Today's bible teaching: You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more

Psalm 10

1

Psalm 10 ^[1]

1

Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2

In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises.

3

He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.

4

In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

5

His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and your laws are far from him; he sneers at all his enemies.

6

He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me; I'll always be happy and never have trouble."

7

His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue.

8

He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent, watching in secret for his victims.

9

He lies in wait like a lion in cover; he lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.

10

His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength.

11

He says to himself, "God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees."

12

Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.

13

Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, "He won't call me to account"?

14

But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.

15

Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out.

16

The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land.

17

You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

18

defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.

Today's prayer: Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer

Psalm 61

1

Psalm 61 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.

1

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.

2

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.

4

I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah

5

For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

6

Increase the days of the king's life, his years for many generations.

7

May he be enthroned in God's presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

8

Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day

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. ^[1] 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 ^[3] from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. 

Member of House of Reps, Lado disburses fifty million naira to his political loyalists(Photos)

Earlier this morning Member House of Representatives Representing Suleja /Tafa And Gurara federal constituency Hon Abubakar Lado Suleja Disbursed Fifty million Naira to His Loyalists.

Lado said It was necessary for him to pay loyalty with royalty. He thanked all the beneficiaries of this gesture for their patience and loyalty.

Hon Lado Suleja called on the beneficiaries to judiciously utilised the money for their own good. 

The cash disbursements were given to beneficiaries as follows;

1. One million Naira

2. Five Hundred Thousand Naira

3. Three Hundred Thousand Naira

4. Two Hundred Thousand Naira

Today's praises: Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth

Psalm 57

1

Psalm 57 For the director of music. [To the tune of] "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam. ^[1] When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

1

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

2

I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills [his purpose] for me.

3

He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; Selah God sends his love and his faithfulness.

4

I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts-- men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.

5

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

6

They spread a net for my feet-- I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path-- but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah

7

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.

8

Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.

9

I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.

10

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

See Photos Of People As Gunmen Attack Anambra King's Palace

Two children, aged 11 and 9, and 97-year old mother of the traditional ruler of Ifitedunu in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mrs Beatrice Ilouno, escaped death when suspected arsonists, at about 11pm on Sunday night, attacked the Palace of Igwe Dr Chukwumeka Ilouno.

 

Confirming the incident, Dr Ilouno said though no persons are being suspected, the attack was an abomination, an attack on Ifitedunu community, as several artifacts and historical documents of the community were burnt to ashes.

 

He added that personal properties running into millions of naira were affected, even as he confirmed existence of leadership crisis that has lasted in the community for some years now.

The President General of the community, Mr. Uchenna Nwoye, among other persons who were in the palace to sympathize with the Traditional ruler, called for immediate investigation into the incident, with a view to bringing the perpetrators to book.

The injured are receiving treatment at a hospital in the community.

Sick man dies at FCMB after he was denied access to his money in Rivers State (Photos)

A man who is a customer of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) died in front of the bank located at Education bus stop, Rivers State. He was allegedly refused access to his money since Friday even when he came with his next of kin. Reports say he was asked to go to the court to get an affidavit but court was not on session.

The man vomited while he was begging to have access to his money but he was denied. He was left unattended to for more than 5hours and later died.

Today's bible teaching: The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life

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 praises: Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

Psalm 66

1

Psalm 66 For the director of music. A song. A psalm.

1

Shout with joy to God, all the earth!

2

Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!

3

Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.

4

All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name." Selah

5

Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf!

6

He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot-- come, let us rejoice in him.

7

He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations-- let not the rebellious rise up against him. Selah

8

Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard;

9

he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.

10

For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver.

11

You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs.

12

You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.

13

I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you--

14

vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.

15

I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. Selah

16

Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.

17

I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue.

18

If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;

19

but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.

20

Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

Today's prayer: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us

Psalm 67

1

Psalm 67 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song.

1

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah

2

that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.

3

May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.

4

May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah

5

May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.

6

Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us.

7

God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

7 People Gruesomely Murdered By Fulani Herdsmen Buried In Benue Amidst Tears(Photos)

The bodies of the seven people that were gruesomely murdered by Fulani  herdsmen were laid to rest at Tse Baaki, Mbamondu, Kyurav, Mbaku, Modern Market Council Ward.

Despite the security threats in the areas multitude of people turned up to witness the burial.

The Executive Governor of Benue state HE. Samuel Ortom who was represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Sold Minerals, Benue state, Hon. Bernard Aondoaver Unenge delivered the Governor's message of hope to the bereaved families, mbaku community, the entire people of Modern Market council ward and Benue state at large.  

May their souls RIP. Amen

See The Way This Man Proposed To His Girlfriend That Has Gone Viral(Photos)

A young man has caused a stir on social media after he proposed marriage to his girlfriend in the most unusual way.

The lover boy rolled on the floor in panic and the girlfriend was in a state of confusion as she tried to figure out what was wrong with her man.

With his girlfriend’s help and that of others as they tried to lift him up, the young man hopped on one knee with an engagement ring in his hand.

The girlfriend who was stunned by his display and outstanding style of popping the question, excitedly said ‘YES’ to him as she took the ring.

Today's bible teaching: Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture

Psalm 37

1

Psalm 37 Of David. ^[1]

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: You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever

Psalm 45

1

Psalm 45 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "Lilies." Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. ^[1] A wedding song.

1

My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

2

You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.

3

Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.

4

In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds.

5

Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king's enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet.

6

Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

7

You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

8

All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.

9

Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.

10

Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father's house.

11

The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.

12

The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift, ^[2] men of wealth will seek your favor.

13

All glorious is the princess within [her chamber]; her gown is interwoven with gold.

14

In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her and are brought to you.

15

They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king.

16

Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land.

17

I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.

Today's praises: I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands

Psalm 63

1

Psalm 63 A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.

1

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

2

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.

3

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

4

I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5

My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.

7

Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

8

My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

9

They who seek my life will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth.

10

They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals.

11

But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God's name will praise him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced

Today's bible teaching: Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall

Psalm 55

1

Psalm 55 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil ^[1] of David.

1

Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea;

2

hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught

3

at the voice of the enemy, at the stares of the wicked; for they bring down suffering upon me and revile me in their anger.

4

My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me.

5

Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.

6

I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest--

7

I would flee far away and stay in the desert; Selah

8

I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm."

9

Confuse the wicked, O Lord, confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city.

10

Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it.

11

Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets.

12

If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him.

13

But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend,

14

with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God.

15

Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the grave, ^[2] for evil finds lodging among them.

16

But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.

17

Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.

18

He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.

19

God, who is enthroned forever, will hear them and afflict them-- Selah men who never change their ways and have no fear of God.

20

My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.

21

His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.

22

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

23

But you, O God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of corruption; bloodthirsty and deceitful men will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you.

Today's praises: Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him

Psalm 33

1

Psalm 33

1

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

2

Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

3

Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

4

For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

5

The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

6

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

7

He gathers the waters of the sea into jars ^[1] ; he puts the deep into storehouses.

8

Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.

9

For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

10

The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

11

But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

12

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.

13

From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;

14

from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--

15

he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

16

No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.

17

A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.

18

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19

to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

20

We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

21

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

22

May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

Today's prayer: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer

Psalm 19

1

Psalm 19 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

3

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. ^[1]

4

Their voice ^[2] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

5

which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6

It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

7

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

8

The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

9

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.

10

They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

11

By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

12

Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.

13

Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

14

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer

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 bible teaching: The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand

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

Psalm 38

1

Psalm 38 A psalm of David. A petition.

1

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

2

For your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down upon me.

3

Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; my bones have no soundness because of my sin.

4

My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.

5

My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly.

6

I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning.

7

My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body.

8

I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.

9

All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.

10

My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes.

11

My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away.

12

Those who seek my life set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they plot deception.

13

I am like a deaf man, who cannot hear, like a mute, who cannot open his mouth;

14

I have become like a man who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply.

15

I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God.

16

For I said, "Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips."

17

For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me.

18

I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.

19

Many are those who are my vigorous enemies; those who hate me without reason are numerous.

20

Those who repay my good with evil slander me when I pursue what is good.

21

O LORD, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God.

22

Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior.

Today's prayer: May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

Psalm 20

1

Psalm 20 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

2

May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.

3

May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. Selah

4

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

5

We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.

6

Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.

7

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

8

They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

9

O LORD, save the king! Answer ^[1] us when we call!

Today's praises: O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8

1

Psalm 8 For the director of music. According to gittith. ^[1] A psalm of David.

1

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

2

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise ^[2] because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

3

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

4

what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

5

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings ^[3] and crowned him with glory and honor.

6

You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:

7

all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,

8

the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

9

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Today's bible teaching: When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Psalm 14

1

Psalm 14 For the director of music. Of David.

1

The fool ^[1] says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.

2

The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.

3

All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

4

Will evildoers never learn-- those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the LORD?

5

There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.

6

You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.

7

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Today's prayer: May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue

Psalm 12

1

Psalm 12 For the director of music. According to sheminith. ^[1] A psalm of David.

1

Help, LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.

2

Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception.

3

May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue

4

that says, "We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips ^[2] --who is our master?"

5

"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the LORD. "I will protect them from those who malign them."

6

And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.

7

O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever.

8

The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.

Today's praises: Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth

Psalm 100

1

Psalm 100 A psalm. For giving thanks.

1

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

3

Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ^[1] ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

5

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Popular Igbo Musician Morocco Maduka Buried Amidst Tears(Photos)

It was a moment of grief at Umugama village, Ukwulu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra state as friends and well wishers gathered for the burial ceremony of late Chief Emeka Morocco Maduka, popularly known as 'Eze Egwu Ekpili'.

Chief Morocco, who died at 70, made his mark in music with the traditional Egwu Ekpili music, as he was credited with the modernization of the traditional folklore music with modern musical instruments and sound.

His songs focused on moralistic, philosophical and numerous issues that faced the society. 

Chief Morocco is survived by wife, Mrs. Bridget Ifeonugekwu Maduka and seven children.

The burial ceremony was attended by the traditional ruler of Ukwulu, Igwe Peter Uyanwa, former Governor of Anambra state Peter Obi, his producer Chief Samuel Nwobu of Sammy Sparkle, Members of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria from different chapters and a host of other dignitaries.

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

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 bible teaching: Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in

Psalm 24

1

Psalm 24 Of David. A psalm.

1

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;

2

for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.

3

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?

4

He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. ^[1]

5

He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.

6

Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. ^[2] Selah

7

Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

8

Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

9

Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

10

Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory. Selah

Today's bible teaching: Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD

Psalm 27

1

Psalm 27 Of David.

1

The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?

2

When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, ^[1] when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.

3

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

4

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

5

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.

6

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7

Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.

8

My heart says of you, "Seek his ^[2] face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.

9

Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.

10

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

11

Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

12

Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

13

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

14

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Today's bible teaching: LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart

Psalm 15

1

Psalm 15 A psalm of David.

1

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?

2

He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart

3

and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,

4

who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,

5

who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Today's bible teaching: Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered

Psalm 32

1

Psalm 32 Of David. A maskil. 

1

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

2

Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

4

For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah

5

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

6

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.

7

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

9

Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

10

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.

11

Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

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 prayer: Deliver my life from the sword O God, my precious life from the power of the dogs

Psalm 22

1

Psalm 22 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "The Doe of the Morning." A psalm of David.

1

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?

2

O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent.

3

Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel. ^[1]

4

In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.

5

They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.

6

But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.

7

All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:

8

"He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."

9

Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast.

10

From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God.

11

Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.

12

Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.

13

Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me.

14

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.

15

My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me ^[2] in the dust of death.

16

Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced ^[3] my hands and my feet.

17

I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.

18

They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.

19

But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.

20

Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.

21

Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save ^[4] me from the horns of the wild oxen.

22

I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you.

23

You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!

24

For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.

25

From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you ^[5] will I fulfill my vows.

26

The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the LORD will praise him-- may your hearts live forever!

27

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him,

28

for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.

29

All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him-- those who cannot keep themselves alive.

30

Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord.

31

They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn-- for he has done it.