Wednesday, May 28, 2008
PSALMthing We Can All Do...
We are coming to the end of the book of psalms and 1 common thing that we can pick out from the last few psalms is this: PRAISE THE LORD.The last few chapters of the book of psalms have strongly encouraged me to praise the Lord in everything. It can be simple things like getting a cab to go to school (thank God that I have found the discipline to cut own on that), receiving some help from your friends or lecturers, or even for a wonderful day.
I feel good when ever I praise the Lord, it some how lifts my spirits up and gets me set on preparing for a seemingly tough day. Even when things don’t seem to go right, I know I can trust God for the solutions that I need. God has given me numerous reasons to praise Him throughout the period of reading through the psalms. 3 main reasons why I praise God is because
1. He is good
God is good all the time and I will always praise Him in whatever situation I’m in (Even when it comes to writing an 800 word CHINESE Essay). The world may be unfair but God is good. It is through certain situations that I learn lessons (such as unity, patience etc.)
2. His love never fails
God is always there for us. He is our rock, shield, strong tower, shelter, refuge. He is a faithful God whom I can put my trust in (making decisions, organizing my time etc.). His love for us reaches to the heavens and each one of us is special and dear to Him. I like what the psalms say: For the Lord takes delight in hi people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honour and sing for joy on their beds. (Ps 149:4-5)
3. He refreshes my spirit
Over the past few weeks, I have been super tired from all the work that I had in school. God was the pillar that supported me through this period. The time spent with Him, praying, worshipping and reading His word has given me the strength to do seemingly impossible things.
Truly, it is a joy to praise the Lord. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Psalmone Who Approves My Everything
I was reading psalm 127 today and basically God reminded me 2 things:1) Read His Word with the right attitude, with the right hard.
-Even in the midst of being busy, I should not rush through reading God's word nor succumb to my laziness and end up not reading His word. I have rather been too hasty in reading God's word and often find myself missing out things that He might have wanted to tell me.
2) God is my approver in all things that I do.
In verse 1-2 of psalm 127, it says ‘Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.'
Unless the Lord approves of the things you are doing, all your efforts will be in vain. I can be staying up late, working hard on my projects, but I must remember that God is the one who sustains and provide me with the results I desire, if not all my efforts will only be in vain.
This means keeping the fear of the Lord in my mind always and yes, there are times where I do forget to put God first in some things in my life. There are times where I do forget to spend time with God instead occupying myself with television programmes or even computer games. However occupied I may be, God has His unique way of reminding me through His word that without Him, everything that I do is in vain. But God is a great God, for even though we are nothing but dust, God is willing to invest His time in us and even has a special plan for us all.
Do I think about my future? Definitely, but I remember that my future is ultimately decided by God and I do not need to worry about it. Be it my career, my relationships or even the ministry I will be in, I want to trust God that He will give me what He thinks is best for me.
Live a life pleasing to God. Praise be to God for He is a God who cares for us…
On a side note, praise be to God for healing me from my bad flu. Though I’m not fully recovered, I want to thank God that I was even able to make it to school today. All the glory to Him for my steady recovery..
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
The Precious Time That PSALM-One Treasures...
I love what psalm 63:1-3 says
‘O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You.’ His love is better than life. I have seen His goodness in my life and indeed my mouth will praise Him.
I was reminded of the essence of this season of fasting and praying that we are doing. I was so caught up with the dos and don’ts of this fast that it has become a legalistic kind of thing. I have totally overlooked the true meaning behind this fasting. It’s not all about fasting and praying on the stipulated things that we were asked to fast but it’s really for us to focus on spending time with God and praying.
To spend time with God is to give up on things that distract you from spending time with God. It could be fasting from going on MSN if you spend most of your time on it everyday or it could even be fasting from going out with your friends for these 40 days (shopping, watching movies or jamming). Just keep in mind that the main focus is really about spending time with our heavenly Father. Thank God for Joshua who reminded me that God is looking at our hearts and not what we do.
The same goes for prayer. We were asked to pray on 6 items for an hour each day as a way of spending time with God. Pastor said that there maybe times where you may not know what to pray, but he reminded us that God treasure every single second that you spend with Him. So should we pray? Yes definitely, but more than that we are really dedicating that time to God. I believe that God will be the one who would lead you in your prayers as you make the effort to draw close to Him.
Indeed God looks at our hearts and not what we do, we ought to follow the attitude of psalmist in psalm 63. That is to seek Him earnestly even in days that may not be our best because God’s love is better than life, it is the sanctuary that refreshes our soul. Pray and ask God to show you how to live, to teach you how to pray. I pray that we will find delight in spending time with the Lord today.
‘O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You.’ His love is better than life. I have seen His goodness in my life and indeed my mouth will praise Him.
I was reminded of the essence of this season of fasting and praying that we are doing. I was so caught up with the dos and don’ts of this fast that it has become a legalistic kind of thing. I have totally overlooked the true meaning behind this fasting. It’s not all about fasting and praying on the stipulated things that we were asked to fast but it’s really for us to focus on spending time with God and praying.
To spend time with God is to give up on things that distract you from spending time with God. It could be fasting from going on MSN if you spend most of your time on it everyday or it could even be fasting from going out with your friends for these 40 days (shopping, watching movies or jamming). Just keep in mind that the main focus is really about spending time with our heavenly Father. Thank God for Joshua who reminded me that God is looking at our hearts and not what we do.
The same goes for prayer. We were asked to pray on 6 items for an hour each day as a way of spending time with God. Pastor said that there maybe times where you may not know what to pray, but he reminded us that God treasure every single second that you spend with Him. So should we pray? Yes definitely, but more than that we are really dedicating that time to God. I believe that God will be the one who would lead you in your prayers as you make the effort to draw close to Him.
Indeed God looks at our hearts and not what we do, we ought to follow the attitude of psalmist in psalm 63. That is to seek Him earnestly even in days that may not be our best because God’s love is better than life, it is the sanctuary that refreshes our soul. Pray and ask God to show you how to live, to teach you how to pray. I pray that we will find delight in spending time with the Lord today.
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Monday, March 3, 2008
God Is Both Willing And Able To Save PSALM-one...
Pastor preached on Psalm 62 during yesterday’s service. He was focusing on how a man could find rest in God even in the midst of resistance. He gave us 3 points on how we could rest in the midst of resistance:1. Quiet Acceptance of His Covering
In order to rest in the midst of resistance, we first have to learn the discipline on the quiet acceptance of God’s covering. In psalm 62:1 of the NASB version, it says “My soul waits in silence for God only”. One thing that was interesting about this psalm was that the word ‘only’, appeared 6 times in the NASB version of psalm 62 giving it the nickname ‘the only psalm’.
So what did the psalmist meant when he said ‘my soul waits in silence for God only’?
Well, I felt that his intention was to say that he would only focus and find rest in God even in the midst of resistance. Resting in God is really just spending time and keeping Him company. No matter how big a problem you might be facing in your life right now, no problem is ever too big for God. Even in problems that you are facing with people, know that men are only breath and they are nothing in the light of who God is, for God is the only rock and salvation in our lives.
2. Aggressive Assertion of His Control
In v5-6, it says ‘Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.’ This may seem similar to v1, however note that the mood use different. V5-6 actually shows that the psalmist is making a stand and making a reminder that God is his rest alone. Indeed it is really having the attitude of saying to yourself that ‘in God alone, I find my rest.’
I like what v8 says, ‘trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.’ God doesn’t find our troubles bothersome to Him. Like I said earlier, no problem is ever too big for God so would you trust in him at all times for the solution of your problems. God is the solution.
3. Unwavering Acknowledgement of His Character
In v11-12, it says ‘one thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.’
In these 2 verses, we see that God is a strong and loving God making Him worthy of our rock and salvation. This not only shows that God is able, but He is also willing. These characteristics are essential in making God worthy of our rock and salvation and they must go hand in hand with each other. Now why must they go hand in hand with each other then?
One maybe able (he can be rich or capable), on the other hand he may not be willing to help someone (who is in need). One maybe willing to help but he may not be able to do so (due to the lack of resources of ability).
What makes God worthy of being our rock and salvation is that He is both able and willing to save us. He is our refuge in whom we can find rest in even in the midst of resistance. Would you trust in Him and find your rest in Him today?
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Sunday, March 2, 2008
PSALM Simple Song...
A simple song of worship was placed in my heart when I read psalm 61.Lead me to God who is my rock
Oh, lead me to God who is my refuge
Lead me to God who is my strong tower
For I will sing praises to Him all my days
For He answered my call
And He heard my vows
Oh Lord, I follow You
Day after Day
For Your love and faithfulness
Is everlasting
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Indeed God is my rock, my refuge and my strong tower and I would sing praises to His name and fulfil my vows day after day. Regardless of where they are, He will protect those who call upon His name, with His love and faithfulness
Let us even have an attitude of praising God even in the midst of trouble.
For His love is higher than the heavens and His faithfulness is higher than the skies. Great is His love and faithfulness!
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Saturday, March 1, 2008
PSALM Fruitful Branches...
I wasn’t really sure of the background of psalm 60 but with the help of the psalm’s guide, I was able to have a better understanding and clarity of what this psalm is all about. Here’s a little background of psalm 60 from what I have found from the psalm’s guide:A national prayer for God’s help after suffering a severe blow by a foreign nation, presumably Edom (v9). The prayer leader may have been a king. God has promised to be with His people; but in his own wisdom, He seems to have abandoned them. God’s people live a meaningless existence without His presence. They take defeat seriously because divine abandonment is the most miserable condition. The experience of divine rejection brings out a renewed faith and confidence in the Lord.
It is seen in psalm 60 that God had seemingly abandoned His people. But why would God reject His people? Well He was angry with them. The verse to this reason was found in v3, ‘you have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger.’
What is this wine that made them stagger? It was the cup of the Lord’s wrath and this wrath was mentioned in both Isa 51 and Jer 25:15.
God may have been angry with His people but know that He is a compassionate and just God. In psalm 60, the psalmist was quick in repenting his sins and responded to this divine rejection by praying as their first recourse. He humbles his heart and believes that it is only through God that they will gain the victory as seen in v12. We should recognise the fact that we are nothing without God. It is only by His spirit that we can do all things but do you put your confidence in Him? Do you trust that God can see you through tough times and vindicate you? If you do, would you seek prayer as your first recourse and not the last resort?
God honours those who seek Him with an attitude of brokenness. Always remember the story of the Vine and Branches in John 15.
For Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
We can do nothing without God…
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
An Original Purpose Forgotten by PSALM...
Psalm 59 highlights God as our strength, our fortress, our loving God. God never fails to let us know that He is our deliverer, our refuge in times of trouble and truly, we are nothing without Him. Yet there are times that we think that we can be someone who is successful and forget about God altogether. We tend to go on our own way when we rely on ourselves.
I was reminded that God created us to love Him and that is our purpose. We are God’s project, His creation and we are called to worship Him. Imagine that you invented something for a specific purpose and for that sole purpose only, how you would feel if someone uses it for an incorrect purpose. The sole specific purpose of the iron is used for ironing clothes but what if someone uses it to cook satay instead? Would you, as the inventor feel a sense of disappointment for the misuse of the iron? This is the same kind of reaction that God is feeling.
As I said, we were called to worship Him and to love Him for this is our sole purpose. We should not be going our own way or forging out or carving out our own lives the way we want it to be.
It is said in Deuteronomy 5:9 that God is a jealous God. Jealous not in the ‘human’ way but rather the expression of letting us know that we must put God first in our hearts. He does not want you to place the wrong priorities in your lives, we are His creation and we are made to love Him. I hope you caught the essence of God’s primary and foremost intention for you.
Do you have a heart of worshipping the Lord God Almighty? If you do, He is more than willing to be our strength, our fortress, our deliverer, our refuge in times of trouble and our loving God. Truly, we are nothing without Him.
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Friday, February 29, 2008
PSALM Justice Will Be Done - Not By PSALMone But By The God Of Justice...
The first time I read through psalm 58 I was like ‘wah, these are sure some pretty rough words that the psalmist have used.’ If you read fromv6-9, you might agree to the statement that I have made.
V6-9
Break the teeth in their mouths, O God;
tear out, O LORD, the fangs of the lions!
Let them vanish like water that flows away;
when they draw the bow, let their arrows be blunted.
Like a slug melting away as it moves along,
like a stillborn child, may they not see the sun.
Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns—whether they be green or dry—the wicked will be swept away.
One might ask: What is the psalmist doing? Why is he bent on punishing the wicked?
Well keep in mind that the psalmist is not planning on how he would punish the wicked but rather asking God for justice. It is also highlighted that this is one of the psalms that is arranged to the tune of “Do Not Destroy”. This shows that the purpose of this psalm is really not to seek out our own judgment on how to punish other people but rather love them. If there was any judgment to be done, God would do it according to His righteousness as it is mentioned that man only devise injustice in his heart, his hands mete out violence on earth.
Be encouraged if you are facing trouble with some politics in your marketplace, for surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.
V6-9
Break the teeth in their mouths, O God;
tear out, O LORD, the fangs of the lions!
Let them vanish like water that flows away;
when they draw the bow, let their arrows be blunted.
Like a slug melting away as it moves along,
like a stillborn child, may they not see the sun.
Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns—whether they be green or dry—the wicked will be swept away.
One might ask: What is the psalmist doing? Why is he bent on punishing the wicked?
Well keep in mind that the psalmist is not planning on how he would punish the wicked but rather asking God for justice. It is also highlighted that this is one of the psalms that is arranged to the tune of “Do Not Destroy”. This shows that the purpose of this psalm is really not to seek out our own judgment on how to punish other people but rather love them. If there was any judgment to be done, God would do it according to His righteousness as it is mentioned that man only devise injustice in his heart, his hands mete out violence on earth.
Be encouraged if you are facing trouble with some politics in your marketplace, for surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
PSALM Beliefs, Attitudes And Intentions...
Well, I have some catching up to do. I have been busy studying these few days and it has taken a toll on my body. I actually fell severely ill, a really bad flu if you put it. Thank God for the healing that is taking place, I feel much better now. I am very encouraged lately to even want to make my every effort to spend time with God.
Indeed these few days have not been easy for me, as much as I want to write my devotions, my body just can’t take the immense pressure that it was going through. But one thing is still for certain as psalm 57:7: my heart is still steadfast for God. Even when I was sort of bedridden for the past day or so, my heart was calling to God. I needed the Lord to sustain me, to heal me. In him, I will seek refuge until the disaster (virus) has passed.
There is a process called the B-A-I that I have learnt from marketing. It stands for Beliefs – Attitudes – Intention and is actually part of a customer’s buying process. I feel that I can apply this to the situation I’m in now.
Belief
What are my beliefs? I am certain that God will help me to overcome this sickness for He is ever faithful in His love for us. I believe that God is my healer and I can find my rest in Him.
Attitude
What is the attitude that I have? For I know that God will heal me and I can find my rest in Him, hence I will place my trust in Him. My heart will be steadfast for Him and I will trust in His love and faithfulness.
Intention
What will be my intention then? I will exalt Him for who He is, for the Lord is true to His word. I will praise Him and sing of His great love!
‘For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.’- Ps57:10.
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Monday, February 25, 2008
PSALM Darkness Never Too Dark For God...
‘In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?’ That was the repeated idea of psalms 56. Just like the many psalms we read, psalm 56 emphasized on trusting God even in the darkest moments in your life.
It is seen in psalm 56 that David has been captured by the Philistines. Even when he was held captive, he never fails to put his trust in God.
When he was afraid, he trusted in God. When he calls for help, it is not man that he calls but God, for he knows that God will save him and is the only one who can save him.
What can a mortal man do? A man’s strength is limited but God’s strength is infinite.
A man maybe king over his kingdom but God is king of the universe, the king of kings. When God stands, the tall trees and mountains bow…when He speaks, the fiercest of oceans is still.
David recognizes the sheer power of God. More importantly, he recognizes God’s willingness to help him, to deliver him from his troubles. That’s the reason why he said, ‘In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?’
Do we recognize this same God that David recognizes? Have you had problems that you have been running away from? Today, God wants you to trust in Him that He will deliver you from your problems and be the light that will guide you through the darkness in your life.
It is seen in psalm 56 that David has been captured by the Philistines. Even when he was held captive, he never fails to put his trust in God.
When he was afraid, he trusted in God. When he calls for help, it is not man that he calls but God, for he knows that God will save him and is the only one who can save him.
What can a mortal man do? A man’s strength is limited but God’s strength is infinite.
A man maybe king over his kingdom but God is king of the universe, the king of kings. When God stands, the tall trees and mountains bow…when He speaks, the fiercest of oceans is still.
David recognizes the sheer power of God. More importantly, he recognizes God’s willingness to help him, to deliver him from his troubles. That’s the reason why he said, ‘In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?’
Do we recognize this same God that David recognizes? Have you had problems that you have been running away from? Today, God wants you to trust in Him that He will deliver you from your problems and be the light that will guide you through the darkness in your life.
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Sunday, February 24, 2008
PSALMone Whom We Can Put Our Trust In...
‘Cast all your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.’ Psalm55:22
Psalm 55 shows the psalmist feeling distraught not only because the ‘voice of the enemy’ and ‘the stares of the wicked’ have brought down suffering upon him, but also because he has been betrayed by someone close. A companion, a close friend of the psalmist.
As seen from v12-14, ‘If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God.’
It is hard enough for the psalmist to deal with enemies and it is even harder to face the fact of a betrayal by a close friend. Can you imagine the shock, the hurt and anger that he was going through? As seen in v4-5, ‘My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.’
I believe that the psalmist’s close friend was also a man who serve God just like the psalmist, however his behaviour changed as seen in psalm 55.The change in the behaviour of the companion of the psalmist is seen from v20-21: ‘My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, they are drawn swords.’
What does this show? It shows that everyone has the potential to turn their backs to God. That is the reason why we have to pray for ourselves, to be a brother’s keeper to our fellow spiritual brothers. The devil never fails to prowl in the shadows. He can give you the idea that serving God is nothing more than a religion. Know that serving God is more than just a religion; it’s having a RELATIONSHIP with God, our heavenly Father.
Though the psalmist felt distraught and troubled, he knew that he could trust no one else besides God, for he knows that God will never betray him. V16-19 shows the psalmist calling out to God and more importantly, it shows the psalmist trust that he has in the Lord.
Even in the midst of my exams, I know that I can trust in the Lord for the wisdom, the rest and the knowledge that He would provide me with in preparation for the exams.
So who would you trust in today? I like what the psalmist say at the end of psalm 55.
But as for me, I trust in you… I trust in God.
Psalm 55 shows the psalmist feeling distraught not only because the ‘voice of the enemy’ and ‘the stares of the wicked’ have brought down suffering upon him, but also because he has been betrayed by someone close. A companion, a close friend of the psalmist.
As seen from v12-14, ‘If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God.’
It is hard enough for the psalmist to deal with enemies and it is even harder to face the fact of a betrayal by a close friend. Can you imagine the shock, the hurt and anger that he was going through? As seen in v4-5, ‘My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.’
I believe that the psalmist’s close friend was also a man who serve God just like the psalmist, however his behaviour changed as seen in psalm 55.The change in the behaviour of the companion of the psalmist is seen from v20-21: ‘My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, they are drawn swords.’
What does this show? It shows that everyone has the potential to turn their backs to God. That is the reason why we have to pray for ourselves, to be a brother’s keeper to our fellow spiritual brothers. The devil never fails to prowl in the shadows. He can give you the idea that serving God is nothing more than a religion. Know that serving God is more than just a religion; it’s having a RELATIONSHIP with God, our heavenly Father.
Though the psalmist felt distraught and troubled, he knew that he could trust no one else besides God, for he knows that God will never betray him. V16-19 shows the psalmist calling out to God and more importantly, it shows the psalmist trust that he has in the Lord.
Even in the midst of my exams, I know that I can trust in the Lord for the wisdom, the rest and the knowledge that He would provide me with in preparation for the exams.
So who would you trust in today? I like what the psalmist say at the end of psalm 55.
But as for me, I trust in you… I trust in God.
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Saturday, February 23, 2008
PSALM Blessed Present From God!
Psalm 54 is a very simple and short psalm to understand. I consider it the one of the most significant birthday gift from God to me. I like the simplicity of this psalm. In fact, I can form 3 Ps from v2, 4 and 6, the even numbers of the verses.
1) Pray
V2: ‘Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.’
How blessed is someone who prays to God. When you believe and trust that God will answer your prayer, it will be answered. Just like how Jesus heals the 2 blind men in Matt 9:27-29.
Jesus asked the 2 men whether they believe that he can heal them from their blindness, and they believed and were healed. For Jesus says, ‘according to your faith will it be done to you.’
2) Proclaim
V4: ‘Surely God is my help; The Lord is the one who sustains me.’
How blessed is someone who has God as his helper in times of need. Recognize and even declare in your heart that the Lord is your sole helper in times of
i) Needs
ii) Uncertainties
iii) Troubles
I find that these 3 moments are the more prominent moments that the psalms have mentioned so far and it applies to all of us. There are indeed times where we experience troubles, uncertainties and even times where we need something. Acknowledge that He is the provider, the helper, the decision-maker of your lives.
3) Praise
V6: ‘I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O LORD, for it is good. ‘
How blessed is someone who praises the name of the Lord. Praising the Lord is good, praise the Lord for all the things He has done in your life. In fact, live a life that is pleasing to God, so that the people would see your good works and praise the Lord. Praising God also means of showing your adoration to Him, so would you praise God today?
Blessed am I to receive this psalm today for it assures me that the Lord hears my prayers, He is my helper and I would praise Him for His goodness in my life.
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Friday, February 22, 2008
PSALM Familiar Reminder...PSALM 'Good Thing' To Do...
Psalm 53 is a unique psalm because it is actually identical to psalm 14 in terms of meaning. Since psalm 53 was a replica of psalm 14, I decided to read up psalm14 again. Other than a few different usages of words, I derive that the meaning of both psalms were the same.In my mind, I thought ‘Psalm 53 wasn’t there by mistake; God arranged it to be there for a reason.’ So what was the message that I got out of psalm 53 then? A consistent and familiar reminder: The need for us to have total reliance on God. The message was brought out clear in both psalm 14 and 53 that God has not found any man who does good, any who understand, any who truly seek Him.
Now why did I say it was a reminder for all of us to fully rely on God then? Know that by our nature, we can never be the person that God wants us to be. We can be seeking God, doing our quiet time today and even be holy for that day yet we can also become a different person another day, doing sinful things and just as the bible says, doing nothing good.
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. We can only be the person that God desires us to be through Jesus. I feel that salvation doesn’t end at the point where you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. In fact, I feel that it is the beginning of a journey, of following what Jesus would do and indeed by doing so, we are not only saved, but we also save others in the process. I sense that this is the good thing that God is referring to me in psalm 53 today.
It all leads back to the Father’s heart…that none should perish. Indeed I pray that we will do the ‘good thing’ God wants us to do and that everyday, God’s people would say ‘salvation is here!’
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Thursday, February 21, 2008
God PSALMs Up My Life...
God spoke to me in a very interesting way today in the midst of busy studying my modules. As I was taking down my exam particulars from my school account, the life mission statement that I wrote about a year ago just sort of pop out of no where.
It has indeed been a long while since I last read my LMS and I was wondering why my LMS just suddenly popped out when I did not even make any attempt to even open it. Well God was reminding me of something that I wrote, the requests that I made. So without further ado, here is my LONG LMS.
To live a life of purpose, meaning and enduring joy, I will be the leader of my own life; making my dreams come true by realizing my chosen Vision, guided by universally admirable Values, driven by an enduring Purpose and fired by undying Passions.VALUES: Values that guide my conducts in life shall be the same admirable values that I have found in the person that I respect,such as beingLoving, Obedient, Forgiving, Compassionate, Resilient, Honest
VISION: Envisioning myself becoming a person who:Jesus thinks is Loving, Forgiving, Obedient.My father thinks is Responsible, Honest, Courageous.Timothy thinks is Compassionate, Responsible, Honest.
PURPOSE: My Meaning and Purpose in Life can be derived from the following statements:
In 5, 20 and 80 years from now, I hope to be surrounded by the most important people in my life. This is who they are and what I plan to be doing:
5 years:
I will be in serving my NS. I will meet new people in my camp and I will make it a point to bond to them. I will be praying for those who did not receive salvation. When a chance arises, I will share with them my faith and the God that I put first in my life.
20 years:
I will be serving my church as one of the leaders and be living my passion in ministering to the poor if I’m appointed to go for missionary trips. If God bless me with the `helper` whose heart is after God and we share similar goals, I would be married with at least 2 kids and I will teach them about leading a Christian life as well as seeing through their early years in education.
80 years:
If God blesses me with a long life, I will be enjoying most of my time with God and my family. I will also see my sons and daughters serving the Lord. I will see my children getting married and having grandchildren. More than ever, my main focus will always be to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness in my life till the day the Lord takes me away with Him.
I will be willing to die for:
my faith as a Christian, if it means being persecuted by the nations because I believe that God love us so much that He send His One and Only Son to die for us. He has created many miracles in my life and He was always there for me even when I was at the lowest point in my life and I am willing to lay down my life for the Saviour I believe in.
If I have all the money and time in the world, to do anything I wanted (e.g. I’ve just won 10 millions Singapore dollars in a lucky draw), I would like to do following things:
If I have all the time and money in the world, I will use it to serve God in anyway, be it ministering to the poor. Donate 10% of my money as tithes to God, and always give whatever I have to the poor as I know God will always provide and not short-change me..Spend part of the money and my time on my family to travel around the world and make sure that they live a comfortable and happy life..Spend part of my money and time on the hobbies I like and experiencing life to the fullest.
If I have only 100 days left to live, I would like to do the following things:
Doing meaningful things like helping the poor and needy, spending more time with God and believing that He will save me.,Spending more time with my family, spiritual family and friends. Treasuring them each and everyday and talk to them about the happy memories I had with them in the past, do all the things I always wanted to do..
If I could spend one day with any person who ever lived, this is who it would be, and what I would ask:
My father, because I have not been able to spend quality time with him since my mother passed away. I would ask him what I could ever do as a son for him.
This is what I feel represents me, and why:
Angelfish, I care more about the welfare of others and always encourage peace.
Well it may not be long for some people but it certainly looks lengthy enough for me. Though it wasn’t really a perfect LMS for me, there were certainly many things that I wrote which had something to do with God. Indeed, God was reminding me whether I was putting Him first in my life, do I trust in Him for the things that I ask for. Will I carry out the things that I had listed down in my LMS?
As we grow older, it’s a process that the way we think changes and indeed I realise that want my life to be more fulfilling. There are many things that I want in my life. Though my thinking back then when I was doing this LMS was different from the way I think now, I still know 1 thing for certain as said in psalm 52:9 ‘I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.’ And that will never change.
Indeed when I look back at my life, I have seen the goodness of the Lord in my life. For the Lord is my sufficiency and he would bless me with the desires of my heart. Blessed is the Lord for all He has done in my life. I believe that He would be more than willing to bless you today if you decide to put your trust in Him.
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
PSALM Prayer of Confession
Today’s psalm emphasizes on confession. In psalm 51, we see David confessing his sin to God, a sin that he thought nothing of until the prophet Nathan accused him to his face of the sin that he had committed.David, the greatest king of Israel’s history could have had Nathan killed for his daring public confrontation or he could have thrown him to prison and denied the accusation. However, David knew that Nathan spoke for God and instead confesses his sin openly to the Lord, indeed showing that he is a man after God’s heart. He recognizes that God was the true king of Israel and he humbled himself instead of letting the pride of a king get the better of him.
I admire David’s humble heart and character. How many of us can be like David? Do we recognize God as the King of kings and the Lord of lords? Do we know our place before God? Do we even recognize the fact that we are sinful in nature? David does, he recognizes that he has been sinful since the time his mother conceived him. He also asks the Lord to cleanse him from his sins and to wash away his iniquity.
Psalm51 has indeed been a reminder for me to confess any sin that I have yet to confess to the Lord. It says in 1 John 1:9 that ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’ I think that this psalm is very suitable as a prayer of confession for many of us and since pastor encourages us to pray through the psalms, would you use this as your prayer today?
I like what v10-12 says:
‘Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.’ Indeed, I would make it my prayer today.
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The Lord Is Looking For PSALM Who Honor Him...
I have been studying intensively for the past few days or so for my final semester exams. I thank God for the strength that He has given me and even the time to do my daily devotions.Psalm 50 is a psalm that shows us that God does not need our gifts. Some people think that by doing more good deeds, they can bargain with God what they want and what they want God to do. Well, God wants to let His people know today that He is not a manipulative God.
Ultimately, when the people of the past sacrifice thank offerings to God, it is really a way of showing that they honour the Lord. The Lord really has no need of any sacrifices or burnt offerings. For the Lord is rich beyond our imagination as seen from His response in v9-13. The world and all that is in it is His…
There really isn’t anything much that we can bring before the Lord except our thanksgivings, worship and praises and the way we live our lives. It’s all about honouring Him. What matters most to Him is the attitude that we take towards Him. Even for my studies, I know that I study not only because I want to have good grades, but also because I want to use my grades to honour the Lord. To use my education as a form of worship to Him.
However busy I may be, be it studying for my exams or doing some co-curricular activities, I make it a point to draw close to the Lord. Know this, God honours those who draw close to Him. No matter how back-to-back my activities are, I will make my very effort to set aside time to spend with my heavenly Father.
Truly, God does not see the physical self but rather the heart of a worshipper. As said in 1 Samuel16:7b, 'The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'Indeed God will judge and see the intentions of our hearts. Let he who bring God a sacrifice of praise prepare the way of the Lord so that He may show him the salvation of God.
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Monday, February 18, 2008
Money Can’t Buy PSALMone’s Life
Indeed money can’t buy someone’s life. That was the theme for psalms 49. Money can do many things but the one thing that it cannot do is that it can’t be an escape mechanism from the grave. For in psalm 49:7-9, it says ‘No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him- the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough- that he should live on forever not see decay.’V7-9 gives us a clear picture that those who treasure their wealth will never be able to bring it into the kingdom of God. As said in v17, for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. Not only that, it also tells us that the tombs of those who treasure their wealth will remain their houses forever and their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions.
The bible says that the ransom for a life is costly and that no payment is ever enough. So what is the only way of redemption then?
In v15, ‘But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself.’
The only way of redemption is through God. God has indeed redeem us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. For it says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Know this, God is the author of life and death and psalm 49 sums it up with v20, saying that ‘man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.’
Would you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ today?
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Sunday, February 17, 2008
PSALMone Who Will Guide Me Through My Uncertainties...
‘Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain.’ ‘For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.’I didn’t felt too good today, especially after service. Something in me is making my heart impatient and it affected the attitude of mine during my reunion dinner with my distant relatives. In my quietness I wrote down what was bothering me and I prayed that God will change this heart of mine. Indeed, He is faithful for my attitude change after the dinner and I was even able to play and joke around with my younger cousins.
God, I know that you know what is bothering me and I pray that I will indeed surrender this issue fully into your hands. A thousand times I may have tried yet I fail but I know that only through you am I able to live this life of surrender. I recognize that you are my solution and my guide to this matter in my heart.
For you are my God and I will sing to you praises and play to you songs of worship. I pray that I will put Your kingdom first and let Your heart’s desire be my desire. I want to do everything to please You and I know that when I look to You with a heart that truly seeks You, You would show me Your lovingkindness. I believe that when I ask with faith, You will surely answer me. God no matter what happens, I am committed in serving you with all my heart and I believe that you will be my guide even to the end. Amen...
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Saturday, February 16, 2008
PSALMthing The Father Desires...
I went to the last cluster prayer meeting today and felt that it has indeed been a fruitful time of spending time with not only my spiritual family, but more importantly spending time worshipping our Father and singing to Him praises. So what does the prayer meeting have to do with psalm 47 then?Well, I was reading psalm 47 this morning and I thought that it was a pretty normal psalm. It mentions a lot about praising God by singing or by shouts of joy, something we do often. However, by the end of today’s prayer meeting, psalm 47 spoke out to me in a new way. At a deeper level, it actually talks about God’s people gathering together to praise Him.
Now what about God’s people then? Know that the Israelites often thought of themselves as exclusively God’s people, however in this psalm it mentions that the nations will gather not only as an assembly to praise God but as the people of the God of Abraham. This means that each and every one of us are actually insiders included in God’s covenant with the Israelites.
I was reminded of the heart of the Father in today’s cluster meeting. Know that the God’s desire is that he doesn’t want anyone to perish. Do we have the same desire as God’s heart? If we do, we ought to follow what Jesus is doing now at the right hand of God. Just as He is interceding for us all, we should be praying for our friends who have not been saved. No matter what they have done to you, whether good or bad, know that God loves them and He wants them to be save. God loves the sinners but hates the sin.
Pastor Jo also mention that if should we have an enemy, that would be the devil. The devil will indeed be prowling like a lion in the shadows, stopping us from doing what God intended us to do. No matter what the devil does, he is never bigger and more powerful than God. Know that when we submit ourselves to God, the devil will flee.
The devil may deceive you, saying that you are not worthy to come before God to worship Him because you are sinner. However, I was reminded of Jude 24-25 which says ‘Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.’ It is not the devil who would decide whether you are able to come before God but God Himself and Jesus says come as you are.
God’s heart indeed goes out to His people. He does not want anyone to perish and He wants His people to gather as one assembly to worship Him, to sing praises to Him. Will you align the desires of His heart with yours today? Will you live a life of surrender to Him today? If you do, know that you will indeed be greatly bless by Him.
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions
Friday, February 15, 2008
PSALM Will Witness And Be Still...
Psalm 46 reminded me of the song ‘Still’ by Hillsongs. Indeed I will be still even when the earth gives way and know that God is my fortress. I am always encouraged to know that God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble.This semester has been tough for me but I am glad that even through this stormy season, God has always been there to help me, to make sure that I do not stumble. In the stillness of my heart, I know that there is no one like Him.
How great is our God? You have to witness the works of God to know how great He is. As said in v8, ‘come and see the works of the LORD’.
For ‘He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.’
When nations are in uproar and when kingdoms fall, He only needs to lift His voice and the earth will melt.
Would you put your trust in God today? For if He can make the earth melt just by lifting His voice, wouldn’t it be even much easier for Him to help you with the troubles you are facing with?
For the key idea of psalm 46 is found in v7 and11, that ‘the Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.’ Just like 7 Eleven, God is always watching over us 24/7 and know that He never slumbers. In Him we will find our sense of security, in Him we find our strength. When you put your hope in God, He will never let you go…through it all.
Be still, and know that He is God…
Labels: Devotion, PSALM devotions