Psalm 11   11:1 For the music director; by David. In the Lord I have taken shelter. How can you say to me, “Flee to a mountain like a bird! 2 For look, the wicked prepare their bows, they put their arrows on the strings, to shoot in the darkness at the morally upright. 3 When the foundations are destroyed, what can the godly accomplish?” 4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes watch; his eyes examine all people. 5 The Lord approves of the godly, but he hates the wicked and those who love to do violence. 6 May he rain down burning coals and brimstone on the wicked! A whirlwind ...

Psalm 10 10:1 Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you pay no attention during times of trouble? 2 The wicked arrogantly chase the oppressed; the oppressed are trapped by the schemes the wicked have dreamed up. 3 Yes, the wicked man boasts because he gets what he wants; the one who robs others curses and rejects the Lord. 4 The wicked man is so arrogant he always thinks,“God won’t hold me accountable; he doesn’t care.” 5 He is secure at all times. He has no regard for your commands; he disdains all his enemies. 6 He says to himself, “I will never be shaken, because I experience no calamity.” 7 His mouth is full of curses and ...

Psalm 9 9:1 For the music director; according to the alumoth-labben style; a psalm of David. I will thank the Lord with all my heart!I will tell about all your amazing deeds! 2 I will be happy and rejoice in you!I will sing praises to you, O Most High! 3 When my enemies turn back,they trip and are defeated before you. 4 For you defended my just cause; from your throne you pronounced a just decision. 5 You terrified the nations with your battle cry; you destroyed the wicked; you permanently wiped out all memory of them. 6 The enemy’s cities have been reduced to permanent ruins; you destroyed their cities; all memory of the enemies has perished. 7 But ...

1 Pet 3:17–18 3:17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if God wills it, than for doing evil. 18 Because Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, to bring you to God, by being put to death in the flesh but by being made alive in the spirit. One thought:   The early church martyrs rejoiced in that through their suffering they got to be like Christ – what profound faith.     Three questions:   Christ’s suffering has a purpose (to bring us to God), do we also suffer in order that others might come to God?   How glorious is Jesus – that He, the just/righteous would suffer for the unjust/unrighteous? ...

1 Pet 3:15–16 3:15 But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. 16 Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you. One thought:   How often do we look back on a conversation and see that we could have told someone about Jesus – if only we had been ready   Three questions:   What is the gospel?   How do you feel about telling people about what you believe? Why?   How would you answer someone regarding what you ...

1 Pet 3:13–14 3:13 For who is going to harm you if you are devoted to what is good? 14 But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken.   One thought:   Peter reminds us that we may still suffer even if we are doing good in the world.     Three questions:   Can you think of any situations where Christians are being attacked for trying to do good (Christian GP’s & abortion?)   Do you feel blessed in Christ?   Check out this story of Ignatius – one of the early church martyrs. https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/martyrs/ignatius-of-antioch.html   Prayer:   Acknowledge God as ...

1 Pet 3:8–12 3:8 Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble. 9 Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing. 10 For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit. 11 And he must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer. But the Lord’s face is against those who do evil. One thought:   We should look different in the world ...

1 Pet 3:8–18 3:8 Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble. 9 Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing. 10 For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit. 11 And he must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer. But the Lord’s face is against those who do evil. 13 For who is going to harm you if you ...