Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
Praise the Lord in quiet moments when you are resting in His Presence in His Sanctuary; praise the Lord in the majestic moments when you are flying in His Glory in His Mighty Heavens.
Praise the Lord with the Trumpet which raise the loudness of praise; praise the Lord with the harp & lyre which is soothing to the ears.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Psalm 149
Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.
Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.
May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints.
Praise the LORD.
Let us praise the Lord and sing to Him a New Song!!! Let us praise His Name with dancing & make music to Him!!!
May the praise of God be in our mouths and a double-edged sword in our hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind our kings with fetters, our nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them. This is our glory as His saints.
PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.
May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints.
Praise the LORD.
Let us praise the Lord and sing to Him a New Song!!! Let us praise His Name with dancing & make music to Him!!!
May the praise of God be in our mouths and a double-edged sword in our hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind our kings with fetters, our nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them. This is our glory as His saints.
PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Psalm 148
Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away. Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD.
Praise the Lord and I will say again, praise the Lord… I have so much struggles within my heart & immense pain within, but yet my 3 words that I want to declare is “PRAISE THE LORD!!!”
Today’s Psalm tells me to praise the Lord… Lord, I thank You for Your reminder… I thank You because I know that You are in control… I thank You because all the things that happen is for the good of those who loves You… Lord I thank You because You love me, Your hand of discipline is upon me… Your rod & Your staff, it comforts me… Thank You Lord…
Yes, I will praise the Lord… PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away. Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD.
Praise the Lord and I will say again, praise the Lord… I have so much struggles within my heart & immense pain within, but yet my 3 words that I want to declare is “PRAISE THE LORD!!!”
Today’s Psalm tells me to praise the Lord… Lord, I thank You for Your reminder… I thank You because I know that You are in control… I thank You because all the things that happen is for the good of those who loves You… Lord I thank You because You love me, Your hand of discipline is upon me… Your rod & Your staff, it comforts me… Thank You Lord…
Yes, I will praise the Lord… PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Psalm 147
Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.
He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Extol the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion, for he strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you. He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat. He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow. He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws.
Praise the LORD.
Let’s praise His Holy Name for the Lord is worthy to be praised!!! The Lord sustains the humble and delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in God’s unfailing love. The Lord will protect Jerusalem. The Lord will protect me. Praise the Lord!!!
He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Extol the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion, for he strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you. He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat. He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow. He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws.
Praise the LORD.
Let’s praise His Holy Name for the Lord is worthy to be praised!!! The Lord sustains the humble and delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in God’s unfailing love. The Lord will protect Jerusalem. The Lord will protect me. Praise the Lord!!!
Psalm 146
Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them--the LORD, who remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.
Indeed, I will praise the Lord all my life.
Yesterday, I was covering safety vehicle for a Hiking Trip for a combined BB Companies Adventure Camp. Then my car could not start half way that I was stranded in the middle of no where… But it surprises me that the first thing that I said was to praise the Lord… I guess it is in such moments when things do not flow smoothly, out of the heart flow praises knowing that the Lord is in full control…
I think the best outcome of reading Psalms in the last 4 months is to grow in a heart of Praise… I thank God for giving me a heart of Praise…
Thank You Lord Jesus… and I will praise You forevermore!!!
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them--the LORD, who remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.
Indeed, I will praise the Lord all my life.
Yesterday, I was covering safety vehicle for a Hiking Trip for a combined BB Companies Adventure Camp. Then my car could not start half way that I was stranded in the middle of no where… But it surprises me that the first thing that I said was to praise the Lord… I guess it is in such moments when things do not flow smoothly, out of the heart flow praises knowing that the Lord is in full control…
I think the best outcome of reading Psalms in the last 4 months is to grow in a heart of Praise… I thank God for giving me a heart of Praise…
Thank You Lord Jesus… and I will praise You forevermore!!!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Psalm 145
A psalm of praise. Of David.
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
Praise the Lord, for He is faithful to all His promises, righteous in all his ways and loving towards all He has made. The Lord watches over all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy. Let every creature praise His Holy Name for ever & ever and I will speak in praise of the Lord forevermore!!!
Praise the LORD!!!
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
Praise the Lord, for He is faithful to all His promises, righteous in all his ways and loving towards all He has made. The Lord watches over all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy. Let every creature praise His Holy Name for ever & ever and I will speak in praise of the Lord forevermore!!!
Praise the LORD!!!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Psalm 144
Of David.
Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow. Part your heavens, O LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke. Send forth lightning and scatter the enemies; shoot your arrows and rout them. Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.
I will sing a new song to you, O God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you, to the One who gives victory to kings, who delivers his servant David from the deadly sword. Deliver me and rescue me from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.
Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision. Our sheep will increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields; our oxen will draw heavy loads. There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets.
Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.
Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. The Lord is my deliverer & I shall not fear, for the Lord is my ROCK!!!
Amen! The Lord Jesus is my ROCK!!!
Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow. Part your heavens, O LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke. Send forth lightning and scatter the enemies; shoot your arrows and rout them. Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.
I will sing a new song to you, O God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you, to the One who gives victory to kings, who delivers his servant David from the deadly sword. Deliver me and rescue me from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.
Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision. Our sheep will increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields; our oxen will draw heavy loads. There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets.
Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.
Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. The Lord is my deliverer & I shall not fear, for the Lord is my ROCK!!!
Amen! The Lord Jesus is my ROCK!!!
Psalm 143
A psalm of David.
O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
Selah
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. 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. Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
O Lord, have mercy on me, please do not bring your servant into judgment… Please Lord, have mercy on me… The enemy pursues me and crushes me to the ground… he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead… till my spirit grows faint within me… my spirit is failing… Please Lord, rescue me from my enemies, let me hide myself in You…
Yes Lord, please teach me to do Your will for You are my God. For Your Name’s sake, preserve my life, in Your righteousness, bring me out of trouble… for I am Your servant.
Thank You Lord Jesus. Thank You…
O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
Selah
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. 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. Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
O Lord, have mercy on me, please do not bring your servant into judgment… Please Lord, have mercy on me… The enemy pursues me and crushes me to the ground… he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead… till my spirit grows faint within me… my spirit is failing… Please Lord, rescue me from my enemies, let me hide myself in You…
Yes Lord, please teach me to do Your will for You are my God. For Your Name’s sake, preserve my life, in Your righteousness, bring me out of trouble… for I am Your servant.
Thank You Lord Jesus. Thank You…
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Psalm 142
A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer.
I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me. Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.
I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.
Thank You Lord, for delivering me… for You have answered my prayer and send many people to care for my life, to show concern for me… How can I thank You, my Lord…
Dear Lord Jesus, I will praise Your Name because You are my God & my King!!!
I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me. Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.
I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.
Thank You Lord, for delivering me… for You have answered my prayer and send many people to care for my life, to show concern for me… How can I thank You, my Lord…
Dear Lord Jesus, I will praise Your Name because You are my God & my King!!!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Psalm 141 (20th May, Tuesday)
A psalm of David.
O LORD, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies.
Let a righteous man strike me--it is a kindness; let him rebuke me--it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it.
Yet my prayer is ever against the deeds of evildoers; their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs, and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken. They will say, "As one plows and breaks up the earth, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the grave. " But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge--do not give me over to death. Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, from the traps set by evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.
Yes Lord, please help me Lord… Please Lord, I need Your protection, please protect me from my enemies who laid nets & traps for me all the time… O Lord, please help me and deliver me… I cry out to You, have mercy on me, please…
Dear Lord, please draw me back to You… I long for You and I miss You!!! Dear Lord Jesus, please guide me to draw closer to You every moment of my life… … … Thank You Lord Jesus, I love You… … …
O LORD, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies.
Let a righteous man strike me--it is a kindness; let him rebuke me--it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it.
Yet my prayer is ever against the deeds of evildoers; their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs, and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken. They will say, "As one plows and breaks up the earth, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the grave. " But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge--do not give me over to death. Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, from the traps set by evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.
Yes Lord, please help me Lord… Please Lord, I need Your protection, please protect me from my enemies who laid nets & traps for me all the time… O Lord, please help me and deliver me… I cry out to You, have mercy on me, please…
Dear Lord, please draw me back to You… I long for You and I miss You!!! Dear Lord Jesus, please guide me to draw closer to You every moment of my life… … … Thank You Lord Jesus, I love You… … …
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Psalm 137 (16th May, Fri)
By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps, for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!" How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land?
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. 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.
Remember, O LORD, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. "Tear it down," they cried, "tear it down to its foundations!"
O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is he who repays you for what you have done to us--he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.
How can we sing to the Lord when we are in captivity? The Psalmist say, how can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land? Reading Psalm 137, it is like trying to remember the Lord and not forget Him even when we faced so much difficulties and persecutions…
One thing that I learn from the Lord today, that is to never forget Him. The Lord is my Vindication and He is my Protector!!! He will restore me and He shall be my greatest joy… because His love for me endures forever!!!
I love my Jesus, I love my Lord, I love my God!!!
PS… I will be away for the YouthNet 144 Re-Encounter until Monday… Hence, I am posting my devotions ahead as I would not be around… May it bring blessings to all who reads it… God Bless!!!
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. 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.
Remember, O LORD, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. "Tear it down," they cried, "tear it down to its foundations!"
O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is he who repays you for what you have done to us--he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.
How can we sing to the Lord when we are in captivity? The Psalmist say, how can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land? Reading Psalm 137, it is like trying to remember the Lord and not forget Him even when we faced so much difficulties and persecutions…
One thing that I learn from the Lord today, that is to never forget Him. The Lord is my Vindication and He is my Protector!!! He will restore me and He shall be my greatest joy… because His love for me endures forever!!!
I love my Jesus, I love my Lord, I love my God!!!
PS… I will be away for the YouthNet 144 Re-Encounter until Monday… Hence, I am posting my devotions ahead as I would not be around… May it bring blessings to all who reads it… God Bless!!!
Psalm 138 to Psalm 140
Psalm 138 (17th May, Sat)
Of David.
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted. May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth. May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.
Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands.
Amen!!! Yes, indeed I will praise the Lord with all my heart. The Lord answered me when I call upon His Name. Though the Lord is on high, He looks upon me and preserve my life in the midst of trouble. The Lord has saved me from the snares of my enemies, from the anger of my foes.
The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me so that His WILL be done!!! May the Lord’s Will be done, may His Kingdom come!!!
And yes, I will praise the Lord with all my heart; because His love for me endures forever!!!
Psalm 139 (18th May, Sun)
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Yes LORD, You know me much more than I know myself; You perceive my thoughts from afar and You are familiar with all my ways. Indeed such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I flee from Your presence? Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb.
Dear LORD, Your thoughts are precious to me! Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Please LORD, lead me in Your ways, in Your good & perfect way… I need You O my LORD & my GOD!!! I need You very much…
Please cast me not away from Your Presence O LORD!!!
I love You, my dearest Lord Jesus!!!
Psalm 140 (19th May, Mon)
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; protect me from men of violence, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips.
Selah
Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from men of violence who plan to trip my feet. Proud men have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.
Selah
O LORD, I say to you, "You are my God." Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy. O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle--do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD; do not let their plans succeed, or they will become proud.
Selah
Let the heads of those who surround me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused. Let burning coals fall upon them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise. Let slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down men of violence. I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live before you.
Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; protect me from men of violence, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips.
Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from men of violence who plan to trip my feet. Proud men have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.
O LORD, I say to you, "You are my God." Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy. O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle--do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD; do not let their plans succeed, or they will become proud.
Let the heads of those who surround me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused. Let burning coals fall upon them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise. Let slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down men of violence. I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live before you.
AMEN!!! Thank You LORD!!!
Of David.
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted. May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth. May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.
Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands.
Amen!!! Yes, indeed I will praise the Lord with all my heart. The Lord answered me when I call upon His Name. Though the Lord is on high, He looks upon me and preserve my life in the midst of trouble. The Lord has saved me from the snares of my enemies, from the anger of my foes.
The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me so that His WILL be done!!! May the Lord’s Will be done, may His Kingdom come!!!
And yes, I will praise the Lord with all my heart; because His love for me endures forever!!!
Psalm 139 (18th May, Sun)
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Yes LORD, You know me much more than I know myself; You perceive my thoughts from afar and You are familiar with all my ways. Indeed such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I flee from Your presence? Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb.
Dear LORD, Your thoughts are precious to me! Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Please LORD, lead me in Your ways, in Your good & perfect way… I need You O my LORD & my GOD!!! I need You very much…
Please cast me not away from Your Presence O LORD!!!
I love You, my dearest Lord Jesus!!!
Psalm 140 (19th May, Mon)
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; protect me from men of violence, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips.
Selah
Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from men of violence who plan to trip my feet. Proud men have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.
Selah
O LORD, I say to you, "You are my God." Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy. O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle--do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD; do not let their plans succeed, or they will become proud.
Selah
Let the heads of those who surround me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused. Let burning coals fall upon them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise. Let slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down men of violence. I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live before you.
Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; protect me from men of violence, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips.
Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from men of violence who plan to trip my feet. Proud men have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.
O LORD, I say to you, "You are my God." Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy. O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle--do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD; do not let their plans succeed, or they will become proud.
Let the heads of those who surround me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused. Let burning coals fall upon them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise. Let slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down men of violence. I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live before you.
AMEN!!! Thank You LORD!!!
Psalm 136 (15th May, Thursday)
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
who made the great lights--His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.
to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever.
and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever.
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever.
to him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever.
who struck down great kings, His love endures forever.
and killed mighty kings--His love endures forever.
Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan--His love endures forever.
and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever.
an inheritance to his servant Israel; His love endures forever.
to the One who remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever.
and freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever.
and who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord… for His creations, for what He has done for us in the past, for delivering us, for giving us victory over our enemies, and for providing for us. Give thanks to the Lord!!! I feel that we really need to learn to give thanks in all circumstances & in all situations… Pleasant or adverse… Whenever we find it difficult to give thanks, we need to remember all the things that we can give thanks for…
There are so much things to give thanks to the Lord for… and the most important of all – Give thanks to the Lord,
FOR HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!!!
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
who made the great lights--His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.
to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever.
and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever.
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever.
to him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever.
who struck down great kings, His love endures forever.
and killed mighty kings--His love endures forever.
Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan--His love endures forever.
and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever.
an inheritance to his servant Israel; His love endures forever.
to the One who remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever.
and freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever.
and who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord… for His creations, for what He has done for us in the past, for delivering us, for giving us victory over our enemies, and for providing for us. Give thanks to the Lord!!! I feel that we really need to learn to give thanks in all circumstances & in all situations… Pleasant or adverse… Whenever we find it difficult to give thanks, we need to remember all the things that we can give thanks for…
There are so much things to give thanks to the Lord for… and the most important of all – Give thanks to the Lord,
FOR HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!!!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Psalm 135 (14th May, Wed)
Praise the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD; praise him, you servants of the LORD, you who minister in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God. Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.
For the LORD has chosen Jacob to be his own, Israel to be his treasured possession. I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, the firstborn of men and animals. He sent his signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants. He struck down many nations and killed mighty kings--Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan and all the kings of Canaan--and he gave their land as an inheritance, an inheritance to his people Israel.
Your name, O LORD, endures forever, your renown, O LORD, through all generations. For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants. The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
O house of Israel, praise the LORD; O house of Aaron, praise the LORD; O house of Levi, praise the LORD; you who fear him, praise the LORD. Praise be to the LORD from Zion, to him who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.
Today’s Psalm reminded me to praise the Lord again… And yes, we want to continue to praise His Holy Name, for that is pleasant. We want to praise Him because of the Lord’s sovereignty and His authority, We want to praise the Lord because He vindicates us and have compassion on us… All who fear Him, praise the Lord!!! Everyone who has breath, praise the LORD!!!
For the LORD has chosen Jacob to be his own, Israel to be his treasured possession. I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, the firstborn of men and animals. He sent his signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants. He struck down many nations and killed mighty kings--Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan and all the kings of Canaan--and he gave their land as an inheritance, an inheritance to his people Israel.
Your name, O LORD, endures forever, your renown, O LORD, through all generations. For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants. The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
O house of Israel, praise the LORD; O house of Aaron, praise the LORD; O house of Levi, praise the LORD; you who fear him, praise the LORD. Praise be to the LORD from Zion, to him who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.
Today’s Psalm reminded me to praise the Lord again… And yes, we want to continue to praise His Holy Name, for that is pleasant. We want to praise Him because of the Lord’s sovereignty and His authority, We want to praise the Lord because He vindicates us and have compassion on us… All who fear Him, praise the Lord!!! Everyone who has breath, praise the LORD!!!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Psalm 134
A song of ascents.
Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.
Wow!!! What can I write about Psalm 134??? So short, and so sweet… O Lord, what do you want to tell me today???
Simple, my son, PRAISE THE LORD!!! All the servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord, PRAISE THE LORD... No matter how difficult the ministering is, how late into the night that we labor in ministering to the people of God, how tired we may be… Lift up our hands and PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Yes, today, the Lord remind us to PRAISE HIM!!! That we may praise Him in all circumstances, in all situations, pleasant or adverse… that we will PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!
And the LORD, the Maker of heaven & earth, will bless me from Zion. Yes, I am from Zion… and the LORD will bless me… I will PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.
Wow!!! What can I write about Psalm 134??? So short, and so sweet… O Lord, what do you want to tell me today???
Simple, my son, PRAISE THE LORD!!! All the servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord, PRAISE THE LORD... No matter how difficult the ministering is, how late into the night that we labor in ministering to the people of God, how tired we may be… Lift up our hands and PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Yes, today, the Lord remind us to PRAISE HIM!!! That we may praise Him in all circumstances, in all situations, pleasant or adverse… that we will PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!
And the LORD, the Maker of heaven & earth, will bless me from Zion. Yes, I am from Zion… and the LORD will bless me… I will PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Psalm 133
A song of ascents. Of David.
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Amen! Indeed it is good & pleasant when there is unity in the family of God! It is a great blessing from the Lord and not to be taken for granted… We cannot take unity for granted or expect that the body of Christ will be united. We need to work hard to unite the people of God together not just physically, but to bind their hearts together as one!
I felt that the Lord’s heartbeat is for His believers to unite as ONE! I felt that the heart of our Heavenly Father is to see unity in His Family. It must have broken the heart of God & grieve the Holy Spirit to see His children fighting one another…
Let us do our best to unite the family of God together; because this will please our Father in Heaven. Let us remember the Lord’s command for us to love one another and place each other’s interest before ourselves. Let us grow in love with one another…
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Amen! Indeed it is good & pleasant when there is unity in the family of God! It is a great blessing from the Lord and not to be taken for granted… We cannot take unity for granted or expect that the body of Christ will be united. We need to work hard to unite the people of God together not just physically, but to bind their hearts together as one!
I felt that the Lord’s heartbeat is for His believers to unite as ONE! I felt that the heart of our Heavenly Father is to see unity in His Family. It must have broken the heart of God & grieve the Holy Spirit to see His children fighting one another…
Let us do our best to unite the family of God together; because this will please our Father in Heaven. Let us remember the Lord’s command for us to love one another and place each other’s interest before ourselves. Let us grow in love with one another…
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Psalm 132
A song of ascents.
O LORD, remember David and all the hardships he endured. He swore an oath to the LORD and made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob: "I will not enter my house or go to my bed--I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob." We heard it in Ephrathah, we came upon it in the fields of Jaar: "Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool--arise, O LORD, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.
May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy." For the sake of David your servant, do not reject your anointed one. The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke: "One of your own descendants I will place on your throne--if your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever."
For the LORD has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling: "This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it--I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor will I satisfy with food. I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints will ever sing for joy. "Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one. I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown on his head will be resplendent."
Today Psalm is so meaningful for me… In the last few weeks, I kept asking God, seeking Him and ask Him how to build the church of God? Is there something missing that I have not done right in building my tribe, in building YouthNet, in building FCBC? So I was seeking and seeking how to build our church, FCBC?
In the midst of seeking, I was trying to memorize Psalm 127 last few days too, where it says, “unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain…” So I receive assurance from the Lord that He will build the house, as He grants sleep to me and I need not worry about it… But I was not fully satisfy because I want to know how to build His church…
I have learnt from Tommy Tenney’s Seminar that building the church of God is about building a House for Him where He will want to come and stay in the House that we build for Him. We need to build a house where the living stones will be desperate for Him, worship Him passionately, and compassionate towards serving people…
Through today’s Psalm, I felt the Lord spoke to me that He heard my desire of wanting to build His church, to build a house for Him… like what King David did… And I felt the Lord assured me that He will come and stay in the house we are building for Him. For my sake, the Lord will bless make my house His dwelling place.
Dear Lord, Jesus… thank You for being with me. I love You!!!
O LORD, remember David and all the hardships he endured. He swore an oath to the LORD and made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob: "I will not enter my house or go to my bed--I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob." We heard it in Ephrathah, we came upon it in the fields of Jaar: "Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool--arise, O LORD, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.
May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy." For the sake of David your servant, do not reject your anointed one. The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke: "One of your own descendants I will place on your throne--if your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever."
For the LORD has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling: "This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it--I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor will I satisfy with food. I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints will ever sing for joy. "Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one. I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown on his head will be resplendent."
Today Psalm is so meaningful for me… In the last few weeks, I kept asking God, seeking Him and ask Him how to build the church of God? Is there something missing that I have not done right in building my tribe, in building YouthNet, in building FCBC? So I was seeking and seeking how to build our church, FCBC?
In the midst of seeking, I was trying to memorize Psalm 127 last few days too, where it says, “unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain…” So I receive assurance from the Lord that He will build the house, as He grants sleep to me and I need not worry about it… But I was not fully satisfy because I want to know how to build His church…
I have learnt from Tommy Tenney’s Seminar that building the church of God is about building a House for Him where He will want to come and stay in the House that we build for Him. We need to build a house where the living stones will be desperate for Him, worship Him passionately, and compassionate towards serving people…
Through today’s Psalm, I felt the Lord spoke to me that He heard my desire of wanting to build His church, to build a house for Him… like what King David did… And I felt the Lord assured me that He will come and stay in the house we are building for Him. For my sake, the Lord will bless make my house His dwelling place.
Dear Lord, Jesus… thank You for being with me. I love You!!!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Psalm 131
A song of ascents. Of David.
My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.
Dear Lord, may You teach me to be as humble as King David, as simple-hearted as Your anointed servant. Dear Lord Jesus, may I be still before You; may my soul be quiet before You… O Lord, I put my hope in You and You alone, both now & forevermore.
O Lord, I am lost!!! Please show me the way so that I may know Your will!!! Thank You Lord Jesus. I love You…
My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.
Dear Lord, may You teach me to be as humble as King David, as simple-hearted as Your anointed servant. Dear Lord Jesus, may I be still before You; may my soul be quiet before You… O Lord, I put my hope in You and You alone, both now & forevermore.
O Lord, I am lost!!! Please show me the way so that I may know Your will!!! Thank You Lord Jesus. I love You…
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Psalm 130
A song of ascents.
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
Yes Lord, please Lord, I cry out to You for mercy… Please have mercy on me… for I have sin against heaven and against You… O Lord, if You keep a record of sins, I would never be able to stand before You. But with You, O Lord, there is forgiveness; there is full redemption. Thank You, Lord Jesus for redeeming me from my sins. I shall fear You and wait for You like the watchmen waiting for the morning.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You. Yes Lord, I love You!!!
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
Yes Lord, please Lord, I cry out to You for mercy… Please have mercy on me… for I have sin against heaven and against You… O Lord, if You keep a record of sins, I would never be able to stand before You. But with You, O Lord, there is forgiveness; there is full redemption. Thank You, Lord Jesus for redeeming me from my sins. I shall fear You and wait for You like the watchmen waiting for the morning.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You. Yes Lord, I love You!!!
Psalm 129
A song of ascents.
They have greatly oppressed me from my youth--let Israel say--they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me. Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long. But the LORD is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked. May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame. May they be like grass on the roof, which withers before it can grow; with it the reaper cannot fill his hands, nor the one who gathers fill his arms. May those who pass by not say, "The blessing of the LORD be upon you; we bless you in the name of the LORD."
Hmm… Today’s Psalm is heavy for me because I can identify with what the Psalmist had written… For I too felt oppressed but I know that the Lord is delivering me… Yes, indeed the Lord is delivering me and He will set the people free too from all these oppressions that the evil one has set upon God’s people. O Lord, please set your people free… so that they can rejoice & praise Your Holy Name…
Dear Lord Jesus, You are my Deliverer and the Rock of my Salvation!!!
They have greatly oppressed me from my youth--let Israel say--they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me. Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long. But the LORD is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked. May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame. May they be like grass on the roof, which withers before it can grow; with it the reaper cannot fill his hands, nor the one who gathers fill his arms. May those who pass by not say, "The blessing of the LORD be upon you; we bless you in the name of the LORD."
Hmm… Today’s Psalm is heavy for me because I can identify with what the Psalmist had written… For I too felt oppressed but I know that the Lord is delivering me… Yes, indeed the Lord is delivering me and He will set the people free too from all these oppressions that the evil one has set upon God’s people. O Lord, please set your people free… so that they can rejoice & praise Your Holy Name…
Dear Lord Jesus, You are my Deliverer and the Rock of my Salvation!!!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Psalm 128
A song of ascents.
Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.
Dear Lord, please forgive me for not fearing You enough… I want to ask You for Your grace and mercy today… that I may fear You all the days of my life… that this fear may keep me from sinning against You but this fear will not keep me from approaching You… Dear Lord Jesus, I need You… I long for You… May You be always by my side all the days of my life.
Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.
Dear Lord, please forgive me for not fearing You enough… I want to ask You for Your grace and mercy today… that I may fear You all the days of my life… that this fear may keep me from sinning against You but this fear will not keep me from approaching You… Dear Lord Jesus, I need You… I long for You… May You be always by my side all the days of my life.
Psalm 127
A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat--for he grants sleep to those he loves. Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
I thank the Lord for granting sleep to me… I feel so rested in this Year of Sabbath… I thank God too for all the “sons” He has given to me; all the children He has rewarded me with too… I feel so blessed because my children are born in my youth and I have a quiver full of them… J Indeed God is good to me… What else can I ask for? Except that I may walk in the presence of God and never go astray from Him…
Dear Lord Jesus, I love You!!! I love You!!!
This is the season of moving into Interdependence from Intimacy… I feel closer to the Lord through these few months of listening to voice & guidance as I read through the book of Psalms. I am seeking the Lord what does it means to move into the season of Interdependence? I do not have the answers yet… But, today, I felt the Lord reminding me to trust in Him… that the Lord Himself will build the house and He will watch over His children… So I can rest and be still… Yup, this is the Year of Sabbath… I shall be still and trust in my Lord God Almighty!!!
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat--for he grants sleep to those he loves. Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
I thank the Lord for granting sleep to me… I feel so rested in this Year of Sabbath… I thank God too for all the “sons” He has given to me; all the children He has rewarded me with too… I feel so blessed because my children are born in my youth and I have a quiver full of them… J Indeed God is good to me… What else can I ask for? Except that I may walk in the presence of God and never go astray from Him…
Dear Lord Jesus, I love You!!! I love You!!!
This is the season of moving into Interdependence from Intimacy… I feel closer to the Lord through these few months of listening to voice & guidance as I read through the book of Psalms. I am seeking the Lord what does it means to move into the season of Interdependence? I do not have the answers yet… But, today, I felt the Lord reminding me to trust in Him… that the Lord Himself will build the house and He will watch over His children… So I can rest and be still… Yup, this is the Year of Sabbath… I shall be still and trust in my Lord God Almighty!!!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Psalm 126 (5th May)
A song of ascents.
When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
Today’s Psalm is somewhat different… Psalm 126 is a post exile Psalm which is also a song of ascents. What does that means? The people having returned from exile, should be more appreciative. Hence, I can feel the joy in their hearts when they returned back to Jerusalem… as they climbed up Mount Zion…
As I asked the Lord what He would like to say to me today… I felt appreciative of what the Lord has done for me and granted me salvation. However, I also felt that the Lord reminded me of the reason why the Israelites were exiled in the first place… because they did not follow God’s commands… This is very consistent with what God spoke to us through SP’s message on Psalm 119 to remind us to return to the Word of God…
This is a good reminder to me too to return to the Lord and to His Word.
When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
Today’s Psalm is somewhat different… Psalm 126 is a post exile Psalm which is also a song of ascents. What does that means? The people having returned from exile, should be more appreciative. Hence, I can feel the joy in their hearts when they returned back to Jerusalem… as they climbed up Mount Zion…
As I asked the Lord what He would like to say to me today… I felt appreciative of what the Lord has done for me and granted me salvation. However, I also felt that the Lord reminded me of the reason why the Israelites were exiled in the first place… because they did not follow God’s commands… This is very consistent with what God spoke to us through SP’s message on Psalm 119 to remind us to return to the Word of God…
This is a good reminder to me too to return to the Lord and to His Word.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Psalm 125 (4th May 2008)
A song of ascents.
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore. The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil. Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be upon Israel.
Those who trust in the Lord will never be shaken for the LORD our God is a faithful God. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords and He rules and reigns throughout the universe. To God be all the glory!!!
We who trust in the Lord shall not only trust in His blessings and His provisions, but also trust in His judgments! The Lord is not The LORD our God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). But we must not take the Lord’s grace for granted.
We need to remember the word of God in 2 Peter 3:8,9 – (But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.)
Let us seek first the Lord’s Kingdom and His RIGHTEOUSNESS!!!
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore. The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil. Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be upon Israel.
Those who trust in the Lord will never be shaken for the LORD our God is a faithful God. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords and He rules and reigns throughout the universe. To God be all the glory!!!
We who trust in the Lord shall not only trust in His blessings and His provisions, but also trust in His judgments! The Lord is not The LORD our God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). But we must not take the Lord’s grace for granted.
We need to remember the word of God in 2 Peter 3:8,9 – (But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.)
Let us seek first the Lord’s Kingdom and His RIGHTEOUSNESS!!!
Psalm 124 (3rd May 2008)
A song of ascents. Of David.
If the LORD had not been on our side--let Israel say--if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away. Praise be to the LORD, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Praise be to God who have always delivered us from our enemies and kept us safe & sound. Indeed the Lord who watches over us slumber neither in the day nor in the night, but He keep watch over us to care for us & look after our well being. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven & earth.
Let us meditate upon the Lord’s goodness and know that as long as the Lord is for us, we need not fear anyone who is against us. We can walk through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil, for the LORD our God is with us!!!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen!!!
If the LORD had not been on our side--let Israel say--if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away. Praise be to the LORD, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Praise be to God who have always delivered us from our enemies and kept us safe & sound. Indeed the Lord who watches over us slumber neither in the day nor in the night, but He keep watch over us to care for us & look after our well being. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven & earth.
Let us meditate upon the Lord’s goodness and know that as long as the Lord is for us, we need not fear anyone who is against us. We can walk through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil, for the LORD our God is with us!!!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen!!!
Psalm 123 (2nd May 2008)
A song of ascents.
I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven. As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy. Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much ridicule from the proud, much contempt from the arrogant.
As I imagine the next day of our retreat where the people will climb up the stairs to the waterfall area for their devotion in the early morning, I pray that the Lord will give us a humble hear to seek after Him. May we cry out to the Lord for His mercy as we seek the Lord today asking the Lord to deliver us from the proud & arrogant who treated us with contempt & ridiculed us!
May we look up at the Lord with the eyes of slaves asking God for His mercy! May we look up to the Lord with eyes of a maid pleading to the Lord for His grace!
O Lord, please have mercy on me… I plead with You O Lord, please show grace to Your servant and not hold Your anger towards me. May You forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Thank You, Lord Jesus. Thank You!!!
I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven. As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy. Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much ridicule from the proud, much contempt from the arrogant.
As I imagine the next day of our retreat where the people will climb up the stairs to the waterfall area for their devotion in the early morning, I pray that the Lord will give us a humble hear to seek after Him. May we cry out to the Lord for His mercy as we seek the Lord today asking the Lord to deliver us from the proud & arrogant who treated us with contempt & ridiculed us!
May we look up at the Lord with the eyes of slaves asking God for His mercy! May we look up to the Lord with eyes of a maid pleading to the Lord for His grace!
O Lord, please have mercy on me… I plead with You O Lord, please show grace to Your servant and not hold Your anger towards me. May You forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Thank You, Lord Jesus. Thank You!!!
Psalm 122 (1st May 2008)
A song of ascents. Of David.
I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together. That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel. There the thrones for judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels." For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you." For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.
I will be writing the devotions for Psalm 122 to Psalm 125 in advance as I will be away in a retreat with some of the adults in the next 4 days with our first stop sleeping in tents on the highlands of Mount Ledang, besides a waterfall.
As I read Psalm 122, my heart just can’t helped but rejoice because I felt it is the Lord who have called me to go to the house of the Lord in this trip where I know He will meet us in a very special way. I am so excited of what the Lord may do in this trip that I look forward to my first night stay under the starry night sky deep in the jungles on Mount Ledang.
I know I will feel secure in the arms of my God and experience His peace within me. Yes, for the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek His prosperity!!!
I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together. That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel. There the thrones for judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels." For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you." For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.
I will be writing the devotions for Psalm 122 to Psalm 125 in advance as I will be away in a retreat with some of the adults in the next 4 days with our first stop sleeping in tents on the highlands of Mount Ledang, besides a waterfall.
As I read Psalm 122, my heart just can’t helped but rejoice because I felt it is the Lord who have called me to go to the house of the Lord in this trip where I know He will meet us in a very special way. I am so excited of what the Lord may do in this trip that I look forward to my first night stay under the starry night sky deep in the jungles on Mount Ledang.
I know I will feel secure in the arms of my God and experience His peace within me. Yes, for the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek His prosperity!!!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Psalm 121 (30th April 2008)
A song of ascents.
I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you--the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, of course!!! I am not afraid of the circumstances that I am facing because I know that the Lord will watch over me all the days of my life. He will keep me from all harm because He is my Heavenly Father who loves me…
My prayer is that I will never neglect my Heavenly Father who loves me so much. My prayer is that I will not take His love for granted and grieve His Holy Spirit… My prayer is that I will love the Lord my God with all my heart, all my soul and all my might!!!
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love to me… I appreciate Your love & Your mercy deeply… I am grateful for the grace You have given to me… Lord Jesus, I love You!!!
I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you--the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, of course!!! I am not afraid of the circumstances that I am facing because I know that the Lord will watch over me all the days of my life. He will keep me from all harm because He is my Heavenly Father who loves me…
My prayer is that I will never neglect my Heavenly Father who loves me so much. My prayer is that I will not take His love for granted and grieve His Holy Spirit… My prayer is that I will love the Lord my God with all my heart, all my soul and all my might!!!
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love to me… I appreciate Your love & Your mercy deeply… I am grateful for the grace You have given to me… Lord Jesus, I love You!!!
Psalm 120
A song of ascents.
I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me. Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. What will he do to you, and what more besides, O deceitful tongue? He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom tree. Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am a man of peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
In today’s Psalm 120, the Lord reminded me to cry out to the Lord to save me from lying lips and from deceitful tongue. Somehow, I seemed to be dwelling in Meshech, among the tents of Kedar, among those who hate peace. But I shall not be influenced by my surroundings, I shall continue to declare peace and not war… I shall follow the Lord, my God all the days of my life.
Praise the Lord!!!
Psalms 120-134 are songs of ascents. They speak of the Israelites taking their pilgrimages to the temple at Jerusalem from all parts of Israel. The reason that these are songs of ascents because Jerusalem is on a highland, the mountain of Zion… As the people walk towards Jerusalem, they would be looking up towards Zion as they continue their journey up to the temple of the Lord. The journey takes days as they walk up the mountain… By the law given through Moses (in Deuteronomy 12), all are required to return to Jerusalem to worship the Lord at Zion and no where else.
DT 12:1 These are the decrees and laws you must be careful to follow in the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess--as long as you live in the land…. DT 12:4 You must not worship the LORD your God in their way. 5 But you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; 6 there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, …. 10 But you will cross the Jordan and settle in the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and he will give you rest from all your enemies around you so that you will live in safety. 11 Then to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name--there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the LORD…. 13 Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings anywhere you please. 14 Offer them only at the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribes, and there observe everything I command you.
I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me. Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. What will he do to you, and what more besides, O deceitful tongue? He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom tree. Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am a man of peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
In today’s Psalm 120, the Lord reminded me to cry out to the Lord to save me from lying lips and from deceitful tongue. Somehow, I seemed to be dwelling in Meshech, among the tents of Kedar, among those who hate peace. But I shall not be influenced by my surroundings, I shall continue to declare peace and not war… I shall follow the Lord, my God all the days of my life.
Praise the Lord!!!
Psalms 120-134 are songs of ascents. They speak of the Israelites taking their pilgrimages to the temple at Jerusalem from all parts of Israel. The reason that these are songs of ascents because Jerusalem is on a highland, the mountain of Zion… As the people walk towards Jerusalem, they would be looking up towards Zion as they continue their journey up to the temple of the Lord. The journey takes days as they walk up the mountain… By the law given through Moses (in Deuteronomy 12), all are required to return to Jerusalem to worship the Lord at Zion and no where else.
DT 12:1 These are the decrees and laws you must be careful to follow in the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess--as long as you live in the land…. DT 12:4 You must not worship the LORD your God in their way. 5 But you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; 6 there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, …. 10 But you will cross the Jordan and settle in the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and he will give you rest from all your enemies around you so that you will live in safety. 11 Then to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name--there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the LORD…. 13 Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings anywhere you please. 14 Offer them only at the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribes, and there observe everything I command you.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Psalm 119
Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.
Beth
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
Gimel
Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.
Daleth
I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
He
Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.
Waw
May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.
Zayin
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.
Heth
You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
Teth
Do good to your servant according to your word, O LORD. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
Yodh
Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.
Kaph
My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, "When will you comfort me?" Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law. All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.
Lamedh
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless.
Mem
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
Nun
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word. Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.
Samekh
I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their deceitfulness is in vain. All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.
Ayin
I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. Ensure your servant's well-being; let not the arrogant oppress me. My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise. Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. It is time for you to act, O LORD; your law is being broken. Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.
Pe
Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts. Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees. Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.
Tsadhe
Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right. The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight. Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live.
Qoph
I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees. I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws. Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true. Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.
Resh
Look upon my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees. Your compassion is great, O LORD; preserve my life according to your laws. Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes. I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word. See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love. All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.
Sin and Shin
Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. I wait for your salvation, O LORD, and I follow your commands. I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.
Taw
May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.
O Lord, I love Your word and Your commands for they are like lamp unto my feet, like honey on my lips. O Lord, I love You, may You help me to keep Your statues & Your laws so that I will always walk according to Your ways. Dear Lord, please make me truly Yours so that I may belong to You fully and glorify Your Holy Name.
I love You, my Lord Jesus. I love You!!!
Beth
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
Gimel
Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.
Daleth
I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
He
Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.
Waw
May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.
Zayin
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.
Heth
You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
Teth
Do good to your servant according to your word, O LORD. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
Yodh
Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.
Kaph
My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, "When will you comfort me?" Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law. All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.
Lamedh
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless.
Mem
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
Nun
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word. Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.
Samekh
I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their deceitfulness is in vain. All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.
Ayin
I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. Ensure your servant's well-being; let not the arrogant oppress me. My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise. Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. It is time for you to act, O LORD; your law is being broken. Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.
Pe
Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts. Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees. Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.
Tsadhe
Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right. The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight. Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live.
Qoph
I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees. I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws. Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true. Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.
Resh
Look upon my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees. Your compassion is great, O LORD; preserve my life according to your laws. Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes. I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word. See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love. All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.
Sin and Shin
Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. I wait for your salvation, O LORD, and I follow your commands. I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.
Taw
May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.
O Lord, I love Your word and Your commands for they are like lamp unto my feet, like honey on my lips. O Lord, I love You, may You help me to keep Your statues & Your laws so that I will always walk according to Your ways. Dear Lord, please make me truly Yours so that I may belong to You fully and glorify Your Holy Name.
I love You, my Lord Jesus. I love You!!!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Psalm 118
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Let Israel say: "His love endures forever." Let the house of Aaron say: "His love endures forever." Let those who fear the LORD say: "His love endures forever."
In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things! The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!" I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death.
Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter. I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Aleph
I will give thanks to the Lord & exalt Him, for He is good; and His love endures forever. I will always give thanks to the Lord, my God!!!
The LORD is with me, I shall not be afraid of my enemies. What can man do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. I shall take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man or in princes.
All my enemies surrounded me, they surrounded me on every side, they swarmed around me like bees, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. The LORD is my strength and my song; I shall resound with shouts of joy and victory; that the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!
This is the day that the Lord has made; and I will rejoice & be glad in it. The Lord will not only save me, but He will also grant me success. For the blessings of the Lord is upon me; He has made His light shine upon me. I will give thanks to the Lord & exalt Him, for He is good; and His love endures forever. I will always give thanks to the Lord, my God!!!
Praise the Lord!!!
Let Israel say: "His love endures forever." Let the house of Aaron say: "His love endures forever." Let those who fear the LORD say: "His love endures forever."
In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things! The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!" I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death.
Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter. I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Aleph
I will give thanks to the Lord & exalt Him, for He is good; and His love endures forever. I will always give thanks to the Lord, my God!!!
The LORD is with me, I shall not be afraid of my enemies. What can man do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. I shall take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man or in princes.
All my enemies surrounded me, they surrounded me on every side, they swarmed around me like bees, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. The LORD is my strength and my song; I shall resound with shouts of joy and victory; that the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!
This is the day that the Lord has made; and I will rejoice & be glad in it. The Lord will not only save me, but He will also grant me success. For the blessings of the Lord is upon me; He has made His light shine upon me. I will give thanks to the Lord & exalt Him, for He is good; and His love endures forever. I will always give thanks to the Lord, my God!!!
Praise the Lord!!!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Psalm 117
Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.
Praise the Lord!!! Yes indeed, extol the Lord!!! For great is His love towards us, and His faithfulness endures forever. Praise the LORD!!!
I love today’s Psalm so much… When I meditate upon His love towards me, I cannot understand at all why He would love a wretch like me??? I really cannot understand…
O LORD, I am so unworthy of Your love… I am so unlovely… Yet You have chosen to love me… Why Lord? Why?!!! Lord, I will praise You all the days of my life… Not because I am worthy, but because You are worthy… You are worthy to be praised!!!
Dear Lord, I have a special prayer that I need to request from You… I know You are faithful. I have tasted Your faithfulness and I I can testify that while we are unfaithful, You are faithful… Your faithfulness endures through all unfaithfulness, endures forever… My prayer is that, please Lord, will You please make me faithful too?
Thank You LORD… I know You will answer my prayers… Thank You LORD… May I always remain faithful to YOU!!! I will always praise You, my LORD…
Praise the Lord!!! Yes indeed, extol the Lord!!! For great is His love towards us, and His faithfulness endures forever. Praise the LORD!!!
I love today’s Psalm so much… When I meditate upon His love towards me, I cannot understand at all why He would love a wretch like me??? I really cannot understand…
O LORD, I am so unworthy of Your love… I am so unlovely… Yet You have chosen to love me… Why Lord? Why?!!! Lord, I will praise You all the days of my life… Not because I am worthy, but because You are worthy… You are worthy to be praised!!!
Dear Lord, I have a special prayer that I need to request from You… I know You are faithful. I have tasted Your faithfulness and I I can testify that while we are unfaithful, You are faithful… Your faithfulness endures through all unfaithfulness, endures forever… My prayer is that, please Lord, will You please make me faithful too?
Thank You LORD… I know You will answer my prayers… Thank You LORD… May I always remain faithful to YOU!!! I will always praise You, my LORD…
Psalm 116
I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, save me!" The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
I believed; therefore I said, "I am greatly afflicted."
And in my dismay I said, "All men are liars."
How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains. I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the LORD--in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD.
O Lord, truly I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant. How can I repay Your goodness to me? I will call upon the Name of the Lord!!! I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people…
O LORD, I am afflicted. I am greatly afflicted… All men are liars!!! I was overcome by trouble and sorrow… O LORD, save me!!! Lord, You protect the simplehearted. O LORD, You heard my voice, You heard my cry for mercy… Thank You for saving me…
Today, I can enter the Lord’s rest because He has delivered my soul, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living. O LORD, thank You for delivering me…
I will call on the Name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of His people… I will PRAISE the LORD!!!
The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, save me!" The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
I believed; therefore I said, "I am greatly afflicted."
And in my dismay I said, "All men are liars."
How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains. I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the LORD--in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD.
O Lord, truly I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant. How can I repay Your goodness to me? I will call upon the Name of the Lord!!! I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people…
O LORD, I am afflicted. I am greatly afflicted… All men are liars!!! I was overcome by trouble and sorrow… O LORD, save me!!! Lord, You protect the simplehearted. O LORD, You heard my voice, You heard my cry for mercy… Thank You for saving me…
Today, I can enter the Lord’s rest because He has delivered my soul, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living. O LORD, thank You for delivering me…
I will call on the Name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of His people… I will PRAISE the LORD!!!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Psalm 115
Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Why do the nations say, "Where is their God?" Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.
But their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but they cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but they cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
O house of Israel, trust in the LORD--he is their help and shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD--he is their help and shield. You who fear him, trust in the LORD--he is their help and shield. The LORD remembers us and will bless us: He will bless the house of Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, he will bless those who fear the LORD--small and great alike.
May the LORD make you increase, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man. It is not the dead who praise the LORD, those who go down to silence; it is we who extol the LORD, both now and forevermore. Praise the LORD.
The Lord is our help & shield!!! I will trust in Him and Him alone. Let us praise the Lord, let us praise His Holy Name!!!
Today, as I meditate upon Psalm 115, I felt that the Lord wants to remind me to worship Him & Him alone; that I should have no other Gods besides Him. And I can depend on God who will always be my help in times of need and be my shield when I need protection.
Praise the Lord!!! Yes, Praise the Lord!!!
But their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but they cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but they cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
O house of Israel, trust in the LORD--he is their help and shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD--he is their help and shield. You who fear him, trust in the LORD--he is their help and shield. The LORD remembers us and will bless us: He will bless the house of Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, he will bless those who fear the LORD--small and great alike.
May the LORD make you increase, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man. It is not the dead who praise the LORD, those who go down to silence; it is we who extol the LORD, both now and forevermore. Praise the LORD.
The Lord is our help & shield!!! I will trust in Him and Him alone. Let us praise the Lord, let us praise His Holy Name!!!
Today, as I meditate upon Psalm 115, I felt that the Lord wants to remind me to worship Him & Him alone; that I should have no other Gods besides Him. And I can depend on God who will always be my help in times of need and be my shield when I need protection.
Praise the Lord!!! Yes, Praise the Lord!!!
Psalm 114
When Israel came out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue, Judah became God's sanctuary, Israel his dominion.
The sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back; the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs. Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back, you mountains, that you skipped like rams, you hills, like lambs?
Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water.
Our God is an Almighty God!!! His promise for me is to make me into a great nation, to make my name great so that I will be a blessing to many. I believe and I claim it!!! It was while I was nothing that the Lord brought me into the ministry. When I came into the ministry, there were barely few people and the Lord multiplied and grew it to where it is today, with all my brothers, all my family…
Even the sea obeys the Lord, the mountains are obedient to Him… What have we to fear of that the Lord cannot help us overcome? What is impossible for my God that He cannot deliver me from? Surely the Lord will provide for me the spring of life when I walked through the desert. Surely the Lord will protect me when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I shall fear no evil.
I love You, my Lord Jesus! I love You, my Almighty God!!!
The sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back; the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs. Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back, you mountains, that you skipped like rams, you hills, like lambs?
Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water.
Our God is an Almighty God!!! His promise for me is to make me into a great nation, to make my name great so that I will be a blessing to many. I believe and I claim it!!! It was while I was nothing that the Lord brought me into the ministry. When I came into the ministry, there were barely few people and the Lord multiplied and grew it to where it is today, with all my brothers, all my family…
Even the sea obeys the Lord, the mountains are obedient to Him… What have we to fear of that the Lord cannot help us overcome? What is impossible for my God that He cannot deliver me from? Surely the Lord will provide for me the spring of life when I walked through the desert. Surely the Lord will protect me when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I shall fear no evil.
I love You, my Lord Jesus! I love You, my Almighty God!!!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Psalm 113
Praise the LORD. Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.
Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people. He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.
Praise the Lord!!! Today as I read Psalm 113, I felt my spirit being lifted up to give thanks to Him and praise Him from deep within my soul. Sometimes when we read such a Psalm where it keeps reminding us to praise the Lord… Have you wanted why? Or what kind of situations would the Psalmist be in… I am not sure when this Psalm was written or by who, etc…, but I am reminded of Apostle Paul writing the epistle of Philippians when he was in prison, telling the Philippians to always rejoice.
Today when I read Psalm 113, I am thankful because the Lord reminds me to always rejoice and give thanks despite my circumstances. I will always praise the Lord. In good times, I will praise Him, in challenging moments, I will praise Him even more… For who is like the LORD our God? There is none who can compare with Him. The Lord will always deliver us, be it the poor, the needy or the barren woman. The Lord Jesus is our deliverer and He will deliver us.
Thank You Lord Jesus. I love You!!!
Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people. He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.
Praise the Lord!!! Today as I read Psalm 113, I felt my spirit being lifted up to give thanks to Him and praise Him from deep within my soul. Sometimes when we read such a Psalm where it keeps reminding us to praise the Lord… Have you wanted why? Or what kind of situations would the Psalmist be in… I am not sure when this Psalm was written or by who, etc…, but I am reminded of Apostle Paul writing the epistle of Philippians when he was in prison, telling the Philippians to always rejoice.
Today when I read Psalm 113, I am thankful because the Lord reminds me to always rejoice and give thanks despite my circumstances. I will always praise the Lord. In good times, I will praise Him, in challenging moments, I will praise Him even more… For who is like the LORD our God? There is none who can compare with Him. The Lord will always deliver us, be it the poor, the needy or the barren woman. The Lord Jesus is our deliverer and He will deliver us.
Thank You Lord Jesus. I love You!!!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Psalm 112
Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.
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.
Praise the Lord indeed… In this season, the Lord seemed to be reminding us to fear the Lord and follow His commands. We need to remember to follow the ways of the Lord and not the ways of the wicked. Remember that when we fear the Lord, we are blessed and we will have no fear of bad news; because our heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD!!!
Dear Lord, may I put my trust in You all the days of my life. May the fear of the Lord be my guide & my compass as I travel through the days of my life… I love You, Lord Jesus…
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.
Praise the Lord indeed… In this season, the Lord seemed to be reminding us to fear the Lord and follow His commands. We need to remember to follow the ways of the Lord and not the ways of the wicked. Remember that when we fear the Lord, we are blessed and we will have no fear of bad news; because our heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD!!!
Dear Lord, may I put my trust in You all the days of my life. May the fear of the Lord be my guide & my compass as I travel through the days of my life… I love You, Lord Jesus…
Psalm 111
Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever--holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Praise the Lord, for He is gracious & compassionate. The Lord is faithful & just; He is trustworthy!!! Let us seek Him with all our hearts, with all our souls & with all our strength.
O Lord, I need You!!! May I follow You all the days of my life and praise You all my days.
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever--holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Praise the Lord, for He is gracious & compassionate. The Lord is faithful & just; He is trustworthy!!! Let us seek Him with all our hearts, with all our souls & with all our strength.
O Lord, I need You!!! May I follow You all the days of my life and praise You all my days.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Psalm 110
Of David. A psalm.
The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies.
Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth. The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth. He will drink from a brook beside the way; therefore he will lift up his head.
Today, as I read Psalm 110, I am reminded to be still and know that He is God & He is in control. I am reminded I need to depend on God to fight my battles where He will make my enemies a footstool for my feet. When the Lord extends His scepter toward me, I will rule even over my enemies. If He anointing is not upon me, I can even be put rule of my enemies…
In conclusion, the question is really if I am seeking God first? It is about do I trust God and choose to follow His ways even if I am not comfortable with it, even when I cannot fully understand or comprehend His ways… etc. But I need to remember that God has set me apart to be a priest and He has raised me from the days of my youth. I just need to trust Him in His judgement.
I will always depend on Him. I will always trust Him. I will always follow Him. My Jesus, my Lord and my Savior!!! He is my King, He is my Lover, He is my Father… Praise the Lord!!!
The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies.
Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth. The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth. He will drink from a brook beside the way; therefore he will lift up his head.
Today, as I read Psalm 110, I am reminded to be still and know that He is God & He is in control. I am reminded I need to depend on God to fight my battles where He will make my enemies a footstool for my feet. When the Lord extends His scepter toward me, I will rule even over my enemies. If He anointing is not upon me, I can even be put rule of my enemies…
In conclusion, the question is really if I am seeking God first? It is about do I trust God and choose to follow His ways even if I am not comfortable with it, even when I cannot fully understand or comprehend His ways… etc. But I need to remember that God has set me apart to be a priest and He has raised me from the days of my youth. I just need to trust Him in His judgement.
I will always depend on Him. I will always trust Him. I will always follow Him. My Jesus, my Lord and my Savior!!! He is my King, He is my Lover, He is my Father… Praise the Lord!!!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Psalm 109
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
O God, whom I praise, do not remain silent, for wicked and deceitful men have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues. With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause. In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship.
Appoint an evil man to oppose him; let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is tried, let him be found guilty, and may his prayers condemn him. May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children be wandering beggars; may they be driven from their ruined homes. May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. May no one extend kindness to him or take pity on his fatherless children. May his descendants be cut off, their names blotted out from the next generation. May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD; may the sin of his mother never be blotted out. May their sins always remain before the LORD, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth. For he never thought of doing a kindness, but hounded to death the poor and the needy and the brokenhearted. He loved to pronounce a curse--may it come on him; he found no pleasure in blessing--may it be far from him. He wore cursing as his garment; it entered into his body like water, into his bones like oil. May it be like a cloak wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him. May this be the LORD's payment to my accusers, to those who speak evil of me.
But you, O Sovereign LORD, deal well with me for your name's sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. I fade away like an evening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust. My knees give way from fasting; my body is thin and gaunt. I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they shake their heads. Help me, O LORD my God; save me in accordance with your love. Let them know that it is your hand, that you, O LORD, have done it. They may curse, but you will bless; when they attack they will be put to shame, but your servant will rejoice.
My accusers will be clothed with disgrace and wrapped in shame as in a cloak. With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD; in the great throng I will praise him. For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him.
O LORD, my God, have mercy on me, have mercy on my enemies… The Lord is my vengeance and my deliverer… Dear Lord, I trust in You… You will be my refuge and in You, I shall find strength to overcome my enemies. I believe in Your protection and Your grace will be sufficient for me!
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for taking care of me. Thank You for loving me unconditionally. I love You!!!
O God, whom I praise, do not remain silent, for wicked and deceitful men have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues. With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause. In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship.
Appoint an evil man to oppose him; let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is tried, let him be found guilty, and may his prayers condemn him. May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children be wandering beggars; may they be driven from their ruined homes. May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. May no one extend kindness to him or take pity on his fatherless children. May his descendants be cut off, their names blotted out from the next generation. May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD; may the sin of his mother never be blotted out. May their sins always remain before the LORD, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth. For he never thought of doing a kindness, but hounded to death the poor and the needy and the brokenhearted. He loved to pronounce a curse--may it come on him; he found no pleasure in blessing--may it be far from him. He wore cursing as his garment; it entered into his body like water, into his bones like oil. May it be like a cloak wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him. May this be the LORD's payment to my accusers, to those who speak evil of me.
But you, O Sovereign LORD, deal well with me for your name's sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. I fade away like an evening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust. My knees give way from fasting; my body is thin and gaunt. I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they shake their heads. Help me, O LORD my God; save me in accordance with your love. Let them know that it is your hand, that you, O LORD, have done it. They may curse, but you will bless; when they attack they will be put to shame, but your servant will rejoice.
My accusers will be clothed with disgrace and wrapped in shame as in a cloak. With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD; in the great throng I will praise him. For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him.
O LORD, my God, have mercy on me, have mercy on my enemies… The Lord is my vengeance and my deliverer… Dear Lord, I trust in You… You will be my refuge and in You, I shall find strength to overcome my enemies. I believe in Your protection and Your grace will be sufficient for me!
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for taking care of me. Thank You for loving me unconditionally. I love You!!!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Psalm 108
A song. A psalm of David.
My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.
God has spoken from his sanctuary: "In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my scepter. Moab is my washbasin, upon Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph." Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Is it not you, O God, you who have rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.
Dear Lord, please make my heart steadfast for You! That I will always sing and make music because I have You in my life. Let my inmost being praise You, let me praise You with all my soul!
I will trust in the Lord my God, who will deliver me from my enemies. I will trust in my God Almighty who will fight for me and give me victory against my enemies. I will always trust in my God, my Lord Jesus!!!
My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.
God has spoken from his sanctuary: "In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my scepter. Moab is my washbasin, upon Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph." Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Is it not you, O God, you who have rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.
Dear Lord, please make my heart steadfast for You! That I will always sing and make music because I have You in my life. Let my inmost being praise You, let me praise You with all my soul!
I will trust in the Lord my God, who will deliver me from my enemies. I will trust in my God Almighty who will fight for me and give me victory against my enemies. I will always trust in my God, my Lord Jesus!!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Psalm 107
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say this--those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away.
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains, for they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. So he subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death.
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy. Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end.
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders. He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there. He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle. They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish. Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow; he who pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste. But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths.
Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD.
Our God is a loving & compassionate God, let us always remember to give thanks to Him for His love & the compassion He shown to us. May we never take Him for granted, but always give thanks sincerely from our hearts.
Dear Lord Jesus, I thank You for all that You have done for me and for all the grace & mercy that You have shown to me. Thank You Lord!!!
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains, for they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. So he subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death.
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy. Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end.
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders. He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there. He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle. They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish. Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow; he who pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste. But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths.
Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD.
Our God is a loving & compassionate God, let us always remember to give thanks to Him for His love & the compassion He shown to us. May we never take Him for granted, but always give thanks sincerely from our hearts.
Dear Lord Jesus, I thank You for all that You have done for me and for all the grace & mercy that You have shown to me. Thank You Lord!!!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Psalm 106
Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare his praise? Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right. Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise. We have sinned, even as our fathers did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly.
When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. Yet he saved them for his name's sake, to make his mighty power known. He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert. He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them. The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived. Then they believed his promises and sang his praise.
But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel. In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wasteland they put God to the test. So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease upon them. In the camp they grew envious of Moses and of Aaron, who was consecrated to the LORD. The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it buried the company of Abiram. Fire blazed among their followers; a flame consumed the wicked. At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped an idol cast from metal. They exchanged their Glory for an image of a bull, which eats grass. They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.
So he said he would destroy them--had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them. Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe his promise. They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD. So he swore to them with uplifted hand that he would make them fall in the desert, make their descendants fall among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands. They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods; they provoked the LORD to anger by their wicked deeds, and a plague broke out among them.
But Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was checked. This was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come. By the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them; for they rebelled against the Spirit of God, and rash words came from Moses' lips. They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood. They defiled themselves by what they did; by their deeds they prostituted themselves.
Therefore the LORD was angry with his people and abhorred his inheritance. He handed them over to the nations, and their foes ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them and subjected them to their power. Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. But he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. He caused them to be pitied by all who held them captive.
Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, "Amen!"
Praise the LORD.
AMEN!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!
It is important to remember our roots and how the Lord has worked in our lives. May we never forget His goodness and never forget how the Lord has delivered us time & time again. Let us turn back to the LORD our God and give thanks to Him from our hearts. Let our soul praise His Holy Name!!!
Praise the Lord!!!
When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. Yet he saved them for his name's sake, to make his mighty power known. He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert. He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them. The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived. Then they believed his promises and sang his praise.
But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel. In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wasteland they put God to the test. So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease upon them. In the camp they grew envious of Moses and of Aaron, who was consecrated to the LORD. The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it buried the company of Abiram. Fire blazed among their followers; a flame consumed the wicked. At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped an idol cast from metal. They exchanged their Glory for an image of a bull, which eats grass. They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.
So he said he would destroy them--had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them. Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe his promise. They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD. So he swore to them with uplifted hand that he would make them fall in the desert, make their descendants fall among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands. They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods; they provoked the LORD to anger by their wicked deeds, and a plague broke out among them.
But Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was checked. This was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come. By the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them; for they rebelled against the Spirit of God, and rash words came from Moses' lips. They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood. They defiled themselves by what they did; by their deeds they prostituted themselves.
Therefore the LORD was angry with his people and abhorred his inheritance. He handed them over to the nations, and their foes ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them and subjected them to their power. Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. But he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. He caused them to be pitied by all who held them captive.
Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, "Amen!"
Praise the LORD.
AMEN!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!
It is important to remember our roots and how the Lord has worked in our lives. May we never forget His goodness and never forget how the Lord has delivered us time & time again. Let us turn back to the LORD our God and give thanks to Him from our hearts. Let our soul praise His Holy Name!!!
Praise the Lord!!!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Psalm 105
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, O descendants of Abraham his servant, O sons of Jacob, his chosen ones. He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: "To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit."
When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm." He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and he sent a man before them--Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the LORD proved him true. The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free. He made him master of his household, ruler over all he possessed, to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom.
Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob lived as an alien in the land of Ham. The LORD made his people very fruitful; he made them too numerous for their foes, whose hearts he turned to hate his people, to conspire against his servants.
He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. They performed his miraculous signs among them, his wonders in the land of Ham. He sent darkness and made the land dark--for had they not rebelled against his words? He turned their waters into blood, causing their fish to die. Their land teemed with frogs, which went up into the bedrooms of their rulers. He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and gnats throughout their country. He turned their rain into hail, with lightning throughout their land; he struck down their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country. He spoke, and the locusts came, grasshoppers without number; they ate up every green thing in their land, ate up the produce of their soil. Then he struck down all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their manhood. He brought out Israel, laden with silver and gold, and from among their tribes no one faltered.
Egypt was glad when they left, because dread of Israel had fallen on them. He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night. They asked, and he brought them quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. He opened the rock, and water gushed out; like a river it flowed in the desert. For he remembered his holy promise given to his servant Abraham. He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy; he gave them the lands of the nations, and they fell heir to what others had toiled for--that they might keep his precepts and observe his laws.
Praise the LORD.
PRAISE THE LORD!!!
He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: "To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit."
When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm." He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and he sent a man before them--Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the LORD proved him true. The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free. He made him master of his household, ruler over all he possessed, to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom.
Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob lived as an alien in the land of Ham. The LORD made his people very fruitful; he made them too numerous for their foes, whose hearts he turned to hate his people, to conspire against his servants.
He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. They performed his miraculous signs among them, his wonders in the land of Ham. He sent darkness and made the land dark--for had they not rebelled against his words? He turned their waters into blood, causing their fish to die. Their land teemed with frogs, which went up into the bedrooms of their rulers. He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and gnats throughout their country. He turned their rain into hail, with lightning throughout their land; he struck down their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country. He spoke, and the locusts came, grasshoppers without number; they ate up every green thing in their land, ate up the produce of their soil. Then he struck down all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their manhood. He brought out Israel, laden with silver and gold, and from among their tribes no one faltered.
Egypt was glad when they left, because dread of Israel had fallen on them. He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night. They asked, and he brought them quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. He opened the rock, and water gushed out; like a river it flowed in the desert. For he remembered his holy promise given to his servant Abraham. He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy; he gave them the lands of the nations, and they fell heir to what others had toiled for--that they might keep his precepts and observe his laws.
Praise the LORD.
PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Psalm 104
Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent 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. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight; they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them. You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth. He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains.
They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate--bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart. The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. There the birds make their nests; the stork has its home in the pine trees. The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the coneys. The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl. The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens.
Then man goes out to his work, to his labor until evening. How many are your works, O LORD!
In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number--living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there. These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works--he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke.
I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more.
Praise the LORD, O my soul. Praise the LORD.
Yes, praise the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord!!!
They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate--bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart. The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. There the birds make their nests; the stork has its home in the pine trees. The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the coneys. The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl. The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens.
Then man goes out to his work, to his labor until evening. How many are your works, O LORD!
In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number--living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there. These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works--he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke.
I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more.
Praise the LORD, O my soul. Praise the LORD.
Yes, praise the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord!!!
