It really is amazing that God gives us a choice to have His uplifted hand bless us or deliver His wrath against us. Yes, some will teach as long as you accept their doctrines and theology, go to and support their church financially, the hand of God will bless you. Many will appear to be blessed, but don’t confuse popularity and wealth with blessing. Scripture has something different to say about that as we saw with the destruction and desolation of Israel and Judah. When you look at the church and see that the church looks nothing like the church as described in the Gospels and Acts, the lack of power, the lack of healing, the lack of signs and wonders in the church, the number of false teachers / other gospels, it is easy to see that God is not blessing but has His hand raised against the church. Many are confused by what satan is doing as he has been very successful in his deception. Luke 4:5 “The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Many have fallen for this because they did not listen to the answer Jesus gave satan. Luke 4:8 “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” The church chose a different hand.
We should be asking God to show us mercy, but the church continues in its wicked ways and rebelling against God’s word. We have seen the result of that rebellion. God said to king Zedekiah because of their rebellion, Jeremiah 21:5 “I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm in furious anger and in great wrath.” Instead of God’s blessing, God’s wrath is upon the church and being stored against us, yet most are completely unaware because they go to church and are told that they are secure no matter what. Because of that Jeremiah 8:6 “None of them repent of their wickedness, saying, “What have I done?” Each pursues their own course like a horse charging into battle.” Romans 2:5 “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.” Matthew 25:46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Paul said to the Jews, Acts 13:46 “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.” Now the Gentiles have done the same and have chosen to reject eternal life by choosing to go their own way and rebelling against God’s word. We have already seen the desolation caused by the abomination that causes desolation. The result will be as Jesus said and they will hear, Matthew 25:41 “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”
When you take hold of someone’s hand in a desperate situation such as drowning or addiction, you reach out because you want them to save you. This is why it is so important to reach for the right hand as not every hand results in saving. David knew who to call to when he was in trouble. 2 Samuel 22:2 “He said: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me. 4 “I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies. 5 The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. 6 The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. 7 “In my distress I called to the Lord; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears. 17 “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. 20 He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Isaiah said, Isaiah 41:8 “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, 9 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 11 “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. 12 Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. 13 For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. 14 Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Exodus 15:6 “Your right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy. 12 “You stretch out your right hand, and the earth swallows your enemies. 13 In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. 14 The nations will hear and tremble.”
We live in a world where we have desperate people who reach out and at first those who answer seem like they are they to rescue them, but in reality, they are there to seduce them into following their way. This happens with cults, drugs, adultery, conspiracists and other movements etc. Many people have been seduced into a life they had never planned on but end up brain washed in their desperate attempt to fill a void and be saved. Proverbs 9:13 “Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing. 14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, 15 calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, 16 “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, 17 “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” 18 But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.” Proverbs 7:1 “My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. 2 Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. 3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.” 5 They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words. 6 At the window of my house I looked down through the lattice. 7 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense. 8 He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house 9 at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. 10 Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. 11 (She is unruly and defiant, her feet never stay at home; 12 now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) 13 She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: 14 “Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home. 15 So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! 16 I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. 18 Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! 19 My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. 20 He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.” 21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. 22 All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose 23 till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. 24 Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. 25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. 26 Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. 27 Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.”
This seduction is happening in the church and happens when we turn away from God’s word to follow the ways / words of others. There are many being indoctrinated / seduced by false gospels and a different Jesus, and I am not talking about cults like the Mormons or JWs. There is only one truth and God’s word is like fire. Jeremiah 23:29 “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” Whereas man’s words are words from the delusions of their own minds and our powerless against our enemies. Jeremiah 23:20 “In days to come you will understand it clearly. 21 I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. each one’s word becomes their own message. So you distort the words of the living God, the Lord Almighty, our God.” They will do everything they can to convince others to believe their own words are the words of God. Matthew 23:15 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.” This is why it is so important to test the spirits. 1 John 4:1 “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Just as you have to be careful as to who lays a hand on your head to pray for you, you must be careful with whom you have fellowship with. In Paul’s case it was good. Galatians 2:9 “James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.” But in other cases, you should not share the right hand of fellowship. 2 Timothy 3:1 “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 2 Peter 2:1 “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. 17 These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”
If you are truly seeking the right hand of God, then gathering with the right people makes all the difference and you should be searching but be very careful as there is only a remnant of survivors left. You must know the difference, or you will be deceived. Matthew 7:13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” The narrow road is built on a proper foundation. Ephesians 2:19 “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” There will also be true power from on High, but don’t be deceived by false power 2 Corinthians 11:14 “for satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” Acts 5:12 “The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.”
The church continues to reach out for the wrong hand and as a result, Isaiah 2:6 “They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and embrace pagan customs. 7 Their land is full of silver and gold; there is no end to their treasures. Their land is full of horses; there is no end to their chariots. 8 Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made.” We are told Psalm 147:10 “His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; 11 the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Psalm 33:16 “No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.” Even though we are told this, the church does not fear, nor trusts or hopes in the Lord but continues to depend on their own strength and continues to reach for the wrong hand.
We are told this but like Israel and Judah, the church, embraces / clasp hands with the pagans. In the church growth movement, so much emphasis was placed on the seeker and not on living wholeheartedly for God. Churches became organizations and focused of what the Fortune 500 was doing and replicated it. The church made themselves like the world to draw the world which makes no sense if you read what Jesus did in the Gospels. Instead, Jesus turned the world upside down and healed the sick. The church became like the world. Since there is no power in the church, everything is based on what their hands could make and do and yes some are very successful at this, but that doesn’t mean God is blessing them. Their plan really did not need God, but they were always careful to give God the glory for the work of their own hands. People fall for that, but God doesn’t. Isaiah 1:13 “I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. 14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood!” Amos 5:21 “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. 22 Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. 23 Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.”
In their desire to be relevant to the world, the church became irrelevant to God, which drew His wrath. Being relevant to the world was copied and the plan of God was set aside, and the church continued to be desolate and void of power. The church should know better because we see all through scripture what happens when God’s word is rejected. Paul warned us when he said, 1 Corinthians 10:6 “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” The church did not listen and decided to use their own strength instead of God’s strength and they reached out for the wrong hand. The church should be able to say Psalm 20:6 “Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.” But the church cannot. Instead, because the church reached for the wrong hand, Psalm 89:42 “You have exalted the right hand of his foes; you have made all his enemies rejoice.” Jeremiah 21:10 “I have determined to do this city harm and not good, declares the Lord. It will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon, and he will destroy it with fire.’” Jeremiah 44:27 “For I am watching over them for harm, not for good; the Jews in Egypt will perish by sword and famine until they are all destroyed.”
When the church trusts the words and strength of man over God, the church no longer sees this happen. Psalm 17:7 “Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.” Isaiah said Isaiah 2:22 “Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?” The world seems to always flock to the rich and famous. It still boggles my mind that just because someone can act, sing a note well or do something special with a ball, people hold them up as gods. It really is amazing how infatuated people are with other humans, yet reject the creator of humans. The church does the same by flocking to the gurus who have but a breath and no power. The church needs to return to worshipping God and not man, so that His power will be restored to the church as there has been a massive power failure. The church needs to stop seeking the hand of man. Following man has caused this power failure so we must return and ask God to shine His face upon us once again so that the church is restored. It is not complicated but there is much resistance to it. We pray and ask Psalm 80:14 “Return to us, God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see! Watch over this vine, 15 the root your right hand has planted, the son you have raised up for yourself. 16 Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire; at your rebuke your people perish. 17 Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. 18 Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name. 19 Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” Nehemiah said, Nehemiah 2:17 “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding.”
The church needs to be rebuilt and to do so the church needs to remember that our help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth, so there is nothing that can stand in our way when we return to God. Jeremiah 32:27 “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Isaiah 51:12 “I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass, 13 that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretches out the heavens and who lays the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction?” Most churches celebrate communion but have forgotten the Lord our Maker. Jesus Luke 22:19 “took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Paul said 1 Corinthians 11:23 “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” Malachi 3:16 “Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name.”
For most communion is just a ritual as most have forgotten who Jesus really is and the power that raised Him from the dead. We are supposed to remember every time we eat, not just in the ritual of communion. Paul then describes what has happened to the church. 1 Corinthians 11:27 “So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.” We were told Proverbs 3:1 “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.” Deuteronomy 4:9 “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Deuteronomy 8:19 “If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. 20 Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God.” 2 Kings 17:37 “Do not worship other gods. 38 Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods. 39 Rather, worship the Lord your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.” Yet, the church forgot and reached out for the wrong hand.
Very few will or have seen the power that we read about in the Gospels and Acts, yet that power is supposed to be common. Therefore, we go back and do as David said and remember. Psalm 44:1 “We have heard it with our ears, O God; our ancestors have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago. 2 With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our ancestors; you crushed the peoples and made our ancestors flourish. 3 It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. 4 You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. 5 Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. 6 I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; 7 but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. 8 In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.” Isaiah 10:20 “In that day the remnant of Israel, the survivors of Jacob, will no longer rely on him who struck them down but will truly rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.” Don’t be seduced by satan’s masquerade of power as seen in many churches. We need to look back but when doing so, keep our eyes on Jesus and expect the same in the church. Matthew 4:23 “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.” We then appeal as the psalmist did. Psalm 77:7 “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? 8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” 10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. 11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” 13 Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? 14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. 15, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.” We go back and read, but not only read, we believe what we read is possible for today, because nowhere does the bible say that the power that raised Jesus from the dead is no longer available to all who would believe. It is satan saying that, not God.
Most people really do want to be saved, they are just looking for the wrong hand to save them and many refuse to wait for the right hand. Isaiah 8:17 “I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my trust in him. “When Peter stepped off the boat, he really wanted to walk on water to Jesus, but he looked away. We are told to Hebrews 12:2 fix(ing) our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Most want to turn back to the boat and get help from those in the boat to get back in, but the right thing to do was reach for the hand of Jesus. Doesn’t it make sense to take the hand of the person standing on the water than to reach for those floating in a boat? Matthew 14:31 “Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Many will look everywhere but Jesus for healing even though looking everywhere but to Jesus results in powerlessness. They say they walk with Jesus but never reach out for healing nor question why there is no healing. Mark 5:24 “A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.” 2 Chronicles 16:12 “In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians.” The church today is highly medicated as is most of the world. That covers blood pressure to mental health and everything in-between, yet most do not turn to Jesus or believe healing is possible. Just to clarify many do believe God can heal but not his disciples doing the healing, which is foolishness.
Speaking of disciples, after Pentecost, Peter and John healed a man who was lame from birth. Acts 3:7 “Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.” Note the word instantly. Peter then said, Acts 3:11 “While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” The church has accepted doctors and medication and do not seek Jesus, the one who Matthew 8:17 “took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” This is not about immediately stopping seeing doctors and taking medication but immediately seeking Jesus our healer and waiting for when God to turn His face back to the church. Then the first part of this verse will happen once again. Matthew 8:16 “When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.” This is the power that was made available to the church at Pentecost, but the church quickly turned away and chose the wrong hand and quickly became powerless.
There is still hope, but we must return to God’s word. Psalm 60:1 “You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry—now restore us! 2 You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. 3 You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. 4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. 5 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.” Psalm 146:1 “Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul. 2 I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. 3 Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. 4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. 5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. 6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. 7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, 8 the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. 9 The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. 10 The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord.” Psalm 147:11 “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. 12 Extol the Lord, Jerusalem; praise your God, Zion.” Zechariah 1:3 “Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 12:1 “In that day you will say: “I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. 2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” 3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 In that day you will say: Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. 5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. 6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
