February 17
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PSALM 62 TRUST IN GOD AT ALL TIMES
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. Selah 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. Selah 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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TRUST GOD NOT MAN by ILMA
To trust in the Lord means that your soul waits quietly
All efforts to do something or take control is tucked quickly
Those who place their faith in God is never greatly shaken
No matter how much beatings they get, they are not totally broken
Place your hope in the Lord who is your rock and sanctuary
He will give you strength and make you walk courageously
Do not trust men who only looks after their own interests
Run to the Lord so you will not be deceived by their selfishness
Trust in the Lord at all time, he is the only one who truly cares
Man will always have an agenda, they will eventually fail
Be wary of what riches the world offers, they are not lasting
Pursue only what is pure, true, peaceful, just and lovely
Do not let your sinful nature rule or dominate your life
Trust only in the one who can give you only things that really lasts.
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REFLECTION
• How can silence and waiting be a manifestation of trusting the Lord?
• Why is it important to run to God and not to man when we are struggling?
Monthly Archives: February 2022
PSALM 56 WHEN AFRAID I PUT MY TRUST IN GOD
February 16
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PSALM 56 WHEN AFRAID I PUT MY TRUST IN GOD
Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me;2 my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly.3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?5 All day long they injure my cause; all their thoughts are against me for evil.6 They stir up strife, they lurk; they watch my steps, as they have waited for my life. 7 For their crime will they escape? In wrath cast down the peoples, O God! 8 You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? 9 Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,11 in God I trust
I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?12 I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you.13 For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. – Psalm 56:1-13
________________________________________PRAYER TO ALLEVIATE FEAR by ILMA
O Lord, we are surrounded by things we have no control over
Will you remind me that you are the Almighty and source of power?
I deal with daily battles where the enemy attacks constantly
I put my trust in you; for you love me completely and faithfully
When I am afraid, I will run to you for comfort and strength
No man can ever give me that assurance and confidence
When the enemy casts his spell and tactics on me
I cannot win if you do not let me tap into your mercy.
You are a just God who won’t allow me to be overcome by evil
Show me the unseen forces that constantly surround me
I totally trust that you will keep count of all my fears and anxieties
You put my tears in a bottle and in your book, you have it recorded
I put my hope in you alone for you know me in and out
You are the only one who can make me walk in the light
Deliver me from all that is in my flesh and in this world
Make me dependent on you always; help me follow your word.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to run to God when afraid or overwhelmed by troubles and difficulties in life?
PSALM 138 GIVE THANKS WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART
February 15
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PSALM 138 GIVE THANKS WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART
I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; 2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. 3 On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. 4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth, 5 and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD. 6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
– Psalm 138:1-8
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YOUR NAME AND YOUR WORD ENDURES FOREVER by ILMA
Your name O Lord is the name above all names
To your wonderful and powerful name, I bow down
There is no other name that has that same power
In your name, all things and creatures will cower
Even kings and princes will not have that same authority
Not a soul can surpass your dominion and sovereignty.
You gave us your word which is all truth and wisdom
I thank you Lord for such gift of knowledge and freedom
Your word is the guide that leads us to the narrow path
It exposes all tactics and enticements that may distract us
It is your word that makes us discern what is false
It prevents us from confusion and sin that makes us fall.
I praise your holy name that endures forever
You regard even the lowly who are always rejected
You stretch out your hand to rescue your people
You fulfill your purpose for all your faithful children
Though I live in the midst of corruption, you preserve me
Thank you, Lord for all your grace, love and mercy.
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REFLECTION
• How can a grateful heart edify the body and give God praise and glory?
PSALM 36 LET NOT ARROGANCE COME UPON ME
February 14
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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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WARNING TO THE PROUD AND HAUGHTY by ILMA
To those who have become boastful and think highly of themselves
Be warned, for they will be blinded by their own foolish ways
If they think they have no need to fear the Lord God
Troubles and deceit will come out of their actions and mouths
Since they do not heed any wise words from others
They become blind and foolish and don’t see the big picture
They do not consult the truth that only comes in God’s word
They are only interested in walking in the ways of the world.
Let the haughty spirits depart from your children
Let all wickedness be discovered from being hidden
Your steadfast love will sustain all who love you
Your faithfulness and mercy will fill your people up
Keep us humble, obedient and never give in to pride
Take care of your church who is your Son’s bride
Drive away all wickedness and evil doers from your people
Help them to follow your Spirit and let go of their own nature.
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REFLECTION
• How does Proverbs 16:18 which says “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” resounds in this psalm?
PSALM 15 WHO SHALL DWELL ON YOUR HOLY HILL?
February 13
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PSALM 15 WHO SHALL DWELL ON YOUR HOLY HILL?
O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent?
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
and speaks truth in his heart;
3 who does not slander with his tongue
and does no evil to his neighbor,
nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
but who honors those who fear the LORD;
who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
5 who does not put out his money at interest
and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.– Psalm 15:1-5
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WHO WILL YOU ALLOW IN YOUR SANCTUARY? By ILMA
My Lord, who will you allow to enter your sanctuary?
Who are privileged to behold your presence and glory?
You love righteousness; they must be lovers of what is right
You love truth; they must seek what is good in your sight
Only your will matters in this corrupt world
They must surely pursue and follow your word
They must be lovers of good and haters of evil
They don’t make a habit of sin or work with the devil
They love their neighbors and never covet or slander
They do not take offense or revenge one another
They are truly honest and live a life of integrity
They are fair and defend those who are treated unjustly
They have the fear of the Lord and live in his grace faithfully.
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REFLECTION
• Why did the psalmist focused on those who are deserving to be granted the presence of the Holy One?
• Why do we need to be reminded of such expectations from our holy God?
• Can anyone truly follow these requirements for entry to God’s holy hill?
PSALM 100 MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE LORD
February 12
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PSALM 100 MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE LORD
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
3 Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations. – Psalm 100:1-5
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PRAISING THE LORD OUT LOUD by ILMA
All you people of God, come out and sing
Joyfully shout out loud and praise him
Exult him for he has bestowed you much blessings
Thank him with much gladness and dancing
Declare all that he has done; he is faithful
Be holy, cleanse your heart and stay grateful.
He is the only one worthy of worship
Keep focused on him and give him glory
Let your voices be heard to please him
He has given you his Son to forgive your sins
The Lord is full of steadfast love and is full of mercy
Bow down and shout out loud to give him all the glory.
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REFLECTION
• Why does David invite all the people and all creatures of the earth to make noise to the Lord?
• What does serving the Lord with gladness means in verse 2? How is it possible to serve the Lord in a grumpy way?
• Is it possible to be quietly worship the Lord? Is that really giving him praise?
PSALM 28 -HEAR MY VOICE OF PLEAS FOR MERCY
February 11
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PSALM 28 -HEAR MY VOICE OF PLEAS FOR MERCY
To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit. 2 Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary. 3 Do not drag me off with the wicked, with the workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts.4 Give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds; give to them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward. 5 Because they do not regard the works of the LORD or the work of his hands, he will tear them down and build them up no more. 6 Blessed be the LORD! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. 8 The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever.
– Psalm 28:1-9
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A PLEA FOR FORGIVENESS AND DELIVERANCE by ILMA
My Lord, you are my Rock, I plead you to hear me
Please do not be silent to my request for mercy
Do not let me perish without granting me forgiveness
Do not allow me to end like those who love wickedness
I have been faithful to you and I know that you are a just God
You deal with anyone who rejects your laws and commands
I look forward to the promise that you’ll grant me strength
Help me never to be derailed or be overcome by sin.
Blessed be the Lord! He has heard my plea for mercy
Lord, save your people and bless them generously
How will I overcome anything without your guidance?
Grant me forgiveness so I can experience your freedom.
You are my rock and you bring me firmness and stability
Help me never to turn my back on you; grant me humility
Bless your people and give them refuge in the midst of trials
Grant them the reward that they deserve for being so faithful.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it necessary to know your Lord intimately when you ask for forgiveness?
PSALM 46 WE WILL NOT FEAR IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE
February 10
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PSALM 46 WE WILL NOT FEAR IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at it swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah – Psalm 46:1-11
________________________________________RUNNING TO OUR SANCTUARY AND STRENGTH by ILMA
Even though we are in the midst of trouble and danger
We can run to our sanctuary, our Lord God and Maker
Though it seems like everyone is against God’s people
If we abide in him, he’ll give us strength as he promised
The Lord God dwells in the midst of His chosen children
They will be assured that they won’t be crushed or broken
Though they are exposed to all kinds of wars and disasters
They can always look forward to his rescue and deliverance.
Watch everything that God has made in this world!
It displays his power, steadfast love; He is LORD of Lords
Our Lord God is Almighty, sovereign and in control of everything
Why would we even entertain fear; why not totally trust him?
Be silenced and meditate on God’s supremacy and providence
There is no need to worry; he gave us dominion and authority
Run to the throne of God and exalt him among all nations
The Lord of hosts, dwells in us even in the midst of tribulations.
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REFLECTION
• What can we learn from the psalm about how to approach danger and troubles?
PSALM 42 A PRAYER TO THE GOD OF MY LIFE
February 9
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PSALM 42 A PRAYER TO THE GOD OF MY LIFE
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” 4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng
and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation 6 and my God.
My soul is cast down within me; therefore, I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. 8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
– Psalm 42:1-8
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A DISCOURAGED SAINT’S PRAYER by ILMA
My Lord, I long to have you beside me especially when I am so weak
I thirst for your presence particularly in times when it looks so bleak
As a deer longs to find sources of water to quench his thirst
I also yearn to be with You so you can renew my strength.
When will I behold your wonderful face?
It has been a tiring existing in this world that is too fast paced
Why am I so discouraged and feeling so isolated?
Have you left my side because I totally feel neglected?
There is so much pain as I go through all the grieving
Why is this life full of agony and suffering?
Have mercy on my soul and let me focus in your promises
Keep me steadfast in your love so I can have no more compromises.
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REFLECTION
• How can discouragement draw us away from the Lord?
• How did the psalmist resolve his depression in this psalm?
• Why should we worship more our Lord when we are going through so much pain, suffering and loses?
• What happens when we don’t open our hearts to the Lord in times of crisis?
PSALM 29 ASCRIBE TO GOD ALL GLORY AND PRAISE
February 8
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PSALM 29 ASCRIBE TO GOD ALL GLORY AND PRAISE
Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. 3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters.4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. 7 The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! – Psalm 29:1-11
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GIVE TO THE LORD ALL YOUR PRAISE By ILMA
To all creatures in the heavens and on the earth, give glory to the Lord!
He is the Maker of all things; let us all worship and give him laud
All beings who think they are powerful must bow down in humility
Without God, they won’t even have any position or authority.
Give all your blessings to the one whose voice is full of majesty
He can bring into life anything or break them; after all, He is Almighty
The Lord is the only One who has control of all
Why even care to fix or repair what only He can do?
Let us all bow down to the one who can make or break us
He has authority and dominion over all man
Give honor, glory, worship and praise to our heavenly Father
He is faithful and steadfast in his love to all his children.
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Spurgeon comments on this psalm as “Is not this a noble Psalm to be sung in stormy weather? Can you sing amid the thunder? Will you be able to sing when the last thunders are let loose, and Jesus judges the quick and the dead?”
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think David can still praise the Lord in the midst of the storm?