April 20
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PSALM 145
8 The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The LORD is good to all,
and his mercy is over all that he has made.
10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD,
and all your saints shall bless you!
11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power,
12 to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
[The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]
– Psalm 145:8-13
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PSALM 145 THE LORD IS GRACIOUS & MERCIFUL
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Have you ever been given so much grace and mercy by anyone?
Humans are flawed and sinful by nature and also unforgiving
But the Lord our God is kind and full of grace; he loves unconditionally
Even though we do not deserve to be forgiven, he does it mercifully.
The nature of man is quick to react and be angry
But the Lord is slow to anger and understanding
He is patient, kind and generous to all his creation
His lovingkindness is unfathomable to all his children.
God’s deliverance of his people will always be remembered by the saints
It will be passed on to generations how wondrous God’s deeds are
All those who love the Lord shall declare his glorious splendor
They will rejoice because of all of God’s unending grace and provision.
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REFLECTION
• How can we avoid taking for granted God’s grace and mercy?
Monthly Archives: April 2023
PSALM 145 EXTOL THE LORD YOUR GOD AND YOUR KING
April 19
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PSALM 145
I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you
and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
– Psalm 145:1-7
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PSALM 145 EXTOL THE LORD YOUR GOD AND YOUR KING
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Bless the Lord your God, for he is faithful and steadfast in his love
Remember all the ways that he has blessed your forefathers with his mercy
The Lord God has shown his splendor and majesty amongst the saints
Extol him for he is the Lord your God; he is also your King and loving Father
Praise the Lord your Almighty for he is worthy of your worship and adoration
Keep him first in all that you think and do so it will bring him exultation.
There are no other gods who knows you inside and out; God is omniscient
He is full of strength and power; God controls all things as he is omnipotent
Great is the Lord who provides all your needs and forgives your sins
He is able to save those who confess his name and depend on him
Give the Lord your faithful service and dedicate your life to a loving Father
He is please with those who follow his laws and those who faithfully endures.
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REFLECTION
• What practical ways can you extol the Lord your God and your king?
PSALM 144 PRAYER FOR FAVOR AND BLESSINGS
April 18
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PSALM 144
12 May our sons in their youth
be like plants full grown,
our daughters like corner pillars
cut for the structure of a palace;
13 may our granaries be full,
providing all kinds of produce;
may our sheep bring forth thousands
and ten thousands in our fields;
14 may our cattle be heavy with young,
suffering no mishap or failure in bearing;
may there be no cry of distress in our streets!
15 Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall!
Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!
– Psalm 144:12-15
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PSALM 144 PRAYER FOR FAVOR AND BLESSINGS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
I praise you O Lord God; without you, blessings are not possible
You are the source of all things that are good; you created them all
I think of you as I get up from my bed; another breath of life received
I dwell on the things you have showered me with at the end of the day
As I eat my daily nourishment, I marvel at how you provide for me
Forgive us when we fail to be awed and amazed by your generosity.
Help us to witness to your goodness and mercy to others
Make our lips utter only praise and thanksgiving for your favors
May we constantly be aware of each spiritual gifts you grant
Though we don’t see them, they are also very important
May our lives be an image of love and generosity
May we never fail to give thanks to our God Almighty.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it very essential for a believer to give thanks and pray for blessings?
PSALM 144 O LORD KEEP ME AWAY FROM DECEIVERS
April 17
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PSALM 144
7 Stretch out your hand from on high;
rescue me and deliver me from the many waters,
from the hand of foreigners,8 whose mouths speak lies
and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
9 I will sing a new song to you, O God;
upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you,
10 who gives victory to kings,
who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword.
11 Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners,
whose mouths speak lies and whose right hand
is a right hand of falsehood. – Psalm 144:7-11
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PSALM 144 O LORD KEEP ME AWAY FROM DECEIVERS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
We praise you Lord for you have been so faithful to your people
May we never forget to give you thanks and stay loyal to you always
Do not let liars and wicked people have their way with the saints
Will you Expose instantly whenever their evil schemes are at play?
Free us from the bondage to sin and keep us away from deceivers
Never let deceptions crawl into our lives; deliver us from evildoers
May our devotion be only to your Name, keep us strong to resist evil
Help us to dwell on your word and let us follow your laws always.
When we are surrounded by ungodliness, help us to be strong to endure
Make us steadfast and unwavering in our faith; let us always discern
Grant us eyes that see and ears that hear everything that goes around us
Surround us with your angels so we can be overcomers and victorious.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it essential to pray for discernment and be faithful to reading, studying, memorizing and meditating on God’s word?
• What makes us easy targets to be conned and deceived by wicked people?
PSALM 144 MAN IS LIKE A BREATH
April 16
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PSALM 144
Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war,
and my fingers for battle; 2 he is my steadfast love and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me.3 O LORD, what is man that you regard him,
or the son of man that you think of him? 4 Man is like a breath;
his days are like a passing shadow.5 Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down!
Touch the mountains so that they smoke! 6 Flash forth the lightning and scatter them;
send out your arrows and rout them! 7 Stretch out your hand from on high;
rescue me and deliver me from the many waters, from the hand of foreigners,
8 whose mouths speak lies and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
– Psalm 144:1-8
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PSALM 144 MAN IS LIKE A BREATH
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, I am awed by your love for man, who is like a breath
How could a God like you even think of someone so insignificant?
You are Almighty, all-seeing, all-powerful and steadfast in your love
We humans are nothing compared to you, why do you even care for us?
We are just like a breath; our lives are temporary and fleeting
You breathe and speak a word and someone or something is created.
You prepare us for battle by giving us your precious word
Without your training, we will be defeated by this world
Help us to remember that our lives here are very short
Let us prioritize what is important to you and what is true
We thank you for your steadfast love and your faithfulness
Give us courage to face our battles with boldness and steadfastness.
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REFLECTION
• How important is it to always be reminded how short our lives are?
• What does it mean to be trained by the Holy Spirit for battle?
• What can hinder our victory against the devil’s attacks?
PSALM 143 TEACH ME YOUR WAYS & LEAD ME ON LEVEL GROUND
April 15
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PSALM 143
7 Answer me quickly, O LORD! My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD! I have fled to you for refuge.
10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!
11 For your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life!
In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
12 And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul,
for I am your servant. – Psalm 143:7-12
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PSALM 143 TEACH ME YOUR WAYS & LEAD ME ON LEVEL GROUND
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Lord, I call upon your lovingkindness to teach me your ways
My mind cannot comprehend the limitless mind you have
Please do not forsake me especially in times of adversities
I’d be lost if you do not guide me when dealing with my adversaries.
Make your truth affect my mind, body, soul and spirit
That I may constantly follow your commandments without limit
Let your goodness and mercy correct me when I am wrong
Deliver me from the wicked and the systems of this world.
Lead me only to the truth that comes from your word
Do not let me get deceived by lies, keep me straight on your path
Help me to stay humble and never take credit for anything
For you made all things and I can only boast in Christ Jesus.
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REFLECTION
• What does verse 10 meant by “Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground?”
• Why should we particularly pray in times of good or easy life?
PSALM 143 MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR YOU LIKE A PARCHED LAND
April 14
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PSALM 143
Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my pleas for mercy!
In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
2 Enter not into judgment with your servant,
for no one living is righteous before you.
3 For the enemy has pursued my soul;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit faints within me;
my heart within me is appalled.
5 I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah
– Psalm 143:1-6
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PSALM 143 MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR YOU LIKE A PARCHED LAND
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
My Lord, listen to my plea for mercy and forgiveness
You are the only one who can absolve me from sinfulness
Help me to stay thirsty and hungry for your word
On my own, I can’t overcome the systems of this world
Remind me how you have redeemed the Israelites
So, I can stay focused on your wisdom and bright light
Let me never long for things from this world
But make me pursue heavenly things so I can stay pure
Continue to grant me a longing for your laws and truth
Help me to think and say only what is lovely and true.
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REFLECTION
• What do people usually long for in life? Why do they want these things?
• How does a Christian’s longing differ from a worldly or ungodly person?
PSALM 142 THE LORD DEALS BOUNTIFULLY WITH THE RIGHTEOUS
April 13
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PSALM 142
With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.
2 I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.
3 When my spirit faints within me, you know my way!
In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul.
5 I cry to you, O LORD; I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me!
7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.
– Psalm 142:1-7
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PSALM 142 THE LORD DEALS BOUNTIFULLY WITH THE RIGHTEOUS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
The Lord is a generous God and gives bountifully to all the righteous
He provides for all their needs and protects them from evil schemes
Cry out loud to the Lord for he hears our pleas and knows our troubles
When our spirit grows weary, he is compassionate to get us out of the rubble.
When the enemy sets traps and snares for us to fall in
The Lord gives us wisdom in order for us to overcome sin
Let us bring our pain and complaints to God for he knows our hearts
He is merciful to forgive and grant us guidance so we don’t depart.
He is our refuge, our deliverer, and he grants recompense
The Lord deals bountifully with those who seek his defense
Run to the Lord for mercy for he is full of love and grace
Do not be afraid of the foe; for the Lord is steadfast in his love.
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REFLECTION
• How has the Lord dealt bountifully with you when you became a believer?
• Why is generosity a trait that all believers should manifest in their lives?
PSALM 141 LEAVE ME NOT DEFENSELESS O LORD
April 12
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PSALM 141
6 When their judges are thrown over the cliff,
then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant.
7 As when one plows and breaks up the earth,
so shall our bones be scattered at the mouth of Sheol.
8 But my eyes are toward you, O GOD, my Lord;
in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless
9 Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me
and from the snares of evildoers!
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
while I pass by safely. – Psalm 141:6-10
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PSALM 141 LEAVE ME NOT DEFENSELESS O LORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
The foe has put up so much traps for me to trip on
Let me see them visibly before they bring me down
I praise you Lord and keep my eyes on you
Help me to overcome the wickedness all around.
When the enemy sets up many ways to attack me
I run to your aide for I know that only you can defeat the enemy
Without your help, I will be defeated by their tactics
But with you on my side, they will not be able to succeed.
I keep my focus on you O Lord, you are my vindicator
You have shown in the past that you are your people’s deliverer
Let those who plot evil against your people be exposed
Do not let them get away with their wicked ploys.
Lord, do not leave me defenseless when I get blindsided
Let me have strength to endure all that comes my way
Deal with the wicked as they deserve; do not let them win
Let them suffer the consequences of their own sins.
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REFLECTION
• Why should a Christian not feel defenseless when they are under attack?
PSALM 141 LET ME BE OPEN TO REBUKE O LORD!
April 11
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PSALM 141
O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me!
Give ear to my voice when I call to you!
2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!
3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!
4 Do not let my heart incline to any evil,
to busy myself with wicked deeds
in company with men who work iniquity,
and let me not eat of their delicacies!
5 Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it.
Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.
– Psalm 141:1-5
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PSALM 141 LET ME BE OPEN TO REBUKE O LORD!
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
My Lord, I plead your lovingkindness to guard my heart
It is from my inmost being that brings about sin and strife
Because of my sin nature, it is easy for me to follow my cravings
Rebuke me O Lord each time I commit anything that is displeasing.
Cover my mouth each time it utters anything that is not true
Let my lips speak only of your words or else pain and sorrow ensue
Do not let me desire material things or wealth since it is covetousness
Keep me busy following your commands so I can follow uprightness.
Hear my pleadings and be gracious to my prayers for I am in anguish
How long O Lord before you set things with the wicked?
Let me be open to rebuke so I can go against my flesh
Keep me holy and guard my heart so I can overcome sin
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REFLECTION
• Why should a Christian be open to rebuke especially from the communion of saints? What happens if they get offended when corrected?