Thursday, 29 September 2022

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Today's bible teaching: Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed

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.

      Wednesday, 28 September 2022

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      Today's prayer: Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.

      Psalm 64
      1
      Psalm 64 For the director of music. A psalm of David.
      1
      Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.
      2
      Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of evildoers.
      3
      They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows.
      4
      They shoot from ambush at the innocent man; they shoot at him suddenly, without fear.
      5
      They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, "Who will see them [1] ?"
      6
      They plot injustice and say, "We have devised a perfect plan!" Surely the mind and heart of man are cunning.
      7
      But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be struck down.
      8
      He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.
      9
      All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.
      10
      Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!

        Tuesday, 27 September 2022

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        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.

        Monday, 26 September 2022

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        Today's praises: Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens

        Psalm 68
        1
        Psalm 68 For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. A song.
        1
        May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him.
        2
        As smoke is blown away by the wind, may you blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God.
        3
        But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.
        4
        Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds [1] -- his name is the LORD-- and rejoice before him.
        5
        A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.
        6
        God sets the lonely in families, [2] he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
        7
        When you went out before your people, O God, when you marched through the wasteland, Selah
        8
        the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.
        9
        You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.
        10
        Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, O God, you provided for the poor.
        11
        The Lord announced the word, and great was the company of those who proclaimed it:
        12
        "Kings and armies flee in haste; in the camps men divide the plunder.
        13
        Even while you sleep among the campfires, [3] the wings of [my] dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold."
        14
        When the Almighty [4] scattered the kings in the land, it was like snow fallen on Zalmon.
        15
        The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains; rugged are the mountains of Bashan.
        16
        Why gaze in envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain where God chooses to reign, where the LORD himself will dwell forever?
        17
        The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord [has come] from Sinai into his sanctuary.
        18
        When you ascended on high, you led captives in your train; you received gifts from men, even from [5] the rebellious-- that you, [6] O LORD God, might dwell there.
        19
        Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah
        20
        Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.
        21
        Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins.
        22
        The Lord says, "I will bring them from Bashan; I will bring them from the depths of the sea,
        23
        that you may plunge your feet in the blood of your foes, while the tongues of your dogs have their share."
        24
        Your procession has come into view, O God, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary.
        25
        In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the maidens playing tambourines.
        26
        Praise God in the great congregation; praise the LORD in the assembly of Israel.
        27
        There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them, there the great throng of Judah's princes, and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.
        28
        Summon your power, O God [7] ; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.
        29
        Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring you gifts.
        30
        Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may it bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war.
        31
        Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush [8] will submit herself to God.
        32
        Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, Selah
        33
        to him who rides the ancient skies above, who thunders with mighty voice.
        34
        Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies.
        35
        You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

        Sunday, 25 September 2022

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        Today's bible teaching: You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it

        Psalm 65
        1
        Psalm 65 For the director of music. A psalm of David. A song.
        1
        Praise awaits [1] you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled.
        2
        O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come.
        3
        When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave [2] our transgressions.
        4
        Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.
        5
        You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas,
        6
        who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength,
        7
        who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.
        8
        Those living far away fear your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy.
        9
        You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. [3]
        10
        You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops.
        11
        You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.
        12
        The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness.
        13
        The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.

          Saturday, 24 September 2022

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          Today's bible teaching: Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others

          Psalm 52
          1
          Psalm 52 For the director of music. A maskil [1] of David. When Doeg the Edomite had gone to Saul and told him: "David has gone to the house of Ahimelech."
          1
          Why do you boast of evil, you mighty man? Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God?
          2
          Your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit.
          3
          You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. Selah
          4
          You love every harmful word, O you deceitful tongue!
          5
          Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and tear you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah
          6
          The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at him, saying,
          7
          "Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!"
          8
          But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.
          9
          I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.

            Friday, 23 September 2022

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            Today's bible teaching: Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted 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

            Thursday, 22 September 2022

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            Today's bible teaching: That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel

            Psalm 122
            1
            Psalm 122 A song of ascents. Of David.
            1
            I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD."
            2
            Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.
            3
            Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.
            4
            That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel.
            5
            There the thrones for judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David.
            6
            Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure.
            7
            May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels."
            8
            For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you."
            9
            For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.

            Wednesday, 21 September 2022

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            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.

            Tuesday, 20 September 2022

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            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.

                Monday, 19 September 2022

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                Today's prayer: Hasten, O God, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me

                Psalm 70
                1
                Psalm 70 For the director of music. Of David. A petition.
                1
                Hasten, O God, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me.
                2
                May those who seek my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.
                3
                May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" turn back because of their shame.
                4
                But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "Let God be exalted!"
                5
                Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.

                Sunday, 18 September 2022

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                Today's bible teaching: 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

                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.


                  Saturday, 17 September 2022

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                  Today's prayer : Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions

                   Psalm 51

                  1
                  Psalm 51 For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.
                  1
                  Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
                  2
                  Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
                  3
                  For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
                  4
                  Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.
                  5
                  Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
                  6
                  Surely you desire truth in the inner parts [1] ; you teach [2] me wisdom in the inmost place.
                  7
                  Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
                  8
                  Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
                  9
                  Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
                  10
                  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
                  11
                  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
                  12
                  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
                  13
                  Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.
                  14
                  Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
                  15
                  O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
                  16
                  You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
                  17
                  The sacrifices of God are [3] a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
                  18
                  In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.
                  19
                  Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

                    Friday, 16 September 2022

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                    Today's bible teaching: God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

                    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.

                    Thursday, 15 September 2022

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                    Today's prayer: Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth

                    Psalm 80
                    1
                    Psalm 80 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "The Lilies of the Covenant." Of Asaph. A psalm.
                    1
                    Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth
                    2
                    before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us.
                    3
                    Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
                    4
                    O LORD God Almighty, how long will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people?
                    5
                    You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.
                    6
                    You have made us a source of contention to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.
                    7
                    Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
                    8
                    You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.
                    9
                    You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land.
                    10
                    The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches.
                    11
                    It sent out its boughs to the Sea, [1] its shoots as far as the River. [2]
                    12
                    Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its grapes?
                    13
                    Boars from the forest ravage it and the creatures of the field feed on it.
                    14
                    Return to us, O God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see! Watch over this vine,
                    15
                    the root your right hand has planted, the son [3] you have raised up for yourself.
                    16
                    Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire; at your rebuke your people perish.
                    17
                    Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself.
                    18
                    Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.
                    19
                    Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.

                      Wednesday, 14 September 2022

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                      Today's bible teaching: You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us; you have been angry--now restore us!

                      Psalm 60
                      1
                      Psalm 60 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "The Lily of the Covenant." A miktam [1] of David. For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim [2] and Aram Zobah, [3] and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
                      1
                      You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us; you have been angry--now restore us!
                      2
                      You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking.
                      3
                      You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger.
                      4
                      But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. Selah
                      5
                      Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.
                      6
                      God has spoken from his sanctuary: "In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth.
                      7
                      Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my scepter.
                      8
                      Moab is my washbasin, upon Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph."
                      9
                      Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?
                      10
                      Is it not you, O God, you who have rejected us and no longer go out with our armies?
                      11
                      Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless.
                      12
                      With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

                        Tuesday, 13 September 2022

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                        Today's bible teaching: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

                        Psalm 73
                        1
                        Psalm 73 A psalm of Asaph.
                        1
                        Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
                        2
                        But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.
                        3
                        For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
                        4
                        They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. [1]
                        5
                        They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.
                        6
                        Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.
                        7
                        From their callous hearts comes iniquity [2] ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.
                        8
                        They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.
                        9
                        Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
                        10
                        Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. [3]
                        11
                        They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"
                        12
                        This is what the wicked are like-- always carefree, they increase in wealth.
                        13
                        Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.
                        14
                        All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.
                        15
                        If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children.
                        16
                        When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me
                        17
                        till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
                        18
                        Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
                        19
                        How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
                        20
                        As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
                        21
                        When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
                        22
                        I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
                        23
                        Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
                        24
                        You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
                        25
                        Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
                        26
                        My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
                        27
                        Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
                        28
                        But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

                        Monday, 12 September 2022

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                        Today's prayer: Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.

                        Psalm 79
                        1
                        Psalm 79 A psalm of Asaph.
                        1
                        O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.
                        2
                        They have given the dead bodies of your servants as food to the birds of the air, the flesh of your saints to the beasts of the earth.
                        3
                        They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead.
                        4
                        We are objects of reproach to our neighbors, of scorn and derision to those around us.
                        5
                        How long, O LORD? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire?
                        6
                        Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name;
                        7
                        for they have devoured Jacob and destroyed his homeland.
                        8
                        Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need.
                        9
                        Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.
                        10
                        Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants.
                        11
                        May the groans of the prisoners come before you; by the strength of your arm preserve those condemned to die.
                        12
                        Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the reproach they have hurled at you, O Lord.
                        13
                        Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.

                            Sunday, 11 September 2022

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                            Today's praises: Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.

                            Psalm 47
                            1
                            Psalm 47 For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
                            1
                            Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
                            2
                            How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!
                            3
                            He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet.
                            4
                            He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. Selah
                            5
                            God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets.
                            6
                            Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.
                            7
                            For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm [1] of praise.
                            8
                            God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.
                            9
                            The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings [2] of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.
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                            Today's bible teaching: I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.

                            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.

                            Saturday, 10 September 2022

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                            Today's bible teaching: He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.

                             Psalm 50

                            1
                            Psalm 50 A psalm of Asaph.
                            1
                            The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.
                            2
                            From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.
                            3
                            Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages.
                            4
                            He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people:
                            5
                            "Gather to me my consecrated ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
                            6
                            And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah
                            7
                            "Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God.
                            8
                            I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.
                            9
                            I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens,
                            10
                            for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
                            11
                            I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.
                            12
                            If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.
                            13
                            Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?
                            14
                            Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High,
                            15
                            and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
                            16
                            But to the wicked, God says: "What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips?
                            17
                            You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.
                            18
                            When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers.
                            19
                            You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit.
                            20
                            You speak continually against your brother and slander your own mother's son.
                            21
                            These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought I was altogether [1] like you. But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face.
                            22
                            "Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue:
                            23
                            He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him [2] the salvation of God."

                            Thursday, 8 September 2022

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                            Today's praises: Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens

                             Psalm 150

                            1
                            Psalm 150
                            1
                            Praise the LORD. [1] Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
                            2
                            Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
                            3
                            Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
                            4
                            praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,
                            5
                            praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
                            6
                            Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. 

                            Wednesday, 7 September 2022

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                            Today's prayer: Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love.

                            Psalm 44
                            1
                            Psalm 44 For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. [1]
                            1
                            We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago.
                            2
                            With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our fathers; you crushed the peoples and made our fathers flourish.
                            3
                            It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.
                            4
                            You are my King and my God, who decrees [2] victories for Jacob.
                            5
                            Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes.
                            6
                            I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory;
                            7
                            but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame.
                            8
                            In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever. Selah
                            9
                            But now you have rejected and humbled us; you no longer go out with our armies.
                            10
                            You made us retreat before the enemy, and our adversaries have plundered us.
                            11
                            You gave us up to be devoured like sheep and have scattered us among the nations.
                            12
                            You sold your people for a pittance, gaining nothing from their sale.
                            13
                            You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us.
                            14
                            You have made us a byword among the nations; the peoples shake their heads at us.
                            15
                            My disgrace is before me all day long, and my face is covered with shame
                            16
                            at the taunts of those who reproach and revile me, because of the enemy, who is bent on revenge.
                            17
                            All this happened to us, though we had not forgotten you or been false to your covenant.
                            18
                            Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed from your path.
                            19
                            But you crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals and covered us over with deep darkness.
                            20
                            If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god,
                            21
                            would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart?
                            22
                            Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.
                            23
                            Awake, O Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever.
                            24
                            Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression?
                            25
                            We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground.
                            26
                            Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love.p

                            Tuesday, 6 September 2022

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                            Today's bible teaching: How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the foe revile your name forever?

                            Psalm 74
                            1
                            Psalm 74 A maskil [1] of Asaph.
                            1
                            Why have you rejected us forever, O God? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture?
                            2
                            Remember the people you purchased of old, the tribe of your inheritance, whom you redeemed-- Mount Zion, where you dwelt.
                            3
                            Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins, all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary.
                            4
                            Your foes roared in the place where you met with us; they set up their standards as signs.
                            5
                            They behaved like men wielding axes to cut through a thicket of trees.
                            6
                            They smashed all the carved paneling with their axes and hatchets.
                            7
                            They burned your sanctuary to the ground; they defiled the dwelling place of your Name.
                            8
                            They said in their hearts, "We will crush them completely!" They burned every place where God was worshiped in the land.
                            9
                            We are given no miraculous signs; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be.
                            10
                            How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the foe revile your name forever?
                            11
                            Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!
                            12
                            But you, O God, are my king from of old; you bring salvation upon the earth.
                            13
                            It was you who split open the sea by your power; you broke the heads of the monster in the waters.
                            14
                            It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave him as food to the creatures of the desert.
                            15
                            It was you who opened up springs and streams; you dried up the ever flowing rivers.
                            16
                            The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon.
                            17
                            It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.
                            18
                            Remember how the enemy has mocked you, O LORD, how foolish people have reviled your name.
                            19
                            Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts; do not forget the lives of your afflicted people forever.
                            20
                            Have regard for your covenant, because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.
                            21
                            Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace; may the poor and needy praise your name.
                            22
                            Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day long.
                            23
                            Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries, the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.
                            1. [Title: Probably a literary or musical term


                              Monday, 5 September 2022

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                              Today's bible teaching: Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

                              Psalm 42
                              1
                              Psalm 42 For the director of music. A maskil [1] of the Sons of Korah. [2]
                              1
                              As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
                              2
                              My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
                              3
                              My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
                              4
                              These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.
                              5
                              Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and
                              6
                              my God. My [3] soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon--from Mount Mizar.
                              7
                              Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
                              8
                              By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me-- a prayer to the God of my life.
                              9
                              I say to God my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?"
                              10
                              My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
                              11
                              Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

                              Sunday, 4 September 2022

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                              Today's bible teaching: Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?

                              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

                                Saturday, 3 September 2022

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                                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. 

                                  Friday, 2 September 2022

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                                  Today's bible teaching: How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

                                  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!

                                    Thursday, 1 September 2022

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                                    Today's prayer: Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help."

                                    Psalm 30
                                    1
                                    Psalm 30 A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. [1] Of David.
                                    1
                                    I will exalt you, O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
                                    2
                                    O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
                                    3
                                    O LORD, you brought me up from the grave [2] ; you spared me from going down into the pit.
                                    4
                                    Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name.
                                    5
                                    For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
                                    6
                                    When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken."
                                    7
                                    O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain [3] stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.
                                    8
                                    To you, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:
                                    9
                                    "What gain is there in my destruction, [4] in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
                                    10
                                    Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help."
                                    11
                                    You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
                                    12
                                    that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

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