Wednesday Morning Scripture – Luke 22:1-23

Preparing the Passover

1 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching. 

2 The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Him to death; for they were afraid of the people [who listened devotedly to His teaching, and who respected His spiritual wisdom].

3 Then Satan entered Judas, the one called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve [disciples]. 

4 And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him and hand Him over to them. 

5 They were delighted and agreed with him to give him money. 

6 So he consented, and began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus to them [at a time when He was] separated from the crowd [because the people might riot or stop them from seizing Him].

7 Then came the preparation day of  [a]Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 

8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us, so that we may eat it.” 

9 They asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare it?” 

10 He replied, “When you have entered the city, a [b]man carrying an earthenjar of water will meet you; follow him into the house that he enters. 

11 And say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 

12 Then he will show you a large upstairs room, furnished [with carpets and dining couches]; prepare the meal there.” 13 They left and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

The Lord’s Supper

14 When the hour [for the meal] had come, Jesus reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. 

15 He said to them, “I have earnestly wanted to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 

16 for I say to you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 

17 And when He had taken a cup and [c]given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; 

18 for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.” 

19 And when He had taken bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 

20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup, which is poured out for you, is the new covenant [ratified] in My blood. 

21 But listen, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table. 

22 For indeed, the Son of Man is going as it has been determined; but woe (judgment is coming) to that man by whom He is betrayed and handed over!” 

23 And they began to discuss among themselves which one of them it might be who was going to do this.

Luke 22:1-23 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Luke 22:7 This remembrance lasted eight days. The Passover lambs were selected on the tenth of Nisan (March/April) and sacrificed on the fourteenth of Nisan (the first day of the feast). The Passover meal was eaten that same night (15 Nisan). This was immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread (15-21 Nisan). The terms “Passover” and “The Feast of Unleavened Bread” were used interchangeably.

[b] Luke 22:10 It would have been unusual to see a manservant carrying a jar of water, because that was considered a woman’s task.

[c] Luke 22:17 Giving thanks consisted of two benedictions, one over the wine (Blessed are You, Lord our God, who has created the fruit of the vine!) and one for the return of the Feast Day with all it implied, as well as being allowed once more to witness it.

Wednesday Morning Scripture – John 6:26-40

Words to the People

26 Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, you have been searching for Me, not because you saw the signs (attesting miracles), but because you ate the loaves and were filled. 

27 Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures [and leads] to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you; for God the Father has authorized Him and put His seal on Him.” 

28 Then they asked Him, “What are we to do, so that we may habitually be doing the works of God?” 

29 Jesus answered, “This is the work of God: that you believe [adhere to, trust in, rely on, and have faith] in the One whom He has sent.” 

30 So they said to Him, “What sign (attesting miracle) will You do that we may see it and believe You? What [supernatural] work will You do [as proof]? 

31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written [in Scripture], ‘He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.’” 

32 Then Jesus said to them, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true [a]bread out of heaven. 

33 For the Bread of God is He who comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” 

34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.”

35 Jesus replied to them, “[b]I am the Bread of Life. The one who comes to Me will never be hungry, and the one who believes in Me [as Savior] will never be thirsty [for that one will be sustained spiritually]. 

36 But as I told you, you have seen Me and still you do not believe. 

37 All that My Father gives Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [I will never, never reject anyone who follows Me]. 

38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me. 

39 This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but that I [give new life and] raise it up at the last day. 

40 For this is My Father’s will and purpose, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him [as Savior] will have eternal life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day.”

John 6:26-40 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] John 6:32 i.e. salvation and everlasting life through Christ.

[b] John 6:35 Jesus uses the words “I am” over twenty times in this Gospel. Especially memorable are those places where “I am” is followed by a metaphor that declares His deity and His relationship to mankind as Savior (this is the first of seven such references); see 8:12 (Light); 10:9 (Door); 10:11 (Good Shepherd); 11:25 (Resurrection); 14:6 (Way, Truth, Life); 15:5 (Vine).

    Tuesday Morning Scripture – Acts 2: 37-47

    The Gathering

    37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart [with remorse and anxiety], and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what are we to do?” 

    38 And Peter said to them, “Repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways, accept and follow Jesus as the Messiah] and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

    39 For the promise [of the Holy Spirit] is for you and your children and for all who are far away [including the Gentiles], as many as the Lord our God calls to Himself.” 

    40 And Peter solemnly testified and continued to admonish and urge them with many more words, saying, “[a]Be saved from this crooked and unjust generation!” 

    41 So then, those who accepted his message were baptized; and on that day about [h]3,000 souls were added [to the body of believers]. 

    42 They were continually and faithfully devoting themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to [c]eating meals together and to prayers.

    43 A sense of awe was felt by [d]everyone, and many wonders and signs (attesting miracles) were taking place through the apostles. 

    44 And all those who had believed [in Jesus as Savior] [k]were together and had all things in common [considering their possessions to belong to the group as a whole]. 

    45 And they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing the proceeds with all [the other believers], as anyone had need. 

    46 Day after day they met in the temple [area] continuing with one mind, and breaking bread in various private homes. They were eating their meals together with joy and generous hearts, 

    47 praising God continually, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were being saved.

    Acts 2:37-47 (AMP)

    Footnotes

    [a] Acts 2:40 Or Escape.

    [b] Acts 2:41 There were about 100,000 to 120,000 people in Jerusalem at this time, and even more at these festivals.

    [c] Acts 2:42 Lit the breaking of bread.

    [d] Acts 2:43 Lit every soul.

    [e] Acts 2:44 One early ms does not contain wereand and.

      Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – False Responsibility

      Beloved, I carry the world in My hands and yet I still have room for a million more. The depths of My capacity are infinite beyond measure.

      I am pleased when you partner with Me to release My Kingdom on the Earth. However, I do not expect you to carry around all the burdens that come with that. I intend for My yoke to be easy and My burden to be light so you can fly high and accomplish many great things.

      The enemy wants you to think you have to bear it all and fix everything for yourself and those around you. This is called false responsibility, and it makes you think you have to be Jesus to the world. That is not what I expect from you! It only makes you feel anxious and inadequate.

      I want you to be free from false responsibility. 

      Will you release it to Me? 

      I promise I can carry it all. I am ready to unburden you now and bring you into the fullness of your freedom where the only thing you have to carry is the weightless fruits of My Spirit.

      Activation: Assess what you have taken upon yourself as false responsibility, whether it pertains to yourself or those around you. This could be worry, concern, grief, sadness, control, stress, co-dependence, guilt, shame, etc. Accept the truth that none of these negative things belong to you, and carrying them around only weighs you down. Meet with Jesus. Lay it all down and let Him take it, for He can carry it ALL. Repent and receive your new garment of praise. Then go and run your race with your newfound freedom, carrying only the weightless peace, hope and joy that comes with co-laboring with God.

      28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. 

      29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls.

      30 For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”

      Matthew 11:28-30 (AMP)

      19 Blessed be the Lord, who bears our burden day by day,
      The God who is our salvation! Selah.

      20 God is to us a God of acts of salvation;
      And to       [a]God the Lord belong escapes from death [setting us free].

      Psalm 68:19-20 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a[ Psalm 68:20 Heb YHWH (Yahweh), usually rendered Lord.

      #lionbites

      Monday Morning Scripture – Psalm 68

      The God of Sinai and of the Sanctuary.

      To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. A Song.

      1 Let God arise, and His enemies be scattered;
      Let those who hate Him flee before Him.

      2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away;
      As wax melts before the fire,
      So let the wicked and guilty perish before       [the presence of] God.

      3 But let the righteous be glad; let them be in good spirits before God,
      Yes, let them rejoice with delight.

      4 Sing to God, sing praises to His name;
      Lift up a song for Him who rides through the desert—
      His name is the LORD—be in good spirits before Him.

      5 A father of the fatherless and a judge and protector of the widows,
      Is God in His holy habitation.

      6 God makes a home for the lonely;
      He leads the prisoners into prosperity,
      Only the stubborn and rebellious dwell in a parched land.

      7 O God, when You went out before Your people,
      When You marched through the wilderness, Selah.

      8 The earth trembled;
      The heavens also poured down rain at the presence of God;
      Sinai itself trembled at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

      9 You, O God, sent abroad plentiful rain;
      You confirmed Your inheritance when it was parched and weary.

      10 Your flock found a dwelling place in it;
      O God, in Your goodness You provided for the poor.

      11 The Lord gives the command [to take Canaan];
      The women who proclaim the good news are a great host       (army);

      12 “The kings of the [enemies’] armies flee, they flee,
      And the beautiful woman who remains at home divides the spoil       [left behind].”

      13 When you lie down [to rest] among the [a]sheepfolds,
      You       [Israel] are like the wings of a dove [of victory] overlaid with silver,
      Its feathers glistening with gold       [trophies taken from the enemy].

      14 When the Almighty scattered [the Canaanite] kings in the land of Canaan,
      It was snowing on       [b]Zalmon.

      15 A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan;
      A       [high] mountain of many summits is Mount Bashan [rising east of the Jordan].

      16 Why do you look with envy, mountains with many peaks,
      At the mountain       [of the city of Zion] which God has desired for His dwelling place?
      Yes, the LORD will dwell there forever.

      17 The chariots of God are [c]myriads, thousands upon thousands;
      The Lord is among them as He was at Sinai, in holiness.

      18 You have ascended on high, You have led away captive Your captives;
      You have received gifts among men,
      Even from the rebellious also, that the LORD God may dwell there.

      19 Blessed be the Lord, who bears our burden day by day,
      The God who is our salvation! Selah.

      20 God is to us a God of acts of salvation;
      And to       [d]God the LORD belong escapes from death [setting us free].

      21 Surely God will shatter the head of His enemies,
      The hairy scalp of one who goes on in his guilty ways.

      22 The Lord said, “I will bring your enemies back from Bashan;
      I will bring them back from the depths of the       [Red] Sea,

      23 That your foot may crush them in blood,
      That the tongue of your dogs may have its share from your enemies.”

      24 They have seen Your [solemn] [e]procession, O God,
      The procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary       [in holiness].

      25 The singers go in front, the players of instruments last;
      Between them the maidens playing on tambourines.

      26 Bless God in the congregations, [give thanks, gratefully praise Him],
      The LORD, you who are from       [Jacob] the fountain of Israel.

      27 The youngest is there, Benjamin, ruling them,
      The princes of Judah and their company       [the southern tribes],
      The princes of Zebulun and the princes of Naphtali       [the northern tribes].

      28 Your God has commanded your strength [your power in His service and your resistance to temptation];
      Show Yourself strong, O God, who acted on our behalf.

      29 Because of Your temple at Jerusalem
      [Pagan] kings will bring gifts to You [out of respect].

      30 Rebuke the beasts [living] among the reeds [in Egypt],
      The herd of bulls (the leaders) with the calves of the peoples;
      Trampling underfoot the pieces of silver;
      He has scattered the peoples who delight in war.

      31 Princes and envoys shall come from Egypt;
      Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands       [with the offerings of submission] to God.

      32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth,
      Sing praises to the Lord! Selah.

      33 To Him who rides in the highest heavens, the ancient heavens,
      Behold, He sends out His voice, a mighty and majestic voice.

      34 Ascribe strength to God;
      His majesty is over Israel
      And His strength is in the skies.

      35 O God, You are awesome and profoundly majestic from Your sanctuary;
      The God of Israel gives strength and power to His people.
      Blessed be God!

      Psalm 68:1-35 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] Psalm 68:13 Or cooking stones or saddlebags.

      [b] Psalm 68:14 I.e. a dark, wooded hill near Shechem.

      [c] Psalm 68:17 Lit multiples of ten thousand.

      [d] Psalm 68:20 Heb YHWH (Yahweh), usually rendered Lord.

      [e] Psalm 68:24 A reference to the procession bringing the ark of the covenant to Mt. Zion.

      Monday Morning Scripture- Matthew 11

      He will give you rest

      John’s Question

      1 When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and to preach in their [Galilean] cities.

      2 Now when [a]John [the Baptist] in prison heard about the activities of Christ, he sent word by his disciples 

      3 and asked Him, “Are You the Expected One (the Messiah), or should we look for someone else [who will be the promised One]?” 

      4 Jesus answered, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: 

      5 the blind receive [their] sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed [by healing] and the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 

      6 And blessed[joyful, favored by God] is he who does not take offense at Me [accepting Me as the Messiah and trusting confidently in My message of salvation].”

      Jesus’ Tribute to John

      7 As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out in the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind [which is commonplace]? 

      8 What did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing [entirely unsuited for the harsh desert]? Those who wear soft clothing are in the palaces of kings! 

      9 But what did you [really] go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one [more eminent, more remarkable, and] [b]far more than a prophet [who foretells the future]. 

      10 This is the one of whom it is written [by the prophet Malachi],

      ‘BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU,
      WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.’

      11 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater [in privilege] than he. 

      12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize]. 

      13 For all the prophets and the Law prophesied up until John. 

      14 And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is [the fulfillment of] Elijah [as the messenger] who was to come[before the kingdom]. 

      15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear and heed My words.

      16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like little children sitting in the market places, who call to the others, 

      17 and say ‘We piped the flute for you [playing wedding], and you did not dance; we wailed sad dirges [playing funeral], and you did not mourn and cry aloud.’ 

      18 For John came neither eating nor drinking [with others], and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 

      19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking [with others], and they say, ‘Look! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners [including non-observant Jews]!’ Yet wisdom is justified and vindicated by her deeds [in the lives of those who respond to Me].”

      The Unrepenting Cities

      20 Then He began to denounce [the people in] the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent [and change their hearts and lives]. 

      21 “Woe (judgment is coming) to you, [c]Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon [cities of the Gentiles], they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes [their hearts would have been changed and they would have expressed sorrow for their sin and rebellion against God]. 

      22 Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for [the pagan cities of] Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 

      23 And you, Capernaum, are you to be exalted to heaven[for your apathy and unresponsiveness]? You will descend to Hades (the realm of the dead); for if the miracles done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 

      24 But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you.”

      Come to Me

      25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth [I openly and joyfully acknowledge Your great wisdom], that You have hidden these things [these spiritual truths] from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants [to new believers, to those seeking God’s will and purpose]. 

      26 Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. 

      27 All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one fully knows and accurately understands the Son except the Father; and no one fully knows and accurately understands the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son [deliberately] wills to reveal Him.

      28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. 

      29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls.

      30 For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”

      Matthew 11:1-30 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] Matthew 11:2 John and Jesus were about the same age and were related through their mothers, Elizabeth and Mary (Luke 1:36).

      [b] Matthew 11:9 John was unique among the prophets because he was sent to prepare the hearts of the people for the immediate disclosure of their Messiah.

      [c] Matthew 11:21 A city near Capernaum, where Jesus later made His home. They would have heard His teachings many times.

      Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Purification

      Are you ready for transformational encounters with Me?

      When you come to Me, do not be content to leave the way you came but come ready to partner with My power to move you on in your maturity and call. Just as I called Isaiah to the holy place of My throne, so I am calling you to come before Me and see the magnitude of who I am. Isaiah was cleansed, his guilt removed and his sin atoned for.

      Just as David cried out, “Search me, oh God, and reveal any grievous way within me,” holiness will be the desire of your heart. I will purify your heart, thoughts, and desires. I will leave you changed, renewed, and ready for deeper levels of revelation. 

      Through purification, I am making you ready to perceive more fully; more trustworthy for increased influence; and stronger through My Spirit to carry the fuller weight of the mantle I have placed upon your shoulders.

      Prayer: 

      Lord Jesus, I accept your invitation into the holy place of transformation by your presence. Search me thoroughly and expose to me any ways that I do not line up with you. I repent for those things (name what he shows you) and break partnership with those patterns. Holy Spirit will you purify me and transform me according to the design you have for me. Amen. 

      23 Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts;

      24 And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

      Psalm 139:23-24 (AMP)

      6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. 

      7 He touched my mouth with it and said, “Listen carefully, this has touched your lips; your wickedness [your sin, your injustice, your wrongdoing] is taken away and your sin atoned for and forgiven.”

      Isaiah 6:6-7 (AMP)

      For You have tested us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined.

      Psalm 66:10 (AMP)

      #lionbites

      Friday Morning Scripture – Isaiah 6

      Isaiah’s Vision

      1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw [in a vision] the LORD sitting on a throne, high and exalted, with the train of His royal robe filling the [most holy part of the] temple. 

      2 Above Him seraphim (heavenly beings) stood; each one had six wings: with two wings he covered his face, with two wings he covered his feet, and with two wing she flew. 

      3 And one called out to another, saying,

      “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD OF HOSTS;THE WHOLE EARTH IS FILLED WITH HIS GLORY.”

      4 And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, and the temple was filling with smoke. 

      5 Then I said,

      “Woe is me! For I am ruined,
      Because I am a man of       [ceremonially] unclean lips,
      And I live among a people of unclean lips;
      For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.”

      6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. 

      7 He touched my mouth with it and said, “Listen carefully, this has touched your lips; your wickedness [your sin, your injustice, your wrongdoing] is taken away and your sin atoned for and forgiven.”

      Isaiah’s Commission

      8 Then I heard the voice of the LORD, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 

      9 And He said, “Go, and tell this people:

      ‘Keep on listening, but do not understand;
      Keep on looking, but do not comprehend.’

      10 “Make the heart of this people insensitive,
      Their ears dull,
      And their eyes dim,
      Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
      Hear with their ears,
      Understand with their hearts,
      And return and be healed.”

      11 Then I said, “Lord, how long?” And He answered,

      “Until cities are devastated and without inhabitant,
      And houses are without people
      And the land is utterly desolate,

      12 The LORD has removed [His] people far away, and there are many deserted places in the midst of the land.

      13 “And though a tenth [of the people] remain in the land, it will again be subject to destruction [consumed and burned], like a massive terebinth tree or like an oak whose stump remains when it is chopped down. The holy seed [the elect remnant] is its stump [the substance of Israel].”

      Isaiah 6:1-13 (AMP)

      Friday Morning Scripture – Psalm 66

      Praise for God’s Mighty Deeds and for His Answer to Prayer.

      To the Chief Musician. A Song. A Psalm.

      1  Shout joyfully to God, all the earth;

      2 Sing of the honor and glory and magnificence of His name;
      Make His praise glorious.

      3 Say to God, “How awesome and fearfully glorious are Your works!
      Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will pretend to be obedient to You.

      4 “All the earth will [bow down to] worship You [in submissive wonder],
      And will sing praises to You;
      They will praise Your name in song.” Selah      .

      5 Come and see the works of God,
      He is awesome in His deeds toward the children of men.

      6 He turned the sea into dry land;
      They crossed through the river on foot;
      There we rejoiced in Him.

      7 Who rules by His might forever,
      His eyes keep watch on the nations;
      Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.

      8 Bless our God, O peoples,
      And make the sound of His praise be heard abroad,

      9 Who keeps us among the living,
      And does not allow our feet to slip or stumble.

      10 For You have tested us, O God;
      You have refined us as silver is refined.

      11 You brought us into the net;
      You laid a heavy burden       [of servitude] on [a]us.

      12 You made men (charioteers) [b]ride over our heads [in defeat];
      We went through fire and through water,
      Yet You brought us out into a       [broad] place of abundance [to be refreshed].

      13 I shall come into Your house with burnt offerings;
      I shall pay You my vows,

      14 Which my lips uttered
      And my mouth spoke as a promise when I was in distress.

      15 I shall offer to You burnt offerings of fat lambs,
      With the       [sweet] smoke of rams;
      I will offer bulls with male goats. Selah.

      16 Come and hear, all who fear God [and worship Him with awe-inspired reverence and obedience],
      And I will tell what He has done for me.

      17 I cried aloud to Him;
      He was highly praised with my tongue.

      18 If I regard sin and baseness in my heart [that is, if I know it is there and do nothing about it],
      The Lord will not hear       [me];

      19 But certainly God has heard [me];
      He has given heed to the voice of my prayer.

      20 Blessed be God,
      Who has not turned away my prayer
      Nor His lovingkindness from me.

      Psalm 66:1-20 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] Psalm 66:11 Lit upon our loins.

      [b] Psalm 66:12 The ancient rabbis understood this as times of captivity for Israel.