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?
Tag Archives: Christian poem
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?
PSALM 63 THE LOVE THAT IS BETTER THAN LIFE
February 3
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PSALM 63 THE LOVE THAT IS BETTER THAN LIFE
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up
my hands.5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,6 when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.9 But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; 10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals.11 But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
– Psalm 63:1-11
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YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN MY LIFE by ILMA
My Lord, I sincerely seek you; my whole being yearns for your company
My entire existence will cease if I cannot worship you and bring you glory
Like the trees and plants that need water for their sustenance
My life will run dry if I do not experience your Holy Presence.
I searched for you in your sanctuary, magnifying your power
Your steadfast love makes my entire existence much better
I will praise you constantly, with much joy and thanksgiving
My soul will only be content if I have your blessings.
When I go to bed at night, I meditate on your word
Without it, I will not know how to navigate this world
You have been my help and my provider and defender
My soul will abide in you, for you give life eternal.
Those who mean harm to me will have to face you, my Lord
You will never allow me to be overcome by this world
For He defends all who faithfully serve the One true Master
They’ll experience the best and the only love that matters.
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REFLECTION
• How is God’s steadfast love better than life as mentioned in this psalm?
WATCH OUT FOR DECEPTION, HUMAN TRADITIONS AND EMPY PHILOSOPHIES! ILMA’S VLOG
February 27
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WATCH OUT FOR DECEPTION, HUMAN TRADITIONS AND EMPY PHILOSOPHIES!
8 See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ. – Colossians 2:8
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In this passage, Paul addresses the issue of the heresies that the Colossians were surrounded with during the time Paul was writing this letter. Like a protective father, he was doing his best to guard his flock, those believers that were assigned to him by God Himself.
While Paul had probably passed through Colossae on his second missionary journey, he didn’t found the church at Colossae — directly. Rather, it was founded by Epaphras, whom Paul mentions in this letter. So, it may have been Epaphras who reported to Paul what was threatening the church in Colossae: heresies and deception. Dr. Ralph Wilson states in his introduction to the Colossians that the heresy have the following elements: a belief system that was hollow and deceptive, based on human traditions not godly ones, elemental spiritual forces underlying the system, not a Christ-centered teaching, ascetic disciplines are encouraged, Jewish food restrictions followed, angel worship, visionary experiences are flaunted, proud false teachers, rule-keeping, Christ is being maligned, Gnosticism and Stoicism are practiced. David Guzik comments that the Colossian heresy promoted itself as traditional. It could trace some or many of its ideas back to traditions among the Jews or the Greek philosophers or both. Paul here warned that the tradition of men has no equal authority to the word of God.
The letter of Paul emphasizes the importance of the Gentile believers in Colossae to be watchful of these heresies that they are being attacked with. He wants them to focus their eyes on the teaching of Christ so that they will not be easy prey for these heretics.
It is interesting to hear from Paul his concerns with the Colossian church. Aren’t our current churches being faced with the same heresies from the world system and other philosophies, cultural and political traditions that are not Christ-centered and are mostly false and deceptive? So many believers have been led astray by these people who claim that they are teaching the gospel of Christ, when they are actually just using the name of Jesus to propagate their heresies and create much chaos and corruption in our world? Many spiritual leaders themselves are the ones instigating all these heresies.
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REFLECTION
• What can a true believer do in order to bring back to light those who are misled?
WASHING HIS DISCIPLES’ FEET ILMA’S VLOG
August 11
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WASHING HIS DISCIPLES’ FEET
13 Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, 4got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself.5 Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” 8 Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” 9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10 Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, “Not all of you are clean.” – John 13:1-11
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This gospel account of John on Jesus’ washing the feet of His disciples is an amazing picture of humility at its best. At the beginning of this chapter, once again, Jesus manifests His deity and his great capacity to love. He knows everything and sees all things. He knows that the hour has come for Him to leave this world and be reunited with His Father. He is aware that Judas Iscariot was already manipulated by the devil to do this plot to sell Jesus so he can have more money. So, at the last supper with His disciples, He wanted to role model to them what a true disciple is. So, He poured water into a basin and began to wash each of their feet. In those times, people clean themselves up especially their feet because they didn’t have any form of transportation but they use their feet to walk all day to all places. Naturally, they would usually be dirty. Among the twelve disciples, no one took the initiative to do the washing of the feet of each other. It was the most menial task that someone can do, a lowly act. So, Jesus took the initiative to do it. He wanted to teach them that being a follower of Him meant being a servant to one another. It is interesting that Peter didn’t want Jesus to do it because he couldn’t fathom why the Master would serve the servants. What a humble way to lead others.
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REFLECTION
• How is the idea of leadership very different in God’s economy from the world’s?
THOSE WHO SEEK THE LORD LACK NO GOOD THING ILMA’S VLOG
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May 25
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THOSE WHO SEEK THE LORD LACK NO GOOD THING
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;
But those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.11 Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD. – Psalm 34:1-11
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This psalm enumerates the benefits of those who seek and fear the Lord. The psalmist never failed to forget to praise and bless the Lord at all times. He promised faithfulness in continually doing so with his mouth, making it a habit to speak to exalt the Almighty. When he sought the Lord, he answered and rescued him from all fears and troubles. What is amazing is the fact that the Lord assigns angels to encamp around those who seek him and those who revere him. They don’t lack any good thing. What amazing promises are given to those who stay faithful and incessantly give God glory! So, how come, many believers fail to continually seek the Lord, make him a priority and fear him?
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord for providing protection and keeping his promises to those who love him. Hallelujah to our Lord and Savior.
CONFESSION: Forgive me for forgetting to always be expectant that you are my Deliverer.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your steadfast love despite my failure to be faithful to you.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers constantly be reminded of God’s promises and steadfast love. May they give the Lord all the glory and praise.
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REFLECTION
• Share a testimony when the promise of lacking nothing good came upon you?
• How do you feel about knowing that angels are encamped around Christians?
DELIVER ME, O LORD, FROM EVIL ILMA’S VLOG
March 25
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DELIVER ME, O LORD, FROM EVIL
Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,
2 Who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually.
3 They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s,
And under their lips is the venom of asps.
4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men,
Who have planned to trip up my feet.5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,
And with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me.
6 I say to the LORD, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD!
7 O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation,
You have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;
Do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted!
9 As for the head of those who surround me,
Let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them! 10 Let burning coals fall upon them!
Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise!
11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land;
Let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!
12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
And will execute justice for the needy.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;
The upright shall dwell in your presence. – Psalm 140:1-13
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David prays for protection from various kinds of people, the evil men, violent ones, the wicked ones, the arrogant and the slanderer. He asks for deliverance from a God whom he knows will surely protect the upright who dwells in His presence. His hope is infectious.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord who can deliver us from all kinds of evil.
CONFESSION: I believe that you have covered all those who are righteous, my Lord.
WHO IS LIKE THE LORD OUR GOD? Poem Devotional
February 12
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WHO IS LIKE THE LORD OUR GOD?
Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD,
Praise the name of the LORD! 2 Blessed be the name of the LORD.
From this time forth and forevermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised!
4 The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!
5 Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high,
6 Who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8 To make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.
9 He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the LORD! – Psalm 113:1-9
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According to the ESV Bible Study footnotes this short hymn of praise celebrates the way in which the great God who rules over all takes notice of the lowly. Such a God is indeed worthy to be praised by all mankind. Psalms 113-118 have been used in connection with Passover. These psalms likely provided the hymn that Jesus and his disciples sang after the Passover meal (Matt 26:30).
This hymn elevates a God who sees all especially even the poor and the lowly (verse 7). It is amazing to remember that he is a God of Justice (verse 7-9) who brings equality to those who are poor and deprived. God’s people must never forget this one and only God who loves all his creation. We must revel and worship this God who is faithful, just and loving.
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ADORATION: You are one of a kind. We praise you Lord of all creation, full of love and mercy. You are just and fair to all of mankind. You are holy and righteous.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I fail to be fair to others especially when I forget those who are in need and hurting.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your unwavering and unfailing love and mercy to undeserving people like us.
SUPPLICATION: May all the earth give glory to God who is one of a kind and full of mercy.
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REFLECTION
• How can believers maintain a posture of worship to the one true God daily?
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE LORD Poem Devotional
February 10
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MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE LORD
Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
2 The LORD has made known his salvation;
He has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;
Break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
Make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!
7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it!
8 Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together
9 Before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. – Psalm 98:1-9
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This psalm is a celebration of God’s marvelous deeds for his people. This psalm reminds me of New Year’s celebration in my country of origin, the Philippines. Filipinos celebrate the coming of the year with a big bang, loud firecrackers and fireworks that probably lasts for a minimum of an hour and a maximum of four hours. Why can’t we do that for God who made all things? This psalm shouts and gives praises to the Lord who granted deliverance for the house of Israel. It also tells the whole world that God can do the same for all nations and it invites all people to praise the Lord.
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ADORATION: Shout and make noises to rejoice because the Lord is good. Praise him forever! He delivers his people from all evil and brings peace and joy to all mankind.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord when I am not expressing gratitude that declares your love.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for being faithful and a promise keeper.
SUPPLICATION: May all people declare and shout out loud their praises to the Lord.
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REFLECTION
• Why is rejoicing and making noises to the Lord something all Christians must do?