Your testimonies are wonderful; Therefore my soul keeps them. The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. I opened my mouth and panted, For I longed for Your commandments.

Look upon me and be merciful to me, As Your custom is toward those who love Your name. Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me. Redeem me from the oppression of man, That I may keep Your precepts. Make Your face shine upon Your servant, And teach me Your statutes.

Rivers of water run down from my eyes, Because men do not keep Your law.

Can't you hear the passion, even over the 2400 +/- years since this Psalm was written, the passion that flows for the scribe's pen. I hear him, I see him, passionately on his face before YAHWAH, declaring his love and obedience to the LORD. His only concern is that nothing interfere with his relationship with YAHWAH, except his sorrow that compatriots do not share the sense of obedience to the Word of the LORD.

Should we not be equally concerned, compelled to use the 8 verses as a pattern for our own lives concerning our families and friends.

Reading

Morning Psalm 25, Noon Psalm 119:9-16, Evening Psalm 114

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 14, Judges 14, Job 14, Psalm 14, Isaiah 14, Matthew 14, Romans 14

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 Psalm of David.

I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.

I wonder, will I find another Psalm that encapsulates the elements of worship so trenchantly? Quite likely, I still have much to learn regarding the LORD, God, the Almighty's definition of proper Worship. Come along, join me for the ride.

Bang-right at the beginning, my willingness to serve the LORD patiently, e.g. in His time, not mine, is a key condition. Tough and non-negotiable! But the result is an Ear that listens to my needs and brings me out of the Slough of Despond. Setting my feet upon the firm foundation of His love. He places a song of rejoicing in my mouth, a song that will serve as a witness to His Goodness leading others to trust him.

Readings

Morning Psalm 24, Noon Psalm 119:1-8, Evening Psalm 113

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 13, Judges 13, Job 13, Psalm 13, Isaiah 13, Matthew 13, Romans 13

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all seven, 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. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, "I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked are before me." I was mute with silence, I held my peace even from good; And my sorrow was stirred up. My heart was hot within me; While I was musing, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue: "LORD, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my days as hand-breadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah

Surely every man walks about like a shadow; Surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches, And does not know who will gather them. "And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Deliver me from all my transgressions; Do not make me the reproach of the foolish. I was mute, I did not open my mouth, Because it was You who did it. Remove Your plague from me; I am consumed by the blow of Your hand. When with rebukes You correct man for iniquity, You make his beauty melt away like a moth; Surely every man is vapor. Selah

"Hear my prayer, O LORD, And give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, A sojourner, as all my fathers were. Remove Your gaze from me, that I may regain strength, Before I go away and am no more."

A Psalm of contrition. David recognizes the extent to which he is offensive to God; where he falls far short of the LORD's desire for him. He was mute, he held his peace, sorrow-filled, with burning heart failing God's expectation from him. He pleads for confirmation that he, at his best, is but a vapor and reiterates that conclusion in the second paragraph. No where do we find the slightest indication of exchusing his behavior and charactor.

Then a magnificant pleaas for foregiveness. "Hear my prayer, O LORD, And give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, A sojourner, as all my fathers were. Remove Your gaze from me, that I may regain strength, Before I go away and am no more." O LORD, that my prayers would be of the same tenor.

Reading

Morning Psalm 23, Noon Psalm 119:169-176, Evening Psalm 112

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 12, Judges 12, Job 12, Psalm 12, Isaiah 12, Matthew 12, Romans 12

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all seven, 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.

A Psalm of David. To Bring to Remembrance. O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! For Your arrows pierce me deeply, And Your hand presses me down. There is no soundness in my flesh Because of Your anger, Nor any health in my bones Because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds are foul and festering Because of my foolishness.

I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are full of inflammation, And there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.

Lord, all my desire is before You; And my sighing is not hidden from You. My heart pants, my strength fails me; As for the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me. My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague, And my relatives stand afar off. Those also who seek my life lay snares for me; Those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, And plan deception all the day long.

But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; And I am like a mute who does not open his mouth. Thus I am like a man who does not hear, And in whose mouth is no response. For in You, O LORD, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God. For I said, "Hear me, lest they rejoice over me, Lest, when my foot slips, they exalt themselves against me."

For I am ready to fall, And my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin. But my enemies are vigorous, and they are strong; And those who hate me wrongfully have multiplied. Those also who render evil for good, They are my adversaries, because I follow what is good.

Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!

There are several key phrases in this Psalm. The first set deal with David's confession of sin:

* For my iniquities have gone over my head;

* Because of my foolishness

* I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.

* I will be in anguish over my sin.

All these and their linking phrases are David's confession of his sin. It is a straight forward confession, no excuses, no off-loading of his sin onto others.

And now look at that last line, a casting of all his sins and shortcomings upon the LORD, a plea for haste, a recognition of the LORD sd his saalvation. In short, David confesses that he is without the ability or strength to implement his salvation. This is Worship in its rawest form

Reading

Morning Psalm 22, Noon Psalm 119:1161-168, Evening Psalm 111

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 11, Judges 11, Job 11, Psalm 11, Isaiah 11, Matthew 11, Romans 11

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all seven, 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.

I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a native green tree. Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.

Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; For the future of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; The future of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.

What a powerful “trust in Him” A part of the Belief cycle. To Believe is to Trust. To Trust is to Commit. To Commit is to Obey. To Obey is to have Faith. To have Faith is to Believe. And round we go! It is this cycle that demonstrates to the world that we are followers of the LORD, God, the Almighty, first called Christians in Antioch. That is the source of our salvation, strength, and deliverance.

Reading

Morning Psalm 21, Noon Psalm 119:153-160, Evening Psalm 110

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 10, Judges 10, Job 10, Psalm 10, Isaiah 10, Matthew 10, Romans 10

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all seven, 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.

The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell in it forever. The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, And his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide.

The wicked watches the righteous, And seeks to slay him. The LORD will not leave him in his hand, Nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on the LORD, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.

The contrast between these two is striking and important. The Righteous are defined by their conversation and actions; the Wicked by their reactions to the displayed Word in the hearts of the righteous. However the LORD, God, the Almighty vows to protect His own. And in visible ways. Look at that last sentence. The Day of the LORD is coming and His people will see it and rejoice in it.

Reading

Morning Psalm 20, Noon Psalm 119:145-152, Evening Psalm 109

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 9, Judges 9 Job 9, Psalm 9, Isaiah 9, Matthew 9, Romans 9

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all seven, 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.

I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendants are blessed.

Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore. For the LORD loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.

Very straight forward-depart from evil, and do good. So much of what we read in the Psalms has that hard hitting, no nonsense edge that should make a discernible barrier between the two. But it is that everlasting evil, our inheritance from Adam and Eve that blurs the border between the two. We continue to fall to Satan's suasion's.

Reading

Morning Psalm 19, Noon Psalm 119:137-144, Evening Psalm 108

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 8, Judges 48 Job 8, Psalm 8, Isaiah 8, Matthew 8, Romans 8

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all seven, 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.

I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendants are blessed.

Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore. For the LORD loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.

Very straight forward-depart from evil, and do good. So much of what we read in the Psalms has that hard hitting, no nonsense edge that should make a discernible barrier between the two. But it is that everlasting evil, our inheritance from Adam and Eve that blurs the border between the two. We continue to fall to Satan's suasion's.

Reading

Morning Psalm 19, Noon Psalm 119:137-144, Evening Psalm 108

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 8, Judges 48 Job 8, Psalm 8, Isaiah 8, Matthew 8, Romans 8

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all seven, 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.

I have done justice and righteousness; Do not leave me to my oppressors. Be surety for Your servant for good; Do not let the proud oppress me.

My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation And Your righteous word. Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, And teach me Your statutes.I am Your servant; Give me understanding, That I may know Your testimonies.

It is time for You to act, O LORD, For they have regarded Your law as void. Therefore I love Your commandments More than gold, yes, than fine gold! Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way.

It's working. The Psalmist is coming to the LORD, God, the Almighty for instruction, for protection, and for shelter. This is indeed one of the many ways that we glorify the LORD, by acknowledging Him as the source of all that is right and good. He pours out His love upon His people. He fills our hearts with joy and singing. Praise His holy Name.

Reading

Morning Psalm 18, Noon Psalm 119:129-136, Evening Psalm 107

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 3, Judges 3, Job 3, Psalm 3, Isaiah 3, Matthew 3, Romans 3.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all seven, 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 them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, "Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant." And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness And of Your praise all the day long.

It is better that the recipients of my ministry recognize that the LORD is speaking through me rather than my pointing it out. The latter leads to the Little Jack Horner syndrome, an evidence of an over active ego. A true servant of the LORD, God, the Almighty is characterized by a willingness to kneel down and search for ripe feet to wash.

Reading

Morning Psalm 17, Noon Psalm 119:121-128, Evening Psalm 10

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 2, Judges 2, Job 2, Psalm 2, Isaiah 2, Matthew 2, Romans 2.

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all seven, 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.

A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, But the LORD upholds the righteous.

The LORD knows the days of the upright, And their inheritance shall be forever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. But the wicked shall perish; And the enemies of the LORD, Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away.

We're seeing a pattern develop here as David holds up two set of mankind; the wicked vs. the righteous. The differences are very vivid as he looks at how the LORD, God, the Almighty sees the two sets. It is a difference that becomes even more pronounced in the following verses.

David's spews the characteristics of the wicked from his mouth as you and I spit out some of our mother's favorite nostrums of our childhood. Case in point: how did you react to cod liver oil as a child? YEECH!

But as he considers the righteous, as the old saying goes, butter would not melt is his mouth. And so it goes with our LORD, yes He recognizes my faults, but I am His child. Sometimes with loving chiding or a sharp word or two. He is loving me into His family.

Reading

Morning Psalm 23, Noon Psalm 119:169-176 Evening Psalm 112

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 5, Judges 5, Job 5, Psalm 5, Isaiah 5, Matthew 5, Romans 5

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all seven, 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.

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.  For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more. But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

The wicked plots against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn the sword And have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay those who are of upright conduct. Their sword shall enter their own heart, And their bows shall be broken.

“Those who wait on the LORD” introduces a sense of patience and also a sense of serving Him. The preceding phrases urge His flock to, as the English put it, not to get our knickers in a twist. The follower of the Lord Jesus Christ should be known as a person of patience, someone who readily turns their concerns over to the LORD, God, the Almighty for resolution.

In so doing, we acknowledge His supremacy in all things and our trust in Him.

Reading

Morning Psalm 22, Noon Psalm 119:161-168, Evening Psalm 111

Alternate Reading Plan based on 7 chapters/day from 7 sections of the Scriptures.

Genesis 5, Judges 5, Job 5, Psalm 5, Isaiah 5, Matthew 5, Romans 5

I suggest either setting aside a period of the day to read all seven, 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.