August 26
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PSALM 26 YOUR STEADFAST LOVE IS BEFORE ME O LORD
Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
2 Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind.
3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.
4 I do not sit with men of falsehood, nor do I consort with hypocrites.
5 I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.
6 I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O LORD,
7 proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds.
8 O LORD, I love the habitation of your house, and the place where your glory dwells.
9 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
10 in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.
11 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.
12 My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the LORD.
– Psalm 26:1-12
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Defend me O Lord from all the wickedness around me
I have been faithful to walk in love and integrity
Examine my heart and mind, I have been faithful
I don’t condone wickedness nor participate in them
I loathe the corruption that this world creates
Keep me strong and pure so I won’t be enslaved.
I cleanse my soul and spirit and yet without you, I will fail
O Lord, I love your dwelling place, it makes me safe
Do not allow the enemy to triumph over my nature
Help me to focus on you always and never falter
But despite all evil devices presented before me
I will look up to your vindication, grace and mercy.
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REFLECTION
• Why should Christians never defend themselves, but run to God’s defense instead?
Category Archives: Psalm Blog
PSALM 25 FRIENDSHIP OF THE LORD IS FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM
August 25
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PSALM 25 FRIENDSHIP OF THE LORD IS FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM
8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore, he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For your name’s sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great.
12 Who is the man who fears the LORD?
Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.
13 His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land.
14 The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him,
and he makes known to them his covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.
18 Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. – Psalm 25:8-18
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
The Lord is the one who instructs all humans to the right path
He directs those who are meek and teaches them his ways
The Lord is full of steadfast love; he abounds in mercy and grace
He wants salvation and freedom for the entire human race
But only those who fear him and follow his word are blessed
They are chosen by God to have friendship with the Lord himself
He gives discernment and knowledge to all those who fear him
He comforts the lonely and the afflicted with his protection
No matter how big their troubles, he grants them endurance
The Lord will give them strength and hope for deliverance
Do not be friends with the world or have anything to do with them
Or you will be an enemy of God and will forfeit eternal life with him.
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REFLECTION
• How can friendship with the world make us enemies of God?
• How do you know that God has befriended you?
PSALM 24 THAT THE KING OF GLORY MAY COME IN
August 24
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PSALM 24 THAT THE KING OF GLORY MAY COME IN
The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.8 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah – Psalm 24:1-10
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Many need to be reminded that everything belongs to the Lord
It is foolish to assume that we own anything in this world
We need to constantly praise the Lord Almighty, the King of glory
He alone deserves adulation and worship since he is full of grandeur
Who can come to the hill that is reserved for the Lord?
Only those who are cleansed from the systems of this world
And all those who live in righteousness and integrity
Including all those who seek to please him intensely
Lift up your whole being and open your heart to the King
He is the Lord of hosts, the Almighty and who takes away our sins
Let the King of glory come in; honor his majesty and splendor
Bow down only to him who is Sovereign over all the earth and heavens
Offer your entire life to give him honor and never forget to thank him.
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REFLECTION
• How can we hasten the coming of the King of Glory?
PSALM 23 I SHALL NOT WANT IF THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
August 23
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PSALM 23 I SHALL NOT WANT IF THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. – Psalm 23:1-6
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
If I am serving the Lord God Almighty, there is nothing else I will crave
He guides me and brings me in meadows that are abundant and lush
The Lord leads me to peaceful waters and he renews my spirit
He goes ahead of me so I can be on my way to the path that is righteous
Despite the wickedness surrounding me, I will not be worried
I will trust him because he loves me and he is always with me
If the Lord is my shepherd, I am assured of life eternal
He prepares a place for me in the new heaven and the new earth
Though it seems bleak at times while we navigate this world
I will continue to rely on him and follow his word
The Lord anoints me and pours his goodness and mercy
He protects me and delivers me from all my enemies
He gave his only begotten Son to rescue me from bondage
I will follow his way so I can break away from being enslaved
I will be content with whatever my Lord gives me
Whether I am with or without comforts, I will thank him
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think we need a good shepherd? Why can’t we just go through life without someone leading us? What does it mean to have Jesus as your shepherd?
PSALM 22 ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH SHALL REMEMBER AND TURN TO GOD
August 22
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PSALM 22 ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH SHALL REMEMBER AND TURN TO GOD
25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
my vows I will perform before those who fear him.
26 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied;
those who seek him shall praise the LORD!
May your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth shall remember
and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
shall worship before you.
28 For kingship belongs to the LORD,
and he rules over the nations.
29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship;
before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
even the one who could not keep himself alive.
30 Posterity shall serve him;
it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation;
31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn,
that he has done it. – Psalm 22:25-31
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Only from the Lord himself comes my desire to glorify him
Without his grace and steadfast love, I will continually sin
He provides and anoints all those whom he loves
May all the chosen ones praise him and never lose faith
All the ends of the earth will never forget what he did for us
He gave his only begotten Son to be the One to be sacrificed
With God’s great love and sacrifice on the cross
We are saved and assured of a life and generation yet to come
May all the ends of the earth remember to turn to our Lord God
May all serve the Lord with all their strength, heart, mind and soul.
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REFLECTION
• How can you as a Christian hasten God’s kingdom to come?
PSALM 21 THE WICKED WILL NOT SUCCEED
August 21
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PSALM 21 THE WICKED WILL NOT SUCCEED
O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults!
2 You have given him his heart’s desire
and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah
3 For you meet him with rich blessings; you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4 He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever and ever.
5 His glory is great through your salvation; splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
6 For you make him most blessed forever;
you make him glad with the joy of your presence.7 For the king trusts in the LORD,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.
8 Your hand will find out all your enemies;
your right hand will find out those who hate you.
9 You will make them as a blazing oven when you appear.
The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath, and fire will consume them.
10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
and their offspring from among the children of man.
11 Though they plan evil against you, though they devise mischief, they will not succeed.
12 For you will put them to flight; you will aim at their faces with your bows.
13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.
– Psalm 21:1-13
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
The Lord is faithful to his anointed king and people
He brings them deliverance and protection against evil
The Lord will pour blessings to all those whom he has chosen
He annihilates the lawless and those who plot wicked tactics
Though the ungodly plans evil against the upright
He will not succeed for God is their shield and fortress
They may seem to progress with their schemes
But God ensures that they do not eventually win
Praise and glorify a God who is steadfast in his love
He alone can bring you triumph, peace and joy.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to stay calm even in the midst of danger from evil attacks?
PSALM 20 MAY THE LORD GRANT YOUR HEART’S DESIRE
August 20
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PSALM 20 MAY THE LORD GRANT YOUR HEART’S DESIRE
May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!
3 May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah
4 May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!
5 May we shout for joy over your salvation,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!
6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with the saving might of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.
9 O LORD, save the king! May he answer us when we call. – Psalm 20:1-9
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
All you God’ people, hail our King, the Lord God Almighty
Praise his holy name and give him all the glory
May the Lord grant you your heart’s desire
Remember to follow God’s laws and never get tired
May we all shout for joy for we’ve been rescued from sin
May our gracious God hear our prayers and pleas
Open up your heart to the Lord Most High
He alone is trustworthy since he gave you your life
He will save and protect you from evil if you follow his commands
Your desires must be in line with his will and it will be granted
Pray and plead a God who is steadfast in his love and gracious
Trust him alone, for he will lead you to be constantly righteous.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think some desires of our hearts are not granted to us when we ask for it?
• What do you think the mindset of the world is when it comes to desires?
PSALM 19 THE LAW OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER
August 19
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PSALM 19 THE LAW OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the LORD are right rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. – Psalm 19:7-14
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
There are many laws in the world, but none stands forever
Only the law of the Lord is true and righteous altogether
When you live by the commandments of the Lord
You will never be overcome by this corrupt world
God’s word leads us to righteousness and light
The world system, on the other hands, bring us death
Serve the Lord your God so that you will desire to obey
When you fear the Lord, you will never be swayed
Let the words that come out of our mouths be acceptable to God
He is the only one who can keep us from evil and all forms of harm
The rules that keep us whole and altogether is found in his truth
There is no other set of laws that will keep us intact and full.
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REFLECTION
• Cite some instance that you have experienced that shows that the law of the Lord endure forever.
PSALM 17 O LORD, YOU HAVE TRIED MY HEART AND HAVE TESTED ME
August 17
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PSALM 17 O LORD, YOU HAVE TRIED MY HEART AND HAVE TESTED ME
Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit! 2 From your presence let my vindication come! Let your eyes behold the right! 3 You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. 4 With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips. I have avoided the ways of the violent.5 My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped. 6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words.7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, 9 from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.10 They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly. 11 They have now surrounded our steps; they set their eyes to cast us to the ground. 12 He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush.13 Arise, O LORD! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,14 from men by your hand, O LORD, from men of the world whose portion is in this life. You fill their womb with treasure: they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants. 15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. – Psalm 17:1-15
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, hear my plea, I have kept my mouth from lies and deceit
Please test my heart for I have followed your will and have done what’s right
You know everything about me, my thoughts, action, words and heart
Keep me in your gracious love so I will never stray from you or depart
I am not always strong especially when the enemy prowls like a lion
I get ambushed when I am weak; help me get on your path and obey
Deliver me from the unrighteous and let your word be the sword of my spirit
I look forward to behold your righteous face, you give me hope I embrace it
Keep your children from all the corruption in this world, sanctify them
Grant us grace and an abundance of your constant mercy and love.
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REFLECTION
• Do you come to God to ask him to examine your heart and test you?
• Why do you think some people resist being tested by God?
PSALM 16 IN GOD’S PRESENCE THERE IS FULLNESS OF JOY
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August 16
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PSALM 16 IN GOD’S PRESENCE THERE IS FULLNESS OF JOY
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.
5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also, my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.
11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. – Psalm 16:1-11
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
My Lord, I run to you for safety; you preserve me
I am nothing apart from your love and righteousness
Without your presence, life is full of troubles and darkness
It is only by your Spirit that we can have joy in fullness.
Because I have set the Lord always before me
I shall not grumble, crave for worldly things or live in discontent
The Lord gives me wisdom and leads me in the right direction
Without his guidance, I will perish and live in chaos and confusion.
My Lord is true to his word, he will never abandon his people
He makes me know the path to life and gives me his blessings
Therefore, my heart is joyful and my whole being rejoices
I shall worship the Lord all the days of my life; I shall sing him praises.
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REFLECTION
• Can someone who doesn’t know or serve God have a fullness of joy? Why or why not?