February 7
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PSALM 16 THE LORD IS MY CHOSEN PORTION & MY CUP
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” 3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. 4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.
5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
– Psalm 16:1-11
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PRAYER FOR PURITY AND CONTENTMENT by ILMA
My Lord and my God, I come to you for safety
You are my Master and you own me totally
I am useless without you, help me to never turn to the world
Preserve me from corruption and let me dwell in your word
Surround me with other people who worship you
Keep me away from those who praise other gods
Help me never to stray from the path that you have laid down
It is my source of strength, guidance and wisdom.
I bless the Lord who continually leads the way
I can only endure anything if I don’t get derailed
Lord, let my heart rejoice for you are my portion
You help me survive and thrive amidst this corruption
Keep me from my nature so I can be holy and pure
Let me never pine for anything especially when I am insecure
Show me how to be content; your grace is enough
Give me humility so I can take anything that is hard and rough.
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REFLECTION
• Why must all Christian pray for purity and contentment?
Monthly Archives: February 2022
PSALM 125 TRUST IN THE LORD AND BE IMMOVABLE
February 6
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PSALM 125 TRUST IN THE LORD AND BE IMMOVABLE
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
the LORD will lead away with evildoers!
Peace be upon Israel! Psalm 125:1-5
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THE SECRET TO PEACE AND STABILITY by ILMA
When someone gives his total trust in the Lord
They are like Mount Zion which can never be moved
Just like Jerusalem is surrounded by mountains
God’s people are constantly watched and protected.
The Lord never allows wickedness to overcome the righteous
For they will receive the fulfillment of all his promises
They only need to constantly abide in him and they are assured
He gives deliverance and salvation to those who are pure.
If you find yourself turning away from righteousness
You will lose your strength and be bent on wickedness
You will begin to waver and become unstable
Peace will leave your heart and you will love evil.
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REFLECTION
• How can a believer lose his strength and peace?
• Why is trust essential in any form of relationship, especially in our relationship with our Lord and Savior?
PSALM 39 LET ME KNOW HOW FLEETING I AM
February 5
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PSALM 39 LET ME KNOW HOW FLEETING I AM
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! Selah 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.
– Psalm 39:1-6
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PRAYER FOR WISDOM AND PRUDENCE by ILMA
In order for me not to sin with my tongue, I will stop from speaking
Especially in the presence of those who are unbelieving
I didn’t utter a word but deep inside I was apprehensive
I wasn’t used to being quiet and it made me impulsive.
As I spoke, it trapped me to transgress and sin again
O Lord, help me to guard each word that I say
I don’t want to speak anything that isn’t true
Give me grace to use words carefully and choose.
Show me how short my life is so I don’t waste any time
Let me not be concerned with things that are not eternal
You have given each person a fleeting and a short life
Let me not focus on worldly things that are all trivial.
Give me an understanding as to what is everlasting
Guide me to never take for granted all that you gave me
Let me use it for praising you and giving you glory
Protect me from my nature that is selfish and foolish.
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REFLECTION
• Why did David want to be silent in front of those who are wicked?
• Why should we be very careful with what we say especially with those who do not know the Lord?
• Why does David want the Lord to measure his days?
PSALM 142 ATTEND TO MY CRY
February 4
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PSALM 142 ATTEND TO MY CRY
With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.2 I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.3 When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. 4 Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. 5 I cry to you, O LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” 6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! 7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me. – Psalm 142:1-7
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IN MY WEAKNESS I CRY OUT TO THE LORD by ILMA
Lord, I will not be silent when I am faced with weaknesses
Grant me protection and deliverance for my feebleness
No one has come to my aide; all have become traitors
Lord, you are the only one who knows that I am truly faithful.
When I am faced with circumstances that are bleak
I know that you are there especially when I am weak
Please hear me, you know my limits and what I can handle
I take shelter in your arms, give me strength in this battle.
The enemies have placed traps to hurt me
I am exhausted with all their ploys and tactics
Take pity on your servant for no one cares for my soul
You are Almighty and the One who can defeat my foes.
I plead you Lord, to take my case seriously
Without you, I cannot have any victory
Help me because my strength is already dwindling
My God, deal with your beloved servant bountifully.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it essential to cry out to God especially when we are depleted of strength and have become discouraged and tired?
• Why did David bring his complaints to God instead of keeping it to himself? What does that tell us about his relationship with God?
PSALM 63 THE LOVE THAT IS BETTER THAN LIFE
February 3
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PSALM 63 THE LOVE THAT IS BETTER THAN LIFE
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up
my hands.5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,6 when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.9 But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; 10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals.11 But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
– Psalm 63:1-11
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YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN MY LIFE by ILMA
My Lord, I sincerely seek you; my whole being yearns for your company
My entire existence will cease if I cannot worship you and bring you glory
Like the trees and plants that need water for their sustenance
My life will run dry if I do not experience your Holy Presence.
I searched for you in your sanctuary, magnifying your power
Your steadfast love makes my entire existence much better
I will praise you constantly, with much joy and thanksgiving
My soul will only be content if I have your blessings.
When I go to bed at night, I meditate on your word
Without it, I will not know how to navigate this world
You have been my help and my provider and defender
My soul will abide in you, for you give life eternal.
Those who mean harm to me will have to face you, my Lord
You will never allow me to be overcome by this world
For He defends all who faithfully serve the One true Master
They’ll experience the best and the only love that matters.
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REFLECTION
• How is God’s steadfast love better than life as mentioned in this psalm?
PSALM 98 SING TO THE LORD A NEW SONG!
February 2
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PSALM 98 SING TO THE LORD A NEW SONG!
Oh, sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.2 The LORD has made known his salvation; he has
revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! 5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! 8 Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together 9 before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. – Psalm 98:1-9
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SHOUT OUT LOUD YOUR PRAISE TO THE LORD by ILMA
Come let us sing to our Lord who have worked his salvation on us
Let your heart ooze with much thanksgiving for his steadfast love
He has chosen you to be his own and given you an image like him
The Lord gave you his own righteousness; be joyful to proclaim it.
Shout out loud with melody, using your voice, lyre and trumpets
Let all the gifts he gave you bring Him praise, honor and glory
Clap with a heart that longs to give him exultation and adoration
Let that jubilation be heard by the whole earth and all the nations.
Let the rivers clap, the hills sing and every part of nature glorify their Maker
For the LORD is full of righteousness and faithful to rescue and deliver
He will judge humanity with uprightness and the peoples with justice
The Lord will bring his mercy and love to all those who seek Him.
Occupy your life with worship, singing to Him who gave you all
Do not go against his commands so you will not sin and fall
Put off all your old self so you can fully give Him all the glory
Be joyful to thank Him; He has provided for you generously.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it essential for all Christians to sing a new song to the Lord and worship him with such jubilation as this royal psalm declares?
PSALM 8 GOD SHARES HIS GLORY WITH MAN
February 1
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PSALM 8 GOD SHARES HIS GLORY WITH MAN
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established
strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet,7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! – Psalm 8:1-9
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The psalm opens with worshipping God’s majestic name. The all caps “LORD” is God’s covenant name and the “Lord” refers to the position of God to his people, which means Master. In short, David is declaring that His God is his Master. In verse 2, David shows how God uses young and pure innocent children to silence the enemy. In Matthew 21:16, Jesus received the praise from the children in his triumphal entry and quoted this this same verse to his accusers.
In verses 3-4, David speaks of his amazement on how God (the creator of the entire universe) brings honor to man and shares to him His own glory. In verse 5, he continues to mention how God made man just a little lower than his heavenly being and in verse 6, gave man authority over all things on earth. Spurgeon comments “A little lower in nature, since they are immortal, and but a little, because time is short; and when that is over, saints are no longer lower than the angels.” Boice also comments on this verse as “God’s glory is above the heavens; yet He put this same glory and honor on man as a crown. “This is an effective way of identifying man with God and of saying that he has been made in God’s image, reflecting God’s glory in a way other parts of the creation do not.”
What an amazing God we serve, who made us all in his image, so we could fit perfectly into His plan. What an honor that he gave humans an opportunity to share his glory by making us like Him and lifting us from all his other creation.
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REFLECTION
• How can you make yourself worthy of God honoring man and sharing his glory?
PSALM 57 MY SOUL TAKES REFUGE IN THE LORD
January 31
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PSALM 57 MY SOUL TAKES REFUGE IN THE LORD
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. 3 He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!4 My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts—the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!
6 They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my way, but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah 7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! 8 Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! – Psalm 57:1-10
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This psalm is another individual lament of David. Some commentaries says that the event when David wrote this would probably be the one mentioned in either 1 Samuel 22:1 or possibly 1 Samuel 24:3. Saul was pursuing David and wanted him dead in both circumstances. In 1 Samuel 18:7-11, we hear the account of how Saul began to be jealous of David, especially when the women sang their victories in war but compared David as killing ten-thousands whereas Saul only killed thousands. In verse 11, we see the pursuit of Saul to kill David because God had favored and given David much more victories than him.
In this psalm, instead of exercising vengeance on Saul for wanting him dead, he runs to the Lord Most High to plead for mercy. He had always relied on him. He could easily take down Saul, but he will never touch any anointed king by God, so he runs to his Lord for safety. In verse 2, David was hopeful amidst all these threat on his life; he looks forward to the fulfillment of God’s purpose for his life. In verse 3, he declares God’s promise of protection and deliverance where the Lord will trample on all those who want to crush him. He knows that God’s steadfast love will bring courage in the midst of all the threat to his life. He even was able to thank the Lord for sustaining him.
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REFLECTION
• How can David still be very positive in the midst of danger and threat to his life?