Psalm 50:1-23 VOICE

[1] The Mighty God, the Eternal-God of past, present, and future- has spoken over the world, calling together all things from sunrise to sunset. [2] From Zion, that perfectly beautiful holy place, shines the radiance of God. [3] Our God will come, and He will not enter on a whisper. A fire will devour the earth before Him; the wind will storm wildly about Him. [4] He calls heaven above and earth below to assist in bringing judgment on His people. [5] "Gather up those who are aligned with Me; bring them to Me; bring everyone who belongs to Me who have made covenant sacrifice." [6] And the heavens shout of His justice, for He is the True God, an honest judge. [pause] [7] "Listen, My people, I have something to say: O Israel, My testimony comes against you; I am God, your God. [8] I am not going to scold you because of your sacrifices; your burnt offerings are always before Me. [9] I will not accept the best bull from your fields or goats from your meadow, [10] For they are already Mine, just as the forest beast and the cattle grazing over a thousand hills are Mine. [11] Every bird flying over the mountains I know; every animal roaming over the fields belongs to Me. [12] I would not come to you if I were hungry, for the world and all it contains are Mine. [13] Do you really think I eat bull meat? Or drink goat's blood? [14] Set out a sacrifice I can accept: your thankfulness. Be true to your word to the Most High. [15] When you are in trouble, call for Me. I will come and rescue you, and you will honor Me." [16] But to those acting against Him, God says, "Who do you think you are? Listing off My laws, acting as if your life is in alignment with My ways? [17] For it's clear that you despise My guidance; you throw My wise words over your shoulder. [18] You play with thieves, spend your time with adulterers. [19] Evil runs out of your mouth; your tongue is wrapped in deceit. [20] You sit back and gossip about your brother; you slander your mother's son. [21] While you did these things, I kept silent; somehow you got the idea that I was like you. But now My silence ends, and I am going to indict you. I'll state the charge against you clearly, face-to-face. [22] All you who have forgotten Me, your God, should think about what I have said, or I will tear you apart and leave no one to save you. [23] Set out a sacrifice I can accept: your thankfulness. Do this, and you will honor Me. Those who straighten up their lives will know the saving grace of God."