Psalms Thirty One, verses 14-24

Lord, I trust in You; I have said repeatedly, "You alone are my God." All the days of my life are in Your hands; deliver me from those who would pursue me, from the very hands of all my enemies. Shine Your face on me, Your servant; with Your unfailing love, rescue me.


Let me not bring shame on You, my Lord, for I have cried out to You. Let only the wicked be brought to shame. Let them ever be silent in their graves. Yes, let their lying lips be forever silenced; for out of hearts filled with pride and contempt, they speak arrogantly against those who stand in Your righteousness.

The blessings You have for the righteous, for those who honor and fear You, are stored up in Your warehouses. They are so many, there is no way to count them all. And You pour them out at will on those who take refuge in You; yes, for all who serve You openly before all mankind. You hide them within Your very presence. You hide them from the presence of pride and malice; even from all human conspiracies, keeping them safely hidden from any accusing voices under Your secret canopy ... out of sight.



I will sing Your praises, for You have shown me all the wonders of Your love when I was under siege of my enemies in a far city. In my distress, I called on You, "Lord I can't see You. But You heard me when I called. You didn't leave me stranded when I needed help.

Show your love for the Lord, all you His faithful ones! He alone will preserve those who remain true to Him. But the proud and arrogant He repays in full. Remain calm and courageous, NEVER give up! Expect our God to be there ... and always on time. Yes, He will ALWAYS be there for His children exactly when He is most needed.

Amen!

Psalm Twenty Eight, verses 1-9

A Psalm of David and of Leigh

~*~

O God of my strength, I cry out to You; do not turn a deaf ear to my pleas. If You keep silent, I may as well fall into a prison cell. Hear my cries for mercy as I lift up my hands to You.




Drag me not away with the wicked - those who practice doing evil - who speak pleasant words to their neighbors while harboring malice in their hearts.



Give them their just rewards; repay them according to the works of their hands. Yes, and bestow on them exactly what they deserve. Because they have no understanding of Your works, Lord; what Your hands do and have done. For this reason You will destroy them; You will not establish or stabilize them.




I will praise You, Lord. For You have heard all the cries of my heart. You are my strength and shield. My heart leaps for joy as I sing praises to Your name. 

Not only are You my strength, You are the strength of Your people, the Israel of God; a fortress of Salvation for Christ and His Church. Deliver Your people and pour out Your blessings on Your Heirs; shepherd them, yes and carry them forever.

Amen.

Psalm 25, Verses 1-7

A Psalm of David & Leigh

A conversation with God.

David is praying, and I with him, asking God for defense, 

guidance, and pardon from sin.

As followers of Christ, we know that God will do these things for us, also.

God's Defense is better than ANY castle walls!

Loving Lord I lift, I give up, my soul to You.

Father, I have placed all of my trust in You.

You will not allow me to bring shame upon You.

Neither will You allow my enemies, or Your enemies,

to triumph over me. No, they will find no joy in causing me harm.

Lord, I know that none who have placed their trust, their very hope,

in You will ever be put to shame. But those who act unfaithfully, yes all deceitful men and women, will stand before You in their shame.

Show me the direction You would have my life to take; 

help me to see the course my life should take.

Teach me to stay on Your Highway of and to Holiness.

Guide me into Your truth and instruct me, Lord. For You are my Savior, 

the very source of my life's existence.
I know You remember all of your lovingkindness and tender mercies,
and so do I. For they go back to the very beginning;
back to the first family and the Garden.
But in Your remembering, please remember not the sins of my childhood,
nor any of the rebellious acts that I have committed since ... please forget, as your merciful nature allows.

Psalm Twenty Two, Verses 1-15

A Psalm of David

For the Music Director. Set to the Tune of "The Doe of the Morning."

David wrote this as a prayer. It is meant to lift us from our depths of great suffering to the highest levels of joys. David believed that God would deliver him from his despair, even though all of his friends had deserted him and it appeared that God had also. No, David continued to look to that future day when God would rule over all the earth.

1. Lord ... oh my Lord! Why have You left me so alone and desolate? Why are You so far from helping me, removed from hearing the deepest distress filled cries of my heart?
2. Oh Lord, I cry out in deep anguish all day long, but I hear no reply. All through the darkness of night I toss and turn in my despair, but still, I get no response from You.
   
3. But You who dwell in the praises of Your people, Israel, are Holy, my Lord.
4. It was You our forefathers trusted implicitly. They trusted You because You delivered them when they were in need.
5. They cried out to You over and over; they trusted You and You never disappointed them.
6. But I am not worthy to call on Your name; for I am lower than the dust on a worm's belly. I am less than a man. for I am full of disgrace, despised by my companions ... my peers.
7. They all make fun of me; throwing their insults, and shaking their heads, they make faces and laugh me to scorn.
8. You know, he trusted in God, he believes that God will deliver him. So, let God save him since he puts all of his trust, his delight, in Him.
   
9. But I do trust You, Lord; because it was You who brought me out of my mother's womb. You put this faith within me while I was suckling at my mother's breast. 
10. From my very first breath, I had to put my trust in You. You made me know that You alone were worthy of that trust, and since that day You have been my God.
11. Then trouble moved in next door. Now You seem so far away, and I need help!
12. My enemies, like a herd of raging bulls, surround me. 
13. Their heads are lowered and bobbing, their horns pointed menacingly in my direction. They paw at the ground and flair their nostrils as if ready to stampede. Like roaring lions, they prepare to tear apart their prey with their mouths open wide for the kill.
14. I am done in. My life is poured out; like a water bucket that has been kicked over and the has o water flowed out onto the ground. My body is spent; I feel as if all of my joints are dislocated. My heart is destroyed; it is as if it has melted within my chest, like wax in the cauldron is melted before being made into candles for light.
15. My strength is gone, it is as dried up as an old bone. I can barely call for help, for my tongue is glued to the roof of my mouth. You may as well throw me out on the dust pile with the trash, for I am all but dead.

Psalms Eighteen, Verses 19-50

Chapter Intro - Restated:

To: The Chief Musician; A Psalm of David (and of Leigh), who sang these words to the Lord on the day when God delivered him from hands of his enemy ... of Saul.

Singing:

You, Lord, have brought me out into a spacious place; You delivered me because I have brought you delight, I have made you smile.

You have rewarded me according to the righteousness I have found in You, Your Spirit within my mind - my conscious thought, my honesty, and my trustworthiness; because my hands are clean in Your sight, You have rewarded me.

For I have stayed true to Your path, Lord. I have not strayed from Your side nor Your ways.

All of Your directions are ever before me, I will never let them slip away from me.

I stand in Your presence without blame, for I am clothed in Your righteousness and ever in a state of readiness so that I may keep myself free from sinning and the guilt that come with that lifestyle.

It is for these reasons that You have rewarded me for my presence in Your righteousness - because I can stand tall and straight in You - because of Your righteousness, my hands are clean in Your eyes.

You will always show Yourself kind and merciful to those who reflect Your kindness and mercy in their hearts and lives; as with those who are honest and straightforward, you will act honestly, too.

Those who are pure of heart will see Your purity, and those who are corrupt will see Your anger and hostility.

For You, my Lord, have delivered the tormented, timid and withdrawn people, but You will destroy those who look down upon them; the contemptuous, indifferent and overbearing.

It is You alone that have given Light to my life; You have made me to shine, causing the brightest light to flood my darkness.

With Your light, and the power it gives me, I can meet any band of attackers and defeat them handily. In Your strength, I can leap over the highest walls to bring them down.

Lord, all of Your ways are perfect! Your Word is tested and tried and has been proven true; You protect all who see You for refuge better than the best shields or forcefield available; all who seek shelter, placing their trust in You, will certainly find it.

So, who can be our Master save our God? Or who is a better Fortress to provide us protection than God? The same God who clothes me with His strength and makes me completely mature as I walk His pathway?

Lord, You strengthen my foundation, making me able to stand on spiritual high places like a deer on the mountain heights. In fact. You even set me upon those heights when I am strong in You.

You alone can train me to battle the enemy, making my arms strong enough that I could pull a bow made of bronze.

You have given me the Shield of Your Salvation, Your very Son, who is Your Right Hand, has held me up; Your loving-kindness, tenderness, and patronage caress me.

You have cleared the path ahead so that there is nothing on which I would trip and fall.

When I chased the enemy, I was able to overtake and destroy them. They were not able to rise again once they fell, wounded and near death at my feet.

Your strength wraps around me, holding me tight like a girdle, to build me up for the battle; and when it is over, I see the very enemy that had tried to defeat me, now underneath my feet. You alone have made them turn tail and run the other direction so that they come no longer into my presence.

These enemies cried for help but they found none. They even tried to get Your attention, Lord, but You refused to hear their cries.

Then I was able to totally defeat them, they appeared as small as grains of dust blowing in the wind, and I poured them out of my life, as one pours out the dust in a dustpan onto the garbage heap.

Lord, You set me free from anxious people; You made me a leader within my community; people whom I had never met walk beside me to serve Your Kingdom. As soon as they heard of me and Your message that I bring, they submitted themselves to Your call. Strangers, corrupt beings, came crawling out of their hiding places in fear, pretending to serve You.

But You Live, my Lord! You make me happy within Your protective Fortress. And I will lift Your name in exaltation! Yes, My Lord is the God who takes revenge on my behalf, trampling my enemies beneath His feet, giving me complete deliverance. Yes, You have delivered me from the destruction of the evil one. It is for this reason that I will ever praise You, giving You thanks and singing songs of worship every day. 

And You will deliver me with Your greatness whenever I am in need. For You show mercy and unfailing love to those who have covered by the Blood of Your Son, anointing me and covering me - and those I bring alongside - with your Holy Power and Love forever.

Amen!

Psalm Seventeen

Intro:

A prayer of David.

Lord, I beg You ... listen to what I have to say. Hear my cries for fairness and lend Your help. For my pleas do not come from deceitful lips or a heart filled with lies and deception.

I know that when You judge me I will be found guiltless; for You have examined my heart and see the Truth within. You questioned and tested me all night and found no variance in my answers. I have not sinned by word nor deed. Not only that Lord, but I have heard and obeyed Your orders and have not done as evil people would do. I have not failed You.

I know that when I call on You, You will answer; so hear me now, Lord. Listen to what I have to say. 

show us Your wonderful mercy and loving kindness, You that saves Your children with the awesome might of Your right hand; You protect them from the destruction of the wicked.

So protect me Lord, as You would the very sight of Your eyes, from those who would destroy me. Shelter me as You would a young bird beneath Your Mighty, Sheltering Wings,thus keeping those who would oppress me ... from the enemies of my soul that seek my death, that surround me everywhere I go. 

Look at how selfish they are! They are all wrapped up in their own wealth, boasting for any and all who would listen.*

They have run me to ground, wearing me out completely to aid them in their attack. Look at them, they are like young, crouching lions waiting to attack .... prepared to pounce on me for the kill.

Rise up, Lord, and destroy their plans to attack. Humble them with Your sword - the powerful words from Your lips, as You deliver me from their hands.

Thoughts:

*Verse 10 in the King James Version of the Bible reads,"They are enclosed in their own fat:with their mouth they speak proudly."

This verse didn’t mean much to me, so I did a bit of research. I used the Strong’s Concordance to do a word by word, phrase by phrase study to find a clear meaning. I also looked into the cultural thoughts of the day to know the thoughts of people of that time period in regards to weight. Below is what I learned:

Strong’s Definitions:

• ·        They are enclosed = cagar (saw-gar’) – to shut up; figuratively, to surrender: close up, deliver up, give over to, enclose, X pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, X straightly.
• ·        In their own fat = cheleb (kheh-lev) – to be fat; fat, whether literal or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part: -- X best, fat(-ness), X finest, grease, marrow.
• ·        With their mouth = peh – the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figuratively (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to: --accord(-ing, as, -ing to), after appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), X eat, edge, end, entry, file, hole, X in mind, mouth, part, portion, X (should), say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, X spoken, talk, tenor, X to, two-edged, wish, word.
• ·        They speak = dâbar (daw-bar) – perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue: -answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, X well, X well, X work.
• ·        Proudly = gê’ûwth (gay-ooth’) – excellent thingfs, lifting up, majesty, pride, proudly, raging.

Point by point, stepping through the definitions I found these phrases can be written as follows:

• They are enclosed = They are closed, shut up, they are delivered, they are repair(-ing, -ed), they are all bound up in, they are enclosed … 
• In their own fat = in their own overweight condition, because of their riches, their vast finery, their wealth … 
• With their mouth = blowing with their mouth, (speaking) out of the side of the mouth … 
• They speak = they talk, they give a speech, they speak … 
• Proudly = exalting, giving majesty, with great pride, proudly …

After reading through these definitions, I looked into the culture. I found that in this time, just like our earlier western cultures, those with wealth could afford to eat more and more often. They wore their wealth proudly in their weight as well as their jewelry and decor. The bigger the body, the more opulent the jewelry, the bigger the bank account, so to speak. Yes, fat was considered beautiful, at least to the affluent.

Because of the above definitions and the thoughts of the day on wealth and beauty, I came to rewrite the passage as:

“Look at how selfish they are! They are all wrapped up in their own wealth, boasting for any and all who would listen.”

So when you are reading from God’s word and get “stuck in translation,” you can find the meaning by using the free study tools that you can find online at blueletterbible.org. There are a variety of useful tools, including the Strong’s Concordance that I used here.

I hope that I have brought you some clarity in your bible reading. Until next time …

Be Blessed!

Psalm Thirteen and some thoughts on David's version

Intro:

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

Lord, how long will You forget all about me? How long will You turn Your face away from me? How long will You leave me alone with my own thoughts as my guide? How long will I be fulled with grief deep in my soul? How long will You allow my enemies to rule over me? How long, Lord? How Long?

Listen to me, oh Lord, and consider what I have to say. Then fill my soul with the wisdom I need to give me insight that will keep me safe from death at the hands of my enemies. This will keep them from spewing his lies ... from saying, "See, I beat her at her own game." This will keep them from rejoicing over my perils .... gloating over my calamities.

I trust You, Lord. I trust in Your mercy. I rejoice in Your Salvation. And I will ever sing to You the praises You have filled my heart and soul with, for You and blessed me exceedingly. You have given me that "abundant life" You spoke of to the first disciples You trained.

Thoughts:

As I read through this Psalm, I saw David as throwing a great pity party, so let's see how that goes:

Boo who! God is sooo far away. Why has He placed me in such isolation while my enemies are on the loose? How long will I have only my dark thoughts of fear and dread to guide me? Forever?

Listen to me, God! Now ... Before I Die!*

(*This kind and of reminds me of when my kids would argue, then come crying to me for help. I always told them they would have to work it out for themselves.)

"Hear me before my enemies laugh as they are conquering me."

(Here I see David getting a glimpse of Truth once again. So he starts to refocus his thoughts on the Lord rightly.)

"I have always trusted You, for You alone are worthy of my trust. I know that Your mercy prevails and that I will rejoice in Your Salvation evermore. Then I will sing allowed once more. I will lift my voice in songs of praise to You; for You have always dealt with exceeding grace and bountiful mercy toward me.

Thank You, Lord for all of Your wondrous Love and Mercy!

Amen

Psalm Eleven

Intro: 

For the Chief Musician or Choir Director. A Psalm of David

Jesus is my protective defense system, in Him alone do I place my full trust; for He is worthy ... His ways unbeaten!

I see my enemies preparing for the coming battle, his evil troops load up their rifles, mortars and grenade launchers in readiness. They will be ready to attack when night falls. When darkness looms they can shoot at the righteous, picking off the warriors of the Lord in secret. Hidden in the shadows they try to destroy us.

So how can you tell me to run away and hide? It was for this very battle that He has been preparing me.

See now the Lord is in His tabernacles; His very dwelling places. He sits upon His heavenly throne within the hearts of His warriors! I see Him watching over the children of men, the movements of His eyelids tries them, testing them for their upcoming conflicts, strengthening and preparing them. He proves all of our abilities to obey.

But upon the wicked, the evildoers ... all of the unbelievers of the world, He rains down judgment; He pummels them with fiery coals and burning rocks, all the while He is setting traps for their feet and arms to snare them while allowing the burning winds to scorch them in the process. And all of this is their reward for their thoughts, words and deeds, it is the very portion that He has filled each of their cups with.

For my God is True and Total Righteousness. He loves and blesses the righteous acts of His Children. And all of His Children, the precious Children of God, have the privilege of seeing His face as He holds them .... holds us ....  securely in His arms.

And I am Blessed to be counted among His Children!

Lord, I give you all thanksgiving and praise for ALL of Your Marvelous Ways!

Psalm Ten

Lord, why do you seem so far away? Why do you seem removed from my presence, so distant from me? Why do You hide Yourself, closing Your eyes when I am in dire straights ... in desperate trouble?

The wicked in their arrogant pride savagely chase after the poor to persecute them; may they be caught in the evil they have designed to the hurt of others. For they boast and brag of their wicked ways; they sing praises of the evil exploits they desire to do. Yes, the greedy in nature and desire despise You, Lord; they renounce all Your ways.

In their prideful conceit they will not seek after God, nor will they inquire after Him at all: for their minds have already concluded that God doesn't exist, so how can He punish their wrong doings? In all of this they are persistent and seem prosperous. Though Your commandments and accompanying judgments are beyond their comprehension, they have rejected them all. They taunt their enemies, all the while thinking to themselves, "Nothing and No One can harm me ... Nothing can shake my resolve!

Their mouths spews forth lies and curses, oppression and destruction, yet still they are filled with sinfulness and persecution.

They wait in dark alleys to strike at unsuspecting passersby. They hide in doorways to kill the innocent, watching sneakily for the helpless and less fortunate ... dragging them into their traps, crushing them as sink into its destruction; and all they while they think deep in their heart, "God has totally forgotten all about me! His eyes are closed tight, He can't see what I'm up too!"

 "Oh Lord, Open Your eyes, lift up your hands to protect the humble and do not forget them."

Why do the wicked try to deny Your existence? Why do they believe they will not be held accountable for what they have done? I know that you have seen it! Yes, You jot down notes of Your grief and hints of Your coming wrath.

Yet they that have been maligned and persecuted commit their ways to You. For You are the One who helps the fatherless, widows and orphans. You will always defend their cause.

So break the arms of the evil and depraved, make him pay for all the wrongs they have done! Expose them and their activities for all to see. Then will the innocent masses disappear from their sights, they will be unreachable to them forevermore. And all will know that You, Oh Lord, are King of Kings and Lord of Lords, forevermore.

For You, oh Lord, hear the cries of the oppressed, seeking righteousness for their cause. You feel their longings, their very hearts' desires, listening intently to their every word ...

So avenge them, my Lord; seek justice and righteous judgment for them, my God. Then will all men know that You are in charge and will not cause terror unjustly or without cause.

Amen!

Psalm Eight - Twice!

Intro:

To the Chief Musician; set to a Philistine lute, possibly to the melody of a particular Hittite tune. A Psalm of David.

Oh Lord, my Lord, how majestic, how totally awesome and out of this world, is Your name in all of the known universe!

You have show us Your glory everywhere, even in the very clouds. From the very praise of the children, of toddlers and infants, You have built a fortress against your enemies ... to silence all who have aught against You. When I think about the heavens that You have created, the very works of your fingertips. The moon and stars that you set into place ... what is mankind that they would even enter Your thoughts; the lowly human beings that You would actually care for them?

You made them a little lower in status than your messenger spirits (angels/pastors) and have crowned them (us) with Your glory and honor. You made us rulers over all that You have made; told us to take dominion over everything on earth that Your hands had created. All flocks and herds and wild animals roaming the earth and creatures that fly through the skies ... and everything that teems throughout the oceans and seas.

Oh Lord, my Lord, how majestic, how totally awesome and out of this world, is Your name in all of the known universe!

My Thoughts:

Easter Sunday, March 28, 2016, in our Easter Celebration the Holy Spirit spoke to us. He said that we don't see ourselves as He sees us. We don't know our true identity, our real position, within Him and His Kingdom. And here in this Psalm He tells us once more.

This is an area that I have been struggling with my position in Him, who I really am.  So Here are a few thoughts that I have on this subject.

I see this as a Psalm - a song - of Praise and Worship that David sang in his private times of worship. A shout of joy after their victory over the Philistines. The intro leads me to believe that spoofing one of their war ditties as an act of worship to the Lord. Singing it in reverent fear and honor of His King.

I also see David as remember His own position - and by extension, ours - in the Lord. 

So I think that I will follow David's example:

Psalm 8 - Again

Oh Lord, my Lord, how totally awesome You are! Your very name is more majestic than any other. It's divine interpretation is more wonderful than any human can comprehend.

From the mouths of mere children spew forth tales of Your strength; exploits of Your victories over all Your enemies. You have silenced them ALL.

When I look over all that You have done, When I deeply ponder Your marvelous creation, my breath is taken away; Your glorious heavens and all their intricate details, I am taken totally aback.

So what is mankind, that You thoughtfully consider their existence? What is humanity, that You lovingly care for them?

For You created them (us) in Your very likeness, yet not exact copies of Yourself. You have made us just lower in rank than the heavenly beings You made; a little lower in standing than Your holy angels.

And You gave us dominion over the rest of Your creation; over fish and fowl, beasts and dragons, everything that walks on four feet and two, that fly and/or has the breath of life within them ... including Satan and his evil minions.

I thank and praise You for my position in Your Kingdom, Your Family, and Your Army!

Oh Lord, my Lord, how totally awesome You are! 

Psalm Six - Another View

I see David here as being full of grief. David is begging God not to discipline him while He is angry. As I read through David's prayer, I see that he is in great despair. Thoughts of his flight from Jerusalem with his family and his army. Running in fear of his life from his own son, Absalom. How horrendous it must have been for this warrior king, fleeing in abject fear from own to whom he gave birth.

Desperate for relief from God, David pours out his heart, heavy with a growing agony, with many tears. So many that he has turned his mattress into a deep, dark pool; deep enough that one could swim in it. His eyes are red-rimmed and swollen from all of his cries. So many tears that David is finding it difficult to see; his sight dimmed by the tears to the point that his sight is as dark as his heart feels.

In his grief, David screams at those who have haunted his heart; all of his enemies who are seeking to harm him. As he confronts them there on his bed, David remembers that it is God is listening, He has heard the cries of David's heart. And David also remembers that God rebukes his fears, demanding that all of his enemies turn aside and become ashamed at their exploits against him; and that very quickly.

I see so much of humanity, of myself, in David's prayer. We all have the same doubts and fears. Conversely, we also have the same Lord. So I say with Job and a popular hymn, 'I know that my redeemer lives' ... and He is able to keep that which I - and you - have committed unto Him ... until the day that He comes again on that day; 'The Day of His Glorious Appearing,' when He returns to claim His own and dwell with us for eternity.

Amen!

Psalm Six

Oh Lord, don't punish me in your fierce anger, or discipline me while you are so terribly displeased. Show me  Your tender mercy, for I am weak. Father, heal me, for I am troubled to the bone, to the very core of my being; how long must I wait patiently? -- How Long!

Come and deliver me now, Lord! Save me because of Your great mercy. For if I die, who will remember you? When we are put in the ground, who will Give You thanks?

Oh Lord, how weary I am from my moaning. All night long I water my bed with my tears, making it into a swimming pool. My eyes grow dim because of all my grief; they go blind because of the terror my enemies instill in me by their many attacks.

All who are evil in though and deed, leave me NOW! For my GOD has heard my cries in the night. He listens when I pour out my heart in intercession with great sorrow and weeping, and He has received my many prayers. He will make all of my enemies ashamed. He will give them the trouble that they deserve. So much so that they will turn away suddenly, filled with shame at their words and deeds.

And I will give Him ALL Praise!

Amen!

Psalm Five - Another Viewpoint

David has come before the Lord, as was his usual custom, for his time of morning prayer. I believe this was his custom as this is a very intimate conversation between the king of Israel and the King and Creator of all. But much more than a simple chat between close friends.

David started by asking the Lord to listen to his cries, yet he also states to Him that he will stand watch, patiently waiting on the Lord to give His answers. David actually expects God to hear and answer, for He has done just that many times in the past.

David also knows that evil men and women have no place in the Lord. They can't even stay in His presence, for He will destroy them in the end. Yet, David also knows that he has a position in the Lord's Kingdom, His plan, His presence. And he is at home in that knowledge and in God's presence. In His presence David offers his sacrifices of praise and times of worship.

While in God's presence he seeks His face - His guidance and direction - His protection from all his enemies and punishment for those who would harm him.

At the close of David's talk with the Lord, he proclaims joy, refuge, and protection for all who trust in the Lord; because He is the Lord of all and worthy of our trust. God has blessed, is blessing and will continue to bless ALL who are His.

I stand with David. I know that my redeemer lives. And that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him throughout all eternity.

I know that He is faithful to hear and answer all of my prayers ... all of the cries of my heart.

I know that He will reward ALL for their thoughts and actions - whether they are for Him or against Him. Those who choose to live outside His will, WILL perish into eternal damnation ... eternal separation from Him.

And those who choose to follow Him will be rewarded for their acts of faithfulness with life eternally in His presence.

SO ... I CHOOSE to serve HIM. To live as He would have me to. To worship Him daily, without ceasing. To Share my heart and my mind in my prayers and with my actions!

Amen!

Psalm Five

Intro:

To the Chief Musician; 
To be played on wind instruments. 
A Psalm of David.

Lord, please listen to what I have to say. Think about the things that dwell in my mind. Listen to the very cries of my heart oh King! For I will always lift my prayers to You. Early in the morning, as I lay waking up, I will focus my thoughts and share them with You.Yes Lord, I will speak them out so that we can both hear them, all while I am looking up to view Your face.

For I know You Lord. You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil. Nor will You allow evil to dwell in Your sight. I know there are boastful people who would brag of their exploits. But You do not allow them a speck of ground within Your presence on which to stand. I know that You hate all that practice evil in their hearts and minds. You destroy those who speak lies and abhor all who seek to shed blood and those who are filled with deceit.

But I choose to come into Your mercy filled house. In truth of heart, reverent fear, respect and honor I will worship You in Your holy Temple .... deep within my heart. Lead me in Your righteousness - Standing a right in Your presence - because of my enemies, those who would seek to harm me in word or deed. Make Your path plain before me, that I may walk see You clearly. 

You know that there is no faithfulness in their mouths; their innermost beings are pure destruction. Their throats spew forth meaningless compliments and their lips with vile flattery, as an open grave wafts the fumes of rotting, decaying flesh.

So pronounce them guilty already, Lord. Allow them to know the failure of their plans and fall by their own evil counsel. Then cast them of Your presence for the great pile of their sin, their very rebellion against You.

But oh the joy of those who have trusted in You completely. They will shout in the streets of how they love You, for You have defended and protected them. And in their joy You will bless them with Your favor and continuously surround them with the Shield of Your righteousness and peace.

Psalm Four

Intro:

To the Chief Musician; 
To be played on stringed instruments. 
A Psalm of David

Standing before the Lord I cry with David; God, can I have some relief here? I know that You are able, for there have been many times that I was trapped and You freed me.

Oh you sons of men, how long will you seek to dishonor me. How long will you search for lies when the truth is right in front of you? You know that the Lord has separated those who walk uprightly from all of the rest. He has placed them in a class by themselves. He listens when I call and He answers me.

So, sons of men, it is OK to be angry, but do not sin in the process. Speak to yourselves within, silently dwell on your inner most thoughts and your own intentions.

Offer to God the proper and correct sacrifices AND for the right reasons. And confidently lean on the Lord, trusting completely in Him.

Lord, I know that there have been many that have asked You to smile on them so that they can see Your goodness all around them. But I love how You treat me. For You have placed Your pure joy and true merriment in my heart than they will ever know. More even than their wheat fields and vineyards have yielded - even in bumper crop years.

Yes my Lord, You fill me with Your great peace, so that I can lay down to rest confident that I am completely safe, and assured that I can trust You wholeheartedly. For You are my King and My God.