Devotional

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Psalm 124, if it wasn’t for the LORD!

Psa 124:2-3, “IF IT HAD NOT BEEN THE LORD WHO WAS ON OUR SIDE, When men rose up against us, Then they would have swallowed us alive, When their wrath was kindled against us;

If it wasn’t for the LORD where would we be today? We were slaves to sin without even knowing it! It seemed normal to us, but HE set us free by opening our eyes to the truth!

Rom 6:17-18, BUT GOD BE THANKED THAT THOUGH YOU WERE SLAVES OF SIN, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. AND HAVING BEEN SET FREE FROM SIN, YOU BECAME SLAVES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.

The LORD was with Israel and fought for them; now HE is with all those that believe in HIM name! HE fights for us even today!

Exo 14:14, THE LORD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU, AND YOU SHALL HOLD YOUR PEACE.

Psa 124:4-5, THEN THE WATERS WOULD HAVE OVERWHELMED US, THE STREAM WOULD HAVE GONE OVER OUR SOUL; THEN THE SWOLLEN WATERS WOULD HAVE GONE OVER OUR SOUL.”

If it wasn’t for the LORD the storms in life would have overwhelmed us, they would have covered us with grief!

Psa 69:15, Let not the floodwater overflow me, Nor let the DEEP SWALLOW ME UP; And let not the PIT shut its mouth on me. 

Remember Peter when he took his eyes off the LORD, and focused on the storm itself! He started to sink and HE cried out for help!

Mat 14:30-31, But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “LORD, SAVE ME!” And immediately JESUS STRETCHED OUT HIS HAND AND CAUGHT HIM, AND SAID TO HIM, “O YOU OF LITTLE FAITH, WHY DID YOU DOUBT?”

Psa 124:8, OUR HELP IS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, WHO MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH. 

The LORD is always listening for our cries for help! HE is always there and HE desires that none perish but all have eternal life with HIM!

Rom 10:13, For “WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.” 

When you need help who will you call? HE IS THE GOD OF ALL FLESH, NOTHING IS TO HARD FOR HIM!

Jer 32:17, ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. THERE IS NOTHING TOO HARD FOR YOU. 

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Psalm 123, keep your eyes on the LORD!

Psa 123:1, UNTO YOU I LIFT UP MY EYES, O YOU WHO DWELL IN THE HEAVENS.

As the storms in our lives (trials) rages on my eyes will be steadfast focused on the LORD! Remember HIS disciples, fishermen, while on the boat were focused on the storm, not the CREATOR who was with them!

Mat 8:25-27, Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “LORD, SAVE US! WE ARE PERISHING!”  BUT HE SAID TO THEM, “WHY ARE YOU FEARFUL, O YOU OF LITTLE FAITH?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, “WHO CAN THIS BE, THAT EVEN THE WINDS AND THE SEA OBEY HIM?”

HE is always with us, and HE is in full control!

2Co 4:8-9, We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—

Psa 123:2, Behold, AS the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, AS the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, SO OUR EYES LOOK TO THE LORD OUR GOD, UNTIL HE HAS MERCY ON US. 

Like a waiter or butler is intently focused on the slightest hint from their master with that same intensity the psalmist looks to GOD! HE is always working in our lives, but we need to wait for HIS perfect timing!

Psa 27:13-14, I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. WAIT ON THE LORD; BE OF GOOD COURAGE, AND HE SHALL STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART; WAIT, I SAY, ON THE LORD!

Psa 123:3-4, Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us! FOR WE ARE EXCEEDINGLY FILLED WITH CONTEMPT. OUR SOUL IS EXCEEDINGLY FILLED WITH THE SCORN of those who are at ease, WITH THE CONTEMPT OF THE PROUD.

Remember, this is not our home; for those that believe this is the closest we will ever be to hell! But, to those that don’t believe this world is the closest they will be to heaven!

Isa 53:3, HE IS DESPISED AND REJECTED BY MEN, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from HIM; HE WAS DESPISED, AND WE DID NOT ESTEEM HIM. 

As HE was rejected, so will we be rejected for our faith in HIM! This world offers nothing but grief! But HE is coming and soon will be here!

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Psalm 122, coming to the house of the LORD!

Psa 122:1, I WAS GLAD WHEN THEY SAID TO ME, “LET US GO INTO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD.

The Psalmist was glad to be invited to go to the house of the LORD! Today many people believe it to be a burden, “I HAVE TO GO TO CHURCH”, rather than a joyous occasion!

Zec 8:22-23, Yes, many peoples and strong nations Shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, And to pray before the LORD.’ THUS SAYS THE LORD OF HOSTS: ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “LET US GO WITH YOU, FOR WE HAVE HEARD THAT GOD IS WITH YOU.

The day is coming when the living GOD will reign from Jerusalem and everyone will go before HIM! Some, IN FEAR, but others in complete joy!

Psa 84:1-2, How lovely is Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the LORD; MY HEART AND MY FLESH CRY OUT FOR THE LIVING GOD.

Psa 122:5, FOR THRONES ARE SET THERE FOR JUDGMENT, The thrones of the house of David. 

Our justice system today is corrupt, Judges, lawyers, senators all on the take for financial gain! YET, HE IS COMING AND HE SHALL JUDGE RIGHTEOUSLY; FOR HE CAN’T BE BOUGHT NOR CORRUPTED BY ANYTHING!

Psa 96:13, FOR HE IS COMING, FOR HE IS COMING TO JUDGE THE EARTH. HE SHALL JUDGE THE WORLD WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THE PEOPLES WITH HIS TRUTH. 

Psa 122:6-7, Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces.”

Jerusalem is the apple of GOD’s eye, but the center of many conflicts! Those that bless it shall be blessed, but those that curse it shall be cursed! It’s HIS promise to all!

Gen 12:3, I WILL BLESS THOSE WHO BLESS YOU, And I will curse him who curses you; AND IN YOU ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED.” 

Remember HE IS COMING; the time of HIS appearing is near! Seek HIM and know HIM for HE loves you more than you know!

Tit 2:13, LOOKING FOR THE BLESSED HOPE AND GLORIOUS APPEARING OF OUR GREAT GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, 

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Psalm 121, Our help is from HIM!

Psa 121:1, I WILL LIFT UP MY EYES TO THE HILLS—FROM WHENCE COMES MY HELP? 

The Psalmist is not looking for help from the high ground, HE is thinking of the holy hill of Zion where the true KING will reign from!

Psa 2:6, “Yet I have set MY KING ON MY HOLY HILL OF ZION.” 

Psa 121:1b-2, FROM WHENCE COMES MY HELP?  MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD, WHO MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH. 

Our help comes from the LORD for HE is always with us, and knows what’s happening in our lives! Don’t put your trust in money, your business, your skills, your wisdom; FOR ALL THESE THINGS CAN BE TAKEN FROM YOU!

Psa 20:7, Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; BUT WE WILL REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD. 

Heb 13:6, So we may boldly say: “THE LORD IS MY HELPER; I WILL NOT FEAR. WHAT CAN MAN DO TO ME?”

Psa 121:3-4, HE WILL NOT ALLOW YOUR FOOT TO BE MOVED; HE WHO KEEPS YOU WILL NOT SLUMBER. BEHOLD, HE WHO KEEPS ISRAEL SHALL NEITHER SLUMBER NOR SLEEP.

IF YOU’RE STANDING ON THE ROCK (JESUS), THEN YOUR FOOTING IS SURE for you stand on solid ground! HE never sleeps on the job; HE is faithful from start to finish!

Deu 32:3-4, FOR I PROCLAIM THE NAME OF THE LORD: ASCRIBE GREATNESS TO OUR GOD. HE IS THE ROCK, HIS WORK IS PERFECT; FOR ALL HIS WAYS ARE JUSTICE, A GOD OF TRUTH AND WITHOUT INJUSTICE; RIGHTEOUS AND UPRIGHT IS HE.

Psa 121:7-8, THE LORD SHALL PRESERVE YOU FROM ALL EVIL; HE SHALL PRESERVE YOUR SOUL. THE LORD SHALL PRESERVE YOUR GOING OUT AND YOUR COMING IN From this time forth, and even forevermore.

There are times in trials where we don’t feel that HE is with us, or maybe turned away from us! But, Truth be told, HE IS THERE WITH US BUILDING OUR FAITH AND RELIANCE ON HIM AND HIM ALONE! Trust in HIM!

Pro 3:5-6, TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, AND HE SHALL DIRECT YOUR PATHS.

Isa 41:10, FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH YOU; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ 

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Psalm 120, the lying tongue!

Psa 120:1, IN MY DISTRESS I CRIED TO THE LORD, AND HE HEARD ME. 

Being in distress forces the believer to pray to the FATHER more earnestly! It doesn’t matter where you’re at HE can hear you!

Jon 2:2, And he said: “I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction, And He answered me. “OUT OF THE BELLY OF SHEOL I CRIED, AND YOU HEARD MY VOICE. 

JESUS knowing HIS time had come was in great agony, and sought a place to pray to HIS FATHER!

Luk 22:44, AND BEING IN AGONY, HE PRAYED MORE EARNESTLY. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Psa 120:2-3, Deliver my soul, O LORD, FROM LYING LIPS AND FROM A DECEITFUL TONGUE. What shall be given to you, Or what shall be done to you, YOU FALSE TONGUE?

The psalmist knows the power of the tongue, how it can destroy, and manipulate a person!

Jas 3:5-6, EVEN SO THE TONGUE IS A LITTLE MEMBER AND BOASTS GREAT THINGS. See how GREAT A FOREST A LITTLE FIRE KINDLES! AND THE TONGUE IS A FIRE, A WORLD OF INIQUITY. THE TONGUE IS SO SET AMONG OUR MEMBERS THAT IT DEFILES THE WHOLE BODY, and SETS ON FIRE THE COURSE OF NATURE; AND IT IS SET ON FIRE BY HELL.

Even the chief priests of Israel sought people who would lie against JESUS our LORD!

Mat 26:59, Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council SOUGHT FALSE TESTIMONY AGAINST JESUS TO PUT HIM TO DEATH,

The lying tongue is compared to a sharp sword in scripture

Psa 64:3, WHO SHARPEN THEIR TONGUE LIKE A SWORD, And bend their bows to shoot their arrows—BITTER WORDS, 

We must be watchful to what we say FOR IT COMES OUT OF OUR HEARTS!

Mar 7:15, There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; BUT THE THINGS WHICH COME OUT OF HIM, THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT DEFILE A MAN. 

Psa 141:3-4 ,SET A GUARD, O LORD, OVER MY MOUTH; KEEP WATCH OVER THE DOOR OF MY LIPS.

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Psalm 119:161-176, the good SHEPHERD!

Shin ש, 161-168

Psa 119:164, SEVEN TIMES A DAY I PRAISE YOU, Because of YOUR RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS.

It’s a good thing to pray frequently, but not when it’s done in a legalistic way! Not in bondage, “I HAVE TO PRAY”, But in love! Talk to the LORD always in your mind, give thanks, ask for help even for the small things! HE IS ALWAYS LISTENING TO HIS CHILDREN!

1Th 5:16-18, REJOICE ALWAYS, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, In Everything Give Thanks; FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS FOR YOU.

Psa 119:165, Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.

No one likes trials, but the beauty in them is that you confirm that HE IS! THERE IS GREAT PEACE IN KNOWING THAT THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS IS THERE WALKING NEXT TO YOU, AND LISTENING!

Php 4:7, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Tau ת, 169-176

Psa 119:169, Let my cry come before You, O LORD; GIVE ME UNDERSTANDING ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD.

The world is trying indoctrinate us and our kids in the ways of the world! YOU CAN CHOSE YOUR GENDER, ABORTION IS GOOD IT’S NOT A BABY, THERE IS NO GOD! BUT, the psalmist wants HIS understanding, HIS word, HIS ways! Stop listening to the world, and listen to HIM!

Rom 12:2, AND DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 

Psa 119:176, I HAVE GONE ASTRAY LIKE A LOST SHEEP; SEEK YOUR SERVANT, For I do not forget Your commandments. 

Know it or not, but all of us have gone astray, Yet, HE seeks HIS lost sheep to bring them home! HE IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD!

Isa 53:6, ALL WE LIKE SHEEP HAVE GONE ASTRAY; We have turned, every one, to his own way; AND THE LORD HAS LAID ON HIM THE INIQUITY OF US ALL. 

IT COST HIM EVERYTHING, but did it knowing that GREAT JOY WILL COME OUT OF IT!

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Psalm 119:145-160, HIS word is truth!

Qoph ק, 145-152

Psa 119:145, I cry out with my whole heart; Hear me, O LORD! I will keep Your statutes. 

The Psalmist IS NOT NEGOTIATING with the LORD; IF YOU HEAR ME THEN I WILL KEEP YOUR STATUTES. He keeps HIS laws in his heart so that he doesn’t stumble!

Psa 119:11, Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. 

Psa 119:147, I RISE BEFORE THE DAWNING OF THE MORNING, AND CRY FOR HELP; I HOPE IN YOUR WORD. 

The Psalmist treasures time with the LORD more than sleep! JESUS, our example, woke up early to spend time with the FATHER!

Mar 1:35, NOW IN THE MORNING, having risen a long while before daylight, HE WENT OUT AND DEPARTED TO A SOLITARY PLACE; AND THERE HE PRAYED. 

Psa 119:148, MY EYES ARE AWAKE THROUGH THE NIGHT WATCHES, That I may meditate on Your word. 

Even stayed up at night Meditating on HIS word, HIS promises, HIS judgments! Remember, these are not just words in a book, but are HIS promises to those that believe! JESUS, our example, also stayed up late praying to HIS FATHER!

Luk 6:12, Now it came to pass in those days that HE went out to the mountain to pray, and CONTINUED ALL NIGHT IN PRAYER TO GOD. 

Resh ר, 153-160

Psa 119:153-154, Consider my affliction and deliver me, For I do not forget Your law. Plead my cause and redeem me; REVIVE ME ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD.

In his personal trial the psalmist pleads for mercy from the LORD. HIS hope is found in HIS word for he knows GOD can not lie!

Tit 1:2, in hope of eternal life which GOD, WHO CANNOT LIE, PROMISED BEFORE TIME BEGAN

Psa 119:160, THE ENTIRETY OF YOUR WORD IS TRUTH, AND EVERY ONE OF YOUR RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS ENDURES FOREVER.

HIS word is true, live by it and live forever, ignore it and it will condemn you forever! IT’S A CHOICE EVERY ONE MUST MAKE!

2Ti 3:16, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 

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Psalm 119:129-144, HIS word is pure!

Pe פ, 129-136

Psa 119:129-130, YOUR TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL; Therefore my soul keeps them. The entrance of Your words gives light; IT GIVES UNDERSTANDING TO THE SIMPLE.

A name given to the coming MESSIAH, JESUS is WONDERFUL (Isaiah 9:6). For JESUS is wonderful, and HIS word a light to our path!

Isa 9:6, For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. AND HIS NAME WILL BE CALLED WONDERFUL, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Psa 19:7, The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, MAKING WISE THE SIMPLE;

Psa 119:133, DIRECT MY STEPS by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me. 

HE directs those who trust in HIM and HIS promises! Remember, you can be led away by your feelings, lust, friends, circumstances etc. HE wants to lead us by HIS word JESUS!

Pro 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Tsadde צ,  137-144

Psa 119:137-138, RIGHTEOUS ARE YOU, O LORD, And upright are Your judgments. Your testimonies, which You have commanded, Are RIGHTEOUS AND VERY FAITHFUL.

HIS way is perfect, and HIS understanding is without fail! HE knows all and sees all! HE is faithful to HIS promises for us found in scripture! Trust in the LORD for HE can’t lie!

Num 23:19, “GOD IS NOT A MAN, THAT HE SHOULD LIE, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. HAS HE SAID, AND WILL HE NOT DO? Or HAS HE SPOKEN, AND WILL HE NOT MAKE IT GOOD? 

Psa 119:140, YOUR WORD IS VERY PURE; THEREFORE YOUR SERVANT LOVES IT. 

For those that know their GOD, HIS word is pure for HE is HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!

1Pe 2:2  as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 

Your either guided by the cares of this world or by HIS word? We need to choose; remember HE is faithful and can’t lie! Trust in HIM!

Pro 30:5  Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. 

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Psalm 119:113-128, Double-minded person!

SAMECH ס  113-120,

Psa 119:113, I HATE THE DOUBLE-MINDED, BUT I LOVE YOUR LAW. 

A double-minded person is not set in his ways! HE wants what GOD offers, but also wants what the world offers! NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS, GOD OR MAMMON? Matt 6:24.

1Ki 18:21, And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “HOW LONG WILL YOU FALTER BETWEEN TWO OPINIONS? IF THE LORD IS GOD, FOLLOW HIM; BUT IF BAAL, FOLLOW HIM.” But the people answered him not a word.

We are either for HIM or against HIM; there is no middle ground, no other way!

Psa 119:115, Depart from me, you evildoers, For I will keep the commandments of my God!

The Psalmist was careful in choosing his friends; for bad habits are easily passed on from one to another! He wants nothing to distract him from following the LORD!

1Co 15:33, DO NOT BE DECEIVED: “EVIL COMPANY CORRUPTS GOOD HABITS.” 

Psa 119:119, You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross; Therefore I love Your testimonies.

Dross is worthless, it takes away the shine of silver and makes it dull, and pretends to be gold but isn’t! So is a double-minded man; wine mixed with water

Isa 1:22, Your silver has become dross, Your wine mixed with water. 

Jas 1:8, HE IS A DOUBLE-MINDED MAN, UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS. 

AYIN ע 121-128

Psa 119:123, My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation And Your righteous word. 

“He looked to God alone, he looked eagerly, he looked long, he looked till his eyes ached. The mercy is, that if our eyes fail, GOD DOES NOT FAIL, NOR DO HIS EYES FAIL.” (Spurgeon)

Psa 119:125, I AM YOUR SERVANT; GIVE ME UNDERSTANDING, That I may know Your testimonies. 

The Psalmist has chosen his path, he is a servant of GOD and wants more understanding of HIM! WE TOO NEED TO CHOSE, EITHER HIS WAY OR OUR WAY! WE CANT HAVE BOTH! JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO THE FATHER!

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Psalm 119:97-112, choice is yours!

MEM מ 97-104

Psa 119:98-100, You, through YOUR COMMANDMENTS, make me wiser than my enemies; For they ARE EVER WITH ME. I have more understanding than all my teachers, For YOUR TESTIMONIES ARE MY MEDITATION. I understand more than the ancients, BECAUSE I KEEP YOUR PRECEPTS.

Reading and keeping HIS word is wisdom for it is PREPARING US FOR WHAT IS TO COME! The wisdom the world offers is foolishness which leads to death, YET HE offers us life!!

Col 2:8, BEWARE LEST ANYONE CHEAT YOU through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, AND NOT ACCORDING TO CHRIST. 

Psa 119:101, I HAVE RESTRAINED MY FEET FROM EVERY EVIL WAY, THAT I MAY KEEP YOUR WORD. 

What good is it if we read HIS word, but led by the cares of this world, the desires of our hearts, riches and glory?

Luk 9:23, Then He (JESUS) said to them all, “IF ANYONE DESIRES TO COME AFTER ME, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF, AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS DAILY, AND FOLLOW ME.

NUN נ 105-112

Psa 119:105, YOUR WORD IS A LAMP TO MY FEET AND A LIGHT TO MY PATH. 

We live in dark times where good is bad, and bad is now good! But we also were once in darkness, YET HIS word put on flesh to teach the lost they way they should go!

Joh 8:12, Then JESUS spoke to them again, saying, “I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. HE WHO FOLLOWS ME SHALL NOT WALK IN DARKNESS, BUT HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE.” 

Isa 9:2a, THE PEOPLE WHO WALKED IN DARKNESS HAVE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT…

Psa 119:112, I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes Forever, to the very end. 

IT’S A CHOICE WE ALL MUST MAKE! For the Psalmist he has chosen to follow his word for the rest of his life! What have you chosen? What do you seek?

Pro 14:12, There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.