If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Lord, why this compulsion to embellish my stories. I know I claim to make them more interesting to my audience but You and I know that is a lie too. My embellishments are always based on a compulsion to build me up in the estimation of my audience. Heal me, Lord, change my heart.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 117

Mid-day: 119:25-32

Evening: Psalm 43

Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.

"Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!"

Lord, we laid hands on and prayed for a man last night who feels You have deserted him, You are not answering his demands for justice from the system, that You are allowing those arrayed against him to continue to block his cries for redress. Lord, I pray for this person that the eyes of his heart will be opened to see that Your promises are yea and amen. I pray that he will turn from his demands for release to seeking understanding and acceptance of Your purpose for his life. Bless him, Lord.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 116

Mid-day: 119:17-24

Evening: Psalm 42

Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.

But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips? For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you. If you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you keep company with adulterers. "You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit. (You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son. These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.

Lord, I lift up many of those I minister to who do not get the connection between obedience and blessing. They cry out to You in their distress while insisting on continuing to live according to their own desires and then curse You because You do not answer their requests. They need to submit to You, listen and heed the guidance of the Holy Spirit, become willing to obey in all things and then You will answer.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 115

Mid-day: 119:9-16

Evening: Psalm 41

Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.

My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.

Yes, LORD, You are the Almighty One, the One who speaks and it is, The One is total control of all Creation. It is right that my flesh trembles for fear of You and that I am consumed in awe. You are Righteousness, You are Justice, You are Shalom. I must be terrified of You judgment for I am a weak and sinful man. But Your Son has borne my sins and His sacrifice stands to cover me in Your sight. I am filled with Your Righteousness, Peace and Joy.

All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies.

Yes, one of the characteristics about your testimonies is that they are perfect filters. No quibble filters. Absolute pass/fail filters.

You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain.

A sure way to lose communion with You is to insist that my wits, my cunning are sufficient to lift me out of any trouble, no matter how insignificant a bother it is.

Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually!

I cannot even regard Your statutes on my own without the quickening of the Holy Spirit. A weak and wavering heart, constantly seeking to turn from You, but You have provided the Comforter to continuously remind me of all that You have taught

Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.

Behind me, Satan, don't try to distract me from following the Word of the Lord. And through the strength of the Holy Spirit, I can keep that resolve.

Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope!

To live in the Kingdom, as the Lord has promised to me, is life, true life, a life of righteousness, peace and joy. Hallelujah.

I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.

Yes, Your Law is consistent, coherent, constant, complete and presents a guide for my life that is safe, has no pitfalls, snares or dangers. I am called to follow Your lead without wavering or questioning.

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.

I have confidence that Your Word will be true and complete, it is my shield and hiding place.

I hate the double-minded, but I love your law. You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word. Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope! Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually! You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain. All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies. My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.

Lord, I will continue to study, to obey and to preach that Your good and perfect Law is the guide to life in the Kingdom. Thanks You for the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide me into all Truth and to remind me of all that You have said. I live in holy fear and in holy love for You; it is Your Holy Spirit that provides the guidance to live where these two meet.

My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.

Lord, I need help in transforming my mind, heart, soul and strength into an engine of praise. Help me to become like those old Celts for whom praise and blessing was as much a part of them as the breaths they took.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 114

Mid-day: 119:1-8

Evening: Psalm 40

Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.

"If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?  Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."

Do I thank You in all circumstances? No. Am I faithful in the performance of all my vows to You? No. Do I call on You on the day of trouble? No. Do I give You the glory constantly? No. Only when all else fails. When, O Lord, will You become a God of first resort in my heart rather than a God of last resort? Praise You, my Lord and my Master for Your unfailing patience with me, a weak, failing and pride-filled creature.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 113

Mid-day: 119:169-176

Evening: Psalm 39

Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.