March 9
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PSALM 85 THE LORD SPEAKS PEACE TO HIS PEOPLE
8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;
but let them not turn back to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.
10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground,
and righteousness looks down from the sky.
12 Yes, the LORD will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness will go before him
and make his footsteps a way. – Psalm 85:8-13
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FAITHFULNESS & STEADFAST LOVE MEET by ILMA
Lord, you constantly guide those whom you have chosen
What an honor to hear you speak peace to your people
May we continue to walk in your Spirit and stay holy
Your steadfast love and faithfulness guide us constantly
Peace and righteousness abound when we fear and revere you
Help us to respond to such love with much fervor and devotion.
When I love you with all my heart, soul and mind
I give a rendezvous for love and peace to meet
You promised to give what is good and provide
What a devoted and loving God you always are
May we turn our backs to sin and folly and repent
May you forgive us for our lack of fervor and complacency.
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REFLECTION
• How can we manifest our true devotion to our Lord who gave us all? What did verse
11 mean?
Monthly Archives: March 2022
PSALM 85 RESTORE US AGAIN, O GOD OF OUR SALVATION
March 8
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PSALM 85 RESTORE US AGAIN, O GOD OF OUR SALVATION
LORD, you were favorable to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people;
you covered all their sin. Selah
3 You withdrew all your wrath;
you turned from your hot anger.
4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us!
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your steadfast love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation. – Psalm 85:1-7
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LITANY OF GOD’S FAVOR & PLEA FOR RESTORATION by ILMA
Lord, you have been so good to us; always faithful
You gave us back all that we have lost before
You always pardon us for all our sinfulness
You do not punish us as we are all deserving
My Lord, you removed your wrath on your people
Instead, you gave them chances and showed patience
Each time I mess up, you are there to catch me
Even though at times I fail to ask for forgiveness
No one else has dealt with me so patiently
Only You understand and do not condemn me.
I plead you my Lord and my God, to bring us restoration
We have been attacked and faced with much temptations
Manifest your steadfast love to us and forgive us our iniquities
We plead you to revive all that we have lost in this slavery.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the psalmist gave a litany of God’s favor in the past before he pleaded the Lord for restoration?
PSALM 84 THE LORD GOD IS A SUN AND SHIELD
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March 7
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PSALM 84 THE LORD GOD IS A SUN AND SHIELD
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 84:9-12
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NO GOOD THING IS WITHHELD FROM THE UPRIGHT by ILMA
Look at all your people, Lord, we have come to be with you
We want to praise you and dwell on your goodness and truth
There is nothing else in this world that will satisfy me
Only you are the source of all good things and all my needs.
I long to be in your presence and it is all I live for
You are my sun and shield, ensuring light and protection
I can’t wait to be in your sanctuary and be in your arms
I am grateful that you have granted me favor and grace.
There are no good things that you withhold from the upright
I am so honored that you have chosen me to be shining your light
O my Lord, you give blessings to all who trust in your mighty name
I am thrilled that you, the Lord of Hosts, the Almighty, always cares.
You are faithful and just to forgive us from all our transgressions
Your promises are all that I hope for, all that shields me from temptations
I am humbled by your steadfast love and reminded how faithful you are
Help me to continue to press on forward to come closer to your special place.
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REFLECTION
• What does the psalmist mean when he said The Lord God is our sun and shield?
PSALM 84 HOW LOVELY IS YOUR DWELLING PLACE, O LORD
March 6
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PSALM 84 HOW LOVELY IS YOUR DWELLING PLACE, O 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! Selah 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.
– Psalm 84:1-8
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MY SOUL LONGS FOR GOD’S DWELLING PLACE by ILMA
O Lord, my King and my God, I long to be in your holy house
Your sanctuary is a reflection of your faithful love for us
I cannot stop being amazed at how lovely, secure and safe it is
Even the birds want to park their nests at your dwelling place.
Each day that passes by, I cannot wait to see your face
This abode you have given us has been my only solace
It is the source of my strength as the world presses on me
Without your refuge, I will not be able to resist the enemy.
Bless all those who take shelter in your holy place
It is such an honor and privilege to be in your holy presence
My soul only longs to be with you my Lord and my Master
How long will I come before you and be with your forever?
As I go through valleys and deserts in my life, I look up to you
Your steadfast love and mercy sustain me suffer and go through
Keep me focused only on you my King and my God
I will only be able to press on if you keep me strong.
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REFLECTION
• In the Old Testament, we hear how the Temple is so beautifully constructed as per God’s instructions. It is a place where God meets his people. In the New Testament, the church is where we meet with Him. What should be our stance and posture when we come to God’s dwelling place according to this psalm?
PSALM 79 LET YOUR COMPASSION COME SPEEDILY LORD
March 5
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PSALM 79 LET YOUR COMPASSION COME SPEEDILY LORD
8 Do not remember against us our former iniquities; let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low. 9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake! 10 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants be known among the nations before our eyes! 11 Let the groans of the prisoners come before you; according to your great power, preserve those doomed to die! 12 Return sevenfold into the lap of our neighbors the taunts with which they have taunted you, O Lord! 13 But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise. – Psalm 79:8-13
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LET YOUR LOVINGKINDNESS COME QUICKLY LORD! by ILMA
Lord, do not take against us the sins of our past
Instead, let your lovingkindness come quickly to us
For the sake of your glory, compensate for our sins
Only your mercy can deliver us from this and win.
Lord, have compassion on your faithful servants
Deliver us from all those who mock and taunt us
Help us, O Lord, so your name will be honored
Let the death of those who serve you bring you glory.
Let the groanings of those who are suffering reach you
Let all the prisoners come before you and be assured
Enlighten all those who struggle to live and see truth
Give them wisdom to focus their eye only on you.
We give you thanks for all your steadfast love and mercy
Let us never stray from your path and rescue us quickly
Each time we fall, let your Spirit correct us and lead us back
Give us grace to love others and never ever go astray.
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REFLECTION
• Why did the psalmist emphasize the importance of recounting God’s deeds in our lives and pass it on from generation to generation?
• Why is thankfulness an essential part of worship?
PSALM 79 HOW LONG O LORD WILL YOU BE ANGRY?
March 4
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PSALM 79 HOW LONG O LORD WILL YOU BE ANGRY?
O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple;
they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.2 They have given the bodies of your servant to the birds of the heavens for food, the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth.3 They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury them. 4 We have become a taunt to our neighbors, mocked and derided by those around us.5 How long, O LORD? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire? 6 Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you, and on the kingdoms
that do not call upon your name! 7 For they have devoured Jacob and laid waste his habitation. – Psalm 79:1-7
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HOW LONG WILL WE WAIT FOR YOUR RESCUE? By ILMA
O Lord, your people have been invaded by many attackers
They have enslaved your people and have dishonored your temple
These evil conquerors have treated your faithful servants like dirt
They have fed their bodies to the birds and beasts of the earth
Many lives have been taken and blood streams from their death
No one even gave them a decent burial, but made to rot instead
Your people have become a taunting matter to other nations
Mockery and ridicule abound in the midst of all these adversities.
O Lord, we look forward to your deliverance and justice
How long Lord will you bring us justice and put an end to this?
How long, O Lord, will your anger continue to burn like fire?
When will you save us from their obsession to terminate us?
You promised deliverance and justice to your people
O Lord, please come to our rescue and end these evil
Why don’t you revert your anger to these unbelievers?
Lord, we plead you to grant us mercy and to be delivered.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think Asaph’s question was more on “How long will your anger last?” instead of “Why is this happening to us?” What is the big difference with the how long and the why questions?
• When was the last time you pleaded God to deliver you from some situations or someone who was oppressing you and what was the result of such prayer?
PSALM 116 WHAT SHALL I RENDER TO THE LORD?
March 3
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PSALM 116 WHAT SHALL I RENDER TO THE LORD?
10 I believed, even when I spoke: “I am greatly afflicted”;11 I said in my alarm, “All
mankind are liars.” 12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD,14 I will pay my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people.15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his
saints. 16 O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds. 17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. 18 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!
– Psalm 116:10-19
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I LIFT UP MY LIFE TO YOU LORD by ILMA
O Lord, you have done so much for me all these time
You have pulled me out of the pit and saved my life
How can I show you gratitude for all you’ve done?
You provided me a clean slate when you gave us your Son
You formed and watched me in my mother’s womb
And considered me precious; the apple of your eyes
Help me to commit to you without any compromises
Tell me how I can accept and look up to your promises
Give me the courage to resist evil and walk in freedom
Help me to keep my eyes focused on your kingdom
O Lord, I am your servant, show me how to honor you
Cleanse me from all sinfulness, so I can walk in truth
Lead me to a life of willingness to suffer all adversities
O Lord, forgive me for failing to live up to your ideals
Grant me mercy to be the person you created me to be
Deliver me from all unrighteousness and grant me mercy
How can I truly live in your grace and steadfast love?
I praise and thank you for everything else that I have.
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REFLECTION
• Since we know there’s nothing we can repay God for all the things he has done for us, why is it important to ponder on how we can glorify and praise him daily for all that we possess?
PSALM 116 CALL ON THE LORD AS LONG AS YOU LIVE
March 2
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PSALM 116 CALL ON THE LORD AS LONG AS YOU LIVE
I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.2 Because he
inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!” 5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. 6 The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. 7 Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.8 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling; 9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
– Psalm 116:1-9
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I CRY OUT TO GOD AND HE HEARD ME by ILMA
My Lord, you are my all, the reason why I live
I cry out to you and you answered me without fail
When I am surrounded with people who judge me
You protect me and guard my heart from offenses
During this time of much illnesses and pandemic
You made sure I was shielded from its effects
I cry out to you to help me fulfill my calling
Though many forces attack, I continue to persist
You have preserved the simple and favor the humble
Thank you for blessing the weak, vulnerable and the lowly.
My Lord, you are gracious, righteous and merciful
You haven’t denied me pardon when I am weak and sinful
Each time I confess, you easily forgive my transgressions
You have freed me from many lies and all kinds deceptions
Lord, I love you so much, you are the source of life
I cry out to you to reveal yourself to all the blind
Strengthen me Lord as I shine the light you gave me
Do not let me give up when things seem overwhelming
I will walk with you my Lord amidst this corrupt world
I will lean on your grace and meditate constantly on your word.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for all believers to cry out to God?
PSALM 103 THE STEADFAST LOVE OF GOD TO THOSE WHO FEAR HIM
March 1
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PSALM 103 THE STEADFAST LOVE OF GOD TO THOSE WHO FEAR HIM
13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.15 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s
children,18 to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word! 21 Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! 22 Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
– Psalm 103:13-22
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BLESS THE LORD FOR HIS COMPASSION by ILMA
Like a father would show compassion to his children
God shows empathy and love to those who fear him
He knows us inside and out; he made our entire being
Be assured of his steadfast love that is everlasting
Man’s life is like a mist, it’s here now and gone next moment
But God’s steadfast love and mercy, that’s what we can count on
He blesses all those who love him and all their descendants
He promises all of his children’s children, the same inheritance.
Praise the Lord, all you angels and all those who love his word
Those obedient ones, hosts and ministers, and all who combat this world
Praise and bless the Lord for he has showered you with love and compassion
Worship only the one true God all you believers, show that you have passion
Offer your mind, body, soul and spirit to the One who gave us all
It’s the only way you can defeat the works of Satan that causes you to fall
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and your entire mind
Wear God’s armor and your new nature to avoid sin and being blind.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think David only reproved those who are angels, mighty ones who do his word, hosts, ministers and all who does his will to bless the Lord, why not anyone?
PSALM 103 BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL
February 28
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PSALM 103 BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. – Psalm 103:1-12
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I BLESS THE LORD WITH MY ALL by ILMA
I bring honor and praise to the Lord God Almighty
I give my mind, body, soul and spirit to the Holy One
He forgives all my sins and wrongdoings when I repent
He cleanses my entire being and prevents my defeat
The Lord heals all diseases and brings contentment
He alone can fill my heart with joy and fulfillment
He always operates in equity; he delivers the oppressed
He rescues the weak and gives them hope and strength.
He makes himself known to all who come close to him
He hears all my thoughts, prayers and pleadings
The Lord is slow to anger and abounds in mercy
He is full of compassion and gives generously
He does not punish my sin as I deserve; he is gracious
Because of his steadfast love, our transgressions he removes
I bless the Lord with my all, he alone is worthy of praise
My Lord is my life; I will be lost without his grace
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think David addressed himself to bless the Lord in this psalm?
• How should we praise and worship the Lord according to this psalm?