April 5
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MY REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
Nor the arrow that flies by day,6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.7 A thousand may fall at your side,
Ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.
– Psalm 91:1-8
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This Psalm is a tender psalm describing the confidence that the believer may have through all types of dangers and challenges. The psalmist manifests a strong trust in the Lord as he declares that the Lord is his sanctuary in times of danger and his stronghold that will protect him from the tactics and attacks of his enemies. He believes that only the Lord will fight for him and if he depends on God’s strength, he will be able to courageously walk through all kinds of dangers, challenges, trials and adversities.
Do we exercise this kind of dependence on God or do we panic or become fearful because we rely on our own strength? This is a great prayer to utter especially now that the whole world is faced with a global pandemic. Instead of trying to figure out how we can beat this coronavirus, why aren’t we letting God take control of things and do our part to depend on him for protection? Why aren’t we making him our refuge and fortress?
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ADORATION: Praise you Lord, for being the God who knows all things and delivers his own people from evil and plague.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I give in to panic or anxiety over anything that I have no control of. Pardon me each time I try to fix things instead of relying on you.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your promise of deliverance for your people.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers remember to trust him with all their hearts and mind.
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REFLECTION
• Why do people forget to run to God as their refuge and fortress?
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I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD! ILMA’S VLOG
April 4
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I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD!
9 There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god.
10 I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.
Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. 11 “But my people did not listen to my voice;
Israel would not submit to me.12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
To follow their own counsels.13 Oh, that my people would listen to me,
That Israel would walk in my ways! 14 I would soon subdue their enemies
And turn my hand against their foes.
15 Those who hate the LORD would cringe toward him, and their fate would last forever.
16 But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat,
And with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”– Psalm 81:9-16
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This second half of this psalm written by Asaph is a reminder to the Israelites that the Lord is a God who is jealous and wouldn’t want any competition. This psalm recalls the proofs that God presents to his people. Asaph reminds them of what God has done for all of them. He delivered them out of Egypt, fed them and provided their needs. Despite all of what God has done, the Israelites didn’t listen to God and continued to have stubborn hearts and followed their own ways. The Lord turned them over to their hardened hearts. Despite all the promised he gave to his people, they still continued with their disobedience.
How easily do we forget that there is only one powerful God who doesn’t want any other idols consuming his own people. He wants loyalty for he is faithful and steadfast in his love for us. In the midst of a global pandemic, isn’t God admonishing us to heed his call and follow his commands? We have been all so busy with modern day idols that we have forgotten who has given us all things and delivered us from evil.
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ADORATION: Bless the Lord who reproves his people and save them.
CONFESSION: Forgive us for not making you the center of our lives.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for the reproof to heed your call Lord.
SUPPLICATION: May all of God’s people give up stubborn and hard hearts.
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REFLECTION
• Why do humans forget that God is the only one in control of their lives?
OH, THAT MY PEOPLE WOULD LISTEN TO ME ILMA’S VLOG
April 3
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OH, THAT MY PEOPLE WOULD LISTEN TO ME
Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob!
2 Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp.
3 Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day.
4 For it is a statute for Israel, a rule of the God of Jacob.
5 He made it a decree in Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt.
I hear a language I had not known: 6 “I relieved your shoulder of the burden;
Your hands were freed from the basket. 7 In distress you called, and I delivered you;
I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah.
8 Hear, O my people, while I admonish you! O Israel, if you would but listen to me!
– Psalm 81:1-8
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The ESV study bible’s commentary on Psalm 81 says that this psalm resembles the Old Testament prophets’ oracles, so perhaps it is best to think of it a s a prophetic hymn. The primary function of the Old Testament prophets is to challenge God’s people to covenant faithfulness. They tell of covenant blessings or punishments that will come depending on the people’s response.
The new moon and full moon are the beginning and middle of months in ancient Israel. This may show that the psalm was intended for the feast day of Trumpets (Lev 23:23-25), where the Israelites were instructed to have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation and they shall not do any customary work on it; and shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord.’” It may also be intended for the feast of Booths (Lev 23:33-36) where they shall dwell in booths for seven days so that the generations may know that God made the Israelites dwell in booths when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord for being faithful to deliver his people
CONFESSION: May all believers heed God’s instructions and commandments.
THANKSGIVING: Let us be grateful for a God who provides all our needs and our salvation.
SUPPLICATION: May all of God’s people listen to all that God cautions them with.
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REFLECTION
• Why do many people not heed the admonishments of God?
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD!
April 2
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BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD!
9 I will sing a new song to you, O God; upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you,
10 Who gives victory to kings, who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword.
11 Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, whose mouths speak lies
And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
12 May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars
Cut for the structure of a palace; 13 may our granaries be full,
Providing all kinds of produce; may our sheep bring forth thousands
And ten thousands in our fields;14 may our cattle be heavy with young,
Suffering no mishap or failure in bearing; may there be no cry of distress in our streets!
15 Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall!
Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD! – Psalm 144:9-15
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This psalm asks the Lord to be delivered from those who continually lie and bewitch others. It also declares the character of God who delivers his people from the hands of foreigners whose purpose is to bring lies. It is a prayer of blessing for God’s people’s offspring in verse 12. It also is a prayer for being blessed with bounty in verse 13 and for protection in verse 14. It speaks of the privilege of being a people whose God is the Lord Almighty.
It is sad that many Christians nowadays fail to bless their families at different stages of their lives and special occasions. Many of us have forgotten the promises that God has made to his people through blessing declarations. Maybe we could learn from the Jews as how blessings is almost a part of their daily lives, whether they eat, drink or in the face of many natural events. By doing so, they acknowledge that God is involved in everything. Isn’t this something Christians should practice as well?
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ADORATION: Bless the Lord for all that He is, powerful, mighty and steadfast in his love.
CONFESSION: May all those who believe in the Lord make God a part of all their lives.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all the promises and bounty you pour on your people
SUPPLICATION: May all of God’s people involve the Lord in everything they do.
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REFLECTION
• What does a prayer of blessing do to someone? Why is it a good practice to do?
MAN’S DAYS ARE LIKE PASSING SHADOW ILMA’S VLOG
April 1
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MAN’S DAYS ARE LIKE PASSING SHADOW
Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle;
2 He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer,
My shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
3 O LORD, what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him?
4 Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.
5 Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down! Touch the mountains so that they smoke!
6 Flash forth the lightning and scatter them; send out your arrows and rout them!
7 Stretch out your hand from on high; rescue me and deliver me from the many waters,
From the hand of foreigners, 8 whose mouths speak lies
And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.– Psalm 144:1-8
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During this time of global pandemic, many of us begin to think that our days are like passing shadows. We have no assurance in this world because we are not created for this earth. We are just passing through in this world but many of us forget that because we become familiar and comfortable with our lives here on earth. We are distracted constantly to focus on things that are really not important. Sometimes we get consumed by our love for our families or with possessing and accumulating things so we can feel valued by others. We easily forget that we were all created to serve our Creator. He made us for himself. We are not our own and yet we continue to control our lives. We believe in lies that we can protect ourselves or that we have the answers to everything. We forget that man is like a breath and his days are like passing shadow. Let us remember to praise the Lord. Let us bow down to him who always wants what is best for us.
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ADORATION: Bless the Lord for creating man in his image. Praise him for his creation
CONFESSION: Forgive me whenever I get distracted with the noise and the lust of this world.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for giving me value by claiming me as your child.
SUPPLICATION: May all people recognize that our lives are fleeting and we are like a mist. We are here now and gone tomorrow. May we glorify God by the way we live.
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REFLECTION
• How can we not lose focus on the purpose of our lives here on earth?
HOW GREAT ARE YOUR WORKS ILMA’S VLOG
March 31
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HOW GREAT ARE YOUR WORKS
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2 To declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,
3 To the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.
4 For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work;
At the works of your hands I sing for joy.5 How great are your works, O LORD!
Your thoughts are very deep! 6 The stupid man cannot know;
The fool cannot understand this:
7 That though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish,
They are doomed to destruction forever;8 but you, O LORD, are on high forever.
9 For behold, your enemies, O LORD, for behold, your enemies shall perish;
All evildoers shall be scattered.10 But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox;
You have poured over me fresh oil.11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;
My ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants.
12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green,
15 To declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock,
And there is no unrighteousness in him. – Psalm 92:1-15
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This psalm worships the Lord who has done so much great works. Part of worship is giving thanks and counting all the blessings that we have received from our Maker. It is rejoicing and declaring his goodness through music and through recognizing all the mighty power and steadfast love of a loving God. When we magnify the works he has done, we are acknowledging that we are nothing without him.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord who has done mighty and good works.
CONFESSION: The works of the Lord is great! He provides all that we need.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you Lord for your steadfast love and provision.
SUPPLICATION: May all people feed on your word daily and grow in intimacy with you.
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REFLECTION
• How can we always have a thankful attitude?
• What can thanksgiving and worship do to our lives as Christians?
IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS
March 30
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IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS
Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry!
Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!
2 From your presence let my vindication come! Let your eyes behold the right!
3 You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night,
You have tested me, and you will find nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
4 With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.5 My steps have held fast to your paths;
My feet have not slipped.6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
Incline your ear to me; hear my words.7 Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; Hide me in the shadow of your wings,
9 From the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
11 They have now surrounded our steps; they set their eyes to cast us to the ground. 12 He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush.
13 Arise, O LORD! Confront him, subdue him! – Psalm 17:1-13
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This is a psalm of lament of David to the Lord. He is unjustly accused of wrong and he prays for the Lord to vindicate him. It is so refreshing to hear a king so humbly hiding in the shadow of God’s wings. He is confident to ask the Lord for help as he has pointed out to him how faithful he is to him. This psalm shows David’s heart that always looks up to God’s promises. He deeply knows the Lord who considers him as the apple of his eyes. He trusts him wholeheartedly.
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ADORATION: We adore you Lord because you alone are full of Grace and Mercy.
CONFESSION: Forgive us as we forgive those who do us wrong.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you Lord for all your protection and provision
SUPPLICATION: May all believers remember to hide under the shadow of God’s love.
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REFLECTION
• How can we be optimistic when we are wrongly accused?
PRAISE THE LORD ILMA’S VLOG
March 29
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PRAISE THE LORD
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts!3 Praise him, sun and moon,
Praise him, all you shining stars! 4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
And you waters above the heavens!5 Let them praise the name of the LORD!
For he commanded and they were created.6 And he established them forever and ever;
He gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. 7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all deeps, 8 fire and hail, snow and mist,
Stormy wind fulfilling his word! 9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and maidens together, old men and children!
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted;
His majesty is above earth and heaven. 14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
Praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the LORD! -Psalm 148:1-13
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Crosswalk.com suggests some Hebrew words for praise that every Christian should know. “Hallah” means to boast, brag, or rave about God even to the point of appearing foolish. “Yadah” is to worship with extended hands. Raising the hands is a sign of surrender. “Tehillah” means to sing or to laud. “Todah” means to shout with a loud voice but it includes an attitude of gratitude for God’s promised deliverance even while we are still in need. “Shabach” also means to shout or to address in a loud tone. “Hallelujah” is the spontaneous outcry of one who is excited about God.
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ADORATION: Hallelujah to the Only True God. He is worthy of all praise and worship.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I become lukewarm in praising you Lord.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for an opportunity to give you the laud you deserve.
SUPPLICATION: May all creation bow down and give praise to the loving God we have.
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REFLECTION
• How do you give praise to the Lord?
• How is worship and praising God a manifestation of humility and surrender?
ZION, THE CITY OF OUR GOD ILMA’S VLOG
March 28
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ZION, THE CITY OF OUR GOD
Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God!
His holy mountain, 2 beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth,
Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.
3 Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.
4 For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together.
5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight.
6 Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor.
7 By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish.
8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts,
In the city of our God, which God will establish forever.
9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.
10 As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness. 11Let Mount Zion be glad!
Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments! – Psalm 48:1-11
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Like Psalm 46, Psalm 48 is a hymn celebrating Zion as God’s special city, which he defends for the sake of the world. It remembers some great event, in which Gentile powers had attacked Jerusalem but did not conquer it. Though material fortresses may have their place, it is crucial that God himself be the defense of his people.
In the Old Testament, God had Zion as his holy city, on top of the mountain. After Jesus died for all of our sins, he dwelled in our hearts through the Holy Spirit living in us. We are the temple and we need to remain holy and pure as God made his home in our hearts.
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ADORATION: Praise be to the temple of the Lord, where He lives and bring life.
CONFESSION: Forgive me whenever I forget that you are my stronghold, my fortress.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for dwelling in the hearts of all those who believe in you.
SUPPLICATION: May the Lord dwell in the hearts of all believers and may they all remember to gather in Spirit and in truth.
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REFLECTION
• How can we maintain holiness and purity in the temple of the Lord which is our bodies?
THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION ILMA’S VLOG
March 27
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THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes,
It is they who stumble and fall.3 Though an army encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble;
He will conceal me under the cover of his tent; He will lift me high upon a rock.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me,
And I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the LORD 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud;
Be gracious to me and answer me! 8 You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.” 9 Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.
– Psalm 27:1-10
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This psalm speaks of David’s wisdom to surrender totally to the Lord. It shows how he makes the Lord as his stronghold and fortress against all foes and enemies. It denounces fear even in the midst of war. This is a timely psalm for us to all reflect on during this global pandemic we are currently experiencing in our world.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord for all his glory and power and mercy.
CONFESSION: May fear be completely annihilated as we surrender all our worries to God.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you Lord for all your protection and for your steadfast love.
SUPPLICATION: May all the world recognize that the Lord is our light and our salvation.
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REFLECTION
• How can a believer stay in the light that only God can give in this pandemic?
• What does giving-up fear look like and how can we embrace this in times of crisis?