March 6
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LET US SING SONGS OF PRAISE
Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving
Let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 3 For the LORD is a great God,
And a great King above all gods.4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;
The heights of the mountains are his also. 5 The sea is his, for he made it,
And his hands formed the dry land. 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! 7 For he is our God,
And we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
As on the day at Massah in the wilderness, 9 when your fathers put me to the test
And put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
10 For forty years I loathed that generation
And said, “They are a people who go astray in their heart,
And they have not known my ways.” 11 Therefore I swore in my wrath,
“They shall not enter my rest.” – Psalm 95:1-11
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Do you remember when you first experienced joy? When my son was born, I couldn’t stop marveling at the miracle right in my arm. If you are a parent, you know what I am talking about. That rejoicing was something leaping out of my heart to thank the Lord for getting me through almost 8 hours of labor. It was a delight to see that the person I carried inside me is right in my arms. You can’t help but thank a God who brings life. You want to shout out loud and sing songs of praise to him just like this psalm focuses on how we need to focus on his greatness and constantly thank him with songs of praise and worship.
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ADORATION: Praise be to the rock of our salvation, the greatest God and Maker of all.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I don’t rejoice in all the big or little things you make.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for the gift of life and all the provisions you give us.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers never be lukewarm in praising the Lord and giving him all the laud that is due him.
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REFLECTION
Tag Archives: ILMA BARAYUGA-DOHERTY
MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR YOU ILMA’S VLOG
March 5
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MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR YOU
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you
My flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
And my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,6 when I remember you upon my bed,
And meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7 for you have been my help,
And in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you; our right hand upholds me.
9 But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth;
10 They shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals.
11 But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult,
For the mouths of liars will be stopped. – Psalm 63:1-11
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This psalm that David wrote while he was in the wilderness of Judah is full of expectancy and passion for God. It sounds like a lover constantly wooing his beloved. He thirsts so much for the Lord as a dry land would for water (v1). He is looking forward to God’s steadfast love as it is better than life itself. He is waiting for that promise that God will deliver him for the mouth of liars and those who seek to destroy his life. Do we have this unwavering hope and passion for God like David had?
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ADORATION: Praise you Lord for your steadfast love that endures forever.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I stop looking forward to your promises and get discouraged or let down by trials and sufferings.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for making us in your image; that it is possible to truly love like you do.
SUPPLICATION: May love be always the reason why we do things and relate with others.
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REFLECTION
• How can we thirst for God like David does? What is the most crucial virtue we can have to be able to pursue God’s own heart?
GOD WHO JUDGES THE EARTH ILMA’S VLOG
March 4
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GOD WHO JUDGES THE EARTH
Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods?
Do you judge the children of man uprightly? 2 No, in your hearts you devise wrongs;
Your hands deal out violence on earth.3 The wicked are estranged from the womb;
They go astray from birth, speaking lies.4 They have venom like the venom of a serpent,
Like the deaf adder that stops its ear, 5 so that it does not hear the voice of charmers
Or of the cunning enchanter.6 O God, break the teeth in their mouths;
Tear out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!
7 Let them vanish like water that runs away;
When he aims his arrows, let them be blunted.
8 Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime,
like the stillborn child who never sees the sun.
9 Sooner than your pots can feel the heat of thorns,
Whether green or ablaze, may he sweep them away!
10 The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance;
He will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked.
11 Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
Surely there is a God who judges on earth.” – Psalm 58:1-11
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This community lament is sung by God’s people when they are confronted with injustice from their own rulers. When rulers are wicked, they do not honor God. They will be answerable to the Lord for not stewarding the people that God allowed them to rule over.
Since the Israelites know that the Lord will deliver them from all the unfair practices of these people ruling them, they are sure that God will deliver them from such wickedness.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord who is just and who is our deliverer.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I fail to pray for my leaders.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you that you are a sovereign and just God who sees all things.
SUPPLICATION: May all leaders and rulers seek guidance from God as they lead their people and nations.
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REFLECTION
• How have you steward the responsibilities that God has given you?
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO FEAR THE LORD ILMA’S VLOG
March 3
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BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO FEAR THE LORD
Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
Who greatly delights in his commandments! 2 His offspring will be mighty in the land;
The generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
And his righteousness endures forever. 4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
He is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;
Who conducts his affairs with justice.6 For the righteous will never be moved;
He will be remembered forever. 7 He is not afraid of bad news;
His heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. 8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
Until he looks in triumph on his adversaries. 9 He has distributed freely;
He has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever;
His horn is exalted in honor. 10 The wicked man sees it and is angry;
He gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish!
– Psalm 112:1-10
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This psalm is a companion to psalm 111 and focuses on the moral character of the faithful and on the benefits such people bring to themselves and others. In Psalm 111, it praises the great works of the Lord and that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We clearly see the blessings that is bestowed on those who stay righteous and faithful to the Lord. The biggest aftermath of faithful and loyal servants of the Lord is that they will be strong, immovable and persistent. They will have power, blessings, wealth and riches (vv2-3); will never be moved and be remembered forever (v6); he is not fearful but he is strong (vv7-8); just and generous (v9).
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ADORATION: Praise and glory to God’s power and might. Hallelujah to a loving God.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I tread the path of unrighteousness unknowingly.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all the blessings and promises you grant us when we stay faithful and loyal to you.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers continue to be loyal, persevering and faithful to God.
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REFLECTION
• Share an experience of strength and stability from Christ in your Christian walk?
DELIGHT IN THE LORD’S WORKS ILMA’S VLOG
March 2
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DELIGHT IN THE LORD’S WORKS
Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
In the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered
The LORD is gracious and merciful.5 He provides food for those who fear him;
He remembers his covenant forever.6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
In giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 They are established forever and ever,
To be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.9 He sent redemption to his people;
He has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom
All those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
– Psalm 111:1-10
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The ESV bible study comments that this is a hymn of praise that celebrates the great works the Lord has done to his people. He has called them to be his own and has cared and protected them. Singing the psalm reminds the people of these deeds and encourages them to respond with a “fear of the Lord” (v10).
Does the great works of the Lord bring us to memory of how mighty and wondrous his deeds are? Doesn’t it make anyone quiver and give reverence to the only true God? As the hymn says, it is in this reverence or fear that we gain wisdom and understanding.
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ADORATION: Praise be to the Lord of all wondrous deeds, who made all things good.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time, I fail to point to your goodness and power.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all that you have created to make our life good and right.
SUPPLICATION: May all people fear the Lord so that wisdom will prevail in this corrupt and chaotic world.
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REFLECTION
• How is “fear of the Lord” the beginning of wisdom? Share a testimony on this.
GOD IS OUR FORTRESS ILMA’S VLOG
February 28
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GOD IS OUR FORTRESS
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
Though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy habitation of the Most High.5 God is in the midst of her;
She shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress. – Psalm 46:1-11
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This is hymn that rejoices in the strength that we can hold on to in times of troubles. The psalmist enumerates the many dangers that God’s people can face (v 2-3) such as catastrophes. Zion, the city of the Most High cannot be moved because God resides in the chosen place. Because God is our fortress, we are reminded to be still and rely on him alone. Whenever we are overwhelmed, confused and beset by troubles, we can remember to choose peace and know that God is in control.
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ADORATION: Bless the Lord for he is our fortress, our protection, our strength!
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I succumb to panic, fear and desperation.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for being my rock, my fortress, my source of strength and hope. You are so generous with your loved ones.
SUPPLICATION: May we encourage others with the strength that we draw from God and lead them to rely only on the Lord.
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REFLECTION
• Why do people easily panic when struck with disaster or suffering?
BLESSED ARE THE FORGIVEN ILMA’s VLOG
February 26
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BLESSED ARE THE FORGIVEN
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit 3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
Through my groaning all day long.4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
My strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
And I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
And you forgave the iniquity of my sin.6 Therefore let everyone who is godly
Offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters,
They shall not reach him.7 You are a hiding place for me;
You preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
Which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy,
All you upright in heart! – Psalm 32:1-11
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This psalm is a praise and thanksgiving song to the Lord. The psalmist is full of gratitude as he points out how the Lord forgives those who are able to admit and confess their sins. It encourages God’s people not to forget to check their hearts for any impurities so they can bring it to the Lord for forgiveness. This psalm is a reminder of the steadfast love that surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord and the blessings he receives
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ADORATION: Praise the forgiving and faithful God we love!
CONFESSION: Forgive us when we hide and don’t confess our sins.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for the unconditional love you give us.
SUPPLICATION: May we have courage to face our sins and confess it to the Lord.
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REFLECTION
• Why is confession essential in a believer’s life?
• What happens when we don’t regularly examine our hearts and confess?
ASCRIBE TO THE LORD GLORY ILMA’s VLOG
February 25
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ASCRIBE TO THE LORD GLORY
Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. 3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
The God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare,
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” 10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
The LORD sits enthroned as king forever.11 May the LORD give strength to his people!
May the LORD bless his people with peace! – Psalm 29:1-11
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According to ESV commentary, this psalm is a hymn of praise to God for his awesome power. A thunderstorm serves as a visible representation of God’s majestic voice. It seems reasonable to suppose that setting the psalm in a thunderstorm deliberately places Yahweh over Ball, the storm-god widely worshiped in Syria-Palestine. God created the phenomena of nature. They serve his purposes and demonstrate his wisdom, glory, faithfulness and even his love.
Do we remember God during storms, earthquakes, floods and other natural phenomena? More often, we fear and fail to see the creator who is behind all of it. We are only awed by the beauty of nature and forget to see his power over such phenomena, that he is all in control.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord who is all-powerful and mighty. May his name be glorified.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I take control of things that I have no control over.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your creation including the phenomena that frightens us.
SUPPLICATION: May all people attribute all things to the Maker of All, God Almighty.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it essential for Christians to ascribe glory to God? What results from it?
YOU WILL NOT ABANDON MY SOUL
February 24
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YOU WILL NOT ABANDON MY SOUL
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the LORD,
“You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
Their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.
5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand,
I shall not be shaken.9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
My flesh also dwells secure.10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
Or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life;
In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
-Psalm 16:1-11
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The psalm declares the result of entrusting one’s life to God. They experience confidence and contentment knowing that without the Lord, they are nothing. It declares the importance of taking delight in being with the other holy people of God. They set themselves apart to those who are idolaters because they have chosen to be faithful to the Lord. They take counsel from him alone and allow his Spirit to guide and teach him. They have that joy from being with a God who is solid rock and they are all secure in him.
God never abandons his people. He is always there for them.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord who is our solid rock, our foundation. He is our refuge and the only source of joy and wisdom.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I allow myself to be corrupted by the world.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for choosing me as one of your people.
SUPPLICATION: May all God’s people stay pure and holy so that God can be glorified. May we all shine his light in this corrupt world.
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REFLECTION
• Why does the psalmist say that he is no good apart from God?
Psalm 146-Put Not your Trust in Princes
February 23
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PUT NOT YOUR TRUST IN PRINCES
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! 2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.3 Put not your trust in princes,
In a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.4 When his breath departs,
He returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish
5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;
7 Who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets the prisoners free; 8 the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless,
But the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.10 The LORD will reign forever,
Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD! – Psalm 146:1-10
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This psalm is a song of hope. All God’s people praise the Lord. They sing songs of worship to him. They declare that there is no one trustworthy put the God of Jacob, who has delivered his people from the enemies and who made a covenant with them. They worship the one and only creator of all the heaven and earth, the sea and everything in it. The character of God is recited by those who love him. They speak of his provision, protection, healing, his justice and bondage breaker. They edify the Lord by speaking of all that he has done for his people.
Do we meditate on the attributes of God in our busy lives now? We have gone so far from these faithful and committed people of God. Let us never forget to sing praises to the God who is Maker of all. We need to put our trust only in him.
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ADORATION: May the God of Jacob be blessed and praised forever by all nations.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I fail to remember your character focus only on mine.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for making us in your image; we have hope that we can one day be like you, full of unconditional love.
SUPPLICATION: May we trust only in the Lord who made all things and knows all things.
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REFLECTION
• Why shouldn’t we put our trust in mere humans? Why trust only God?