Heavenly Father,

I thanks You for this new day and for the incredible blessings You have brought and purposed for my life. As I start this day and consider what it is I need to do today, I lift up my eyes, my mind, and my heart to You in hopes of gaining wisdom and persistence to press in and press on, so that I may accomplish what You call me to today. Lord, I ask for discernment on how to respond today. Lord, I ask for wisdom on what I need to prepare and setup in order to be ready (for I am to be ready in and out of season to share my testimony of the great things You have done). Lord, there are so many things that I need Your help on. Lord, I need to hear from You so that I know my next step. Please Lord, give me time today to receive direction. Please give me time to hear from You wisdom and discernment. Please give me time to hear to understand the purpose as I know You gave me a large vision. Show me what steps to take, guide each step that I may prove or provide encouragement to others and bring glory to Your name. I ask all this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Proverbs 16

2All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart).^(A)

3Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.

4The Lord has made everything [to accommodate itself and contribute] to its own end and His own purpose--even the wicked [are fitted for their role] for the day of calamity and evil.

5Everyone proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting, hateful, and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; be assured [I pledge it] they will not go unpunished.^(B)

6By mercy and love, truth and fidelity [to God and man--not by sacrificial offerings], iniquity is purged out of the heart, and by the reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord men depart from and avoid evil.

7When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8Better is a little with righteousness (uprightness in every area and relation and right standing with God) than great revenues with injustice.^(C)

9A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.^(D)

10Divinely directed decisions are on the lips of the king; his mouth should not transgress in judgment.

11A just balance and scales are the Lord's; all the weights of the bag are His work [established on His eternal principles].

12It is an abomination [to God and men] for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established and made secure by righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).

13Right and just lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.

14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death, but a wise man will pacify it.

15In the light of the king's countenance is life, and his favor is as a cloud bringing the spring rain.

16How much better it is to get skillful and godly Wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. ^(E)

17The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; he who guards his way preserves his life.

18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the meek and poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20He who deals wisely and heeds [God's] word and counsel shall find good, and whoever leans on, trusts in, and is confident in the Lord--happy, blessed, and fortunate is he.

21The wise in heart are called prudent, understanding, and knowing, and winsome speech increases learning [in both speaker and listener].

22Understanding is a wellspring of life to those who have it, but to give instruction to fools is folly.

23The mind of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning and persuasiveness to his lips.

24Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body.

25There is a way that seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.

26The appetite of the laborer works for him, for [the need of] his mouth urges him on.

27A worthless man devises and digs up mischief, and in his lips there is as a scorching fire.

28A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.^(F)

29The exceedingly grasping, covetous, and violent man entices his neighbor, leading him in a way that is not good.

30He who shuts his eyes to devise perverse things and who compresses his lips [as if in concealment] brings evil to pass.

31The hoary head is a crown of beauty and glory if it is found in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).^(G)

32He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, he who rules his [own] spirit than he who takes a city.

33The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly of the Lord [even the events that seem accidental are really ordered by Him].

Proverbs 17

2A wise servant shall have rule over a son who causes shame, and shall share in the inheritance among the brothers.

3The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tries the hearts.^(H)

4An evildoer gives heed to wicked lips; and a liar listens to a mischievous tongue.

5Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker, and he who is glad at calamity shall not be held innocent or go unpunished.^(I)

6Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their fathers.^(J)

7Fine or arrogant speech does not befit [an empty-headed] fool--much less do lying lips befit a prince.

8A bribe is like a bright, precious stone that dazzles the eyes and affects the mind of him who gives it; [as if by magic] he prospers, whichever way he turns.

9He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends.

10A reproof enters deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred lashes into a [self-confident] fool.^(K)

11An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a stern and pitiless messenger shall be sent against him.

12Let [the brute ferocity of] a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man rather than a [self-confident] fool in his folly [when he is in a rage].^(L)

13Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.^(M)

14The beginning of strife is as when water first trickles [from a crack in a dam]; therefore stop contention before it becomes worse and quarreling breaks out.

15He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both an abomination [exceedingly disgusting and hateful] to the Lord.^(N)

16Of what use is money in the hand of a [self-confident] fool to buy skillful and godly Wisdom--when he has no understanding or heart for it?

17A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity.

18A man void of good sense gives a pledge and becomes security for another in the presence of his neighbor.

19He who loves strife and is quarrelsome loves transgression and involves himself in guilt; he who raises high his gateway and is boastful and arrogant invites destruction.

20He who has a wayward and crooked mind finds no good, and he who has a willful and contrary tongue will fall into calamity.^(O)

21He who becomes the parent of a [self-confident] fool does it to his sorrow, and the father of [an empty-headed] fool has no joy [in him].

22A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.^(P)

23A wicked man receives a bribe out of the bosom (pocket) to pervert the ways of justice.

24A man of understanding sets skillful and godly Wisdom before his face, but the eyes of a [self-confident] fool are on the ends of the earth.

25A self-confident and foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.

26Also, to punish or fine the righteous is not good, nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.

27He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding has a cool spirit.^(Q)

28Even a fool when he holds his peace is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is esteemed a man of understanding.

Proverbs 18

2A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.

3When the wicked comes in [to the depth of evil], he becomes a contemptuous despiser [of all that is pure and good], and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach.

4The words of a [discreet and wise] man's mouth are like deep waters [plenteous and difficult to fathom], and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].

5To respect the person of the wicked and be partial to him, so as to deprive the [consistently] righteous of justice, is not good.

6A [self-confident] fool's lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating.

7A [self-confident] fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.

8The words of a whisperer or talebearer are as dainty morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

9He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and ^[a]he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide.

10The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong.

11The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination and conceit.

12Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor.

13He who answers a matter before he hears the facts--it is folly and shame to him.^(R)

14The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear?

15The mind of the prudent is ever getting knowledge, and the ear of the wise is ever seeking (inquiring for and craving) knowledge.

16A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.^(S)

17He who states his case first seems right, until his rival comes and cross-examines him.

18To cast lots puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.

19A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and [their] contentions separate them like the bars of a castle.

20A man's [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].^(T)

22He who finds a [true] wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.^(U)

23The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly.

24The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

 Heavenly Father,

I thank You for this new day and ask that You help me to listen. Help me to receive direction today in order fulfill the plans You have for me in my current role. Help me to learn the first time what it is You have for me. Help me to be aware and focused on You so that I don't miss out and have to do it all over again. Lord, Your Word says that You know the plans You have for me - to give me a hope and a future. Help me to be able to receive and to respond in an appropriate way and I will give You all the praise and all the glory, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Proverbs 13

2A good man eats good from the fruit of his mouth, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.

3He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

4The appetite of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the appetite of the diligent is abundantly supplied.^(A)

5A [consistently] righteous man hates lying and deceit, but a wicked man is loathsome [his very breath spreads pollution] and he comes [surely] to shame.

6Righteousness (rightness and justice in every area and relation) guards him who is upright in the way, but wickedness plunges into sin and overthrows the sinner.

7One man considers himself rich, yet has nothing [to keep permanently]; another man considers himself poor, yet has great [and indestructible] riches.^(B)

8A rich man can buy his way out of threatened death by paying a ransom, but the poor man does not even have to listen to threats [from the envious].

9The light of the [uncompromisingly] righteous [is within him--it grows brighter and] rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked [furnishes only a derived, temporary light and] shall be put out shortly.

10By pride and insolence comes only contention, but with the well-advised is skillful and godly Wisdom.

11Wealth [not earned but] won in haste or unjustly or from the production of things for vain or detrimental use [such riches] will dwindle away, but he who gathers little by little will increase [his riches].

12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.

13Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself, but he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] is rewarded.

14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.

15Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the transgressor is hard [like the barren, dry soil or the impassable swamp].

16Every prudent man deals with knowledge, but a [self-confident] fool exposes and flaunts his folly.

17A wicked messenger falls into evil, but a faithful ambassador brings healing.

18Poverty and shame come to him who refuses instruction and correction, but he who heeds reproof is honored.

19Satisfied desire is sweet to a person; therefore it is hateful and exceedingly offensive to [self-confident] fools to give up evil [upon which they have set their hearts].

20He who walks [as a companion] with wise men is wise, but he who associates with [self-confident] fools is [a fool himself and] shall smart for it.^(C)

21Evil pursues sinners, but the consistently upright and in right standing with God is recompensed with good.

22A good man leaves an inheritance [of moral stability and goodness] to his children's children, and the wealth of the sinner [finds its way eventually] into the hands of the righteous, for whom it was laid up.

23Much food is in the tilled land of the poor, but there are those who are destroyed because of injustice.

24He who spares his rod [of discipline] hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines diligently and punishes him early.^(D)

25The [uncompromisingly] righteous eats to his own satisfaction, but the stomach of the wicked is in want.

Proverbs 14

2He who walks in uprightness reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, but he who is contrary and devious in his ways despises Him.

3In the ^[a]fool's own mouth is a rod [to shame] his pride, but the wise men's lips preserve them.

4Where no oxen are, the grain crib is empty, but much increase [of crops] comes by the strength of the ox.

5A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness breathes out falsehoods.

6A scoffer seeks Wisdom in vain [for his very attitude blinds and deafens him to it], but knowledge is easy to him who [being teachable] understands.

7Go from the presence of a foolish and self-confident man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.

8The Wisdom [godly Wisdom, which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of [self-confident] fools is to deceive.

9Fools make a mock of sin and sin mocks the fools [who are its victims; a sin offering made by them only mocks them, bringing them disappointment and disfavor], but among the upright there is the favor of God.^(E)

10The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

11The house of the wicked shall be overthrown, but the tent of the upright shall flourish.

12There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.

13Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of mirth is heaviness and grief.

14The backslider in heart [from God and from fearing God] shall be filled with [the fruit of] his own ways, and a good man shall be satisfied with [the fruit of] his ways [with the holy thoughts and actions which his heart prompts and in which he delights].

15The simpleton believes every word he hears, but the prudent man looks and considers well where he is going.

16A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, but the fool bears himself insolently and is [presumptuously] confident.

17He who foams up quickly and flies into a passion deals foolishly, and a man of wicked plots and plans is hated.

18The simple acquire folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19The evil men bow before the good, and the wicked [stand suppliantly] at the gates of the [uncompromisingly] righteous.

20The poor is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends.

21He who despises his neighbor sins [against God, his fellowman, and himself], but happy (blessed and fortunate) is he who is kind and merciful to the poor.

22Do they not err who devise evil and wander from the way of life? But loving-kindness and mercy, loyalty and faithfulness, shall be to those who devise good.

23In all labor there is profit, but idle talk leads only to poverty.

24The crown of the wise is their wealth of Wisdom, but the foolishness of [self-confident] fools is [nothing but] folly.

25A truthful witness saves lives, but a deceitful witness speaks lies [and endangers lives].

26In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge.

27Reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.^(F)

28In a multitude of people is the king's glory, but in a lack of people is the prince's ruin.

29He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is hasty of spirit exposes and exalts his folly.^(G)

30A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.

31He who oppresses the poor reproaches, mocks, and insults his Maker, but he who is kind and merciful to the needy honors Him.^(H)

32The wicked is overthrown through his wrongdoing and calamity, but the [consistently] righteous has hope and confidence even in death.

33Wisdom rests [silently] in the mind and heart of him who has understanding, but that which is in the inward part of [self-confident] fools is made known.^(I)

34Uprightness and right standing with God (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) elevate a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

35The king's favor is toward a wise and discreet servant, but his wrath is against him who does shamefully.^(J)

Proverbs 15

2The tongue of the wise utters knowledge rightly, but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool pours out folly.

3The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good.^(L)

4A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit.

5A fool despises his father's instruction and correction, but he who regards reproof acquires prudence.

6In the house of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is great [priceless] treasure, but with the income of the wicked is trouble and vexation.

7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge [sifting it as chaff from the grain]; not so the minds and hearts of the self-confident and foolish.

8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, hateful and exceedingly offensive to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight!^(M)

9The way of the wicked is an abomination, extremely disgusting and shamefully vile to the Lord, but He loves him who pursues righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).

10There is severe discipline for him who forsakes God's way; and he who hates reproof will die [physically, morally, and spiritually].

11Sheol (the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the abyss, the final place of the accuser Satan) are both before the Lord--how much more, then, the hearts of the children of men?^(N)

12A scorner has no love for one who rebukes him; neither will he go to the wise [for counsel].

13A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.^(O)

14The mind of him who has understanding seeks knowledge and inquires after and craves it, but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool feeds on folly.^(P)

15All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].

16Better is little with the reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord than great and rich treasure and trouble with it.^(Q)

17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fatted ox and hatred with it.^(R)

18A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger appeases contention.

19The way of the sluggard is overgrown with thorns [it pricks, lacerates, and entangles him], but the way of the righteous is plain and raised like a highway.

20A wise son makes a glad father, but a self-confident and foolish man despises his mother and puts her to shame.

21Folly is pleasure to him who is without heart and sense, but a man of understanding walks uprightly [making straight his course].^(S)

22Where there is no counsel, purposes are frustrated, but with many counselors they are accomplished.

23A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment--how good it is!

24The path of the wise leads upward to life, that he may avoid [the gloom] in the depths of Sheol (Hades, the place of the dead).^(T)

25The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but He makes secure the boundaries of the [consecrated] widow.

26The thoughts of the wicked are shamefully vile and exceedingly offensive to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasing words to Him.

27He who is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.^(U)

28The mind of the [uncompromisingly] righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.^(V)

29The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous (the upright, in right standing with Him).

30The light in the eyes [of him whose heart is joyful] rejoices the hearts of others, and good news nourishes the bones.

31The ear that listens to the reproof [that leads to or gives] life will remain among the wise.

32He who refuses and ignores instruction and correction despises himself, but he who heeds reproof gets understanding.

33The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord brings instruction in Wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Bad Alliances

by Os Hillman

"Woe to the obstinate children," declares the Lord, "to those who carry out plans that are not Mine, forming an alliance, but not by My Spirit, heaping sin upon sin; who go down to Egypt without consulting Me; who look for help to Pharaoh's protection, to Egypt's shade for refuge." - Isaiah 30:1-2
Have you ever entered a business relationship with someone you knew you were not supposed to? Throughout the history of Israel, the people were called to come out of an old way of life. Egypt represented that old way; when things got tough, the Israelites reverted to what was comfortable. They always knew they could take a trip to Egypt and find what they lacked. Perhaps this was their reasoning: "If we can't get it accomplished under the new way, why not go back to the way we used to do it? At least we know we can get it there."
When God calls us into a walk of faith, we can expect to be tested in this walk. If we enter into alliances that God has not ordained, it will only bring heartache. Such was the case for Israel. "But Pharaoh's protection will be to your shame, Egypt's shade will bring you disgrace" (Is. 30:3).
Beware what you perceive as an alliance that may advance your business. It may actually bring you great distress if God has not directed you to align it. Ask yourself what the motive is behind this possible alliance. Make sure that it is not based on fear or a quick fix. Get confirmation that God is leading you to make such an alliance. Then you will not end up in the way of Israel, experiencing shame and disgrace.

Consider: Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Will you walk today in the faith of who Jesus really is?

Can you step out of those comfort zones to step into all the incredible adventures God has for you?

Consider: I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Do you realize how much God loves You? So much that he sent Jesus to come, teach, take on our penalty, overcome death, so that we could have a relationship with Him. Jesus bridges the gap.

Ever have to do a gap analysis between two things.

Ever do a gap analysis between what you have and what God has?

With Jesus, the gap is filled and we have incredible options and opportunities if we are willing to step out and follow after God.

God has great plans for you and for me. Let's go after them today and watch God's glory fill this world in Jesus' name. Amen.

Experiencing God in Your Business

by Os Hillman

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1
The CEO walked into the president's office after reviewing his new marketing plan for the next year. It was a well-prepared, thoughtful plan.
"This will not do!" exclaimed the CEO. "This plan describes how you will achieve these objectives through your own planning. I am certain you can achieve these objectives through normal business operations; however, you have allowed no room for faith in your plan. Now you must determine what God wants us to trust Him to accomplish through this business. You must go beyond what you can naturally achieve."
What was this CEO saying? If you and I want to experience God in business at the practical level, we must be willing to trust Him for more than what our natural abilities can accomplish. God likes to show Himself in the midst of unlikely circumstances. This is the place that God receives the glory. God always forced Israel to trust Him for the supernatural. This is how glory was brought to the Father. It is no different in our lives.
The world is looking for real faith. Perhaps you are the instrument that He wants to use to demonstrate real faith to the unbelieving business world. It will require courage, faith, and action; also, it will require risk. You may risk finances, reputation, and being misunderstood. This was the risk of all leaders in the Bible. It was a risk worth taking. Are you willing to see God move in your business life? Ask Him what this might mean for you.

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You can get a lot done if you don't care who gets the credit.

How many times in life do we see ourselves stop or slow down or pull back because we want to make sure that others notice what we are doing?

How many times in life do we choose not to do something because it won't shine the spotlight on ourselves?

How many times in life do we not do something because it will bring great reward to someone else instead of us?

How many times in life do we consider our rewards to be only materialistic and from this world instead of realizing that God sees everything that we and He will give us the credit that we are do?

Today, before thinking about how we can get credit for the work we do, let us first consider is it something that will bring glory to God?

Today, before we think about how we won't get credit for something, let us think about how we work for God and He sees and knows what we will do.

Today, realize where who your source comes is.

Today, realize where your gifts come from.

Today, realize who your provider is.

Work and live each day like you are working for the Lord.

And let's give God all the praise and all the glory, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Second Chances

by Os Hillman

..."I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity." - Jonah 4:2
Have you ever gone through a time of disobedience with God? Jonah was a prophet of God who decided he didn't want to prophesy for the Lord. God wanted him to deliver a message to Nineveh to warn them against impending destruction if they didn't turn from their ways. Jonah had developed a hardened heart toward the people of Nineveh. He didn't really care if they repented or not; so rather than travel to Nineveh and deliver the message, he hopped a boat in the opposite direction. You probably know the rest of the story. He was eaten by a fish and spent a few days thinking about his decision.
There is a place where we all will obey. What circumstances must take place for us to become obedient? For some of us, it requires a good shakeup. For Jonah, it required a big shakeup because he was God's man to save 120,000 people. He was chosen by God to be used by God, and God didn't give up on him.
God understands our disobedient heart. He sees what we really are; yet He gives second chances. God gave Jonah a second chance. He gave the people of Nineveh a second chance. It is a lesson of love from a heavenly Father who specializes in second chances. Have you blown it? Have you disappointed someone close to you? God is the God of second chances. All we have to do is acknowledge our waywardness. He will restore. He will give grace. Ask Him.

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©2004 - 2007 Marketplace Leaders - All Rights Reserved.

Heavenly Father,

I thank You for this new day and for the incredible love You have shown me. Today I look to You for wisdom and guidance. Today, I have my trust in You. You Lord, are so faithful. You Lord, are my true north that guides my every footstep. Help me Lord today to accomplish all that I do that You may receive all the praise and all the glory. I pray over the technology and the people that it will run smoothly today and properly. I know the enemy will try to divide us and confuse us, but Lord, I grab onto You for unity and for clarity. Thanks You for Your Word and Your Love and I will give You all the praise and all the glory, in Jesus' name Amen.

Today's Reading:

Psalm 120

A Song of Ascents.

2Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.

3What shall be given to you? Or what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue?--

4Sharp arrows of a [mighty] warrior, with [glowing] coals of the broom tree!

5Woe is me that I sojourn with Meshech, that I dwell beside the tents of Kedar [as if among notoriously barbarous people]!^(A)

6My life has too long had its dwelling with him who hates peace.

7I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.

Psalm 121

A Song of Ascents.

2My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

3He will not allow your foot to slip or to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber.^(C)

4Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand [the side not carrying a shield].^(D)

6The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.^(E)

7The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life.

8The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.^(F)

Psalm 122

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

2Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!--

3Jerusalem, which is built as a city that is compacted together--

4To which the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed and as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord.

5For there the thrones of judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David.

6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they prosper who love you [the Holy City]!

7May peace be within your walls and prosperity within your palaces!

8For my brethren and companions' sake, I will now say, Peace be within you!

9For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek, inquire for, and require your good.

Psalm 123

A Song of Ascents.

2Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, and as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He has mercy and loving-kindness for us.

3Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on and loving-kindness for us, for we are exceedingly satiated with contempt.

4Our life is exceedingly filled with the scorning and scoffing of those who are at ease and with the contempt of the proud (irresponsible tyrants who disregard God's law).

Psalm 124

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

2If it had not been the Lord Who was on our side when men rose up against us,

3Then they would have quickly swallowed us up alive when their wrath was kindled against us;

4Then the waters would have overwhelmed us and swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us;

5Then the proud waters would have gone over us.

6Blessed be the Lord, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth!

7We are like a bird escaped from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped!

8Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 125

A Song of Ascents.

2As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from this time forth and forever.

3For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the [uncompromisingly] righteous, lest the righteous (God's people) stretch forth their hands to iniquity and apostasy.

4Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are right [with You and all people] in their hearts.

5As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways [of indifference to God], the Lord will lead them forth with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel!

Psalm 126

A Song of Ascents.

2Then were our mouths filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing. Then they said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them.

3The Lord has done great things for us! We are glad!

4Turn to freedom our captivity and restore our fortunes, O Lord, as the streams in the South (the Negeb) [are restored by the torrents].

5They who sow in tears shall reap in joy and singing.

6He who goes forth bearing seed and weeping [at needing his precious supply of grain for sowing] shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Psalm 127

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

2It is vain for you to rise up early, to take rest late, to eat the bread of [anxious] toil--for He gives [blessings] to His beloved in sleep.

3Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.^(J)

4As arrows are in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.

5Happy, blessed, and fortunate is the man whose quiver is filled with them! They will not be put to shame when they speak with their adversaries [in gatherings] at the [city's] gate.

Psalm 128

A Song of Ascents.

2For you shall eat [the fruit] of the labor of your hands; happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) shall you be, and it shall be well with you.

3Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the innermost parts of your house; your children shall be like olive plants round about your table.

4Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord.

5May the Lord bless you out of Zion [His sanctuary], and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life;

6Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!

Psalm 129

A Song of Ascents.

2Many a time and much have they afflicted me from my youth up, yet they have not prevailed against me.

3The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows.

4The Lord is [uncompromisingly] righteous; He has cut asunder the thick cords by which the wicked [enslaved us].

5Let them all be put to shame and turned backward who hate Zion.

6Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withers before it grows up,

7With which the mower fills not his hand, nor the binder of sheaves his bosom--

8While those who go by do not say, The blessing of the Lord be upon you! We bless you in the name of the Lord!

Psalm 130

A Song of Ascents.

2Lord, hear my voice; let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

3If You, Lord, should keep account of and treat [us according to our] sins, O Lord, who could stand?^(L)

4But there is forgiveness with You [just what man needs], that You may be reverently feared and worshiped.^(M)

5I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope.

6I am looking and waiting for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, I say, more than watchmen for the morning.

7O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is mercy and loving-kindness, and with Him is plenteous redemption.

8And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.

Psalm 131

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

2Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me [ceased from fretting].

3O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever.

Psalm 132

A Song of Ascents.

2How he swore to the Lord and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:

3Surely I will not enter my dwelling house or get into my bed--

4I will not permit my eyes to sleep or my eyelids to slumber,

5Until I have found a place for the Lord, a habitation for the Mighty One of Jacob.^(N)

6Behold, at Ephratah we [first] heard of [the discovered ark]; we found it in the fields of the wood [at Kiriath-jearim].^(O)

7Let us go into His tabernacle; let us worship at His footstool.

8Arise, O Lord, to Your resting-place, You and the ark [the symbol] of Your strength.

9Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness (right living and right standing with God); and let Your saints shout for joy!

10For Your servant David's sake, turn not away the face of Your anointed and reject not Your own king.

11The Lord swore to David in truth; He will not turn back from it: One of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne.^(P)

12If your children will keep My covenant and My testimony that I shall teach them, their children also shall sit upon your throne forever.

13For the Lord has chosen Zion, He has desired it for His habitation:

14This is My resting-place forever [says the Lord]; here will I dwell, for I have desired it.

15I will surely and abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her poor with bread.

16Her priests also will I clothe with salvation, and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.

17There will I make a horn spring forth and bud for David; I have ordained and prepared a lamp for My anointed [fulfilling the promises of old].^(Q)

18His enemies will I clothe with shame, but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

What do you think of when you hear the word prodigal?

Searching the web, we see that it produces a definition of:

- extravagantly wasteful: spendthrift or extravagant to a degree bordering on recklessness
- producing generous amounts: giving or producing something in large amounts
- wasting parental money: spending parental money wastefully, but returning home to a warm welcome
- spendthrift: somebody who spends money,...

I know that the first thing that always to my mind was the parable of the prodigal son. The part that is kind of interesting is that most of the time people focus on the son or sons, and not the father. Some times, we miss that this parable was attached to two others and how they try to bring the attention back to God (the lost sheep and the lost coin). So today's let's think about the truth about God.

God loves us so much that he would leave the 99 in order to find 1 missing or lost person.

God loves us so much that he would move things around in order to find 1 missing or lost person.

God loves us so much that when we have gone and squandered all that he had prepared for us and given us, but then come to the realization of who He is and come back with a repentant heart, He will come running to us in order to restore us.

God loves us so much that when we have stuck around working hard thinking that it is all about the work he has for us, and missing that it is truly about relationship and that all His resources are at our disposal, that He will still come after us when we miss that point in order to help us see and be restored to the truth.

Are you walking with God out of responsibility?

Have you walked out on God and finding that You are almost ready to turn your life around, ask God for forgiveness and give your life and heart back to Him?

Do you know God? Do you realize how much He loves you?

Consider Luke 15 and let me know what you think.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

The Parable of the Lost Son

13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20So he got up and went to his father.
      "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.^[b]'

22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.

25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'

28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'

31" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "

Heavenly Father,

I thank You for this new day. I thank You for my family, my church, and my friends. I thank You for the provision of a job where I can continue to grow and learn while adding value to the company. I thank You for the things You have put into my care and pray that You will give me the wisdom and discernment required so that I can be a good steward with all that You give me. Help me Lord to be a good husband, a good father, a good employee, a good farmer, a good home owner, a good leader, a good producer.

Lord, I will give You all the praise and all the glory and all the honor, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Lord when I think of where I was and what I had, I consider it all nothing compared to what I have and where I am now. With having found the truth that there is the possibility of having a daily, living relationship with You and being able to walk with You, talk with You, and get wisdom and discernment from You, I am now able to follow You and Your ways in my daily work, thoughts, and actions. Lord, when I think of the various miracles that You performed in my life to get me to where I am today, I can only praise You.

A new house to live in -- near the church home you were also going to provide

A new job to work in -- where I could learn, grow, and change

A new car to drive -- which saved me money and saves me even more money now that the price of gas has gone up

A church home -- where I could be discipled and be taught how to be a leader

Baptism - in Water and in the Holy Spirit -- where I felt by pursuing You in obedience, I have been able to grow and experience Your love in ways that came quicker and clearer than I could have ever imagined

Children -- a family that is growing. blessings from God. Unconditional love.

A new home to live in - to provide for the dream of a horse that came with the property, a church family who provided for a pony for my children, property where I could have more animals (chickens, bunnies, dog, etc.)

Talented children -- to watch grow and develop, to help learn and understand

An incredible wife -- who loves and cares for me. who is a great mother

I know this is but the start of the story and that I can draw near to You oh Lord, that You will draw near to me and help me to continue to become more like You and do what You want and need me to do.

Thank You Lord.

Today's Reading: Psalm 78-79

Psalm 78

A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem, of Asaph.

2I will open my mouth in a parable (in instruction by numerous examples); I will utter dark sayings of old [that hide important truth]--^(A)

3Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

4We will not hide them from their children, but we will tell to the generation to come the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonderful works that He has performed.

5For He established a testimony (an express precept) in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, commanding our fathers that they should make [the great facts of God's dealings with Israel] known to their children,

6That the generation to come might know them, that the children still to be born might arise and recount them to their children,

7That they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but might keep His commandments

8And might not be as their fathers--a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that set not their hearts aright nor prepared their hearts to know God, and whose spirits were not steadfast and faithful to God.

9The children of Ephraim were armed and carrying bows, yet they turned back in the day of battle.

10They kept not the covenant of God and refused to walk according to His law

11And forgot His works and His wonders that He had shown them.

12Marvelous things did He in the sight of their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan [where Pharaoh resided].

13He divided the [Red] Sea and caused them to pass through it, and He made the waters stand like a heap.^(B)

14In the daytime also He led them with a [pillar of] cloud and all the night with a light of fire.^(C)

15He split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as out of the deep.

16He brought streams also out of the rock [at Rephidim and Kadesh] and caused waters to run down like rivers.^(D)

17Yet they still went on to sin against Him by provoking and rebelling against the Most High in the wilderness (in the land of drought).

18And they tempted God in their hearts by asking for food according to their [selfish] desire and appetite.

19Yes, they spoke against God; they said, Can God furnish [the food for] a table in the wilderness?

20Behold, He did smite the rock so that waters gushed out and the streams overflowed; but can He give bread also? Can He provide flesh for His people?

21Therefore, when the Lord heard, He was [full of] wrath; a fire was kindled against Jacob, His anger mounted up against Israel,

22Because in God they believed not [they relied not on Him, they adhered not to Him], and they trusted not in His salvation (His power to save).

23Yet He commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of heaven;

24And He rained down upon them manna to eat and gave them heaven's grain.^(E)

25Everyone ate the bread of the mighty [man ate angels' food]; God sent them meat in abundance.

26He let forth the east wind to blow in the heavens, and by His power He guided the south wind.

27He rained flesh also upon them like the dust, and winged birds [quails] like the sand of the seas.^(F)

28And He let [the birds] fall in the midst of their camp, round about their tents.

29So they ate and were well filled; He gave them what they craved and lusted after.

30But scarce had they stilled their craving, and while their meat was yet in their mouths,^(G)

31The wrath of God came upon them and slew the strongest and sturdiest of them and smote down Israel's chosen youth.

32In spite of all this, they sinned still more, for they believed not in (relied not on and adhered not to Him for) His wondrous works.

33Therefore their days He consumed like a breath [in emptiness, falsity, and futility] and their years in terror and sudden haste.

34When He slew [some of] them, [the remainder] inquired after Him diligently, and they repented and sincerely sought God [for a time].

35And they [earnestly] remembered that God was their Rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer.

36Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouths and lied to Him with their tongues.

37For their hearts were not right or sincere with Him, neither were they faithful and steadfast to His covenant.^(H)

38But He, full of [merciful] compassion, forgave their iniquity and destroyed them not; yes, many a time He turned His anger away and did not stir up all His wrath and indignation.

39For He [earnestly] remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that goes and does not return.

40How often they defied and rebelled against Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert!

41And time and again they turned back and tempted God, provoking and incensing the Holy One of Israel.

42They remembered not [seriously the miracles of the working of] His hand, nor the day when He delivered them from the enemy,

43How He wrought His miracles in Egypt and His wonders in the field of Zoan [where Pharaoh resided]

44And turned their rivers into blood, and their streams, so that they could not drink from them.

45He sent swarms of [venomous] flies among them which devoured them, and frogs which destroyed them.

46He gave also their crops to the caterpillar and [the fruit of] their labor to the locust.

47He destroyed their vines with hail and their sycamore trees with frost and [great chunks of] ice.

48He [caused them to shut up their cattle or] gave them up also to the hail and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.^(I)

49He let loose upon them the fierceness of His anger, His wrath and indignation and distress, by sending [a mission of] angels of calamity and woe among them.

50He leveled and made a straight path for His anger [to give it free course]; He did not spare [the Egyptian families] from death but gave their beasts over to the pestilence and the life [of their eldest] over to the plague.

51He smote all the firstborn in Egypt, the chief of their strength in the tents [of the land of the sons] of Ham.

52But [God] led His own people forth like sheep and guided them [with a shepherd's care] like a flock in the wilderness.

53And He led them on safely and in confident trust, so that they feared not; but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.^(J)

54And He brought them to His holy border, the border of [Canaan] His sanctuary, even to this mountain [Zion] which His right hand had acquired.

55He drove out the nations also before [Israel] and allotted their land as a heritage, measured out and partitioned; and He made the tribes of Israel to dwell in the tents of those dispossessed.

56Yet they tempted and provoked and rebelled against the Most High God and kept not His testimonies.

57But they turned back and dealt unfaithfully and treacherously like their fathers; they were twisted like a warped and deceitful bow [that will not respond to the archer's aim].

58For they provoked Him to [righteous] anger with their high places [for idol worship] and moved Him to jealousy with their graven images.

59When God heard this, He was full of [holy] wrath; and He utterly rejected Israel, greatly abhorring and loathing [her ways],

60So that He forsook the tabernacle at Shiloh, the tent in which He had dwelt among men [and never returned to it again],

61And delivered His strength and power (the ark of the covenant) into captivity, and His glory into the hands of the foe (the Philistines).^(K)

62He gave His people over also to the sword and was wroth with His heritage [Israel].^(L)

63The fire [of war] devoured their young men, and their bereaved virgins were not praised in a wedding song.

64Their priests [Hophni and Phinehas] fell by the sword, and their widows made no lamentation [for the bodies came not back from the scene of battle, and the widow of Phinehas also died that day].^(M)

65Then the Lord awakened as from sleep, as a strong man whose consciousness of power is heightened by wine.

66And He smote His adversaries in the back [as they fled]; He put them to lasting shame and reproach.

67Moreover, He rejected the tent of Joseph and chose not the tribe of Ephraim [in which the tabernacle had been accustomed to stand].

68But He chose the tribe of Judah [as Israel's leader], Mount Zion, which He loved [to replace Shiloh as His capital].

69And He built His sanctuary [exalted] like the heights [of the heavens] and like the earth which He established forever.

70He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds;^(N)

71From tending the ewes that had their young He brought him to be the shepherd of Jacob His people, of Israel His inheritance.^(O)

72So [David] was their shepherd with an upright heart; he guided them by the discernment and skillfulness [which controlled] his hands.

July 6, 2007

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

--1 Peter 4:7

Over the past few days, we have talked about the end times. As you look forward to the return of Christ, I want to give you four attributes that I believe are important for you to exhibit each day.

The first attribute is prayerfulness. Now is the time for sincere prayer. Pray for yourself, your family, and the work of Christ. Make prayer a part of your daily life.

The second attribute is faithfulness. We need to be faithful to Christ and to His church. Make it a habit to be fully engaged in a Bible-teaching church, being faithful to worship, to use your spiritual gifts to serve others, and to encourage other believers around you.

The third attribute is godliness. Don’t be ashamed to live boldly and purely for Christ. Let your light shine each day so that your walk matches your talk.

The fourth attribute is readiness. Jesus Himself told us to be ready and watchful in these days. Lift your eyes up to the Lord daily. Live with the reality that He is coming again!

As long as you’re still here, it’s not too late to live for Christ. Measure your life against these four attributes, and make them a personal priority.

IN THESE CRITICAL DAYS, GOD WANTS US TO BE PRAYERFUL, FAITHFUL, GODLY, AND READY!

Heavenly Father,

As I sit and think about my life, the past, the present and the future. As I sit and meditate upon Your Word and the TGIF devotional for today. I wonder and ask, How will I be remembered? What will be my legacy?

Today Lord, I want to be the best father my children could have. I want to be the best husband my wife could have. I want to be someone who changes the world in which I work in a way that will bring You praise and glory. Lord, help me to focus my Lord. Help me to make the right decisions in terms of what I am supposed to do. Help me to make it about doing Your Work in my work, and not just a race to the top. Help me to discern what I am to do and what I am not to do. Am I to be a manager or am I to lead in another way. Am I to impact lives through wisdom and guidance of managing them, or am I to impact lives through wisdom and guidance through a non-managerial job? Lord, I believe I know the answer, but I need for You to make it clear. I am a producer and project manager in Worship & Arts, what does this look like in my life picture? Help me to use my talents and skills in ways that will help people to draw closer and closer to You.

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Today is the day that will be the start of a legacy that impact this world for the glory of God.

Thank You Lord and bless my family, friends, and daily encounters, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Heavenly Father,

I thank You for this weekend and for helping me to be humbled and allowing me to be a part of helping worship you. Lord, I thank You for my family - my wife, my children, my parents, my sister, my extended family. Lord, I thank You for my career that You continue to grow. Lord, I thank You for the provision that You give me, as I know that You care for me and like the birds and all the creatures You created, You know our needs and will provide for us.

Today Lord, I think and ask that You help me to make sure that what I do is something bigger than myself so that You can receive the praise and the glory. Is there something for me to do that will prepare me for greater things? Is there something for me to do that will bring a greater harvest? Is there something for me to do that will better share and use the gifts and talents You have given me to bring a multiplication effect? Lord speak to me and show me I pray, for the glory and honor of your name. AMEN

Psalm 32

[A Psalm of David.] A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem.

2Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity and in whose spirit there is no deceit.^(A)

3When I kept silence [before I confessed], my bones wasted away through my groaning all the day long.

4For day and night Your hand [of displeasure] was heavy upon me; my moisture was turned into the drought of summer. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

5I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord [continually unfolding the past till all is told]--then You [instantly] forgave me the guilt and iniquity of my sin. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

6For this [forgiveness] let everyone who is godly pray--pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely when the great waters [of trial] overflow, they shall not reach [the spirit in] him.

7You are a hiding place for me; You, Lord, preserve me from trouble, You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

8I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

9Be not like the horse or the mule, which lack understanding, which must have their mouths held firm with bit and bridle, or else they will not come with you.

10Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but he who trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on the Lord shall be compassed about with mercy and with loving-kindness.

11Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you who are upright and in right standing with Him]; shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Psalm 33

2Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; sing praises to Him with the harp of ten strings.

3Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully [on the strings] with a loud and joyful sound.

4For the word of the Lord is right; and all His work is done in faithfulness.

5He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the loving-kindness of the Lord.

6By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all their host by the breath of His mouth.^(B)

7He gathers the waters of the sea as in a bottle; He puts the deeps in storage places.

8Let all the earth fear the Lord [revere and worship Him]; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

9For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.

10The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nought; He makes the thoughts and plans of the peoples of no effect.

11The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart through all generations.

12Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His heritage.

13The Lord looks from heaven, He beholds all the sons of men;

14From His dwelling place He looks [intently] upon all the inhabitants of the earth--

15He Who fashions the hearts of them all, Who considers all their doings.

16No king is saved by the great size and power of his army; a mighty man is not delivered by [his] much strength.

17A horse is devoid of value for victory; neither does he deliver any by his great power.

18Behold, the Lord's eye is upon those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe], who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness,

19To deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

20Our inner selves wait [earnestly] for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield.

21For in Him does our heart rejoice, because we have trusted (relied on and been confident) in His holy name.

22Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You.

Psalm 34

[A Psalm] of David; when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him out, and he went away.

2My life makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble and afflicted hear and be glad.

3O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.

4I sought (inquired of) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.^(C)

5They looked to Him and were radiant; their faces shall never blush for shame or be confused.

6This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

7^[a]The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe] and each of them He delivers.^(D)

8O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.^(E)

9O fear the Lord, you His saints [revere and worship Him]! For there is no want to those who truly revere and worship Him with godly fear.

10The young lions lack food and suffer hunger, but they who seek (inquire of and require) the Lord [by right of their need and on the authority of His Word], none of them shall lack any beneficial thing.

11Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you to revere and worshipfully fear the Lord.

12What man is he who desires life and longs for many days, that he may see good?

13Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

14Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!

15The eyes of the Lord are toward the [uncompromisingly] righteous and His ears are open to their cry.

16The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.^(F)

17When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles.

18The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent.

19Many evils confront the [consistently] righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

20He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

21Evil shall cause the death of the wicked; and they who hate the just and righteous shall be held guilty and shall be condemned.

22The Lord redeems the lives of His servants, and none of those who take refuge and trust in Him shall be condemned or held guilty.

Psalm 35

[A Psalm] of David.

2Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help!

3Draw out also the spear and javelin and close up the way of those who pursue and persecute me. Say to me, I am your deliverance!

4Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek and require my life; let them be turned back and confounded who plan my hurt!

5Let them be as chaff before the wind, with the ^[b]Angel of the Lord driving them on!

6Let their way be through dark and slippery places, with the Angel of the Lord pursuing and afflicting them.

7For without cause they hid for me their net; a pit of destruction without cause they dug for my life.

8Let destruction befall [my foe] unawares; let the net he hid for me catch him; let him fall into that very destruction.

9Then I shall be joyful in the Lord; I shall rejoice in His deliverance.

10All my bones shall say, Lord, who is like You, You Who deliver the poor and the afflicted from him who is too strong for him, yes, the poor and the needy from him who snatches away his goods?

11Malicious and unrighteous witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I know not.

12They reward me evil for good to my personal bereavement.

13But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting, and I prayed with head bowed on my breast.

14I behaved as if grieving for my friend or my brother; I bowed down in sorrow, as one who bewails his mother.

15But in my stumbling and limping they rejoiced and gathered together [against me]; the smiters (slanderers and revilers) gathered against me, and I knew them not; they ceased not to slander and revile me.

16Like profane mockers at feasts [making sport for the price of a cake] they gnashed at me with their teeth.

17Lord, how long will You look on [without action]? Rescue my life from their destructions, my dear and only life from the lions!

18I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among a mighty throng.

19Let not those who are wrongfully my foes rejoice over me; neither let them wink with the eye who hate me without cause.^(G)

20For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful matters against those who are quiet in the land.

21Yes, they open their mouths wide against me; they say, Aha! Aha! Our eyes have seen it!

22You have seen this, O Lord; keep not silence! O Lord, be not far from me!

23Arouse Yourself, awake to the justice due me, even to my cause, my God and my Lord!

24Judge and vindicate me, O Lord my God, according to Your righteousness (Your rightness and justice); and let [my foes] not rejoice over me!

25Let them not say in their hearts, Aha, that is what we wanted! Let them not say, We have swallowed him up and utterly destroyed him.

26Let them be put to shame and confusion together who rejoice at my calamity! Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify and exalt themselves over me!

27Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.

28And my tongue shall talk of Your righteousness, rightness, and justice, and of [my reasons for] Your praise all the day long.