February 22
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PSALM 119
57 The LORD is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58 I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes! – Psalm 119:57-64
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PSALM 119 HASTEN AND DO NOT DELAY TO KEEP GOD’S LAWS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When I wake up each morning, I think of your word
If I do not meditate on it, I will be following the world
I submit to all your laws for it will save my soul
The flesh is weak but I am strong if God is my portion
I will not delay to follow the commands of the Lord
If I do, it will open all doors to the systems of the world
Let us all be quick to keep the way of the righteous
Let us all put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness
Hasten and do not delay to keep God’s laws!
It will keep us from corruption and make us stay pure.
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REFLECTION
• Why is there a sense of urgency to follow God’s laws as the psalmist says?
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PSALM 119 GOD’S PROMISE COMFORTS US IN OUR AFFLICTION
February 21
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PSALM 119
49 Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.
51 The insolent utterly derides me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.
55 I remember your name in the night,
O LORD, and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts. – Psalm 119:49-56
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PSALM 119 GOD’S PROMISE COMFORTS US IN OUR AFFLICTION
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When we are beset with trials and many afflictions
Let us run to the throne of God who can comfort our conditions
Dwell on his word and all his promises and you will be uplifted
Remember that he never leaves us, he is always at our side.
As we reflect and meditate on his word, we will be transformed
It pierces our hearts and makes us see things with a different view
As we count the blessings that he generously pours on us
We can still be grateful despite all that we are going through.
Praise the Lord who is steadfast in his love and faithful
Let all his commands be the song that you sing with much joy
Stay in God’s light and you will not be weak and confused
In him alone can we have peace, hope and always be joyous.
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REFLECTION
• Why is focusing on God’s promises a sure way to bring us comfort during trials and afflictions as this psalm says?
PSALM 119 I WILL MEDITATE ON YOUR LAWS AND FOLLOW IT
February 20
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PSALM 119
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever,
45 and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
47 for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes. – Psalm 119:41-48
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PSALM 119 I WILL MEDITATE ON YOUR LAWS AND FOLLOW IT
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, I am most grateful for your word and your laws
Without them, I will be foolish, helpless and totally lost
I love your truth and your precepts, it shows your compassion
Without them, there will be much chaos, conflict and confusion.
Let me never fail to speak and declare your word to others
We need to hear it so we can encourage and build up one another
Grant me an understanding that views your mind so I can be righteous
Make me humble to admit that without your truth, I’ll always be foolish.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light that guides my entire life
It pierces my heart whenever I get derailed to follow your way
It corrects me when I do wrong and gives me a way out
May your word continue to feed my hungry soul, mind and heart.
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REFLECTION
• How can meditating on God’s laws help us to follow it and store it in our hearts?
PSALM 119 PRAYER FOR FAITHFULNESS TO THE LORD
February 19
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PSALM 119
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!
– Psalm 119:33-40
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PSALM 119 PRAYER FOR FAITHFULNESS TO THE LORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Lord, I ask you to keep me constantly longing for you
Give me wisdom to navigate this life and stay faithful
When I am distracted, help me to remain focused
Help me to remember to make you first always
Grant me a hunger for your word so I can stay true
Teach me your ways so I can overcome this world.
Guide me whenever I am weak and vulnerable
Let me not rely on my own understanding for I am incapable
You are the source of all goodness and righteousness
Let me acknowledge all my weaknesses and sinfulness
I humbly ask you to restore me when I am depleted
For in you alone, can I be redeemed completely.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think “faithfulness” must be manifest in a believer’s life?
• Who are considered unfaithful according to James 4:4? What does he call these unfaithful ones?
PSALM 119 CHOOSE THE WAY OF FAITHFULNESS
February 18
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PSALM 119
25 My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29 Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O LORD;
let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart! – Psalm 119:25-32
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PSALM 119 CHOOSE THE WAY OF FAITHFULNESS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Do you want to live a conflict-free life and one that is fearless?
When you commit to serve the Lord, you’ll find joy and happiness
The false ways of the world will no longer consume your heart
You will feel content and joyful knowing the Lord never departs
Dwell on the commands of the Lord and you will not be deceived
Cling to his testimonies, do not waver or doubt, but always believe
Choose the way of faithfulness to the Lord, instead of rebellion
God will judge the wicked; they will perish and end up in oblivion
Put away all lies, cravings of the flesh and all kinds of evil
Obey the laws and walk in the Spirit so that you can resist the devil.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to stay faithful to the Lord? What happens if you don’t?
• What usually hinders us from faithfully committing our lives to the Lord?
PSALM 119 OPEN OUR EYES O LORD
February 17
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PSALM 119
17 Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules at all times.
21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments.
22 Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
23 Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors. – Psalm 119:17-24
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PSALM 119 OPEN OUR EYES O LORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Lead us Lord to have a constant longing for your word
Let us never wander away from you and be consumed by this world
Open our eyes O Lord, so that we may discern the truth from your law
Do not let our nature hinder us to see your view and always follow
Give us eyes that see and ears that hear your voice
Let us never take for granted each time you call us
May our hearts be longing to serve you faithfully
May we meditate on your words constantly
Give us discernment so we can see what is unseen
Help us to gather only treasures that lead to heaven.
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REFLECTION
• Why do we need to humbly ask the Lord to open our eyes to discern his ways?
PSALM 119 STORE UP GOD’S WORD IN YOUR HEART
February 16
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PSALM 119
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.
14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
– Psalm 119:9-16
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PSALM 119 STORE UP GOD’S WORD IN YOUR HEART
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
How can we live peaceful and prosperous lives in this world?
Seek the Lord with your whole heart and meditate on his word
The Scripture is alive and is given to us to guide and correct
If you feed on God’s word, it will keep your heart from being corrupt.
Declare the laws of the Lord with your mouth so it can be ingrained
It will surely remind you of God’s love and what angers him as well
Meditate on his words day and night and fix your eyes on his ways
This will be your armor against the devil’s tactics, schemes and wiles.
Keep your hearts pure and holy for it is designed for God’s glory
Gather all the commands and live by it so you can have victory
Seek only what is truth and Spirit; don’t conform with the world
Spread the good news to all men so they can benefit from his word.
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REFLECTION
• How can meditating and following God’s word help us discern truth from lies?
• Share an instance when the word of God has kept your love for the Lord deeper?
PSALM 119 SEEK THE LORD WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART
February 15
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PSALM 119
Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
4 You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
8 I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!
– Psalm 119:1-9
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PSALM 119 SEEK THE LORD WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Seek the Lord with your whole heart and you will be blessed
You will not be overcome by evil and you will have strength
Your eyes will be fixed on all his commandments and live by it
The world will not corrupt you because you will have God’s Spirit.
If you allow distractions and the world’s ways to occupy your mind
You open the doors to be drawn into the enemy’s tactics and wiles
Always put God first and pursue his truth constantly
It will be your protection and strength against the enemy.
Be hungry for his word and meditate on it day and night
He gave it to us so that we can walk always in his ways
If you starve yourself with the truth from his word
You will find yourself following the ways of this world.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the psalmist recommend us to seek the Lord with our whole heart and not just with our minds?
PSALM 118 BE AWED AND BE DELIGHTED WITH GOD’S GOODNESS!
February 14
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PSALM 118
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.
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 118:19-29
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PSALM 118 BE AWED AND BE DELIGHTED WITH GOD’S GOODNESS!
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Acknowledge the Lord our Maker, who made heaven, earth and human beings
He fashioned every person in his own likeness so man can be perfected in him
He was pleased at every created thing he decided to bring to completion
With mankind, he was very delighted; he can now have relations with them
Just as Adam was thrilled to finally have a helper and partner in Eve
So was God very pleased to have to live with humans daily in paradise.
The Lord God provided for all the things that every man needed
He expected faithful devotion from the very people he created
Every day that the sun shines, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness
Each morning when we see the dawn breaks, let’s be full of thankfulness
At the end of day, when we see twilight, let us be awed by God’s goodness
Never forget to thank the Lord for sharing God’s delight in his created likeness.
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REFLECTION
• How can we show gratitude to God as we behold his entire creation?
PSALM 118 WHEN THE LORD DISCIPLINES YOU
February 13
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PSALM 118
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,
16the 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.
– Psalm 118:10-18
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PSALM 118 WHEN THE LORD DISCIPLINES YOU
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
As you live in this world, you will be plagued with troubles and challenges
We are in a fallen state and it is wise to be mindful of these unseen forces
The enemy is out to steal, kill and destroy our relationship with the Lord
Be watchful that you are able to heed to the discipline of God through his word.
Though we are surrounded by wickedness and power-hungry people
Let us be reminded that in the name of God we can cut them off
Declare the deeds that the Lord has done to free you from oppression
Then you will be able to overcome sin and not succumb to depression.
When the Lord disciplines you, that means that he loves you
When you don’t get your way, hear his voice and be cautioned
The Lord will never let his people be crushed or defeated
You may feel weak, but if you go to God, you will be strengthened.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think that the discipline of the Lord is not easy to spot for some?