October 4
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PSALM 50 WARNING TO THOSE WHO FORGET GOD
12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?
14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
16 But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to recite my statutes
or take my covenant on your lips?
17 For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.
18 If you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you keep company with adulterers.
19 “You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit.
20 You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son.
21 These things you have done, and I have been silent;
you thought that I was one like yourself.
But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.
22 “Mark this, then, you who forget God,
lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!
23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”
– Psalm 50:12-23
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Do you think you can live in this world and forget the one who gave you life?
Do you think that you can do what you want and not suffer any consequence from it?
If you hate restraint and discipline of any kind
You are likely living to satisfy your selfish desires
If you do not want to be accountable for your own action
Chances are that you are only concerned for gratification
You engage with people who won’t question your unrighteousness
That is why you only associate with men who do all kinds of sins and perversions
The faithful people of God do not forget their Lord who freed them from sins
The wicked denies his existence because they feel threatened by what is right.
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REFLECTION
• What is the consequence of forgetting God according to this psalm?
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PSALM 50 THE MIGHTY ONE SPEAKS AND SUMMONS THE EARTH
October 3
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PSALM 50 THE MIGHTY ONE SPEAKS AND SUMMONS THE EARTH
The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to its setting.2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God shines forth.3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence;
before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.
4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah
7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you.
I am God, your God.8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;
your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9 I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.
– Psalm 50:1-11
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
The Mighty One, the Maker of all things and Lord of lords
Summons the whole earth and all the creatures in this world
He expects all of his creation to bow down and give him glory
He displays his power over all the earth and announces his presence
No one or nothing can ignore such wondrous deeds; all will be amazed
He calls the heavens and gathers all his people who vowed allegiance
He declares his power over all those whom he has chosen
The Lord expects obedience and faithfulness from all his servants
Listen and heed God’s call for he rebukes all those whom he loves
He judges all those who turn their backs on him and they become lost
No one can boast of anything since God made and own all things
Rejoice and be glad to hear God’s summons to all his people.
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REFLECTION
• How does God summon his people? How does he manifest himself to get their attention?
• How must we respond to God’s instructions as his servants?
PSALM 49 ON ENVYING THE WEALTHY
October 2
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PSALM 49 ON ENVYING THE WEALTHY
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 49:16-20
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Do not envy those who are wealthy
Instead, gather riches in heaven that lasts forever
Though a man makes himself rich materially
He cannot take those things with him when he perishes.
Some people think that they are blessed when they have much
It is when you have nothing that you tend to run and depend on God
Material possession may seem like a good thing
When it is used for self gratification, it becomes nothing.
Why would you envy those who are wealthy?
They have much idols that makes them filthy
The rich and foolish may seem to live in comfort
But not all of them have the joy and peace from the Lord.
Busy yourselves with consuming the word of God
When you do, you will have the mind of Christ
Let God be given all the glory for all your blessings
Thank him for every good thing that you are given.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think many people envy the rich and aspire to be wealthy?
PSALM 49 THEIR OWN GRAVES ARE THE FOOLS’ HOME
October 1
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PSALM 49 THEIR OWN GRAVES ARE THE FOOLS’ HOME
10 For he sees that even the wise die;
the fool and the stupid alike must perish
and leave their wealth to others.
11 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. Selah
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. Selah – Psalm 49:10-15
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
All those who believe in the Lord are assured of an eternal life
They are wise to follow the ways of the Spirit rather than the easy path
But the fools and ungodly alike will leave their riches to others
Their own graves become their dwelling place, that’s where they’re destined to be.
Those who are haughty and proud will easily find their way to their own death
Because they continue to boast and focus on their cravings and satisfy themselves
This is the way that the unrighteous will go, they will end up in the pit
God will ransom those who continue to serve him and follow his will.
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REFLECTION
• What do you think did the psalmist mean when he says in verse 11 “that their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations though they called lands by their own names?”
PSALM 46 BE STILL AND KNOW THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL
September 29
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PSALM 46 BE STILL AND KNOW THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL
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. Selah
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. Selah
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. Selah – Psalm 46:1-11
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When afflictions and challenges beset your life
You can count on God, who is our refuge and our strength
Though it seems like you are thrown into the sea to drown
God is always in the midst of the winds and the storm
The Lord of Hosts dwells in all his chosen people
Be still, trust him and know that God is in control
The Lord is our stronghold and we can run for protection
He promised that he will grant us deliverance and provision
Believe that the Lord will never leave or forsake you
He is faithful, gracious, merciful and steadfast in his love
Let go of control and let God take care of your needs
He is devoted to all those who serve him and follow his will.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think it is hard humans to be still and know that God is in control?
PSALM 44 WHEN SHAME AND DISGRACE COME UPON US
September 27
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PSALM 44 WHEN SHAME AND DISGRACE COME UPON US
9 But you have rejected us and disgraced us and have not gone out with our armies.
10 You have made us turn back from the foe, and those who hate us have gotten spoil.
11 You have made us like sheep for slaughter and have scattered us among the nations.
12 You have sold your people for a trifle, demanding no high price for them.
13 You have made us the taunt of our neighbors,
the derision and scorn of those around us.
14 You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples.
15 All day long my disgrace is before me, and shame has covered my face
16 at the sound of the taunter and reviler, at the sight of the enemy and the avenger.
17 All this has come upon us, though we have not forgotten you,
and we have not been false to your covenant. – Psalm 44:9-17
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Lord, I come to you for protection and deliverance from wickedness
Each day, I am exposed to the enemy’s attacks to disgrace me
Help me to overcome the flesh that so easily surfaces in my life
When I follow my cravings and desires, I surely feel shame
Deliver me from the systems of this corrupt world
Let me constantly feed on your truth and dwell on your word.
Grant me humility and wisdom so that I will walk in your Spirit
Let me be accountable for all that I have been gifted with
Do not let me use your gifts to me for my own purpose
Give me a forgiving heart to mocking neighbors
Always keep my eyes focused on you alone my Lord
Especially when shame and disgrace is all around.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think even God’s people are not exempt from being taunted or disgraced?
• When does shame visit us in our lives?
• How must a Christian deal with shame?
PSALM 44 THROUGH GOD WE PUSH DOWN FOES
September 26
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PSALM 44 THROUGH GOD WE PUSH DOWN FOES
O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old:
2 you with your own hand drove out the nations, but them you planted;
you afflicted the peoples, but them you set free;
3 for not by their own sword did they win the land,
nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm,
and the light of your face, for you delighted in them.
4 You are my King, O God; ordain salvation for Jacob!
5 Through you we push down our foes;
through your name we tread down those who rise up against us.
6 For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me.
7 But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us.
8 In God we have boasted continually,
and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah– Psalm 44:1-8
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Do you take credit for things that happen in your life?
Do you not know that every good thing is from God?
Have you not heard of the wondrous deeds the Lord has done?
He has delivered his afflicted people from the evil one
Do you remember how he set free his chosen people?
He led them out of Egypt into the land of milk and honey
It is not by their own strength that they were victorious
It was through God that they were able to push down their foes
Boast only of God’s work and never take credit for anything
He alone is able to do what’s impossible and can create all things
Praise the Lord who is the Almighty, all loving and merciful God
Without his steadfast love, it is unlikely that we can do good
Only through God’s mercy and grace that we can defeat the enemy
His love is unconditional and he delivers and save his chosen people.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think some people take credit for what only God can do?
PSALM 42 WHY HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN ME O LORD?
September 24
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PSALM 42 WHY HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN ME O LORD?
7 Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.
8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love,
and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
9 I say to God, my rock: “Why have you forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”
10 As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?”
11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
– Psalm 42:7-11
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
My Lord, why have you not heard my cries for help?
The enemy has attacked me without fail
I have become weak from the constant bouts of evil
Help me to overcome all of the tactics of the devil
I have been plagued by much adversaries; they mock me
Give me strength to endure all the schemes of the enemy.
Lord, because of so much wickedness surrounding me
My soul has been cast down and made me feeling helpless
You have promised your steadfast love to all those whom you love
Why don’t I feel your presence in my life? It seems like you are gone
Why have you forgotten me, O Lord?
I have been faithful and turned my back on the world.
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REFLECTION
• What do you think is the psalmist lamenting about in this psalm?
• What are some of the reasons why we can feel cast down in our souls?
PSALM 42 MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR YOU, O LORD
September 23
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PSALM 42 MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR YOU, O LORD
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night,
while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?”
4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation6 and my God.
My soul is cast down within me; therefore, I remember you
from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
– Psalm 42:1-6
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Like an infant hungering for the mother’s milk,
So does my soul thirsts for the Lord Almighty
There is nothing else that would satisfy my longing
Only the Lord can quench my thirst and keep me holy.
When I am down and feeling empty, he fills all the void
He has given me courage when my soul is in turmoil
Hope is in God alone, praise the Lord and worship him
Especially when you are cast down and struggling with sin.
My soul will continually long for the Lord who made all things
Despite all the suffering that I go through while I am living
With loud shouts of praise, I declare the goodness of the Lord
I will abide in my Redeemer and declare his powerful word.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think many people become hopeless?
• Do you think it is true for the psalmist to say that hope is in God alone?
PSALM 41 WHEN THE LORD DELIGHTS IN ME
September 22
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PSALM 41 WHEN THE LORD DELIGHTS IN ME
8 They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him;
he will not rise again from where he lies.”
9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
10 But you, O LORD, be gracious to me,
and raise me up, that I may repay them!
11 By this I know that you delight in me:
my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.
12 But you have upheld me because of my integrity,
and set me in your presence forever.
13 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen. – Psalm 41:8-13
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When the enemy casts his tactics on me, I will not fear
The Lord is my stronghold and my protection
No matter what the enemy does, I will not stop trusting God
The Lord promises salvation to all those whom he loves
When the Lord delights in me, the enemy will not gloat
I will be strong and his steadfast love will bring me hope
The Lord defends me and gives me endurance
Blessed is him who constantly gives me assurance.
Even when my loved ones turn against me
I will not be anxious for the Lord is my peace
When the Lord is pleased with me, joy overflows
If I stay faithful to my Master, his grace will show
I praise my Lord, who constantly grants me mercy
Without his love, I will not overcome the enemy.
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REFLECTION
• What is the manifestation of God’s delight in a believer according to this psalm?