March 4
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PSALM 119
137 Righteous are you, O LORD, and right are your rules.
138 You have appointed your testimonies
in righteousness and in all faithfulness.
139 My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
143 Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.
– Psalm 119:137-144
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PSALM 119 YOUR TESTIMONIES ARE RIGHTEOUS FOREVER
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, you are full of steadfast love and righteous altogether
Grant me stability to follow your precepts without hesitating
Even in the midst of troubles and being despised and marginalized
I will still delight in your laws and follow your commandments.
Righteous are you my Lord, everything you do is for good
Let me focus on your word so I won’t be corrupted by the world
Your testimonies are righteous forever and is a reminder of your love
Let me declare and be a witness to all of your shower of mercy and grace.
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REFLECTION
• What is the psalmist’s antidote for troubles and anguish in verse 143?
• What are the results of taking delight in the law of the Lord and his testimonies?
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PSALM 119 YOUR WORD GIVES LIGHT & WISDOM TO THE SIMPLE
March 3
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PSALM 119
129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from man’s oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law. – Psalm 119:129-136
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PSALM 119 YOUR WORD GIVES LIGHT & WISDOM TO THE SIMPLE
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, let my mouth only declare what is true and what is right
Help me hunger for it for the unfolding of your word gives light
Keep my path always leading to follow your commandments
Save me from human injustice and man’s oppressions
I mourn for those who do not want to commit to your laws
Rescue us when we go with our nature and follow our flesh.
Let all the faithful ones shout out loud your wonderful deeds
Let no one boast of anything because you made all things
Even the simple can be wise when they read your word
Scripture brings clarity and wisdom to overcome this world
Make your face shine on all you’ve chosen and all those who love you
Protect us from haughtiness, pride or being wise in our own views.
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REFLECTION
• Share a time when the word of God shed light on something that was unclear.
PSALM 119 BECAUSE I HAVE DONE WHAT IS JUST AND RIGHT
March 2
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PSALM 119
121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the LORD to act,
for your law has been broken.
127 Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way. – Psalm 119:121-128
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PSALM 119 BECAUSE I HAVE DONE WHAT IS JUST AND RIGHT
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, you have chosen me as your servant
You also gave me your Spirit to do what’s right
Your steadfast love overflows to those whom you love
Your grace alone sustains us so we are able to grow.
Because I have faithfully done what is just and right
Give me protection and deliverance from the evil one
Grant wisdom to your devoted people who is in dire need of you
Because I have shown no partiality and followed your laws.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the psalmist sounded so confident about his faithfulness to
do what is just and right?
• Why is it important for us to pray for God to give us wisdom and discernment?
PSALM 119 THE DOUBLE-MINDED & THE FAITHFUL
March 1
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PSALM 119
113 I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments. – Psalm 119:113-120
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PSALM 119 THE DOUBLE-MINDED & THE FAITHFUL
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
The word of the Lord is true, alive and will benefit us all
If we keep it in our hearts and follow the word, we will not fall
The Lord God is generous to grant wisdom to those who ask
If we ask for it, we must do it without wavering, but in faith
The double-minded are unstable in all their ways, always uncertain
They cannot expect to receive anything from God; they are faithless
But those whose flesh trembles for fear of the Lord will flourish
Because they hope in the Lord and his word, they will not blunder
Depart from all evildoers and those who are unfaithful
They will open doors for you to follow your sinful nature
Run to the throne of God so you will be protected from evil
He alone can save and deliver you from the works of the devil.
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REFLECTION
• Why does the psalmist caution us from being double-minded or wavering?
PSALM 119 THE WORD IS A LAMP AND LIGHT
February 28
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PSALM 119
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
107 I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word!
108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise,
O LORD, and teach me your rules.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end. – Psalm 119:105-112
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PSALM 119 THE WORD IS A LAMP AND LIGHT
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Without the word of God, I will be groping in the dark
It is the truth that will make me see; it is like a lamp
When the world systems seduce me with deceits
Scripture will expose it and protect me from all evils.
The testimonies of the Lord fill my heart with joy
I will declare it so I will overcome all my troubles
The word of God is the light that shows me his path
Without it, my life will be in shambles and pitch black.
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REFLECTION
• How has the word of the Lord become a lamp and a light in your life?
• Share an instance in your life or in others that the word of God exposed a lie.
• How can consuming God’s word and following it give us discernment?
PSALM 119 THE WORD IS SWEETER THAN HONEY
February 27
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PSALM 119
97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore, I hate every false way.
– Psalm 119:97-104
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PSALM 119 THE WORD IS SWEETER THAN HONEY
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Can you think of anything else much sweeter than honey?
The word of the Lord is better and more nourishing
If you feed on the truth from Scripture, you will have wisdom
Your enemies will not be able to continue attacking.
When you meditate and follow the truth from the word
You are able discern and recognize the works of the devil
You will not be corrupted easily by the systems of the world
You will hate all wickedness, deceptions and all things evil.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the psalmist compared the word of God to honey and say it is sweeter?
• What are the benefits of feeding on the word of God according to this psalm?
PSALM 119 YOUR COMMANDS GIVE LIFE
February 26
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PSALM 119
89 Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
– Psalm 119:89-96
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PSALM 119 YOUR COMMANDS GIVE LIFE
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Your word is alive and lasts forever; it is firmly fixed and true
With it, you created all creatures on earth and the whole of nature
You established the earth and all the things you placed on it
Your creation is so beautifully made; it shows your ingenuity
Boundaries were created by you so there will be order
But your word is limitless to bring about love in each other
I will always remember your commands for they give me life
With it, I am able to recognize what is true and what are lies
I will stumble and be blind if I don’t follow your laws
Lord, help me never to fail to obey whatever you say.
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REFLECTION
• Share a moment in your life when the precepts of the Lord has brought you out of the darkness and into the light.
PSALM 119 MY HOPE IS IN YOUR WORD
February 25
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PSALM 119
81 My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. – Psalm 119:81-88
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PSALM 119 MY HOPE IS IN YOUR WORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, help me as I feel weak with all the pressures in life
Shine your light on me so that I can be strong and fight
Though the enemy have plotted to crush my spirit
My hope is in your word; let me meditate on it
When I feel so discouraged and hopeless
Let me never forget all your goodness
In your steadfast love, you give me life
Help me to dwell on your word as it is my light
It is through your word that I can overcome sin
Your Spirit guides me so I can overcome and win.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it a good idea to run to the word of God especially when we feel weak?
PSALM 119 YOUR LAW IS MY DELIGHT
February 24
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PSALM 119
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me,
that I may live; for your law is my delight.
78 Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame. – Psalm 119:73-80
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PSALM 119 YOUR LAW IS MY DELIGHT
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, you have made me into your own likeness
Do not let me succumb to my own sinfulness
Make my heart long for your word at all times
Grant me peace and a longing for what is right.
Let all those who scheme and plot evil be stopped
Let your word shine through and expose their plans
Your law is my delight and my light in this corrupt world
Make me constantly follow it and let me always consume your word.
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REFLECTION
• How can consuming God’s word and loving his laws be fruitful for the life of those who serve the Lord? What happens when we don’t delight in his laws?
PSALM 119 WHEN YOU TREASURE GOD’S PRECEPTS
February 23
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PSALM 119
65 You have dealt well with your servant,
O LORD, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
– Psalm 119:65-72
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PSALM 119 WHEN YOU TREASURE GOD’S PRECEPTS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
There is no other way to live a full life but to follow God’s laws
He gave us such principles for our own good so we must follow
Even when we are afflicted and suffering, it gives us hope
It is a treasure better than all the gold and silver in the world.
When you treasure God’s precepts, you become wise
The Lord is pleased with all those who follow his advice
When we take delight in his truth, we can overcome sin
We learn to discern all of the enemy’s plots and schemes.
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REFLECTION
• What are the benefits of following God’s precepts according to this psalm?
• Why does the world view law or rules as a restriction to their freedom?