March 23
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WORSHIP IN THE SPLENDOR OF HOLINESS
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 joy13 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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God’s kingship over all creation means that all people should love and worship him. According to the ESV study bible, the psalm has three sections, each beginning with a command (sing-v1, ascribe-v7, and say-v10), and each mentioning the Gentiles. God called Israel to be a means of blessing for all mankind, bringing them knowledge of the true God. Are we believers doing the same thing for humanity?
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ADORATION: Blessed be the true God of Israel who saves all those who believe in Him.
CONFESSION: Pardon me when I do not bring truth about the true God to others.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for using all believers to be the channel to know the true God.
SUPPLICATION: May all humanity hear the Good News of the only true God who loves them and gave up his only begotten Son to save them.
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REFLECTION
• How can we worship the Lord even in the midst of trials and a pandemic we are experiencing now?
• Why is worshiping God regularly an essential practice that Christians need to do?
Category Archives: Psalm Blog
REVIVE US AGAIN ILMA’S VLOG
March 22
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REVIVE US AGAIN
LORD, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin.
3 You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger.
4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us!
5 Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.
8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,
For he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.
10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky.
12 Yes, the LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way. -Psalm 85:1-13
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This psalm is written by the sons of Korah, asking God for forgiveness for the whole Israelites and pleading him to show his steadfast love and faithfulness he proclaimed to them in Exodus 34:6. The psalmists recall how God had faithfully restored them in the past and is seeking for such revival again.
During this pandemic we are experiencing, we plead to God for us to be restored and revived in his steadfast love. Our world has turned so far away from our creator. In times of adversity, we need to go back to basics, connect and serve our families, friends and neighbors. We need to care for the vulnerable members of our society and our church.
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ADORATION: Praise the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. He full of kindness.
CONFESSION: Forgive us when we are not steadfast in our love for God and others.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for giving us the capacity to love like you Lord.
SUPPLICATION: Help us to walk in love and be the persons you have created us to be, loving and serving you by doing it to others as well.
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REFLECTION
• How can we be restored in the midst of so much deaths and illness around us?
How Long O Lord? ILMA’S VLOG
March 21
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HOW LONG, O LORD?
O God, the nations have come into your inheritance;
They have defiled your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
2 They have given the bodies of your servants to the birds of the heavens for food,
The flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth.
3 They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem,
And there was no one to bury them.4 We have become a taunt to our neighbors,
Mocked and derided by those around us. 5 How long, O LORD?
Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire?
6 Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you, and on the kingdoms
That do not call upon your name! 7 For they have devoured Jacob
And laid waste his habitation.8 Do not remember against us our former iniquities;
Let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.
9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name;
Deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!10 Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?” Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants
Be known among the nations before our eyes! – Psalm 79:1-10
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According to ESV study bible, this is a community lament. It was occasioned by a great disaster, most likely the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon. It recounts the violence and unbelief of the Gentile conquerors and asks God how long he intends to allow such things.
The psalmist Asaph recalls how the conquerors defiled the Lord’s temple and how the Israelites have been mocked and laughed at because they haven’t been delivered by God. So, this lament is asking God how long will they be allowed to be trampled on by them.
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ADORATION: Bless the Lord who never leaves us or forsake us. He is steadfast in his love.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I get impatient when I don’t get answered prayers.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your patience with me Lord.
SUPPLICATION: May the Lord hear our prayers and may we have the mind of Christ as we lay down our requests to him.
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REFLECTION
• How can we learn to endure suffering during this time of adversity?
O GOD OF OUR SALVATION ILMA’S VLOG
March 20
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O GOD OF OUR SALVATION
Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed.
2 O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.
3 When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions.
4 Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts!
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!
5 By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation,
The hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas;
6The one who by his strength established the mountains, being girded with might;
7 Who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves,
The tumult of the peoples,8O that those who dwell at the ends of the earth
Are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning
And the evening to shout for joy. 9 You visit the earth and water it;
You greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain,
For so you have prepared it. 10 You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges,
– Psalm 65:1-10
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This psalm praises the Lord, who is the God of our salvation. I love how David worships the Lord by focusing on all the Lord faithfully does to his people. He magnifies at how the Lord blesses all those who are in awe of all the wonderful things that the Lord has provided for his people: He gave them a temple where they could dwell in his goodness and God’s people is forever grateful for all the things that God provides for them such as the wonders of nature and how he controls all things he made.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord of our salvation.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I fail to count my blessings and how wonderful you are to your people.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all the provisions you give all your chosen people.
SUPPLICATION: May all people recognize the greatest designer of our world and our lives.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it necessary for believers to give thanks and praise to the God of our salvation?
O LORD, BE GRACIOUS TO ME Poem Devotional
March 19
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O LORD, BE GRACIOUS TO ME
Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble, the LORD delivers him;
2 The LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land;
You do not give him up to the will of his enemies.
3 The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; In his illness you restore him to full health.
4 As for me, I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!”
5 My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die, and his name perish?”
6 And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words,
While his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad.
7 All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me.
8 They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him;
He will not rise again from where he lies.”9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
Who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
10 But you, O LORD, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them!
– Psalm 41:1-10
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This is King David’s lament to God that despite his fulfilment of his responsibilities to the poor, he is still suffering severely. He prays for God’s help and vindication. God honors the person who shows kindness and takes care of the poor. In this verse, we hear David’s deep sadness for a betrayal of a close friend (v9). In spite of all that he is going through, he still looks up to God for mercy and help and trusts the Lord who will repay all that good things he has done and how he has been faithful to him.
In our current global pandemic, we need to pray this psalm to God and have that expectancy that God is in control and he will do what needs to be done so people will bow down to his sovereignty. That, our protection and healing is in him alone.
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ADORATION: Praise be to the God full of mercy and love.
CONFESSION: Forgive us when we succumb to fear and panic in this pandemic.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your promise to protect all those whom you love.
SUPPLICATION: May all people recognize that their life is only in God’s hand alone.
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REFLECTION
• How can we stay expectant in the midst of life-threatening situations?
WHAT IS THE MEASURE OF MY DAYS? ILMA’S VLOG
March 18
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WHAT IS THE MEASURE OF MY DAYS?
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!
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!
7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
9 I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.
10 Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
11 When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin,
You consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath!
-Psalm 39:1-11
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The ESV study bible notes describes this psalm as something that allows those who are suffering to express their confusion to God. David acknowledges the importance of keeping himself out of sin. As he confesses to God his view of man without God’s presence, we see how he realizes how fleeting this life we live on earth is. He asks God to discipline him and rebuke his sins for we are all nothing without our creator.
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ADORATION: Praise the God who created all things and knows everything about us.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord, when I take for granted the life you gave me.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for disciplining me so I can live the new life in Christ that you gave me.
SUPPLICATION: May all Christians recognize the fleeting moments we have in this life.
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REFLECTION
• Why do we need to be reminded that life is like a mist, it is here now and gone the next moment? What would this do to how we view life?
GIVE EAR TO MY PLEAS ILMA’S VLOG
March 17
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GIVE EAR TO MY PLEAS
Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my pleas for mercy!
In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
2 Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you.
3 For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground;
He has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled.
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands. 6 I stretch out my hands to you;
My soul thirsts for you like a parched land. 7 Answer me quickly, O LORD!
My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD! I have fled to you for refuge.
10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!
11 For your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life!
In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
12 And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
And you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul, for I am your servant.
– Psalm 143:1-12
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This psalm is a repentant prayer. David pleads the Lord for forgiveness. He acknowledges his sinfulness and recognizes that when he is presented with troubles, he thirsts for the Lord much more. He seems very desperate for his deliverance and guidance in this psalm.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord who knows us through and through. Glorify the true God.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I fail to seek you especially when I am in trouble.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for delivering me from the enemy’s tactics.
SUPPLICATION: May we only thirst to get close to him especially in times of trouble.
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REFLECTION
• Would you automatically run to the Lord whenever you are facing adversities? Why or why not? Why do you think David thirsts for God?
THE LORD REIGNS ILMA’S VLOG
March 16
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THE LORD REIGNS
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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Psalm 97, according to the ESV study bible commentary says that it is a hymn celebrating God’s kingship over all creation. It focuses on how God’s universal rule assures the faithful of his final victory over evil and idolatry. This victory involves God’s protection of his faithful ones from evildoers (v.10) and the Gentiles ultimately coming to know the true God (vv. 6-7). The assurance comes from biblical faith, and it produces a profound joy in those who embrace it (vv.11-12).
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ADORATION: We adore you O Christ and we bless your sovereignty.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I fail to bow down and surrender to your kingship.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for reigning over me. It keeps me to remember my place in your kingdom.
SUPPLICATION: May all Christians submit and surrender to the only one true God.
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REFLECTION
• Share how God rules over your heart, mind, soul and body?
• Why is it important to recognize those who are in authority over us?
MY SOUL LONGS FOR THE COURTS OF THE LORD ILMA’S VLOG
March 15
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MY SOUL LONGS FOR THE COURTS OF THE LORD
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD;
My heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,
At your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs;
The early rain also covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength;
Each one appears before God in Zion.8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;
Give ear, O God of Jacob! 9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!
10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold
From those who walk uprightly.12 O LORD of hosts,
Blessed is the one who trusts in you! – Psalm 84:1-12
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Easton’s bible dictionary defines “court” as the enclosure of the tabernacle of the temple of a prison or of a private house and of a king’s palace. This psalm is written by the sons of Korah namely Assir and Elkanah and Abiasaph, (Exodus 6:24). The psalm speaks of their longing to be in the courts of the Lord, where his altar is. They bless those who dwell in his house, ever singing praises to him. It is a pilgrimage song which celebrates how special it is to worship in the Lord’s temple.
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ADORATION: Bless the Lord and all those who trust in him.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord when I do not totally trust in you with all my soul and mind.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for giving us a place to worship you in your house.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers remember to keep holy the Lord’s temple.
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REFLECTION
• In the present day, where is the temple of the Lord?
WHO CAN STAND BEFORE YOU ILMA’S VLOG
March 14
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WHO CAN STAND BEFORE YOU?
In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel.
2 His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.
3 There he broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war.
4 Glorious are you, more majestic than the mountains full of prey.
5 The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep;
All the men of war were unable to use their hands.
6 At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned.
7 But you, you are to be feared! Who can stand before you
When once your anger is roused?8 From the heavens you uttered judgment;
The earth feared and was still, 9 when God arose to establish judgment,
To save all the humble of the earth. 10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;
The remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.
11 Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them; let all around him bring gifts
To him who is to be feared,12 who cuts off the spirit of princes,
Who is to be feared by the kings of the earth. – Psalm 76:1-12
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This psalm addresses the Israelite’s acknowledgement of God’s power and how he has made his dwelling place in Zion or Salem, (it is an old name for Jerusalem stated in Gen 14:18). Verse 3-9 celebrates how God has fought for his people and protected them from the invaders. God showed his power and strength and protection to the remnant of his people. The psalm invites all believers to constantly fear the Lord as no one else is powerful before him. He is the Almighty. Let us all glorify him and make ourselves holy as he is holy.
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ADORATION: Praise you Lord, you are all powerful and mighty.
CONFESSION: Forgive those who forget to glorify your majesty and omnipotence.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for thinking of your people even though we are unworthy.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers worship the only one true, majestic and powerful God.
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REFLECTION
• What should be our stance or posture when we stand before the Lord?
• What is the kind of worship that God wants us to give him?