May 17
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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
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. – Psalm 135:1-12
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The psalm focuses on God’s Sovereignty and power. The psalmist praises God’s name and reminds all believers of these attributes of God. He encourages all committed believers to stand in the house of the Lord and sing his name forever. It is a way of thanking God for having chosen Israel to be his own treasured and prized possession. It also stresses that the Lord does whatever He pleases. Since he knows all things and made all things, he has the sole authority to do as he wants because all things are made by him. He knows how to change what needs to be done in order that such things and such people will fit his majestic plan. It is interesting how the sinful bent of man likes to control things but we forget that God is the only one in control.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord who is omnipotent and does what pleases him.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord when I do what I please instead of what pleases you.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all the power you exercise over your creation.
SUPPLICATION: May all humans recognize God’s sovereignty in all things.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it that it is only God can do what he pleases? Why can’t man do it too?
Tag Archives: ILMA ARTS STUDIO
THE LORD HEALS THE BROKEN-HEARTED ILMA’S VLOG
May 15
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THE LORD HEALS THE BROKEN-HEARTED
Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God;
For it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
He gathers the outcasts of Israel.3 He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.4 He determines the number of the stars;
He gives to all of them their names.5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
His understanding is beyond measure.6 The LORD lifts up the humble;
He casts the wicked to the ground. 7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
Make melody to our God on the lyre! 8 He covers the heavens with clouds;
He prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry.
10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
11 But the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
In those who hope in his steadfast love. – Psalm 147:1-11
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This psalm encourages us to sing praises to our God for it is only right and fitting. He has built us up. The psalmist puts emphasis on the fact that God heals the broken hearted and binds up their wound. This psalm focuses on gratitude of God’s people for all that he was done for them. He has given them all their needs such as providing them with rain for the earth so that the grass grows. But one of the things that the psalmist emphasizes in this song is that the Lord also delights in those who fear him and those who hope in his unwavering love.
I am a testament to how the Lord heals the broken hearted. I wouldn’t be here witnessing to you how God had been faithful to deliver me from the pain and traumas I went through. He healed my wounds with the truth in his word.
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ADORATION: Praise and exult the Lord with songs of adoration and praise. He is Good.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I forget to give you all the glory my Lord and Master.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all the things that you have provided your people.
SUPPLICATION: May all the broken-hearted find hope in God’s steadfast love.
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REFLECTION
• How can we develop an attitude of praise and thanksgiving for all God gives us?
MEDITATE ON GOD’S MIGHTY DEEDS ILMA’S VLOG
May 14
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MEDITATE ON GOD’S MIGHTY DEEDS
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders;
You have made known your might among the peoples.
15 You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph.
16 When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
Indeed, the deep trembled.17 The clouds poured out water;
The skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side.
18 The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
Your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook.
19 Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters;
Yet your footprints were unseen 20 You led your people like a flock
By the hand of Moses and Aaron.– Psalm 77:11-20
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How often do we reflect and remember the mighty deeds of God? We become so absorbed with our lives here on earth that we easily forget the miracles that God has done to show his chosen people his love for us, his provision, his deliverance. In this psalm, the psalmist recalls those times when God made wondrous deeds such us redeeming his people, the children of Jacob and Joseph and by the hand of Moses and Aaron brought them to the Promised Land. When we meditate on the fulfilled promises and miracles that God has already shown us, we are strengthening our faith and giving Him praise as well. When we count our blessings, we become more hopeful and grow in our trust that once again, he will keep doing his promises.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord who is faithful to deliver his promises.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord, when I don’t magnify at your wondrous deeds.
THANKSGIVING: What can the remembrance of God’s miracles do to our lives?
SUPPLICATION: May we constantly be in awe of all the wondrous deeds of God.
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REFLECTION
• How can meditating on God’s wondrous deeds change our hearts?
I SEEK THE LORD IN TIMES OF TROUBLE ILMA’S VLOG
May 13
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I SEEK THE LORD IN TIMES OF TROUBLE
I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me.
In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;
In the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;
My soul refuses to be comforted.3 When I remember God, I moan;
When I meditate, my spirit faints. 4 You hold my eyelids open;
I am so troubled that I cannot speak 5 I consider the days of old, the years long ago.
6 I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.”
Then my spirit made a diligent search: 7 “Will the Lord spurn forever,
And never again be favorable? 8 Has his steadfast love forever ceased?
Are his promises at an end for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” 10 Then I said, “I will appeal to this,
To the years of the right hand of the Most High.” – Psalm 77:1-10
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The psalmist shows how he runs and cries out loud to God in times of trouble. He clearly gives a picture how he wallowed in the pain caused by his troubles which have led him to doubt or question if God has forgotten him. There is certainly an examination of the motives of his heart involved from verses 6-10.
It is interesting how the Lord uses troubles in our lives to make us get down on our knees and ask his help. It is when we are beset by helplessness that he makes us grow in humility to run to him and ask for deliverance or to be rescued. But we shouldn’t limit our reliance on God only when we are in trouble. We also need to worship him despite all the bad and the good things that happens to us. He is looking for people who will worship him in spirit and in truth.
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ADORATION: Lord, you are gracious and forgiving, I praise your steadfast love and grace.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I succumb to hopelessness and helplessness.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your word that always sets me free.
SUPPLICATION: May we constantly seek God’s guidance and help in our lives especially in times of troubles.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think people only run to God when they are in trouble?
MAY ALL KINGS SERVE THE LORD ILMA’S VLOG
May 12
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MAY ALL KINGS SERVE THE LORD
May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!
12 For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper.
13 He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life,
And precious is their blood in his sight.15 Long may he live;
May gold of Sheba be given to him! May prayer be made for him continually,
And blessings invoked for him all the day!
16 May there be abundance of grain in the land;
On the tops of the mountains may it wave; may its fruit be like Lebanon;
And may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field!
17 May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun!
May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed!
18 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.
19 Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory!
Amen and Amen! 20 The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended. – Psalm 72:11-20
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As we live in this world, we are all under the authority of a leader, ruler or a monarch. Many nations have suffered many evil things because of how some of these leaders ruled their countries or kingdoms. In this psalm, a blessing is prayed over the kings that will become heirs to David’s throne. The psalmist’s prayer is that may all these kings fall down before the Lord and serve him for the Lord is king of all kings. God has chosen these rulers so that it will fit into His plan. It would benefit mankind if all people give their rulers prayers and blessings so that they can accomplish the tasks and their authorities according to the bigger plan of God.
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ADORATION: Praise the most Sovereign of all kings, our Lord Jesus Christ.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord when I fail to remember to bless my leaders.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for giving us someone to lead us.
SUPPLICATION: May all leaders recognize that they are also servants to God.
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REFLECTION
• What are the ways we bless our leaders to keep peace reigning in the world?
MAY THE RIGHTEOUS FLOURISH AND PEACE ABOUND ILMA’S VLOG
May 11
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MAY THE RIGHTEOUS FLOURISH AND PEACE ABOUND
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son!
2 May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice!
3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness!
4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
Give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!
5 May they fear you while the sun endures,
And as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth!
7 In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!
8 May he have dominion from sea to sear, and from the River to the ends of the earth!
9 May desert tribes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust!
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute;
May the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! – Psalm 72:1-10
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This psalm is a prayer that David’s heirs might be faithful kings, which means ruling God’s people well, protecting the poor and needy and bringing blessing to all nations of the earth. It is request to the Lord that during the reign of the kings that follow David, they will give deliverance to the needy, crush the oppressors. The prayer also requests that there will be flourishing of righteousness and peace amongst Jerusalem and God’s people. Honor and respect from other rulers and sovereign leaders is also something that the prayer asks God for. The prayer is also that all the heirs of David will follow suit to this.
Shouldn’t we also pray the same prayers for our leaders and rulers in our nations? That they may lead us all honestly and think of the good of all and peace to reign in the whole world?
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord, He is the king of all kings, Sovereign over all rulers.
CONFESSION: May all rulers acknowledge the kingship of Jesus.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for keeping us in peace even amidst a pandemic.
SUPPLICATION: May all leader recognize that God has placed them in that position.
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REFLECTION
• How can praying for our leaders change the way the world can become?
GOD HAS LISTENED ILMA’S VLOG
May 10
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GOD HAS LISTENED
You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs;
12 You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water;
Yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.
13 I will come into your house with burnt offerings; I will perform my vows to you,
14 That which my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.
15 I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals,
With the smoke of the sacrifice of rams; I will make an offering of bulls and goats.
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
17 I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue.
18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
19 But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer
Or removed his steadfast love from me! – Psalm 66:11-20
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This psalm recounts how God allowed suffering and pain in the lives of those whom He delivers. These trials and hardships are what God used to bring them out of trouble. It becomes a test of their faith and the source of strength and endurance to go through what comes their way. Verses 17-18 identifies what will be required for God to hear our prayers: fear of the Lord and giving up of sin. These are very essential requirements of answered prayer. Oftentimes, man do not follow such necessities when they lift up their voices to God. Many occasions, we fail to ask in line with his will. Thus, we end up not being able to be heard. God will never give us anything that will be detrimental to us. Have you ever asked God something and he listened?
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ADORATION: Praise a God who hears our prayers. He is full of Mercy and steadfast Love.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I ask something that isn’t what you want for me.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you Lord, for all your test so I can grow in faith and endurance.
SUPPLICATION: May all of God’s people recognize the importance of trials and hardships in life and learn to endure and grow their faith.
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REFLECTION
SHOUT JOYFULLY GOD’S AWESOME DEEDS
May 9
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SHOUT JOYFULLY GOD’S AWESOME DEEDS!
Shout for joy to God, all the earth; 2 sing the glory of his name;
Give to him glorious praise! 3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
4 All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.”
5 Come and see what God has done:
He is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
6 He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot.
There did we rejoice in him, 7 who rules by his might forever,
Whose eyes keep watch on the nations—let not the rebellious exalt themselves.
8 Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard,
9 Who has kept our soul among the living and has not let our feet slip.
10 For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. – Psalm 66:1-10
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When we shout out loud something, we are expressing the uncontainable emotion inside us. In this psalm, all the earth is summoned to shout for joy to God, to give him praise and all the glory. When we declare aloud all of God’s wonderful and awesome work, we bring him glory. Rejoicing is one manifestation of our thankfulness and delight in what God has given us. It is a way of blessing God for all the love he has showered us with and all the provisions he has given us. Verses 8-10 mentions how God has strengthened his people by testing and trying them as silver is tested through fire. It is a hymn of exultation over the deliverance of God to those who are faithful to him.
In our present day and age, do we shout joyfully God’s awesome deeds? How many believers actually make a habit of this? How many of us get consumed by the corruption of this world that we fail to even thank and acknowledge God for what we have received?
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord who is a generous Giver of all things that we need.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I take for granted opportunities to shout joyfully.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all that you have delivered me from Lord.
SUPPLICATION: May all of God’s people make a habit of shouting out joyfully God’s deeds.
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REFLECTION
• How can joyful shouting of God’s marvelous deeds change our perspective in life?
THE UPRIGHT SHALL RULE ILMA’S VLOG
May 8
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THE UPRIGHT SHALL RULE
Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations,
Though they called lands by their own names.12 Man in his pomp will not remain;
He is like the beasts that perish.13 This is the path of those who have foolish confidence;
Yet after them people approve of their boasts.
14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd,
And the upright shall rule over them in the morning.
Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell.
15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.
16 Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases.
17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.
18 For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed
And though you get praise when you do well for yourself—
19 His soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see light.
20 Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.
– Psalm 49:11-20
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This psalm of one of the sons of Korah reminds us of man’s mortality and that nothing in life is permanent. No matter how much properties they own with their names on their land titles, they will still perish and cannot take any of their wealth after their deaths. Those who live righteous lives on the other hand will enjoy the promise of God’s redemption from the power of hell. The psalmist gives us words of wisdom to not concern ourselves of things of this world especially of accumulating earthly possessions for it will not matter in the end anyway. Let us boast of how we can live holy lives while we are still on earth rather than concern ourselves with riches that doesn’t have value in eternity.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord, the source of Eternal life.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I become attach to earthly things.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for reminding me of my mortality.
SUPPLICATION: May we gather heavenly treasures instead of worldly matters.
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REFLECTION
• Why does man get so wrapped up with worldly stuff when it doesn’t last forever?
WORLDLY MATTERS DON’T MATTER ILMA’S VLOG
May 7
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WORLDLY MATTERS DON’T MATTER
Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world,
2 Both low and high, rich and poor together!
3 My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.
4 I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.
5 Why should I fear in times of trouble,
When the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me,
6 Those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?
7 Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life,
8 For the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice,
9 That he should live on forever and never see the pit.
10 For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish
And leave their wealth to others. – Psalm 49:1-10
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This psalm written by the sons of Korah is a great reminder for all mankind, low and high, rich and poor alike. We can never boast of our possessions or be consumed by wanting to have riches. In verse 4, we hear the psalmist suggests the importance of listening to wisdom instead of living in fear. Just like the book of Ecclesiastes says in the first chapter, everything is meaningless; everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. The psalm talks about the fact that no one have guarantees in this life. They can never ransom another life. Both the poor and the wealthy, the wise and the fools all perish. The rich cannot bring their wealth when they die. Only dependence on God can bring them salvation. Eternal life is their only guarantee, so why depend on worldly matters instead of spiritual things?
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord Almighty, the God of our salvation!
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord, when I focus on worldly things and boast about it.
THANKSGIVING: Remind me to boast only of my dependence on you.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers remember that only in God will they have eternity.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to remember that worldly matters won’t matter in eternity?