February 7
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PSALM 114
When Israel went out from Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of strange language,
2 Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.
3 The sea looked and fled; Jordan turned back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs.
5 What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back?
6 O mountains, that you skip like rams? O hills, like lambs?
7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8 who turns the rock into a pool of water,
the flint into a spring of water. – Psalm 114:1-8
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PSALM 114 TREMBLE AT GOD’S GLORIOUS PRESENCE!
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Remember how the Lord delivered the Israelites from their oppressors?
He parted the Red Sea so they can cross it and killed the Egyptians
He turned rocks and flints into bodies of water so they can drink
He rained manna from heaven so they have something to eat
He had a cloud by day and fire by night to guide their path
The Lord even granted their cravings for food and rained down meat
Yet they didn’t tremble in all the deeds that God has done for them
They grumbled instead and made idols for themselves and didn’t fear him.
The Lord made all things for his pleasure; he owns everything
He alone can command his creation to do what he pleases
The sun follows his direction to shine light upon the earth
The trees and grass dance as God tells the wind to blow hard
The skies paint different colors above the horizon
The shadows add contrast to the painted firmament
All the nature trembles at God’s glorious presence
Why can’t humans also fear and shudder at his magnificence?
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REFLECTION
• What does it mean to tremble in God’s presence? Why is it hard for us to do so?
Category Archives: Psalm Blog
PSALM 113 LET YOUR HEART ALWAYS YEARN AND PRAISE THE LORD
February 6
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PSALM 113
Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD!
2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised!
4 The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!
5 Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high,
6 who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8 to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.
9 He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the LORD! – Psalm 113:1-9
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PSALM 113 LET YOUR HEART ALWAYS YEARN AND PRAISE THE LORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Are there any other gods who can compare to our Lord God Almighty?
Are they able to be All-seeing and All-knowing as our Eternal God?
Only the one true God have all these characteristics and attributes
Therefore, he is the only one worthy of worship, praise and glory
All you who believe in the God of Israel, kneel down and praise him!
For he gave his only Son so his people could be delivered from sin
He came to free the prisoners and give justice to the oppressed
He came so that the poor and the weak can be consoled and be rescued.
Let your heart always yearn and praise the Lord who is source of all
Only in him can you be blessed and have assurance that you won’t fall
Focus only on the Lord’s unconditional love and faithfulness
Praise the Lord who is unfathomable in his grace and mercy
Offer your whole life to the One who gave you his own image
He longs to be with you constantly even if you are inclined to be sinful
Worship the God who has given up his only Son to give you freedom
Keep your eyes focused on him and you will be released from bondage.
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REFLECTION
• How is worship and praising the Lord the only antidote to falling into sin?
• What can keep our hearts from yearning and praising the Lord?
PSALM 112 WHEN YOU GREATLY DELIGHT IN THE LAWS OF THE LORD
February 5
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PSALM 112
Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commandments!
2 His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; conducts his affairs with justice
6 For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever.
7 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
9 He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.
10 The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away;
the desire of the wicked will perish! – Psalm 112:1-10
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PSALM 112 WHEN YOU GREATLY DELIGHT IN THE LAWS OF THE LORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Blessed is the righteous for they continually delight in God’s laws
His children will be many and will be blessed and prosperous
To those who exercise justice and generosity, they will be established
They will be firm and steady and will not be afraid of his adversaries.
When you greatly delight in the laws of the Lord, his grace overflows
You will be given understanding and abound in strength and wisdom
The faithful will not waver nor put their trust in their own understanding
He relies heavily and depends only on the Lord for everything.
When you take the commands of the Lord for granted
You will become foolish, haughty and greatly troubled
The desires of the wicked will not come into fruition
For the Lord abhors all those who do evil and are ruthless.
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REFLECTION
• What are the benefits of taking delight in the commands of the Lord?
• What were the promises to those who delight in them in this psalm?
PSALM 111 THE FEAR OF THE LORD LEADS TO WISDOM
February 4
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PSALM 111
Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
– Psalm 111:1-10
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PSALM 111 THE FEAR OF THE LORD LEADS TO WISDOM
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Do you wonder where wisdom comes from?
Every good and perfect gift comes from God
When we honor and revere the Lord, we begin to understand
If we rebel against him, we remain careless, wicked and dumb
Our purpose in life is to praise and glorify the Lord God Almighty
When we defy that calling, we fail in all our ways and understanding
Since wisdom is a gift coming from the Lord, let us fear him to have it
Our nature is sinful so if we do not worship God, we will forever be foolish
Can you imagine what life would be without fearing the Lord?
Chaos, confusion, conflicts, division and deception will abound.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the world will be in shambles if we do not fear the Lord?
PSALM 110 A PRIEST FOREVER AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK
February 3
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PSALM 110
The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”
2 The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter.
Rule in the midst of your enemies!
3 Your people will offer themselves freely
on the day of your power, in holy garments;
from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.
4 The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind,
“You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
6 He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses;
he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth.
7 He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore, he will lift up his head.
– Psalm 110:1-7
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PSALM 110 A PRIEST FOREVER AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When the Lord chooses you, he blesses you with much power
Though you are surrounded by enemies, do not fear, they will cower
The Lord has vowed to take care of his people, he won’t change his mind
He is steadfast in his love and faithful to defend all those who love him.
Just as his begotten Son sits at his right hand and a priest forever
He grants the same anointing to all who believes and is faithful to him
Be bold to rule in the midst of your enemies and all their plot to attack
You have been given authority to shatter as the Lord pours his wrath.
Even though it seems that the rulers of this world have power
If they do not bow down to the Lord of lords, they won’t be victors
Abide in the Lord Jesus, he is the only way that you can overcome
He died for us so we can be priests forever after the order of Melchizedek.
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REFLECTION
• What does it mean to be a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek?
PSALM 109 PRESS UNTO THE LORD IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS
February 2
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PSALM 109
21 But you, O GOD my Lord, deal on my behalf for your name’s sake;
because your steadfast love is good, deliver me!
22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is stricken within me.
23 I am gone like a shadow at evening; I am shaken off like a locust.
24 My knees are weak through fasting; my body has become gaunt, with no fat.
25 I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they wag their heads.
26 Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to your steadfast love!
27 Let them know that this is your hand; you, O LORD, have done it!
28 Let them curse, but you will bless!
They arise and are put to shame, but your servant will be glad!
29 May my accusers be clothed with dishonor;
may they be wrapped in their own shame as in a cloak!
30 With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD;
I will praise him in the midst of the throng.
31 For he stands at the right hand of the needy one,
to save him from those who condemn his soul to death. – Psalm 109:21-31
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PSALM 109 PRESS UNTO THE LORD IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
In times of danger and trouble, do not be disheartened
For the Lord stands at the right hand of the faithful ones
The wicked may plot to make your life miserable
Know that the Lord will protect and deliver.
Even if the wicked turns your honor into shame
Do not fear for the Lord knows how to crush them
Be hopeful when you face trials of every kind
For you know that your faith is tested and will grow.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for believers to not fear but press unto the Lord in the midst of trials?
• How does this psalm exhibit such pressing unto the Lord in all these adversities?
PSALM 109 PRAYER FOR THE WEAK AND THEIR OPPRESSORS
February 1
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PSALM 109
13 May his posterity be cut off; may his name be blotted out in the second generation!
14 May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD,
and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out!
15 Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth! 16 For he did not remember to show kindness,
but pursued the poor and needy and the brokenhearted, to put them to death.
17 He loved to curse; let curses come upon him!
He did not delight in blessing; may it be far from him!
18 He clothed himself with cursing as his coat;
may it soak into his body like water, like oil into his bones!
19 May it be like a garment that he wraps around him,
like a belt that he puts on every day!
20 May this be the reward of my accusers from the LORD,
of those who speak evil against my life! – Psalm 109:13-20
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PSALM 109 PRAYER FOR THE WEAK AND THEIR OPPRESSORS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
My Lord, you are full of compassion and mercy
Have pity on all the poor, the weak and the needy
Protect them from wicked people who love to oppress
Give them strength not to give in to their pressures
May those plans of evildoers on the vulnerable be stopped
You alone O Lord have the power to put them on a standstill.
Bless all those who faithfully serve you and embrace suffering
Do not let their silence be open doors for the wicked to continue
May all those who plot evil on the weak be exposed
May all the helpless remember that you will not abandon them
Though they may not see your plans to deliver them
Let your Spirit work on their hearts so they can have courage.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to remember to pray for the vulnerable and weak?
• How can we encourage those who feel helpless?
PSALM 108 WITH GOD WE CAN TREAD DOWN OUR FOES
January 30
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PSALM 108
7 God has promised in his holiness:
“With exultation I will divide up Shechem
and portion out the Valley of Succoth.
8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine;
Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my scepter.
9 Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe;
over Philistia I shout in triumph.”
10 Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
11 Have you not rejected us, O God?
You do not go out, O God, with our armies.
12 Oh grant us help against the foe,
for vain is the salvation of man!
13 With God we shall do valiantly;
it is he who will tread down our foes. – Psalm 108:7-13
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PSALM 108 WITH GOD WE CAN TREAD DOWN OUR FOES
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
It is God who decides what to do with each one of us
He can divide peoples and nations for his own plans
You need not fear when you are overcome by foes
Be wise and do not rely on humans to save you
Only with God can we crush our enemies
He is in control and have power to defeat them
When troubles come and you feel anxious or distressed
Run to the throne of God, and he will give you rest
Never rely on your own strength or you will fail
Only the Lord can save you; trust him and be faithful.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think it is easy to rely on ourselves and other humans instead of giving full dependence on God?
PSALM 108 A STEADFAST HEART FOR THE LORD
January 29
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PSALM 108
My heart is steadfast, O God!
I will sing and make melody with all my being!
2 Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!
3 I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
4 For your steadfast love is great above the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
6 That your beloved ones may be delivered,
give salvation by your right hand and answer me! – Psalm 108:1-6
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PSALM 108 A STEADFAST HEART FOR THE LORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Praise the Lord who made heaven and earth
Exalt the God who is steadfast in his love
He is faithful to protect and deliver his people
The Lord is generous to give all without reproach
Let us all give thanks to a God who provides all our needs
He is full of grace, mercy and forgives a repentant heart.
Seek the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength
Abide in him and you will bear fruit and overcome sin
Do not waver in your faith and feed on his word always
A steadfast heart for the Lord is one that trusts him completely
It never doubts the goodness and steadfastness of his love for his people
It reveres the Lord and fears displeasing him and is never lawless.
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REFLECTION
• How can a believer constantly have a steadfast heart for the Lord?
• What must he or she do to stay pure and holy for the Lord?
PSALM 107 GOD’S CARE FOR THE NEEDY AND THE OPPRESSED
January 28
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PSALM 107
39 When they are diminished and brought low
through oppression, evil, and sorrow,
40 he pours contempt on princes
and makes them wander in trackless wastes;
41 but he raises up the needy out of affliction
and makes their families like flocks.
42 The upright sees it and are glad,
and all wickedness shuts its mouth.
43 Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things;
let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD. – Psalm 107:39-43
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PSALM 107 GOD’S CARE FOR THE NEEDY AND THE OPPRESSED
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When you are being discriminated and oppressed, be consoled
The Lord sees and knows what you are going through
When the Israelites were put down and abused
The Lord pours his disapproval and made them confused.
Remember how Jesus suffered from the hands of the wicked?
If you are being oppressed for believing in him, have strength
Your reward in heaven will be more than enough to bear it all
The Lord will never abandon you and allow you to be defeated or fall.
To all those who are needy and poor, do not be distressed
Didn’t God make you rich in faith and heirs of his kingdom?
Just like how he raised the needy out of their affliction
He will also elevate you when you are in destitute conditions.
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REFLECTION
• Why shouldn’t we be anxious when we are being oppressed or discriminated according to this psalm?
• Why do you think the world looks down on the poor and the needy?
• What are our the promises of God to the oppressed and needy?