January 17
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RESTORE OUR FORTUNES O LORD
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
We were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with shouts of joy;
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing,
Shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
– Psalm 126:1-6
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This psalm is another song of ascents (sung while they are going up on the hill where the Temple is). It is a recollection of how the Lord has renewed them from their former struggles and once again requests Him to do the same. As if in a dream, they are declaring what the Lord will give them once again as He did in the former. A psalm full of expectancy and faith in the Lord’s generosity and mercy.
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ADORATION: We praise the God who is most generous and faithful to deliver his people. We look up to a God of mercy and who is Sovereign.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I become so discouraged and fail to have a hopeful expectancy on your unfailing mercy and love.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all that you have done in our lives. It is amazing how you continually provide for all our needs even though we don’t deserve it.
SUPPLICATION: May all your people continue to look forward to the hope that only comes from knowing and believing in your promises.
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REFLECTION
• How can a believer avoid to be pulled down from discouragements and struggles?
• Why is looking back on the miracles that God has done for you important in maintaining a hopeful expectant attitude?
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THERE IS NO ONE WHO IS GOOD Poem Devotional
January 16
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THERE IS NO ONE WHO IS GOOD
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.
2 God 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 fallen away; together they have become corrupt;
There is none who does good, not even one.
4 Have those who work evil no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread,
And do not call upon God? 5 There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror!
For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you;
You put them to shame, for God has rejected them.
6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When God restores the fortunes of his people,
Let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad. – Psalm 53:1-6
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Have you ever wondered why God chose many shady or weak characters in the bible to be his people? People like Moses, David, Rahab, Jacob, Rachel, and many more depict their natural inclination to follow their own desires and exhibit bad choices and traits. This psalm is identical to Psalm 14, which laments how mankind doesn’t seek after God which is why God’s people are treated cruelly.
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ADORATION: We praise you our Father in heaven, Maker of all things. You are Almighty and powerful. We adore only You who is the Giver of Life.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord when I follow my flesh and not make you first in all things.
THANKSGIVING: I am grateful for all that I have and help me to be thankful as well for all that I don’t have. You always see the big picture and I don’t.
SUPPLICATION: May all people of God remember to make You the focus of everything in their lives. Grant us a spirit who seeks after you.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to be aware of our natural inclination to sin?
• What happens when we think we are good and not recognize that it is only God’s Spirit who can make us see our need for God?
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD Poem Devotional
January 15
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THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.3He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. – Psalm 23:1-6
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This psalm is my mother-in-law’s favorite among all the other psalms. It was read in her funeral service and what was memorable from her pastor’s service was how she has chosen the Lord to be her shepherd. He said that by choosing Jesus as her Lord and Shepherd, she has invested in her eternal life. Even though it was a sad occasion losing her in our lives, I had peace knowing the she is taken cared of and has eternal life.
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ADORATION: You are my shepherd Lord. Praise the Lord for your care and love. You are the giver of eternal life. You are worthy.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I give in to my flesh and want something that belongs to this world and when I allow fear to creep into my heart.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for choosing me to be yours and for faithfully rescuing me and keeping me on the narrow path that leads to you. The table you prepare for me in your Father’s house is a great manifestation of your faithfulness. Thank you for loving me.
SUPPLICATION: May all your people be reminded of the goodness and mercy that follows all those who walk in Your ways. May fear be replaced by love during the whole time that we live in this world.
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REFLECTION
• How is courage defined in this psalm?
• Why is Jesus is enough for all those who believe Him? Why can’t they want more?
HOW LONG O LORD? Poem Devotional
January 14
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HOW LONG O LORD?
How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
And have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;
Light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
Lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
My heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.
– Psalm 13:1-6
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In this Psalm, we can sense the condition of David’s discouragement. It almost feels like closest to despair. He pours out his heart to God how tired and weary he feels as he is being pursued by his enemies. Despite the condition of his heart, at the end of this Psalm, he is still able to desire to sing to the Lord for the past blessings God has poured on him.
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ADORATION: Praise be to a God who never abandons us and always protects us. He is a shield to all those who run to him.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord whenever I allow despair and hopelessness to enter my heart. I repent of times when I succumb to negativity which equals to lack of trust in you.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all the negative circumstances that come my way. It helps me to be refined and stay humble.
SUPPLICATION: May all those who feel discouraged re-focus to Jesus so that they will not believe the lies that are shot at them by the devil.
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REFLECTION
• How can believers overcome despair, depression and discouragement?
• Why is it important to be honest with God? How does God look at this honesty?
• Should a believer trust his own emotions and feelings? Why or Why not?
THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED Poem Devotional
January 13
________________________________________THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD and on his law, he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season,
And its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the wicked will perish. – Psalm 1:1-6
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According to the ESV study bible, the first psalm serves as the gateway into the entire book of Psalms. Those who would worship God genuinely must embrace hi law. They must love the law and see themselves as the heirs and stewards of its story of redemption. This Psalm reiterates some Proverbs as well which show us how to follow the path that the Lord wants us to take and stay away from the wide road to destruction. People of God are likened to a tree that yields much fruit which nourishes others into God’s kingdom.
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ADORATION: Lord, you are so good and so faithful to lead the way to your kingdom. Praise the Lord for his guidance and truth.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I take detours and not stay on the path of salvation. Sometimes I listen to my desires and selfish nature. Help me to become more like you daily.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your word that constantly lead us to your kingdom. Thank you for bringing people to us to lead to you and to get us to do your will.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers choose the road that leads to you and never get distracted by the tricks of the father of lies. May we keep our focus only on you. May the Spirit help us discern when we are being waylaid.
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REFLECTION
• How can you know if someone is a genuine believer?
• Why is it important to meditate on God’s laws day and night?
GOD’S BLESSINGS ON MAN’S EFFORTS Poem Devotional
January 12
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GOD’S BLESSINGS ON MAN’S EFFORTS
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
Eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
– Psalm 127:1-5
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A special group of psalms comprising Psalms 120—134 are called Songs of Ascents or also called Pilgrim Songs. The city of Jerusalem is situated on a high hill, that’s why they are called such as they sing these psalms as they were climbing up the hill. The theme of each Song of Ascent offers much encouragement for those who seek to worship God. Psalm 127’s theme is “God’s blessings on Man’s Efforts.” This is a good reminder for all of us. Without God’s blessings, all our efforts will be in vain. Without acknowledging that he is the source of everything, we will be distracted to focus on our efforts instead of on God who gives us all things.
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ADORATION: Praise be to the God who is the source of all things. All blessings and favor come from Him, who is creator of all things.
CONFESSION: Whenever I forget to acknowledge your work in all that I do and all that I have, forgive me Lord.
THANKSGIVING: What a pleasure to receive your gifts and favors despite my sinfulness, Lord. I burst with a grateful heart that lifts up your name forever.
SUPPLICATION: May all of your creation be reminded of the generosity that you so bestow on all those who are faithful to you. May the acknowledgment of such kindness motivate us to give generously to one another as well.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think that all efforts are in vain without God’s blessings?
• What happens when we remove God in the equation of our lives?
THE LORD SURROUNDS HIS PEOPLE Poem Devotional
January 11
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THE LORD SURROUNDS HIS PEOPLE
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So, the LORD surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
the LORD will lead away with evildoers!
Peace be upon Israel! – Psalm 125:1-5
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The psalmist gives us a picture of how the Lord surrounds his people likening it to the mountains surrounding Jerusalem. The picture of a fortress or a stronghold is what we can imagine in this psalm. God is a protector from enemies and infiltrators around us. He ensures our safety and protects us so we can experience peace even in the midst of everything that may distract or derail our walk with Him.
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ADORATION: Blessings to the Lord. May He continue to shine His light on all of those who are faithful to Him. Glory to the Lord of hosts.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord each time I rely on my own strength, especially when I delude myself to think that I can do anything without you.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for the strength and protection you provide all your people. Thank you that you provide even though we forget to ask at times.
SUPPLICATION: May all your people recognize the strongest fortress ever on earth, that is your love and faithfulness.
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REFLECTION
• How can we remind ourselves of the fortress that God has given us each day of our lives, especially during times of attacks from the enemy?
HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER Poem Deovtional
January 10
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HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!2 Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!5 For the LORD is good;
His steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
– Psalm 100:1-5
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The word “steadfast” means unwavering, resolute, persistent, committed. The psalmist describes God’s love as steadfast. In this psalm, he invites us to make joyful noise to the Lord and to serve him with gladness. We are also prompted to come to his presence with singing and thanksgiving and praises. Since God created us in his image, we too, can have a steadfast love for God and for others.
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ADORATION: Your steadfast love for all your people is amazing! You are love and everything you made and comes from you is mad out of love. Praise you Lord for your faithful and persistent love for us.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I forget to love steadfastly and hurry to do things for you. Show me to surrender to love, your faithful love.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all that you supply me with, especially your commitment to pursue me. Thank you that you bring the people that you want us to walk with in love and in truth.
SUPPLICATION: I pray that you give me more commitment to do your will and to bring truth in spirit and love.
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REFLECTION
• Why is “steadfast love” required from Christians?
• What is the essence of the Christian walk?
• Why is “giving up” the opposite of steadfastness?
• Are believers supposed to give up when we suffer and when we don’t get our agendas met?
THE LORD REIGNS Poem Devotional
January 9
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THE LORD REIGNS
The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
2 Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.
3 The floods have lifted up, O LORD; the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their roaring.4 Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea, the LORD on high is mighty!
5 Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house,
O LORD, forevermore. – Psalm 93:1-5
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The Lord is sovereign. No one else is. It is sad to see many of us humans to want to take that control and somehow think that we can do it. Only the Lord God Almighty can have sovereignty over all his creations. After the fall of Adam and Eve, we became inclined to want to take over that control. In this psalm, we surrender such control to the one and only King Jesus. We praise him for the things and wonders he has done to show us who is the only one who rules justly.
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ADORATION: I praise and glorify only you, Lord Jesus. You are the only one I will bow down as you are the only one who is the beginning and also the end. I worship you alone and will be faithful as you are to me.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I listen to myself and cater to my flesh as this is actually bowing down to me and not to you. Help me to keep my focus on you alone and make you first in all things.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all your guidance and provision in my life. Thank you so much for all the wonders and miracles you have done to manifest your love for me.
SUPPLICATION: Please keep us away from any evil that is going to separate us from you and give us wisdom to see it whenever the enemy starts distracting us. Give us courage to confront it and have victory over the temptation.
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REFLECTION
• Why is making God first in all things very important in our walk as a Christian?
• What is going to happen if we praise the Lord daily and keep our eyes on him?
O LORD, DO NOT DELAY Poem Devotional
January 8
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O LORD, DO NOT DELAY
Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me!
2 Let them be put to shame and confusion who seek my life!
Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt!
3 Let them turn back because of their shame who say, “Aha, Aha!”
4 May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you!
May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”
5 But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay!
– Psalm 70:1-5
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In this psalm, we hear David prays for a haste deliverance from his enemies. David is being pursued by Saul who wants him dead. Despite all the things David did to support Saul, he was sought after by him because of jealousy. Since David was blessed with such strength to win many battles and Saul won a few, Saul’s ego got wounded. We hear David’s humble heart to seek God’s help and acknowledges his neediness before the Lord. Because he has a deep relationship with God, he addresses the Lord with such intimacy to ask him to hasten his deliverance from his enemies. How many of us believers have such confidence in our closeness with God?
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ADORATION: You are our deliverer, our protector! Praise be to the one who has made each one of us. We praise and honor your name, Lord Jesus Christ.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I run to many things and people who cannot deliver me from the works of the enemy. Pardon my ego when I chase things that I feel insecure about to feed my pride.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your undying faithfulness to give us protection and direction when we are attacked or when we go astray.
SUPPLICATION: Help us to focus on you always so that we will only come to you for help as you are the only one who knows what is best for us.
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REFLECTION
• Do you have an intimacy with Jesus that you have a confidence like David to pour out your heart and needs?