The wicked conceive evil; they are pregnant with trouble and give birth to lies.They dig a deep pit to trap others, then fall into it themselves.The trouble they make for others backfires on them. The violence they plan falls on their own heads. (Psalm 7:14-16 NLT). David once cried out to God: "Search me, O God, and know my heart . . . see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way ...  Read More

Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.  . . . Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.Psalm 5:1-3; 12 There are points in time when we simply groan from the depths of our hear...  Read More

Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD.Many, LORD, are asking, "Who will bring us prosperity?"Let the light of your face shine on us.Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound.In peace I will lie down and sleep,For you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:4-8). This i...  Read More

LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him."But You, LORD, are a shield around me,My glory, the One who lifts my head high.I call out to the LORD, and He answers me from His Holy Mountain.I lie down and sleep; I awake again, because the LORD sustains me.I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.  . . .From the LO...  Read More

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,Or stand around with sinners, Or join with mockers.But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night.They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.Their leaves never wither and they prosper in all they do. (Psalm 1:1-3 NLT). God puts a priceless premium on His word. He told Joshua th...  Read More

Eli's sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the LORD. Now it was the practice of the priests that, whenever any of the people offered a sacrifice, the priest's servant would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand while the meat was being boiled and would plunge the fork into the pan or kettle or caldron or pot. Whatever the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. This is how ...  Read More