Friday, May 30, 2008

John 1

The Word Became Flesh
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.
3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood[a] it.

6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.[b]

10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent,[c] nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[d] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

15John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' " 16From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only,[e][f]who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

John the Baptist Denies Being the Christ
19Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ.[g]"
21They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?"
He said, "I am not."
"Are you the Prophet?"
He answered, "No."

22Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

23John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' "[h]

24Now some Pharisees who had been sent 25questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"

26"I baptize with[i] water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know. 27He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."

28This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Jesus the Lamb of God
29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' 31I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."
32Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."

Jesus' First Disciples
35The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"
37When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?"
They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"

39"Come," he replied, "and you will see."
So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.

40Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). 42And he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter[j]).

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
43The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me."
44Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

46"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.
"Come and see," said Philip.

47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false."

48"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."

49Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."

50Jesus said, "You believe[k] because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." 51He then added, "I tell you[l] the truth, you[m] shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Huijuan: And the word became flesh, this morning as i was playing my psp, i sense that God was telling me to allow His word grow deep in my heart. This season, i am also pondering how close am i to God?? I need to return back to the lovey-dovey(wrong speeling..i think.. haha) relationship with God.

Crow: Verse 12: Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.. Though this is a very simple truth, I claim it today, that I am a child of God... Born not from natural descent, or by human decision, but born of God.. Thank u Lord

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Psalm 150 - we've completed psalms!!!! =)

1 Praise the LORD. [a]
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.

2 Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,

4 praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,

5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.

6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.

Eunice: Wow! So may many ways to praise God with, so many reason to praise God for..no excuses not to praise Him now.. =P Lord, thank you for carrying me in yur safe hands.. Hallelujah...!

Huijuan: Praise God for everything, Praise God that i claim i can get good results, Praise God that i will have the favor of God in the new school, Praise God i can do well in practicum...hehe..Praise God !
Pam: A great way to end the reading of Psalm.... wif one fixed theme throut tis season = PRAISE! Yup, I wan to praise God that He is my healer who heals my back ache n I praise Him cos' He is my ever present help in times of need!!!
Chin Ling: The only way to end the psalms. The only way to begin life. The only way to begin each day. The only way to live through every step of the way! PRAISE THE LORD!
Crow: Dear dear Lord Jesus, I praise you!! Let everything that has breath Praise Him forever!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Psalm 149 - Wednesday

1 Praise the LORD. [a]
Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the saints.

2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
let the people of Zion be glad in their King.

3 Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music to him with tambourine and harp.

4 For the LORD takes delight in his people;
he crowns the humble with salvation.

5 Let the saints rejoice in this honor
and sing for joy on their beds.

6 May the praise of God be in their mouths
and a double-edged sword in their hands,

7 to inflict vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples,

8 to bind their kings with fetters,
their nobles with shackles of iron,

9 to carry out the sentence written against them.
This is the glory of all his saints.
Praise the LORD.

Chin Ling: OH YAY! Its great to be reminded that Praise is a weapon against the enemy! It is the glory of all his saints! PRAISE THE LORD!

Eunice: I am reminded now, that the joy of the Lord is my strength! Come on.... tiredness go away... I will try to sing a new song now to make myself feel better, and stronger...! God, I want u to take delight in me as much as I take delight in you... Jia You Jia You! The praise of God be on my mouth... Amen! Back to my joyous work!!!

Huijuan: Praise God for everythng! I am so happy!

Sara: Dunno what's wrong with me today but Ive been spotting mistakes after mistakes in my work today and it's so difficult to rectify them! But I am reminded of the last chapter of the Joel Osteen book ive been reading, which highlights that it is our choice to be and stay happy, and so, I still choose to praise the Lord for today and whatever comes my way!

Crow: When i read this psalm yesterday, the Lord asked me, "Do you believe I still delight in you?" I shamelessly claimed it, haha, and I know that it is true. The Lord will protect and bless us; such is the glory we will bask in... :)

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Psalm 148

1 Praise the LORD. [a]
Praise the LORD from the heavens,
praise him in the heights above.

2 Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars.

4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.

5 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created.

6 He set them in place for ever and ever;
he gave a decree that will never pass away.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,

9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,

10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,

11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,

12 young men and maidens,
old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

14 He has raised up for his people a horn, [b]
the praise of all his saints,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the LORD.

Chin Ling: I'm reminded of what Ps Seng Lee said. "It is enough" for everything that God has been, in the past, in the present, and what he will be in the future, it is enough for me to praise him. I'm not a circumstantial praiser, I want to be a "enough praiser". And for the above reason, it is enough for me to praise him!

Eunice: All sorts of different reasons, to praise the Lord... Even though I am v v tired, and my whole body is aching.. Praise the Lord! Every verse in this psalm, has the tiniest and biggest reason to praise the Lord. Lord, thank you for holding me so close to your heart. Praise Him in Everything! 加油吧!

Crow: Thank you Father. I will keep my promise made to you.

Sara: Even the trees, creatures, stormy winds and even water praise Him! And how beautiful the Lord has made his creations to be... there is indeed no reason NOT to praise Him! =)

Monday, May 26, 2008

Psalm 147- Monday

1 Praise the LORD. [a]
How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the exiles of Israel.

3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.

4 He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.

5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit.

6 The LORD sustains the humble
but casts the wicked to the ground.

7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make music to our God on the harp.

8 He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.

9 He provides food for the cattle
and for the young ravens when they call.

10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of a man;

11 the LORD delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.

12 Extol the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion,

13 for he strengthens the bars of your gates
and blesses your people within you.

14 He grants peace to your borders
and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.

15 He sends his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.

16 He spreads the snow like wool
and scatters the frost like ashes.

17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
Who can withstand his icy blast?

18 He sends his word and melts them;
he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.

19 He has revealed his word to Jacob,
his laws and decrees to Israel.

20 He has done this for no other nation;
they do not know his laws.
Praise the LORD.

Chin Ling: I will praise you because it is enough! Whatever that is mentioned in this psalm is enough for me to praise you all my lifetime! Lord I claim them, and I praise you for them in thanksgiving for the past, the present and the future! THANK YOu!

Eunice: I realised tht singing with the harp has been repeating these few days.. since the beginning of the psalms when they keep appearing. Lord, am I singing not enough? Ytd Pastor Eugene shared many good quotes. One of which he ended his msg with [ If Christians praise God more, the world would doubt him less ] . With this two things together, this comes as a reminder, to sing more of God love, not only to ourselves, and as a self acknowledgement, but to SHOUT OUT His goodness and that he is faithful. Make a joyful noise, instead of complaining... PRaise Him Prasie Him Praise Him in everything.

Crow: Dear Lord, help me to put my hope in your unfailing love...
Pam: Woah! Wat a psalm to start the week! Haha.. wat a way to start mine esp. now I am officially unemployed... hahah.... God is one who remembers (v4) n one who is a provider... I love YOU!!!
DEllia: As I read the psalm, I can only ask of one thing....Lord, do You take delight in me? I want the Lord to take delight in me. As I go thru this month, there are many thoughts and emotions welling inside of me, but as I read this psalm, I'm reminded that I only have to please the Lord and Lord alone. That though all else fails, God will still be with me.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Psalm 146 - Sunday

1 Praise the LORD. [a]
Praise the LORD, O my soul.

2 I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortal men, who cannot save.

4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.

5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,

6 the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
the LORD, who remains faithful forever.

7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,

8 the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.

9 The LORD watches over the alien
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

10 The LORD reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.

DEllia: Thank You Lord, for reminding me not to put my trust in men or things around...cos these things will fade away...but to put my trust in You, because You are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Lord, thank You because I know this psalm is just for me and that You are with me.

Crow: this is a lesson the lord has been teaching me for a long time now... to let me significance be independant of how others view me, and to simply base it on the fact that God loves me no matter what... haa, anyway, i was very encouraged after reading a poem one of my girls wrote today when i asked her to do quiet time...

The world is full of false prophets
those who cannot save
like princes and mortal man

melodies of lovely praises
float up to his ear
as i sing praise to him forever

put your hope and trust
in the lord your god
pleasing him in your ways

the lord upholds the just
loving the righteous
hating the wicked

he watches over the aliens
the widows and the fatherless
leaving not a wink of sleep

he saves the prisoners,
feeds the hungry and help the blind
lifting up those who are bowed down

the lord reigns forever
god of all generations
praise the lord for
he is good!

- by faith ng

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Psalm 145 - Saturday! =)

A psalm of praise. Of David.

1 [a] I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.

4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.

5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works. [b]

6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.

7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.

9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.

10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.

11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,

12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made. [c]

14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.

16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.

18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.

19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.

20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.

Chin Ling: All I want to do now, is to bless your name. Thank you, the lover of my heart.

Huijuan: The Lord is faithful in my life. Thank You God!

Dellia: I love You Lord. thank You for Your love and compassion. That though I'm unworthy, You still love and you are so patient with me. Lord, teach me and give me the same heart, that I will love with an unfailing and unconditional love.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Psalm 144

Of David.

1 Praise be to the LORD my Rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle.
2 He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples [a] under me.

3 O LORD, what is man that you care for him,
the son of man that you think of him?

4 Man is like a breath;
his days are like a fleeting shadow.

5 Part your heavens, O LORD, and come down;
touch the mountains, so that they smoke.

6 Send forth lightning and scatter {the enemies};
shoot your arrows and rout them.

7 Reach down your hand from on high;
deliver me and rescue me
from the mighty waters,
from the hands of foreigners

8 whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful.

9 I will sing a new song to you, O God;
on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,

10 to the One who gives victory to kings,
who delivers his servant David from the deadly sword.

11 Deliver me and rescue me
from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful.

12 Then our sons in their youth
will be like well-nurtured plants,
and our daughters will be like pillars
carved to adorn a palace.

13 Our barns will be filled
with every kind of provision.
Our sheep will increase by thousands,
by tens of thousands in our fields;

14 our oxen will draw heavy loads. [b]
There will be no breaching of walls,
no going into captivity,
no cry of distress in our streets.

15 Blessed are the people of whom this is true;
blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.

Chin Ling: How Blessed am I Lord, that I can be called your daughter. Who am I that I should be given such a privilege, but yet you call me your own. Thank you for everything!

Crow: I think the thing that the Lord spoke to me about is that not to be discouraged, cuz he's still training me up slowly but surely... just a short song...

Work in Progress

Disappointments
They don’t get me down
Failures
I won’t turn back now
Cuz Jesus
He lives inside me now

I know I’m work in progress
My Saviour’s not done
He’s training me up for war
My stronghold and my deliverer
I take refuge in You
I’ll never look back
I’ll always look ahead
I trust in Your big plan
Cuz I’m just work in progress

We are all work in progress
Our Saviour’s not done
He’s training us up for war
Our stronghold and our deliverer
We take refuge in You
We’l never look back
We’ll always look ahead
We trust in Your big plan
Cuz we’re just work in progress

Aileen: It's such an irony that God made us but yet we cause him more trouble. haha.. vs 3 really reminds me to be grateful! really, the power of free will and God granting us that.

Sara: I too wonder who am i that He, the Lord of all, would even bother spending time on me (yes, me) to disciple and train me even as i fail Him time to time. and yet, His word is so true, that blessed are the people whose God is THE LORD!! Amen!! =)

DEllia: Lord, I really don't deserve that You have for me...but thank You Lord, for Your love...I love You Lord.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Psalm 143 - Thursday

A psalm of David.

1 O LORD, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief.
2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you.

3 The enemy pursues me,
he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in darkness
like those long dead.

4 So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.

5 I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.

6 I spread out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
Selah

7 Answer me quickly, O LORD;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.

8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.

9 Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD,
for I hide myself in you.

10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.

11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life;
in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.

12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.

Eunice: O Lord, bring me ouit of trouble.. you are my deliverer.. Lord, even as u reveal the hearts of the deceitful ppl around me.. may I not be like them.. May I continue to be real and true, and keep me from evil.. from becoming like one of the gossipmongers.. its really scary.. Lord, may your good spirit lead me on level ground..Amen!

Crow: in yesterday's psalm and today's, David writes about his spirit growing faint and failing him.. think the Lord is saying to me that many times my spirit grows faint and weak, but i must commit it to Him... yesterday i was teaching this P4 class.. i was teaching them about diligence, but at the end of the class, i realise that the one thing many of them caught was "Never give up.." many of them have big dreams in life... i told them to never forget their dreams, when they grow up to continue chasing their dreams... I felt like i was talking to myself too.... And more than that, i felt the Lord speaking to me through the children... u should see the innocence in their eyes when they so earnestly said "We must never give up.." So much fire and passion in them... I pray that I, too, will not give up and learn to be stronger in my will... Thank u Lord for teaching me through them!

Huijuan: TEach me to do ur will, and not my will be done, but your will be done.

Chin Ling: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your word of unfailing love each morning. it certainly sustains me!

Sara: vs 5 brought me comfort as i remember the days of long ago, and consider what the Lord has done in my life, and all the more so will i bring myself to this truth when i feel faint and far away, dismayed and demoralised. Indeed Lord, I believe that you will deliver me, and I will be in Your courts, seeking you and drawing close to you.

Aileen: 'teach me to do your will for you are my God'.. that's my prayer that i'll always be teachable too

Dellia: Lord, lift up my spirit man..or woman (haaaa)...that I will always focus on the positive and never the negative!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Psalm 142 - Wednesday

A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer. [a]

1 I cry aloud to the LORD;
I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.
2 I pour out my complaint before him;
before him I tell my trouble.

3 When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who know my way.
In the path where I walk
men have hidden a snare for me.

4 Look to my right and see;
no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
no one cares for my life.

5 I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living."

6 Listen to my cry,
for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.

7 Set me free from my prison,
that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
because of your goodness to me.

Chin Ling: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for being my refuge and hiding places in many areas in my life. Thank you for your goodness yesterday, today and tomorrow. Jesus, thank you for being my best friend.

aileen: thank you God for your faithfulness.. i may have many friends but i know that God is the one who is constant and always there

Eunice: God is really not seen but I know he's there.. sometimes its v hard to remember he's there no matter what, esp when u are cold n alone in the cave. Lord, mayb I always remember that you are there, in my heart, and beside me..

Sara: Hello everyone!! im back from my Hong Kong trip!! haa.. ok.. there were pleasant as well as unpleasant things that happened of course.. and i found vs 3 of this psalm to be especially true for me. All I can say is that I am so glad to be in the Lord's presence, for it is only in Him that I can seek refuge in when I am lost, feel weak and faint, and when I fall into the arms of the enemy! *i feel protected and safe being near Him*

Crow: Thank You Father, for You alone are really so faithful! It is you who know my way... Hee, today i had a very very sincere and pleasant affirmation... i really thank God and give Him all praise for it... I am really not worthy.... Thank u Lord...

Huijuan: I cry out to God on the MRT today, cos i jus feel that sth is missing in my life. And i found it back. It is serving in God;s ministry. Serving happily, serving with God. Met up with my gals for dinner today, we laughed non stop...I wana grow old with all of u. :)

DEllia: What can I say but that Lord all I can say is that give me a hug! Haaa...I know it sounds funny..but well, I just wanna be in the embrace of my Father.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Psalm 141 - Tuesday

ninA psalm of David.

1 O LORD, I call to you; come quickly to me.
Hear my voice when I call to you.
2 May my prayer be set before you like incense;
may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

3 Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD;
keep watch over the door of my lips.

4 Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil,
to take part in wicked deeds
with men who are evildoers;
let me not eat of their delicacies.

5 Let a righteous man [a] strike me—it is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—it is oil on my head.
My head will not refuse it.
Yet my prayer is ever against the deeds of evildoers;

6 their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs,
and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken.

7 They will say, "As one plows and breaks up the earth,
so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the grave. [b] "

8 But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD;
in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death.

9 Keep me from the snares they have laid for me,
from the traps set by evildoers.

10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
while I pass by in safety.

Chin Ling : Yes, Lord, let me pray and move your hands, and touch your hearts. Let me walk in your ways and stay safe in you. In Jesus Name, Amen!

aileen: Back to work today and taking refuge in the lord. haha.. such is life and i thank God for his protection
Pam: Lord thank you for your protection n that I will continue to walk wif you!
Huijuan: As the days drews nearer to start teaching, God is reminding me not to be drawn to what is evil. God, jus keep me pure and keep my passion in teaching and not do what usually typical teachers do. Help me to have favor from u, and also i am able to connect with students. :)
Eunice: Yes Lord, guard my mouth, that I do not use it for any other purpose, except for building your kingdom. Lord, that my eyes are fixed on you and you alone, nothing else. Today's daily bread reminds me that you bring pain for a reason, to strengthen and to build. Lord, in you I seek refuge that you do not give me over to death.
Crow: Dear Lord, forgive me.... for the foolish things i do.... in you i take refuge... do not give me over to death....
Dellia: Never let my heart be drawn towards what is evil. Give me a pure heart, that I will praise You and stay pure all the days of my life until the time when I return back to You.,

Monday, May 19, 2008

Psalm 140 - holiday monday.. (10 more psalms to go...)

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men;
protect me from men of violence,
2 who devise evil plans in their hearts
and stir up war every day.

3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's;
the poison of vipers is on their lips.
Selah

4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;
protect me from men of violence
who plan to trip my feet.

5 Proud men have hidden a snare for me;
they have spread out the cords of their net
and have set traps for me along my path.
Selah

6 O LORD, I say to you, "You are my God."
Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy.

7 O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer,
who shields my head in the day of battle-

8 do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD;
do not let their plans succeed,
or they will become proud.
Selah

9 Let the heads of those who surround me
be covered with the trouble their lips have caused.

10 Let burning coals fall upon them;
may they be thrown into the fire,
into miry pits, never to rise.

11 Let slanderers not be established in the land;
may disaster hunt down men of violence.

12 I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor
and upholds the cause of the needy.

13 Surely the righteous will praise your name
and the upright will live before you.

Eunice: Lord Lord, protect me from the tongues of the evil men.. that slanderers will not be established in this land.. Lord, let their words not put me down... but I will be strengthened in you..

Crow: Lord, i find it hard to guard against the evil one.. Sometimes i find i even lose focus on what i am doing, why am i doing this, etc... But Lord, help me to live for you so that i can praise Your name now and forevermore

Dellia: This is what I really need. Lord, be near, let me know that You are near. I will praise You all the times, even if I don't understand...I will still praise You.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Crow: This is such a beautiful beautiful psalm..... How precious and dear we are to the Lord! I must write a song on this!!

Dellia: Lord, You know me so well...what can I say right? Ah...I'm so reminded that at times when I don't know what to say, You know and You understand. thank you Lord.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Psalm 138

Of David.
1 I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;
before the "gods" I will sing your praise.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.

3 When I called, you answered me;
you made me bold and stouthearted.

4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD,
when they hear the words of your mouth.

5 May they sing of the ways of the LORD,
for the glory of the LORD is great.

6 Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly,
but the proud he knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,
with your right hand you save me.

8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.

Eunice: Indeed Lord, you will fulfill your purpose for me.. in your enduring love...

Crow: Dear Lord, thank you for being with me always and always..

Dellia: Thank you Lord, because I can rest assure that You will always walk with me and never leave me. Though everyone might go, You will be with me. Just help me to trust in You and find comfort in You all the time.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Psalm 137 - Friday

Psalm 137

1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion.

2 There on the poplars
we hung our harps,

3 for there our captors asked us for songs,
our tormentors demanded songs of joy;
they said, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"

4 How can we sing the songs of the LORD
while in a foreign land?

5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
may my right hand forget its skill .

6 May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
if I do not remember you,
if I do not consider Jerusalem
my highest joy.

7 Remember, O LORD, what the Edomites did
on the day Jerusalem fell.
"Tear it down," they cried,
"tear it down to its foundations!"

8 O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction,
happy is he who repays you
for what you have done to us-

9 he who seizes your infants
and dashes them against the rocks.

Chinling : This psalm is sad. I thank the Lord for rescuing me, for everlasting joy. I must always remember Jesus as my highest joy.

Eunice: There is none like you Jesus... So wonderful. Indeed, you are my beautiful saviour. Lord I thank you that I am in a land where there are no natural disasters. With so many happening around us, i cant help but think how blessed i am. Yet we are here, worrying about so many things everyday. Lord, all creation bows to worship you. Indeed, you are my beautiful saviour!

Crow: How can we sing songs of the Lord when we are being forced to do so? Lord, help me to remember you at all times

Juan: Help to to always give thanks when i m goin thru trials. Thank You for saving me!

aileen: such a sad psalms.. really reminds me to thank God for the promise land i'm dwelling in now and not only remember zion when in sorrow

Dellia: Lord, help me never to forget You. Especially in good times, when things seems so good, that I will always still turn to You.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Psalm 136 - Thursday

..Psalm 136

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.

5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.

6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.

7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.

8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.

9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.

11 and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.

12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.

13 to him who divided the Red Sea [a] asunder
His love endures forever.

14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.

15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.

16 to him who led his people through the desert,
His love endures forever.

17 who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.

18 and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.

19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.

20 and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.

21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.

22 an inheritance to his servant Israel;
His love endures forever.

23 to the One who remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.

24 and freed us from our enemies,
His love endures forever.

25 and who gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

Crow: Yes, Give Thanks to the Lord, For He is Good, His Love endures forever! "His love endures forever" repeats 26 times! haha, hey, that's like the number of alphabets we have! In all things A-Z, His love endures forever!! Well well, Lord today i give thanks to You, for Indeed, Your love endures forever! I put my Hope in You! Thank you Lord!

Huijuan: His love really endures forever..... :) AMEN!!! Jus thank God that 2 days b4 simon had the car accident, i dunno why, jus became naggy and keep on reminding him to be careful on the road. And God really know today is the day.....So i was reminding simon, His wife is wise and can really hear from God ah. but ultimately it is God who is good. Thank You father

Chinling : This psalm reminded me to continue to harness a positive spirit, in thanksgiving to the Lord for all things instead of dwelling on the negative. i am reminded of all the good things that the Lord has done in my life as the psalmist retracks God's countless miracles. Give thanks!

Eunice: Yes... 26 times.. and i feel like singing the song.. its good that I choose to read this now.. in the midst of a grumpy morning.. yes.. i am grumpy when i dont get enough beauty sleep.. and I came into the office today, and found out that someone didnt do his work for days... gosh.. so.. in my grumpy mood, i told him to do it.. yes, i better buy a chocolate for him later.. but.. Lord, i know this word is for me today.. that I should have this song ringing in my head, that I will remmeber to give thanks because you are a good God... every little thing that has breathe, Praise the LORD!!!! Sing Praise, sing praise...

Dellia: A very simple reminder...to give thanks...always and always! For a simple reason, because his love endures forever

Aileen: really reminds me of the song! haha his love endures forever.. so thank God for eternity!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Psalm 135 - Wednesday

Psalm 135


1 Praise the LORD. [a]
Praise the name of the LORD;
praise him, you servants of the LORD,


2 you who minister in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God.


3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.


4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob to be his own,
Israel to be his treasured possession.


5 I know that the LORD is great,
that our Lord is greater than all gods.

6 The LORD does whatever pleases him,
in the heavens and on the earth,
in the seas and all their depths.

7 He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth;
he sends lightning with the rain
and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

8 He struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
the firstborn of men and animals.

9 He sent his signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt,
against Pharaoh and all his servants.

10 He struck down many nations
and killed mighty kings-

11 Sihon king of the Amorites,
Og king of Bashan
and all the kings of Canaan-

12 and he gave their land as an inheritance,
an inheritance to his people Israel.

13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever,
your renown, O LORD, through all generations.

14 For the LORD will vindicate his people
and have compassion on his servants.

15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.

16 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but they cannot see;

17 they have ears, but cannot hear,
nor is there breath in their mouths.

18 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.

19 O house of Israel, praise the LORD;
O house of Aaron, praise the LORD;

20 O house of Levi, praise the LORD;
you who fear him, praise the LORD.

21 Praise be to the LORD from Zion,
to him who dwells in Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD.

Crow: The Lord reminds me that i need to praise the Lord for he is good, and not let it be dependent on the circumstances. Even when we serve in the house of God, there can be many disappointments and frustrations. But the Lord reminds me to Praise Him FOR HE IS GOOD. In all things, praise Him!!!!!! Not easy at all!

Eunice: vs 5 says " I know that the Lord is great and greater than all Gods " and vs 15 says the idols of the nations are silver and gold made by the hands of men, and those who make these idols will be like them, have mouths but cannot speak. It makes me wonder, with afew natural disasters going around now, cyclone in Myanmar, earthquake in China, do men still hold on to gold n silver for their lives more than their salvation? Gold and silver become the tridols of the nations, when countries want to fight for power and be the richest country in the world. Once they become that, what comes next? So what if you have the gold that you want, yet you do not have a mouth to speak, to praise the Lord and to share God's goodness? Its almost like having no one to share your joy. Wont that be very sad? Lord I thank you that today, I may not be the richest person in the world, in terms of gold and silver, but i thank you that I have you, and a mouth to speak of your goodness. Lord, let the words that come out of my mouth glorify and edify you, than to bring people down. Lord, teach me to speak words of wisdom, words that heal..

Pam: An interesting morning as I was reading the Psalm, listening Christian music n watching sad news playing on tv mobile.... hahah... WOW... wat a whirlwind of emotions going thr the bumpy ride to work! One ting I was reminded will I still dare to praise Him despite the ongoing things or live in fear? Do I have the discipline to praise Him even for the smallest things or when things go so wrong.... ? Lord, I wan to fearfully praise YOU daily... guide me!

Juan: The LORD does whatever pleases him....Although i do not know someimtes what God is doing, i jus learn to trust....God i trust in u.

Chin Ling : You know what! Its the second time I typed a lengthy post and then it disappeared on this blog! But, actions speaks louder than words, right? So, I'll praise the Lord anyways! HAHAHA!!!!

Dellia: The Lord deserves more than anything..so praise Him.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Psalm 134 - Tuesday

psalm 134


A song of ascents.
1 Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD
who minister by night in the house of the LORD.

2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the LORD.


3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion.

Eunice: The garment of Praise is the King's favourite dress.. indeed... let my everyday's best dress be a garment of praise, to hv favour with the King. Tommy Tenney said.. one night of favour is enough to last you for a lifetime.. =)

Crow: God really loves it when we worship Him. Worship is powerful.. Praise the Lord! Lift up our hands! May i never forget the power of worship... our worship determines our destiny... wow..

Aileen: These few days the psalms has been very short yet so meaningful. After tommy tenney i was really reminded that my praise continues when i'm doing things on this earth. Even as i start planning for my future and working hard as a marketplace minister, i want to commit everything that i do to the lord and that requires me to ask the lord "God what would you take delight in?" I want to praise the lord when i'm in the sanctuary (in the church and out) because that's where God is.. everywhere!! hahaha

Dellia: Lord, make me a servant, to serve the people around. That as I serve and work, it will be for You and not for men.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Psalm 133 - Monday

Psalm 133

A song of ascents. Of David.
1 How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!

2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.

3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

Chin Ling: Lord, teach me how to live in such a way to put others interests ahead, so that we may love each other because you first love us. Father, give me the strength today to choose to love you by loving your people!

Aileen: Unity - my prayer is that our G12 will be united! So, this wed to timbre yes?!

Crow: Thank God for the unity of our g12! No wonder we are so richly blessed.. Yes Aileen, see u this wed! :)

Pam: Yes! Indeed..... when I read the psalm this morning.. such a familar psalm n a familar theme... UNITED! Hahaha.... man united won the champions leauge! Haha.. lame! But yes... lets be united in our faith, speech n actions!

Eunice: As a family, we grow together.. Unity is a blessing!

Huijuan: Lets stay united, and help del ok! WE will help unite the rest who sometimes are not around. Dear gals, not sure u reading this, but as the eldest in age(opps, i m so old...!), I think Let's learn to unite, its not easy for del to catch u, she got a family, she got baby. Let's learn to unite and find urself more blessed!

Sara: Yup!! Agree!! with everyone!! haa... it's really a blessing to be united... and all the more so should we keep the rest in prayer! we all have times when we'll feel down and out, fall down badly and dunno how to get up on our own.. and having this united family helps! And thanks Crow for this new song/ psalm... it ministers! hee... I thank the Lord that you did not hide the talents He gave you! =)

Dellia: Unity...that's the greatest weapon! Lord, help me to preserve unity at all cost.

Psalm 132 - Sunday

Psalm 132

A song of ascents.

1 O LORD, remember David
and all the hardships he endured.

2 He swore an oath to the LORD
and made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:

3 "I will not enter my house
or go to my bed-

4 I will allow no sleep to my eyes,
no slumber to my eyelids,

5 till I find a place for the LORD,
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."

6 We heard it in Ephrathah,
we came upon it in the fields of Jaar [a] : [b]

7 "Let us go to his dwelling place;
let us worship at his footstool-

8 arise, O LORD, and come to your resting place,
you and the ark of your might.

9 May your priests be clothed with righteousness;
may your saints sing for joy."

10 For the sake of David your servant,
do not reject your anointed one.

11 The LORD swore an oath to David,
a sure oath that he will not revoke:
"One of your own descendants
I will place on your throne-

12 if your sons keep my covenant
and the statutes I teach them,
then their sons will sit
on your throne for ever and ever."

13 For the LORD has chosen Zion,
he has desired it for his dwelling:

14 "This is my resting place for ever and ever;
here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it-

15 I will bless her with abundant provisions;
her poor will I satisfy with food.

16 I will clothe her priests with salvation,
and her saints will ever sing for joy.

17 "Here I will make a horn [c] grow for David
and set up a lamp for my anointed one.

18 I will clothe his enemies with shame,
but the crown on his head will be resplendent."

Crow: Will the Lord choose my heart as His dwelling place?

Dellia: I pray that I will have the psalmist heart and prayer...to find a place for the Lord, that my heart will be a place of dwelling

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Psalm 131

Psalm 131

A song of ascents. Of David.
1 My heart is not proud, O LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.

2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.

Chin Ling : Exactly what I am feeling right now, to leave all the past glories, fears, troubles behind me, but to be still and sit before the Lord and receive his words. My dependence in the Lord only.

Crow: Lord, may my heart always be humble and my eyes nv haughty but always seek to serve u..

Dellia: Lord, teach me to be still and to put my hope in You.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Psalm 130

Psalm 130

A song of ascents.
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;

2 O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared.

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.

6 My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.

8 He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.


Eunice: vs4 makes me wonder, if i fear the Lord cos i am afraid of the wages of sin, or do I fear Him, for his reverence on my life.. If its for the former, Lord, forgive me... if I have taken your grace and mercy for granted. This that you gave to us so freely, I will treasure it all my life.. Amen! Happy Friday!

Chin Ling: Yes Lord, thank you for saving me and forgiving me. What you did on the cross has surely reminded me of your power and your sacrifice. Let me wait for you and put my trust fully in you. My prayer is that my waiting and my trusting would be one that is more intense than as the watchmen wait for the morning. My full dependence is on you.

Pam: v3 & 4 - My God has a big n forgiving heart.... Lord.. show me my sins daily... teach me to forgive daily as well.

Crow: I don't know how to respond to this psalm.... Unlike the psalmist, I don't wait for the Lord so much. I don't know.... I really feel so silenced when i read this psalm. I don't know lah. haha.

Anyway, just a personal song:

Forgiven

I’m sorry that I’ve hurt You
With the things that I do
All the time I thought I knew
I’m but a fool

I’m sorry that I made You sad
Running from Your will
Took Your grace for granted
And Your love for a ride

Estranged from Your presence
Cast from Your sight
Abandon me no more O Lord
I’m crying inside
Please forgive me

I will wait for You Lord
My soul waits
In Your Word my hope resides
I’ll wait for You
Just to hear
I’m forgiven

Lord I know Your love for me
Is higher than the skies
In Your Word my hope resides
I know for sure
I’m forgiven
I’m forgiven

Aileen: been really busy the whole day, and i realised i didn't take time like the psalmist to wait upon the lord!! tsk tsk.. haha gentle reminder from the one above

Dellia: Lord, teach me patience to wait for You. That I will not act on my own, but to wait for You.

Psalm 129 - Thursday

A song of ascents.

1 They have greatly oppressed me from my youth— let Israel say-
2 they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me.
3 Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long.
4 But the LORD is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.
5 May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.
6 May they be like grass on the roof, which withers before it can grow;
7 with it the reaper cannot fill his hands, nor the one who gathers fill his arms.
8 May those who pass by not say, "The blessing of the LORD be upon you; we bless you in the name of the LORD."

Chin Ling : I speak this psalm to whatever the devil uses to discourage me or hurt me! Yes, how wonderful to be a daughter of the Lord who have not let the schemes of the enemy gain victory over me but use every one of them to grow me, that I may learn dependence on the Lord. This reminded me of the story of Joseph -Whatever that was meant to be bad turned out to be the good, when they are in the hands of the Lord!

Eunice: To what the Lord has given to me, is a promise that he will not allow the evil one's scheme to succeed because He is upholding me with His righteous right hand. Lord, mayb I be steady when I see the scheme succeeding, because even though situations may not seem so, they have not gained the victory over me! Amen!

Dellia: the people who hurt you the most so often are the people that are with You. Sometimes you might not understand why people react the way they did but as this psalms says...don't fear my dear friend...trust in Him and He will save You. So keep praying my dear friends and don't give up.

Crow: Lord I am not worthy.. But Lord, Your grace always lifts me up no matter what I've done.. Help me not to look back again, but go from strength to strength.. Help me Lord.

From Strength To Strength

From the days of my youth
Trying times I’ve been through
Wandered from Your presence
Hidden from Your grace
But I know
From the days of my youth
You have been with me
You spoke life into this broken heart
Strength to my soul
You believed in me

I know I’ve told You
I give my life to You
Many times I said
I’d start anew

So I sing
I will go
From strength to strength
Never look back again
Mount on eagle’s sings
Soar higher than ever
Cuz You give Victory

Aileen: the lord is righteous.. simple but powerful reminder

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

DO IT ANYWAY - by Mother Teresa..

People are often unreasonable, illogical, And self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you Of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win someFalse friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank; People may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

My friend reminded me of the above, while I was catching up with him, and yes, this poem much describes my friend's life. I've nv seen someone who could be so contented with only $20 a day, and yes, my friend happens to be a doctor. The simple joy that things around him can bring, and its a choice, to be contented. While talking to him, I was wondering. Are we too blessed, that we take simple things for granted? Simple things like having medicine readily available, simple things like water for granted. I dont thank the Lord everyday every second that I have water to drink, and a proper chair to sit on. Instead just this morning, I prayed and ask God to change my hearts towards ppl who are nasty to me. 知足常乐, simple 4 words, but yet the meaning goes deep within.
Lord, I want to appreciate the small little things that you have blessed me with, more than the BIG things. Well, I want to give my best, do good and be happy anyway. =)

Psalm 128 - Wednesday

Psalm 128


A song of ascents.
1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.

2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots
around your table.

4 Thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.

5 May the LORD bless you from Zion
all the days of your life;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,

6 and may you live to see your children's children.
Peace be upon Israel.

Chin Ling: That I may fear you as I go about all my days, in all my ways. May I choose to walk in obedience in my heart, thoughts and actions.

Eunice: Lord, I want to fear you in my life, and walk in your ways.. indeed, my life vision "Blessed to Bless". without your blessings, how can I bless? I want to eat the fruit of my labour.. and share it with you! Amen!

Crow: Teach me to fear You, Lord, that i may walk in Your ways.

Teach me to fear You

God You are mighty
Every knee will bow at your glory
Awesome God You reign
We stand in awe at Your Name

Mighty God
Awesome God
You reign

Teach me today
The fear of the Lord
That I may walk in Your ways
Erase all doubt
May I just stand in awe
Teach me to fear You Lord

To enter Your courts
With fear and trembling
Fear and trembling
Fear and trembling at Your Name
Lord I tremble at Your Name

Mighty God
Awesome God
You reign

Aileen: Such an irony that with fear comes blessings but yet i've experienced it in my life. My prayer is that i'll always be mindful of what the lord says, always working my salvation with fear and trembling.. hehehe.. and thank G0d for his mercies

Pam: I want to walk with the Lord all the days of my life... and be a God-fearing woman....

Dellia: sometimes it's 'just so easy to forget about what the Lord has done and when we remain righteous and do what is right, things doesn't seem so good...but the Lord promises that blessings will come for those of us who fear the Lord. So fear God with all Your heart.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Psalm 127- Tuesday

Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.

2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to [a] those he loves.

3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.

4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.

5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

Chin Ling: Can identify with V3-5 alot. I want to give thanks to the sec 1 girls that I have now. Each and everyone of them are like a reward from the Lord to me. Seeing them grow and even loving God and encouraging each other has been a very real encouragement to me. I'm challenged to continue to work with the Lord to grow the people that he plants along my way. The enemy be defeated because we are committed to this cause! :D

Pam: V1 is always a reminder for me esp. in serving the ppl..... but I think it applies to our daily life as well..... all my daes, my roles I play... He needs to be in it!

Crow: Lord, I surrender all. Help me to surrender daily.

Take Your Place

How could I fail to see
Everything I have, all I am
It’s your blessing
I can speak a thousand words Labour my whole life
I could try with all my strength
All in vain

Just one word from our King
And the world was made
Just one touch from the Lord
And the earth will shake
Just one thing You ask
That I give You my life
Lord now I surrender all

Lord come, take your place
I need no other
Come work your wonders
I will trust in You
Give all to You
Jesus
Take your place

Phebe: (Sorry I know I haven't been updating, but I've been updating it on my livejournal :) )

This month of May, I've been so touched and encouraged by how God has been speaking to me so directly thru the Psalms of May. Its been a little journey of learning that my deliverance, my security and my dependence is in the Lord!

The little talk I had with Mum last nite ended up with both of us teary, definitely wasn't something I enjoyed talking about with her. I went to bed discouraged. But, woke up to a beautiful Psalm 127 - that my dependence must be on the Lord. For unless the Lord builds the house, I will labor in vain. Without God's blessings, all is nothing.

Being me, a perfectionist and a worry bug, I always struggle with the fact that I need to learn how to let go and let God. Learning how to live a life of faith is very simple actually. One that is not filled with anxiety but trusting in the Lord's daily provisions. For those who trust in the Lord will be like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever (Psalm 125:1)

My help is in the name of the Lord.

I'm glad we were made to memorize Psalm 121 at cell group on Sunday. - I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let my foot slip - He who watches over me will not slumber. Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over me - the Lord is my shade at my right hand; the sun will not harm me by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep me from all harm - He will watch over my life. The Lord will watch over my coming and going, both now and forevermore.

What began as a season, must become a lifestyle.

Eunice: Lord, be the builder of my house. Everything that I am building now, I want to build it together with you. I am glad when I didn ttry to take things into my own hands ytd night, and Lord, your love came as a gentle reminder to me. Lord, let me be able to share this love with the people around. I want to be the one that makes the difference. Lord, use me. I claim the promise that you gives sleep to those that you love.. that I will not have sleepless nights anymore.. Amen!

Dellia: I'm reminded not to do things by my own strength and labour and toil...but to wait for the Lord and rest in Him.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Psalm 126

Psalm 126

A song of ascents.
1 When the LORD brought back the captives to [a] Zion,
we were like men who dreamed. [b]

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."

3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes, [c] O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.

6 He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.

Chin Ling: Yes, what a wonderful psalm about dreaming on a Monday! The Lord will make all our dreams come true even as we continue to sow seeds of obedience!

Dellia: Amen! Joy! THe Lord sees every single tears and will turn our mourning into joy!

Aileen: Just came back from retreat and this part " the lord has done great things for us". Even as i climbed up the fort, i really see the glory of the place.. hahaha.. and really want to thank God cause "if the lord was not with me" i really think my life would not be so blessed. so thank God for that

Crow: Dear Lord, when i received your total forgiveness and drew close to you, I was like men who dreamed. You filled my mouth with laughter and my tongue with songs of Joy. You did great things for me, and my heart was filled with Joy. Lord, I'm sorry. Restore unto me your life again, Lord.. I don't care about anything else.. I just want my relationship with You back, Lord..

Nothing Else

Many things may cloud my mind
I choose to praise You Lord
You’re the way, the only way
I’ll follow You my Lord

May my life reflect Your righteousness
May my words be filled with grace
Let my thoughts be of You Lord
Change me Lord I pray

Nothing else
Nothing else matters
I love You
I know You love me
Nothing else
Nothing else matters but You

Jesus, you died for me
And Nothing Else,
Nothing else matters

Huijuan: Woo hoo Crow, another song wow...hehe.. well like aileen has mentioned, came back from retreat, didnt really rested physically but spiritually quite ok:) Well, Many things to give thanks For!!! No more school!! ahah..Exams over. Tmr goin HK!!! yeah! If i didnt have God in my life, dont think i can be soooo blessed and overcome NIE by myself.

Eunice: Lord, how easy it is to praise you when things are going right.. Are u telling me to praise u in all circumstances, not only in times of goodness?? Lord, I try.. I will try.. thank you for bringing me through it all and seeing me through the seasons.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Psalm 125 - Sunday

Psalm 125


A song of ascents.
1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.


3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain
over the land allotted to the righteous,
for then the righteous might use
their hands to do evil.


4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good,
to those who are upright in heart.


5 But those who turn to crooked ways
the LORD will banish with the evildoers.
Peace be upon Israel.

Dellia: A reminder from yesterday, as long as I put my trust in Him....I will not be shaken. Thank You Lord, that though things might shake, You will not, and I know I can put all my fears and thoughts to You.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Psalm 124- Saturday

Psalm 124


A song of ascents. Of David.
1 If the LORD had not been on our side—
let Israel say-

2 if the LORD had not been on our side
when men attacked us,


3 when their anger flared against us,
they would have swallowed us alive;


4 the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,


5 the raging waters
would have swept us away.


6 Praise be to the LORD,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.


7 We have escaped like a bird
out of the fowler's snare;
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.


8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

Dellia: Thank You God for reminding me that You are always by my side. when I'm tired and weary, I can draw strength from You.

Eunice: All for love, the Father gave. If not He loved me, he would hv come. If not for Him who loves me, I wouldnt hv had the victories I have had.



Friday, May 2, 2008

Psalm 123 - Friday

Psalm 123


A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to you,
to you whose throne is in heaven.

2 As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he shows us his mercy.

3 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us,
for we have endured much contempt.

4 We have endured much ridicule from the proud,
much contempt from the arrogant.

Crow: Lord I look to you.. To Your words of truth.. Lord help me to ALwayS be consumed in your word..

Chin Ling : Lord, help me to fully depend on you the way its described in the psalm. Help me not to lean on my own strength, but yours alone.

Dellia: I wanna look to You always and always!

Eunice: Lord, Have mercy on me. All these that I have, I do not deserve, if not for your mercy..

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Psalm 122 - Labour Day

Psalm 122

A song of ascents. Of David.
1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the LORD."

2 Our feet are standing
in your gates, O Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.

4 That is where the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD,
to praise the name of the LORD
according to the statute given to Israel.

5 There the thrones for judgment stand,
the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.

7 May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels."

8 For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."

9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.

Eunice: Good Morning Lord.. Today is Labour Day and I praise you even I am at work with a super swollen eye! Praise to you, for the sisters that you have given me to go into your house, where we go up and praise your name together. Indeed, I rejoice together with them. Lord, thanks for teaching us to think positively.. that we can encourage one another to go along this journey.. 姐妹们,加油吧!!!

Crow: Today was labour day.. A day to rest from our work.. Thank u God for this day of rest! Yes, I rejoice! :)

Dellia: In rest or in labour, we are to praise the Lord forever and forever and that is the joy that we can have. Today, are we really joyful in praising God, do we look forward to it?

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Psalm 121 - Wednesday

Psalm 121


A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.


3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;


4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.


5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;


6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.


7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;


8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Crow: Trust... Trust in His power. Trust in his love. Trust in his grace. Trust the Lord.. Who am i, that the Lord should shower such deep concern for me and ensure such protection over my life? Thank u Lord that I am your daughter from the beginning of time to eternity.. And nothing, nothing will ever change that.. Thank u Lord..

Eunice: The Lord will not let me foot slip, and you will keep me from all harm. Lord, I claim the promise over your protection over me. God, thank you for being who you are. The many questions that I need answers to, Lord, my help comes from you. Lord forgive me when I thought I could do it w/o you, the many times when I tried to juggle it all, and looked silly. Lord I'm sorry.

Huijuan: God is just truly amazing in my life. How i could i live without u, hw would i survive without your love, without your touch....thank You father!

Sara: Very comforted by these words, that You Lord, watch over my coming and my going, which means every single step i take! Though Im not worthy of any of these, You stil lavish Your love on me and keep me from harm... I dont deserve any of this because I am but a fickle and wavering child who keeps hurting you with my words and my actions. How can I be like you??

Dellia: Thank You Lord, because I can rest assure that You are always watching over each and everyone of us.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Psalm 120 - Tuesday

Psalm 120


A song of ascents.
1 I call on the LORD in my distress,
and he answers me.

2 Save me, O LORD, from lying lips
and from deceitful tongues.


3 What will he do to you,
and what more besides, O deceitful tongue?


4 He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows,
with burning coals of the broom tree.


5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!


6 Too long have I lived
among those who hate peace.


7 I am a man of peace;
but when I speak, they are for war.

Chin Ling : Oh Lord, help me be a person at peace and of peace. :)

Huijuan: I will call on the Lord and He answers me! The nightmare of 2 papers in one day is over!!! especially Chemistry!! ahah God is really amazing, he jus guided me all the way!!! Hallelujah!! FReedom!

Dellia: Keep me pure and always guard me, that I will rest and trust in You and speak words of truth season with grace

Aileen: It's funny how this psalms is so much shorter than yesterday's! haha, anyway I wanna be a man of peace too. Even as i start my new biz class tonight, i pray that I would be that woman of peace in the classroom

Crow: Dear Lord, please help me to speak not what is wrong or spiteful, but to constantly lean on your wisdom. may i learn to daily die to my own desires and release my rights to u..

Monday, April 28, 2008

Psalm 119 - Monday

Psalm 119


' Aleph
1 [a] Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.

2 Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.

3 They do nothing wrong;
they walk in his ways.

4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.

5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!

6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.

7 I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.

8 I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.

b Beth
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.

10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.

12 Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.

13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.

14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.

15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.

16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.

g Gimel
17 Do good to your servant, and I will live;
I will obey your word.

18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.


19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.


20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your laws at all times.


21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed
and who stray from your commands.


22 Remove from me scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.


23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.


24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.


d Daleth
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.

26 I recounted my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.


27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;
then I will meditate on your wonders.


28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.


29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me through your law.


30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.


31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.


32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.


h He
33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.


35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.


36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.


37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word. [b]


38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.


39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.


40 How I long for your precepts!
Preserve my life in your righteousness.


w Waw
41 May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;

42 then I will answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.


43 Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.


44 I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.


45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.


46 I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame,


47 for I delight in your commands
because I love them.


48 I lift up my hands to [c] your commands, which I love,
and I meditate on your decrees.


z Zayin
49 Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.

50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.


51 The arrogant mock me without restraint,
but I do not turn from your law.


52 I remember your ancient laws, O LORD,
and I find comfort in them.


53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked,
who have forsaken your law.


54 Your decrees are the theme of my song
wherever I lodge.


55 In the night I remember your name, O LORD,
and I will keep your law.


56 This has been my practice:
I obey your precepts.


x Heth
57 You are my portion, O LORD;
I have promised to obey your words.

58 I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.


59 I have considered my ways
and have turned my steps to your statutes.


60 I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands.


61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
I will not forget your law.


62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks
for your righteous laws.


63 I am a friend to all who fear you,
to all who follow your precepts.


64 The earth is filled with your love, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.


X Teth
65 Do good to your servant
according to your word, O LORD.

66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I believe in your commands.


67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.


68 You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.


69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I keep your precepts with all my heart.


70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.


71 It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.


72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.


y Yodh
73 Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.

74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.


75 I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous,
and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.


76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.


77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.


78 May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
but I will meditate on your precepts.


79 May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes.


80 May my heart be blameless toward your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame.


k Kaph
81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.

82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, "When will you comfort me?"


83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.


84 How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?


85 The arrogant dig pitfalls for me,
contrary to your law.


86 All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for men persecute me without cause.


87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.


88 Preserve my life according to your love,
and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.


l Lamedh
89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.

90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.


91 Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.


92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.


93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.


94 Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.


95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes.


96 To all perfection I see a limit;
but your commands are boundless.


m Mem
97 Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.

98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are ever with me.


99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.


100 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.


101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.


102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.


103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!


104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.


n Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.

106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.


107 I have suffered much;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.


108 Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.


109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I will not forget your law.


110 The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts.


111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.


112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.


s Samekh
113 I hate double-minded men,
but I love your law.

114 You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word.


115 Away from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commands of my God!


116 Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live;
do not let my hopes be dashed.


117 Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
I will always have regard for your decrees.


118 You reject all who stray from your decrees,
for their deceitfulness is in vain.


119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;
therefore I love your statutes.


120 My flesh trembles in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your laws.


v Ayin
121 I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors.

122 Ensure your servant's well-being;
let not the arrogant oppress me.


123 My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise.


124 Deal with your servant according to your love
and teach me your decrees.


125 I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes.


126 It is time for you to act, O LORD;
your law is being broken.


127 Because I love your commands
more than gold, more than pure gold,


128 and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path.


p Pe
129 Your statutes are wonderful;
therefore I obey them.

130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.


131 I open my mouth and pant,
longing for your commands.


132 Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name.


133 Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.


134 Redeem me from the oppression of men,
that I may obey your precepts.


135 Make your face shine upon your servant
and teach me your decrees.


136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed.


c Tsadhe
137 Righteous are you, O LORD,
and your laws are right.

138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
they are fully trustworthy.


139 My zeal wears me out,
for my enemies ignore your words.


140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them.


141 Though I am lowly and despised,
I do not forget your precepts.


142 Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true.


143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands are my delight.


144 Your statutes are forever right;
give me understanding that I may live.


q Qoph
145 I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD,
and I will obey your decrees.

146 I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes.


147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.


148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises.


149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws.


150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.


151 Yet you are near, O LORD,
and all your commands are true.


152 Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever.


r Resh
153 Look upon my suffering and deliver me,
for I have not forgotten your law.

154 Defend my cause and redeem me;
preserve my life according to your promise.


155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek out your decrees.


156 Your compassion is great, O LORD;
preserve my life according to your laws.


157 Many are the foes who persecute me,
but I have not turned from your statutes.


158 I look on the faithless with loathing,
for they do not obey your word.


159 See how I love your precepts;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love.


160 All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal.


S Sin and Shin
161 Rulers persecute me without cause,
but my heart trembles at your word.

162 I rejoice in your promise
like one who finds great spoil.


163 I hate and abhor falsehood
but I love your law.


164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws.


165 Great peace have they who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.


166 I wait for your salvation, O LORD,
and I follow your commands.


167 I obey your statutes,
for I love them greatly.


168 I obey your precepts and your statutes,
for all my ways are known to you.


t Taw
169 May my cry come before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to your word.

170 May my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your promise.


171 May my lips overflow with praise,
for you teach me your decrees.


172 May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are righteous.


173 May your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.


174 I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.


175 Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.


176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands.

Chin Ling: As I read the psalm this morning, I was thinking, what can be written that can be sooooooo long! Then I realise, all it talks about is God's words. I realised the various psalmist was actually saying, in good times, he trusts in God's word. In sorrowful times, he look into God's words. In times of discouragement or attacks, he turns to God's words. They looked at God's words in the light of protecting them and blessing them. I was prompted to relook at my attitude towards God's words and instructions. Has it been a burdened or a joy? At all times, I want to turn towards this manual of life.

Dellia: Today's psalm was really refreshing for me.....I mean it's the longest psalm..but I really enjoyed reading it. As I read it, I really felt as the psalmist and it was like a long prayer to the Lord...a chit chat and a hearts cry to Him. His word used to be of such flavour to me and along the way I seems to lose it...O Lord, I cry out to You, that I will always keep Your commands in my heart. Thank You Lord.

Aileen: *phew* that was.. long.. hahah.. but it was so poetic! and i remembered how crow wrote that poem to the lord that day during solitude. I think i really wanna be reminded of how great my God is.. how he inspires us to write great songs of love and this is one of them. I look to the lord in everything

Crow: Very beautifully written... The first time i read through it, the only thing that went through my mind was, "Oh man, I'm like, so far from this lah... hahaha.." I find that i am lukewarm. I find that i am not like the man in the psalm, so eager for the word of God to live in his life... And so there i was comparing myself to this man, till the Lord said, "Crow, it's all or nothing. MAke a choice..." And the following song (not complete i think..) was birthed through my ponders on this psalm....

All or Nothing

Blessed is he
He who does no wrong
So blessed is he
He whose walk is blameless
Steadfast are his ways
And he praises
With upright heart

Lord I find it hard
To be that man
To love your word
And live it out

Yet I must
Cause your word says

It’s all or nothing
A choice to make
You gave me all
Now I will give you all

I’ll seek you with all my heart
Walk in all your ways
Sing with all I am
Till I see Your face
I’ll give you all I have
Nothing will I possess
O Lord I give to you
My all

It’s all or nothing
All or nothing
A choice to make
You gave me all
Now I will give you all