Psalm 96 and 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Psalm 96

[1]   O sing to the LORD a new song;   
         sing to the LORD, all the earth.   
[2]   Sing to the LORD, bless his name;   
         tell of his salvation from day to day.   
[3]   Declare his glory among the nations,   
         his marvelous works among all the peoples.   
[4]   For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;   
         he is to be revered above all gods.   
[5]   For all the gods of the peoples are idols,   
         but the LORD made the heavens.   
[6]   Honor and majesty are before him;   
         strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.   
[7]   Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,   
         ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.   
[8]   Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;   
         bring an offering, and come into his courts.   
[9]   Worship the LORD in holy splendor;   
         tremble before him, all the earth.

[10]  Say among the nations, "The LORD is king!   
         The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved.   
         He will judge the peoples with equity."   
[11]  Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;   
         let the sea roar, and all that fills it;   
[12]       let the field exult, and everything in it.   
    Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy   
[13]       before the LORD; for he is coming,   
         for he is coming to judge the earth.   
    He will judge the world with righteousness,   
         and the peoples with his truth.

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1 Samuel 2:1-10

[1]Hannah prayed and said, "My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory. 

[2]"There is no Holy One like the LORD, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. [3]Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. [4]The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. [5]Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. [6]The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. [7]The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts. [8]He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and on them he has set the world. 

[9]"He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness; for not by might does one prevail. [10]The LORD! His adversaries shall be shattered; the Most High will thunder in heaven. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king, and exalt the power of his anointed." 

Psalm 47 and Matthew 28:16-20

Psalm 47

[1]   Clap your hands, all you peoples;  

          shout to God with loud songs of joy.  

[2]   For the LORD, the Most High, is awesome,  

          a great king over all the earth.  

[3]   He subdued peoples under us,  

          and nations under our feet.  

[4]   He chose our heritage for us,  

          the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah

[5]   God has gone up with a shout,  

          the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.  

[6]   Sing praises to God, sing praises;  

          sing praises to our King, sing praises.  

[7]   For God is the king of all the earth;  

          sing praises with a psalm.

[8]   God is king over the nations;  

          God sits on his holy throne.  

[9]   The princes of the peoples gather  

          as the people of the God of Abraham.  

     For the shields of the earth belong to God;  

          he is highly exalted.

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Matthew 28:16-20

[16]Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. [17]When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. [18]And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19]Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20]and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." 

Ephesians 1:1-10 and Psalm 147:1-11

Ephesians 1:1-10

[1]Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

[2]Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

[3]Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, [4]just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. [5]He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, [6]to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. [7]In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace [8]that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight [9]he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, [10]as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 

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Psalm 147:1-11

[1]   Praise the Lord!   

          How good it is to sing praises to our God;   

          for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.   

[2]   The Lord builds up Jerusalem;   

          he gathers the outcasts of Israel.   

[3]   He heals the brokenhearted,   

          and binds up their wounds.   

[4]   He determines the number of the stars;   

          he gives to all of them their names.   

[5]   Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;   

          his understanding is beyond measure.   

[6]   The Lord lifts up the downtrodden;   

          he casts the wicked to the ground.

[7]   Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;   

          make melody to our God on the lyre.   

[8]   He covers the heavens with clouds,   

          prepares rain for the earth,   

          makes grass grow on the hills.   

[9]   He gives to the animals their food,   

          and to the young ravens when they cry.   

[10]  His delight is not in the strength of the horse,   

          nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;   

[11]  but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,   

          in those who hope in his steadfast love.

Matthew 13:18-23 and Psalm 66

Matthew 13:18-23

[18]"Hear then the parable of the sower. [19]When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. [20]As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; [21]yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. [22]As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. [23]But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."

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Psalm 66

[1]   Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;  
[2]        sing the glory of his name;  
          give to him glorious praise.  
[3]   Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!  
          Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you.  
[4]   All the earth worships you;  
          they sing praises to you,  
          sing praises to your name. Selah

[5]   Come and see what God has done:  
          he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.  
[6]   He turned the sea into dry land;  
          they passed through the river on foot.  
     There we rejoiced in him,  
[7]        who rules by his might forever,  
     whose eyes keep watch on the nations --  
          let the rebellious not exalt themselves. Selah

[8]   Bless our God, O peoples,  
          let the sound of his praise be heard,  
[9]   who has kept us among the living,  
          and has not let our feet slip.  
[10]  For you, O God, have tested us;  
          you have tried us as silver is tried.  
[11]  You brought us into the net;  
          you laid burdens on our backs;  
[12]  you let people ride over our heads;  
          we went through fire and through water;  
     yet you have brought us out to a spacious place.

[13]  I will come into your house with burnt offerings;  
          I will pay you my vows,  
[14]  those that my lips uttered  
          and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.  
[15]  I will offer to you burnt offerings of fatlings,  
          with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams;  
     I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah

[16]  Come and hear, all you who fear God,  
          and I will tell what he has done for me.  
[17]  I cried aloud to him,  
          and he was extolled with my tongue.  
[18]  If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,  
          the Lord would not have listened.  
[19]  But truly God has listened;  
          he has given heed to the words of my prayer.

[20]  Blessed be God,  
          because he has not rejected my prayer  
          or removed his steadfast love from me.

Matthew 13:1-16 and Psalm 115

Matthew 13:1-16

[1]That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. [2]Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. [3]And he told them many things in parables, saying: "Listen! A sower went out to sow. [4]And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. [5]Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. [6]But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. [7]Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. [8]Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [9]Let anyone with ears listen!" 

[10]Then the disciples came and asked him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" [11]He answered, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. [12]For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. [13]The reason I speak to them in parables is that 'seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.' [14]With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: 'You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. [15]For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn - and I would heal them.' [16]But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear." 

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Psalm 115

[1]   Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory,   
         for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.   
[2]   Why should the nations say,   
         "Where is their God?"

[3]   Our God is in the heavens;   
         he does whatever he pleases.   
[4]   Their idols are silver and gold,   
         the work of human hands.   
[5]   They have mouths, but do not speak;   
         eyes, but do not see.   
[6]   They have ears, but do not hear;   
         noses, but do not smell.   
[7]   They have hands, but do not feel;   
         feet, but do not walk;   
         they make no sound in their throats.   
[8]   Those who make them are like them;   
         so are all who trust in them.

[9]   O Israel, trust in the LORD!   
         He is their help and their shield.   
[10]  O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD!   
         He is their help and their shield.   
[11]  You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD!   
         He is their help and their shield.

[12]  The LORD has been mindful of us; he will bless us;   
         he will bless the house of Israel;   
         he will bless the house of Aaron;   
[13]  he will bless those who fear the LORD,   
         both small and great.

[14]  May the LORD give you increase,   
         both you and your children.   
[15]  May you be blessed by the LORD,   
         who made heaven and earth.

[16]  The heavens are the Lord's heavens,   
         but the earth he has given to human beings.   
[17]  The dead do not praise the LORD,   
         nor do any that go down into silence.   
[18]  But we will bless the LORD   
         from this time on and forevermore.   
    Praise the LORD!

Matthew 7:1-12 and Psalm 49

Matthew 7:1-12

[1]"Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. [2]For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. [3]Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? [4]Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' while the log is in your own eye? [5]You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye. 

[6]"Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. 

[7]"Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. [8]For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. [9]Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? [10]Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? [11]If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 

[12]"In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. 

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Psalm 49

[1]   Hear this, all you peoples;   
         give ear, all inhabitants of the world,   
[2]   both low and high,   
         rich and poor together.   
[3]   My mouth shall speak wisdom;   
         the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.   
[4]   I will incline my ear to a proverb;   
         I will solve my riddle to the music of the harp.

[5]   Why should I fear in times of trouble,   
         when the iniquity of my persecutors surrounds me,   
[6]   those who trust in their wealth   
         and boast of the abundance of their riches?   
[7]   Truly, no ransom avails for one's life,   
         there is no price one can give to God for it.   
[8]   For the ransom of life is costly,   
         and can never suffice,   
[9]   that one should live on forever   
         and never see the grave.

[10]   When we look at the wise, they die;   
         fool and dolt perish together   
         and leave their wealth to others.   
[11]   Their graves are their homes forever,   
         their dwelling places to all generations,   
         though they named lands their own.   
[12]  Mortals cannot abide in their pomp;   
         they are like the animals that perish.

[13]  Such is the fate of the foolhardy,   
         the end of those who are pleased with their lot. Selah   
[14]  Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol;   
         Death shall be their shepherd;   
    straight to the grave they descend,   
         and their form shall waste away;   
         Sheol shall be their home.   
[15]  But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol,   
         for he will receive me. Selah

[16]  Do not be afraid when some become rich,   
         when the wealth of their houses increases.   
[17]  For when they die they will carry nothing away;   
         their wealth will not go down after them.   
[18]  Though in their lifetime they count themselves happy   
         -- for you are praised when you do well for yourself --   
[19]  they will go to the company of their ancestors,   
         who will never again see the light.   
[20]  Mortals cannot abide in their pomp;   
         they are like the animals that perish.

Psalm 47 and Matthew 6:25-34

Psalm 47

[1]   Clap your hands, all you peoples;   
          shout to God with loud songs of joy.   
[2]   For the LORD, the Most High, is awesome,   
          a great king over all the earth.   
[3]   He subdued peoples under us,   
          and nations under our feet.   
[4]   He chose our heritage for us,   
          the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah

[5]   God has gone up with a shout,   
          the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.   
[6]   Sing praises to God, sing praises;   
          sing praises to our King, sing praises.   
[7]   For God is the king of all the earth;   
          sing praises with a psalm.

[8]   God is king over the nations;   
          God sits on his holy throne.   
[9]   The princes of the peoples gather   
          as the people of the God of Abraham.   
     For the shields of the earth belong to God;   
          he is highly exalted.

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Matthew 6:25-34

[25]"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26]Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27]And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? [28]And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, [29]yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. [30]But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you - you of little faith? [31]Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' [32]For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. [33]But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

[34]"So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."

Matthew 6:19-24 and Psalm 9

Matthew 6:19-24

[19]"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; [20]but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21]For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

[22]"The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; [23]but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

[24]"No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

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Psalm 9

[1]   I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;  
          I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.  
[2]   I will be glad and exult in you;  
          I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

[3]   When my enemies turned back,  
          they stumbled and perished before you.  
[4]   For you have maintained my just cause;  
          you have sat on the throne giving righteous judgment.

[5]   You have rebuked the nations, you have destroyed the wicked;  
          you have blotted out their name forever and ever.  
[6]   The enemies have vanished in everlasting ruins;  
          their cities you have rooted out;  
          the very memory of them has perished.

[7]   But the LORD sits enthroned forever,  
          he has established his throne for judgment.  
[8]   He judges the world with righteousness;  
          he judges the peoples with equity.

[9]   The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed,  
          a stronghold in times of trouble.  
[10]  And those who know your name put their trust in you,  
          for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

[11  ]Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion.  
          Declare his deeds among the peoples.  
[12]  For he who avenges blood is mindful of them;  
          he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

[13]  Be gracious to me, O LORD.  
          See what I suffer from those who hate me;  
          you are the one who lifts me up from the gates of death,  
[14]  so that I may recount all your praises,  
          and, in the gates of daughter Zion,  
          rejoice in your deliverance.

[15]  The nations have sunk in the pit that they made;  
          in the net that they hid has their own foot been caught.  
[16]  The LORD has made himself known, he has executed judgment;  
          the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion.
Selah

[17]  The wicked shall depart to Sheol,  
          all the nations that forget God.

[18]  For the needy shall not always be forgotten,  
          nor the hope of the poor perish forever.

[19]  Rise up, O LORD! Do not let mortals prevail;  
          let the nations be judged before you.  
[20]  Put them in fear, O LORD;  
          let the nations know that they are only human. Selah

Matthew 6:7-15 and Psalm 66

Matthew 6:7-15

[7]"When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. [8]Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 

[9]"Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. [10]Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. [11]Give us this day our daily bread. [12]And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. [13]And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. [14]For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; [15]but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses 

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Psalm 66

[1]   Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;   
[2]        sing the glory of his name;   
         give to him glorious praise.   
[3]   Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!   
         Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you.   
[4]   All the earth worships you;   
         they sing praises to you,   
         sing praises to your name. Selah

[5]   Come and see what God has done:   
         he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.   
[6]   He turned the sea into dry land;   
         they passed through the river on foot.   
    There we rejoiced in him,   
[7]        who rules by his might forever,   
    whose eyes keep watch on the nations --   
         let the rebellious not exalt themselves. Selah

[8]   Bless our God, O peoples,   
         let the sound of his praise be heard,   
[9]   who has kept us among the living,   
         and has not let our feet slip.   
[10]  For you, O God, have tested us;   
         you have tried us as silver is tried.   
[11]  You brought us into the net;   
         you laid burdens on our backs;   
[12]  you let people ride over our heads;   
         we went through fire and through water;   
    yet you have brought us out to a spacious place.

[13]  I will come into your house with burnt offerings;   
         I will pay you my vows,   
[14]  those that my lips uttered   
         and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.   
[15]  I will offer to you burnt offerings of fatlings,   
         with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams;   
    I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah

[16]  Come and hear, all you who fear God,   
         and I will tell what he has done for me.   
[17]  I cried aloud to him,   
         and he was extolled with my tongue.   
[18]  If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,   
         the Lord would not have listened.   
[19]  But truly God has listened;   
         he has given heed to the words of my prayer.

[20]  Blessed be God,   
         because he has not rejected my prayer   
         or removed his steadfast love from me.

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 and Psalm 124

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

[1]"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

[2]"So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. [3]But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4]so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

[5]"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. [6]But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

[16]"And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. [17]But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, [18]so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

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Psalm 124

[1]   If it had not been the LORD who was on our side  
          -- let Israel now say --  
[2]   if it had not been the LORD who was on our side,  
          when our enemies attacked us,  
[3]   then they would have swallowed us up alive,  
          when their anger was kindled against us;  
[4]   then the flood would have swept us away,  
          the torrent would have gone over us;  
[5]   then over us would have gone  
          the raging waters.

[6]   Blessed be the LORD,  
          who has not given us  
          as prey to their teeth.  
[7]   We have escaped like a bird  
          from the snare of the fowlers;  
     the snare is broken,  
          and we have escaped.

[8]   Our help is in the name of the LORD,  
          who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 96 and 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Psalm 96

[1]   O sing to the LORD a new song;   
         sing to the LORD, all the earth.   
[2]   Sing to the LORD, bless his name;   
         tell of his salvation from day to day.   
[3]   Declare his glory among the nations,   
         his marvelous works among all the peoples.   
[4]   For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;   
         he is to be revered above all gods.   
[5]   For all the gods of the peoples are idols,   
         but the LORD made the heavens.   
[6]   Honor and majesty are before him;   
         strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.   
[7]   Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,   
         ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.   
[8]   Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;   
         bring an offering, and come into his courts.   
[9]   Worship the LORD in holy splendor;   
         tremble before him, all the earth.

[10]  Say among the nations, "The LORD is king!   
         The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved.   
         He will judge the peoples with equity."   
[11]  Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;   
         let the sea roar, and all that fills it;   
[12]       let the field exult, and everything in it.   
    Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy   
[13]       before the LORD; for he is coming,   
         for he is coming to judge the earth.   
    He will judge the world with righteousness,   
         and the peoples with his truth.

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1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

[11]Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. [12]And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. [13]And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 

Psalm 47 and Matthew 5:21-26

Psalm 47

[1]   Clap your hands, all you peoples;   
         shout to God with loud songs of joy.   
[2]   For the LORD, the Most High, is awesome,   
         a great king over all the earth.   
[3]   He subdued peoples under us,   
         and nations under our feet.   
[4]   He chose our heritage for us,   
         the pride of Jacob whom he loves.                    Selah

[5]   God has gone up with a shout,   
         the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.   
[6]   Sing praises to God, sing praises;   
         sing praises to our King, sing praises.   
[7]   For God is the king of all the earth;   
         sing praises with a psalm.

[8]   God is king over the nations;   
         God sits on his holy throne.   
[9]   The princes of the peoples gather   
         as the people of the God of Abraham.   
    For the shields of the earth belong to God;   
         he is highly exalted.

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Matthew 5:21-26

[21]"You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder'; and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.' [22]But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire. [23]So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, [24]leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. [25]Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. [26]Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. 

Psalm 99 and Exodus 33:17-23

Psalm 99

[1]   The LORD is king; let the peoples tremble!  
          He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!  
[2]   The LORD is great in Zion;  
          he is exalted over all the peoples.  
[3]   Let them praise your great and awesome name.  
          Holy is he!  
[4]   Mighty King, lover of justice,  
          you have established equity;  
     you have executed justice  
          and righteousness in Jacob.  
[5]   Extol the LORD our God;  
          worship at his footstool.  

          Holy is he!  

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Exodus 33:17-23

[17]The LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name." [18]Moses said, "Show me your glory, I pray." [19]And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, 'The LORD'; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. [20]But," he said, "you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live." [21]And the LORD continued, "See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; [22]and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; [23]then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen."

Matthew 5:11-16 and Psalm 66

Matthew 5:11-16

[11]"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. [12]Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

[13]"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

[14]"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.
[15]No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. [16]In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

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Psalm 66

[1]   Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;  
[2]        sing the glory of his name;  
          give to him glorious praise.  
[3]   Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!  
          Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you.  
[4]   All the earth worships you;  
          they sing praises to you,  
          sing praises to your name."                                        
             Selah

[5]   Come and see what God has done:  
          he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.  
[6]   He turned the sea into dry land;  
          they passed through the river on foot.  
     There we rejoiced in him,  
[7]        who rules by his might forever,  
     whose eyes keep watch on the nations --  
          let the rebellious not exalt themselves.                          
     Selah

[8]   Bless our God, O peoples,  
          let the sound of his praise be heard,  
[9]   who has kept us among the living,  
          and has not let our feet slip.  
[10]  For you, O God, have tested us;  
          you have tried us as silver is tried.  
[11]  You brought us into the net;  
          you laid burdens on our backs;  
[12]  you let people ride over our heads;  
          we went through fire and through water;  
     yet you have brought us out to a spacious place.

[13]  I will come into your house with burnt offerings;  
          I will pay you my vows,  
[14]  those that my lips uttered  
          and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.  
[15]  I will offer to you burnt offerings of fatlings,  
          with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams;  
     I will make an offering of bulls and goats.                            
    Selah

[16]  Come and hear, all you who fear God,  
          and I will tell what he has done for me.  
[17]  I cried aloud to him,  
          and he was extolled with my tongue.  
[18]  If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,  
          the Lord would not have listened.  
[19]  But truly God has listened;  
          he has given heed to the words of my prayer.

[20]  Blessed be God,  
          because he has not rejected my prayer  
          or removed his steadfast love from me.

Matthew 5:1-10 and Psalm 124

Matthew 5:1-10

[1]When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. [2]Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

[3]"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

[4]"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

[5]"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

[6]"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

[7]"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

[8]"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

[9]"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

[10]"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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Psalm 124

[1]   If it had not been the LORD who was on our side  
          -- let Israel now say --  
[2]   if it had not been the LORD who was on our side,  
          when our enemies attacked us,  
[3]   then they would have swallowed us up alive,  
          when their anger was kindled against us;  
[4]   then the flood would have swept us away,  
          the torrent would have gone over us;  
[5]   then over us would have gone  
          the raging waters.

[6]   Blessed be the LORD,  
          who has not given us  
          as prey to their teeth.  
[7]   We have escaped like a bird  
          from the snare of the fowlers;  
     the snare is broken,  
          and we have escaped.

[8]   Our help is in the name of the LORD,  
          who made heaven and earth.

Matthew 4:12-17 and Psalm 49

Matthew 4:12-17

[12]Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. [13]He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, [14]so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: [15]"Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - [16]the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." [17]From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

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Psalm 49

[1]   Hear this, all you peoples;  
          give ear, all inhabitants of the world,  
[2]   both low and high,  
          rich and poor together.  
[3]   My mouth shall speak wisdom;  
          the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.  
[4]   I will incline my ear to a proverb;  
          I will solve my riddle to the music of the harp.

[5]   Why should I fear in times of trouble,  
          when the iniquity of my persecutors surrounds me,  
[6]   those who trust in their wealth  
          and boast of the abundance of their riches?  
[7]   Truly, no ransom avails for one's life,  
          there is no price one can give to God for it.  
[8]   For the ransom of life is costly,  
          and can never suffice,  
[9]   that one should live on forever  
          and never see the grave.

[10]   When we look at the wise, they die;  
          fool and dolt perish together  
          and leave their wealth to others.  
[11]   Their graves are their homes forever,  
          their dwelling places to all generations,  
          though they named lands their own.  
[12]  Mortals cannot abide in their pomp;  
          they are like the animals that perish.

[13]  Such is the fate of the foolhardy,  
          the end of those who are pleased with their lot.          Selah  
[14]  Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol;  
          Death shall be their shepherd;  
     straight to the grave they descend,  
          and their form shall waste away;  
          Sheol shall be their home.  
[15]  But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol,  
          for he will receive me.                                            
           Selah

[16]  Do not be afraid when some become rich,  
          when the wealth of their houses increases.  
[17]  For when they die they will carry nothing away;  
          their wealth will not go down after them.  
[18]  Though in their lifetime they count themselves happy  
          -- for you are praised when you do well for yourself --  
[19]  they will go to the company of their ancestors,  
          who will never again see the light.  
[20]  Mortals cannot abide in their pomp;  
          they are like the animals that perish.

Psalm 47 and Matthew 4:1-11

Psalm 47

[1]   Clap your hands, all you peoples;  
          shout to God with loud songs of joy.  
[2]   For the LORD, the Most High, is awesome,  
          a great king over all the earth.  
[3]   He subdued peoples under us,  
          and nations under our feet.  
[4]   He chose our heritage for us,  
          the pride of Jacob whom he loves.                    Selah

[5]   God has gone up with a shout,  
          the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.  
[6]   Sing praises to God, sing praises;  
          sing praises to our King, sing praises.  
[7]   For God is the king of all the earth;  
          sing praises with a psalm.

[8]   God is king over the nations;  
          God sits on his holy throne.  
[9]   The princes of the peoples gather  
          as the people of the God of Abraham.  
     For the shields of the earth belong to God;  
          he is highly exalted.

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Matthew 4:1-11

[1]Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2]He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. [3]The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." [4]But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

[5]Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6]saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" [7]Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

[8]Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; [9]and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." [10]Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" [11]Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. 

Matthew 3:13-17 and Psalm 9

Matthew 3:13-17

[13]Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.
[14]John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and
do you come to me?" [15]But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for it is
proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness." Then he consented.
[16]And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water,
suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove and alighting on him. [17]And a voice from heaven said,
"This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." 

*****************************************************

Psalm 9

[1]   I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;   
         I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.   
[2]   I will be glad and exult in you;   
         I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

[3]   When my enemies turned back,   
         they stumbled and perished before you.   
[4]   For you have maintained my just cause;   
         you have sat on the throne giving righteous judgment.

[5]   You have rebuked the nations, you have destroyed the wicked;   
         you have blotted out their name forever and ever.   
[6]   The enemies have vanished in everlasting ruins;   
         their cities you have rooted out;   
         the very memory of them has perished.

[7]   But the LORD sits enthroned forever,   
         he has established his throne for judgment.   
[8]   He judges the world with righteousness;   
         he judges the peoples with equity.

[9]   The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed,   
         a stronghold in times of trouble.   
[10]  And those who know your name put their trust in you,   
         for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

[11  ]Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion.   
         Declare his deeds among the peoples.   
[12]  For he who avenges blood is mindful of them;   
         he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

[13]  Be gracious to me, O LORD.   
         See what I suffer from those who hate me;   
         you are the one who lifts me up from the gates of death,   
[14]  so that I may recount all your praises,   
         and, in the gates of daughter Zion,   
         rejoice in your deliverance.

[15]  The nations have sunk in the pit that they made;   
         in the net that they hid has their own foot been caught.   
[16]  The LORD has made himself known, he has executed judgment;   
         the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.              
Higgaion.  Selah

[17]  The wicked shall depart to Sheol,   
         all the nations that forget God.

[18]  For the needy shall not always be forgotten,   
         nor the hope of the poor perish forever.

[19]  Rise up, O LORD! Do not let mortals prevail;   
         let the nations be judged before you.   
[20]  Put them in fear, O LORD;   
         let the nations know that they are only human.                      
           Selah

Matthew 3:7-12 and Psalm 66

Matthew 3:7-12

[7]But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
[8]Bear fruit worthy of repentance. [9]Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. [10]Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

[11]"I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. [12]His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

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Psalm 66

[1]   Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;  
[2]        sing the glory of his name;  
          give to him glorious praise.  
[3]   Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!  
          Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you.  
[4]   All the earth worships you;  
          they sing praises to you,  
          sing praises to your name."                                        
             Selah

[5]   Come and see what God has done:  
          he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.  
[6]   He turned the sea into dry land;  
          they passed through the river on foot.  
     There we rejoiced in him,  
[7]        who rules by his might forever,  
     whose eyes keep watch on the nations --  
          let the rebellious not exalt themselves.                          
     Selah

[8]   Bless our God, O peoples,  
          let the sound of his praise be heard,  
[9]   who has kept us among the living,  
          and has not let our feet slip.  
[10]  For you, O God, have tested us;  
          you have tried us as silver is tried.  
[11]  You brought us into the net;  
          you laid burdens on our backs;  
[12]  you let people ride over our heads;  
          we went through fire and through water;  
     yet you have brought us out to a spacious place.

[13]  I will come into your house with burnt offerings;  
          I will pay you my vows,  
[14]  those that my lips uttered  
          and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.  
[15]  I will offer to you burnt offerings of fatlings,  
          with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams;  
     I will make an offering of bulls and goats.                            
    Selah

[16]  Come and hear, all you who fear God,  
          and I will tell what he has done for me.  
[17]  I cried aloud to him,  
          and he was extolled with my tongue.  
[18]  If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,  
          the Lord would not have listened.  
[19]  But truly God has listened;  
          he has given heed to the words of my prayer.

[20]  Blessed be God,  
          because he has not rejected my prayer  
          or removed his steadfast love from me.

Matthew 3:1-6 and Psalm 124

Matthew 3:1-6

3:1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, [2]"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." [3]This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" [4]Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. [5]Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, [6]and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

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Psalm 124

[1]   If it had not been the LORD who was on our side  
          -- let Israel now say --  
[2]   if it had not been the LORD who was on our side,  
          when our enemies attacked us,  
[3]   then they would have swallowed us up alive,  
          when their anger was kindled against us;  
[4]   then the flood would have swept us away,  
          the torrent would have gone over us;  
[5]   then over us would have gone  
          the raging waters.

[6]   Blessed be the LORD,  
          who has not given us  
          as prey to their teeth.  
[7]   We have escaped like a bird  
          from the snare of the fowlers;  
     the snare is broken,  
          and we have escaped.

[8]   Our help is in the name of the LORD,  
          who made heaven and earth.

John 15:12-27 and Psalm 113

John 15:12-27

[12]"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
[13]No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. [14]You are my friends if you do what I command you. [15]I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. [16]You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. [17]I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

[18]"If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you.
[19]If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world - therefore the world hates you. [20]Remember the word that I said to you, 'Servants are not greater than their master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. [21]But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. [22]If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. [23]Whoever hates me hates my Father also. [24]If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not have sin. But now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. [25]It was to fulfill the word that is written in their law, 'They hated me without a cause.'

[26]"When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf.
[27]You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning."

****************************************

Psalm 113

[1]   Praise the LORD!  

     Praise, O servants of the LORD;  

          praise the name of the LORD.

[2]   Blessed be the name of the LORD  

          from this time on and forevermore.  

[3]   From the rising of the sun to its setting  

          the name of the LORD is to be praised.  

[4]   The LORD is high above all nations,  

          and his glory above the heavens.

[5]   Who is like the LORD our God,  

          who is seated on high,  

[6]   who looks far down  

          on the heavens and the earth?  

[7]   He raises the poor from the dust,  

          and lifts the needy from the ash heap,  

[8]   to make them sit with princes,  

          with the princes of his people.  

[9]   He gives the barren woman a home,  

          making her the joyous mother of children.  

     Praise the LORD!