April 1
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PSALM 76 WHO CAN STAND BEFORE YOU ONCE YOU’RE ANGRY?
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. Selah 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. Selah 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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TREMBLE BEFORE THE LORD! by ILMA
When you know the Lord God, who is your Creator, you will fear him
He has delivered his people and established his dwelling place in Zion
Tremble before the Lord; He is majestic, glorious and full of power
When he confronts sin, no one can avoid his rebuke and anger
The moment he brings judgment, the whole humanity will cringe
Make your promises alone to the Lord and follow through with it.
Know your Lord and Master so you can bring him full glory
Without such longing to be close to him, you will become worldly
Those who are haughty and boastful will be stripped off their pride
They will become fools, unable to be free and continue to be blind
Bring your fear before the Lord and bow down alone to him
No one can avoid his wrath when one intentionally and habitually sins.
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REFLECTION
• How can a believer develop the habit of trembling before the Lord?
• Why did the psalmist mention that knowledge of God and his wondrous deeds are essential for believers to cultivate the fear of the Lord?
• What happens when we take for granted God’s sovereignty?
Tag Archives: Christian devotional
PSALM 95 LET US MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE ROCK OF OUR SALVATION!
March 31
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PSALM 95 LET US MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE ROCK OF OUR SALVATION!
Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, 9 when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
10 For forty years I loathed that generation and said, “They are a people who go astray in their heart, and they have not known my ways.” 11 Therefore I swore in my wrath, “They shall not enter my rest.” – Psalm 95:1-11
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LET US COME INTO HIS PRESENCE WITH THANKSGIVING! By ILMA
All you God’s people, come, let us rejoice and give the Lord praise
He is the rock of our salvation and He is full of mercy and grace
Let us come into his presence with much gratitude and thanksgiving
For the Lord is great and He is above all gods and is King of kings
He created the depths of the earth and the heights of the mountains
He made all living creatures, the sea and all the land formations
O, come, let us worship and bow down to our Lord, our Maker
Shout a joyful noise to proclaim our thanksgiving to his majesty.
Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts
He will refresh you and will bless your heart to make it pure
Praise and worship him by being thankful to all his provision
Count every little gift and blessings that you have been given
Praise him for every breath you take each moment of your life
Acknowledge him and be grateful for his guidance and his light
He is present in all that happens to you each and every day
He sees you clearly inside and out, he loves you passionately.
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REFLECTIONS
• Why is a thankful heart the best way to worship the Lord?
• What happens when we have bitterness creeping into our lives?
PSALM 75 WARNING ON GOD’S JUDGMENT
March 30
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PSALM 75 WARNING ON GOD’S JUDGMENT
We give thanks to you, O God we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.2 “At the set time that I appoint
I will judge with equity.3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,
it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah 4 I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn; 5 do not lift up your horn on high,
or speak with haughty neck.’” 6 For not from the east or from the west
and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,7 but it is God who executes judgment,
putting down one and lifting up another.8 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup
with foaming wine, well mixed, and he pours out from it, and all the wicked of the earth
shall drain it down to the dregs. 9 But I will declare it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.– Psalm 75:1-10
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GOD’S REPROOF TO THE PROUD & WICKED by ILMA
The Lord God created everything in heaven and on earth
There is nothing that exists that he didn’t create
Let us give thanks to the Lord who did wondrous deeds
No one else can boast about anything for he made all things.
God reproves the proud and haughty, they will reap what they sow
The Lord God will lift up those who are humble and faithful
Everyone will give an account of their deeds for he knows every heart
The Lord rebukes the wicked who continues to walk in darkness and in lies.
Turn away from sin, all you wrongdoers! God executes judgment
While there is still time left and God’s mercy abounds, go and repent
The Lord will not let sin and evil dominate and whole of creation
He will strain out the unrighteous from his very own covenant people.
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REFLECTION
• Why is the writer Asaph mentioned in some bible commentaries as a prophet in this psalm?
• Since prophets warn God’s people, what particular sin was he rebuking them in this song?
• How is pride and wickedness a very grievous sin against God?
PSALM 146 PUT NOT YOUR TRUST IN PRINCES
March 29
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PSALM 146 PUT NOT YOUR TRUST IN PRINCES
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! 2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.
5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets the prisoners free; 8 the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.10 The LORD will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD! – Psalm 146:1-10
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PUT YOUR TRUST ALONE IN THE LORD by ILMA
To the Lord, who made heaven and earth, be glory and praise!
He alone is the only One we need to trust for he is full of grace
It is futile to trust man, who has no power like our Lord God
Humans do not know all things and doesn’t see things from up above
He is the one who brings justice to the weak and the oppressed
He watches over the sojourners, widows and fatherless
The Lord ensures that the poor and weak are cared for
He encourages those who are depressed and discouraged
He sets prisoners free and opens the eyes of the blind
He takes care of all his creation and He brings life and light
Blessings will be poured to those who put their trust in the Lord
Destruction awaits those who trust and follow the world
Give praise to the only source of protection and freedom
Put him first in all that you do so you can abound in wisdom
The Lord will rule eternally; he is the beginning and the end
He is full of majesty, steadfast love, compassion and grace.
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REFLECTION
• Why does the psalmist caution us not to put our faith in human authority or power?
• How can one develop a habit of trusting God and letting go of self-reliance?
PSALM 145 THE LORD PRESERVES ALL WHO LOVE HIM
March 28
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PSALM 145 THE LORD PRESERVES ALL WHO LOVE HIM
14 The LORD upholds all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD preserves all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. – Psalm 145:14-21
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A RIGHTEOUS AND KIND GOD by ILMA
Our Lord God is full of empathy and compassion
He lifts up the hearts of those who are discouraged
He cares for every living thing he has created
He provides for their nourishment and all their needs
The Lord is righteous in everything he does and in all his ways
He is full of kindness and mercy and wants us all to be saved
But he especially preserves all those who love him
And because he is just, he needs to destroy evil
He fulfills the desires of those who obey and fear him
He listens to all their pleas and grant them mercy
The Lord is near to all those who call on him in truth
He protects and preserves those who are faithful.________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How can we exercise kindness and follow the path of righteousness in this very perverse world we live in?
PSALM 145 GRACIOUS, MERCIFUL AND ABOUNDING IN LOVE
March 27
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PSALM 145 GRACIOUS, MERCIFUL AND ABOUNDING IN LOVE
8 The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The LORD is good to all,
and his mercy is over all that he has made.
10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD,
and all your saints shall bless you!
11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power,
12 to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
[The LORD is faithful in all his words
and kind in all his works.]– Psalm 145:8-13
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FAITHFUL IN ALL HIS WORDS by ILMA
The Lord God is steadfast in his love and in his faithfulness
He is full of grace and always ready to extend his forgiveness
He is slow to anger and patient to all those who fear him
His kingdom lasts forever and his sovereignty endures infinitely.
All you children of God, declare his mighty works to all people
He is worthy to be praised and given honor and glory
There is no one else like God, who is a promise keeper
He is always just and true to his words; he is faithful.
All your good deeds reflect his mercy and grace
God must increase and we must never take credit or boast
Every word he speaks and declares bring life and light
Seek his word and you will experience overflowing grace.
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REFLECTION
• How can believers stay faithful in their words just like their God does?
• Why is faithfulness to God’s word essential in a believer’s life?
PSALM 145 GREAT IS THE LORD
March 26
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PSALM 145 GREAT IS THE LORD
I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you
and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. – Psalm 145:1-7
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GLORY TO OUR MAJESTIC GOD by ILMA
Glory be to the King of kings and Lord of lords
His greatness is incomprehensible and incomparable
He is the beginning, the end and is eternal
No other gods can compare to his splendor
All you people of God, declare his greatness
Sing out hymns and speak of his righteousness
Pass on to your children and their children his deeds
They shall receive his promises and receive much blessings
Always worship the Lord your God who gave you life
Keep in awe of him and constantly stay in his light
You owe the Lord all that is good; he pours out his grace
Speak of his steadfast love and his acts of kindness
Shout out loud all he has done especially his miracles
Pour out your praise to keep him glorified
Only bow down to his magnificence and majesty.
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REFLECTION
• How can you develop a love for worshipping God just like David did?
PSALM 51 MY MOUTH WILL DECLARE YOUR PRAISE
March 25
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PSALM 51 MY MOUTH WILL DECLARE YOUR PRAISE
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
build up the walls of Jerusalem;
19 then will you delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar. – Psalm 51:14-19
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LET PRAISE ALONE COME OUT OF MY MOUTH by ILMA
O my Lord, you are the only one worthy of praise
I will worship you with all my heart, soul and mind
O God of my salvations, let me sing of your righteousness
Rescue me from anything that comes from the evil one
My God, help me to think only of what is pure and true
Let me constantly abide in you and dwell in your word
Take control of my mouth so that it will only speak life
Let my whole life be a testament to your steadfast love
You delight in a pure heart that constantly seek you
Change me so that my mind will also be renewed
Let me dwell alone in your statutes that are pure
Help me worship and praise you in spirit and in truth
To the only Maker of heaven and earth be honor and glory
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think David invites us believers to let our mouths praise God alone?
PSALM 51 HAVE MERCY ON ME, O GOD
March 23
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PSALM 51 HAVE MERCY ON ME, O GOD
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. – Psalm 51:1-6
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PRAYER FOR PURIFICATION by ILMA
My Lord, forgive me for all my sins
I have done what is against your will
I thought highly of myself and boasted
I have not humbly accepted my arrogance
O God, you are the only one who can cleanse me
You are steadfast in your love and faithful to forgive
Teach me how to submit to your sovereignty and majesty
Crush all the assignments of the enemy to destroy me
Help me to see it when I displease and go against your law
Pull me up towards you each time I am tempted and fall
Make me aware how I can easily be deceived and corrupt
Lead me to your word and let your Spirit always bring me truth.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it dangerous to think that we have any part in the undeserved grace given to us by God?
PSALM 90 TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS
March 22
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PSALM 90 TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS
9 For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
10 The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. 11 Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? 12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. 13 Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! 14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. 16 Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. 17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! – Psalm 90:9-17
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PRAYER FOR WISDOM FOR OUR HEARTS by ILMA
O Lord, show us how to live for you alone
Do not let us cater to our own selfish ambitions
Only you know how much time we have here on earth
Make us discern to use such time for serving you and others
Show us how powerful you are, so we will stop boasting
Remind us constantly that you are the Creator who gave us all
Discipline us when we go astray and follow our nature
We never want to be the recipient of your wrath and anger.
Help us never to take for granted your steadfast love
Instead, make us rejoice and be glad for all of our days
Give us a heart that longs to know you constantly
Keep us away from corruption that lurks around us daily
Let your wonderful works be manifest clearly to your people
Extend your grace to us so we can give it to others as well
O Lord, bless our plans and the works of our hands
Establish it and make it prosper for your glory’s sake.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think Moses prayed such plea to number their days? What did he mean by this prayer?
• How is this prayer almost connected to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8?