Saturday, 31 August 2024

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Today's praises: Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD

Psalm 134
1
Psalm 134 A song of ascents.
1
Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
2
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.
3
May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion

Friday, 30 August 2024

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Today's bible teaching: Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory

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, 29 August 2024

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    Today's bible teaching: The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore

    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.

    Wednesday, 28 August 2024

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    Today's bible teaching: How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

    Psalm 104
    1
    Psalm 104
    1
    Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
    2
    He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent
    3
    and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.
    4
    He makes winds his messengers, [1] flames of fire his servants.
    5
    He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.
    6
    You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.
    7
    But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;
    8
    they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them.
    9
    You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth.
    10
    He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains.
    11
    They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
    12
    The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.
    13
    He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work.
    14
    He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate-- bringing forth food from the earth:
    15
    wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart.
    16
    The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
    17
    There the birds make their nests; the stork has its home in the pine trees.
    18
    The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the coneys. [2]
    19
    The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.
    20
    You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl.
    21
    The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God.
    22
    The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens.
    23
    Then man goes out to his work, to his labor until evening.
    24
    How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
    25
    There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number-- living things both large and small.
    26
    There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.
    27
    These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time.
    28
    When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.
    29
    When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust.
    30
    When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.
    31
    May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works--
    32
    he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke.
    33
    I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
    34
    May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD.
    35
    But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more. Praise the LORD, O my soul. Praise the LORD. [3]

    Tuesday, 27 August 2024

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    Today's praises: Praise the LORD

    Psalm 112
    1
    Psalm 112 [1]
    1
    Praise the LORD. [2] Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.
    2
    His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
    3
    Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
    4
    Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. [3]
    5
    Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.
    6
    Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.
    7
    He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
    8
    His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
    9
    He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn [4] will be lifted high in honor.
    10
    The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

      Monday, 26 August 2024

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      Today's bible teaching: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

      Psalm 34
      1
      Psalm 34 Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left. [1]
      1
      I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
      2
      My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
      3
      Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
      4
      I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
      5
      Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
      6
      This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
      7
      The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
      8
      Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
      9
      Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.
      10
      The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
      11
      Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
      12
      Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,
      13
      keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.
      14
      Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
      15
      The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;
      16
      the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
      17
      The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
      18
      The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
      19
      A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;
      20
      he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
      21
      Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
      22
      The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

        Sunday, 25 August 2024

        Saturday, 24 August 2024

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        Today's prayer: O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure

        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.

          Friday, 23 August 2024

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          Today's bible teaching: The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one

          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.

              Thursday, 22 August 2024

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              Today's praises: Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD

              Psalm 134
              1
              Psalm 134 A song of ascents.
              1
              Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
              2
              Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.
              3
              May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.

              Wednesday, 21 August 2024

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              Today's prayer: Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you

              Psalm 143
              1
              Psalm 143 A psalm of David.
              1
              O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.
              2
              Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.
              3
              The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead.
              4
              So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.
              5
              I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
              6
              I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah
              7
              Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
              8
              Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
              9
              Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you.
              10
              Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
              11
              For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
              12
              In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.

                  Tuesday, 20 August 2024

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                  Today's prayer: May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

                  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.

                    Monday, 19 August 2024

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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.

                      Saturday, 17 August 2024

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                      Today's bible teaching: You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge

                      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!
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                      Today's prayer: Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless

                      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.

                        Friday, 16 August 2024

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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.

                          Thursday, 15 August 2024

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                          Today's bible teaching: Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways

                          Psalm 128
                          1
                          Psalm 128 A song of ascents.
                          1
                          Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.
                          2
                          You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
                          3
                          Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.
                          4
                          Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.
                          5
                          May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,
                          6
                          and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.

                          Wednesday, 14 August 2024

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                          Today's prayer: Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help

                          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.

                            Monday, 12 August 2024

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                            Today's bible teaching: How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land?

                            Psalm 137
                            1
                            Psalm 137
                            1
                            By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.
                            2
                            There on the poplars we hung our harps,
                            3
                            for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"
                            4
                            How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land?
                            5
                            If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget [its skill].
                            6
                            May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy.
                            7
                            Remember, O LORD, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. "Tear it down," they cried, "tear it down to its foundations!"
                            8
                            O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is he who repays you for what you have done to us.
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                            Today's prayer: Confuse the wicked, O Lord, confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city

                            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.

                              Saturday, 10 August 2024

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                              Today's bible teaching: The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy

                              Psalm 111
                              1
                              Psalm 111 [1]
                              1
                              Praise the LORD. [2] I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
                              2
                              Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.
                              3
                              Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.
                              4
                              He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
                              5
                              He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
                              6
                              He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations.
                              7
                              The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
                              8
                              They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness.
                              9
                              He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever-- holy and awesome is his name.
                              10
                              The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
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                              Today's prayer: Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might.

                              Psalm 54
                              1
                              Psalm 54 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil [1] of David. When the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said, "Is not David hiding among us?"
                              1
                              Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might.
                              2
                              Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.
                              3
                              Strangers are attacking me; ruthless men seek my life-- men without regard for God. Selah
                              4
                              Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
                              5
                              Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them.
                              6
                              I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O LORD, for it is good.
                              7
                              For he has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.

                              Friday, 9 August 2024

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                              Today's prayer: May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right

                              Psalm 17
                              1
                              Psalm 17 A prayer of David.
                              1
                              Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer-- it does not rise from deceitful lips.
                              2
                              May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.
                              3
                              Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.
                              4
                              As for the deeds of men-- by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.
                              5
                              My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.
                              6
                              I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.
                              7
                              Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.
                              8
                              Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings
                              9
                              from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.
                              10
                              They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.
                              11
                              They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.
                              12
                              They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a great lion crouching in cover.
                              13
                              Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword.
                              14
                              O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.
                              15
                              And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

                                  Wednesday, 7 August 2024

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                                  Today's bible teaching: The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace

                                  Psalm 29
                                  1
                                  Psalm 29 A psalm of David.
                                  1
                                  Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
                                  2
                                  Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his [1] holiness.
                                  3
                                  The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
                                  4
                                  The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.
                                  5
                                  The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
                                  6
                                  He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion [2] like a young wild ox.
                                  7
                                  The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.
                                  8
                                  The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
                                  9
                                  The voice of the LORD twists the oaks [3] and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"
                                  10
                                  The LORD sits [4] enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
                                  11
                                  The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
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                                  Today's bible teaching: You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry?

                                  Psalm 76
                                  1
                                  Psalm 76 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of Asaph. A song.
                                  1
                                  In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel.
                                  2
                                  His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.
                                  3
                                  There he broke the flashing arrows, the shields and the swords, the weapons of war. Selah
                                  4
                                  You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game.
                                  5
                                  Valiant men lie plundered, they sleep their last sleep; not one of the warriors can lift his hands.
                                  6
                                  At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both horse and chariot lie still.
                                  7
                                  You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry?
                                  8
                                  From heaven you pronounced judgment, and the land feared and was quiet--
                                  9
                                  when you, O God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land. Selah
                                  10
                                  Surely your wrath against men brings you praise, and the survivors of your wrath are restrained. [1]
                                  11
                                  Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared.
                                  12
                                  He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth.

                                    Monday, 5 August 2024

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                                    Today's praises: Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD

                                     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

                                    Saturday, 3 August 2024

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                                    Today's praises: May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion

                                    Psalm 134
                                    1
                                    Psalm 134 A song of ascents.
                                    1
                                    Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
                                    2
                                    Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.
                                    3
                                    May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.
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                                    Today's bible teaching: With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse

                                    Psalm 62
                                    1
                                    Psalm 62 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
                                    1
                                    My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
                                    2
                                    He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
                                    3
                                    How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down-- this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
                                    4
                                    They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Selah
                                    5
                                    Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
                                    6
                                    He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
                                    7
                                    My salvation and my honor depend on God [1] ; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
                                    8
                                    Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah
                                    9
                                    Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.
                                    10
                                    Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
                                    11
                                    One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong,
                                    12
                                    and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.

                                      Friday, 2 August 2024

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                                      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.

                                      Thursday, 1 August 2024

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                                      Today's bible teaching: My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.

                                      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.

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