November 20
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PSALM 78 WHEN GOD’S WRATH IS KINDLED
21 Therefore, when the LORD heard, he was full of wrath;
a fire was kindled against Jacob; his anger rose against Israel,
22 because they did not believe in God and did not trust his saving power.
23 Yet he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven,
24 and he rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the grain of heaven.
25 Man ate of the bread of the angels; he sent them food in abundance.
26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens,
and by his power he led out the south wind;
27 he rained meat on them like dust, winged birds like the sand of the seas;
28 he let them fall in the midst of their camp, all around their dwellings.
29 And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved.
30 But before they had satisfied their craving, while the food was still in their mouths,
31 the anger of God rose against them, and he killed the strongest of them
and laid low the young men of Israel. – Psalm 78:21-31
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When the Lord commands his people, he expects obedience
The Lord’s wrath is kindled when there is disobedience and resistance
Though men are naturally ungrateful, the Lord still provides for them
He can grant any plea from his people, but it has to align with his will
When you have the urge to whine and complain about something
Go to the throne of God, be thankful and keep on giving him glory.
When God’s wrath is kindled, be ready to be shocked with what he’ll do
He can destroy anyone he has created; do you think you are excused?
God is love and he hates anything and everything that represents evil
When you continue to do wicked deeds, he knows you are serving the devil
Repent and be transformed by the renewal of your mind, seek the truth
You will not want to be under God’s fury, so keep on walking in love.
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REFLECTION
• Why do some Christian denominations omit God’s wrath as one of his traits?
• What makes God’s wrath kindled according to this psalm?
Monthly Archives: November 2022
PSALM 78 THE GOD WHO DELIVERS AND PROVIDES
November 19
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PSALM 78 THE GOD WHO DELIVERS AND PROVIDES
9 The Ephraimites, armed with the bow, turned back on the day of battle.
10 They did not keep God’s covenant, but refused to walk according to his law.
11 They forgot his works and the wonders that he had shown them.
12 In the sight of their fathers he performed wonders in the land of Egypt,
in the fields of Zoan.13 He divided the sea and let them pass through it,
and made the waters stand like a heap.
14 In the daytime he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a fiery light.
15 He split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
16 He made streams come out of the rock and caused waters to flow down like rivers.
17 Yet they sinned still more against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
18 They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved.
19 They spoke against God, saying, “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?
20 He struck the rock so that water gushed out and streams overflowed.
Can he also give bread or provide meat for his people?” – Psalm 78:9-20
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, help me to never forget the things you have done for your people
You performed so many wonders to deliver and provide for all of them
Yet, they continued to sin and rebel against you despite your goodness
They whined and complained while you were delivering them from bondage
Forgive me each time I forget to be thankful for what you have given me
Sometimes I get driven by my desires for a better life instead of being content
Give me a desire to constantly feed in your word and follow your laws
Do not let me be distracted by the corruption of the systems of this world
I praise and glorify you my Lord, you are my deliverer and provider
Give me the grace to repent always and follow your laws faithfully
Cleanse me from all unrighteousness and give me courage to do your will
Let me only pursue a life that is pleasing to you so I won’t be misled by evil.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it easy to forget God’s goodness when we are faced with suffering and trials in our lives just like the Israelites did?
• How is complaining and desiring more an easy path to sin?
PSALM 78 SET YOUR HOPE IN GOD & KEEP HIS LAWS
November 18
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PSALM 78 SET YOUR HOPE IN GOD & KEEP HIS LAWS
Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,
3 things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children,
6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,7 so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;
8 and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.
– Psalm 78:1-8
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Lord, help us to always remember the things you’ve done
You have rescued us from sin and gave us freedom
Let us not forget the wonderful deeds you have shown your people
Keep us steadfast in believing that you will always be our protector
Forgive us our tendencies to naturally follow our rebellious nature
Only your Spirit can free us from such automatic inclinations.
Let us keep a steady focus on your laws so we can follow
When we get distressed, let us keep our eyes only in you
As the enemy brings his plan to attack and destroy
Keep us steady and strong to endure all his ploys
We will set our hope only in the Lord who made heaven and earth
Never will we rely on our own understanding but depend on his Spirit.
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REFLECTION
• What things and situations keep us hopeless?
• How can we avoid being distressed and discouraged when we don’t get the results we expect?
PSALM 77 THE GOD WHO WORKS WONDERS
November 17
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PSALM 77 THE GOD WHO WORKS WONDERS
11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.15 You with your arm redeemed your people,
the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah 16 When the waters saw you, O God,
when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled.
17 The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder;
your arrows flashed on every side.18 The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook.
19 Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters;
yet your footprints were unseen. 20 You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron. – Psalm 77:10-20
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, I am in awe of your majesty and power
All your creation bows down to you and cower
You are the God who created all things for your purpose
There is no other god who can do such deeds that are marvelous
Your presence manifest in all that you have made
Let me never forget to magnify you in all that you’ve done.
I will remember all the deeds you do in the ancient days
You showed your love to them when you rescued them
You provided manna from heaven to keep them fed
You protected them from the enemy and kept them safe
I praise and glorify you, the Lord who made heaven and earth
Keep me thankful and remember all you have wonderfully made.
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REFLECTION
• What hinders us from magnifying God in our world today?
• What can you do to remove these obstacles that doesn’t focus on the wonderful works of the Lord?
PSALM 77 WHEN IN TROUBLE
November 16
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PSALM 77 WHEN IN TROUBLE
I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me.
2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;
in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;
my soul refuses to be comforted.
3 When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah
4 You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
5 I consider the days of old, the years long ago.
6 I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.”
Then my spirit made a diligent search:
7 “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable?
8 Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah
10 Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.”
– Psalm 77:1-10
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When you are going through distressful moments, run to the Lord
Cry out to him even though you are overwhelmed by this world
Plead him to give you all the strength and endurance to press on
If you serve him, he promises that he will never leave or forsake you
When in trouble, do not lose hope but remember all his promises
Do your best to follow his laws so you will not give in to stresses.
When in trouble, remember all the deeds that the Lord has done
Then your focus will shift from your mindsets to those of the Lord’s
Though you struggle visualizing God’s presence, he sees everything
Do not give in to your doubts, fears, lies and catastrophizing
The Lord blesses all those who run to him and he delivers them
Never think that you can overcome troubles without God’s help.
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REFLECTION
• As humans, why do we naturally fix or resolve our troubles on our own instead of running to the Lord for help and guidance?
PSALM 76 THE GOD WHOM KINGS AND PRINCES FEAR
November 14
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PSALM 76 FEAR THE LORD YOUR GOD!
In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel.
2 His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.
3 There he broke the flashing arrows,
the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah
4 Glorious are you, more majestic than the mountains full of prey.
5 The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep;
all the men of war were unable to use their hands.
6 At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned.
7 But you, you are to be feared! Who can stand before you
when once your anger is roused? – Psalm 76:1-7
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
The Maker of heaven and earth is to be praised
He is steadfast in his love and created all things
He is majestic and his power is immeasurable
He is glorious and splendid in all his ways
The Lord is the only one worthy of adoration
Bow down to him and give him exaltation.
Our heavenly Father is to be feared by all
When we don’t revere him, we will definitely fall
The Lord hates all things that are wicked and evil
Serve your God and not this world system that’s ruled by the devil
He established all his people in his own chosen dwelling place
To those who belong to him, they have been sanctified and blessed.
The Lord is to be feared for he knows every mind and heart
Before you speak and act, he is aware of what you will do and say
He knows every intention that is behind your actions
Why even bother to hide from our Lord and Savior?
He is the God of our salvation and he is our only shield
Fear the Lord your God; without him, you will always sin.
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REFLECTION
• How is fear of the Lord beginning of wisdom as Proverbs 9:10 says?
PSALM 75 THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE
November 13
We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.
2 “At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity.
3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
4 I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;
5 do not lift up your horn on high, or speak with haughty neck.’”
6 For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
7 but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.
8 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed,
and he pours out from it, and all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs.
9 But I will declare it forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up. – Psalm 75:1-10
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Give glory to our Lord, who brings righteous judgment
He alone sees all things from the heavens up above
He is the only one who sees the hearts and minds
Even before we think of something, he already knows it.
To all who boasts and believe in themselves, be warned
For God executes judgment on those who follow their own ways
The Lord separates his own from those who don’t believe in him
They will experience his wrath and they will continue to sin.
To all those who love the Lord, continue to be faithful
Remember all the things he has done for all his people
Be thankful that God is steadfast in his love and merciful
Without his justice, grace and truth, we will be dreadful.
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REFLECTION
• What does 1 Corinthians 5:12 mean when it says that we are to judge those who are in the family of believers and this psalm says that God brings judgement?
PSALM 74 ARISE AND DEFEND YOUR CAUSE O GOD
November 12
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PSALM 74 ARISE AND DEFEND YOUR CAUSE O GOD
18 Remember this, O LORD, how the enemy scoffs,
and a foolish people reviles your name.
19 Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts;
do not forget the life of your poor forever.
20 Have regard for the covenant,
for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.
21 Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame;
let the poor and needy praise your name.
22 Arise, O God, defend your cause;
remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day!
23 Do not forget the clamor of your foes,
the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually!
– Psalm 74:18-23
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Do not be silent O Lord, we are surrounded by violence
The enemy continue to rise up against your people constantly
Remember your covenant with them and defend your cause
Do not forget the weak, the poor and the oppressed
You promised to free them and provide protection
We count on your deliverance and salvation.
Do not deliver your people to the wicked
Especially those who are vulnerable and defenseless
Arise and defend your cause O Lord, we can’t shield ourselves
We will be defeated if you do not come to our aide and be our fortress
Let us not lose hope when we become weak, but instead lean on you more
Equip us with strength and endurance to bear the suffering in this world.
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REFLECTION
• What was the psalmist lamenting over here and why does he ask God to arise and defend his cause?
PSALM 74 THE BOUNDARIES GOD ESTABLISHED
November 11
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PSALM 74 THE BOUNDARIES GOD ESTABLISHED
10 How long, O God, is the foe to scoff?
Is the enemy to revile your name forever?
11 Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
Take it from the fold of your garment and destroy them!
12 Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.
13 You divided the sea by your might;
you broke the heads of the sea monsters on the waters.
14 You crushed the heads of Leviathan;
you gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness.
15 You split open springs and brooks; you dried up ever-flowing streams.
16 Yours is the day, yours also the night;
you have established the heavenly lights and the sun.
17 You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth;
you have made summer and winter. – Psalm 74:10-17
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When God created the earth, he established boundaries
He made light and called it day; then he called it night for darkness
The Lord divided the water from the land and called them earth and seas
He made creatures from the waters and separate it from those in the land.
The Lord God created all things, he separated season from each other
He made them distinct from each other: fall, spring, winter and summer
God made every creature different from one another with distinct features
Each animal or plants and trees have their own exclusive structure.
The Lord God also created man and woman with differences in appearance
Each of them has their own different role, strength and weakness
God chose those all who belong to him and called them his children
He separated his own possession from those who serve the world and Satan.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think God created almost all things with boundaries?
• What would happen if you don’t respect the boundaries that God established?