Psalm 102-104

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Reading these Psalms I feel so spoiled.  Are you struggling with the Quarantine?  I am.  I have 3 kids, one has a broken back so I am with her 24/7, a daughter that sleeps till noon, and a son that leaves every plate and cup in his bedroom.  No matter how much I pick up my house by the end of the day it is worse than when it started.  My husband works from home so…well let’s just say there is a reason we have asked each other “Is your life insurance paid up” this week!   As I sit here in my comfy house, with food, no one trying to kill me, running water, and technology I read the first Psalm and tried to picture David.  He DIDN’T ASK to be King.  He had to leave his family, his wife, his home, his best friend is dead, he is living in caves, his enemies are trying to kill him, his own tribe is trying to kill him….he has a lot on his plate.  His quarantine and my quarantine are very different.  And yet David writes:

Psalm 102:

In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,
    and the heavens are the work of your hands.
 They will perish, but you remain;
    they will all wear out like a garment.
Like clothing you will change them
    and they will be discarded.
 But you remain the same,
    and your years will never end.
 The children of your servants will live in your presence;
    their descendants will be established before you.”

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Psalm 103-I hung on every word: In Comments I want you to write the ONE verse that you loved the most.  Maybe it is from a song or is it is familiar, or maybe it was a verse you have never read before but loved.  You don’t have to use your real name if you are shy.  Please!!!

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Psalm 104- I don’t know how geologist studies the earth and not see God.  How can the details just happen??  Psalm 104 is the Creation Psalm

Verses 1-2=Day 1

Verses 2-3=Day 2

Verses 6-18=Day 3

Verses 19-23=Day 4

Verses 25-26=Day 5

Verse 21-30=Day 6

 

1 Chronicles 7-10

YOU DID IT!  You crossed the finish line of a 9 chapter genealogy!

If I told you 119 days ago that you would do that and “get most it”, you would have said “Nope”.  And we did it!!

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Chapter 7: I know this is hard and I would be lying if I didn’t say I just looked for names I recognized (there were more than I thought).  When the Israelites return from captivity this genealogy is the RECORD that they will use to prove they are a descendant of Abraham.  Super important! So we finish with Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. (Did anyone notice we were missing 2 tribes)  The one to really notice is Dan!  OUCH.  He is also missing in Revelation.   (recall…)

If the Captivity confused you here is a quick look ahead:

• They are IN the land.
• God told them what to do when they go there.
• They DID NOT LISTEN
• God will send Prophet after Prophet warning them to repent and follow God
• They don’t
• God says “I put you in that land-I can take you out of that land”
• HE DOES!!!  He HANDS THEM OVER TO THEIR ENEMIES-they are Captive.  The Captivity.
• When they are released, the temple is a pile of rubble so most scatter to greener pastures…only a REMNANT return.

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Chapter 8 The Benjaminites-Benjamins’ genealogy is related to the fact that is the descendants of Judah and Benjamin will form the core of the Remnant that returns.  (When we divide the Monarchy, Judah and Benjamin will be one side and 10 tribes will be the other so this makes sense)

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Chapter 9 Ezra the Author of this book,  writes about the Remnant of Israelites that will return after the captivity to rebuild the Temple (What do you mean to rebuild it…how does it get destroyed??….I guess you are going to have to keep reading to find out!)  So chapter 9 is the “Restoration Community”.

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Chapter 10- FINALLY!!!

We get back to History and as we begin the transition to the DAVIDIC MONARCHY.  As much as we love David, like EVERY person we have read about in the Bible that God has chosen for His Purposes he will be far from perfect.  The ONLY government that would be perfect is a THEOCRACY (under 1 God)- and the people said: “Yeah, that ain’t working for us…we want a king like our enemies have”.  So God gave them what they asked for….Saul.

We end today with a recap of where we left off last week, but the Chronicler told i from God’s point of view.   So if I asked you “Who killed Saul”? Some might say:

1. The Philistines
2. His Arm bearer
3. His Own wishes (Himself)
4. The Amalekite who brought the crown to David (remember that!)

But as we read the Psalms the one thing we hear over and over is GOD is in control.  David TRULY believed that.  Do we??

After 14 years of running for his life and countless of opportunities to kill Saul (and I am sure could rationalize his actions to his friends), HE TRUSTED GOD….for 14 years!!!

¹³ Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, ¹⁴ and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

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If you want to get ahead at all in your reading:

Apr 30: Ps 102-104
May 1: 2Sam 5:1-10; 1Chron 11-12

Psalms 81, 88, 92-93

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  • Psalm 81
  • Psalm 88
  • Psalm 92-93

Good Morning.  The reading is short today.  Many of you like visuals…this is my view RIGHT NOW!!  Most of you don’t know me, so you might have this vision of me looking all serious and scholarly when I read…um no!   Meet Gracie.  So if I have had a lot of typos this past month…it’s her!

 

 

Psalm 81-

¹¹ “But my people would not listen to me;
    Israel would not submit to me.
¹² So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts
    to follow their own devices.

Scripture is TIMELESS!

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Psalm 88-I know many of us reading this have been through some HARD times.  This is a unique Psalm that it does not end in hope, but in darkness.  It is OK, that when you are in your deepest pit you can take it to: verse 1 “The Lord who saves”.  If you are going to pour out your misery, He is there.

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Psalm 92- My prayer life has been like the Psalms at times…coming to Him in desperation.  However, Psalm 92 is a Psalm of just thankfulness.   It is very beautiful to read once through and then read it again 1:1 to the Lord.

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Psalm 93- Have you ever been at the beach and knocked down by a wave, that feeling of it overpowering you.  That is the smallest of God’s mighty strength.  Submit an emotion today to God that you need HIs mighty hand on to conquer it.  He can.

1 Chronicles 6

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At the center of the genealogies, we come to Levi.  Quick recap: There are 12 tribes of Israel (from the 12 sons of Jacob).  Levi gets carved out as a Priesthood to care for the Tabernacle (leaving 11).  Joseph’s line gets split in 2 (Ephraim and Manasseh) so that brings us back to 12.

So here is a recap visual of our tabernacle:

Let’s go way back to the Burning Bush.  Remember Moses said I cannot do what you are asking me to do!! I am slow at speech.  (As if God didn’t know!! Ha).  God put Moses’ brother Aaron on the job with him.  Moses had 1 brother and 1 Sister:

 

Chapter 6 starts with the above

6 The sons of Levi:

Gershon, Kohath and Merari.

² The sons of Kohath:

Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.

³ The children of Amram:

Aaron, Moses and Miriam.

Aaron (regardless of the countless crazy mistakes he makes) receives the privilege of the High Priest.  ALL High Priests come from the line of Aaron.  Wait!  Flag on the field!   All High Priests are SUPPOSED to come from Aaron.  Well, If the author of this book is Ezra, what Ezra does not know is that by the time Jesus is born, the High Priest position has become a “political” position and corrupt!  They are not even from the correct tribe! Oh my!

If you have an interest in following the entire priestly genealogy I keep a copy in the Handouts section. (or click here)  You will see the line ends with the captivity:

Verse 15: Jozadak was deported when the Lord sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

Then we read about the other 2 sons: Gershon and Merari (see above under Levi also)

Then we read the Temple Musicians.

Verse 31:These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the Lord after the ark came to rest there. ³² They ministered with music before the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, until Solomon built the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. They performed their duties according to the regulations laid down for them.

We see that David (a musician himself) put together a worship team at the tabernacle and then they moved to the Temple that Solomon builds in Jerusalem.  Wait, Solomon?  David does not build the temple??  No, he is not allowed!  If you don’t know why….you will have to keep reading!

These verses layout the vision for cooperation among the Levites in the worship at the Tempe (soon to come).  Of course, I put a heart next to Asaph after reading yesterday’s Psalms!!

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Atonement: (covering sin)

⁴⁸ Their fellow Levites were assigned to all the other duties of the tabernacle, the house of God. ⁴⁹ But Aaron and his descendants were the ones who presented offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense in connection with all that was done in the Most Holy Place, making atonement for Israel, in accordance with all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

Only the High Priests entered the Most Holy Place, once a year to make an Annual Atonement for the sins of the nation.  The Most Holy Place was behind the curtain, where the Ark sat with God’s presence.

Finally, we have an account of their settlements (since they were not given a territory), they were placed in specific locations BY GOD, so that everyone would have the ability to bring their sacrifices to the Lord regardless of where they lived,

 

Psalm 73, 77, 78

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  • Psalm 73
  • Psalm 77-78

Sorry so late, the front of my face is one big sinus headache!

Psalm 73:

Asaph was a choir leader for David.  This Psalm is REAL!! I have the song “Only the good die young” by BIlly Joel in my head.

If you are a Christian and have never felt like the first half of this Psalm at least ONCE in your life…I would struggle to believe you.  Why does the most faithful Christan struggle yet, we watch the lost prosper???  But then we get to 16:

¹⁵ If I had spoken out like that,
I would have betrayed your children.
¹⁶ When I tried to understand all this,
it troubled me deeply
¹⁷ till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.

Why do I look at the prosperity of others with questions or jealousy (I still do, even as a Christian) when I can confidently say:

²³ Yet I am always with you;
    you hold me by my right hand.
²⁴ You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will take me into glory.
²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever.

²⁷ Those who are far from you will perish;
    you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
²⁸ But as for me, it is good to be near God.
    I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
    I will tell of all your deeds.

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Psalm 77

I am digging Asaph!  He says it like it is.  Asaph’s struggle was: DOUBT.  Oh that’s a BIG one for many of us.  Think of something really difficult, pray about it, and then see what you say to yourself when you finish- the  Here, I will go first…

Dear Lord,

My dad is getting very old.  He makes no claims to be being a Christian, he actually says horrible things about my Christianity, and I know when he dies he will not go to heaven.  PLEASE give him a reason to see you and know you before it is too late”.  I know all things are possible through you.  Love, Patricia.

“Umm, that ain’t happening”

See!  Doubt!!  When I do that I am saying “His lack of faith and desire to be a Christian is stronger than God”.    I have doubt, and just wrap it up in a bow by saying “Just keeping it real”.

BUT starting in verse 11 reminds me: remember the miracles, who is greater than God?  Clearly, if he can handle the parting of the Red Sea….he can handle the small things like us.

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Psalm 78- Oh stars it is is so good.  At first, I was like “Oh this is so long” but honestly when I turned the last page I was sad it was over!  I wanted to find out how it was going to end!! LOL

I hope as you read it at least 1/3 of this Psalm was:  “Oh, I know what the Psalmist is referring to!”.  Isn’t that crazy cool now.

Connecting this Psalm to the Chronicles starts at verse 65.  Remember, the purpose of the Chronicler is the line of David to the Messiah. BUT don’t miss out on verse 71.  David is not elevated as a king…he is described as a SERVANT.

⁶⁵ Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
    as a warrior wakes from the stupor of wine.
⁶⁶ He beat back his enemies;
    he put them to everlasting shame.
⁶⁷ Then he rejected the tents of Joseph,
    he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim;
⁶⁸ but he chose the tribe of Judah,
    Mount Zion, which he loved.
⁶⁹ He built his sanctuary like the heights,
    like the earth that he established forever.
⁷⁰ He chose David his servant
    and took him from the sheep pens;
⁷¹ from tending the sheep he brought him
    to be the shepherd of his people Jacob,
    of Israel his inheritance.
⁷² And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
    with skillful hands he led them.

 

1 Chronicles 3-5

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For chapters 1 and 2:  I posted genealogies and I am not sure anyone liked them as much as me. So the only one that I need you to look at today is this one, it is the whole purpose of the chronicles.  David….to Jesus.  If you did not print it, click here.

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If the focus of this book is DAVID as the Covenant line that will bring the Messiah, look at the top—Jesse.  Does Jesse ring a bell?  Kind of? (It is ok to say NO, we are taking in SO MUCH INFORMATION THIS YEAR).  You can find him on many of the handouts so far, but here is the cool answer: Remember back in Genesis Judah went and slept with what he thought was a town prostitute (it was really his widowed daughter in law) and did not have any money so he gave her the “Scarlet Cord”.  At the time I talked about following that scarlet cord to Jesus…so in today’s read we begin with the Sons of David, but it is important to see verse 9,  TAMAR (a female) is mentioned!

So back to the David Visual: we looked at Jesse (top)- now follow the line to REHOBOAM-Solomon’s son and then his son ABIJAH.  Look at the list of kings below.  You don’t have to understand this just yet BUT YOU WILL!  So cool. (no need to print it, I have better ones when we get there) From what we read in 2 Samuel so far the Nation as a whole is a hot mess and they are fighting each other even though we are a Monarchy (starting with Saul).  They are going to divide, kind of like the United States did in 1861 (but sadly, not both sides will survive the split).

The RIGHT side should match starting in verse 10-16 today.  We have not read Kings yet, BUT I bet you can guess which kingdom does not survive the split (the one without the Covenant).

 

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Suddenly we have Jabez and his prayer:

YOUR HOMEWORK IS TO RESEARCH IT AND WRITE ME A COMMENT ON IT!!!  

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There are other names in the Judah clan you might recognize such as verse 13: Othniel, the first Judge and verse 15 Caleb (the spy).

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In chapter 4 it is not surprising we find a short genealogy of Simeon.  Simeon wasn’t supposed to receive land (from when he avenged Dinah’s death with the massacre at the circumcision. But Judah let them have some of theirs. Look familiar?

But in Judges, Simeon cooperated with Judah so they sort of became one tribe for a while.

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Chapter 5: Look at the map above again.  We now read about the 2 1/2 tribes on the east side of the Jordan River “Transjordan Tribes”. Reuben, Gad and 1/2 of Manasseh all have genealogies but statements about their failures and victories.

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Don’t forget your Jabaz assignment!

Psalm 43, 44, 45, 49, 84, 85, 87

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  • Psalm 43-45
  • Psalm 49
  • Psalm 84-85
  • Psalm 87

 

1 Chonicles 1-2

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Let’s begin!!

Verse 1-3- These are straight from Genesis 5.  Read down the right side for the Hebrew meaning.

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THEN…The flood

Verse 4- Noah’s 3 Sons

• Japheth- Gentiles (Me and You)
• Ham- (Pig)- Cursed Nation  (Enemies)
• Shem-“S”-Salvation- Adam to Jesus

Genesis chapter 9 happened-remember Ham was the brother that disrespected Noah when he was drunk and naked- so his family line becomes the cursed nation

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verse 17- Of the three sons, the one the Chronicler will focus on is Shem.  This family line will continue all the way to Mary and the birth of Christ.

 

Red Circle: Joktan’s genealogy that is known in the Bible before “the earth was divided”- The scattering after the tower of Babel occured.

Blue Circle: Peleg’s genealogy that is known in the Bible which continues down to the time of Christ

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Verse 28: The Family of Abraham

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V:35 Esau’s sons (see above)

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V:38The people of Seir (before they were called Edomites, their pre-name was Seir)

V:43 The Rulers of Edom:  So why are we talking about the ENEMIES of the Israelites.-Th Edomites.

Well, first we need to know who they are…and who they are not!

• The Edomites are the family line of Abraham right? BUT are they in the family line of David?  No.  He might be Abraham’s grandson but Jacob stole the Covenant line.  These were the kings that ruled when the Israelites whined…”we want a king like the other people do” in Judges.  This was who they took their example from??

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Chapter 2- Israel’s Sons. (Jacob’s Sons)

Do we start with SON #1 Reuben? NO- He slept with Dad’s Concubine!

Do we start with SON #2 Simeon? NO- He and his brother Levi told the Shechamites to get circumcised so they can marry into their family and then killed them all while they were healing to avenge the rape of their sister.

Do we start with SON #3 Levi? NO- Because of the above reason BUT they did redeem themselves at the golden calf debacle so they get to be the Priesthood

Do we start with SON #4 Judah? YES!  Judah will be the one who gets the blessing of the Covenant!

(By the way, if we were together in person you would be laughing your butt off at me….I would be drawing and circling names all over the place….”Remember Onan….the pull and pray contraception guy”.  HOT MESS I AM!  Maybe we should ZOOM this lesson!!!  Oh the Humanity!!!)

Also…If you really are reading these (I bet my husband just says he is… you should recognize things like JOAB right above this and the brothers..we just read about this! (the translation on the above visual ‘Chelubai”=”Caleb”.

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So overall, the big question is can you look at the picture below and explain it?  NOT every detail, but in general.

 

 

Chronicles Overview for tomorrow

We just started 2 Samuel but we are going to read the Chronicles along with it (just like we will stay in the Psalms).  It all fits together.  The other day someone texted me “Who wrote 2 Samuel?”  I texted back “God”.  Not sure he found me as funny as I find myself. 😂  So to answer who wrote Chronicles, many people say Ezra.  The chronicles are a range of records and sources pulled together for historical purposes.  For Geeks like me, it is a dream to read! A chronicler compiles this information and writes a book less about what is actually happening but more about the meaning of the events.  God’s interpretation.  Not interpretation as we think of it today,  like a point of view.  All of the Bible is approved by God.

  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16)

The Chronicles,  like the Samuels,  were one continuous book, but Greek translators divided it.  Originally called Dibre Hayyamin meaning “Events of the Days”.  The theme of the book revolves around Covenant.  Did the Israelites still fit into God’s Plan?  Times were difficult and dark.  Could our Messiah come from the Line of David? 

The Chronicles will talk about true worship and true kingship in the line of David.  The chronicler actually wrote:

• 1 Chronicles
• 2 Chronicles
•  Ezra
• Nehemiah

1 Chronicles is the history of the Jewish Nation.

2 Chronicles is a book of great revival.

1 Chronicles is not a book you will hear many people reading casually or even studying.  However, it is a book of great importance.  The first 9 Chapters is an extensive genealogy!  Yes, you read that correctly.  If you have been reading since January you are going to be filled with joy when you read it and actually understand it!!  If you have jumped in late I promise to make this as painless as possible with lots of great visuals.

These genealogies will give us an overview of God’s work from creation to the return after the Babylonian captivity. If you don’t know what the captivity is…you will have to keep reading….😜. The Hebrews (that term will change to Jews after the captivity) place great importance on their heritage because they needed to prove they were a descendant from Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation.

So tomorrow we will begin with chapters 1 and 2 of 1 Chronicles.  If you want to take a peek at them you can.  I really hope you see chapters like this are readable, where maybe in the past you were like “who in the world understands this stuff??”.  YOU DO NOW!

I will keep the “hand out” section current so you can find visuals easy if you want to refer back to them.

 

 

Psalm 6,7,8,10,14,16,19,21

If you can, go outside to read these. Especially Psalm 19.

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Click here to listen to:

• Psalm 6
• Psalm 7
• Psalm 8
• Psalm 10
• Psalm 14
• Psalm 16
• Psalm 19
• Psalm 21

Psalm 6- a Penitential Psalm

The other day we read Psalm 130.  It stuck out in my head because it was the Psalm that talked about The Lord not keeping record of my sins (like my husband does so that he can bring them up all the time….Oh this Quarantine is gonna kill one of us).  I liked it so much I did a little more research about it.  What I found is there are 7 Psalms that are called “Penitential”.  If any of you grew up catholic is might sound familiar.  During Lent, these Psalms would be recited as a way for us to recognize and repent of our sin.  Go back and read 130 if you want but as you read Psalm 6, think about your view of sin.  How easy we rationalize it or dismiss it!   Psalm 6 is a better example of how we should bring our confession to the Lord. We will read the other 5 as David begins to fail. (I will point them out as we go)

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Psalm 7- A Shiggaion.

We talked about this the other day, it means to say with intense feeling, wild, strong lament.

I could have used this a few times this year!  Have you ever been falsely accused?  I was recently.  There was a ‘minor’ hearing over it with my admin and I went back to my classroom and my boss came in 10 minutes later.  I was crying so hard I could not breathe.  He asked me why I was crying, (Obviously he is a man because a woman wouldn’t have to ask😆 ).  I told him, it was one thing to be brought in front of people for something you did (and I do a lot of stupid things), BUT when the story is 100% fabrication that is a totally different emotion.

Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness,
    according to my integrity, O Most High.
⁹ Bring to an end the violence of the wicked
    and make the righteous secure—
you, the righteous God
    who probes minds and hearts.

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Psalm 8- oh my stars…Go outside and look around! (Gay, if you are still reading I am thinking of you on your farm) He has made every!! Read this:

When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?

This Psalm is quoted both in 1 Cor. 15:27 and Hebrews 2:6

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Psalm 10  How often do you think why do bad things happen to good people…as you watch bad people prosper!

Sometimes it is just hard to think God is hidden at times….but He is not!n Oh the ending is so good.

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Psalm 14– Here is your test for comprehension…Read Verse 7…does it make sense now? (If is doesn’t let me know).

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Psalm 16- A Miktam!!  In my eyes, this is the opposite of a Shiggoin.  Miktam means to cover your lips.  This is a silent personal prayer. Try it!!

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Psalm 19– Doing this read-through is a commitment.  It shouldn’t be hard to carve out time for this, but for humans (all of us) we don’t always make it a priority.  My hope is that you have fallen in love with God’s Word more than ever.  I hope that when you read verse 10 it rings true for all of us, even me, who struggles with Psalms.  His words are:

They are more precious than gold,
    than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
    than honey from the honeycomb.

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Psalm 21– David remembered the speak to the Lord NOT just when he was struggling or needing help, but even after victory.  Oh, how I talk to God more when I need him than when things are going “good”.  I need to work on that!