Season 1

Episode 99: Psalm 22

Today's meditation is on Psalm 22 - David wrote this prophetic psalm approximately 1,000 years before Jesus was born. I have adapted portions of this psalm as a modern-day prayer of meditation.
---
My God will never forsake me. He always answers when I call. He will always save me. I cry out by day, and he answers me. I cry out by night, and find rest. 
My God is enthroned as the Holy One; he is the one I praise. In him I put my trust, as my ancestors did. I put my trust in God, and he delivers me. I cry out and I am saved. I am not put to shame.
Even if I am scorned by everyone, despised by people. Even if all who see me mock me and hurl insults, shaking their heads. Still, I will trust you. You will rescue me and deliver me, because you delight in me.
You delivered me safely from my mother's womb. You cared for me ever since I was a little baby. Since the day I was born, I've been placed in your custody. You've cradled me throughout my days and you've always been my God.
You will not be far from me when trouble is near and there is no one to help. Though my enemy surrounds me, you, O Lord, are not far from me. You are my strength and you come quickly to help me. You will deliver me from the sword; my precious life from the power of the dogs. You rescue me from the mouth of the lions; and save me from the horns of the wild oxen. 
I will declare your name before my brothers and sisters and praise you in the midst of the congregation. Let all who fear the Lord, praise him and give him honor. You alone, God, will be revered. For you have not despised or scorned my suffering. You have not hidden your face from me, but have listened to my cry for help. 
You're the reason for my praise; it comes from you and goes to you. I will keep my promise to praise you before all who fear you.
I will feast in fellowship with you, right alongside the humble of heart, bowing down to the dust, forsaking my own soul. I will worship you o worthy King. I will serve you. Future generations will hear from me about the wonders of the victorious Lord. Generations yet to be born will glorify you. And they will all declare: the substitutionary work is finished. We are redeemed!
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music: The Tao of NothingnessMusicMan App

Episode 98: Psalm 21

Today's meditation is on Psalm 21
I rejoice in your strength, O Lord, as you impart that strength to me. My joy overflows and I burst out with a joyful song because of the salvation and victories you give!
You have given me my heart’s desire and haven't held anything back. You answer the requests of my lips.
Rich blessings overflow with every encounter with you. You greet me with rich blessings of good things, filling my arms with gifts. You give me a royal welcome and place a crown of pure gold on my head.
I asked you for a good life, and you gave it to me—and then made it a long life as a bonus. The days of my blessing stretch on one after another forever.
My glory is great because of your victory. You have lifted me up. I'm decked out in glory-garments and surrounded with splendor and majesty.
You pile blessings on me, blessing after blessing so that I can be a blessing to others. I taste joy and bliss, rejoicing before your face. My heart sings for joy when you smile. Is it any wonder that I love you?
I trust confidently in you, my God, through your unfailing lovingkindness, your faithfulness and goodness, I will never be shaken, never stumble, never fall. Because you, Most High God, hold me.
Be exalted, O Lord. Rise up and put your might on display. I sing and praise your power and strength, sharing the good news with all who will listen.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music: New BeginningsMusicMan App

Episode 97: Psalm 20

Today's meditation is on Psalm 20
The Lord answers me when I'm in distress. He sets me securely on high and defends me in battle. He puts me out of harm's reach. He sends me supernatural help from his sanctuary and supports and strengthens me from Zion. He remembers every gift I have given him, and celebrates every sacrifice of love I have shown him.
God gives me every desire of my heart and makes all of my plans succeed. I raise the roof with my victory shouts and joyous songs. I lead the parade with my banner to the Lord God Almighty lifted high. The Lord God always answers my prayers, and I praise him.
This much I know: Help is coming. The answer is on the way and everything is going to work out. 
The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers me from his heavenly sanctuary. By his mighty hand, miracles manifest through his saving strength. Some find their strength in their weapons and wisdom; but my miracle-deliverance can never be won by men. My boast is in Christ alone, who makes me strong and gives me victory. My enemies will not prevail; they will only collapse and perish in defeat while I rise up, full of courage. 
God gives me victory. He answers me when I call. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music: Piano SimpleAudioStock

Episode 96: Psalm 19

Today's meditation is on Psalm 19
The heavens declare God's magnificent glory, and the skies proclaim the work of his hands. His splendor is a tale that is told, written in the stars. Space itself speaks his story through the marvels of the heavens. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge, even though they use no words. Even though no sound is heard from them, their voice in quiet evidence goes out into all the earth, their unspoken truth is spoken everywhere. Each day gushes out its message to the next, night by night whispering its knowledge to all -- without a sound, without a word, without a voice being heard, yet all the world can hear its echo. 
My God has pitched a tent in the heavens for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber eager to greet his bride, like a champion athlete bursting forth to run his course. That's how God's Word vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset, melting ice, scorching deserts, and warming my heart to faith.
The law of the Lord is flawlessly perfect, restoring and refreshing my soul, pulling my life together. His statutes are reliable and trustworthy, even making the simple wise. His signposts are clear and point out the right road. The precepts of the Lord are right, and give joy to my heart. His life-maps show me the way to joy. The commands of the Lord are radiant, and the revelation-light of his Word makes my spirit shine! My fear and reverence of God is pure and will last forever.
God's Words are better than a diamond set between emeralds. They are more desirable than pure gold. The rarest treasures of life are found in his truth. It is sweeter than honey, better than red, ripe strawberries in spring.
By his word, I am warned, reminded, illuminated and instructed. And great reward comes from keeping them. God's word warns me of danger and directs me to hidden treasure. It comes with a lifetime guarantee: great success to every obedient soul.
My God is merciful and forgives my hidden faults -- even those that are unconscious and unintended. He cleans the slate so I can start the day fresh! He keeps me from willful, deliberate sins; they do not rule over me or have control over me. He finds me blameless and innocent of transgression.
I speak in line with his word, and the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart are acceptable and pleasing in his sight, my Lord, my immovable Rock and my Redeemer.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/sanchii/weather-the-stormLicense code: AHARKPJ3ALV0K3YP

Episode 95: Psalm18

Today's meditation is based on Psalm 18
I love the Lord and I’m bonded to him. He is my strength. He is the bedrock beneath my feet, my faith-fortress, my wonderful deliverer, my God, my rock of rescue where none can reach me. He is the shield around me, the mighty power that saves me, and my high place.
All I need to do is to call on my Lord, the praiseworthy God. When I do, I’m safe and sound in him — delivered from my foes! Even if the cords of death wrap around me and torrents of destruction threaten to overwhelm me, taking me to death’s door, I will cry out in my distress to the delivering God, and from his temple-throne he will hear my troubled cry, my sobs going right into his heart.
He will stretch heaven’s curtain open and come to my defense. Swiftly he will ride to earth as the storm-sky is lowered. My God rides on a chariot of thunderclouds amidst thick darkness; his steed is a cherub, soaring on the outstretched wings of Spirit-Wind.
Wrapped in the thick-cloud darkness, his thunder-tabernacle surrounds him. He hides himself in mystery-darkness; the dense rain clouds are his garments. The brilliance of his presence suddenly breaks through with lightning bolts and hail—a tempest dropping coals of fire.
The Lord thunders; the great God above every god speaks with his thunder-voice from the sky. The Most High utters his voice! He releases his lightning-arrows, and routes my foes. See how they run and scatter in fear!
Then with his mighty roar he lays bare the foundations of the earth, uncovering the secret source of the sea. Exposing the hidden depths of land and sea by the blast of his hot breath.
He rescued me from the mighty waters. He reached all the way from sky to sea and pulled me out of the ocean of hate, the enemy chaos, the void in which I was drowning, and drew me to himself! Even though I was helpless in the hands of my hateful, strong enemy, my God was good to deliver me. He stood me up in a wide-open field; I stood there saved--surprised to be loved. He rescued me—because his delight is in me! 
God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. He gave me a fresh start. So now I'm alert to God's ways and don't take him for granted. I keep my eyes focused on his righteous words, and I obey everything that he tells me to do. I’ve been found blameless before him and follow all his ways, keeping my heart pure. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.
And so God rewards me according to my righteousness in Christ Jesus. I have tasted his goodness. I am loyal to him and he loves to prove that he is loyal and true. 
He is always pure. I am humbled that he would bring heaven’s deliverance to me. God, all at once turned on a floodlight for me! He is the revelation-light in my darkness, and in his brightness I can see the path ahead. I'm blazing with glory -- God's glory! With God as my strength I can crush an enemy horde, advancing through every stronghold that stands in front of me.
What a perfect God he is. All of his promises have proven true. He is my secure shelter. I turn to hide myself in him, the wraparound God.
Could there be any other god like my God? For there is not a more secure foundation. God has wrapped me in power and made my way perfect. Through God, I ascend to the highest peaks to stand strong and secure in him.
He has trained me with the weapons of warfare-worship; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. He protects me with salvation-armor and empowers me for victory with his wraparound presence. By stooping down in gentleness, he made me great.
God has set me free, and now I’m standing complete, ready to fight some more!I catch up with my enemies and conquer them and don’t turn back until the war is won! 
God has placed his armor upon me and made my enemies bow low. He made them all turn tail and run. He gives me victory on every side. 
I lift my praise to the unshakable God! Towering over all, my Savior-God is worthy to be praised! He pays back all who harm me, and subdues all who come against me. He rescues me from my enemies; he lifts me up high and keeps me out of reach, far from the grasp of my violent foe.
So I thank God with my praises! I will sing my song to the highest God, so all among the nations will hear me. He has given me great victories. He has always been tender and kind to me, his anointed one, his loving servant.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/adi-goldstein/open-wingsLicense code: ZLVB2KBIYARX2JLX

Episode 94: Psalm 17

Today's meditation is on Psalm 17
The Lord my God hears my plea. He listens to my cry. My prayer rises from honest lips. I speak the truth and he vindicates me and pronounces me innocent. His eyes always see what's right. 
God probes my heart. He examines me at night and finds nothing evil in me. I will not sin with my words. I am not trying to get my way in the world's way. I'm trying to get his way in his Word's way. Following his Word has kept me from wrong. His ways have molded my footsteps. I stay on his trail, putting one foot in front of the other, holding closely to the path he has set before me. My feet do not stumble. And I'm not giving up.
I call on my God, because I'm sure of an answer. He inclines his ear to me and hears my prayer. He shows me the marvelous and amazing wonders of his great love, painting grace-graffiti on the fences. He saves me by his right hand, because I run straight to him and take refuge.
He keeps me in his affectionate care and protects me. He is a loving savior and I am the apple of his eye. He hides me within the shelter of his embrace, in the protective shadow of his wings.
The Lord rises up and confronts my enemies, bringing them down. With his sword, he rescues me from the wicked. By his hand, he saves me from those of this world whose reward is in this life. 
I will be vindicated and will see the face of God. I will be satisfied in an awakening of his likeness in me. I live heaven here on earth. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/eternal-promiseLicense code: U8NX5BYKKRRPPIYF

Episode 93: Psalm 16

Today's meditation is based on Psalm 16
The Lord my God keeps me safe and protects me, because I've run for dear life to him, my safe place. I have placed my trust in him and found refuge. 
God is my Maker and my Master. Any good thing you find in me has come from him and without him, nothing makes sense. 
God delights in me. I am surrounded by God-chosen lives all around -- and what splendid friends they make!
My choice is God, first and only. And I am his choice. He alone is my inheritance. He is my prize, my pleasure and my portion. He is all I need. God supports me. His pleasant path leads me to pleasant places and I'm overwhelmed by the privileges that come with following him.
I will bless the Lord who counsels me. The way he counsels me makes me praise him even more. His whispers in the night give me wisdom, showing me what to do next. Day and night I'll stick with God. I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go!
I have set the Lord continually before me; and because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Because he is always close to me, my confidence will never be weakened. I experience his wraparound presence every moment. 
I'm happy from the inside out, and from the outside in. My heart and soul explode with joy. God has canceled my ticket to hell -- and that's no longer my destination. My body rests confident and secure, for I know that God will never abandon me.
He shows me the path of life, all radiant from the shining of his face. In his presence I taste the fullness of joy. At his right side, I experience divine pleasures forevermore.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music: GratitudeMusicMan App

Episode 92: Psalm 9

Today's meditation is on Psalm 9
I will give thanks to the Lord with extended hands, and praise him with a full heart. My whole heart erupts with praise. I will tell everyone, everywhere about all his wonders and marvelous deeds. I'm whistling, laughing and jumping for joy. I shout in triumph and sing the song of the Most High God.
When God appears, my enemies turn back -- they tuck their tails and run. They stumble and fall on their faces before my God. For he upholds my right and my cause, vindicating me when I need him the most. He takes over and sets everything right. When I need him, he's there taking charge. He rebukes my enemies and destroys the wicked. He blots out their names for ever and ever. Endless ruin  overtakes them. God uproots them so that even the memory of them is erased.
The Lord my God reigns forever. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the people with equity. The Lord is my refuge when I am oppressed. He is my stronghold in times of trouble, a perfect hiding place. I know his wonderful name and trust in him, for the Lord my God has never forsaken me. I know I can count on him for help -- no matter what. I have experienced his precious mercy and put my confident trust in him alone. He will never, no never, neglect or abandon me.
I sing praises to the Lord, enthroned in Zion. I proclaim his great and wondrous deeds. I tell the world about all the miracles he has done in my life. For he remembers and does not ignore my cries when I am afflicted. He hears every one of my cries.
The Lord sees when my enemies persecute and humiliate me. And he has mercy and is gracious to me. He snatches me up and lifts from the gates of death, that I may declare his praises. I rejoice in his salvation and deliverance.
The wicked have fallen into the pit they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. But the Lord my God is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their own hands. But God will never forget me when I am in need. My hope will never perish.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessed.
-----
Music: Infinite WonderMusicMan App

Episode 91: Psalm 8

Today's meditation is on Psalm 8
My God is Sovereign. How majestic and glorious and excellent is his name. His glory streams from the heavens above, filling the earth with the majesty of his holy name! Everywhere I look, I see his splendor. He has built a stronghold by the songs of children. Strength rises up with the chorus of infants. This kind of praise has power to shut Satan’s mouth. My childlike worship will drown out enemy talk and silence atheist babble.
I look at the splendor of the skies, God's creative genius glowing in the heavens. When I glance at the moon and stars, mounted like jewels in their settings, I know that my God is the fascinating artist who fashioned it all!
I find myself wondering, why would he bother with a puny mortal like me or care about the human race? But look what honor he has given me! He created me only a little lower than himself, and crowned me with glory, and honor, and magnificence. He made me to have dominion. He put everything under my authority, placing earth itself under my feet, as his image-bearer.
All the created order and every living thing of the earth, sky, and sea—the wildest beasts and all that move in the paths of the sea -- everything is in submission to Adam’s sons, to humans, to me.
The glory of the Sovereign God, streams from the heavens above, filling the earth with the majesty and excellence of his name! Everywhere I look, I see his splendor!
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music by Global GeniusBeautiful Beginnings

Episode 90: Psalm 7

Today's meditation is on Psalm 7
I come to the Lord for protection, running to him for dear life. I take refuge in the Lord, my God. He saves and delivers me from all who pursue me. I do no wrong, nor am I guilty of injustice. I do not betray my friends or plunder my enemy without cause.
So the Lord rises up in his anger to stand against the fury of my enemies. He awakes and decrees justice.
I come before him while he sits enthroned over me on high. Confident in his verdict.
The Lord vindicates me publicly, and restores my honor and dignity. He declares me innocent and righteous in Christ Jesus. He brings the violence of the wicked to an end and I am made secure in his righteousness. He is a righteous God, the soul searcher, who tests my heart and examines my every thought and motive.
The wraparound presence of God Most High is my shield. He saves the upright in heart and brings me victory. He gets me ready for life. He is a righteous judge. Because of the strength of his forgiveness, his anger doesn't break out against me. He sharpens his shining sword. He has an arsenal of lethal weapons reserved for his enemies. He has bent and strung his bow and prepared his flaming arrows of judgment. 
I am careful to avoid evil, because those who are pregnant with evil conceive trouble and give birth to disillusionment. I make my way along the path he has shown me, and do not fall into a pit of my own making. I do not cause trouble that would recoil on me. Nor do I act with violence, for it would only come down on my own head. 
I give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness. He will make everything right in the end. I sing my highest praise to the Lord Most High.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music: Villa MontalvoAudioStock