War!

I have known about three player chess for some time, but just never have managed to find one for sale.  Just as well, because arranging to play with two other players at the same time might not be that easy.  I must say that that this looks like fun though, but I wonder at the complexities of the game!!  War in an of itself is a complex thing; being both predictable and surprising at the same time.  Here is an example from the old testament...

Genesis, Chapter 14

 1 It happened in the days of Amraphel, king of Shinar, Arioch, king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and Tidal, king of Goiim,  2 that they made war with Bera, king of Sodom, and with Birsha, king of Gomorrah, Shinab, king of Admah, and Shemeber, king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar). 3 All these joined together in the valley of Siddim (the same is the Salt Sea). 4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year, they rebelled.  5 In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came, and the kings who were with him, and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim,  6 and the Horites in their Mount Seir, to Elparan, which is by the wilderness.  7 They returned, and came to En Mishpat (the same is Kadesh), and struck all the country of the Amalekites, and also the, that lived in Hazazon Tamar.  8 The king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar) went out; and they set the battle in array against them in the valley of Siddim;  9 against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings against the five.

War has been on my mind lately, because the Amish in Pennsylvania do not participate in it for any reason.  With them, it is a matter of faith and frankly, I am impressed by their convictions.  How much death and destruction has been the result of warfare?  The ancestors of the Amish (the Anabaptists) paid dearly for those beliefs, as thousands upon thousands of them died at the hands of the Roman Catholic church because they would not submit to either a King or an organized religion.  War is the ultimate failure to listen to others and to compromise.  It is wrong on so many levels and evil in the extreme.  May God grant us the conviction to be peacemakers and the knowledge that we are to have only one king in our lives and that one abides in the heavens.

Sept. 21 Psalms 89-91

Sept. 21

Psalms 89-91

Psa 89:1 I will sing of the loving kindness of Yahweh forever. With my mouth, I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.

Psa 89:2 I indeed declare, "Love stands firm forever. You established the heavens. Your faithfulness is in them."

Psa 89:3 "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David, my servant,

Psa 89:4 'I will establish your seed forever, and build up your throne to all generations.' " Selah.

Psa 89:5 The heavens will praise your wonders, Yahweh; your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.

Psa 89:6 For who in the skies can be compared to Yahweh? Who among the sons of the heavenly beings is like Yahweh,

Psa 89:7 a very awesome God in the council of the holy ones, to be feared above all those who are around him?

Psa 89:8 Yahweh, God of Armies, who is a mighty one, like you? Yah, your faithfulness is around you.

Psa 89:9 You rule the pride of the sea. When its waves rise up, you calm them.

Psa 89:10 You have broken Rahab in pieces, like one of the slain. You have scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.

Psa 89:11 The heavens are yours. The earth also is yours; the world and its fullness. You have founded them.

Psa 89:12 The north and the south, you have created them. Tabor and Hermon rejoice in your name.

Psa 89:13 You have a mighty arm. Your hand is strong, and your right hand is exalted.

Psa 89:14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Loving kindness and truth go before your face.

Psa 89:15 Blessed are the people who learn to acclaim you. They walk in the light of your presence, Yahweh.

Psa 89:16 In your name they rejoice all day. In your righteousness, they are exalted.

Psa 89:17 For you are the glory of their strength. In your favor, our horn will be exalted.

Psa 89:18 For our shield belongs to Yahweh; our king to the Holy One of Israel.

Psa 89:19 Then you spoke in vision to your saints, and said, "I have bestowed strength on the warrior. I have exalted a young man from the people.

Psa 89:20 I have found David, my servant. I have anointed him with my holy oil,

Psa 89:21 with whom my hand shall be established. My arm will also strengthen him.

Psa 89:22 No enemy will tax him. No wicked man will oppress him.

Psa 89:23 I will beat down his adversaries before him, and strike those who hate him.

Psa 89:24 But my faithfulness and my loving kindness will be with him. In my name, his horn will be exalted.

Psa 89:25 I will set his hand also on the sea, and his right hand on the rivers.

Psa 89:26 He will call to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation!'

Psa 89:27 I will also appoint him my firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.

Psa 89:28 I will keep my loving kindness for him forevermore. My covenant will stand firm with him.

Psa 89:29 I will also make his seed endure forever, and his throne as the days of heaven.

Psa 89:30 If his children forsake my law, and don't walk in my ordinances;

Psa 89:31 if they break my statutes, and don't keep my commandments;

Psa 89:32 then I will punish their sin with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.

Psa 89:33 But I will not completely take my loving kindness from him, nor allow my faithfulness to fail.

Psa 89:34 I will not break my covenant, nor alter what my lips have uttered.

Psa 89:35 Once have I sworn by my holiness, I will not lie to David.

Psa 89:36 His seed will endure forever, his throne like the sun before me.

Psa 89:37 It will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky." Selah.

Psa 89:38 But you have rejected and spurned. You have been angry with your anointed.

Psa 89:39 You have renounced the covenant of your servant. You have defiled his crown in the dust.

Psa 89:40 You have broken down all his hedges. You have brought his strongholds to ruin.

Psa 89:41 All who pass by the way rob him. He has become a reproach to his neighbors.

Psa 89:42 You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries. You have made all of his enemies rejoice.

Psa 89:43 Yes, you turn back the edge of his sword, and haven't supported him in battle.

Psa 89:44 You have ended his splendor, and thrown his throne down to the ground.

Psa 89:45 You have shortened the days of his youth. You have covered him with shame. Selah.

Psa 89:46 How long, Yahweh? Will you hide yourself forever? Will your wrath burn like fire?

Psa 89:47 Remember how short my time is! For what vanity have you created all the children of men!

Psa 89:48 What man is he who shall live and not see death, who shall deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah.

Psa 89:49 Lord, where are your former loving kindnesses, which you swore to David in your faithfulness?

Psa 89:50 Remember, Lord, the reproach of your servants, how I bear in my heart the taunts of all the mighty peoples,

Psa 89:51 With which your enemies have mocked, Yahweh, with which they have mocked the footsteps of your anointed one.

Psa 89:52 Blessed be Yahweh forevermore. Amen, and Amen.

 

Psa 90:1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place for all generations.

Psa 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, before you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.

Psa 90:3 You turn man to destruction, saying, "Return, you children of men."

Psa 90:4 For a thousand years in your sight are just like yesterday when it is past, like a watch in the night.

Psa 90:5 You sweep them away as they sleep. In the morning they sprout like new grass.

Psa 90:6 In the morning it sprouts and springs up. By evening, it is withered and dry.

Psa 90:7 For we are consumed in your anger. We are troubled in your wrath.

Psa 90:8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

Psa 90:9 For all our days have passed away in your wrath. We bring our years to an end as a sigh.

Psa 90:10 The days of our years are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty years; yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for it passes quickly, and we fly away.

Psa 90:11 Who knows the power of your anger, your wrath according to the fear that is due to you?

Psa 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psa 90:13 Relent, Yahweh! How long? Have compassion on your servants!

Psa 90:14 Satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Psa 90:15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen evil.

Psa 90:16 Let your work appear to your servants; your glory to their children.

Psa 90:17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.

 

Psa 91:1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psa 91:2 I will say of Yahweh, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust."

Psa 91:3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence.

Psa 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.

Psa 91:5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day;

Psa 91:6 nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday.

Psa 91:7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you.

Psa 91:8 You will only look with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.

Psa 91:9 Because you have made Yahweh your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place,

Psa 91:10 no evil shall happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.

Psa 91:11 For he will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.

Psa 91:12 They will bear you up in their hands, so that you won't dash your foot against a stone.

Psa 91:13 You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot.

Psa 91:14 "Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name.

Psa 91:15 He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him.

Psa 91:16 I will satisfy him with long life, and show him my salvation."

Sept. 21 2 Corinthians 1

Sept. 21

2 Corinthians 1

2Co 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the assembly of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:

2Co 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2Co 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort;

2Co 1:4 who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2Co 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound to us, even so our comfort also abounds through Christ.

2Co 1:6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer.

2Co 1:7 Our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that, since you are partakers of the sufferings, so also are you of the comfort.

2Co 1:8 For we don't desire to have you uninformed, brothers, concerning our affliction which happened to us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, so much that we despaired even of life.

2Co 1:9 Yes, we ourselves have had the sentence of death within ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead,

2Co 1:10 who delivered us out of so great a death, and does deliver; on whom we have set our hope that he will also still deliver us;

2Co 1:11 you also helping together on our behalf by your supplication; that, for the gift bestowed on us by means of many, thanks may be given by many persons on your behalf.

2Co 1:12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you.

2Co 1:13 For we write no other things to you, than what you read or even acknowledge, and I hope you will acknowledge to the end;

2Co 1:14 as also you acknowledged us in part, that we are your boasting, even as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.

2Co 1:15 In this confidence, I was determined to come first to you, that you might have a second benefit;

2Co 1:16 and by you to pass into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and to be sent forward by you on my journey to Judea.

2Co 1:17 When I therefore was thus determined, did I show fickleness? Or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the "Yes, yes" and the "No, no?"

2Co 1:18 But as God is faithful, our word toward you was not "Yes and no."

2Co 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, by me, Silvanus, and Timothy, was not "Yes and no," but in him is "Yes."

2Co 1:20 For however many are the promises of God, in him is the "Yes." Therefore also through him is the "Amen," to the glory of God through us.

2Co 1:21 Now he who establishes us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God;

2Co 1:22 who also sealed us, and gave us the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts.

2Co 1:23 But I call God for a witness to my soul, that I didn't come to Corinth to spare you.

2Co 1:24 Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are fellow workers with you for your joy. For you stand firm in faith.

"THE EPISTLE TO TITUS" Chapter Three by Mark Copeland

                         "THE EPISTLE TO TITUS"

                             Chapter Three

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To review responsibilities Christians have toward those in authority
   and others in general

2) To consider how one is saved by God's mercy, through the washing of
   regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit

3) To notice the emphasis on being careful to maintain good works,
   while avoiding things that are unprofitable and useless (including
   some individuals)

SUMMARY

In this final chapter Paul instructs Titus to remind the brethren 
concerning their duties toward those in authority and men in general
(1-2).  Exhortations to gentleness and humility toward all men is made
with a reminder that we too were once like those in the world (3).  We 
have been saved, not by our own works of righteousness, but by the
mercy of God who saved us through the washing of regeneration and 
renewing of the Holy Spirit (4-5).  The Spirit has been poured out 
abundantly on us, so that we who are justified might become heirs 
according to the hope of eternal life (6-7).  Paul also wants Titus to
affirm constantly that those who have believed in God should be
diligent in their good works (8).  At the same time, foolish disputes
and divisive men are to be avoided, for such are unprofitable and
useless (9-11).

The epistle closes with personal remarks and greetings.  Titus is
encouraged to come to Nicopolis as soon as Artemas or Tychicus have
arrived, for Paul has chosen to winter there (12).  In the meantime,
Titus is to send Zenas and Apollos on their journey with haste (13).  
Yet another exhortation is given to have the brethren learn to maintain
good works, meeting urgent needs, so they may not be unfruitful.  Paul 
then passes along greetings to Titus from those with him, and sends 
similar greetings to those who love the brethren (13-14).  A final 
benediction regarding grace ends the letter (15).

OUTLINE

I. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BRETHREN IN GENERAL (1-11)
   
   A. CONCERNING PROPER CONDUCT (1-2)
      1. Toward those in authority (1)
         a. Be subject to and obey rulers and authorities
         b. Be ready for every good work
      2. Toward all men (2)
         a. Speak evil of no one
         b. Be peaceable, gentle, showing humility to all

   B. REASONS TO HEED SUCH EXHORTATIONS (3-11)
      1. In view of our past conduct (3)
         a. We were once foolish, disobedient and deceived
         b. We served various lust and pleasures
         c. We lived in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another
      2. In view of our salvation (4-7)
         a. We were saved according to God's kindness, love and mercy,
            not by works of righteousness which we have done (4-5)
         b. We were saved through the washing of regeneration and 
            renewing of the Holy Spirit (5-7)
            1) Whom God poured out abundantly through Jesus our Savior
            2) That being justified by grace we should become heirs
               according to the hope of eternal life
      3. In view of what is good and profitable (8)
         a. Those who have believed in God should be careful to 
            maintain good works
         b. This is a faithful saying, and should be affirmed
            constantly
      4. In view of what is unprofitable and useless (9-11)
         a. Foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings
            about the law are to be avoided (9)
         b. A divisive man is to be rejected after two admonitions 
            (10-11)
            1) For such is warped and sinning
            2) And is self-condemned

II. CONCLUDING REMARKS (12-15)

   A. FINAL INSTRUCTIONS (12-14)
      1. To meet him at Nicopolis, after the arrival of Artemas or
         Tychicus (12)
      2. To send Zenas and Apollos on their journey with haste, lacking
         nothing (13)
      3. To aid others in learning to maintain good works, meeting 
         urgent needs, so as not to be unfruitful (14)

   B. FINAL GREETINGS, AND A PRAYER (15)
      1. Greetings from those with Paul
      2. Greetings to those who love the brethren in the faith
      3. Grace be with you all. Amen.

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Instructions for the brethren in general (1-11)
   - Concluding remarks (12-15)

2) What are the responsibilities of Christians toward rulers and 
   authorities? (1)
   - To be subject to them, to obey, to be ready for every good work

3) How should Christians conduct themselves toward men in general? (2)
   - To speak evil of none, to be peaceable, gentle, and humble toward
     all

4) What should help us to be gentle and humble toward others? (3)
   - We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deceived
   - We had served various lusts and pleasures
   - We had been hateful and hating one another

5) What else should remind us to be humble? (4-5)
   - We were saved, not by works of righteousness which we have done,
     but according to the kindness, love and mercy of God

6) How has God in mercy saved us? (5)
   - Through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy 
     Spirit

7) Why has God poured out the Holy Spirit abundantly on us? (6-7)
   - That having been justified by His grace, we should become heirs
     according to the hope of eternal life (cf. Ga 4:6-7; Ro 8:15-17)

8) What faithful saying did Paul want Titus to affirm constantly? (8)
   - Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good
     works

9) What was Titus to avoid?  Why? (9)
   - Foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about 
     the law
   - They are unprofitable and useless

10) Who was Titus to reject after two admonitions?  Why? (10-11)
   - A divisive man
   - Such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned

11) Where did Paul want Titus to join him? (12)
   - Nicopolis

12) Who was Titus to send along on their journey with haste, lacking 
    nothing? (13)
   - Zenas the lawyer and Apollos

13) What did Paul want Christians to learn? (14)
   - To maintain good works, to meet urgent needs

14) Who sent greetings to Titus?  Who did Paul send greetings to? (15)
   - All who with him
   - Those who love the brethren in the faith

15) What prayer did Paul offer as he closed this letter? (15)
   - Grace be with you all.  Amen.

What do we have in common with George?

I imagine that most of us will recognize George Clooney; but we probably have not seen him this way.  Movie stars are just people, after all; with all the problems we everyday humans have... runny noses, pimples, gas, etc..  But, all humans share another characteristic... sin.  As the scripture plainly teaches...

Romans, Chapter 3

 8 Why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), “Let us do evil, that good may come?” Those who say so are justly condemned. 9 What then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously warned both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin.  10 As it is written,

“There is no one righteous;
no, not one.

  11 There is no one who understands.
There is no one who seeks after God.

  12 They have all turned aside.
They have together become unprofitable.

There is no one who does good,
no, not, so much as one.”

  13 “Their throat is an open tomb.
With their tongues they have used deceit.”

“The poison of vipers is under their lips;”
  14 “whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
  15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood.
  16 Destruction and misery are in their ways.
  17 The way of peace, they haven’t known.”
  18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes."

I have to admit, we all are prone to do things we shouldn't.  Sin is a problem for us all.  Face it, we sin.  The thing is... we all have a way out at the same time; Jesus.  We all have problems and at times even the best of us have moments where we are not at our best.  It is precisely at those moments that we can see our faults and when we do we can come to grips with sin... and do something about it.  The good thing is.. Jesus doesn't really care what we look like, he just wants to help us.  There is hope for George and hope for us as well.  Being good looking is an option!!

Sept. 20 1 Corinthians 16

Sept. 20

1 Corinthians 16

1Co 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.

1Co 16:2 On the first day of the week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.

1Co 16:3 When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.

1Co 16:4 If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.

1Co 16:5 But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia.

1Co 16:6 But with you it may be that I will stay, or even winter, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go.

1Co 16:7 For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.

1Co 16:8 But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,

1Co 16:9 for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

1Co 16:10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

1Co 16:11 Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.

1Co 16:12 Now concerning Apollos, the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers; and it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.

1Co 16:13 Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!

1Co 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love.

1Co 16:15 Now I beg you, brothers (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints),

1Co 16:16 that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.

1Co 16:17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.

1Co 16:18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.

1Co 16:19 The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house.

1Co 16:20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

1Co 16:21 This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand.

1Co 16:22 If any man doesn't love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. Come, Lord!

1Co 16:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

1Co 16:24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Sept. 20 Psalms 86-88

Sept. 20

Psalms 86-88

Psa 86:1 Hear, Yahweh, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

Psa 86:2 Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You, my God, save your servant who trusts in you.

Psa 86:3 Be merciful to me, Lord, for I call to you all day long.

Psa 86:4 Bring joy to the soul of your servant, for to you, Lord, do I lift up my soul.

Psa 86:5 For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you.

Psa 86:6 Hear, Yahweh, my prayer. Listen to the voice of my petitions.

Psa 86:7 In the day of my trouble I will call on you, for you will answer me.

Psa 86:8 There is no one like you among the gods, Lord, nor any deeds like your deeds.

Psa 86:9 All nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord. They shall glorify your name.

Psa 86:10 For you are great, and do wondrous things. You are God alone.

Psa 86:11 Teach me your way, Yahweh. I will walk in your truth. Make my heart undivided to fear your name.

Psa 86:12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with my whole heart. I will glorify your name forevermore.

Psa 86:13 For your loving kindness is great toward me. You have delivered my soul from the lowest Sheol.

Psa 86:14 God, the proud have risen up against me. A company of violent men have sought after my soul, and they don't hold regard for you before them.

Psa 86:15 But you, Lord, are a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth.

Psa 86:16 Turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give your strength to your servant. Save the son of your handmaid.

Psa 86:17 Show me a sign of your goodness, that those who hate me may see it, and be shamed, because you, Yahweh, have helped me, and comforted me.

Psa 87:1 His foundation is in the holy mountains.

Psa 87:2 Yahweh loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

Psa 87:3 Glorious things are spoken about you, city of God. Selah.

Psa 87:4 I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me. Behold, Philistia, Tyre, and also Ethiopia: "This one was born there."

Psa 87:5 Yes, of Zion it will be said, "This one and that one was born in her;" the Most High himself will establish her.

Psa 87:6 Yahweh will count, when he writes up the peoples, "This one was born there." Selah.

Psa 87:7 Those who sing as well as those who dance say, "All my springs are in you."

Psa 88:1 Yahweh, the God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before you.

Psa 88:2 Let my prayer enter into your presence. Turn your ear to my cry.

Psa 88:3 For my soul is full of troubles. My life draws near to Sheol.

Psa 88:4 I am counted among those who go down into the pit. I am like a man who has no help,

Psa 88:5 set apart among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more. They are cut off from your hand.

Psa 88:6 You have laid me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths.

Psa 88:7 Your wrath lies heavily on me. You have afflicted me with all your waves. Selah.

Psa 88:8 You have taken my friends from me. You have made me an abomination to them. I am confined, and I can't escape.

Psa 88:9 My eyes are dim from grief. I have called on you daily, Yahweh. I have spread out my hands to you.

Psa 88:10 Do you show wonders to the dead? Do the dead rise up and praise you? Selah.

Psa 88:11 Is your loving kindness declared in the grave? Or your faithfulness in Destruction?

Psa 88:12 Are your wonders made known in the dark? Or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

Psa 88:13 But to you, Yahweh, I have cried. In the morning, my prayer comes before you.

Psa 88:14 Yahweh, why do you reject my soul? Why do you hide your face from me?

Psa 88:15 I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up. While I suffer your terrors, I am distracted.

Psa 88:16 Your fierce wrath has gone over me. Your terrors have cut me off.

Psa 88:17 They came around me like water all day long. They completely engulfed me.

Psa 88:18 You have put lover and friend far from me, and my friends into darkness.