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June13
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PSALM 50 THE LORD OWNS ALL THINGS
The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.
3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence;
before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.
4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah
7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak;
O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.
8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9 I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.
12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.
– Psalm 50:1-12
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HUMAN SACRIFICE DOESN’T PLEASE THE LORD by ILMA
The Lord made all things in heaven and on earth
He provided all living creatures and brought life to them
The Mighty Lord speaks and calls his covenant people
In turn, they promised to offer sacrifices to their Maker.
The Lord speaks and rebukes the faithful to focus on relationship
It is necessary that they follow his will and fulfill their calling
Since all things are owned by God himself, he has no need for offerings
The Lord expects all his saints to continue to live in harmony with Him.
It is easy to forget that we can actually give something to our Lord
We think that we possess something as we live in this world
True worship in truth and Spirit is what’s expected of his servants
Not human sacrifices nor works of the flesh are ever going to please God.
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REFLECTION
• What does the writer remind us about our covenant with God in this psalm?
Category Archives: Psalm Blog
PSALM 38 DO NOT FORSAKE ME LORD
June 12
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PSALM 38 DO NOT FORSAKE ME LORD
15 But for you, O LORD, do I wait;
it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.
16 For I said, “Only let them not rejoice over me,
who boast against me when my foot slips!”
17 For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever before me.
18 I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.
19 But my foes are vigorous, they are mighty,
and many are those who hate me wrongfully.
20 Those who render me evil for good
accuse me because I follow after good.
21 Do not forsake me, O LORD!
O my God, be not far from me!
22 Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation! – Psalm 38:15-22
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MAKE HASTE TO HELP ME, O LORD by ILMA
My Lord, I am constantly surrounded with much troubles
Please take pity on me and pull me out of this rubble
My foes are unstoppable, they never sleep
Day and night, they cunningly scheme.
They render evil though I treat them right
May you equip me with much wisdom and insight
Do not forsake me especially when I am weak
It makes these trials less hopeless and bleak.
How long will you make haste to help me, O Lord?
Without your presence, I can’t navigate this world
You are my only source of help, deliverance and joy
May you grant me all I need to thrive and exult.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it a good practice to run to God’s throne when we are beset by troubles and attacks from the enemy?
PSALM 38 LIKE A MUTE MAN
June 11
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PSALM 38 LIKE A MUTE MAN
9 O Lord, all my longing is before you;
my sighing is not hidden from you.
10 My heart throbs; my strength fails me,
and the light of my eyes—it also has gone from me.
11 My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague,
and my nearest kin stand far off.
12 Those who seek my life lay their snares;
those who seek my hurt speak of ruin
and meditate treachery all day long.
13 But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear,
like a mute man who does not open his mouth.
14 I have become like a man who does not hear,
and in whose mouth are no rebukes.– Psalm 38:8-14
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IN SILENCE I ENDURE THE ENEMY’S ATTACK by ILMA
O Lord, I open up my heart to you, nothing is hidden from you
It hurts as friends including my companions and relatives turn aloof
They have chosen to lay snares to hurt me; grant me strength
It was shocking to realize that they were intentionally hurting me
There were manipulation and treachery that I didn’t see clearly
I totally trusted them and never thought they can be that wicked.
Because I know that you will never forsake me, I will keep silent
I have become like a man who does not hear all their evil schemes
Like your Son, I will be like a lamb being brought to the slaughter
I will not say a word to defend myself; God is my vindicator
Help me to endure the attacks of the enemy; keep me lowly
I will follow how your Son dealt with them with much humility.
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REFLECTION
• Why is keeping one’s mouth shut considered wise as Proverbs 21:23 says?
• How can a fool look wise when he is silent as Proverbs 17:28 says?
PSALM 38 REBUKE ME NOT IN YOUR ANGER LORD
June 10
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PSALM 38 REBUKE ME NOT IN YOUR ANGER LORD
O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger,
nor discipline me in your wrath!
2 For your arrows have sunk into me,
and your hand has come down on me.
3 There is no soundness in my flesh
because of your indignation;
there is no health in my bones because of my sin.
4 For my iniquities have gone over my head;
like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.
5 My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness,
6 I am utterly bowed down and prostrate;
all the day I go about mourning.
7 For my sides are filled with burning,
and there is no soundness in my flesh.
8 I am feeble and crushed;
I groan because of the tumult of my heart. – Psalm 38:1-8
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REBUKE ME NOT IN ANGER LORD by ILMA
O Lord, forgive me for my weaknesses and sinfulness
My iniquities have overwhelmed and pestered me
I bow down on my knees for letting the flesh win
I am so weak and crushed; forgive me for all my sins.
O Lord, rebuke me but not in your anger or I won’t survive
Discipline me, but please be gentle on me or I won’t thrive
I repent of all my sins, forgive me and cleanse me Lord
Without your gentle rebuke, I won’t navigate this world.
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REFLECTION
• Why did the psalmist request for a gentle rebuke from the Lord?
• How is discipline important in a believer’s life?
• Comment on how the world view rebuke and discipline nowadays.
PSALM 96 TELL OF HIS SALVATION FROM DAY TO DAY
June 9
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PSALM 96 TELL OF HIS SALVATION FROM DAY TO DAY
Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!
10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
12 let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13 before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness. – Psalm 96:1-13
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ATTRIBUTE TO THE LORD THE GLORY by ILMA
All you people of God, sing to the Lord a new song
Proclaim his splendor and majesty to the whole world
Tell of his salvation to all the ends of the earth
He is faithful to provide and rescue all his saints
Ascribe to the Lord the glory; he is all righteousness
Worship him in the splendor of his majesty and holiness.
Tremble before him for he is omnipotent and omniscient
Let the heavens be glad and the earth and all things in it rejoice
Let the field exult and all the trees of the forest sing loudly
The Lord will come to judge; attribute to the Lord all the glory
All will stand before him and give an account of all their deeds
Repent and worship the Lord, who forgives and takes away all sins.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to tell everyone of God’s deeds and attribute glory to him?
PSALM 97 LIGHT IS SOWN FOR THE RIGHTEOUS
June 8
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PSALM 97 LIGHT IS SOWN FOR THE RIGHTEOUS
The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! 2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around.4 His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.7 All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods! 8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD. 9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. 10 O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. 12 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name! – Psalm 97:1-12
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THE LORD MANIFESTS HIS PRESENCE by ILMA
Though no one has seen the Lord, he has made his presence felt
Clouds surround him when he first made manifest Himself
Just look around you and we know that we have a Maker
Go outside, take a walk and discover all the beauty of nature
No human hands can make landscapes so breath-taking
The Lord is clearly present in all of his majestic creativity.
Praise the Lord, he who generously gives and supplies our needs
He is the Most High over all the earth; let us worship only him
O you, who love the Lord, you must turn away from all wickedness
The Lord’s light shines upon all those who live in righteousness
He preserves the lives of all his faithful servants and delivers them
The Lord bestows grace and peace to all those who exalt Him.
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REFLECTION
• How has the Lord manifest Himself in your life aside from nature around you?
• Why is it important for believers to experience God’s presence in their lives?
• What could be the reason for not having the Spirit’s presence in your life?
PSALM 20 TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD
June 7
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PSALM 20 TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD
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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WHEN WE TRUST IN THE LORD by ILMA
When we trust in the name of the Lord our God, we are strong
The Lord is our strength; only in Him can we have freedom and joy
When we trust in the Lord, he fulfills our needs and grants us wisdom
He is our source of peace and comfort as we go through all life’s seasons.
When we trust in ourselves and not on the Creator of all things
We fall apart and become weak; we easily get tempted to sin
When we trust in others and not on the mighty Name of the Lord
We open doors to be attacked by Satan who is the prince of this world.
When we think we can protect ourselves from the forces that bring us down
We are lying to ourselves because only God has power to defeat Satan
Let us surrender to the one true God who made the world and heaven
Let us trust in Him alone and never succumb to our human desires or cravings.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it easy to trust ourselves or others and not totally depend on God?
PSALM 89 GOD’S WRATH AGAINST HIS ANOINTED
June 5
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PSALM 89 GOD’S WRATH AGAINST HIS ANOINTED
38 But now you have cast off and rejected;
you are full of wrath against your anointed.
39 You have renounced the covenant with your servant;
you have defiled his crown in the dust.
40 You have breached all his walls;
you have laid his strongholds in ruins.
41 All who pass by plunder him;
he has become the scorn of his neighbors.
42 You have exalted the right hand of his foes;
you have made all his enemies rejoice.
43 You have also turned back the edge of his sword,
and you have not made him stand in battle.
44 You have made his splendor to cease
and cast his throne to the ground.
45 You have cut short the days of his youth;
you have covered him with shame. Selah– Psalm 89:38-45
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WHEN GOD’S WRATH MANIFESTS IN YOUR LIFE by ILMA
When you continue to follow your flesh and disobey the Lord
Do not be surprised when you slowly witness God’s wrath
As you proceed with your sinful ways with much recklessness
Watch out! You will get more confused and wallow in darkness.
The Lord made a covenant with his people and faithfully fulfill it
In turn, he expects much loyalty and obedience to the Holy Spirit
As soon as you allow your hearts to be lawless and hardened
Expect the consequences of such disobedience to manifest.
Abide in the Lord, live to please him alone and follow his path
This is the only way you can stand strong and not be swayed
Keep away from evil and you will never experience God’s wrath
Pursue peace, get close to the Lord and you will experience joy.
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REFLECTION
• Why is God who is love also a God of wrath?
PSALM 89 HIS OFFSPRING SHALL ENDURE FOREVER
June 4
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PSALM 89 HIS OFFSPRING SHALL ENDURE FOREVER
28 My steadfast love I will keep for him forever,
and my covenant will stand firm for him.
29 I will establish his offspring forever
and his throne as the days of the heavens.
30 If his children forsake my law
and do not walk according to my rules,
31 if they violate my statutes
and do not keep my commandments,
32 then I will punish their transgression with the rod
and their iniquity with stripes,
33 but I will not remove from him my steadfast love
or be false to my faithfulness.
34 I will not violate my covenant
or alter the word that went forth from my lips.
35 Once for all I have sworn by my holiness;
I will not lie to David.
36 His offspring shall endure forever,
his throne as long as the sun before me.
37 Like the moon it shall be established forever,
a faithful witness in the skies.” Selah – Psalm 89:28-37
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THE PROMISE KEEPER by ILMA
God’s steadfast love is constant and unchanging
Though his children are disobedient and unrelenting
He never violates his covenant or changes his promises
The Lord is faithful to fulfill his covenant vow to his people
Humans are fickle but the Lord is always constant and faithful
Never lose your trust and dependence on a God who is so reliable
He sees all things and how fallen we all are yet he never gives up on us
The Lord preserves, protects and delivers his people into life and freedom.
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REFLECTION
• How can we become more like God in keeping our promises?
• What does it do to someone if promises are broken by someone to them?