March 31
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PSALM 136
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
– Psalm 136:23-26
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PSALM 136 THE LORD REMEMBERS US IN OUR POVERTY
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
There is no need to stress over what we are missing
For the Lord remembers us when we lack something
He is a generous and good God who provides all our needs
Run to his rescue for his steadfast love is everlasting
When we are in trouble and our enemies attack constantly
We can be assured that God keeps his promises faithfully.
Even before we ask for what we need, God knows it already
He gives generously to all without reproach and hesitating
The Lord remembers us in our poverty; he always provides for us
He gave us his only Son so we can be redeemed from bondage
Praise the Lord who delivered us from all our iniquities and our foes
Give thanks to him who will forever grant his steadfast love to us.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it futile to worry and panic when we are missing out on something according to this psalm?
• How can we constantly remind ourselves of the steadfast love of the Lord that endures forever?
• How is thanksgiving an essential aspect of our worship?
Monthly Archives: March 2023
PSALM 136 THE LORD STRIKES DOWN THE ENEMIES
March 30
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PSALM 136
17 to him who struck down great kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
18 and killed mighty kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
20 and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
21 and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
22 a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
– Psalm 136:17-22
PSALM 136 THE LORD STRIKES DOWN THE ENEMIES
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When you are facing difficulties and attacks from the enemy
Remember that you are not alone, his steadfast love is forever
The Lord strikes down anyone who hurts his children
Run to him and do not fight back or take vengeance
It is natural for man to defend himself against foes
But supernatural for him to trust and rely on God alone.
Recall all the wonderful deeds that the Lord has done for Israel
He struck down the greatest of kings and exercised his power
Because of his steadfast love, he will ensure that his people are protected
There is no need to resort to fear instead, put your trust in your vindicator
The Lord gave the enemy’s land as a heritage to his faithful servants
For his steadfast love will forever last and his love never wavers.
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REFLECTION
• According to the following verses, God strikes down the enemies, how might the unbeliever view God from this psalm?
• How do you think God’s righteous anger is justified according to this psalm?
PSALM 136 IN THE MIDST OF THE WILDERNESS
March 29
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PSALM 136
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
11 and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
– Psalm 136:10-16
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PSALM 136 IN THE MIDST OF THE WILDERNESS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
As you go through trials and tribulations you may feel distressed
Remember how God led his people in the midst of the wilderness
He brought them out of the land of Egypt to his promised land
It wasn’t an easy journey, but God was steadfast in his love.
What wilderness path are you experiencing right now?
Do not be overwhelmed and hopeless; instead lean on God
Just like the Lord overthrew Pharoah and his host in the Red Sea
You will have strength through God in the midst of the wilderness.
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REFLECTION
• What wilderness journey have you experienced that you felt the hand of God walk you through it?
• What reassurance can we get from this psalm?
• Why is the steadfast love of God worth pondering upon?
PSALM 136 GIVE THANKS TO THE GOD WHO IS GOOD
March 28
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PSALM 136
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;
4 to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;
5 to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
7 to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever;
8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever;
9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;
– Psalm 136:1-9
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PSALM 136 GIVE THANKS TO THE GOD WHO IS GOOD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
What is man that God gives him his unconditional and steadfast love?
He was made in his own image so God’s magnificence can be witnessed by man
The Lord made the heavens and the earth so they can live and do their calling
He gave man all his needs so they can follow his laws and continually serve him.
Give thanks to the God who is good and Almighty; he deserves all the glory
He gave us the sun so we can see in the day, toil and serve him only
The moon and the stars shed us light at night so we can rest and be refreshed
The Lord made the earth above the waters, so we can thrive and be nourished.
Give thanks to the God of gods and Lord of lords; his faithfulness lasts forever
He is the only one who can provide all your needs and protect you from evil
Who else can ever love you more than the Lord your God? His love is limitless
He showers you with gifts and blessings; each morning his mercy is fresh.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for believers to constantly count their blessings and to praise and give thanks to the Lord? What happens when we fail to do this regularly?
PSALM 135 IDOL MAKERS BECOME LIKE WHAT THEY MAKE
March 27
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PSALM 135
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
16 They have mouths, but do not speak;
they have eyes, but do not see;
17 they have ears, but do not hear,
nor is there any breath in their mouths.
18 Those who make them become like them,
so do all who trust in them.
19 O house of Israel, bless the LORD!
O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!
20 O house of Levi, bless the LORD!
You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!
21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion,
he who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the LORD!
– Psalm 135:15-21
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PSALM 135 IDOL MAKERS BECOME LIKE WHAT THEY MAKE
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
You will detest idol makers and idols if you love the Lord your God
He deserves complete loyalty; he is jealous but also steadfast in his love
What is man that he creates something that will draw him away from the Lord?
Those who make idols become obsessed with it and turn to something they make.
When man distracts himself from serving the Lord alone by creating an idol
Whether it is made out of gold or silver or a longing for power and reputation
Humans become consumed by such things or desires which gives birth to sin
Without realizing it, they turn away from God and follow their whims.
Therefore, you people, fear the Lord your God for he is the only true God
Get rid of idols and smash all things that takes your time away from the Lord
Examine your hearts that you may know when you are enticed by your desires
There is only one longing you must yearn for; to love and serve your Master.
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REFLECTION
• What are some of the modern-day idols that creep so subtly in our lives?
PSALM 135 THE LORD VINDICATES HIS PEOPLE
March 26
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PSALM 135
8 He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and of beast;
9 who in your midst, O Egypt, sent signs and wonders
against Pharaoh and all his servants;
10 who struck down many nations and killed mighty kings,
11 Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan,
and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
12 and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to his people Israel.
13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever,
your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.
14 For the LORD will vindicate his people
and have compassion on his servants.
– Psalm 135:8-14
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PSALM 135 THE LORD VINDICATES HIS PEOPLE
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Do not fear when you are oppressed and shown prejudice
The Lord vindicates his people, he will grant you justice
Remember what the Lord did to the firstborn of Egypt?
He punished Pharaoh and all his servants for their cruelty.
The Lord ensures that his people are protected and delivered
No matter how strong the enemies appear, they will be defeated
For the Lord is our defender and Redeemer, he is our shield
Hold on tight to your faith in the Lord and you will be free.
There is no need to protect yourself from all the attacks of the foe
The Lord has given us truth, salvation and defense through his armor
Watch how the Lord will fulfill his promise to strike down the enemy
His compassion for his servants will prevail, his love endures forever.
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REFLECTION
• How can we avoid the tendency to defend ourselves when we are being attacked since the Lord is our vindicator? What happens when we defend ourselves?
PSALM 135 WHATEVER PLEASES THE LORD HE DOES
March 25
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PSALM 135
Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD,
give praise, O servants of the LORD,
2 who stand in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God!
3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing to his name, for it is pleasant!
4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself,
Israel as his own possession.
5 For I know that the LORD is great,
and that our Lord is above all gods.
6 Whatever the LORD pleases, he does,
in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.
7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth,
who makes lightnings for the rain
and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
– Psalm 135:1-7
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PSALM 135 WHATEVER PLEASES THE LORD HE DOES
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Give honor and exaltation to the God who is above all gods
For he made the heavens, the earth and everything around us
He gave us the day so we can work and give him praise
Then, night follows so our bodies and minds get its needed rest
Whatever pleases the Lord he does; he created all things for his pleasure
But if man does whatever pleases him, he is headed for destruction.
Because of sin, man has failed to see the perspective of God
For us to see the Lord’s view, he gave us his only begotten Son
From the truth that comes from his word, we learn to fear him
Once we fear the Lord, we begin to have discernment and wisdom
Do only whatever is pleasing to the Lord and you will stay true
Then you will be rejoicing as you behold God’s control over you.
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REFLECTION
• How can verse 6 be a challenge to accept if one is an unbeliever?
PSALM 134 COME BLESS THE LORD
March 24
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PSALM 134
Come, bless the LORD,
all you servants of the LORD,
who stand by night
in the house of the LORD!
2 Lift up your hands to the holy place
and bless the LORD!
3 May the LORD bless you from Zion,
he who made heaven and earth!
– Psalm 134:1-3
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PSALM 134 COME, BLESS THE LORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
All you servants of the Lord, enter his house with praise
As you prepare for the day of worship, never cease to pray
Let your whole lives manifest the goodness of the Lord
Keep yourselves free from fear and worries from the world.
You bless the Lord, when you declare his word
It is alive and can show you what is right and what is wrong
Praise the One who is the Word, who became flesh
He sacrificed his life so that we can be saved and refreshed.
Come, bless the Lord with the blessings he poured on you
Our life’s purpose is to bring him glory; so, have your minds renewed
When we offer our lives to serve the Lord our God, we become a blessing
It is exalting him in the highest form of praise when we live holy lives.
May the Lord manifest his blessings on all his people
As they gather together to fulfill their covenant promise
May all of the saints endlessly proclaim all God’s blessings
May we never forget to make him first and be full of thanksgiving.
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REFLECTION
• What does it mean to “bless” the Lord? Why must we have this habit of blessing him?
PSALM 133 THE UPSIDE OF UNITY & DOWNSIDE OF DIVISION
March 23
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PSALM 133
Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore. – Psalm 133:1-3
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PSALM 133 THE UPSIDE OF UNITY & DOWNSIDE OF DIVISION
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When there is agreement among God’s chosen people
Creativity and love abound; peace and harmony arise
When two, three or more are gathered in one mind
Many things are accomplished and results are not hard to find.
When differences in human opinions and perspective abound
And selfish ambition and bitter jealousy are all around
Judgments, partiality and division amongst each other follow
Confrontations and fights erupt; many are in pain and sorrow.
Where there are fights and quarrels among nations and peoples
Confusion, disorder and uprising is not far from happening
When opinions and presumptions are the groundwork of relationships
There is much pain and misunderstandings; then love disintegrates.
Where there is love, patience, kindness, gentleness, unity is cultivated
When we do not think highly of ourselves, we begin to respect one another
Harmony is the result of loving our neighbor as we love the Lord
Peace and blessings come forth when we live for truth and follow the law.
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REFLECTION
• What results from unity as specified in this psalm?
PSALM 132 ABUNDANCE AND SATISFACTION COME FROM THE LORD ALONE
March 22
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PSALM 132
11 The LORD swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back:
“One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.
12 If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them,
their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.”
13 For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place:
14 “This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
15 I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16 Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy.
17 There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
18 His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine.”
– Psalm 132:11-18
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PSALM 132 ABUNDANCE AND SATISFACTION COME FROM THE LORD ALONE
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When the Lord made a covenant with his people, he promised a Savior
It was in the lineage of David that his own Son will be brought forth
He chose Israel with the condition that they will keep the promise
The Lord will teach his people the wonderful deeds and his testimonies.
When the Lord chose David, he gave him an abundance of blessings
He was anointed with much strength and power to win battles
Despite all the many foes that surround him, he relied on his Lord
He was tired but he knows God protected him and that he is cared for.
When the Lord God is your Master, you will lack nothing
Your enemies will not win for you are given authority and power
With God on your side, you will have contentment and peace
All your needs are met and you will have the fruit of the Spirit.
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REFLECTION
• How different is concept of “abundance” and “satisfaction” from a godly perspective than from a worldly view?
• What happens to our spirit when we start to lust for something that we do not have?