April 18
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PSALM 25 BRING ME OUT OF MY DISTRESS LORD!
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider how many are my foes,
and with what violent hatred they hate me.
20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
for I wait for you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God,
out of all his troubles. – Psalm 25:16-22
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MAY INTEGRITY & UPRIGHTNESS PRESERVE ME by ILMA
Lord, I come to you so you can attend to my loneliness
I am distressed with much troubles and discouragement
Look into my condition and forgive all my transgressions
I have been weak and given in to so much distractions
Guard my soul for the enemy attacks me constantly
He weaves tactics to distract and derail me day and night
Let me not be put to shame, for I run to you for safety
May your protection keep me strong to hold on to integrity
May I never forget all that you have done to keep me free
Deliver me from all those who plot evil and wicked devices
Let their schemes bounce back to the them; protect your people
Let me never be swayed and seduced by this world’s corruption
Show me how to always follow your Spirit’s lead in sanctification.
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REFLECTION
• How can integrity and uprightness preserve the believer’s life?
Monthly Archives: April 2022
April 18
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PSALM 25 BRING ME OUT OF MY DISTRESS LORD!
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider how many are my foes,
and with what violent hatred they hate me.
20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
for I wait for you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God,
out of all his troubles. – Psalm 25:16-22
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MAY INTEGRITY & UPRIGHTNESS PRESERVE ME by ILMA
Lord, I come to you so you can attend to my loneliness
I am distressed with much troubles and discouragement
Look into my condition and forgive all my transgressions
I have been weak and given in to so much distractions
Guard my soul for the enemy attacks me constantly
He weaves tactics to distract and derail me day and night
Let me not be put to shame, for I run to you for safety
May your protection keep me strong to hold on to integrity
May I never forget all that you have done to keep me free
Deliver me from all those who plot evil and wicked devices
Let their schemes bounce back to the them; protect your people
Let me never be swayed and seduced by this world’s corruption
Show me how to always follow your Spirit’s lead in sanctification.
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REFLECTION
• How can integrity and uprightness preserve the believer’s life?
PSALM 25 GOOD AND UPRIGHT IS THE LORD
April 17
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PSALM 25 GOOD AND UPRIGHT IS THE LORD
8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For your name’s sake, O LORD,
pardon my guilt, for it is great.
12 Who is the man who fears the LORD?
Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.
13 His soul shall abide in well-being,
and his offspring shall inherit the land.
14 The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him,
and he makes known to them his covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD,
for he will pluck my feet out of the net.– Psalm 25:8-15
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THOSE WHO FEAR HIM ARE THE LORD’S FRIEND by ILMA
The Lord is steadfast in his love and in his goodness
He keeps his promises to those who follow righteousness
He guides those who are humble but leaves the proud on their own
He teaches those who fear him in the way they should go
The righteous and godly constantly abide in him
They do not feed their lusts and desires which lead to sin
Instead, they listen and depend on the Spirit of the Lord
They do not follow or conform with the systems of this world
The friendship of the Lord is only for those who fear him
The Lord doesn’t tolerate sin but outrightly confronts it
Those who continue in their haughtiness will be cut off
For the Lord hates evil and God’s wrath awaits them all.
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REFLECTION
• What are some ways a Christian can lose friendship with God?
PSALM 25 MAKE ME KNOW YOUR WAYS
April 16
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PSALM 25 MAKE ME KNOW YOUR WAYS
To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
6 Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O LORD! – Psalm 25:1-7
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TEACH ME YOUR PATH O LORD by ILMA
O my Lord, I bring to you my whole heart, mind and body
I trust that you will not allow me to live in compromises
Let me not be overcome by all the schemes of the devil
You are faithful to protect your people from all kinds of evil
All those who believe in you look forward to your promises
Guide me so that I will know your ways so I can follow it
Without your lead, I will not be able to navigate this world
Change my mind and make it like yours; help me follow your word
Show me how to examine my own heart so I can align it with yours
Give me courage to say no to my flesh and keep my mind renewed
Because you are steadfast in your love, give me grace, my Lord
Do not focus on my past sins or my tendencies to follow the world.
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REFLECTION
• What is revealed in this psalm regarding the state of David’s heart?
• How can an anointed king still have such desperate need for God’s guidance?
PSALM 45 BOW DOWN TO YOUR LORD
April 15
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PSALM 45 BOW DOWN TO YOUR LORD
10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:
forget your people and your father’s house,
11 and the king will desire your beauty.
Since he is your lord, bow to him.
12 The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,
the richest of the people.
13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.
14 In many-colored robes she is led to the king,
with her virgin companions following behind her.
15 With joy and gladness they are led along
as they enter the palace of the king.
16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons;
you will make them princes in all the earth.
17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations;
therefore nations will praise you forever and ever. – Psalm 45:10-17
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WISDOM FOR THE BRIDE by ILMA
All you women, listen to these wise words for the bride
When you commit to unite with your bridegroom, your life shifts
No longer will your siblings or mother or father will be priorities
Your goal is not to please your parents and family of origin anymore.
Your bridegroom who desires your beauty, also wants your respect
He now becomes the head of your new life and you are to submit to him
Like the bride of Christ towards his Lord, you are now under his headship
Your independence can not be continued since you are now in relationship.
Your role is to respect your husband as the church respects the Lord
You are expected to trust and be subject to your head in all things
The control you used to exercise must be relegated to your husband now
Since the two of you have committed to be one flesh and one body.
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REFLECTION
• How has Paul explained this psalm in Ephesians 5:22-33 when he instructed husbands and wives?
PSALM 45 HIS THRONE IS FOREVER
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April 14
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PSALM 45 HIS THRONE IS FOREVER
My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. 2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore, God has blessed you forever.3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one in your splendor and majesty! 4 In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand
teach you awesome deeds! 5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies;
the peoples fall under you. 6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; 7you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; 8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; 9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. – Psalm 45:1-9
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MY MOST WONDERFUL KING JESUS! by ILMA
Whenever I think of my King, I cannot contain my amazement
He is like no other, the most fine-looking among the sons of men
Every word that comes out of his lips is so full of wisdom
He is clothed in righteousness, majesty and radiance.
He exudes so much unfathomable love, devotion and grace
Each time he approaches someone, they’ll never be the same
Your throne, my King Jesus will never fail and lasts forever
Uprightness is what your kingdom propagates and live by.
Evil and wickedness on the other hand is your enemy’s domain
You protect all those who serve your sovereignty and power
No other kingdoms can surpass your authority and control
You are the only true and majestic ruler of heaven and earth.
I give you honor and all the glory; I bow down in your presence
I pledge allegiance to you alone my wonderful King Jesus
Clothe me in your righteousness as I vow to serve only you
Give me strength to fight for what is right and what is true.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think this psalm is called a hymn for a royal wedding?
PSALM 54 THE LORD UPHOLDS MY LIFE
April 13
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PSALM 54 THE LORD UPHOLDS MY LIFE
O God, save me by your name,
and vindicate me by your might.
2 O God, hear my prayer;
give ear to the words of my mouth.
3 For strangers[ have risen against me;
ruthless men seek my life;
they do not set God before themselves. Selah
4 Behold, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.
5 He will return the evil to my enemies;
in your faithfulness put an end to them.
6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.
7 For he has delivered me from every trouble,
and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies. – Psalm 54:1-7
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MY LORD IS MY DEFENDER AND PROTECTOR by ILMA
O my Lord, I cry out to you because you are my defender
The enemy has plotted to bring me down and oppress me
They do not know you or fear you; they are full of wickedness
They attack all your people and those who live in righteousness.
Come to my aide Lord, and protect the truth that they are twisting
You have been faithful to deliver me in all my past troubles
I look up to your promise of protection; you are my defence
Deliver me from those who scheme to divide your children.
Do what you need to do to expose all the devil’s tactics
Give back to them the evil that they plan to do to the upright
You are faithful to cover your people with your unfailing love
Help me to constantly rely on your protection, mercy and grace.
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REFLECTION
• What was the event that instigated this psalm that David wrote?
• Why do you think David prayed verse 5 to return the evil to his enemies?
PSALM 86 A GOD LIKE NO OTHER
April 12
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PSALM 86 A GOD LIKE NO OTHER
9 All the nations you have made shall come worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.13 For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them.15 But you, O Lord, are a God
merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant.17 Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me. – Psalm 86:9-17
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A GRACIOUS AND GENEROUS GOD by ILMA
My Lord, all your children come and worship before you
You are a God like no other, for you made all things wonderful
You are incomparable to any other gods, you alone give life
No one else can make anything just out of your own breath.
I give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, soul and mind
I will never forget to dwell on all the things you have created
You are slow to anger and steadfast in love and faithfulness
Teach me how to abound in such acts of love and graciousness.
Hear my plea and give your servant strength and courage
My enemies have plotted evil towards your faithful servant
Show your favor on me and shame those who sow evil
Expose all the schemes and maneuvers of the devil.
My gracious and generous God, my heart is full of thanksgiving
You have provided for all my needs and also delivered me
I will forever seek to please you so I can bring you all the glory
Let me walk with your Spirit at all times and with much consistency.
________________________________________REFLECTION
• How can we respond to God’s generosity, mercy and grace as his children?
PSALM 86 PRESERVE MY LIFE LORD
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April 11
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PSALM 86 PRESERVE MY LIFE LORD
Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my life, for I am godly;
save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.
3 Be gracious to me, O Lord,
for to you do I cry all the day.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer;
listen to my plea for grace.
7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
for you answer me.
8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
nor are there any works like yours. – Psalm 86:1-8
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PLEA FOR GRACE AND HELP by ILMA
O Lord, I come to you for help and provision
I am such a poor soul and a needy person
I trust you completely; save your servant
Without your grace I will not make it today.
Grant me peace to face all the troubles this day brings
Show me how to abound in the steadfast love you give
Listen to my pleas for I will not make it without you
Manifest your love so I can be transformed and renewed.
Remind me of your amazing grace and how your mercy abounds
You never fail to listen to those who call on you, my Lord!
I cry out to you as my needs are constantly hounding me
I plead you to help me when I am discouraged and weak.
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REFLECTION
• Why is pleading and asking God persistently for help a good habit for Christians?
PSALM 49 THE WISE PREPARES FOR ETERNITY
April 10
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PSALM 49 THE WISE PREPARES FOR ETERNITY
11 Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they called lands by their own names.12 Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.13 This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah 14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd, and the upright shall rule over them in the morning.
Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell. 15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah 16 Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. 17 For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him. 18 For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed —and though you get praise when you do well for yourself—19 his soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see light.20 Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish. – Psalm 49:11-20
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LOVERS OF WEALTH PERISH WITH NOTHING by ILMA
The foolish gather material wealth and hold on to them
They hoard and are sparing to share their possessions
They guard all their riches so that they can have more
How futile to think that these things can bring them joy!
As the foolish hold on to things, they become prisoners
They don’t want to lose control and are slaves to fear
It is a sad fate to watch the unwise to cling to things
As these riches fade away, they also start perishing.
While the fools think they are envied for their wealth
They fail to see the value of relationships and health
As they continue with their greed, lust and folly
They are treading the wide road to sin continually
The upright will rule over these lovers of riches
The godly gather spiritual riches which lead to eternity
A reward awaits the wise and faithful servants of the Lord
A room will be ready for them when they leave this world.
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REFLECTION
• What challenge does the psalmist present in this psalm regarding wealth?