To the Chief Musician. With Stringed Instruments. A Contemplation of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication. Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily, Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked So I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah

Give ear to my prayer, O God—And You do!

Do not hide yourself from me—And You don't!

Attend to me—And You are there!

I am restless in my complaints—And You are Patient!

I am unsatisfied and threaten to flee—And You continue as the LORD, God, the Almighty.

Praise You for Your enduring love.

Reading

Morning Psalm 99, Noon Psalm 119:24-32, Evening Psalm 147

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures. My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation.

Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

To the Chief Musician. With Stringed Instruments. A Contemplation of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication. Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily, Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked So I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah

Give ear to my prayer, O God—And You do!

Do not hide yourself from me—And You don't!

Attend to me—And You are there!

I am restless in my complaints—And You are Patient!

I am unsatisfied and threaten to flee—And You continue as the LORD, God, the Almighty.

Praise You for Your enduring love.

Reading

Morning Psalm 99, Noon Psalm 119:24-32, Evening Psalm 147

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures. My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation.

Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is with those who uphold my life. He will repay my enemies for their evil. Cut them off in Your truth.

I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O LORD, for it is good. For He has delivered me out of all trouble; And my eye has seen its desire upon my enemies.

This precious Psalm was written approximately 3000 years ago, but still good today. The LORD, God, the Almighty is with me throughout every aspect of my life. I love that line, “For He has delivered me out of all trouble.” He does protect me from all enemies.

Reading

Morning Psalm 98, Noon Psalm 119:17-27, Evening Psalm 146

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures. My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation.

Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

To the Chief Musician. With Stringed Instruments. A Contemplation of David When the Ziphites Went and Said to Saul, "Is David Not Hiding with Us?" Save me, O God, by Your name, And vindicate me by Your strength. Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers have risen up against me, And oppressors have sought after my life; They have not set God before them. Selah

Yes, in these latter days we face many instances of the society turning against us with false accusations, eager to report false and exaggerated positions regarding our positions in the world of race, transgender and associated topics.

Sometimes we are called to report our actual position, sometimes not, but in all instances call on the LORD for assistance.

Reading

Morning Psalm 97, Noon Psalm 119:9-16, Evening Psalm 145

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures. My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation.

Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways.

You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently. Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments. I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments. I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly!

This first stanza sets the tone for the 119^th Psalm. It focuses entirely on the Law of the LORD and on our relationship with it. The Psalmist does recognize that we are living a life that requires diligence and faithfulness to the Word.

He is determined to learn the righteous judgments and to keep the statutes, and to for plead for the LORD's intervention.

Reading

Morning Psalm 96, Noon Psalm 119:1-8, Evening Psalm 144

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures. My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation.

Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

To the Chief Musician. Set to "Mahalath." A Contemplation of David. The fool has said in his heart,"There is no God." They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none who does good.

God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. Every one of them has turned aside; They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one.

Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, Who eat up my people as they eat bread, And do not call upon God? There they are in great fear Where no fear was, For God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you; You have put them to shame, Because God has despised them.

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God brings back the captivity of His people, Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.

Was David contemplating the 21^st century of the Christian era? Did he foresee that great turning away from the Word of the LORD, especially by those who have been named as shepherds of the flock? Did he foresee the return of Molech in the guise of pro-abortion? I'm sure that the entire pantheon of the pagan world is well represented by the collection of liberal, self-adulating, blithering purveyors of self-worship pseudo-Christianity, a feel good religion.

“Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God brings back the captivity of His people, Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.”

Reading

Morning Psalm 95, Noon Psalm 119:170-178, Evening Psalm 143

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures. My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation.

Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of David When Doeg the Edomite Went and Told Saul, and Said to Him, "David Has Gone to the House of Ahimelech." Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man?

The goodness of God endures continually.

Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully, You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness. Selah

You love all devouring words, You deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy you forever; He shall take you away, and pluck you out of your dwelling place, And uproot you from the land of the living. Selah

The righteous also shall see and fear, And shall laugh at him, saying, "Here is the man who did not make God his strength, But trusted in the abundance of his riches, And strengthened himself in his wickedness."

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. I will praise You forever, Because You have done it; And in the presence of Your saints I will wait on Your name, for it is good.

What a vision between contrasting kingdoms. The Kingdom of Evil vs the Mercy of God. The former is a constant exertion, the latter a life of mercy and grace.

I heard a request for prayer last night for a man in his very last days, absolutely trusting in his own goodness and refusing the gift of the LORD. How can I face eminent death where I will be face to face with the Father of all Glory and demand that He rule in my favor?

No, in the presence of the LORD, God, the Almighty, I will fall on my face, raise my voice in praise and accept His great mercy.

Reading

Morning Psalm 94, Noon Psalm 119:161-168, Evening Psalm 142

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures. My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation.

Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice.

Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.

Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—These, O God, You will not despise.

Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, With burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.

This is a psalm pleading for reconciliation with the LORD, God, the Almighty's favor and help. Beautiful. Can't you hear this great plea as David sang it and as we do today?Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” I have shivers running up and down my spine as I type that beautifully succinct line. I don't need to arrange for the murder of my best friend; I was born in sin. Yet I can come to Yahweh, as David, pleading for restoration, can I become a man after God's own heart as David was?

I need to be moved to my knees as I think of my transgressions; I need to learn to be remorseful, not seeking ways to minimize my sin.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David When Nathan the Prophet Went to Him, After He Had Gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight—That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.

Does the LORD chasten us as He did David when we sin? I believe He does. But look at look at the second sentence. “Have mercy upon me. O God, According to Your loving Kindness. Could it be that that chastening is an expression of His love for me? Without a doubt.

And we need to recognize that it comes from a loving heart.

Reading

Morning Psalm 92, Noon Psalm 119:149-156,, Evening Psalm 140

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures. My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation.

Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to declare My statutes, Or take My covenant in your mouth, Seeing you hate instruction And cast My words behind you?

When you saw a thief, you consented with him, And have been a partaker with adulterers. You give your mouth to evil, And your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; You slander your own mother's son.

These things you have done, and I kept silent; You thought that I was altogether like you; But I will rebuke you, And set them in order before your eyes. "Now consider this, you who forget God, Lest I tear you in pieces, And there be none to deliver: Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God."

So straight forward.

Praise the LORD, God, the Almighty. Call upon Him in the day of trouble; glorify Him—OR--consent with evil doers. You go out of your way to participate with adulterers and all others who defy His Name including a blood brother. You slander all, even a brother. It is an opportunity to elevate yourself in the eyes of the world.

But heed that last sentence: God will reveal Himself to those who truly seek to know Him.

Reading

Morning Psalm 91 Noon Psalm 119:141-148, Evening Psalm 139

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures. My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation.

Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

Let my cry come before You, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Your word. Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to Your word. My lips shall utter praise, For You teach me Your statutes.

My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness. Let Your hand become my help, For I have chosen Your precepts.

I long for Your salvation, O LORD, And Your law is my delight. Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.

There is a literary device in German, 'zange konstruction', or tongue construction in English that very aptly describes this stanza. The opening phrase and the final phrase box in the request and provide the necessary support. The elements of the request are sandwiched between these two phrases.

The Psalmist pleads for understanding, for deliverance, for the hand of the LORD, for His salvation. He acknowledges that his deliverance is within the law and judgments of the LORD, God, the Almighty.

May we join him in his pleas.

Reading

Morning Psalm 90 Noon Psalm 119:133-140, Evening Psalm 138

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures. My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation.

Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.

"Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your God! I will not rebuke you for your sacrifices Or your burnt offerings, Which are continually before Me.

I will not take a bull from your house, Nor goats out of your folds. For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. "If I were hungry, I would not tell you; For the world is Mine, and all its fullness. Will I eat the flesh of bulls, Or drink the blood of goats?

The LORD, God, the Almighty stating His self-sufficiency, in a way which would be very understanding to an agrarian society. How does He communicate to us today? A most challenging question for many of our channels are polluted by Satan and his minions, extremely difficult to separate truth from fiction.

The solution lies in our willingness to stay in the Word of God and on our knees in communion with Him. Callused knees and watchful eyes will do much to reveal Truth through the Word of God.

Reading

Morning Psalm 89 Noon Psalm 125-132, Evening Psalm 137

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures. My groupings are: Genesis-Joshua, Judges to Esther, Job to Song of Solomon, Psalms breaking 119 into convenient sets, Isaiah to Malachi, Matthew to Acts, Romans to Revelation.

Set your own up in convenient groupings as fits your study habits.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all, or break the readings up into morning, mid-day, and evening series. Both approaches have their advantages, and both will build an awareness of the Bible as a whole over time.