Along The Way (May 26th - June 1st)
Scroll to the day you would like to read and click the plus icon to read the day’s scripture or commentary.
May 26th
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Psalm 110 & 111
Of David. A psalm.
What the Lord says to my master: “Sit right beside me until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet!”
May the Lord make your mighty scepter reach far from Zion! Rule over your enemies! Your people stand ready on your day of battle. “In holy grandeur, from the dawn’s womb, fight! Your youthful strength is like the dew itself.” The Lord has sworn a solemn pledge and won’t change his mind: “You are a priest forever in line with Melchizedek.” My master, by your strong hand, God has crushed kings on his day of wrath.
God brings the nations to justice, piling the dead bodies, crushing heads throughout the earth. God drinks from a stream along the way, then holds his head up high.
Praise the Lord! I thank the Lord with all my heart in the company of those who do right, in the congregation. The works of the Lord are magnificent; they are treasured by all who desire them. God’s deeds are majestic and glorious. God’s righteousness stands forever. God is famous for his wondrous works. The Lord is full of mercy and compassion. God gives food to those who honor him. God remembers his covenant forever. God proclaimed his powerful deeds to his people and gave them what had belonged to other nations. God’s handiwork is honesty and justice; all God’s rules are trustworthy — they are established always and forever: they are fulfilled with truth and right doing. God sent redemption for his people; God commanded that his covenant last forever. Holy and awesome is God’s name! Fear of the Lord is where wisdom begins; sure knowledge is for all who keep God’s laws. God’s praise lasts forever!
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Psalm 102 is an individual lament and may have been written during the exile. The outcry of the Psalmist is individual in perspective but concerns not a private problem but the destruction of Zion – meaning the city of holiness and the city of refuge.
Psalm 103 is a hymn, but what is apparent is a desire on the part of David to praise God for all that He has done. He speaks of God's personal blessings; His forgiving love and then ends with a universal call for all believers to praise the Lord. The people praise God for His compassion and forgiveness of sins and implies the eternal life of the believer. We are not by nature immoral, but God does not abandon us to death!
May 27th
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Psalm 112, 113 & 114
Praise the Lord! Those who honor the Lord, who adore God’s commandments, are truly happy! Their descendants will be strong throughout the land. The offspring of those who do right will be blessed; wealth and riches will be in their houses. Their righteousness stands forever. They shine in the dark for others who do right. They are merciful, compassionate, and righteous. Those who lend generously are good people — as are those who conduct their affairs with justice. Yes, these sorts of people will never be shaken; the righteous will be remembered forever! They won’t be frightened at bad news. Their hearts are steady, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are firm; they aren’t afraid. In the end, they will witness their enemies’ defeat. They give freely to those in need. Their righteousness stands forever. Their strength increases gloriously. The wicked see all this and fume; they grind their teeth, but disappear to nothing. What the wicked want to see happen comes to nothing!
Praise the Lord! You who serve the Lord — praise! Praise the Lord’s name! Let the Lord’s name be blessed from now until forever from now! From sunrise to sunset, let the Lord’s name be praised! The Lord is high over all the nations; God’s glory is higher than the skies!
Who could possibly compare to the Lord our God? God rules from on high; he has to come down to even see heaven and earth! God lifts up the poor from the dirt and raises up the needy from the garbage pile to seat them with leaders — with the leaders of his own people! God nests the once barren woman at home — now a joyful mother with children!
Praise the Lord!
When Israel came out of Egypt — when the house of Jacob came out from a people who spoke a different language — Judah was God’s sanctuary; Israel was God’s territory.
The sea saw it happen and ran away; the Jordan River retreated! The mountains leaped away like rams; the hills leaped away like lambs! Sea, why did you run away? Jordan, why did you retreat? Mountains, why did you leap away like rams? Hills, why did you leap away like lambs?
Earth: Tremble before the Lord! Tremble before the God of Jacob, the one who turned that rock into a pool of water, that flint stone into a spring of water!
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Psalm 112 speaks for the righteous person in a righteous society governed by a righteous God. Everything is all right. And the Psalmist conveys the message that God rules the world with moral symmetry.
Psalm 113 begins and ends with "Hallelujah” and is a chorus to God as Creator and Redeemer. It is designed to promote the great and good work of praising God.
Psalm 114 tells how the Lord came to be the Holy Presence in the midst of Israel and, at the same time, how the God who is sovereign of the whole world came to have this particular people as His dominion and is very applicable for us today as we find assurance that God leads us each and every moment of our lives.
May 28th
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Psalm 115, 116 & 117
Not to us, Lord, not to us — no, but to your own name give glory because of your loyal love and faithfulness!
Why do the nations say, “Where’s their God now?” Our God is in heaven — he can do whatever he wants! Their idols are just silver and gold — things made by human hands. They have mouths, but they can’t speak. They have eyes, but they can’t see. They have ears, but they can’t hear. They have noses, but they can’t smell. They have hands, but they can’t feel. They have feet, but they can’t walk. They can’t even make a noise in their throats! Let the people who made these idols and all who trust in them become just like them!
But you, Israel, trust in the Lord! God is their help and shield. Trust in the Lord, house of Aaron! God is their help and shield. You who honor the Lord, trust in the Lord! God is their help and shield. The Lord remembers us and will bless us: God will bless the house of Israel; God will bless the house of Aaron; God will bless those who honor the Lord — from the smallest to the greatest.
May the Lord add to your numbers — both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth! The highest heaven belongs to the Lord, but he gave the earth to all people. The dead don’t praise the Lord, nor do those who go down to silence. But us? We will bless the Lord from now until forever from now!
Praise the Lord!
I love the Lord because he hears my requests for mercy. I’ll call out to him as long as I live, because he listens closely to me. Death’s ropes bound me; the distress of the grave found me — I came face-to-face with trouble and grief. So I called on the Lord’s name: “Lord, please save me!”
The Lord is merciful and righteous; our God is compassionate. The Lord protects simple folk; he saves me whenever I am brought down. I tell myself, You can be at peace again, because the Lord has been good to you. You, God, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, and my foot from stumbling, so I’ll walk before the Lord in the land of the living. I have remained faithful, even when I said, “I am suffering so badly!” even when I said, out of fear, “Everyone is a liar!”
What can I give back to the Lord for all the good things he has done for me? I’ll lift up the cup of salvation. I’ll call on the Lord’s name. I’ll keep the promises I made to the Lord in the presence of all God’s people. The death of the Lord’s faithful is a costly loss in his eyes.
Oh yes, Lord, I am definitely your servant! I am your servant and the son of your female servant — you’ve freed me from my chains. So I’ll offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to you, and I’ll call on the Lord’s name. I’ll keep the promises I made to the Lord in the presence of all God’s people, in the courtyards of the Lord’s house, which is in the center of Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, all you nations! Worship him, all you peoples! Because God’s faithful love toward us is strong, the Lord’s faithfulness lasts forever! Praise the Lord!
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Psalm 115 teaches us that God alone is the God of all glory, and so we must turn to Him to praise and glorify God alone. And when we give glory to God, He in His divine grace expects us to reflect His goodness to others through our words, thoughts and actions, giving back the glory to God and God alone.
Psalm 116 is a love song that celebrated God’s victory over death. This Psalm celebrates the deliverance from death, but the singer knew that death is still a reality for every one of God's saints. When that day comes, God holds the death of His people as a precious thing.
Psalm 117 reminds everyone that we must praise the Lord. This means whether we are in the midst of blessing or in the midst of suffering, we must praise the Lord. This means whether we think we need God or we don't, we must praise the Lord. Hallelujah for the universal praise of God.
May 29th
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Psalm 118
Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever. Let Israel say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” Let the house of Aaron say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” Let those who honor the Lord say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!”
In tight circumstances, I cried out to the Lord. The Lord answered me with wide-open spaces. The Lord is for me — I won’t be afraid. What can anyone do to me? The Lord is for me — as my helper. I look in victory on those who hate me. It’s far better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust any human. It’s far better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust any human leader. All the nations surrounded me, but I cut them down in the Lord’s name. Yes, they surrounded me on every single side, but I cut them down in the Lord’s name. They surrounded me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns. I cut them down in the Lord’s name!
I was pushed so hard I nearly died, but the Lord helped me. The Lord was my strength and protection; he was my saving help! The sounds of joyful songs and deliverance are heard in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s strong hand is victorious! The Lord’s strong hand is ready to strike! The Lord’s strong hand is victorious!”
I won’t die — no, I will live and declare what the Lord has done. Yes, the Lord definitely disciplined me, but he didn’t hand me over to death.
Open the gates of righteousness for me so I can come in and give thanks to the Lord! This is the Lord’s gate; those who are righteous enter through it.
I thank you because you answered me, because you were my saving help. The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone! This has happened because of the Lord; it is astounding in our sight! This is the day the Lord acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it!
Lord, please save us! Lord, please let us succeed!
The one who enters in the Lord’s name is blessed; we bless all of you from the Lord’s house. The Lord is God! He has shined a light on us! So lead the festival offering with ropes all the way to the horns of the altar. You are my God — I will give thanks to you! You are my God — I will lift you up high! Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever.
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May 29 – Psalm 118
In Psalm 118, the Psalmist is writing about incredible adversity. It's not written when times are good, but when times are hard. Situations were changing and challenging when this Psalm was written. The Psalmist cried out to God in anguish as he was surrounded on all sides by the enemy. He felt pushed back, and about to fall. Yet right in the midst of huge struggles shared, this Psalm both starts and ends with the theme of giving thanks and praise to God. How do we handle stressful days? Can we say with God’s strength – “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it?”
May 30th
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Psalm 119:1-40
א alef
Those whose way is blameless — who walk in the Lord’s Instruction — are truly happy! Those who guard God’s laws are truly happy! They seek God with all their hearts. They don’t even do anything wrong! They walk in God’s ways. God, you have ordered that your decrees should be kept most carefully. How I wish my ways were strong when it comes to keeping your statutes! Then I wouldn’t be ashamed when I examine all your commandments. I will give thanks to you with a heart that does right as I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes. Please don’t leave me all alone!
ב bet
How can young people keep their paths pure? By guarding them according to what you’ve said. I have sought you with all my heart. Don’t let me stray from any of your commandments! I keep your word close, in my heart, so that I won’t sin against you. You, Lord, are to be blessed! Teach me your statutes. I will declare out loud all the rules you have spoken. I rejoice in the content of your laws as if I were rejoicing over great wealth. I will think about your precepts and examine all your paths. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget what you have said.
ג gimel
Be good to your servant so I can go on living and keeping your word. Open my eyes so I can examine the wonders of your Instruction! I’m an immigrant in the land. Don’t hide your commandments from me! I’m worn out by longing every minute for your rules! You rebuke the arrogant, accursed people who stray from your commandments. Take all their insults and contempt away from me because I’ve kept your laws! Even if rulers gather and scheme against me, your servant will contemplate your statutes! Yes, your laws are my joy — they are my most trusted advisors!
ד dalet
My life is stuck in the dirt. Now make me live again according to your promise! I confessed my ways and you answered me. Now teach me your statutes! Help me understand what your precepts are about so I can contemplate your wondrous works! My spirit sags because of grief. Now raise me up according to your promise! Remove all false ways from me; show mercy to me by means of your Instruction. I’ve chosen the way of faithfulness; I’m set on your rules. I’m holding tight to your laws, Lord. Please don’t let me be put to shame.
I run the same path as your commandments because you give my heart insight.
ה he
Lord, teach me what your statutes are about, and I will guard every part of them. Help me understand so I can guard your Instruction and keep it with all my heart. Lead me on the trail of your commandments because that is what I want. Turn my heart to your laws, not to greedy gain. Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Make me live by your way. Confirm your promise to your servant — the promise that is for all those who honor you. Remove the insults that I dread because your rules are good. Look how I desire your precepts! Make me live by your righteousness.
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Psalm 119 is a lengthy Psalm with 176 verses. As an alphabetic acrostic Psalm, it is structured around the 22 letter Hebrew alphabet. Each letter in successive order has 8 lines beginning with that letter. There is a remarkable tie in Psalm 119 between the Psalmist's desire to be taught and his identity as the Lord's servant.
May 31st
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Psalm 119:41-72
Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your ordinances. I will keep your law continually, forever and ever. I shall walk at liberty, for I have sought your precepts. I will also speak of your decrees before kings and shall not be put to shame; I find my delight in your commandments because I love them. I revere your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.
Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my distress, that your promise gives me life. The arrogant utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law. When I think of your ordinances from of old, I take comfort, O Lord. Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, those who forsake your law. Your statutes have been my songs wherever I make my home. I remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep your law. This blessing has fallen to me, for I have kept your precepts.
The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep your words. I implore your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. When I think of your ways, I turn my feet to your decrees; I hurry and do not delay to keep your commandments. Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law. At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous ordinances. I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts. The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes.
You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. Before I was humbled I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. The arrogant smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts. Their hearts are thick like fat, but I delight in your law. It is good for me that I was humbled, so that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
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Psalm 119:41-72
Psalm 119 encourages us through every generation to stay close and focused on God’s Word no matter what swirls around us in this world. Living in the freedom and knowledge of God’s ways, obeying His law above all else, and keeping in step with His commandments is the only way to truly live wise, strong lives.
June 1st
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Psalm 119:73-104
Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right and that in faithfulness you have humbled me. Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live, for your law is my delight. Let the arrogant be put to shame, for they have subverted me with guile; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts. Let those who fear you turn to me, so that they may know your decrees. May my heart be blameless in your statutes, so that I may not be put to shame.
My soul languishes for your salvation; I hope in your word. My eyes fail with watching for your promise; I ask, “When will you comfort me?” For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes. How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me? The arrogant have dug pitfalls for me; they flout your law. All your commandments are enduring; I am persecuted without cause; help me! They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. In your steadfast love spare my life, so that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.
The Lord exists forever; your word is firmly fixed in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand today, for all things are your servants. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my misery. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your decrees. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is always with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your decrees are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn away from your ordinances, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
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Psalm 119:73-104
God’s Word is powerful, living, and active. It never changes, because God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His words are breathed straight from His heart to us, a love letter for life, not simply an old-fashioned, outdated book with no relevance for today. His Word is sharper than any two-edged sword.