August 30
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PSALM 30 BY GOD’S FAVOR ONE CAN STAND STRONG
I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up
and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
3 O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.
4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
6 As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.”
7 By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong;
you hid your face; I was dismayed.
8 To you, O LORD, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
9 “What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me! O LORD, be my helper!”
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever! – Psalm 30:1-12
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Without God’s grace, favor and mercy, life will be empty
We can overcome evil only when we give God all the glory
Do you think you can do anything through your own efforts?
It is God’s steadfast love that makes us strong and encouraged
He alone choses whom he will give his mercy and favor
There is nothing we can do to contribute to our salvation
Without God’s favor, we will be easily defeated
But by his grace and generosity, we can be victorious
Raise up your arms and bow down to your loving Lord
Declare his goodness and proclaim his gospel throughout the world.
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REFLECTION
• How should we respond to God’s generosity, grace and favor?
Monthly Archives: August 2022
PSALM 29 THE VOICE OF THE LORD IS POWERFUL
August 29
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PSALM 29 THE VOICE OF THE LORD IS POWERFUL
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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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Bring glory to our Lord who sits enthroned as eternal king
Only he alone deserves to be given all the honor and glory
You’ll hear the voice of the Lord manifest over waters in a storm
The lightning resulting in thunder shows his power as it roars
As the snow starts falling in an avalanche, you’ll hear his voice
As a volcano erupts and spews out lava, heed its powerful sound
The voice of the Lord is commanding and full of majesty
Bow down to his voice and acknowledge his sovereignty.
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REFLECTION
• How does God’s voice manifest in nature sounds? Why do we need to be reminded of his power when we hear the sounds of thunder in a storm?
PSALM 28 IN HIM ALONE I TRUST
August 28
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PSALM 28 IN HIM ALONE I TRUST
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 poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, my God, I come to you to plead for help
Hear my prayer and do not be deaf
I cry out to you so you can deliver me from evil
Do not let me be dragged by the tactics of the devil
Let me never trust on anyone or anything else
Only in you do I give my faith and my confidence
Not even in my own strength will I rely
You are my strength so I won’t even try
Save your people and grant them your righteousness
Never let us perish from our inclination to wickedness
Be our guide, our shepherd who carry us forever
I put my trust in you alone for you grant us life eternal.
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REFLECTION
• Why should a believer only trust in the Lord alone?
PSALM 27 I WILL BE FEARLESS WHEN I SERVE THE LORD
August 27
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PSALM 27 I WILL BE FEARLESS WHEN I SERVE THE LORD
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.3 Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the LORD.7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me! 8 You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
9Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.
– Psalm 27:1-10
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
If the Lord is my light and my salvation, what should I be afraid of?
He is the lamp to my feet and he is my stronghold
If the Lord is my Master and my Savior, why should I fear?
He is in control of his entire creation and he knows all things
My Lord has been gracious and asked me to seek his will
I will follow the path to righteousness for I will be lost without him
Lord, do not abandon me especially when I am surrounded by fools
Though my loved ones have left me, the Lord is always there and faithful
The Lord is my shield, my vindicator and my foundation
In him, I will not be moved by all the devil’s tactics and temptations.
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REFLECTION
• Can a Christian be full of fear according to this psalm?
PSALM 26 YOUR STEADFAST LOVE IS BEFORE ME O LORD
August 26
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PSALM 26 YOUR STEADFAST LOVE IS BEFORE ME O LORD
Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
2 Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind.
3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.
4 I do not sit with men of falsehood, nor do I consort with hypocrites.
5 I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.
6 I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O LORD,
7 proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds.
8 O LORD, I love the habitation of your house, and the place where your glory dwells.
9 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
10 in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.
11 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.
12 My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the LORD.
– Psalm 26:1-12
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Defend me O Lord from all the wickedness around me
I have been faithful to walk in love and integrity
Examine my heart and mind, I have been faithful
I don’t condone wickedness nor participate in them
I loathe the corruption that this world creates
Keep me strong and pure so I won’t be enslaved.
I cleanse my soul and spirit and yet without you, I will fail
O Lord, I love your dwelling place, it makes me safe
Do not allow the enemy to triumph over my nature
Help me to focus on you always and never falter
But despite all evil devices presented before me
I will look up to your vindication, grace and mercy.
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REFLECTION
• Why should Christians never defend themselves, but run to God’s defense instead?
PSALM 25 FRIENDSHIP OF THE LORD IS FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM
August 25
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PSALM 25 FRIENDSHIP OF THE LORD IS FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM
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.
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. – Psalm 25:8-18
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
The Lord is the one who instructs all humans to the right path
He directs those who are meek and teaches them his ways
The Lord is full of steadfast love; he abounds in mercy and grace
He wants salvation and freedom for the entire human race
But only those who fear him and follow his word are blessed
They are chosen by God to have friendship with the Lord himself
He gives discernment and knowledge to all those who fear him
He comforts the lonely and the afflicted with his protection
No matter how big their troubles, he grants them endurance
The Lord will give them strength and hope for deliverance
Do not be friends with the world or have anything to do with them
Or you will be an enemy of God and will forfeit eternal life with him.
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REFLECTION
• How can friendship with the world make us enemies of God?
• How do you know that God has befriended you?
PSALM 24 THAT THE KING OF GLORY MAY COME IN
August 24
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PSALM 24 THAT THE KING OF GLORY MAY COME IN
The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.8 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah – Psalm 24:1-10
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Many need to be reminded that everything belongs to the Lord
It is foolish to assume that we own anything in this world
We need to constantly praise the Lord Almighty, the King of glory
He alone deserves adulation and worship since he is full of grandeur
Who can come to the hill that is reserved for the Lord?
Only those who are cleansed from the systems of this world
And all those who live in righteousness and integrity
Including all those who seek to please him intensely
Lift up your whole being and open your heart to the King
He is the Lord of hosts, the Almighty and who takes away our sins
Let the King of glory come in; honor his majesty and splendor
Bow down only to him who is Sovereign over all the earth and heavens
Offer your entire life to give him honor and never forget to thank him.
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REFLECTION
• How can we hasten the coming of the King of Glory?
PSALM 23 I SHALL NOT WANT IF THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
August 23
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PSALM 23 I SHALL NOT WANT IF THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. – Psalm 23:1-6
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
If I am serving the Lord God Almighty, there is nothing else I will crave
He guides me and brings me in meadows that are abundant and lush
The Lord leads me to peaceful waters and he renews my spirit
He goes ahead of me so I can be on my way to the path that is righteous
Despite the wickedness surrounding me, I will not be worried
I will trust him because he loves me and he is always with me
If the Lord is my shepherd, I am assured of life eternal
He prepares a place for me in the new heaven and the new earth
Though it seems bleak at times while we navigate this world
I will continue to rely on him and follow his word
The Lord anoints me and pours his goodness and mercy
He protects me and delivers me from all my enemies
He gave his only begotten Son to rescue me from bondage
I will follow his way so I can break away from being enslaved
I will be content with whatever my Lord gives me
Whether I am with or without comforts, I will thank him
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think we need a good shepherd? Why can’t we just go through life without someone leading us? What does it mean to have Jesus as your shepherd?
PSALM 22 ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH SHALL REMEMBER AND TURN TO GOD
August 22
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PSALM 22 ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH SHALL REMEMBER AND TURN TO GOD
25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
my vows I will perform before those who fear him.
26 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied;
those who seek him shall praise the LORD!
May your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth shall remember
and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
shall worship before you.
28 For kingship belongs to the LORD,
and he rules over the nations.
29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship;
before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
even the one who could not keep himself alive.
30 Posterity shall serve him;
it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation;
31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn,
that he has done it. – Psalm 22:25-31
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Only from the Lord himself comes my desire to glorify him
Without his grace and steadfast love, I will continually sin
He provides and anoints all those whom he loves
May all the chosen ones praise him and never lose faith
All the ends of the earth will never forget what he did for us
He gave his only begotten Son to be the One to be sacrificed
With God’s great love and sacrifice on the cross
We are saved and assured of a life and generation yet to come
May all the ends of the earth remember to turn to our Lord God
May all serve the Lord with all their strength, heart, mind and soul.
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REFLECTION
• How can you as a Christian hasten God’s kingdom to come?
PSALM 21 THE WICKED WILL NOT SUCCEED
August 21
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PSALM 21 THE WICKED WILL NOT SUCCEED
O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults!
2 You have given him his heart’s desire
and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah
3 For you meet him with rich blessings; you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4 He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever and ever.
5 His glory is great through your salvation; splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
6 For you make him most blessed forever;
you make him glad with the joy of your presence.7 For the king trusts in the LORD,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.
8 Your hand will find out all your enemies;
your right hand will find out those who hate you.
9 You will make them as a blazing oven when you appear.
The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath, and fire will consume them.
10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
and their offspring from among the children of man.
11 Though they plan evil against you, though they devise mischief, they will not succeed.
12 For you will put them to flight; you will aim at their faces with your bows.
13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.
– Psalm 21:1-13
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
The Lord is faithful to his anointed king and people
He brings them deliverance and protection against evil
The Lord will pour blessings to all those whom he has chosen
He annihilates the lawless and those who plot wicked tactics
Though the ungodly plans evil against the upright
He will not succeed for God is their shield and fortress
They may seem to progress with their schemes
But God ensures that they do not eventually win
Praise and glorify a God who is steadfast in his love
He alone can bring you triumph, peace and joy.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to stay calm even in the midst of danger from evil attacks?