January 30
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TREMBLE AT THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD
When Israel went out from Egypt,
The house of Jacob from a people of strange language,
2 Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.
3 The sea looked and fled; Jordan turned back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs.
5 What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back?
6 O mountains, that you skip like rams? O hills, like lambs?
7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
At the presence of the God of Jacob,
8 Who turns the rock into a pool of water,
The flint into a spring of water. -Psalm 114:1-8
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This hymn praises what God has done for the Israelites. Verse 3 recalls those two times that the Red Sea and the river Jordan was parted just so the Israelites can run and be rescued from their enemies. It is a reminder how God takes care of his people and how powerful he is that he can command any of his creation to turn into something that it isn’t. The flint in verse 8 is a very hard variety of quartz that was abundant in those times and could be broken into sharp pieces and used to make tools, knives and weapons. Even something as hard as this, God can turn into a spring of water. Let us tremble at the presence of such power.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord who is mighty and powerful, who can turn anything into something else. O come, let us adore the God who protects and faithfully loves his people.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord whenever I do not tremble at your presence and take all that you have done for me for granted.
THANKSGIVING: I am so grateful for your thoughtfulness and generosity at providing for all things that I need even before I ask for it.
SUPPLICATION: May we never forget the miracles or the little things we don’t recognize that are the ways that God protects and cares for his people.
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REFLECTION
• What happens when we don’t tremble at the presence of the Lord?
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I WILL WALK WITH INTEGRITY Poem Devotional
January 29
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I WILL WALK WITH INTEGRITY
I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music.
2 I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me?
I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;
3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.
I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.
4 A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.
5 Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly, I will destroy.
Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart, I will not endure.
6 I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me;
He who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.
7 No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house;
No one who utters lies, shall continue before my eyes.
8 Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land,
Cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD. -Psalm 101:1-8
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This psalm is an oath of David to God to ensure that his kingdom will exercise integrity. David’s biggest strength is his honesty and integrity. Despite his weaknesses, he is a king who is faithful to the Lord and wants to ensure that his house and kingdom do the same. He talks about not being able to tolerate evil wherever he is ruling. His love for righteousness is clearly the trait that identifies him as the worthy to be Jesus’ ancestor.
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ADORATION: Praise to you the God who makes us walk in righteousness. You are the only one who is without sin. You are Worthy. We adore you our Lord and Savior.
CONFESSION: Grant me mercy each time I fail to walk the straight path of righteousness.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you Lord for giving me choices to choose the right way through Jesus Christ’s example.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers recognize that the only way to the way, the truth and the life is through a blameless and pure life.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it such a challenge to live a life of integrity in this fallen world?
• How can we exercise honesty even though no one sees us?
RESCUE THE WEAK AND NEEDY Poem Devotional
January 28
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RESCUE THE WEAK AND NEEDY
God has taken his place in the divine council;
In the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
2 “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?
3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
Maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness;
All the foundations of the earth are shaken.
6 I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you;
7 Nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.”
8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations!
-Psalm 82:1-8
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In the book of Chronicles, it is said that Asaph was a descendant of Gershon the son of Levi. He is also known as one of the three Levites commissioned by David to be in charge of singing in the house of Yahweh. According to the ESV study bible notes, Asaph wrote this psalm to God as a community lament with a request on behalf of the whole people. It teaches God’s people to aim to have an ideal society, with their justice visible for all to see. This way, all nations might come to know the one true God. In a corrupt world we live in, this is a reminder for all human rulers and judges (referred to as “gods) that they are accountable to a divine heavenly King, higher than all of them, to bring justice to all.
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ADORATION: Praise you Lord for your just treatment of all. You are Worthy of all praise
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I mistreat anyone because they are different from me.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your magnificent creation of man, each one unique.
SUPPLICATION: May all rulers and judges recognize that they are accountable to someone higher than themselves and lead with the same fairness that you rule.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think God is so concerned that justice prevail in the world?
• What is the responsibility of the justice system or sovereignty when they lead the system or monarchy? What is the subjects responsibility on the other hand?
SAVE ME, O MY GOD Poem Devotional
January 26
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SAVE ME, O MY GOD
O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;
2 Many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.”
3 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4 I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill.
5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around.7 Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people!
– Psalm 3:1-8
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It must be heart breaking to know that your own son is wanting to have you killed! This was the psalm that David wrote when he ran from Absalom’s rebellion. Absalom took justice in his own hand by killing Amnon his brother, who raped his own sister Tamar. Because David did not do anything about confronting what his son Amnon did, dis angered Absalom and motivated him to kill him. Despite all of this, David prayed hard that his son be not harmed and ordered his army not to hurt him. In this psalm, we witness David’s heart after God’s own heart. He trusted that God will resolve all.
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ADORATION: We exult you O Lord! You are the One who has power and might to bring justice to all situations. You are omnipotent and omniscient. Praise you Lord.
CONFESSION: Whenever I forget to run to you and do things on my own, grant me forgiveness. Have mercy on me when I act independently from you.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all the protection you give those who love you.
SUPPLICATION: May we have the mind of Christ especially in the midst of our trials and sufferings. May we have the humility to run to our heavenly Father especially when we are in trouble and in pain.
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REFLECTION
• Why is running to God a great picture of humility and dependence?
• Why is God-dependence better than independence?
• How can running from someone’s wrath be a better option than facing it?
YOU ARE MY REFUGE Poem Devotional
January 25
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YOU ARE MY REFUGE
With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.
2 I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.
3 When my spirit faints within me, you know my way!
In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me;
No refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul.
5 I cry to you, O LORD; I say, “You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living.”
6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me!
7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.
-Psalm 142:1-7
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In this psalm, David flees from Saul into a cave. He must have been so discouraged after finding out that his loyalty to Saul have been returned with a threat to be killed. Saul’s jealousy over David’s strength, power, anointing and charisma with the people drove Saul to desire him killed. Despite the discouragement, we hear David’s dependence on God, that God is his refuge. What a close relationship he had with the Lord! He can be honest and open about what he feels and how weak and tired he was, and yet trust God fully.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord for his unwavering faithfulness and love for all his people.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I am not honest with you about how I feel when I am discouraged and frustrated.
THANKSGIVING: I am forever grateful for all the strength and encouragement you bring me whenever I need it.
SUPPLICATION: May each believer have the humility and vulnerability to admit their weaknesses and let the Lord take over in times of danger and threat.
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REFLECTION
• Why was David fleeing from Saul when he can actually defend himself easily because he is stronger than him? What was his special relationship with God?
January 22
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GLORIOUS THINGS OF YOU ARE SPOKEN
On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2 The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God.
4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
Behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush— “This one was born there,” they say.
5 And of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”
For the Most High himself will establish her.
6 The LORD records as he registers the peoples, “This one was born there.”
7 Singers and dancers alike say, “All my springs are in you.” – Psalm 87:1-7
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The first section of this psalm focuses on how glorious things are spoken of God’s dwelling place, the city of God.
According to the ESV bible study notes, the second section is startling as one expects a reference to those who know me, but the list is composed of Gentile nations. Yet, the Most High himself will establish Zion, in order to allow the peoples to be treated as born in her, as Israelites. When the people of God sings this psalm, they stay focused on their God-given purpose, to be a light for the Gentiles (Psalm 86:8-10).
It is interesting how in God’s glory, he is still all-inclusive of all peoples. He wants everyone to be saved and return to him.
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ADORATION: I glorify you O Lord God. I praise your name for you are Most High. I love to talk about how glorious you are to all peoples, especially to those who don’t know you.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I forget to act according to the image you made me. Sometimes I let my nature dictate my actions.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for choosing me to be one of your people. It is such an honor and a privilege to work for your glory.
SUPPLICATION: Grant me mercy to continue to be the light to this corrupt world and obey your will always.
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REFLECTION
• How can we as believers be always aware to stay focused on our purpose to be the light for the unbelievers? What do we need to do to stay on track?
MAKE YOUR FACE SHINE UPON US
January 21
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MAKE YOUR FACE SHINE UPON US
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us,
2 That your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity
And guide the nations upon earth. 5 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
Let all the peoples praise you!6 The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, shall bless us.7 God shall bless us;
Let all the ends of the earth fear him! – Psalm 67:1-7
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ESV Study bible notes that this psalm is a prayer that God will bless Israel with a fruitful harvest (v.6) so that the rest of the world may come to know the true God. Singing this helps Israel to keep its own calling in view; their blessing is not simply for themselves but for the Gentiles to see.
It is interesting to know that the Israelites asks the Lord to bless them so that they can reflect to the Gentiles the face of God.
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ADORATION: May your face shine upon us, glorious God! Praise be to you, who is the only source of Light and Life. We adore and glorify you. You are the God of all creation, the All-Seeing and All-powerful God.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I forget to shine your light on others, especially when I am not able to bless others with the bounty you have given me. Forgive me when I fail to do the right thing and follow my natural inclination.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for the many things you have given me, the natural and spiritual gifts that you generously endowed upon me. Thank you for choosing me to be one of your people who can shine your light on others.
SUPPLICATION: Let me not forget to remember to bless others with the blessings I receive from you. May all believers watch their hearts so that they can be light for Jesus.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for us to share the blessings that we have received from the Lord to others?
• What happens when we don’t reflect Jesus’ light in our lives?
FOOLS SAY “THERE IS NO GOD” Poem Devotional
January 20
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FOOLS SAY “THERE IS NO GOD”
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.
2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man,
To see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.
3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
There is none who does good, not even one.
4 Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers
Who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the LORD?
5 There they are in great terror, for God is with the generation of the righteous.
6 You would shame the plans of the poor, but the LORD is his refuge.
7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people,
Let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad. – Psalm 14:1-7
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Psalm 14 is a community lament according to the ESV Study Bible. Humans in general do not seek after God and thus they treat God’s people cruelly. If you read Psalm 53, you’ll find some similarities to the content of it. It reminds believers that we need to be able to run to God because our human nature is so corrupt. It is a shame to read this Psalm especially for God’s people because it seems like we are no different from unbelievers.
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ADORATION: Praise to the God of Abraham, to our Heavenly Father, who promised to rescue us from corruption and bring us back to Him.
CONFESSION: I repent of the times I allow myself to be tainted by this world, Lord. Forgive me when I forget that my body, mind and spirit is yours and not mine.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your mercy and faithfulness. You grant us forgiveness when we repent and confess.
SUPPLICATION: May all your holy people remember never to forget that there is a God and not behave like other pagans. You separated us from all this worldly people, may we always walk in obedience to your laws.
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REFLECTION
• How can you convince an unbeliever that we need to be different from them?
LET EVERYTHING PRAISE THE LORD Poem Devotional
January 19
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LET EVERYTHING PRAISE THE LORD
Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary;
Praise him in his mighty heavens! 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
Praise him according to his excellent greatness!
3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; Praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD! -Psalm 150:1-6
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ESV Study Bible Footnote on this Psalm: This hymn closes the Psalter with its call for “everything that has breath” to praise the Lord with every king of jubilant accompaniment. The list of musical instruments generates the impression of loud song and ceaseless motion- the worshiper’s whole resources offering praise to God.
Sadly, some believers do not praise the Lord as much as this Psalm encourages us to do. Very few churches among many denominations actually practice this kind of worship. I think that our voices (which is a musical instrument as well) plus all the other instruments should be giving glory to the Maker of all things.
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ADORATION: Shout to the Lord to praise Him. He is Lord of all creation, Lord Almighty. He is Worthy to be praised. Praise the Lord.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I am lukewarm or cold with my stance. I want to praise you and worship you with everything I have but sometimes I forget that you want us to have passion to adore you.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all the different instruments that you inspired people to create. Thank you for the gifts of music and dancing which we must use to worship you.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers be exulting you in music, dance and all art forms. May all our natural and spiritual gifts point only to you.
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REFLECTION
• Why are we supposed to use our voices and bodies and other instruments to praise the Lord? Why not just be quiet in our seats?
• What happens when we joyfully worship?
BLESSED IS EVERYONE WHO FEARS THE LORD Poem Devotional
January 18
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BLESSED IS EVERYONE WHO FEARS THE LORD
Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
You shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;
Your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.
5 The LORD bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
6 May you see your children’s children! Peace be upon Israel!
-Psalm 128:1-6
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Wisdom psalms are called as such because they are like the genre used in Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes. Wisdom literature tends to give us comparisons of life choices made by those who turn back to God as a contrast to those who obey him. Psalm 128 gives us a clear overview of the blessings that someone who fears the Lord, can experience. We see a picture of the bounty of a good family and a long life that dedicated and faithful believers will receive.
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ADORATION: Praise to you our Living God. You are a generous giver who makes sure that those who bring you honor are blessed. You are so faithful and the source of all things.
CONFESSION: Whenever I fail to honor you, please forgive me. My flesh may be working against my desire to please you, grant me mercy when those times happen.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your bountiful blessings to all those who keep a straight path to you and to all those who make you first in their lives.
SUPPLICATION: May your grace abound to those who faithfully carry their crosses and live their lives to please you. May you grant strength to those who struggle to follow the only road that leads to you. May those who are lost, find their way to discover your unconditional love and come back to you Lord.
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REFLECTION
• What blessings have you received as a result of your reverence for the Lord?
• How is “fear of the Lord” the beginning of wisdom as stated in Proverbs 9:10?