February 28
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PSALM 119
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
107 I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word!
108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise,
O LORD, and teach me your rules.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end. – Psalm 119:105-112
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PSALM 119 THE WORD IS A LAMP AND LIGHT
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Without the word of God, I will be groping in the dark
It is the truth that will make me see; it is like a lamp
When the world systems seduce me with deceits
Scripture will expose it and protect me from all evils.
The testimonies of the Lord fill my heart with joy
I will declare it so I will overcome all my troubles
The word of God is the light that shows me his path
Without it, my life will be in shambles and pitch black.
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REFLECTION
• How has the word of the Lord become a lamp and a light in your life?
• Share an instance in your life or in others that the word of God exposed a lie.
• How can consuming God’s word and following it give us discernment?
Monthly Archives: February 2023
PSALM 119 THE WORD IS SWEETER THAN HONEY
February 27
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PSALM 119
97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore, I hate every false way.
– Psalm 119:97-104
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PSALM 119 THE WORD IS SWEETER THAN HONEY
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Can you think of anything else much sweeter than honey?
The word of the Lord is better and more nourishing
If you feed on the truth from Scripture, you will have wisdom
Your enemies will not be able to continue attacking.
When you meditate and follow the truth from the word
You are able discern and recognize the works of the devil
You will not be corrupted easily by the systems of the world
You will hate all wickedness, deceptions and all things evil.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the psalmist compared the word of God to honey and say it is sweeter?
• What are the benefits of feeding on the word of God according to this psalm?
PSALM 119 YOUR COMMANDS GIVE LIFE
February 26
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PSALM 119
89 Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
– Psalm 119:89-96
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PSALM 119 YOUR COMMANDS GIVE LIFE
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Your word is alive and lasts forever; it is firmly fixed and true
With it, you created all creatures on earth and the whole of nature
You established the earth and all the things you placed on it
Your creation is so beautifully made; it shows your ingenuity
Boundaries were created by you so there will be order
But your word is limitless to bring about love in each other
I will always remember your commands for they give me life
With it, I am able to recognize what is true and what are lies
I will stumble and be blind if I don’t follow your laws
Lord, help me never to fail to obey whatever you say.
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REFLECTION
• Share a moment in your life when the precepts of the Lord has brought you out of the darkness and into the light.
PSALM 119 MY HOPE IS IN YOUR WORD
February 25
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PSALM 119
81 My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. – Psalm 119:81-88
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PSALM 119 MY HOPE IS IN YOUR WORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, help me as I feel weak with all the pressures in life
Shine your light on me so that I can be strong and fight
Though the enemy have plotted to crush my spirit
My hope is in your word; let me meditate on it
When I feel so discouraged and hopeless
Let me never forget all your goodness
In your steadfast love, you give me life
Help me to dwell on your word as it is my light
It is through your word that I can overcome sin
Your Spirit guides me so I can overcome and win.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it a good idea to run to the word of God especially when we feel weak?
PSALM 119 YOUR LAW IS MY DELIGHT
February 24
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PSALM 119
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me,
that I may live; for your law is my delight.
78 Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame. – Psalm 119:73-80
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PSALM 119 YOUR LAW IS MY DELIGHT
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, you have made me into your own likeness
Do not let me succumb to my own sinfulness
Make my heart long for your word at all times
Grant me peace and a longing for what is right.
Let all those who scheme and plot evil be stopped
Let your word shine through and expose their plans
Your law is my delight and my light in this corrupt world
Make me constantly follow it and let me always consume your word.
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REFLECTION
• How can consuming God’s word and loving his laws be fruitful for the life of those who serve the Lord? What happens when we don’t delight in his laws?
PSALM 119 WHEN YOU TREASURE GOD’S PRECEPTS
February 23
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PSALM 119
65 You have dealt well with your servant,
O LORD, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
– Psalm 119:65-72
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PSALM 119 WHEN YOU TREASURE GOD’S PRECEPTS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
There is no other way to live a full life but to follow God’s laws
He gave us such principles for our own good so we must follow
Even when we are afflicted and suffering, it gives us hope
It is a treasure better than all the gold and silver in the world.
When you treasure God’s precepts, you become wise
The Lord is pleased with all those who follow his advice
When we take delight in his truth, we can overcome sin
We learn to discern all of the enemy’s plots and schemes.
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REFLECTION
• What are the benefits of following God’s precepts according to this psalm?
• Why does the world view law or rules as a restriction to their freedom?
PSALM 119 HASTEN AND DO NOT DELAY TO KEEP GOD’S LAWS
February 22
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PSALM 119
57 The LORD is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58 I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes! – Psalm 119:57-64
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PSALM 119 HASTEN AND DO NOT DELAY TO KEEP GOD’S LAWS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When I wake up each morning, I think of your word
If I do not meditate on it, I will be following the world
I submit to all your laws for it will save my soul
The flesh is weak but I am strong if God is my portion
I will not delay to follow the commands of the Lord
If I do, it will open all doors to the systems of the world
Let us all be quick to keep the way of the righteous
Let us all put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness
Hasten and do not delay to keep God’s laws!
It will keep us from corruption and make us stay pure.
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REFLECTION
• Why is there a sense of urgency to follow God’s laws as the psalmist says?
PSALM 119 GOD’S PROMISE COMFORTS US IN OUR AFFLICTION
February 21
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PSALM 119
49 Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.
51 The insolent utterly derides me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.
55 I remember your name in the night,
O LORD, and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts. – Psalm 119:49-56
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PSALM 119 GOD’S PROMISE COMFORTS US IN OUR AFFLICTION
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When we are beset with trials and many afflictions
Let us run to the throne of God who can comfort our conditions
Dwell on his word and all his promises and you will be uplifted
Remember that he never leaves us, he is always at our side.
As we reflect and meditate on his word, we will be transformed
It pierces our hearts and makes us see things with a different view
As we count the blessings that he generously pours on us
We can still be grateful despite all that we are going through.
Praise the Lord who is steadfast in his love and faithful
Let all his commands be the song that you sing with much joy
Stay in God’s light and you will not be weak and confused
In him alone can we have peace, hope and always be joyous.
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REFLECTION
• Why is focusing on God’s promises a sure way to bring us comfort during trials and afflictions as this psalm says?
PSALM 119 I WILL MEDITATE ON YOUR LAWS AND FOLLOW IT
February 20
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PSALM 119
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever,
45 and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
47 for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes. – Psalm 119:41-48
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PSALM 119 I WILL MEDITATE ON YOUR LAWS AND FOLLOW IT
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, I am most grateful for your word and your laws
Without them, I will be foolish, helpless and totally lost
I love your truth and your precepts, it shows your compassion
Without them, there will be much chaos, conflict and confusion.
Let me never fail to speak and declare your word to others
We need to hear it so we can encourage and build up one another
Grant me an understanding that views your mind so I can be righteous
Make me humble to admit that without your truth, I’ll always be foolish.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light that guides my entire life
It pierces my heart whenever I get derailed to follow your way
It corrects me when I do wrong and gives me a way out
May your word continue to feed my hungry soul, mind and heart.
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REFLECTION
• How can meditating on God’s laws help us to follow it and store it in our hearts?
PSALM 119 PRAYER FOR FAITHFULNESS TO THE LORD
February 19
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PSALM 119
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!
– Psalm 119:33-40
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PSALM 119 PRAYER FOR FAITHFULNESS TO THE LORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Lord, I ask you to keep me constantly longing for you
Give me wisdom to navigate this life and stay faithful
When I am distracted, help me to remain focused
Help me to remember to make you first always
Grant me a hunger for your word so I can stay true
Teach me your ways so I can overcome this world.
Guide me whenever I am weak and vulnerable
Let me not rely on my own understanding for I am incapable
You are the source of all goodness and righteousness
Let me acknowledge all my weaknesses and sinfulness
I humbly ask you to restore me when I am depleted
For in you alone, can I be redeemed completely.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think “faithfulness” must be manifest in a believer’s life?
• Who are considered unfaithful according to James 4:4? What does he call these unfaithful ones?