORD my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands--

4

if I have done evil to him who is at peace with me or without cause have robbed my foe--

5

then let my enemy pursue and overtake me; let him trample my life to the ground and make me sleep in the dust. Selah

6

Arise, O LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice.

7

Let the assembled peoples gather around you. Rule over them from on high;

8

let the LORD judge the peoples. Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High.

9

O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.

10

My shield ^[2] is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.

11

God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day.

12

If he does not relent, he ^[3] will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow.

13

He has prepared his deadly weapons; he makes ready his flaming arrows.

14

He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment.

15

He who digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit he has made.

16

The trouble he causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head.

17

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

Today's prayer: O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

Psalm 6

1

Psalm 6 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith. ^[1] A psalm of David.

1

O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

2

Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.

3

My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long?

4

Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.

5

No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave ^[2] ?

6

I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.

7

My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.

8

Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping.

9

The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.

10

All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.

Today's bible teaching: And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves

*TRUE JOY*

*John 17:13 - And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.*

Joy is a strong feeling of happiness; a manifestation of happiness through an outward rejoicing or excitement. But to us as believers, joy is the outward rejoicing that comes from an inward satisfaction that we know Jesus Christ.

True joy is true fellowship with God. True joy is a reality for every believer. The best joy to have is the joy of the Lord. God's desire is for us to have joy of the Lord. With the present situation and the future looking bleak, the joy of the Lord is there to keep us going.

Jesus was filled with Joy and this inner joy came from His relationship with God the Father. Jesus brought change to a depressed world. He instilled love. He gave hope in hopeless situations. He created and distributed a joy that has impacted us today as believers. Jesus came to this earth so that we might receive new life, that we might be filled with joy. He wants us to live a life of great abundance; this means a life that is fulfilled and joyful.

Beloved, you might be in the middle of great storm right now. Don't become discouraged! True joy doesn't come from the circumstances surrounding you. True joy comes from within, it is a gift from God. May this joy be your portion forever Amen!

*Shalom!*

*#UncleRichCares*

Today's bible teaching: Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling

Psalm 2

1

Psalm 2

1

Why do the nations conspire ^[1] and the peoples plot in vain?

2

The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. ^[2]

3

"Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters."

4

The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.

5

Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,

6

"I have installed my King ^[3] on Zion, my holy hill."

7

I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son ^[4] ; today I have become your Father. ^[5]

8

Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.

9

You will rule them with an iron scepter ^[6] ; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."

10

Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.

11

Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.

12

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Today's bible teaching: The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives; but the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

Psalm 37

1

Psalm 37 Of David. 

1

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;

2

for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

3

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:

6

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil.

9

For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10

A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.

11

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

12

The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;

13

but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.

14

The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.

15

But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.

16

Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;

17

for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18

The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever.

19

In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20

But the wicked will perish: The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish--vanish like smoke.

21

The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;

22

those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.

23

If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;

24

though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

26

They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.

27

Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.

28

For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;

29

the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.

30

The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.

31

The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.

32

The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives;

33

but the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34

Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

35

I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,

36

but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37

Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future ^[2] for the man of peace.

38

But all sinners will be destroyed; the future ^[3] of the wicked will be cut off.

39

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

40

The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him

Today's bible teaching: Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

Psalm 115

1

Psalm 115

1

Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

2

Why do the nations say, "Where is their God?"

3

Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

4

But their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.

5

They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see;

6

they have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but they cannot smell;

7

they have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but they cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound with their throats.

8

Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.

9

O house of Israel, trust in the LORD-- he is their help and shield.

10

O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD-- he is their help and shield.

11

You who fear him, trust in the LORD-- he is their help and shield.

12

The LORD remembers us and will bless us: He will bless the house of Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron,

13

he will bless those who fear the LORD-- small and great alike.

14

May the LORD make you increase, both you and your children.

15

May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

16

The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man.

17

It is not the dead who praise the LORD, those who go down to silence;

18

it is we who extol the LORD, both now and forevermore. Praise the LORD

Today's bible teaching: Then he went up and put his hand on the bier and the bearers stood still, and he said, ‘Young man, I tell you to get up’

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke     7:11-17
Young man, I tell you to get up.

 Jesus went to a town called Nain, accompanied by his disciples and a great number of people. When he was near the gate of the town it happened that a dead man was being carried out for burial, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a considerable number of the townspeople were with her. When the Lord saw her he felt sorry for her. ‘Do not cry,’ he said. Then he went up and put his hand on the bier and the bearers stood still, and he said, ‘Young man, I tell you to get up’. And the dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Everyone was filled with awe and praised God saying, ‘A great prophet has appeared among us; God has visited his people’. And this opinion of him spread throughout Judaea and all over the countryside.

The Gospel of the Lord