Psalm 32

Psalm 32

Of David. A maskil. ^[a]

1 Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the man
whose sin the LORD does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Selah

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD "—
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you
while you may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise,
they will not reach him.

7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.

9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.

10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him.

11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Jacq: Today marks the start of Feb, and.. psalm 32 today reminds us, like psalm01, we are blessed! we are so blessed cos of His grace that has forgiven us, and taken this guilt away from us.. and v11 says.. Rejoice and be glad... because the Lord will instruct and teach us which way to go. He is our godly counsel and will watch over us.. His unfailing love surrounds the woman who trusts in Him. I mean.. wht more can you ask for? Thank you Lord for the word today. Indeed, it has brought much much joy ! =) Jesus you are so so good...

Chin Ling: God's grace is really more than enough for me. His grace is enough to forgive me, to provide for me, to protect me and to calm me. God is more than enough for me.

Dellia: I'm reminded of the theme verse in Isaiah for this year. As I read the Psalm, I told the Lord, Lord, I don't wanna be like verse 9, I wanna verse 8. I wanna live the best life that You have intented for me. Help me Lord, to watch what I say and what I do.

Pam: I am glad I found a hidding place in Him.... He is so available... and I want to be available for You. And yes continue to teach n counsel... I want to find rest in You!

Crow: Dear Lord, thank you for forgiving my transgressions, and not counting my sins against me... that itself is the greatest blessing ever...Thank you Father for instructing, teaching and counselling me in the way i should go.. thank you for watching over me.. Lord, thank you.

Joanna: Thank u Lord that He is my hiding place and that he forgives me for my transgressions. I am reminded to live a life blameless before the Lord and the way He wants in my life.

Phebe: I thank God that He is my hiding place and will protect and deliever me from difficult circumstances that i face....praise the Lord that He is the only God who forgives all our sins....

Psalm 31

Psalm 31

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.

2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.

3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

4 Free me from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.

5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols;
I trust in the LORD.

7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
for you saw my affliction
and knew the anguish of my soul.

8 You have not handed me over to the enemy
but have set my feet in a spacious place.

9 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
my soul and my body with grief.

10 My life is consumed by anguish
and my years by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction, ^[a]
and my bones grow weak.

11 Because of all my enemies,
I am the utter contempt of my neighbors;
I am a dread to my friends—
those who see me on the street flee from me.

12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead;
I have become like broken pottery.

13 For I hear the slander of many;
there is terror on every side;
they conspire against me
and plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God."

15 My times are in your hands;
deliver me from my enemies
and from those who pursue me.

16 Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.

17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD,
for I have cried out to you;
but let the wicked be put to shame
and lie silent in the grave. ^[b]

18 Let their lying lips be silenced,
for with pride and contempt
they speak arrogantly against the righteous.

19 How great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you,
which you bestow in the sight of men
on those who take refuge in you.

20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from the intrigues of men;
in your dwelling you keep them safe
from accusing tongues.

21 Praise be to the LORD,
for he showed his wonderful love to me
when I was in a besieged city.

22 In my alarm I said,
"I am cut off from your sight!"
Yet you heard my cry for mercy
when I called to you for help.

23 Love the LORD, all his saints!
The LORD preserves the faithful,
but the proud he pays back in full.

24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD.

Jacq: I woke up very tired today.. not only cos I slept late ytd, i was also reminded of my tiring journey. The Lord has reminded me that at sharing ytd, I only shared about wht I had gone thru, the very tiring journey, and not what He had brought me through.. the victories he has given to me, I hv forgotten to share of His goodness. I'm sorry Lord! v9 today reminds me that when I cry out to the Lord in weakness n sorrow, ( it is only human to be weak n sad ).. The Lord will hear our cry. Yes, Thank you Lord.. The Lord has heard my cry and answered me in the many ways! The many times when you have heard my cry, you have brought me through. vs 19, How great is His goodness for those whom have seek refuge in Him. someone told me, God chooses to let us hide in the shadow of His wings, not under his wings, but only in the shadow because He does not wants us to shelter us from trails, but he wants us to take shelter in Him, when we are attacked! He do not want to pamper us by protecting us from all trials and suffering. Rather, He preferred you to go through them and...He watches over you, making sure that things are not too difficult for you to go through. in v24, God is reminding me again today, that I need to be strong, and take hard. The Lord will come.. Do it right, do it the God way.. not my way..Isa 58... not going your own way.. Lord, your way I follow..

Chin Ling: V8 really stand out to me today, "but have set my feet in a spacious place." Not only will God protect us and be our refuge, he will set our feet on a spacious place, a comfotable place. Indeed, God has more in stored for us! :) There's nothing to fear cause we're in God's presence! :) Praise the Lord!

Pam: This morning I woke up feeling defeated even as I pondered on ydae mtg n all... having mixed despite the testimonials of His goodness tat del was sharing... until I read v5.. wah... I CLAIMED it! Indeed I want to commit my defeated spirit into Him... for He will redeem me in His truth..! And the Pslam nicely ended with v13... "be strong n take heart all you who hope in e Lord" Yup... so lift ur spirits up n be hopeful!

Phebe: *i knoe havent been updating, apologies...hav to babysit :0)* As i read today's psalm...i could identify wif it, cos i've been physically tired, and it affected my emotional state too..but yest's g12 word spoke alot to me.. i claim that God will giv me a double portion for my troubles! :) amen

Crow: As i read the psalm, I believe the Lord is saying that He has so much blessings in store for those who walk with Him and do not go our own way. I woke up v tired this morning, but as i read the psalm, God assures me to always simply rest in His provisions.. Looking forward to more of His presence and love each day! :)

Sara: today i woke up feeling quite tired also, and was really dragging myself to work with a defeated spirit, which i have had no idea why. Initially i thought it was due to the tiredness, so i brushed it away, but i couldnt come to terms with why i was feeling so discouraged and down although nothing happened. And i knew that it wasnt from me nor the Lord, but from the evil one who wants to make us feel defeated. and like this psalm says, i will trust in the Lord and i trust that He will deliver me!

Dellia: Had a wonderful time with my family @ Botanic gardens today. However, I learnt of a person that I know that have passed away.....and she was pregnant. Till now, I'm unsure whether the news is true..and I don't even know if I want to know the truth. But as I read the Psalm again, I'm reminded that indeed I can put my trust in the Lord. But at the same time, I thought to myself....for me, I can find my comfort with the Lord, but what about those who aren't christians. As i reflect on the news, I realized how short life is and I need to take every opportunity to share the gospel...Lord, help me to overcome my fear, but be bold to share Christ with everyone. Bless this family who doesn't know You, that they will find this Psalm true to their life.

Psalm 30

Psalm 30

A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. Of David. ^[a]

1 I will exalt you, O LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.

3 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave ^[b] ;
you spared me from going down into the pit.

4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.

5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 When I felt secure, I said,
"I will never be shaken."

7 O LORD, when you favored me,
you made my mountain ^[c] stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.

8 To you, O LORD, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:

9 "What gain is there in my destruction, ^[d]
in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help."

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Crow: 3 things that spoke to me in this psalm: 1. Favour comes from the Lord, therefore always give him all glory and not take it for myself when things go well. 2. It is the Lord who delivered me, really by His grace am i set free. 3. v12 O Lord my God, i will give you thanks forever.

Jacq: This speaks that my broken spirit and my contride heart, the Lord does not despise. He can turn my mourning into dancing, and my sorrow into joy. the Joel books writes that I make the choice for the day to be positive or negative. I make the choice if I want this to be a rejoiceful day or not. In times when things do not go right, do I blame God and ask why he is giving me a bad day, or do I still continue to give thanks, that God is teaching me something out of it. P. Eugene said on Sunday that the only way to get right with God, is through God's way, and ... "It is by faith we have been saved, not by works so that no one can boast." Daddy God, I thank you for your grace that never fails. I am starting to see light of all that is happening, that God is making me go through many many things, so that I can feel for His people. Today, I choose to give thanks for today, and tomorrow, I will still choose to give thanks for tomorrow.

Chin Ling : This psalm speaks of how I overcome the fear in my heart. Finally, balloted for a flat the first time ever in my life. It was really heart thumping. But, the Lord has been speaking peace to my heart and when I read V6 and V 7, I claim them and know that the Lrod is my security. I will stay in a house that the Lord builts for me, the home of security, wherever it may be! I thank the Lord for his favour and his guidance every step of the way!

Pam: Hahaha.. crow! I also gt 3 tings! 1) His favor is wif me forever & I can be counted as His favourite!! (v5, v7) 2) His assuarance of security for me (v6) 3) I can praise Him n thank Him on and on and on...... (v12)

Dellia: As i read the verse, I really wonder do we desire the Lord so much! The Lord reminds me that though many a times we say that we desire the Lord, but is He really the lover of Your heart? Is He the first in your heart? Lord, help me...I wanna put You as the lover of my heart!

Juan: One thing that speaks to me, God is forever there for me! But i ask myself am i always there for God? God, help me to be available for u!

Aileen: i love the way david is so close to the lord. my prayer today is that i'll walk in his way and be near to his heart

Sara: vs 11 and vs 12 really speaks to me, coz i know that in Him, i can be secure, and any sorrow and sadness can be easily replaced with joy, so that I can always have the joy of singing to Him and giving thanks forever!

Phebe: This psalm really spoke alot to me..especially cos i really miss my dog...and i dunno if i've realli gotten over his death. but God reminded me today that His joy will be sufficient for me...and God desires that i hav more JOY.... :) and also His favor upon me will last forever...even as i pondered upon so many uncertainties in the near future....

Psalm 29

Psalm 29

A psalm of David.

1 Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;

worship the LORD in the splendor of his [a] holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.

4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
Sirion ^[b] like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the LORD strikes
with flashes of lightning.

8 The voice of the LORD shakes the desert;
the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks ^[c]
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"

10 The LORD sits ^[d] enthroned over the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as King forever.

11 The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Jacq: This psalm is like telling me, how powerful God is.. What are the things He can do, to be "wicked" but he doesnt choose too, cos he loves us. This is a reminder of a hardened heart. That the Lord is griefed by hardened hearts, and he will come n punish those, in His wicked ways. Today, he is extending his hand to us, and his mercy.. my dear sisters, if there is one part of your heart tht is hardened today, wont you tell the Lord to come n have mercy on you?

Chin Ling : This psalm focused on the greatest of the Lord, drawing special attention to his voice. It makes me feel so loved, treasured by God when I hear that his voice is so powerful and awesomely loud that all creation hails to him. Yet, when he speaks to me, all I know is that his voice is calming, still, assuring and soft. God chooses to speak to us like that because he loves me. I want to listen at his feet to his still, small voice.

Crow: Was reminded of this song -
Ascribe greatness to our God the Rock; His Work is Perfect, and All His ways are Just..

A God of faithfulness and without injustice.. Good and Upright is He..

Indeed God is really great, all His work is Perfect, all His ways are just... He is faithful, without injustice.... and i claim v11, the Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses His people with Peace.... :)

Dellia: Woah woah..! The voice of the Lord is everywhere & when I first read it, I'm like...wow...God, You are Almighty & great! But as I meditate...I realised that the Lord wants to speak to each of us everyday and His voice is everywhere...the question is: do we wait & listen to the voice of the Lord. Let's pause and take time, to wait upon Him & hear His voice!

Pam: Hee.. realli reminded tat how I can get realli scare when I hear thunders... how I can get fightened by the physical things when I have an ALmighty God! Haha... yup... be @ peace to hear Him... i need to hear Him!!

Aileen: Er God.. can you go and talk to my boss?? hahahaha well nothing happened yesterday and while i was looking at this verse today.. seriously what came to me was.. God can you please go and use your voice like THUNDER on the school management?? hahahahahah but more importantly, i'm reminded of the lord's strength and peace.. so i believe!

Sara: I like this Psalm alot, coz it doesnt focus on man, but on God himself, and His greatness! vs 2 especially, where it tells us to ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name! Just like how the Lord will never shortchange us and always wants to bless his people, I pray that with my lips, my actions, my thoughts, my attitude in all circumstances, i will be able to give Him all the glory due to him and not shortchange Him as well!

Phebe: God wants to grants me His strength and His blessings of peace. Today as i was on my way to school....God spoke to me and told me that despite everything that has happened and the issues i need to face with...God hasn't forgetten about me..and He never will. :) i'm blessed with His assurance.

Psalm 28

Psalm 28

Of David.

1 To you I call, O LORD my Rock;
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.

2 Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.

3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,
with those who do evil,
who speak cordially with their neighbors
but harbor malice in their hearts.

4 Repay them for their deeds
and for their evil work;
repay them for what their hands have done
and bring back upon them what they deserve.

5 Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD
and what his hands have done,
he will tear them down
and never build them up again.

6 Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.

8 The LORD is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;
be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Crow: v7, "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Help me O Lord... For when I'm weak, then you are strong.

Pam: v9 - "Sav ur ppl... bless ur inheritance.. their shepherd.. carry them 4ever..." I thank God for His reminder and assurance that my ppl are God's ppl n my cry for Him is to continue to be gracious n merciful to them!

Aileen: today is supposed to be the day i know whether i get an increment.. have mercy on me lord!! i've been waiting since last year.. hahahah

Chin Ling: My heart finds rest and Joy in V7, In all things, i must learn to trust him.

Sara: vs 7 - "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." I felt very lifted and encouraged especially after reading this vs. Today, i was very thankful for the off day that i could take amidst all the busyness at work. I had the opportunity to send my laptop for repair, relax at the beach, spend quality time with mel, and read more of the book that del asked us to get. and i was at this chapter about having positive thoughts. indeed as it says, i do find that having positive thoughts and focusing on the helper really brings joy to my heart! thank you Lord, coz you are my strength and you are my shield! And i trust you for my every provision! =)

Dellia: woah..when I read this psalm...it was just like reading that's all. then when i came back from school, my computer crashed!! haaa......!! Well, my assignments are due within these 3 weeks and school has been crazy...but I thank God, cos I feel that indeed in this verse it says "my heart trusts in him and I am helped!" I believe and I trust! I will sing praise to Him no matter what happens! =) Haaa...so now I got excuse if i can't blog right?? haaa...just kidding!

Jacq: Just like everyone else, v7 stands out.. like.. an assurance on how the Lord is my protector, and my source of strength.. like.. Vitamin S.. need some vitamin S.. Look for Jesus!

Psalm 27

Psalm 27

Of David.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh, ^[a]
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.

3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.

8 My heart says of you, "Seek his ^[b] face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.

9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.

10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.

12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.

13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.

14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

Huijuan: One thing i as the Lord that i will seek him and dwell in His house. Yday i came down with fever and i know that Lord is asking me to slow down my pace. Been rushing work b4 CNY (cos all datelines aft CNY) so that i can enjoy CNY without worries. Thank You God.

Dellia: As I ponder on the word of the Lord, the last verse spoke to me. The Lord will definately save and deliver each of us, but so many a times, we do not wait for the Lord and we take matters into our own hand. In just one short verse, the sentence repeats itself again "Wait for the Lord". Therefore my dear daugthers, when troubles come ya way and when you are stuck, WAIT FOR THE LORD. and remember, be strong & take heart....WAIT FOR THE LORD.

Crow: As i read the psalm, i am so thankful to the Lord. i feel his shield of protection and favour over me especially through this period.. and i pray that the one thing that i will do will always be to seek the Lord.. i thank the Lord this day..

Chin Ling: The beginning of the year has been plentiful of ups and downs, convictions to change, success and failures. And, the Lord is reminding me, that as I look back, my heart should continue to be steadfast in the Lord and choose to be confident that the Lord's goodness be shown in me. I will not give up on hoping but continue to wait on the Lord and listen to his voice. I want to obey Jesus.

Pam: I am v encouraged by the last 2 verses... indeed theres goodness in the land of living.. realli reminded me abt YLC... indeed goodness of the Lord will prevail in the classrooms... n v 14... reminded myself i need to be "patiently confident" in the Lord esp. in tis season of waiting for confirmation of the overseas trip, job prospect....!

Psalm 26

Psalm 26

Of David.

1 Vindicate me, O LORD,
for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the LORD
without wavering.

2 Test me, O LORD, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;

3 for your love is ever before me,
and I walk continually in your truth.

4 I do not sit with deceitful men,
nor do I consort with hypocrites;

5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers
and refuse to sit with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands in innocence,
and go about your altar, O LORD,

7 proclaiming aloud your praise
and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

8 I love the house where you live, O LORD,
the place where your glory dwells.

9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
my life with bloodthirsty men,

10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,
whose right hands are full of bribes.

11 But I lead a blameless life;
redeem me and be merciful to me.

12 My feet stand on level ground;
in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.

Crow: Wow, i certainly can't say what david says, "i lead a blameless life".. i thank God for His grace and mercy that "my feet stand on level ground".. Some times things that happen at work, i don't know how best to handle it.. I don't know how, but God always seems to bring me right out of situations.. I know that my God will bless even as I learn to obey him daily.. i don't find it easy, many times i really wonder why people do the things they do.. but the Lord says to me today to just Trust in the Lord without wavering.. and i will see His plans slowly unfold....

ChinLing : I'm thankful that Jesus died for me on the cross, so that each new morning, I can proclaim that I lead a blameless life. But, I pray that I will not take this for granted, but yet even as as the Lord test me and examine my heart each night, it is one that fear him.

Aileen: I thank God that he continues to remind me to do what is right. I know that if i stay in the private school circuit, such underhand methods will continue to prevail. But i'm really reminded not only to lead a blameless life, but to continually influence my students and colleagues to do so.

Huijuan: I pray That i can lead a blameless life, a life that jus trust totally in God. A blameless life to me is a life without fault, hmmm.. quite difficult for me now because i'm totally fed up with school cos i think i didnt got my quality kind of education and many more. So seriously everyday jus "gossip" and complain about things in school. God, please teach me to lead a blameless life and find hope in school. i think firstly is to take away expectations of the degree programm i am going thru now. Thank You God.

DEllia: Lord examine me that I will live a life without any fault & will be blameless!

Psalm 25

Psalm 25

Of David.

1^[a] To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;

2 in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.

3 No one whose hope is in you
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.

4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;

5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.

6 Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.

7 Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you are good, O LORD.

8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.

10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
for those who keep the demands of his covenant.

11 For the sake of your name, O LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

12 Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ?
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.

13 He will spend his days in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.

14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.

15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied;
free me from my anguish.

18 Look upon my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.

19 See how my enemies have increased
and how fiercely they hate me!

20 Guard my life and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.

21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope is in you.

22 Redeem Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!

Jacq: I want to be the one that the Lord confides in v14. Many things which I have asked, but have not heard. Is the Lord silent, is it cos I am not listening properly, or is the Lord asking me to be patient, to see the works he has in store for me? Lord, guide me in your truth and teach me to be [ Faith Available Submissible Teachable ], for you are my God and saviour. Amen!

ChinLing: This Psalm reminds me of God's grace, of how he loves us despite our iniquities, according to his mercy, goodness and love. David must be feeling like he is suffering from the consequences of the sin of his past. He must be feeling like his past is catching up with him and definetely very guilty, but this passage reminds me that God gives a second chance and remembers and loves us according to his love, not according to what we can offer him. That's how great my God is, to even want to share his secrets with children who have hurt him. Because of his great love, hence, I fear him. A fear that arises from the love that he gives.

Crow: Put our hope in the Lord and in Him alone, for He never fails. Lord help me to always be that God-fearing woman who you will confide in... :)

Dellia: my prayer....that integrity and honesty will uphold me! I wanna walk right with Him. These few days of Psalms really brought me to remember that I wanna walk right with Him & find favour only in His eyes.

Psalm 24

Psalm 24

Of David. A psalm.

1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.

3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?
Who may stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false. ^[a]

5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob. ^[b]
Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.

8 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.

10 Who is he, this King of glory?
The LORD Almighty—
he is the King of glory.
Selah

Chin Ling: V7 and V9 was repeated and to me it is significant because its a reminder to continue to look at God's goodness and lift my head up in hope of Jesus despite any circumstances. Lord Jesus, I pray that my heart will always rejoice in hope of you and not according to the circumstance. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Jacq: The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. Every single thing, every single creature. The Lord made me, to be victorious. God even as I continue to hide in the shadow of your wings, teach me to stand strong, and remember that you are my King of Glory. Amen!

Aileen: Again i'm reminded of righteousness. Gosh.. i was sitting at my cubicle, drinking tea and looking at this wooden name thing i have that says.. Aileen.. Bearer of Light.. "and he shall bring forth thy righteousness.." TIAN AH! so righteousnes... gosh.. it's hard at the work place sometimes.. jia you

Joanna: This Psalm reminds me of who my God is and how I need to allow the King of glory to come and shine into my heart again. Ps. Debra's notes mentioned at the last part if there was any negative thought about myself that I need to get rid of and I immediately thought of my self-esteem now. I have allowed negative thoughts saying that I cant do it, I am not good enough for certain jobs till I have forgotten how great my God is. Hence, I am convicted to allow God's glory to shine in my life again=)

Crow: Yup, we need to always lift up our heads to let the King of Glory come in and do His work.. and not frown at our problems.... Haha, i think it's when we have clean hands and a pure heart, then can we ascend on His holy hill, and have the birds eye view - to see from His master plan... and i know in all things, God works for the good of those who love him.... :)

DEllia: I want to ascend the hill of the Lord and stand in his holy place! Lord I pray...give me clean hands and a pure heart! As I read this, I'm reminded that one day in His courts is better than a thousand else where.........! But so often times, the things that we do are so different from what we want...therefore, all I really want is than to please the Lord in all that I do. Work for God and not for men.

Sara: David started off with a simple yet so precise sentence that no one can argue against - that indeed the Lord created the earth and all of us in it, and we all belong to Him. Yup, I belong to Him and I pray that I will among that very generation who seek Him all the days of my life!

Psalm 23

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Pam: This week Psalms thus far seem to be speaking peace to my heart....esp. nw knowing tat my dad had burnt his hands in the stock mkt (nt sure hw badly.. so pls pray!) v1 really speaks alot to me... indeed i shall nt be in want.... God is gd @ all times!

Crow: Such a familiar psalm... as i meditated on the psalm this morning, each verse really spoke to me... that the Lord is really my shepherd and i should not be in want of anything... that He will give me REst as he restores my soul... that he will lead me in paths of righteousness... He will guide me, discipline me, comfort me through his guidance... and surely he will bless me with all good things all the days of my life... amen....

Chin Ling: Contentment is what I learn in this psalm. I will follow him.

Aileen: Was really happy to see psalms 23 today.. then as i was pondering about it.. and reading ps D's book.. i thought that it's so true that my God wants to have a relationship with me, not just make big miracles. I brought my students to the indian temple yesterday cause it's taipusam festival (pardon the spelling) and we were looking at how they pulled the metal rods and hooks out of the devotees' bodies. I have no answer as to why they don't bleed but psalms 23 reminds me that my God is not just interested in doing big miracles but he's interested in every small detail and minute of my life. THank God

Dellia: woah...today was a tough day for me......! It's woah..can't express. But I rest assure in the Lord that He is my shephard and that I shall not be in want. That in the midst of everything, I will be more than happy just to dwell in the presence of the Lord.

Phebe: This is my favourite psalm! :) I was very happy reading it before breakfast today... :) It spoke to me in a different way this time...that thru the difficulties i've been facing the past week...God will be my Jehovah Shalom (my peace) and He has never left my side (Jehovah Shammah).......i thank God for his timely assurance and the unspeakable peace He has given me..

Joanna: Omigosh! Didnt get to use the com till now. This is one of my favourite psalms!!! I have been attempting to memorise it and cite it the entire day. Indeed the Lord is my shepherd and He can guide me wherever He wants me to. It was very apt as I spoke to Pastor William this morning (a shockingly random yet timely call) about my worries and how lost I felt as I am graduating. God gave me a peace for today in knowing He is going to walk me thru tis period=)

Jacq: My friend called me after she read this psalm. Yes, it totally reminded her of me, that me and her are going through almost the same thing, in a stage of surrendering something to God. and I am glad, God sent an angel to remind me, that vs6 Goodness and love will follow me, when I choose to dwell in the house forever. I remembered going for the Psalm 23 walk on my birthday. I believe God has a reason for this choice, for me to remember, that He is with me, and I will fear no evil. Even as I walk through down times, God is with me.. The whole day, vs 1 has always always been on my mind.. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want. Del, thank you for believing in me..

Sara: I meant to blog yesterday, but once I got into office, I was just flooded by so much stuff that I was practically fire-fighting storms after storms the entire day. It was unbelievable man. And it was quite funny to think about it, each time I walked into the executive director's office, I would just recite vs 1 and vs 4 in my head over and over again.. hahah… like she's some kind of evil thing! Haaa… no la.. I just felt that His words brought about some calmness and peace amidst the storm that was brewing around, and at the end of the day, I was just glad.. really, simply glad that God is there with me… ALL the days of my life!

Blessed Birthday, Meifang!

Blessed Birthday, Princess Meifang!

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

1 Peter 2:9

Psalm 22

Psalm 22

For the director of music. To the tune of "The Doe of the Morning." A psalm of David.

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?

2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, and am not silent.

3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the praise of Israel. ^[a]

4 In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.

5 They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.

6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by men and despised by the people.

7 All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads:

8 "He trusts in the LORD;
let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him."

9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you
even at my mother's breast.

10 From birth I was cast upon you;
from my mother's womb you have been my God.

11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.

12 Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.

13 Roaring lions tearing their prey
open their mouths wide against me.

14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
it has melted away within me.

15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
you lay me ^[b] in the dust of death.

16 Dogs have surrounded me;
a band of evil men has encircled me,
they have pierced ^[c] my hands and my feet.

17 I can count all my bones;
people stare and gloat over me.

18 They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.

19 But you, O LORD, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.

20 Deliver my life from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dogs.

21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;
save ^[d] me from the horns of the wild oxen.

22 I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the congregation I will praise you.

23 You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!

24 For he has not despised or disdained
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.

25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear you ^[e] will I fulfill my vows.

26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
they who seek the LORD will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!

27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,

28 for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.

29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.

30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.

31 They will proclaim his righteousness
to a people yet unborn—
for he has done it.

Chin Ling : Even in a difficult time and a time of trouble, David was writing a song of prophesy about Jesus. I really want to be like him, in times of difficulties, I will not speak a word of complain neither a word of self-pity but I want to be so close to HIM as to speak and hear God's words through the good times and bad. BTW, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEIFANG!

Crow: once again, i am very amazed at david's psalm.. he is really quite amazing.. no wonder he is the "man after God's own heart".. I am reminded to always look back on what the Lord has done when i face troubles... just as vs 4 says, In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. I think for myself, I tend to lose focus at times when problems arise... and i soon forget the goodness of the Lord.. Lord help me to always remember and proclaim all u have done for me.. :)

Aileen: Reminded to be grateful and thankful for what the lord has donE!

Sara: David knows that even in times of trouble, he can turn to the Lord our God, whom his fathers put their trust and were not disappointed because they know that He will deliver them! And I am thankful that the Lord that he knows is also the same Lord I have, that He is an unfailing and unswerving God, who does not despise nor disdain even in times when I failed him, even when I drew far away from him, even when I fell…

Dellia: I'm rest assured today that even before the world was form, the Lord knew me and He will protect me. I am where I am today because of the Lord's love and protection. Therefore I can trust in Him and rest assured that my future is in His hands.

Joanna: Ah! Keep forgetting to post! This psalm reminds me of the cross and what the Lord has done for me. It also reminds me in v27-28, to pray for those unsaved and claim that verse over their lives.

Phebe: This psalm reminded me to not forget to pray for the unsaved friends and loved ones around me...esp. my 2 open cell friends... and my grandma (whom i've been praying for since forever...) God is gd....jus when I asked Him to open doors and provide opportunities for me to meet open cell member #2 more often, ...she sms me almost every other day to ask me if i'm free to meet her at this time this place... God is amazing.

Psalm 21

Psalm 21

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength.
How great is his joy in the victories you give!

2 You have granted him the desire of his heart
and have not withheld the request of his lips.
Selah

3 You welcomed him with rich blessings
and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.

4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—
length of days, for ever and ever.

5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;
you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

6 Surely you have granted him eternal blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

7 For the king trusts in the LORD;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.

8 Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies;
your right hand will seize your foes.

9 At the time of your appearing
you will make them like a fiery furnace.
In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up,
and his fire will consume them.

10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
their posterity from mankind.

11 Though they plot evil against you
and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed;

12 for you will make them turn their backs
when you aim at them with drawn bow.

13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength;
we will sing and praise your might.

Jacq: A Psalm of praise of his magnificence. What other way could be better than the start of the beginning of the week when you come and rejoice in God's strength and His greatness? vs 1. How great is his joy in the victories you give. God is reminding me today, to be joyful in the victories he gives, at the end of every trial and difficult time. No battle, no great victory! in Matt 7:7, Ask and you shall receive. Ask God for a victory, and he will give it to you!

vs7, if the King trusts the Lord, .... he will not be shaken. P. Debra shared on Sat that faultlines shows when earthquake hits. P. Melvyn @ altercall ytd for ppl who are experienceing shakiness in their lives.. that once the earthquake is over, all that cannot be shaken, will remain.. Faith will not be shaken, the Lord's promises will not be shaken, the unfailing love of the Lord will not be shaken!Amen!

I wonder how you are when coming before the Father with requests? Do you expect a response, or are you too used to feeling as if your requests are not heard or even valued. A real key, found again through looking at the life of David, is that over the course of his life journey, he learned to come before his God with Praise first… to flood his prayers with thanksgiving and not just requests.David gives all glory to God. It’s quite incredible that so many people, after God has favoured and blessed them, become quite self reliant, and forget to CONTINUE to give ALL glory, honour, and praise to the One who holds the universe in His hands.

Chin Ling: I just felt very drawn to V6, "6 Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence". May it be reflected in my life that God's eternal blessings are with me, and that I would always find my strength in the joy of the Lord. For me, I've always lived thinking that when there's a peak/high in my circumstances, I'd better be prepared for a fall, or a great big difficult test. So, sometimes, I start wondering.."things are going to well...some big crisis is gonna befall...oh no..." But, time and again, the Lord has proven that this is not the case always. That, as I stick close to him through the good times and the bad, the blessings are ETERNAL, they are not TEMPORAL. So, I'm challegened to claim this promise and a change in mindset too. May I always find joy in the presence of Jesus, only.

Dellia: Sing praise and dance before the Lord! For He is worthy to be praise! Don't be afraid to declare His goodness and splendid.

Aileen: in the previous psalms david was asking the lord to grant him the desire of his heart than in this psalms it says that you have granted him the desire of his heart. Wa.. God is a fast worker eh? HAHA, the thing is i was just telling God about my job and my work and my current dillema and asking God to grant the desires of my heart. Today i remember to thank Him for the work that i love and remembering that my God answers prayer.. zechariah!

Crow: This morning as i read the psalm, i'm reminded to always give the glory back to God. Haha, indeed the Lord has blessed me a lot a lot so far this year... May all glory go to God, who alone has the power and the wisdom to fulfil the desires of my heart.... :) btw, this morning's session was good! well, could be better if i had a longer time to teach... but i really enjoyed myself! heeehee... thank u so much for ur prayers and sms... much much appreciated!! :)

Sara: today I prayed long and hard before going to work, to fight away the Monday blues, and to claim victories over battles at work! More so, I repented over the negative attitude that I grew to have at work, and said a prayer of blessing over them… and truly, the joy of knowing that the Lord is with me at work is absolutely more than enough to sustain me! I think for me, God is teaching me to focus on Him rather than the circumstance, that I may not be shaken!

juan: Vs 2 speaks to me..i have granted the desires of his heart. I think God's desire is that he wants me to draw close to Him. Thank God for this verse, cos its the beginning of the downpour if assignments!!!! ahahha...like heavy rain.. i do until crazy le, till today i almost forgot to read psalm b4 eating...ALMOST! thank God for Simon, he read b4 we had breakfast! hehe.. So i pray i can always remember God above everything!

Phebe: Been a bit too sad to post.. anyway...psalms 21 spoke to me! to believe that nothing is impossible for God...God wanted me to grow confidence in the prayers that i pray before Him... After reading this psalm, I was reminded of the show 'Facing the giants'....NOTHING is impossible for God...i jus need to Believe.

Psalm 20

Psalm 20
For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.

3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings. Selah

4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.

5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.

6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.

9 O LORD, save the king!
Answer us when we call!

Crow: today as i read the passage, i'm reminded to pray and bless my spiritual family... which is... you you you you you! haha, so yes, may the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.. In Jesus name, Amen

Dellia: Yup...as it's said! Trust in the name of the Lord....cos He's most trustworthy!

Chin Ling : What can I say? What Can I do, but to give this heart of mine completely to you. All I can say is that this psalm challenges me to keep praying and believing because God will never fail!

Sara: I know I'm late in blogging this entry… haha… but I felt very encouraged when I read this passage yesterday, that David is praying for us in such a manner, "may the Lord answer you when you are in distress, may He send help, may He remember all your sufferings, may He give you the desires of your heart…etc". He says it in a way like he has gone through these himself and experienced the Lord's blessings and victories in his life, that he wants to bless us the same way too. And vs 5, that all of us will celebrate together when one has come through victoriously!

Psalm 19

Psalm 19

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard. ^[a]

4 Their voice ^[b] goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.

11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Chin Ling : What struck me in Psalm was that David saw the laws of the Lord, the fear of the Lord and the thoughts of the Lord as precious and trustworthy. I'm learning to change my attitude towards the laws, the thoughts of the Lord, treating them as precious as Gold knowing that it will keep me from willful sins. To be honest, I really dislike laws because I believe that we should be governed by our conviction of the law, instead of blindly following them. But as I read the psalm, I'm beginning to have a change of heart, the laws are there to protect me, to prevent willful sins from entangling my soul, and hence, I am bounded by the laws of the Lord. For that, I don't mind!

Phebe: After reading the psalm, again I was reminded by God to fear Him...that's most important...and God will bless when we humbly obey.

Huijuan: This psalm is wonderful cos God says when we obey them, there is a great reward! You know the year of sabbath is really a year God wan2 bless us! And i ask God how He's goin too? He revealed in psalm 19! Woohoo!! What's the reward!!! hahah

Joanna: Verse 14 is really what I pray for that, " the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer". I also want to hear him like David in all 3 areas, nature, His word and holy spirit.

Crow: like joanna, verse 14 is what i pray this day... that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in His sight.... I thank the Lord for his protection and blessing throughout this week... :)

Dellia: I'm reminded of this year's verse of Isaiah 58 again! Guess the Lord is really teaching me about doing things that please Him! =) Especially in speaking of words! That I need to please Him more than any other people

Psalm 18

Psalm 18
For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD. He sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:

1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn [a] of my salvation, my stronghold.

3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.

4 The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.

5 The cords of the grave [b] coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.

6 In my distress I called to the LORD;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.

7 The earth trembled and quaked,
and the foundations of the mountains shook;
they trembled because he was angry.

8 Smoke rose from his nostrils;
consuming fire came from his mouth,
burning coals blazed out of it.

9 He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet.

10 He mounted the cherubim and flew;
he soared on the wings of the wind.

11 He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—
the dark rain clouds of the sky.

12 Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,
with hailstones and bolts of lightning.

13 The LORD thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded. [c]

14 He shot his arrows and scattered the enemies ,
great bolts of lightning and routed them.

15 The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, O LORD,
at the blast of breath from your nostrils.

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.

17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.

18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.

19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

20 The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.

21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD;
I have not done evil by turning from my God.

22 All his laws are before me;
I have not turned away from his decrees.

23 I have been blameless before him
and have kept myself from sin.

24 The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness,
according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
to the blameless you show yourself blameless,

26 to the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.

27 You save the humble
but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.

29 With your help I can advance against a troop [d] ;
with my God I can scale a wall.

30 As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in him.

31 For who is God besides the LORD ?
And who is the Rock except our God?

32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.

33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.

34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

35 You give me your shield of victory,
and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great.

36 You broaden the path beneath me,
so that my ankles do not turn.

37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
I did not turn back till they were destroyed.

38 I crushed them so that they could not rise;
they fell beneath my feet.

39 You armed me with strength for battle;
you made my adversaries bow at my feet.

40 You made my enemies turn their backs in flight,
and I destroyed my foes.

41 They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—
to the LORD, but he did not answer.

42 I beat them as fine as dust borne on the wind;
I poured them out like mud in the streets.

43 You have delivered me from the attacks of the people;
you have made me the head of nations;
people I did not know are subject to me.

44 As soon as they hear me, they obey me;
foreigners cringe before me.

45 They all lose heart;
they come trembling from their strongholds.

46 The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock!
Exalted be God my Savior!

47 He is the God who avenges me,
who subdues nations under me,

48 who saves me from my enemies.
You exalted me above my foes;
from violent men you rescued me.

49 Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD;
I will sing praises to your name.

50 He gives his king great victories;
he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed,
to David and his descendants forever.

Jacq: Its a long psalm to do early in the morning...but.. God is good.. really good. I got this from somewhere, but it really really speaks.. :
Are your circumstances making you smaller or bigger? Are they enabling you to overcome, or are they overcoming you? David rejoiced that God kind given him victory in spite of his enemies and circumstances. The victory is the Lord's. Let your circumstances make you bigger and greater for Him.
Submit to and enjoy God's will, but not grudgingly. He will give us the best. When we delight in Him and He delights in us, life becomes delightful, and we bring glory to our Father's name.
Delighting in God is an expression of your personal relationship with Him. His delight in you is an expression of His love for you. Be the kind of person who delights God. "
I want to be someone that delights in the Lord.. and everyday as i learn to seek refuge into the Lord.. seek refuge knowing that He has something great in store for us at the end of it, trust knowing that God has a great great plan for u. The muscle only builds when it is overstretched beyond what it is bearing. Just the same like how the Lord builds us, yes, Father God, please break me.. ( Roms 8:28 ) =) Amen!

Crow: haha, i had a very bad day at work yesterday.. i wanted to read psalm 18 last nite, but it was far too long! so i only read it this morning. hahaha. anyway...

v6 In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.

v25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, 26 to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.

in my distress, in my frustration, i called upon the Lord.. I cried to God for help.. and i know He hears.. haha, last night i really dreaded going to work today to settle everything, but the Lord said, "be faithful, and i will show myself faithful.... be blameless even in handling such situations, and i will show myself blameless... choose to be pure in the midst of trials, and i will show myself pure..."

i know that the Lord will lead me through this day... haha, i will choose to trust in Him.. for i know that "As for God, his way is perfect (v30)" :)

what a long post today! haha. because today's psalm very long also mah!! hahahaha. :)

Chin Ling : As I read the psalm, I was more and more amazed at God's greatness, and reminded me that if He is in control of the whole earth and heaven, there's really nothing much to fear! Everything falls at the feet of Jesus! But, what I was more in awe was that he, such a big God could be bothered with the small us... to train us, to love us, to bless us. And, if he is walking with me, isn't it only right that I learn to love this God with all my actions, to please him with my whole life? :)

Joanna: Wow! Long psalm eh, had a shock when I saw how long it was. But what amazed me even more was the reason for such a long length, and it was because of David's thankfulness and praise to the Lord. He had so much to be grateful for, he was so secured in God's love and faithfulness. I was reminded to be more thankful and to be secure in my Father's love, just like David!

Aileen: Doing psalms this entire month has really taught me how to rely on the lord and be righteous. Really struggling at work sometimes and yesterday was very tempted to do something very unethical because it's the norm and what my school wanted me to do. So this morning when i read this, i really thank God that he is my refuge and i remember that he prefers a clean heart above sacrifice. Was very glad that in the end i chose to go against the norm and fail the student. My heart is at peace, but please pray that i don't get into trouble with the school!

Sara: When i read this psalm today, my 1st thought was 'wah! so long passage!! David has so much to say ah!' And how true, this is how much praise David has for the Lord! He doesnt forget or close his eyes to the blessings the Lord poured Him, he doesnt take God's favour for granted, and most importantly, he recognises that this victory came from the Lord! Actually, all of us are capable of writing this psalm in our life too, and whether the psalm would turn out long or short (or blank) depends on whether we choose to see God at work in our lives! Today, it has made me realise that I'm indeed so blessed and so loved by Him!

Juan: Seemed like we all had same comments..so long.. i tell u..i wanted to read on the bus on my way to school. den i totally forgot, cos i was thinking abt leading worship for tmr's congre, have devotion with my ppl in the morning. Then i plan to start my cushion sewing project and finish some assingments early. SO I FORGOT TO READ. Then while walking to canteen, i rembered and i read...ahha.. den i quickly eat breakfast..felt guitly, like as though i read psalm so that i can eat. Si i tel God sorry. Then guess what, i eat ham breakfast, got sunny side up, and it was in heart shape! I know God wana tell me HE LOVES ME! I love this psalm cos God is in love with me and me also in love with Him. And this psalm also reminds me that there is ALWAYS rainbow after the rain! Amen

Dellia: I'm just so reminded, to Praise God in all that I do and I can trust Him cos He is faithful and just!

Phebe: God will be my strength as I take refuge in Him.

Psalm 17

A prayer of David.

1 Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea;
listen to my cry.
Give ear to my prayer—
it does not rise from deceitful lips.

2 May my vindication come from you;
may your eyes see what is right.

3 Though you probe my heart and examine me at night,
though you test me, you will find nothing;
I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.

4 As for the deeds of men—
by the word of your lips
I have kept myself
from the ways of the violent.

5 My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.

6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.

7 Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings

9 from the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.

10 They close up their callous hearts,
and their mouths speak with arrogance.

11 They have tracked me down, they now surround me,
with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.

12 They are like a lion hungry for prey,
like a great lion crouching in cover.

13 Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down;
rescue me from the wicked by your sword.

14 O LORD, by your hand save me from such men,
from men of this world whose reward is in this life.
You still the hunger of those you cherish;
their sons have plenty,
and they store up wealth for their children.

15 And I—in righteousness I will see your face;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

Huijuan: Yeah! me first! ahahha...God, help me to be an apple of your eye, may I always be in your thoughts....I believe I am always in God's thoughts, but is God always in my thoughts? I am guilty of it, cos assignments are like lions that has eaten me up slowly, robbing away my time. God i pray that i will not be eaten up by the lions, but rather i will overcome and conquer it!

Jacq: vs 8 speaks, Hide me in the shadow of your wings, reminds me of the song Still. Lord I want to hide under your wings, and I will learn to be still and know you are God. Father I trust you and I know you have a great plan for me. God has reminded me ytd that I am nothing w/o Him. Let this not be a reminder but something that I will always remember. That I will not do things my own way, or take things in my own stride, but by God's divine appointment. The Lord increase and I decrease. =) Amen!

Chin Ling: The word that came into my mind in this psalm is contentment in the Lord. Afterall, without contenment, that's how many times in areas of my lives that I find myself more and more unlike the ways of the Lord. To stay in the ways of the Lord is to be contented in him and all his goodness.

Joanna: Every Psalm, I keep seeing David's strong faith n confidence in the Lord, confident of his righteousness in the Lord as well. I keep wanting to be like David and am convicted to have more intense prayers like Psalm 17 over every aspect of my life, for God to turn things around!

Sara: It was only yesterday night that I finally had time for some rest and soul-searching, and sadly I realised that I had allowed work and things and people at work to rob me of the Lord's joy in my life. I was focusing so much on not sinning with my lips & my actions that I forgot to focus back on Him! Although the Lord looks at me like the apple of His eye, I haven’t done anything to deserve it…. Still… it's not too late to come back to the Father!

Crow: verse 1: Hear O Lord, My righteous plea, listen to my cry.. verse 6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. These 2 verses teach us that the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective, and as we uphold righteous pleas to the Lord, we can totally trust that He will answer in His time.

Pam: Hee Hee.... I believe tat He want us to seek Him earnestly.. realli reminded of that "failed attempt last nite of seeking Him" I am claiming V6 n.. dearest Lord, I will give you a ring!"

Dellia: My greatest prayer in this verse is "Keep me as the apple of your eye"! I wanna be the apple of His eyes only!

Psalm 16

Psalm 16

A miktam of David. ^[a]

1 Keep me safe, O God,
for in you I take refuge.

2 I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing."

3 As for the saints who are in the land,
they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. ^[b]

4 The sorrows of those will increase
who run after other gods.
I will not pour out their libations of blood
or take up their names on my lips.

5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;
you have made my lot secure.

6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.

7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.

8 I have set the LORD always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,

10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, ^[c]
nor will you let your Holy One ^[d] see decay.

11 You have made ^[e] known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Jacq: This is a psalm of delight, just a psalm of telling God how good He is, and how wonderful He has been. I am not sure about God, but I am sure that if someone tells me how good I have been, it would certainly bring a smile to my face, because I know I have been appreciated. and how David must hv felt when he was writing this psalm, in the midst of all that trials, he must hv really really experienced God's sweetness and comfort in the midst of all the struggles.

God I thank You for your grace today, I thank you for you being you. God, thank you for reminding me that apart from you I am nothing, and indeed, you are important to me! Forgive me if I have been taking your grace for granted, forgive me if I have in any way taken you for granted. Bring me into joy in your presence today. Amen!

Chin Ling :
When I read the psalm this morning, the many things that striked out to me was the promises to claim! Yes! and as I put the Lord first in my life, I claim the promises that he has promised to his children! So, I prayed through the promises and claim them in Jesus name! What a great way to start the day!

Crow: I like the way David praises God... He has so much trust and delight in the Lord... :)

Pam: I feel that the Lord is realli teaching me for this wk of ps thus far is to be secured in Him.. esp in V8! I will not be shaken.... croakz

Sara: vs 9 - How many times do I in times of trouble or trials, can still claim gladness in my heart and rejoicing on my lips, and peace to my troubled soul? Lord, please teach me to be like David too, that I may learn to give thanks and be joyful in all circumstances!

Aileen: It was very comforting to see that God is my refuge. Haha, honestly, it brightened my day as i thought of work. hahahah

Phebe: After reading psalms today, i told God to help me find my true joy in Him...not in things of the world..or my achievements.. i wan to b a person who possesses God and is possessed by God and have true joy.

Dellia: As I read the psalms, verse 7 stands out the most for me...the 2nd part of the verse that says that "even at night my heart instructs me"...I was meditating on it andI felt that the Lord said that the only way that He can instruct me is that I choose to stay close and always draw near to Him so that He can instruct me!

Joanna: God reminded me once again that He is my refuge and strength! He also reminded me that He is the one who also brings me joy and peace. There is so much joy in David cos His confidence comes from God. When i read Pastor Debra's explanation in the book, there was a qn that asked "would u still be happy in the Lord or would u feel that God has violated ur rights" when something precious is taken away.

God is really teaching me loads thru' this. Letting go and not holding on anymore. Then I can experience true joy=)

Huijuan: I am back!! i truly forgotten to update man. But i got read psalmS!!! ahaha..Vs 2 speaks to me alot! apart from God i have no good thing. Recalling back my life, i think without God, i would have run after worldly stuffs, maybe jus find any guy to be boyfriend (cos i very emo one). But thank God for his grace, He saved me.

then vs 4 really is so true, today I went out with one of my gals, and i can see her life is truly blessed. And she was sharing with me the life of our common friend who backslided, her life is full of sorrows. God allowed me to see that if we have him in our hearts and follow Him, our blessings multiply!

Psalm 15

Psalm 15

A psalm of David.

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart

3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,

4 who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,

5 who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.

Dellia: As I read today's Psalm, I found it so tough. I mean as we grow older in life, I feel that many people start to be skeptical about things and tend to be selfish. My prayer is that I will always be able to dwell in the Lord's sanctuary and that He will find me choosing to stand against all odds and blameless. May He bless you too to have the desire to be self-less for all the people around you.

Chin Ling:
The Lord reminded me that there's a difference between having God in your heart, knowing he is there and being God's best friend, one whom he shares his secrets with. And to be the latter, it really takes a life of love and fear of the Lord - a life of obedience towards him. When the heart has only 1 desire - to please the Lord and to fear him, then the actions (V 2 - 5) will follow. I pray that I will have only 1 desire in my life - to dwell in his sanctuary and live on his holy hill. In Jesus Name, Amen

Jacq: For it is by grace you have been saved, not by works... God I thank You for your grace. it doesnt matter how long this list is, or how much it takes to be a righteous woman. but i pray that I will always have this reverent fear for you, in me, for my life. Lord forgive me if I have been untruthful or sinned against you. you know my thoughts, you know my fears, you know how often I always want to do things my way. Lord you take over to be the driver of this journey and lead me from here, today, tomorrow and everyday. Jesus to drive me into a relationship deeper with you. Amen!

Pam: As I read today's ps... I am reminded that at times I am so concerned with the physical things, daily living that I have forgotten about "maintaining His sanctuary" .... I prayer today for myself and all... is to prepare us for Your sanctuary.. to be kept pure n holy.. tried and true.. that we may be a living sanctuary for Him.. AMEN!

Crow: When i read the psalm, I didn't know how to respond.. haha, i just know that I'm not worthy... and as the "requirements" go on... i just feel, oh man, buey sai lah! but indeed, God is full of grace, and i can enter into his presence daily even though i do not match up.. i thank God and i pray i will do my best to be holy and acceptable unto him... Amen...

Phebe: My response after reading the psalm for today was...thank you Lord for your grace in my life... help me to be more like You Jesus...sometimes it becomes a struggle cos we're influenced by too many things of the world.. thank God for His amazing grace.. :)

Aileen: When i read the psalm this morning, i thought to myself.. "what the ($#*)$(#" cause now with some new colleages at work and the way my school runs, sometimes i wonder whether i can truly be righteous all the time. My ex colleage wanted me to hold on some library books for her (she didn't sign out), but i think the right thing to do is to sign out with the librarian.. haha.. so i shall later..

Sara: When I read this, I was also filled with tons of feelings of unworthiness, like wah, I am far from that standard la… Is this even possible? Achievable? But I stopped myself then and thought, Yes, I am indeed far from this and everyday I struggle not to scream at colleagues who take me for granted, who vent their frustrations on others, who say one thing and mean another. And everyday, I struggle to set myself apart, to do what is right in the eyes of God, and to keep my walk blameless. Indeed, everyday brings a whole new journey… I know I can't do it alone, BUT only if I walk with Him.

Joanna: When I read this psalm, I immediately asked "why can't I be like this? I want to be like this" Praying that God will mould me more into his likeness. When I read Pastor Debra's book explaining the psalm, I was also wondering what kind of question I would have asked of the Lord. David asked a qn showing how he wanted to be more like the Lord, how much he wanted more of the Lord. This is definitely a qn I would wan to ask more from God!