Category Archives: Psalm Blog

HOSEA 12 FEEDING ON THE WIND

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December 30

HOSEA 12

Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long;
they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a covenant with Assyria,

and oil is carried to Egypt.2 The Lord has an indictment against Judah

and will punish Jacob according to his ways; he will repay him according to his deeds.
3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God.
4 He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor.
He met God at Bethel, and there God spoke with us—
5 the Lord, the God of hosts, the Lord is his memorial name:
6 “So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice,
    and wait continually for your God.”– Hosea 12:1-6

HOSEA 12 FEEDING ON THE WIND

In the first verse of this chapter, the prophet reiterates his words in Hosea 8:7 when he said that if you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind. All of the things they chased such as their idols resulted in nothing. They were sowing unfaithfulness, so they reaped violence and more deceived minds. They began to rely on Assyria which cannot truly give them assurance.

In Proverbs 11:29, we hear again about the wind. It says “Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.” The wind symbolizes things that we chase that cannot satisfy us because the wind is something we cannot hold on to. John 4:14 on the other hand, tells us to drink the living water because if we do, we will never be thirsty again. Unlike feeding on the wind which does not result in life, the living water brings us eternal life. A commentary says “The point is actually fairly simple. Wind is not filling. It cannot satisfy. No matter how much you eat of it, you will never be full. It has zero nutrition.” The phrase “pursue the east wind all day long” has almost the same meaning as Solomon states in Ecclesiastes 1:14 when he said “I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind.”

Hosea reminded God’s people of Jacob’s fight with Esau even in their mother’s womb and we know that Ephraim and Judah all came from Jacob’s tribe. It is not hard to deduce that the sinful nature of Jacob could have been passed on to the next generations after him.

REFLECTION

·       What do people usually chase that make them feed on the wind?

HOSEA 9 OUTPOURING OF GOD’S WRATH ON HIS PEOPLE

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December 22

HOSEA 9

10 Like grapes in the wilderness, I found Israel.
Like the first fruit on the fig tree in its first season, I saw your fathers.
But they came to Baal-Peor and consecrated themselves to the thing of shame,
and became detestable like the thing they loved.

11 Ephraim’s glory shall fly away like a bird—no birth, no pregnancy, no conception!
12 Even if they bring up children, I will bereave them till none is left.
Woe to them when I depart from them!
13 Ephraim, as I have seen, was like a young palm planted in a meadow;
but Ephraim must lead his children out to slaughter.
14 Give them, O Lord— what will you give?
Give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts. – Hosea 9:10-14

HOSEA 9 OUTPOURING OF GOD’S WRATH ON HIS PEOPLE

A poem by ILMA inspired by theses verses

When you test the Lord your God with unfaithfulness

Be prepared to experience his wrath in fullness

He will not let his people perish in their sinfulness

He is a jealous God who won’t stand infidelity.

According to a commentary, the phrase like grapes in the wilderness, I found Israel. They were likened to grapes and figs which was interesting since they were very complaining people. The commentator said that though they weren’t perfect, God still chose them. They were undefiled under Moses’ leadership since they kept themselves free of idols. In Numbers 25:3-18, when the Israelites came to Baal-Peor, they consecrated themselves to things of shame. They were seduced by Moab and many of the men fell into sexual sin and they also worshipped Baal and sacrificed to him. They committed unfaithfulness to God.

Verses 11-14 give us details of the wrath of God against his own people as a consequence of their idolatry. They will be barren. They won’t have children. Verse 12 sounds so harsh that even if they raise whoever children were left to them, they won’t make it since God will take them. A commentary says “Was this unfair to the children? Many biblical scholars believe that children who die before the age of accountability are accepted into heaven. If this is the case, and it likely is, then this could be a blessing for those very children who would have had to grow up in that world.”

REFLECTION

  • Do you think it was cruel of God to kill those children of the Israelites as a consequence of their idolatry? Why or why not?

JAMES 1 PURE AND UNSTAINDED RELIGION ACCORDING TO GOD

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May 10
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JAMES 1
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. – James 1:26-27
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JAMES 1 PURE AND UNSTAINDED RELIGION ACCORDING TO GOD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Many religions have their own gods and their ways to reach a certain place
Some think that they can reach that place through works or following a path
Some beliefs even say that they go through many lives to reach perfection
Others think that if they can do a lot of good, they maintain their reputation
Another religion has a points system where they get merits or demerits
Some groups of people think that they have to seclude themselves from the rest
So many different kinds of beliefs have plagued mankind for many years
They have no understanding of what is pure and unstained according to God.
Religion that is pure and unstained according to God is to visit the afflicted
He also commands his elect to keep themselves from being corrupted
When we commit to loving God, we are also charged to love one another
Pure religion is a path where we show compassion to our sisters and brothers
Jesus Christ died for us not for a religion but for us to depend on his kingship
The Lord requires his people to stay holy for he himself is holy and majestic.
We believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; three in one God
Those who are in the communion of saints ought to be united in a bond
The chosen people of God are expected to live in unison with the Trinity
Just as the Father, Son and Spirit are all united in love and harmony
Pure religion according to God involves relationship in love
It is not a bunch of rules and rituals, but the body of Christ all in one.
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REFLECTION
• What is the biggest difference in the concept of religion as to how the world view it and how God sees it?
• Why do you think compassion and purity is the biggest requirement in God’s perspective of pure religion?

JAMES 1 BE DOERS OF THE WORD & NOT HEARERS ONLY

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May 9
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JAMES 1
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
– James 1:22-25
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JAMES 1 BE DOERS OF THE WORD & NOT HEARERS ONLY
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
The Lord loves his people and guides them closely
He gave his word so they can follow it regularly
When we hear the word of God and fail to do it
We will be easily snared by all the devil’s tactics
Scripture is given to us so we can have wisdom
Following it will keep us from sin’s bondage.
When we do not heed God’s word, we are easy targets to sin
Only those who please the Lord with all their hearts will win
To love God and also one another is the law of liberty
This is the mirror by which a believer is to constantly see
By keeping it, one will not just be a hearer but a doer as well
God will outpour all his blessings and in them, he will dwell.
To hear the word and not do it, we become hypocrites
Our righteousness will be compromised and so will also be our faith
So, let us closely listen to the convictions that we hear in Scripture
By meditating on it regularly and taking it seriously, our faith deepens
By doing what we heard proclaimed to us, we become pleasing to the Lord
We ought to keep our covenant with God, or we will be ruled by the world.
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REFLECTION
• What are the responsibilities of a true believer according to these verses?
• What is the right thing to do when you closely witness hypocrisy in your church?

JAMES 1 RECEIVE HUMBLY THE IMPLANTED WORD

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May 8
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JAMES 1
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
– James 1:19-21
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JAMES 1 RECEIVE HUMBLY THE IMPLANTED WORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
We were given by God a pair of ears so we can listen quickly
God also gave us one mouth so we can use it to speak truthfully
Anger is given to us to prod us to speak up for the voiceless
It is also a gift so we can defend all the oppressed and defenseless
So, let us all listen intently as we hear other’s predicaments
Let us put a guard on our mouths and our temperaments
For we are all made in God’s image; let us desire to know him
Only in his word and his laws can we be made aware of our sins
Without the Lord’s laws and words, we will definitely perish
Keep longing for God’s precept and guidance and you will flourish.
The Lord has called us to repent and turn from our sins
He gave us his word so we don’t have to follow all our whims
Scripture will expose our fallen nature and weaknesses
It also guides us to live holy lives and follow God’s righteousness
Receive humbly the implanted word and you will be transformed
It shows us all that is true and right so we can live the new creation
Hunger for the word of God and you will be guided to follow His will
Meditate on it daily and you will gain wisdom to stay away from sin
Confess your sins right away and repent as he disciplines you in his word
Do not ignore his admonishments for God disciplines whom he loves
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REFLECTION
• How is man’s anger different from God’s anger?
• Why does James warn us to speak slowly and be slow to react angrily?

JAMES 1 FATHER OF LIGHTS: GIVER OF GOOD & PERFECT GIFTS

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May 7
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JAMES 1
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
– James 1:16-18
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JAMES 1 FATHER OF LIGHTS: GIVER OF GOOD & PERFECT GIFTS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
While you were still walking in the dark
Your Father brought you into the light
With his word, he exposed sin and brought you truth
Receive his word and you will discern what is untrue
The Lord is the father of lights who is unchanging
There is nothing dark or shady in Him; he exudes light.
Do not think that you can provide for yourself
Everything we have is coming from our heavenly Father
We cannot claim that every skill or talent we have is ours
It is a gift that we need to acknowledge the one true God
He gave us light and drew us out of the darkness
His gospel shines and free us from every bondage.
When we fail to remember that our source is the Lord
We will fall into the traps of the systems of this world
Let us give thanks to the father of lights, where truth shines forth
Let us follow his generosity and spread the gospel throughout
Let us all declare God’s goodness in bringing us out of the darkness
Remember to live in his word, which guides us to his own righteousness.
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REFLECTION
• What is the importance of acknowledging the giver of good and perfect gifts?
• What happens when we forget that our source is the father of lights?
• What does it mean to be the firstfruits of God’s creature as verse 18 says?

JAMES 1 PHASES OF TEMPTATION & SIN

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May 6
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JAMES 1
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. – James 1:12-15
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JAMES 1 PHASES OF TEMPTATION & SIN
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Continue to exercise patience and endurance as you live in this world
The Lord didn’t guarantee us a trouble-free life, but gave us his word
Dwell in the truth and follow the laws of the Lord and you will discern
Have no regard for the Scripture and you will be foolish and depraved
Take responsibility for your commitments and devotion to the Lord
Those who are chosen by God will overcome the systems of the world.
When one is beginning to contemplate satisfying one’s desires
That person is not far from being lured into Satan’s snares
When one craves for something so badly, he is distracted from serving God
That distraction leads to an obsession to covet something that one does not have
As that desire progresses, it gives birth to sin and leads to spiritual death
When sin becomes habitual, the heart turns insensitive and hardened.
The word of the Lord is given to us so we can guard our hearts and minds
If we do not hunger and dwell on the truth, we become deceived and blind
Let us press on and run to the throne of God as we encounter trying situations
Commitment and perseverance will keep us all from all kinds of temptations
Be mindful of your desires; catch them early so it doesn’t open doors to sin
Align your mind to God’s will and renew it so it will desire only what pleases him.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for believers to have an understanding of the phases of temptation and sin?
• What happens when even a small sin is ignored and unconfessed?

JAMES 1 ENVY NOT THE RICH!

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May 5
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JAMES 1
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also, will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. – James 1:9-11
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JAMES 1 ENVY NOT THE RICH!
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
To the poor in this world, do not despair for you are looked after
The Lord promised the poor in the world a legacy to his kingdom
Do not envy the wealthy for their treasures and possessions are passing
When they die, they cannot take their wealth where they’re going
It will be easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye
But impossible for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
Jesus came for the oppressed, the broken hearted and the poor
He didn’t die for the rich; their needs are already provided for
We can only have one master, either we serve money or the Lord
We become enemies of God when we love all things in the world
Serve the Lord your God only with much fear and trembling
The world will only keep you constantly wanting and lusting.
Do not look up to the rich in this world, they are all passing
Focus on the kingdom of God because it is the one that is everlasting
Like plants, flowers and grass, they wither from the sun’s heat
The rich person’s agenda will eventually be snuffed out
Gather riches in heaven that lasts forever and give God the glory
Do not be deceived by the enticement that this world offers.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it so easy for many people to look up to the rich in this world?
• Why did James compare the rich to the flowers of the grass in these verses?
• What is happening inside our hearts when we begin to envy the wealthy and the rich and famous?

JAMES 1 THE DOUBLE-MINDED MAN’S FATE

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May 4
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JAMES 1
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – James 1:5-8
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JAMES 1 THE DOUBLE-MINDED MAN’S FATE
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Whenever you don’t understand something, go to the Lord and ask him
But remember to ask in faith without hesitating, for trusting is the key to receiving
The Lord is gracious to his people; he lavishes them with their wishes
Expect that your request has already been fulfilled and he will pour his blessings
But when you doubt and do not have the confidence of your Father’s generosity
You have no right to expect anything good from him, since you are wavering.
The one who doubts and goes back and forth with their trust is double-minded
Like the waves of the sea, he is tossed here and there by the wind gusts
That person is without foundation and is driven by doubts and confusion
God is a God of order while Satan is the god of chaos and destruction
When one is double minded, he is untrustworthy and have no integrity
The double-minded man’s fate is very unstable, unproductive and unhealthy.
As the man without faith continues with his doubting and wavering
His life becomes futile and fruitless; he lives in turmoil and hesitating
He can never make a decision or have conviction about anything
That double-minded man will be stunted and won’t keep progressing
Will you rely on someone who have no conviction of his faith?
If you partake of his wavering mind, you’ll also turn to be a double-minded man.
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REFLECTION
• What do you think are the beginnings of a wavering mind?
• As humans, we can have periods of unbelief here and there, how do we know if our doubts are progressing to a double-minded state? How can we prevent it?

JAMES 1 VARIOUS TRIALS GROW YOUR FAITH

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May 3
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JAMES 1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:1-4
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JAMES 1 VARIOUS TRIALS GROW YOUR FAITH
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
The world teaches us to live comfortable and lives that are easy
We do not always want our boats to be rocked and challenged quickly
Man likes to take control of things he thinks he have influence over
And forgetting that God is the only One in control and have absolute power.
Like automated robots, we follow habits that compromise our faith
Not knowing that trials test our faith and produces courage
Numerous adversities can make us resilient and tenacious
Satan accuses and makes us focus on our weaknesses.
When you face affliction, losses, rejection and oppression
Remember what Jesus Christ had to endure for your salvation
Lean on the Lord when trials of various kinds visit your life
If you draw strength from Him, darkness will be snuffed by His light.
Do not follow the way of the world where everything is comfortable
If you are in Christ, do not love what is easy, instead embrace the difficult
Press on with the pressures that the world present so your faith can grow
Contentment and peace await all those who endure trials of various kinds.
There is no need to avoid or react angrily when you face anguish or sorrow
God’s mercy is new each morning; look up hopefully for what’s to come tomorrow
Be glad that you are going through suffering and adversities for your own sake
When you bravely face obstacles, your faith and spirit will have a chance to grow.
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REFLECTION
• Share some of your trials that grew your faith. Why do humans avoid trials?