December 10
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PSALM 86 A GOD WHO IS SLOW TO ANGER
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 86:10-17
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
You are a God of mercy and of steadfast love
Help me to walk in your way and discern truth
This world we live in is full of lies and deceit
Cover me with your protection so I won’t be deceived.
O Lord, teach me to be enduring, kind and gentle
You are full of love, is patient and is slow to anger
Forgive me when I easily give in to offense
Change my heart so that I can quickly forgive.
Praise to you O Lord who is so merciful and full of compassion
Guide my life so that I will love others and never be in isolation
Remind me that all things you give me is for your own pleasure
Keep me focused on your word that is truth and is such a treasure.
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REFLECTION
• What did the psalmist mean when he said “unite my heart to fear your name in verse 11?
Monthly Archives: December 2022
PSALM 86 A PLEA FOR GRACE TO A MERCIFUL AND LOVING GOD
December 9
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PSALM 86 A PLEA FOR GRACE TO A MERCIFUL AND LOVING GOD
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.
9 All the nations you have made shall come
and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. – Psalm 86:1-9
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Have pity on me, a sinful servant of yours who is poor and needy
I ask you to come to my aide as I live in these worldly and corrupt systems
We are surrounded by so much deceit, lies, control and hunger for power
Come to our aide O Lord, we have served you faithfully, give us deliverance.
Grant me your grace so that in times of trial, I’ll remember to run to your throne
If you haven’t chosen me, I will always be sinful, you cleansed me O Lord!
You are the one true God and no other gods are like you, who is righteous
I plead you to hear my prayer so that I can walk in the way of the godly.
Forgive me when I am influenced by culture, traditions and human knowledge
Keep my eyes on your wisdom instead of the mindsets that are worldly
Give me a discerning mind and heart to see the subtleties of lies in our culture
Help me to walk with your Spirit amidst the unseen tactics generated by the devil.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it so important for us to plead God for mercy and grace especially given what is going on in our world today?
• How does the psalmist go about with his prayer? Why is praise an essential ingredient in our prayer?
PSALM 85 THE LORD SPEAKS PEACE & WARNS HIS SAINTS
>December 8
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PSALM 85 THE LORD SPEAKS PEACE & WARNS HIS SAINTS
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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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
All you who serves the Lord, hear him speak to your hearts
He brings you peace, harmony and bounty in your land
The Lord brings salvation to all those who fear him
He guides their footsteps towards righteousness and away from sin.
In God’s goodness, he will give what is good and bless you
Continue to serve him and follow his will and fruits will overflow
Live in harmony with each other so that you can praise him
Watch out for division amongst you and stay out of sin.
Pursue peace always and be content with what you received
Bless others with the blessings that you were given
Examine your hearts and renew your mind regularly
Do not be corrupted by the systems that are worldly.
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REFLECTION
• What images do you see in verse 11 when the psalmist says “Faithfulness springs up from the ground and righteousness looks down from the sky”?
• What response do you have as you imagine this picture in verse 11.
PSALM 85 REVIVE US AGAIN O LORD!
December 7
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PSALM 85 REVIVE US AGAIN O LORD!
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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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
My Lord, forgive us for all our sinfulness
We are all so weak to resist wickedness
We transgress again and again, but you show us mercy
We deserve the worst punishment and yet you don’t give it.
Not only did you vindicate us, you even paid for our debts
You gave us your Son, Jesus so that we can be free
We praise you for your steadfast love and compassion
Grant us the courage to be faithful, and love you with passion.
Revive us again when we are broken, lost and rejected
Help us to view suffering as a share in Christ’s crucifixion
Keep us growing as we are refined by trials and pain
Let us focus on the path that leads to your kingdom in heaven.
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REFLECTION
• What happens to us Christians when we don’t pray for restoration?
• How can suffering and trial make us grow spiritually?
PSALM 84 THE LORD BESTOWS FAVOR AND HONOR TO HIS PEOPLE
December 6
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PSALM 84 THE LORD BESTOWS FAVOR AND HONOR TO HIS PEOPLE
8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
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 84:8-12
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Is there something today that you received that you see as a blessing?
All good things are given from God to those who faithfully believe Him
Always keep your eyes on God’s mercy, grace and goodness
He bestows favor and honor to those who are righteous
The Lord God is faithful, he expects the same loyalty from us
Do not rely your own strength but in him alone, shall you put your trust.
Do not be afraid when you are being persecuted or rejected
Remember that Christ was also wronged and dejected
Focus on him alone when you are in pain and suffering
He will be your shield from the corruption of the world system
He is your counselor and helper; run to his throne alone
God is compassionate and generous to all the faithful.
Be thankful for every little or big thing that the Lord gives
Count them all and acknowledge him for his blessings
Each gift is to be used for God’s own glory
Be warned about using it for your own purpose
All honor and favor he gives you must reflect his goodness
Worship and thank him daily for every gift and blessing.
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REFLECTION
• How can we be more aware of God’s goodness on a regular basis according to this psalm? How does gratitude changes attitude?
PSALM 84 BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE STRENGTH IS IN THE LORD
Quote
December 5
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PSALM 84 BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE STRENGTH IS IN THE 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.
– Psalm 84:1-7
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
My entire being longs to be with you O Lord
Give me grace to be strong to overcome this world
O Lord of hosts, bless me to continue to praise only you
There are so many distractions in my life that hinders what is true.
Let me never rely on my own strength or understanding
Instead, give me remembrance of the Holy Spirit’s teachings
Remind me that your Son, Jesus was sacrificed to cleanse me of sin
Let it be engraved in my heart to be courageous to endure suffering.
Each time I get tempted to be self-reliant, prod me to sense your presence
Every occasion to think I am right, humble me so I can be reminded
Give me humility to find strength in you when I am weak and weary
Let me not fear struggles and suffering so I can grow spiritually.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it very vital for Christians not to be independent and proud people according to this psalm?
• Do you think self-reliance and independence is against God’s laws? Why or why not?
PSALM 83 THAT THEY MAY KNOW YOU
December 4
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PSALM 83 THAT THEY MAY KNOW YOU
9 Do to them as you did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon,
10 who were destroyed at En-dor, who became dung for the ground.
11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12 who said, “Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God.”
13 O my God, make them like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind.
14 As fire consumes the forest, as the flame sets the mountains ablaze,
15 so may you pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your hurricane!
16 Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek your name, O LORD.
17 Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; let them perish in disgrace,
18 that they may know that you alone, whose name is the LORD,
are the Most High over all the earth.– Psalm 83:9-18
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, pay attention to the deeds of the wicked towards your people
You see and know all things; let them stop from doing more damage
They boast about things that they don’t really grasp or know
They think highly of themselves and give others a blow.
It is unthinkable how they make others suffer when they take control
Will you expose all their plans to manipulate so others can bow to their idols?
O Lord, how long will you let these chaos and conflict continue?
I plead you to rebuke them that they may know who is the most powerful.
Cover all those who take shelter in you from their evil ways and wickedness
Keep your people from their tactics and guide them towards godliness
Put them in their places so that they may know who you really are
Bless your faithful ones so that they may continually worship and praise you.
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REFLECTION
• Asaph’s psalm speaks of the unthinkable things that God’s people suffer from the enemies. What are the promises of God that Asaph asks God to fulfill in this community lament?
• Should we also pray like Asaph when we are overwhelmed by the enemy’s tactics?
PSALM 83 DO NOT BE SILENT LORD
December 3
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PSALM 83 DO NOT BE SILENT LORD
O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God!
2 For behold, your enemies make an uproar;
those who hate you have raised their heads.
3 They lay crafty plans against your people;
they consult together against your treasured ones.
4 They say, “Come, let us wipe them out as a nation;
let the name of Israel be remembered no more!”
5 For they conspire with one accord; against you they make a covenant—
6 the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites,
7 Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
8 Asshur also has joined them; they are the strong arm of the children of Lot. Selah
–Psalm 83:1-8
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, I come to you with trembling and fear
Do not be silent as the enemies conspire with one accord
They are determined to wipe out those whom you love
Hear my plea O God of my salvation, come to our rescue!
Do you not see how they have enslaved your people?
How long before you avenge us from their cruelty?
It is wearisome to watch the violence all around us
Will you continue to be quiet as they devour your people?
Those who hate you are all contriving to bring us down
Will you allow them to oppress and keep us in bondage?
Give us strength to endure all the persecution and suffering
O Lord, make haste to come to our aid and bring us deliverance.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it a good practice to plead the Lord when we are being pressed down with attacks from the enemy?
• How do you make sense of much suffering experienced by those who are persecuted for their faith? Is God silent when they are killed?
PSALM 82 WARNING TO JUDGES & RULERS
December 2
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PSALM 82 WARNING TO JUDGES & RULERS
God has taken his place in the divine council;
in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
2 “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding,
they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
6 I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you;
7 nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.”
8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations! – Psalm 82:1-8
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Let all those who have authority to exercise justice heed to God
For they are all accountable to the Most High, king of all
When they discriminate the fatherless and those who are destitute
They will be judged according to their prejudices and partiality
The Lord puts them in their positions to judge fairly
They have to protect especially the weak and the needy.
Be warned all you who are in positions of authority
Exercise your power to raise the level of equality
Rule and lead with God’s decree always in your mind
For the Lord holds you accountable; exercise wisdom
See that you don’t forget the fatherless and the weak
Remember in the end you will be judged by the Lord Most High.
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REFLECTION
• Who was the psalmist referring to in verse 1 when he said in the midst of gods he holds judgment?
• Why are Christians called to pray for rulers and all those in authority in 1 Timothy 2:1-2?
• Do you think Christians should be involved in politics? Why or why not?
PSALM 81 IF YOU DON’T LISTEN TO GOD’S VOICE
December 1
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PSALM 81 IF YOU DON’T LISTEN TO GOD’S VOICE
11 “But my people did not listen to my voice;
Israel would not submit to me.
12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
to follow their own counsels.
13 Oh, that my people would listen to me,
that Israel would walk in my ways!
14 I would soon subdue their enemies
and turn my hand against their foes.
15 Those who hate the LORD would cringe toward him,
and their fate would last forever.
16 But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat,
and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” – Psalm 81:11-16
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
If you don’t listen to God’s voice
You will always remain a fool
Those who defy the Lord will fail
They will be left alone without help.
God leaves the wicked in their own stubbornness
They will be unable to walk in the path of righteousness
If you continue to disobey and don’t listen to God’s voice
You will be on your way to disaster and not be blessed.
Those who are lawless will be lost and confused
The Lord will not tolerate the deeds of fools
But if you listen to his voice and follow his will
He will bless you and make you overcome sin.
If you continue to turn your back to God
You will find yourself being corrupted by the world
The wrath of God will fall on all who disobey him
They will not have any part of his kingdom.
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REFLECTION
• What causes a person to not listen to God’s voice?