Thursday, 31 October 2024

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

Psalm 5
1
Psalm 5 For the director of music. For flutes. A psalm of David.
1
Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.
2
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
3
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
4
You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell.
5
The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.
6
You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.
7
But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.
8
Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies-- make straight your way before me.
9
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit.
10
Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
12
For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

      Wednesday, 30 October 2024

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      Today's bible teaching: He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me

      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.

      Tuesday, 29 October 2024

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

      Psalm 13
      1
      Psalm 13 For the director of music. A psalm of David.
      1
      How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
      2
      How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
      3
      Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
      4
      my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
      5
      But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
      6
      I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.

      Monday, 28 October 2024

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      Today's bible teaching: Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession

      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.

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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.

            Sunday, 27 October 2024

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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.

              Saturday, 26 October 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. 

              Thursday, 24 October 2024

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

              Psalm 63
              1
              Psalm 63 A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.
              1
              O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
              2
              I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
              3
              Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
              4
              I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
              5
              My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
              6
              On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
              7
              Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
              8
              My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
              9
              They who seek my life will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth.
              10
              They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals.
              11
              But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God's name will praise him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

                  Wednesday, 23 October 2024

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

                  Psalm 4
                  1
                  Psalm 4 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.
                  1
                  Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
                  2
                  How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame [1] ? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods [2] ? Selah
                  3
                  Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.
                  4
                  In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah
                  5
                  Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.
                  6
                  Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
                  7
                  You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
                  8
                  I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

                  Tuesday, 22 October 2024

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                  Today's bible teaching: For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.

                  Psalm 149
                  1
                  Psalm 149
                  1
                  Praise the LORD. [1] Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.
                  2
                  Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King.
                  3
                  Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.
                  4
                  For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.
                  5
                  Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.
                  6
                  May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands,
                  7
                  to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,
                  8
                  to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron,
                  9
                  to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints. Praise the LORD.

                  Monday, 21 October 2024

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                  Today's bible teaching: I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

                  Psalm 16
                  1
                  Psalm 16 A miktam[1] of David.
                  1
                  Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.
                  2
                  I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."
                  3
                  As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.[2]
                  4
                  The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.
                  5
                  LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.
                  6
                  The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
                  7
                  I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
                  8
                  I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
                  9
                  Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,
                  10
                  because you will not abandon me to the grave,[3] nor will you let your Holy One[4] see decay.
                  11
                  You have made[5] known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

                  Sunday, 20 October 2024

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                  Today's prayer: Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

                  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.

                      Saturday, 19 October 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, 18 October 2024

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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.

                        Thursday, 17 October 2024

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                        Today's prayer: Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.

                        Psalm 3
                        1
                        Psalm 3 A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.
                        1
                        O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!
                        2
                        Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." Selah [1]
                        3
                        But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift [2] up my head.
                        4
                        To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
                        5
                        I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
                        6
                        I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.
                        7
                        Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
                        8
                        From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Selah

                        Wednesday, 16 October 2024

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                        Today's prayer: Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day long.

                        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.

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                          Today's bible teaching: The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them

                          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.

                            Tuesday, 15 October 2024

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                            Today's bible teaching: The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them

                             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.

                            Monday, 14 October 2024

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                            Today's bible teaching: The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive people

                            Psalm 69
                            1
                            Psalm 69 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "Lilies." Of David.
                            1
                            Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.
                            2
                            I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.
                            3
                            I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.
                            4
                            Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.
                            5
                            You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from you.
                            6
                            May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord, the LORD Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me, O God of Israel.
                            7
                            For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face.
                            8
                            I am a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother's sons;
                            9
                            for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.
                            10
                            When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn;
                            11
                            when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me.
                            12
                            Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards.
                            13
                            But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.
                            14
                            Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters.
                            15
                            Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me.
                            16
                            Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.
                            17
                            Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.
                            18
                            Come near and rescue me; redeem me because of my foes.
                            19
                            You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you.
                            20
                            Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none.
                            21
                            They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.
                            22
                            May the table set before them become a snare; may it become retribution and [1] a trap.
                            23
                            May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.
                            24
                            Pour out your wrath on them; let your fierce anger overtake them.
                            25
                            May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents.
                            26
                            For they persecute those you wound and talk about the pain of those you hurt.
                            27
                            Charge them with crime upon crime; do not let them share in your salvation.
                            28
                            May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.
                            29
                            I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me.
                            30
                            I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.
                            31
                            This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.
                            32
                            The poor will see and be glad-- you who seek God, may your hearts live!
                            33
                            The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.
                            34
                            Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them,
                            35
                            for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. Then people will settle there and possess it;
                            36
                            the children of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his name will dwell there.

                              Sunday, 13 October 2024

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                              Today's bible teaching: For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face

                              Psalm 11
                              1
                              Psalm 11 For the director of music. Of David.
                              1
                              In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: "Flee like a bird to your mountain.
                              2
                              For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
                              3
                              When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do [1] ?"
                              4
                              The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them.
                              5
                              The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked [2] and those who love violence his soul hates.
                              6
                              On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot.
                              7
                              For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.

                              Saturday, 12 October 2024

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

                              Psalm 8
                              1
                              Psalm 8 For the director of music. According to gittith. [1] A psalm of David.
                              1
                              O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
                              2
                              From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise [2] because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
                              3
                              When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
                              4
                              what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
                              5
                              You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings [3] and crowned him with glory and honor.
                              6
                              You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:
                              7
                              all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,
                              8
                              the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
                              9
                              O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

                              Friday, 11 October 2024

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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.

                                  Thursday, 10 October 2024

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                                  Today's prayer: Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies-- make straight your way before me.

                                  Psalm 5
                                  1
                                  Psalm 5 For the director of music. For flutes. A psalm of David.
                                  1
                                  Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.
                                  2
                                  Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
                                  3
                                  In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
                                  4
                                  You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell.
                                  5
                                  The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.
                                  6
                                  You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.
                                  7
                                  But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.
                                  8
                                  Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies-- make straight your way before me.
                                  9
                                  Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit.
                                  10
                                  Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
                                  11
                                  But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
                                  12
                                  For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

                                      Wednesday, 9 October 2024

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                                      Today's bible teaching: Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

                                      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.

                                        Tuesday, 8 October 2024

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                                        Today's bible teaching: Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.

                                        Psalm 112
                                        1
                                        Psalm 112 
                                        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, 7 October 2024

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                                          Today's bible teaching: Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.

                                           Psalm 112

                                          1
                                          Psalm 112 
                                          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.

                                          Sunday, 6 October 2024

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                                          Today's prayer: Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me

                                          Psalm 27
                                          1
                                          Psalm 27 Of David.
                                          1
                                          The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?
                                          2
                                          When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, [1] when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
                                          3
                                          Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
                                          4
                                          One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
                                          5
                                          For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
                                          6
                                          Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
                                          7
                                          Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.
                                          8
                                          My heart says of you, "Seek his [2] face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.
                                          9
                                          Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
                                          10
                                          Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
                                          11
                                          Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
                                          12
                                          Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
                                          13
                                          I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
                                          14
                                          Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

                                            Saturday, 5 October 2024

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

                                            Psalm 13
                                            1
                                            Psalm 13 For the director of music. A psalm of David.
                                            1
                                            How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
                                            2
                                            How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
                                            3
                                            Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
                                            4
                                            my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
                                            5
                                            But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
                                            6
                                            I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.

                                            Friday, 4 October 2024

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                                            Today's bible teaching: In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.

                                            Psalm 4
                                            1
                                            Psalm 4 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.
                                            1
                                            Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
                                            2
                                            How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame [1] ? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods [2] ? Selah
                                            3
                                            Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.
                                            4
                                            In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah
                                            5
                                            Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.
                                            6
                                            Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
                                            7
                                            You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
                                            8
                                            I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

                                            Thursday, 3 October 2024

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                                            Today's bible teaching: Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

                                            Psalm 97
                                            1
                                            Psalm 97
                                            1
                                            The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.
                                            2
                                            Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
                                            3
                                            Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side.
                                            4
                                            His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.
                                            5
                                            The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.
                                            6
                                            The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.
                                            7
                                            All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols-- worship him, all you gods!
                                            8
                                            Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, O LORD.
                                            9
                                            For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
                                            10
                                            Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
                                            11
                                            Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.
                                            12
                                            Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.

                                                Wednesday, 2 October 2024

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                                                Today's prayer: Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob

                                                Psalm 84
                                                1
                                                Psalm 84 For the director of music. According to gittith. [1] Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
                                                1
                                                How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!
                                                2
                                                My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
                                                3
                                                Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young-- a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
                                                4
                                                Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Selah
                                                5
                                                Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
                                                6
                                                As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. [2]
                                                7
                                                They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
                                                8
                                                Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Selah
                                                9
                                                Look upon our shield, [3] O God; look with favor on your anointed one.
                                                10
                                                Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
                                                11
                                                For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
                                                12
                                                O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

                                                Tuesday, 1 October 2024

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                                                Today's prayer: May the LORD grant all your requests.

                                                Psalm 20
                                                1
                                                Psalm 20 For the director of music. A psalm of David.
                                                1
                                                May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
                                                2
                                                May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.
                                                3
                                                May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. Selah
                                                4
                                                May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
                                                5
                                                We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.
                                                6
                                                Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.
                                                7
                                                Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
                                                8
                                                They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.
                                                9
                                                O LORD, save the king! Answer [1] us when we call!
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