Zech 1:7–9 1:7 On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, the month Shebat, in Darius’ second year, the Lord’s message came to the prophet Zechariah, son of Berechiah son of Iddo: 8 I was attentive that night and saw a man seated on a red horse that stood among some myrtle trees in the ravine. Behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses. 9 Then I asked one nearby, “What are these, sir?” The angelic messenger who replied to me said, “I will show you what these are.” One thought: My messages come by phone or email, if I’m lucky I can even pay for Australia post to do my bidding. God has angels to do His. Three questions: ...

Zech 1:4–6 1:4 Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the former prophets called out, saying, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has said, “Turn now from your evil wickedness.”’ But they would by no means obey me,” says the Lord. 5 “As for your ancestors, where are they? And did the prophets live forever? 6 But have my words and statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, not outlived your fathers? Then they paid attention and confessed, ‘The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has indeed done what he said he would do to us, because of our sinful ways.’” One thought: One of the privileges of living at the time we do is that we can ...

Zech 1:1–3 1:1 In the eighth month of Darius’ second year, the Lord’s message came to the prophet Zechariah, son of Berechiah son of Iddo: 2 “The Lord was very angry with your ancestors. 3 Therefore say to the people: The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, ‘Turn to me,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, ‘and I will turn to you,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. One thought: We are reading history. This really happened. Three questions: Check out https://youtu.be/_106IfO6Kc0 to understand the book of Zechariah Do you fear God’s anger? Turn to God this morning in repentance and thanksgiving. Prayer: Praise God that He is the Lord who rules over all. Give thanks that He has brought you ...

Psalm 39 39:1 For the music director, Jeduthun; a psalm of David. I decided, “I will watch what I say and make sure I do not sin with my tongue. I will put a muzzle over my mouth while in the presence of an evil person.” 2 I was stone silent; I held back the urge to speak. My frustration grew; 3 my anxiety intensified. As I thought about it, I became impatient. Finally I spoke these words: 4 “O Lord, help me understand my mortality and the brevity of life. Let me realize how quickly my life will pass. 5 Look, you make my days short lived, and my life span is nothing from your perspective. Surely all people, ...

Psalm 38 38:1 A psalm of David, written to get God’s attention. O Lord, do not continue to rebuke me in your anger. Do not continue to punish me in your raging fury. 2 For your arrows pierce me, and your hand presses me down. 3 My whole body is sick because of your judgment; I am deprived of health because of my sin. 4 For my sins overwhelm me; like a heavy load, they are too much for me to bear. 5 My wounds are infected and starting to smell, because of my foolish sins. 6 I am dazed and completely humiliated; all day long I walk around mourning. 7 For I am overcome with shame, and my whole ...

Psalm 37 37:1 By David. Do not fret when wicked men seem to succeed. Do not envy evildoers. 2 For they will quickly dry up like grass, and wither away like plants. 3 Trust in the Lord and do what is right. Settle in the land and maintain your integrity. 4 Then you will take delight in the Lord, and he will answer your prayers. 5 Commit your future to the Lord. Trust in him, and he will act on your behalf. 6 He will vindicate you in broad daylight, and publicly defend your just cause. 7 Wait patiently for the Lord! Wait confidently for him! Do not fret over the apparent success of a sinner, a man who carries ...

Psalm 36 36:1 For the music director, an oracle, written by the Lord’s servant David. An evil man is rebellious to the core. He does not fear God, 2 for he is too proud to recognize and give up his sin. 3 The words he speaks are sinful and deceitful; he does not care about doing what is wise and right. 4 While he lies in bed he plans ways to sin. He is committed to a sinful lifestyle; he does not reject what is evil. 5 O Lord, your loyal love reaches to the sky, your faithfulness to the clouds. 6 Your justice is like the highest mountains, your fairness like the deepest sea; you, Lord, preserve mankind and ...

Psalm 35 35:1 By David. O Lord, fight those who fight with me. Attack those who attack me. 2 Grab your small shield and large shield, and rise up to help me. 3 Use your spear and lance against those who chase me. Assure me with these words: “I am your deliverer.” 4 May those who seek my life be embarrassed and humiliated. May those who plan to harm me be turned back and ashamed. 5 May they be like wind-driven chaff, as the angel of the Lord attacks them. 6 May their path be dark and slippery, as the angel of the Lord chases them. 7 I did not harm them, but they hid a net to catch me ...

Psalm 34 34:1 By David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, causing the king to send him away. I will praise the Lord at all times; my mouth will continually praise him. 2 I will boast in the Lord; let the oppressed hear and rejoice. 3 Magnify the Lord with me. Let us praise his name together. 4 I sought the Lord’s help and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Look to him and be radiant; do not let your faces be ashamed. 6 This oppressed man cried out and the Lord heard; he saved him from all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord camps around the Lord’s loyal followers and ...

Psalm 33 33:1 You godly ones, shout for joy because of the Lord! It is appropriate for the morally upright to offer him praise. 2 Give thanks to the Lord with the harp. Sing to him to the accompaniment of a ten-stringed instrument. 3 Sing to him a new song. Play skilfully as you shout out your praises to him. 4 For the Lord’s decrees are just, and everything he does is fair. 5 He promotes equity and justice; the Lord’s faithfulness extends throughout the earth. 6 By the Lord’s decree the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all the starry hosts. 7 He piles up the water of the sea; he puts the oceans in ...