March 20
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O GOD OF OUR SALVATION
Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed.
2 O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.
3 When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions.
4 Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts!
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!
5 By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation,
The hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas;
6The one who by his strength established the mountains, being girded with might;
7 Who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves,
The tumult of the peoples,8O that those who dwell at the ends of the earth
Are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning
And the evening to shout for joy. 9 You visit the earth and water it;
You greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain,
For so you have prepared it. 10 You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges,
– Psalm 65:1-10
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This psalm praises the Lord, who is the God of our salvation. I love how David worships the Lord by focusing on all the Lord faithfully does to his people. He magnifies at how the Lord blesses all those who are in awe of all the wonderful things that the Lord has provided for his people: He gave them a temple where they could dwell in his goodness and God’s people is forever grateful for all the things that God provides for them such as the wonders of nature and how he controls all things he made.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord of our salvation.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I fail to count my blessings and how wonderful you are to your people.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all the provisions you give all your chosen people.
SUPPLICATION: May all people recognize the greatest designer of our world and our lives.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it necessary for believers to give thanks and praise to the God of our salvation?
Monthly Archives: March 2020
O LORD, BE GRACIOUS TO ME Poem Devotional
March 19
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O LORD, BE GRACIOUS TO ME
Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble, the LORD delivers him;
2 The LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land;
You do not give him up to the will of his enemies.
3 The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; In his illness you restore him to full health.
4 As for me, I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!”
5 My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die, and his name perish?”
6 And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words,
While his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad.
7 All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me.
8 They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him;
He will not rise again from where he lies.”9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
Who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
10 But you, O LORD, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them!
– Psalm 41:1-10
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This is King David’s lament to God that despite his fulfilment of his responsibilities to the poor, he is still suffering severely. He prays for God’s help and vindication. God honors the person who shows kindness and takes care of the poor. In this verse, we hear David’s deep sadness for a betrayal of a close friend (v9). In spite of all that he is going through, he still looks up to God for mercy and help and trusts the Lord who will repay all that good things he has done and how he has been faithful to him.
In our current global pandemic, we need to pray this psalm to God and have that expectancy that God is in control and he will do what needs to be done so people will bow down to his sovereignty. That, our protection and healing is in him alone.
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ADORATION: Praise be to the God full of mercy and love.
CONFESSION: Forgive us when we succumb to fear and panic in this pandemic.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your promise to protect all those whom you love.
SUPPLICATION: May all people recognize that their life is only in God’s hand alone.
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REFLECTION
• How can we stay expectant in the midst of life-threatening situations?
WHAT IS THE MEASURE OF MY DAYS? ILMA’S VLOG
March 18
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WHAT IS THE MEASURE OF MY DAYS?
I said, “I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
2 I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse.
3 My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned;
Then I spoke with my tongue: 4 “O LORD, make me know my end
And what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!
5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
And my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely, all mankind stands as a mere breath!
6 Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
Man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
9 I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.
10 Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
11 When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin,
You consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath!
-Psalm 39:1-11
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The ESV study bible notes describes this psalm as something that allows those who are suffering to express their confusion to God. David acknowledges the importance of keeping himself out of sin. As he confesses to God his view of man without God’s presence, we see how he realizes how fleeting this life we live on earth is. He asks God to discipline him and rebuke his sins for we are all nothing without our creator.
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ADORATION: Praise the God who created all things and knows everything about us.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord, when I take for granted the life you gave me.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for disciplining me so I can live the new life in Christ that you gave me.
SUPPLICATION: May all Christians recognize the fleeting moments we have in this life.
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REFLECTION
• Why do we need to be reminded that life is like a mist, it is here now and gone the next moment? What would this do to how we view life?
GIVE EAR TO MY PLEAS ILMA’S VLOG
March 17
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GIVE EAR TO MY PLEAS
Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my pleas for mercy!
In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
2 Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you.
3 For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground;
He has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled.
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands. 6 I stretch out my hands to you;
My soul thirsts for you like a parched land. 7 Answer me quickly, O LORD!
My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD! I have fled to you for refuge.
10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!
11 For your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life!
In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
12 And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
And you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul, for I am your servant.
– Psalm 143:1-12
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This psalm is a repentant prayer. David pleads the Lord for forgiveness. He acknowledges his sinfulness and recognizes that when he is presented with troubles, he thirsts for the Lord much more. He seems very desperate for his deliverance and guidance in this psalm.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord who knows us through and through. Glorify the true God.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I fail to seek you especially when I am in trouble.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for delivering me from the enemy’s tactics.
SUPPLICATION: May we only thirst to get close to him especially in times of trouble.
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REFLECTION
• Would you automatically run to the Lord whenever you are facing adversities? Why or why not? Why do you think David thirsts for God?
THE LORD REIGNS ILMA’S VLOG
March 16
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THE LORD REIGNS
The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.3 Fire goes before him
And burns up his adversaries all around.4 His lightnings light up the world;
The earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
Before the Lord of all the earth.6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
And all the peoples see his glory.7 All worshipers of images are put to shame,
Who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!
8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
Because of your judgments, O LORD.9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods.10 O you who love the LORD, hate evil!
He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!
– Psalm 97:1-12
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Psalm 97, according to the ESV study bible commentary says that it is a hymn celebrating God’s kingship over all creation. It focuses on how God’s universal rule assures the faithful of his final victory over evil and idolatry. This victory involves God’s protection of his faithful ones from evildoers (v.10) and the Gentiles ultimately coming to know the true God (vv. 6-7). The assurance comes from biblical faith, and it produces a profound joy in those who embrace it (vv.11-12).
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ADORATION: We adore you O Christ and we bless your sovereignty.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I fail to bow down and surrender to your kingship.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for reigning over me. It keeps me to remember my place in your kingdom.
SUPPLICATION: May all Christians submit and surrender to the only one true God.
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REFLECTION
• Share how God rules over your heart, mind, soul and body?
• Why is it important to recognize those who are in authority over us?
MY SOUL LONGS FOR THE COURTS OF THE LORD ILMA’S VLOG
March 15
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MY SOUL LONGS FOR THE COURTS OF THE LORD
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD;
My heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,
At your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs;
The early rain also covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength;
Each one appears before God in Zion.8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;
Give ear, O God of Jacob! 9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!
10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold
From those who walk uprightly.12 O LORD of hosts,
Blessed is the one who trusts in you! – Psalm 84:1-12
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Easton’s bible dictionary defines “court” as the enclosure of the tabernacle of the temple of a prison or of a private house and of a king’s palace. This psalm is written by the sons of Korah namely Assir and Elkanah and Abiasaph, (Exodus 6:24). The psalm speaks of their longing to be in the courts of the Lord, where his altar is. They bless those who dwell in his house, ever singing praises to him. It is a pilgrimage song which celebrates how special it is to worship in the Lord’s temple.
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ADORATION: Bless the Lord and all those who trust in him.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord when I do not totally trust in you with all my soul and mind.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for giving us a place to worship you in your house.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers remember to keep holy the Lord’s temple.
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REFLECTION
• In the present day, where is the temple of the Lord?
WHO CAN STAND BEFORE YOU ILMA’S VLOG
March 14
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WHO CAN STAND BEFORE YOU?
In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel.
2 His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.
3 There he broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war.
4 Glorious are you, more majestic than the mountains full of prey.
5 The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep;
All the men of war were unable to use their hands.
6 At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned.
7 But you, you are to be feared! Who can stand before you
When once your anger is roused?8 From the heavens you uttered judgment;
The earth feared and was still, 9 when God arose to establish judgment,
To save all the humble of the earth. 10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;
The remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.
11 Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them; let all around him bring gifts
To him who is to be feared,12 who cuts off the spirit of princes,
Who is to be feared by the kings of the earth. – Psalm 76:1-12
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This psalm addresses the Israelite’s acknowledgement of God’s power and how he has made his dwelling place in Zion or Salem, (it is an old name for Jerusalem stated in Gen 14:18). Verse 3-9 celebrates how God has fought for his people and protected them from the invaders. God showed his power and strength and protection to the remnant of his people. The psalm invites all believers to constantly fear the Lord as no one else is powerful before him. He is the Almighty. Let us all glorify him and make ourselves holy as he is holy.
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ADORATION: Praise you Lord, you are all powerful and mighty.
CONFESSION: Forgive those who forget to glorify your majesty and omnipotence.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for thinking of your people even though we are unworthy.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers worship the only one true, majestic and powerful God.
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REFLECTION
• What should be our stance or posture when we stand before the Lord?
• What is the kind of worship that God wants us to give him?
HOW PRECIOUS IS YOUR STEADFAST LOVE! ILMA’S VLOG
March 11
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HOW PRECIOUS IS YOUR STEADFAST LOVE!
Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God
Before his eyes.2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes
That his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
3 The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit;
He has ceased to act wisely and do good.4 He plots trouble while on his bed;
He sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.
5 Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
Your faithfulness to the clouds.6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
Your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD.
7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house,
And you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.
10 Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
And your righteousness to the upright of heart!
11 Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,
Nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.12 There the evildoers lie fallen;
They are thrust down, unable to rise. – Psalm 36: 1-12
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Transgression refers to presumptuous sin. To transgress is to choose to intentionally disobey; transgression is willful trespassing. Iniquity is more deeply rooted. Iniquity refers to a premeditated choice; to commit iniquity is to continue without repentance. When we confess and repent our sins, we are recipients of God’s steadfast love, which is so precious. We can only be able to walk in the light with such kind of unconditional love.
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ADORATION: Praise be to a God whose love is steadfast and endures forever!
CONFESSION: Forgive us all our transgressions and iniquities, my Lord and my God.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your faithful and unconditional love.
SUPPLICATION: May all men seek God so that they can continually live in the light.
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REFLECTION
• How is focusing on God’s steadfast love a weapon from wickedness?
MY SOUL WAITS FOR GOD ALONE
March 13
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MY SOUL WAITS FOR GOD ALONE
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone
is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
3 How long will all of you attack a man to batter him,
Like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position
They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse.
5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.9 Those of low estate are but a breath;
Those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up;
They are together lighter than a breath.10 Put no trust in extortion;
Set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,
12 And that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man according to his work. – Psalm 62:1-12
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The ESV study bible says that this psalm is one that God’s people sing for encouragement as they oppressed by powerful, wealthy people. In such a situation, it would be easy to despair, or else to seek security in power and wealth rather than God, but David always faithfully sees the power of God in whatever he is going through. He believes that only God can be his refuge and that he always focuses on God’s steadfast love and waits for his deliverance alone.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord, who alone is the source of power, strength and help.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord when I forget that you are the only one who can help me.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for being the rock that I am anchored in.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers have a faith like David has. He never wavered.
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REFLECTION
• How can we develop a faith that is strong enough to combat any adversity?
HE WILL TREAD DOWN OUR FOES ILMA’S VLOG
March 12
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HE WILL TREAD DOWN OUR FOES
O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us.
2 You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open;
Repair its breaches, for it totters.3 You have made your people see hard things;
You have given us wine to drink that made us stagger.
4 You have set up a banner for those who fear you,
That they may flee to it from the bow. 5 That your beloved ones may be delivered,
Give salvation by your right hand and answer us!6 God has spoken in his holiness:
“With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Vale of Succoth.
7 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter.
8 Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph.”
9 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?
10 Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go forth, O God, with our armies.
11 Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!
12 With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes- Psalm 60:1-12
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Matthew Henry’s commentary says that this psalm is David’s jewel, and it is to be taught and passed down. The Levites must teach it to the people, and by it teach them both to trust in God and to triumph in him; we must, in it, teach ourselves and one another. In a day of public rejoicing we have need to be taught to direct our joy to God and to terminate it in him, to give none of that praise to the instruments of our deliverance which is due to him only, and to encourage our hopes with our joys.
We clearly see how much David relied on God especially in treading down his foes. He alludes all of his victories only to the one who deserves it, to his loving God.
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ADORATION: Blessed be the Lord who grants all the victories over all our enemies.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I fail to praise you for treading over my enemies.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your Spirit that shows us that you are our source.
SUPPLICATION: May we never forget that without God, we are nothing.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to bring praise to God each time we triumph over the enemy?
• How can “forgetting the source of our victory” easily trip us up with “pride”?