February 13
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PSALM 15 WHO SHALL DWELL ON YOUR HOLY HILL?
O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent?
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
and speaks truth in his heart;
3 who does not slander with his tongue
and does no evil to his neighbor,
nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
but who honors those who fear the LORD;
who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
5 who does not put out his money at interest
and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.– Psalm 15:1-5
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WHO WILL YOU ALLOW IN YOUR SANCTUARY? By ILMA
My Lord, who will you allow to enter your sanctuary?
Who are privileged to behold your presence and glory?
You love righteousness; they must be lovers of what is right
You love truth; they must seek what is good in your sight
Only your will matters in this corrupt world
They must surely pursue and follow your word
They must be lovers of good and haters of evil
They don’t make a habit of sin or work with the devil
They love their neighbors and never covet or slander
They do not take offense or revenge one another
They are truly honest and live a life of integrity
They are fair and defend those who are treated unjustly
They have the fear of the Lord and live in his grace faithfully.
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REFLECTION
• Why did the psalmist focused on those who are deserving to be granted the presence of the Holy One?
• Why do we need to be reminded of such expectations from our holy God?
• Can anyone truly follow these requirements for entry to God’s holy hill?
Category Archives: Psalm Blog
PSALM 100 MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE LORD
February 12
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PSALM 100 MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE LORD
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
3 Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations. – Psalm 100:1-5
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PRAISING THE LORD OUT LOUD by ILMA
All you people of God, come out and sing
Joyfully shout out loud and praise him
Exult him for he has bestowed you much blessings
Thank him with much gladness and dancing
Declare all that he has done; he is faithful
Be holy, cleanse your heart and stay grateful.
He is the only one worthy of worship
Keep focused on him and give him glory
Let your voices be heard to please him
He has given you his Son to forgive your sins
The Lord is full of steadfast love and is full of mercy
Bow down and shout out loud to give him all the glory.
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REFLECTION
• Why does David invite all the people and all creatures of the earth to make noise to the Lord?
• What does serving the Lord with gladness means in verse 2? How is it possible to serve the Lord in a grumpy way?
• Is it possible to be quietly worship the Lord? Is that really giving him praise?
PSALM 28 -HEAR MY VOICE OF PLEAS FOR MERCY
February 11
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PSALM 28 -HEAR MY VOICE OF PLEAS FOR MERCY
To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit. 2 Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary. 3 Do not drag me off with the wicked, with the workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts.4 Give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds; give to them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward. 5 Because they do not regard the works of the LORD or the work of his hands, he will tear them down and build them up no more. 6 Blessed be the LORD! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. 8 The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever.
– Psalm 28:1-9
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A PLEA FOR FORGIVENESS AND DELIVERANCE by ILMA
My Lord, you are my Rock, I plead you to hear me
Please do not be silent to my request for mercy
Do not let me perish without granting me forgiveness
Do not allow me to end like those who love wickedness
I have been faithful to you and I know that you are a just God
You deal with anyone who rejects your laws and commands
I look forward to the promise that you’ll grant me strength
Help me never to be derailed or be overcome by sin.
Blessed be the Lord! He has heard my plea for mercy
Lord, save your people and bless them generously
How will I overcome anything without your guidance?
Grant me forgiveness so I can experience your freedom.
You are my rock and you bring me firmness and stability
Help me never to turn my back on you; grant me humility
Bless your people and give them refuge in the midst of trials
Grant them the reward that they deserve for being so faithful.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it necessary to know your Lord intimately when you ask for forgiveness?
PSALM 46 WE WILL NOT FEAR IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE
February 10
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PSALM 46 WE WILL NOT FEAR IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at it swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah – Psalm 46:1-11
________________________________________RUNNING TO OUR SANCTUARY AND STRENGTH by ILMA
Even though we are in the midst of trouble and danger
We can run to our sanctuary, our Lord God and Maker
Though it seems like everyone is against God’s people
If we abide in him, he’ll give us strength as he promised
The Lord God dwells in the midst of His chosen children
They will be assured that they won’t be crushed or broken
Though they are exposed to all kinds of wars and disasters
They can always look forward to his rescue and deliverance.
Watch everything that God has made in this world!
It displays his power, steadfast love; He is LORD of Lords
Our Lord God is Almighty, sovereign and in control of everything
Why would we even entertain fear; why not totally trust him?
Be silenced and meditate on God’s supremacy and providence
There is no need to worry; he gave us dominion and authority
Run to the throne of God and exalt him among all nations
The Lord of hosts, dwells in us even in the midst of tribulations.
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REFLECTION
• What can we learn from the psalm about how to approach danger and troubles?
PSALM 42 A PRAYER TO THE GOD OF MY LIFE
February 9
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PSALM 42 A PRAYER TO THE GOD OF MY LIFE
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” 4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng
and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation 6 and my God.
My soul is cast down within me; therefore, I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. 8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
– Psalm 42:1-8
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A DISCOURAGED SAINT’S PRAYER by ILMA
My Lord, I long to have you beside me especially when I am so weak
I thirst for your presence particularly in times when it looks so bleak
As a deer longs to find sources of water to quench his thirst
I also yearn to be with You so you can renew my strength.
When will I behold your wonderful face?
It has been a tiring existing in this world that is too fast paced
Why am I so discouraged and feeling so isolated?
Have you left my side because I totally feel neglected?
There is so much pain as I go through all the grieving
Why is this life full of agony and suffering?
Have mercy on my soul and let me focus in your promises
Keep me steadfast in your love so I can have no more compromises.
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REFLECTION
• How can discouragement draw us away from the Lord?
• How did the psalmist resolve his depression in this psalm?
• Why should we worship more our Lord when we are going through so much pain, suffering and loses?
• What happens when we don’t open our hearts to the Lord in times of crisis?
PSALM 29 ASCRIBE TO GOD ALL GLORY AND PRAISE
February 8
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PSALM 29 ASCRIBE TO GOD ALL GLORY AND PRAISE
Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. 3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters.4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. 7 The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! – Psalm 29:1-11
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GIVE TO THE LORD ALL YOUR PRAISE By ILMA
To all creatures in the heavens and on the earth, give glory to the Lord!
He is the Maker of all things; let us all worship and give him laud
All beings who think they are powerful must bow down in humility
Without God, they won’t even have any position or authority.
Give all your blessings to the one whose voice is full of majesty
He can bring into life anything or break them; after all, He is Almighty
The Lord is the only One who has control of all
Why even care to fix or repair what only He can do?
Let us all bow down to the one who can make or break us
He has authority and dominion over all man
Give honor, glory, worship and praise to our heavenly Father
He is faithful and steadfast in his love to all his children.
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Spurgeon comments on this psalm as “Is not this a noble Psalm to be sung in stormy weather? Can you sing amid the thunder? Will you be able to sing when the last thunders are let loose, and Jesus judges the quick and the dead?”
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think David can still praise the Lord in the midst of the storm?
PSALM 16 THE LORD IS MY CHOSEN PORTION & MY CUP
February 7
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PSALM 16 THE LORD IS MY CHOSEN PORTION & MY CUP
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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PRAYER FOR PURITY AND CONTENTMENT by ILMA
My Lord and my God, I come to you for safety
You are my Master and you own me totally
I am useless without you, help me to never turn to the world
Preserve me from corruption and let me dwell in your word
Surround me with other people who worship you
Keep me away from those who praise other gods
Help me never to stray from the path that you have laid down
It is my source of strength, guidance and wisdom.
I bless the Lord who continually leads the way
I can only endure anything if I don’t get derailed
Lord, let my heart rejoice for you are my portion
You help me survive and thrive amidst this corruption
Keep me from my nature so I can be holy and pure
Let me never pine for anything especially when I am insecure
Show me how to be content; your grace is enough
Give me humility so I can take anything that is hard and rough.
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REFLECTION
• Why must all Christian pray for purity and contentment?
PSALM 125 TRUST IN THE LORD AND BE IMMOVABLE
February 6
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PSALM 125 TRUST IN THE LORD AND BE IMMOVABLE
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
the LORD will lead away with evildoers!
Peace be upon Israel! Psalm 125:1-5
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THE SECRET TO PEACE AND STABILITY by ILMA
When someone gives his total trust in the Lord
They are like Mount Zion which can never be moved
Just like Jerusalem is surrounded by mountains
God’s people are constantly watched and protected.
The Lord never allows wickedness to overcome the righteous
For they will receive the fulfillment of all his promises
They only need to constantly abide in him and they are assured
He gives deliverance and salvation to those who are pure.
If you find yourself turning away from righteousness
You will lose your strength and be bent on wickedness
You will begin to waver and become unstable
Peace will leave your heart and you will love evil.
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REFLECTION
• How can a believer lose his strength and peace?
• Why is trust essential in any form of relationship, especially in our relationship with our Lord and Savior?
PSALM 39 LET ME KNOW HOW FLEETING I AM
February 5
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PSALM 39 LET ME KNOW HOW FLEETING I AM
I said, “I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.” 2 I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse.3 My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4 “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! 5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah 6 Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather.
– Psalm 39:1-6
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PRAYER FOR WISDOM AND PRUDENCE by ILMA
In order for me not to sin with my tongue, I will stop from speaking
Especially in the presence of those who are unbelieving
I didn’t utter a word but deep inside I was apprehensive
I wasn’t used to being quiet and it made me impulsive.
As I spoke, it trapped me to transgress and sin again
O Lord, help me to guard each word that I say
I don’t want to speak anything that isn’t true
Give me grace to use words carefully and choose.
Show me how short my life is so I don’t waste any time
Let me not be concerned with things that are not eternal
You have given each person a fleeting and a short life
Let me not focus on worldly things that are all trivial.
Give me an understanding as to what is everlasting
Guide me to never take for granted all that you gave me
Let me use it for praising you and giving you glory
Protect me from my nature that is selfish and foolish.
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REFLECTION
• Why did David want to be silent in front of those who are wicked?
• Why should we be very careful with what we say especially with those who do not know the Lord?
• Why does David want the Lord to measure his days?
PSALM 142 ATTEND TO MY CRY
February 4
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PSALM 142 ATTEND TO MY CRY
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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IN MY WEAKNESS I CRY OUT TO THE LORD by ILMA
Lord, I will not be silent when I am faced with weaknesses
Grant me protection and deliverance for my feebleness
No one has come to my aide; all have become traitors
Lord, you are the only one who knows that I am truly faithful.
When I am faced with circumstances that are bleak
I know that you are there especially when I am weak
Please hear me, you know my limits and what I can handle
I take shelter in your arms, give me strength in this battle.
The enemies have placed traps to hurt me
I am exhausted with all their ploys and tactics
Take pity on your servant for no one cares for my soul
You are Almighty and the One who can defeat my foes.
I plead you Lord, to take my case seriously
Without you, I cannot have any victory
Help me because my strength is already dwindling
My God, deal with your beloved servant bountifully.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it essential to cry out to God especially when we are depleted of strength and have become discouraged and tired?
• Why did David bring his complaints to God instead of keeping it to himself? What does that tell us about his relationship with God?