February 23
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PSALM 12 THE FAITHFUL HAVE VANISHED
Save, O LORD, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man. 2 Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. 3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, 4 those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us?” 5 “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” 6 The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.7 You, O LORD, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation forever.8 On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man.
– Psalm 12:1-8
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PRAYER FOR PURITY AND HONESTY by ILMA
Lord, all those who live honest lives have vanished
Every person utters lies and speaks mostly rubbish
Many want to please each other but not the Lord
Nobody really cares about the truth and his word
Even those who claim to have faith have failed
Opportunities to witness for Christ are missed
Each one seeks his own convenience and safety
Gone are the loving and compassionate servants
What a crazy world we live in where flattery thrives
Honest and pure people are rare and so hard to come by
Give us hearts that long to be pure for your glory
Keep us away from the corruption of the enemy
Put a guard on our mouths and let us utter life
Keep our lips from deceit and from speaking lies
Make us desire your will instead of following ours
Never let the enemy win or allow him to devour us
Protect us from all vile schemes of the devil
Lord, deliver us from all wickedness and evil.
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REFLECTION
• James 3:6 agrees with the psalmist about how evil our tongue is. What does the psalmist pray for in verse 3 and why should we pray this same request?
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PSALM 9 LET NATIONS KNOW THEY ARE BUT MEN
February 22
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PSALM 9 LET NATIONS KNOW THEY ARE BUT MEN
11 Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds.
12 For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted. 13 Be gracious to me, O LORD! See my affliction from those who hate me, O you who lift me up from the gates of death, 14 that I may recount all your praises, that in the gates of the daughter of Zion I may rejoice in your salvation.15 The nations have sunk in the pit
that they made; in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught. 16The LORD has made himself known; he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion. Selah 17 The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God. 18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever. 19 Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! 20 Put them in fear, O LORD! Let the nations know that they are but men!
Selah– Psalm 9:11-20
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CAUTION TO THE WICKED by ILMA
Give praise to the Lord, who sees all things good and evil
He deals with evil and confronts all the works of the devil
The Lord remembers those who are afflicted and oppressed
He is gracious with anyone who belongs to him and is suppressed
Rejoice and recall all the things that God has done for you
Do not boast about anything; he alone deserves it, not you
The Lord has made it clear to men what they were made for
And yet, men sinned and changed his make, to serve his own.
The Lord exposes evil and trap the wicked in their own works
All of you who live for yourselves and follow the systems of this world
Let the nations know that they aren’t in control and are very limited
Only God is Sovereign, sees all things and has power and authority
Run from evil, all you wicked people who don’t fear the Lord
Remember that God punishes sin with such hatred and wrath
Go and repent so you can experience God’s grace and mercy
Leave your selfish, idolatrous lives and bow down to Him only.
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REFLECTION
• How is this psalm’s message relevant to our current world today where leaders and governments think they are in control?
PSALM 2 WHY DO NATIONS RAGE
February 20
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PSALM 2 WHY DO NATIONS RAGE
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 “As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the
ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” 10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. – Psalm 2:1-12
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WARNING TO REBELS AND RULERS OF THIS WORLD by ILMA
Why is there so much anger from nations and many humans?
Why do the nations rage and peoples plot against God’s Son?
They use their positions and authority to form bonds together
Thinking that they can win an uprising against their own Maker.
God the Father watches from heaven all this foolish futile rebellion
He mocks all these conspiracies and lawlessness and division
God confronts such acts against his anointed One
Nothing these rebels do can change God’s plans.
To his Chosen Son, he gives all dominion and authority
No powers and rulers can compare with his Sovereignty
Therefore, all kings, leaders, rulers and rebels in this world
Watch out; turn away from sin, repent and bow down to the Lord.
The Lord God doesn’t take lightly those who plot against him
He hates all that is unrighteous and those who constantly sin
Serve the Lord with reverence, trembling and much fervor
The only way you can be saved is by bowing down to the Savior.
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REFLECTION
• Why was God entertained in heaven as he watched these plots against him?
PSALM 118 THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE, LET US REJOICE
February 19
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PSALM 118 THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE, LET US REJOICE
20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. 21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.25 Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD. 27 The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar! 28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. 29 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
– Psalm 118:20-29
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BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD by ILMA
O Lord, give us a grateful heart that always acknowledges you
Thank you for opening the gate of heaven to the righteous
Your Son Jesus became human and was rejected and killed
This led to our salvation and cleansed us from sin.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
He will overcome the systems of this world
The Lord allowed suffering so we can come close to him
He manifests his power when we are not strong but weak.
Blessed is he who follows him and brings his kingdom alive
It is the Lord who makes all thing possible and bring light
He has made his light shine upon all those who believe
Let us all abide in His steadfast love and sow seeds.
Blessed is he who rejoices and give thanks to the Lord
They will be content and bear fruits to defeat the world
Let us all rejoice and be glad in it; He is worthy of our praise
O Lord, I thank you for all your gifts to the human race.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to bless those who do the works of God’s kingdom and those who represent the Lord?
• How is rejoicing an essential act that all believers need to regularly manifest?
PSALM 118 THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH
February 18
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PSALM 118 THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH
5 Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. 6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? 7 The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.10 All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! 11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
12 They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! 13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.15 Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,
16 the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. 18 The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness
that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.20 This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. – Psalm 118:5-20
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THE LORD IS ON MY SIDE by ILMA
There are forces going against my walk with the Lord
I called out to him and seek his will in his word
I am constantly attacked by the foe day by day
It may seem like I am falling, but God is on my side
The Lord is my strength and my Saviour; I will not be afraid
I cry out to him for help and I am sure he will lead the way
He will rescue me out of my distress and suffering
He chose me first and he’s there for me since the beginning
What can man do to me if God is on my side?
Evil will not prevail to anyone who loves him and abide
I know that God will keep his promises to bring me freedom
I will keep on pursuing love so I can enter his kingdom
The gate of the Lord lets in those who walk in uprightness
I look forward to be with him, who is the source of righteousness.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think this psalm is called by Martin Luther as his own psalm?
PSALM 62 TRUST IN GOD AT ALL TIMES
February 17
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PSALM 62 TRUST IN GOD AT ALL TIMES
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. 3 How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah 5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah 9 Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. 10 Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them. 11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, 12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.
– Psalm 62:1-12
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TRUST GOD NOT MAN by ILMA
To trust in the Lord means that your soul waits quietly
All efforts to do something or take control is tucked quickly
Those who place their faith in God is never greatly shaken
No matter how much beatings they get, they are not totally broken
Place your hope in the Lord who is your rock and sanctuary
He will give you strength and make you walk courageously
Do not trust men who only looks after their own interests
Run to the Lord so you will not be deceived by their selfishness
Trust in the Lord at all time, he is the only one who truly cares
Man will always have an agenda, they will eventually fail
Be wary of what riches the world offers, they are not lasting
Pursue only what is pure, true, peaceful, just and lovely
Do not let your sinful nature rule or dominate your life
Trust only in the one who can give you only things that really lasts.
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REFLECTION
• How can silence and waiting be a manifestation of trusting the Lord?
• Why is it important to run to God and not to man when we are struggling?
PSALM 56 WHEN AFRAID I PUT MY TRUST IN GOD
February 16
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PSALM 56 WHEN AFRAID I PUT MY TRUST IN GOD
Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me;2 my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly.3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?5 All day long they injure my cause; all their thoughts are against me for evil.6 They stir up strife, they lurk; they watch my steps, as they have waited for my life. 7 For their crime will they escape? In wrath cast down the peoples, O God! 8 You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? 9 Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,11 in God I trust
I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?12 I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you.13 For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. – Psalm 56:1-13
________________________________________PRAYER TO ALLEVIATE FEAR by ILMA
O Lord, we are surrounded by things we have no control over
Will you remind me that you are the Almighty and source of power?
I deal with daily battles where the enemy attacks constantly
I put my trust in you; for you love me completely and faithfully
When I am afraid, I will run to you for comfort and strength
No man can ever give me that assurance and confidence
When the enemy casts his spell and tactics on me
I cannot win if you do not let me tap into your mercy.
You are a just God who won’t allow me to be overcome by evil
Show me the unseen forces that constantly surround me
I totally trust that you will keep count of all my fears and anxieties
You put my tears in a bottle and in your book, you have it recorded
I put my hope in you alone for you know me in and out
You are the only one who can make me walk in the light
Deliver me from all that is in my flesh and in this world
Make me dependent on you always; help me follow your word.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to run to God when afraid or overwhelmed by troubles and difficulties in life?
PSALM 36 LET NOT ARROGANCE COME UPON ME
February 14
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Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes.2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. 3 The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good.4 He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil. 5 Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. 6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD. 7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. 10 Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart! 11 Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. 12 There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down, unable to rise. – Psalm 36:1-12
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WARNING TO THE PROUD AND HAUGHTY by ILMA
To those who have become boastful and think highly of themselves
Be warned, for they will be blinded by their own foolish ways
If they think they have no need to fear the Lord God
Troubles and deceit will come out of their actions and mouths
Since they do not heed any wise words from others
They become blind and foolish and don’t see the big picture
They do not consult the truth that only comes in God’s word
They are only interested in walking in the ways of the world.
Let the haughty spirits depart from your children
Let all wickedness be discovered from being hidden
Your steadfast love will sustain all who love you
Your faithfulness and mercy will fill your people up
Keep us humble, obedient and never give in to pride
Take care of your church who is your Son’s bride
Drive away all wickedness and evil doers from your people
Help them to follow your Spirit and let go of their own nature.
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REFLECTION
• How does Proverbs 16:18 which says “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” resounds in this psalm?
PSALM 15 WHO SHALL DWELL ON YOUR HOLY HILL?
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?
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?