March 26
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PSALM 135
8 He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and of beast;
9 who in your midst, O Egypt, sent signs and wonders
against Pharaoh and all his servants;
10 who struck down many nations and killed mighty kings,
11 Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan,
and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
12 and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to his people Israel.
13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever,
your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.
14 For the LORD will vindicate his people
and have compassion on his servants.
– Psalm 135:8-14
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PSALM 135 THE LORD VINDICATES HIS PEOPLE
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Do not fear when you are oppressed and shown prejudice
The Lord vindicates his people, he will grant you justice
Remember what the Lord did to the firstborn of Egypt?
He punished Pharaoh and all his servants for their cruelty.
The Lord ensures that his people are protected and delivered
No matter how strong the enemies appear, they will be defeated
For the Lord is our defender and Redeemer, he is our shield
Hold on tight to your faith in the Lord and you will be free.
There is no need to protect yourself from all the attacks of the foe
The Lord has given us truth, salvation and defense through his armor
Watch how the Lord will fulfill his promise to strike down the enemy
His compassion for his servants will prevail, his love endures forever.
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REFLECTION
• How can we avoid the tendency to defend ourselves when we are being attacked since the Lord is our vindicator? What happens when we defend ourselves?
Tag Archives: ILMA ARTS STUDIO
PSALM 135 WHATEVER PLEASES THE LORD HE DOES
March 25
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PSALM 135
Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD,
give praise, O servants of the LORD,
2 who stand in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God!
3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing to his name, for it is pleasant!
4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself,
Israel as his own possession.
5 For I know that the LORD is great,
and that our Lord is above all gods.
6 Whatever the LORD pleases, he does,
in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.
7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth,
who makes lightnings for the rain
and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
– Psalm 135:1-7
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PSALM 135 WHATEVER PLEASES THE LORD HE DOES
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Give honor and exaltation to the God who is above all gods
For he made the heavens, the earth and everything around us
He gave us the day so we can work and give him praise
Then, night follows so our bodies and minds get its needed rest
Whatever pleases the Lord he does; he created all things for his pleasure
But if man does whatever pleases him, he is headed for destruction.
Because of sin, man has failed to see the perspective of God
For us to see the Lord’s view, he gave us his only begotten Son
From the truth that comes from his word, we learn to fear him
Once we fear the Lord, we begin to have discernment and wisdom
Do only whatever is pleasing to the Lord and you will stay true
Then you will be rejoicing as you behold God’s control over you.
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REFLECTION
• How can verse 6 be a challenge to accept if one is an unbeliever?
PSALM 134 COME BLESS THE LORD
March 24
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PSALM 134
Come, bless the LORD,
all you servants of the LORD,
who stand by night
in the house of the LORD!
2 Lift up your hands to the holy place
and bless the LORD!
3 May the LORD bless you from Zion,
he who made heaven and earth!
– Psalm 134:1-3
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PSALM 134 COME, BLESS THE LORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
All you servants of the Lord, enter his house with praise
As you prepare for the day of worship, never cease to pray
Let your whole lives manifest the goodness of the Lord
Keep yourselves free from fear and worries from the world.
You bless the Lord, when you declare his word
It is alive and can show you what is right and what is wrong
Praise the One who is the Word, who became flesh
He sacrificed his life so that we can be saved and refreshed.
Come, bless the Lord with the blessings he poured on you
Our life’s purpose is to bring him glory; so, have your minds renewed
When we offer our lives to serve the Lord our God, we become a blessing
It is exalting him in the highest form of praise when we live holy lives.
May the Lord manifest his blessings on all his people
As they gather together to fulfill their covenant promise
May all of the saints endlessly proclaim all God’s blessings
May we never forget to make him first and be full of thanksgiving.
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REFLECTION
• What does it mean to “bless” the Lord? Why must we have this habit of blessing him?
PSALM 133 THE UPSIDE OF UNITY & DOWNSIDE OF DIVISION
March 23
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PSALM 133
Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore. – Psalm 133:1-3
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PSALM 133 THE UPSIDE OF UNITY & DOWNSIDE OF DIVISION
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When there is agreement among God’s chosen people
Creativity and love abound; peace and harmony arise
When two, three or more are gathered in one mind
Many things are accomplished and results are not hard to find.
When differences in human opinions and perspective abound
And selfish ambition and bitter jealousy are all around
Judgments, partiality and division amongst each other follow
Confrontations and fights erupt; many are in pain and sorrow.
Where there are fights and quarrels among nations and peoples
Confusion, disorder and uprising is not far from happening
When opinions and presumptions are the groundwork of relationships
There is much pain and misunderstandings; then love disintegrates.
Where there is love, patience, kindness, gentleness, unity is cultivated
When we do not think highly of ourselves, we begin to respect one another
Harmony is the result of loving our neighbor as we love the Lord
Peace and blessings come forth when we live for truth and follow the law.
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REFLECTION
• What results from unity as specified in this psalm?
PSALM 132 ABUNDANCE AND SATISFACTION COME FROM THE LORD ALONE
March 22
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PSALM 132
11 The LORD swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back:
“One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.
12 If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them,
their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.”
13 For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place:
14 “This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
15 I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16 Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy.
17 There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
18 His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine.”
– Psalm 132:11-18
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PSALM 132 ABUNDANCE AND SATISFACTION COME FROM THE LORD ALONE
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When the Lord made a covenant with his people, he promised a Savior
It was in the lineage of David that his own Son will be brought forth
He chose Israel with the condition that they will keep the promise
The Lord will teach his people the wonderful deeds and his testimonies.
When the Lord chose David, he gave him an abundance of blessings
He was anointed with much strength and power to win battles
Despite all the many foes that surround him, he relied on his Lord
He was tired but he knows God protected him and that he is cared for.
When the Lord God is your Master, you will lack nothing
Your enemies will not win for you are given authority and power
With God on your side, you will have contentment and peace
All your needs are met and you will have the fruit of the Spirit.
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REFLECTION
• How different is concept of “abundance” and “satisfaction” from a godly perspective than from a worldly view?
• What happens to our spirit when we start to lust for something that we do not have?
PSALM 132 UNTIL GOD IS WORSHIPPED AND HE DWELLS IN US
March 21
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PSALM 132
Remember, O LORD, in David’s favor, all the hardships he endured,
2 how he swore to the LORD and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3 “I will not enter my house or get into my bed,
4 I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,
5 until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7 “Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!”
8 Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.
9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your saints shout for joy.
10 For the sake of your servant David, do not turn away the face of your anointed one.
– Psalm 132:1-10
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PSALM 132 UNTIL GOD IS WORSHIPPED AND HE DWELLS IN US
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
In the midst of life, am I prioritizing the worship of my Lord?
Or am I so enmeshed and distracted by the systems of the world?
Does my heart and mind seek him first in all that I say and do?
Or am I constantly engrossed with selfish pursuits and idols?
Deliver me Lord from the sin that easily crops up in me
I have this tendency to make my life comfortable and easy
Take it away from me, so I can live to serving you only
Keep my eyes focused on your truth so that I can be holy.
I will not stop until you increase and I decrease
Remind me that I am strong especially in my weakness
Let me praise and glorify your holy name all of my life
Never let me be oppressed by the enemy, give me light.
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REFLECTION
• What traits of David was clearly displayed in this psalm?
• Why is it important for us to seek God first in all things?
PSALM 131 CALM & QUIET MY SOUL O LORD
March 20
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PSALM 131
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD
from this time forth and forevermore.
– Psalm 131:1-3
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PSALM 131 CALM & QUIET MY SOUL O LORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, without your steadfast love and forgiveness
I will continue to struggle with my sinfulness
Forgive me when I am overcome with haughtiness
Make me aware of all my transgressions and weaknesses
I have committed to follow your ways all the days of my life
Yet, I find myself being tempted to follow my cravings and desires
Show me each time I walk the path of darkness; shine your light on me
Do not let me be fearful of things that are uncomfortable and ugly.
Grant me a calm and quiet spirit and expose all lusts that entices me
Discipline me but be gracious to me when I become weak
Each time I am oppressed and minimized, give me patience
Wean me from anything that doesn’t show your magnificence
Calm and quiet my soul as it goes through waves of varying emotions
Only in you, O Lord can I be assured of peace and salvation
Let me be still and know that you are the only One in control
Keep my eyes focused on you and let me walk only in your ways.
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REFLECTION
• What can make our souls out of control and unwell?
PSALM 130 MY SOUL WAITS ON YOUR GRACE AND MERCY
March 19
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PSALM 130
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!
2 O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope; 6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.
8 And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
– Psalm 130:1-8
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PSALM 130 MY SOUL WAITS ON YOUR GRACE AND MERCY
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, out of my anguish and misery, I ask for your mercy
Grant my soul forgiveness, for I have been such a sinner
Out of your steadfast love, you have not punished me accordingly
My soul waits on your grace so I can repent and turn my back on sin.
My hope is on you alone; I am wretched on my own
I cry out to you; please pour out your mercy on my poor soul
Redeem me from all my natural tendencies and iniquities
Give me a heart that longs for you always and completely.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it essential to believers to constantly examine their hearts and humbly ask for God’s grace and mercy?
• What happens when we do not reflect on God’s generous grace and mercy?
PSALM 129 THE LORD HAS CUT THE CORDS OF THE WICKED
March18
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PSALM 129
“Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”- let Israel now say-
2 “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth,
yet they have not prevailed against me.
3 The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows.”
4 The LORD is righteous; he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5 May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward!
6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops,
which withers before it grows up,
7 with which the reaper does not fill his hand
nor the binder of sheaves his arms,
8 nor do those who pass by say,
“The blessing of the LORD be upon you!
We bless you in the name of the LORD!”
– Psalm 129:1-4
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PSALM 129 THE LORD HAS CUT THE CORDS OF THE WICKED
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Remember what the Lord has done for his people time and again
If you do not forget such wonderful deeds, you’ll have a lot of gain
You may not be free from corruption as you live in this world
But God has exposed all their wickedness through his word
Man’s nature is sinful but there is hope in the Risen Christ
If you believe in Jesus, you will overcome evil and have life.
It may not seem so bright as you are amongst the wicked
But remember that the Lord has already cut their cords
The blessings of the Lord is upon all those who love him
They are protected and have the answer to win over sin
Praise the Lord who has faithfully provided all your needs
Do not worry or be anxious, remember all his good deeds.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to recall God’s wonderful deeds as we live in this world?
PSALM 128 BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO WALK IN GOD’S WAYS
March 17
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PSALM 128
Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the LORD.
5 The LORD bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
6 May you see your children’s children!
Peace be upon Israel! – Psalm 128:1-6
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PSALM 128 BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO WALK IN GOD’S WAYS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When you serve the Lord, you will be blessed with bounty
There will be enough and more for yourself and your family
Blessed is everyone who walks in the ways of the Lord
They will be protected from the evil and chaos of this world
For each person who fears the Lord, blessings will flourish
They will be like a fruitful vine that gives yield to much harvest
There’ll be an overflow of offspring to the parents who serve God
Their love for the Lord will shine his light, his truth and his word
Blessed are all the humble and those who fear the Lord
For they will experience an overflow of spiritual growth
Discernment will thrive for all those who are righteous
For the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
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REFLECTION
• What is the greatest blessing you can take away from this psalm?