February 27
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PSALM 37 WAIT FOR THE LORD AND KEEP HIS WAY
30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. 32 The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death.33 The LORD will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial. 34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. 35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree. 36 But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found. 37 Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. 38 But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off. 39 The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. 40 The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. – Psalm 37:30-40
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THE FATE OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED by ILMA
The Lord is faithful to fulfill his promises to all who love him
He delights in the righteous because they speak only of wisdom
The holy people of God ensures that justice prevails
They care for others who are abused and oppressed
The faithful saints wait on the Lord and follow his way
The Lord assures them of deliverance, mercy and grace
They will get an inheritance of the land that God promised
The fruit of the Spirit abounds in them and they will prosper.
The wicked prowls and watches for opportunities to kill the righteous
But the Lord never abandons his saints or leave them helpless
All the evildoers will be altogether destroyed, they have no future
The only thing they can expect is God’s wrath and be cut-off
Because the Lord only upholds the upright man, they will be done
No matter what evil schemes they plot against the holy ones
It will not succeed, instead, they will fail and will revert back to them
The wicked will not stand in the judgement, they will all perish in the end.
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REFLECTION
• Why is staying hopeful, being patient while we wait on the Lord and staying in his way all necessary especially in our very corrupt world today?
Monthly Archives: February 2022
PSALM 37 TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD
February 26
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PSALM 37 TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD
20 But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures;
they vanish—like smoke they vanish away. 21 The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives; 22 for those blessed by the Lord shall inherit
the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off. 23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; 24 though he falls, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. 25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.26 He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing. 27 Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. 28 For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.29 The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever. – Psalm 37:20-29
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THE LORD NEVER FORSAKES HIS SAINTS by ILMA
The ways of the wicked are like smoke; they vanish
They will not stand long when God executes his justice
Those who are evildoers manipulate others to get
The righteous on the other hand blesses and gives.
Each man’s steps are established by the Lord
He gets lost and fails when he follows the world
But those who walk in the Spirit, delights in Him
When they fall, the Lord pulls them up and defends them.
For as long as I can remember, God never forsakes his saints
They are well provided for and never gets hungry and desolate
The wicked are cut off from enjoying a life that is peaceful
They are preoccupied with worry, anxiety, control and power.
Turn away from all wickedness and do good instead
For the Lord is full of steadfast love, grace and mercy
He hates all wickedness, but takes delight in righteousness
Forsake all the ways of the flesh and turn from darkness.________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How can a believer stand on the promise that God never forsakes his saints when he or she is surrounded by suffering, pain and all kinds of troubles?
PSALM 37 THE HERITAGE OF THE BLAMELESS REMAINS FOREVER
February 25
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PSALM 37 THE HERITAGE OF THE BLAMELESS REMAINS FOREVER
10 In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.11 But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace. 12 The wicked plots against the righteous and
gnashes his teeth at him, 13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.14 The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright; 15 their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. 16 Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. 18 The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; 19 they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance. – Psalm 37:10-19
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LEGACY TO THE MEEK by ILMA
Much promises are handed down to the humble in spirit
The wicked may appear that they are in control and winning
The Lord laughs at such evildoers, he knows their ending
Though it seems wickedness prevails and is thriving
The Lord promises a legacy to all those who are meek
He will take care of them on days of hunger and famine
God promises them an abundance of peace and provision
Though they may have little conveniences and possessions.
The Lord himself will protect and deliver the meek from this world
He will punish these sinners by slaying them with their own swords
The weapons they use to hurt the humble will pierce their own hearts
The Lord will end the shame that they inflicted on all his children
Be still all you meek children of God; the Lord keeps his promises
Be patient, be still and endure all your sorrow and suffering
The Lord upholds the righteous and breaks the arms of the wicked
Look forward to the legacy you are about to receive when you stay humble.
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REFLECTION
• After hearing the legacy to the meek in this psalm, what can a believer do to endure all the injustice and oppression they experience from the wicked?
PSALM 37 BE NOT ENVIOUS OF WRONGDOERS
February 24
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PSALM 37 BE NOT ENVIOUS OF WRONGDOERS
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!2 For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! 8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. 9 For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. – Psalm 37:1-9
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FRET NOT YOURSELF, IT LEADS TO EVIL by ILMA
When things are complicated and hard, fret not
Give up control so you can let go and stop
When you are surrounded by wickedness
Trust in the Lord, and remember his faithfulness
Be passionate about the Lord and the truth from his word
He will reward you with the desires of your heart
Submit and align your life to God’s will
You will receive his promises if you keep still.
Wait patiently and do not be anxious if others prosper
They may not be following his precepts and God’s order
Let go of all envy, jealousy, anger and rage
It only leads to other sins and God’s wrath
Worry and anxiety are the works of those who have no faith
Fretting over things exposes the state of your mind and heart
It demonstrates that you do not want to let God be in control
Fear and anxiety separate us from our merciful and gracious Lord.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the psalmist warns us of envying evildoers? What does that show when we long for what wicked people have?
• How is anxiety, fear and worry a manifestation of mistrusting the Lord?
• How can you constantly delight yourself in the Lord?
PSALM 12 THE FAITHFUL HAVE VANISHED
February 23
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PSALM 12 THE FAITHFUL HAVE VANISHED
Save, O LORD, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man. 2 Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. 3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, 4 those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us?” 5 “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” 6 The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.7 You, O LORD, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation forever.8 On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man.
– Psalm 12:1-8
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PRAYER FOR PURITY AND HONESTY by ILMA
Lord, all those who live honest lives have vanished
Every person utters lies and speaks mostly rubbish
Many want to please each other but not the Lord
Nobody really cares about the truth and his word
Even those who claim to have faith have failed
Opportunities to witness for Christ are missed
Each one seeks his own convenience and safety
Gone are the loving and compassionate servants
What a crazy world we live in where flattery thrives
Honest and pure people are rare and so hard to come by
Give us hearts that long to be pure for your glory
Keep us away from the corruption of the enemy
Put a guard on our mouths and let us utter life
Keep our lips from deceit and from speaking lies
Make us desire your will instead of following ours
Never let the enemy win or allow him to devour us
Protect us from all vile schemes of the devil
Lord, deliver us from all wickedness and evil.
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REFLECTION
• James 3:6 agrees with the psalmist about how evil our tongue is. What does the psalmist pray for in verse 3 and why should we pray this same request?
PSALM 9 LET NATIONS KNOW THEY ARE BUT MEN
February 22
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PSALM 9 LET NATIONS KNOW THEY ARE BUT MEN
11 Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds.
12 For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted. 13 Be gracious to me, O LORD! See my affliction from those who hate me, O you who lift me up from the gates of death, 14 that I may recount all your praises, that in the gates of the daughter of Zion I may rejoice in your salvation.15 The nations have sunk in the pit
that they made; in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught. 16The LORD has made himself known; he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion. Selah 17 The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God. 18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever. 19 Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! 20 Put them in fear, O LORD! Let the nations know that they are but men!
Selah– Psalm 9:11-20
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CAUTION TO THE WICKED by ILMA
Give praise to the Lord, who sees all things good and evil
He deals with evil and confronts all the works of the devil
The Lord remembers those who are afflicted and oppressed
He is gracious with anyone who belongs to him and is suppressed
Rejoice and recall all the things that God has done for you
Do not boast about anything; he alone deserves it, not you
The Lord has made it clear to men what they were made for
And yet, men sinned and changed his make, to serve his own.
The Lord exposes evil and trap the wicked in their own works
All of you who live for yourselves and follow the systems of this world
Let the nations know that they aren’t in control and are very limited
Only God is Sovereign, sees all things and has power and authority
Run from evil, all you wicked people who don’t fear the Lord
Remember that God punishes sin with such hatred and wrath
Go and repent so you can experience God’s grace and mercy
Leave your selfish, idolatrous lives and bow down to Him only.
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REFLECTION
• How is this psalm’s message relevant to our current world today where leaders and governments think they are in control?
PSALM 9 RECOUNTING GOD’S WONDERFL DEEDS
February 21
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PSALM 9 RECOUNTING GOD’S WONDERFL DEEDS
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
3 When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before your presence.4 For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.
5 You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; you have blotted out their name forever and ever. 6 The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins; their cities you rooted out; the very memory of them has perished. 7 But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice,8 and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. – Psalm 9:1-10
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PRAISING AND REMEMBERING GOD’S GOODNESS by ILMA
I thank my majestic Lord with my whole heart
Without his steadfast love, I will depart
I remember all the wonderful deeds he has done for me
I will continue to rejoice and praise him constantly
O my Lord, when the enemy assaults me, you were there
You made sure they do not hurt me or become victorious
You are my defender; you dealt with all of them yourself
You exercised your authority to deliver and give me help.
Praise and glory to you my Lord and Savior!
You sit at your throne and you live forever
Justice is established in your kingdom
To the oppressed, you give freedom
You are a refuge in times of trouble
To those who trust you, you remain faithful
Blessings are poured to those who know you intimately
They are assured of your loving kindness infinitely.
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REFLECTION
• What were the suggested ways we praise the Lord according to the psalmist in this psalm?
• How is remembering God’s wonderful deed important for a believer’s life?
PSALM 2 WHY DO NATIONS RAGE
February 20
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PSALM 2 WHY DO NATIONS RAGE
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 “As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the
ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” 10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. – Psalm 2:1-12
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WARNING TO REBELS AND RULERS OF THIS WORLD by ILMA
Why is there so much anger from nations and many humans?
Why do the nations rage and peoples plot against God’s Son?
They use their positions and authority to form bonds together
Thinking that they can win an uprising against their own Maker.
God the Father watches from heaven all this foolish futile rebellion
He mocks all these conspiracies and lawlessness and division
God confronts such acts against his anointed One
Nothing these rebels do can change God’s plans.
To his Chosen Son, he gives all dominion and authority
No powers and rulers can compare with his Sovereignty
Therefore, all kings, leaders, rulers and rebels in this world
Watch out; turn away from sin, repent and bow down to the Lord.
The Lord God doesn’t take lightly those who plot against him
He hates all that is unrighteous and those who constantly sin
Serve the Lord with reverence, trembling and much fervor
The only way you can be saved is by bowing down to the Savior.
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REFLECTION
• Why was God entertained in heaven as he watched these plots against him?
PSALM 118 THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE, LET US REJOICE
February 19
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PSALM 118 THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE, LET US REJOICE
20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. 21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.25 Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD. 27 The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar! 28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. 29 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
– Psalm 118:20-29
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BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD by ILMA
O Lord, give us a grateful heart that always acknowledges you
Thank you for opening the gate of heaven to the righteous
Your Son Jesus became human and was rejected and killed
This led to our salvation and cleansed us from sin.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
He will overcome the systems of this world
The Lord allowed suffering so we can come close to him
He manifests his power when we are not strong but weak.
Blessed is he who follows him and brings his kingdom alive
It is the Lord who makes all thing possible and bring light
He has made his light shine upon all those who believe
Let us all abide in His steadfast love and sow seeds.
Blessed is he who rejoices and give thanks to the Lord
They will be content and bear fruits to defeat the world
Let us all rejoice and be glad in it; He is worthy of our praise
O Lord, I thank you for all your gifts to the human race.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to bless those who do the works of God’s kingdom and those who represent the Lord?
• How is rejoicing an essential act that all believers need to regularly manifest?
PSALM 118 THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH
February 18
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PSALM 118 THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH
5 Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. 6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? 7 The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.10 All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! 11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
12 They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! 13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.15 Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,
16 the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. 18 The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness
that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.20 This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. – Psalm 118:5-20
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THE LORD IS ON MY SIDE by ILMA
There are forces going against my walk with the Lord
I called out to him and seek his will in his word
I am constantly attacked by the foe day by day
It may seem like I am falling, but God is on my side
The Lord is my strength and my Saviour; I will not be afraid
I cry out to him for help and I am sure he will lead the way
He will rescue me out of my distress and suffering
He chose me first and he’s there for me since the beginning
What can man do to me if God is on my side?
Evil will not prevail to anyone who loves him and abide
I know that God will keep his promises to bring me freedom
I will keep on pursuing love so I can enter his kingdom
The gate of the Lord lets in those who walk in uprightness
I look forward to be with him, who is the source of righteousness.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think this psalm is called by Martin Luther as his own psalm?