Psalm 60 - Friday!

Psalm 60

For the director of music. To the tune of "The Lily of the Covenant." A miktam of David. For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. ^{[a] [b] [c]}

1 You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us;
you have been angry-now restore us!

2 You have shaken the land and torn it open;
mend its fractures, for it is quaking.

3 You have shown your people desperate times;
you have given us wine that makes us stagger.

4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner
to be unfurled against the bow.
Selah

5 Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered.

6 God has spoken from his sanctuary:
"In triumph I will parcel out Shechem
and measure off the Valley of Succoth.

7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine;
Ephraim is my helmet,
Judah my scepter.

8 Moab is my washbasin,
upon Edom I toss my sandal;
over Philistia I shout in triumph."

9 Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?

10 Is it not you, O God, you who have rejected us
and no longer go out with our armies?

11 Give us aid against the enemy,
for the help of man is worthless.

12 With God we will gain the victory,
and he will trample down our enemies.

Chin Ling: Yes, we don't have to look to the favour of the people around us because the help of man is worthless. I want all my victories to come from the Lord and all glory be given to him! Amen!

Pam: v11-12.. Hahaha... was scratching my head while reading the ps.... but I am reminded to be dependent on the Lord.. while man will disappoint us.. He will not.. AMEN!

Eunice: Amen! "with God we will gain the victory". I am reminded that if I want to succeed, I must seek God first, not the help of men...

Aileen: was doing my assignment till 2 last night, then i turned to todays psalms and i was like.. ???? cause i thought i'll get some reassurance.. hahaha.. anyway im reminded that with God we will gain the victory! yeah claim claim!

Sara: When i read this psalm today, i thought, Lord, how come the pasalmist just talks about the same thing everyday for the past few psalms in fact, and i couldnt find any insight to it. but as i read it over and over again, it reminded me that 'if God is for me, then who can be against me?' and i know that im not fighting my daily battles alone, but with the Lord, and WE will gain the victory. thank you Lord, that you are with me. =)

Crow: As i read this passage, the Lord tells me that many times he does not spare us from going through difficult times, and though sometimes it seems like life is not so easy, it is all in His hands and His plans.. Lord help me to see victory through You..

Dellia: I'm reminded again that it's only with God that I can have the victory!! THerefore I can rest secure...cos He is with me!

Psalm 59 - Thursday!

Psalm 59
For the director of music. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam . When Saul had sent men to watch David's house in order to kill him.

[a] 1 Deliver me from my enemies, O God;
protect me from those who rise up against me.

2 Deliver me from evildoers
and save me from bloodthirsty men.

3 See how they lie in wait for me!
Fierce men conspire against me
for no offense or sin of mine, O LORD.

4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.
Arise to help me; look on my plight!

5 O LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel,
rouse yourself to punish all the nations;
show no mercy to wicked traitors. Selah

6 They return at evening,
snarling like dogs,
and prowl about the city.

7 See what they spew from their mouths—
they spew out swords from their lips,
and they say, "Who can hear us?"

8 But you, O LORD, laugh at them;
you scoff at all those nations.

9 O my Strength, I watch for you;
you, O God, are my fortress,

10 my loving God.
God will go before me
and will let me gloat over those who slander me.

11 But do not kill them, O Lord our shield, [b]
or my people will forget.
In your might make them wander about,
and bring them down.

12 For the sins of their mouths,
for the words of their lips,
let them be caught in their pride.
For the curses and lies they utter,

13 consume them in wrath,
consume them till they are no more.
Then it will be known to the ends of the earth
that God rules over Jacob. Selah

14 They return at evening,
snarling like dogs,
and prowl about the city.

15 They wander about for food
and howl if not satisfied.

16 But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.

17 O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

Crow: In this psalm, David calls upon the Lord as his Strength twice.. Lord teach me to call upon u as my Strength, as David does.. LEt me tell u a story.. yesterday i went for a short run near my estate. My mind was on something, and before i knew it, i realised i missed the turning.. (by quite a bit, haha!) so anyway, in the end i decided to continue going straight and turn left at the next turning.. well, the place was a little ulu and i felt a little lost, as it was not the road i intended to take. i also knew that it meant i have to jog a longer distance since i made a detour.. But at the next turning, to my pleasant surprise, it was all downslope, and it led me right back to my familiar old market near my house. It was such an easy jog, although the distance was slightly longer! Well, i asked the Lord what was He trying to tell me.. and it is revealed through this psalm, that He is my strength, and he wants me to call upon him as my strength. That sometimes i may feel lost, but so long as i trust in Him and call upon God my Strength, He will make things work out! It's not so much of the strength i have, but the plans He has. O Lord, my God, my Strength, i commit my life to u!

Chin Ling: When David Prayed V11 - that his enemies will not be struck down otherwise his people will forget the Lord, it struck me. Yes, its true, how many times I've prayed for my trouble to go away and forget the Lord thereafter. I pray that my heart will always be steadfast in HIM through good times and bad. That, whatever I pray for, it will always lead me back to the heart of the giver.

Eunice: I read in the Joel book ytd, that its a choice if you want to be angry about things. Many a times, we chose to be upset about things, and to let it affect us. However, we can also choose to be at peace about things. When ppl talk behind out back, and gossip about us, we can choose to be at peace, and trust that God will undo ure injustice. At times when things go wrong, or when the war fights outside, it is difficult to be at peace, but know that even though our dream is not happening as quickly or the way we want them to happen, dont worry about it, cos we know who is the one who is holding our future. A whole bulk of the verses today, speak about the bad things that's happening to David, but in v16 and 17, it says that "I will sing of your strength" Today is the Lord is emphasizing, what it is to be Still and know that He is in control. To be Still means to be at peace, even though things are not going in the way I want them to be. Its really really not easy, but.. I know God holds my future. God, teach me to be still before you, because I know you are in control. Your will be done, not mine. Amen!

Aileen: vs 6 they return at evening, snarling like dogs and prowl about the city. Sometimes i really wonder whether i'm like that, not about the snarling but more about the prowling. It's like a never ending quest to fulfill an insatiable thirst. yeah, i think sometimes in life, we always want more and it's the lord's way of reminding me to be steadfast and return to drink from the river of life.

Dellia: v16-17....I want to praise You Lord, in good times and bad times...forever!

Psalm 58 - Wednesday

Psalm 58

For the director of music. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam . ^[a]

1 Do you rulers indeed speak justly?
Do you judge uprightly among men?

2 No, in your heart you devise injustice,
and your hands mete out violence on the earth.

3 Even from birth the wicked go astray;
from the womb they are wayward and speak lies.

4 Their venom is like the venom of a snake,
like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears,

5 that will not heed the tune of the charmer,
however skillful the enchanter may be.

6 Break the teeth in their mouths, O God;
tear out, O LORD, the fangs of the lions!

7 Let them vanish like water that flows away;
when they draw the bow, let their arrows be blunted.

8 Like a slug melting away as it moves along,
like a stillborn child, may they not see the sun.

9 Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns—
whether they be green or dry—the wicked will be swept away. ^[b]

10 The righteous will be glad when they are avenged,
when they bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked.

11 Then men will say,
"Surely the righteous still are rewarded;
surely there is a God who judges the earth."

Chin Ling: I want to live my life such that I can say that God is my witness to the things I do. I want to be able to say confidently "Surely the righteous still are rewarded, surely there is a God who judges the earth"

Jacq: God, teach me what it is, not to be affected by the ppl around me and how they look at me, but.. more of you how you see me. sometimes, when I am so tempted to take the easy way out, i thank you for reminding me, that you will see what I am doing..

Pam: In my line of work... sometimes it is so easy to be self-righteous and judgemental and all... I am reminded to act justly n be merciful..... n not be like v1-2... !

Crow: The Lord is righteous and Just... Lord teach me to also be just.. dear Lord help me not to be like a cobra that has stopped its ears, no longer responding to the snake charmer.. but teach me to be obey you.. help me to be teachable and moldable for your glory... in Jesus Name i commit my life into thy hands...

Aileen: This reminds me of pastor's sermon on sun about how everyoone is just bad by nature and that's why we need God. It is so true that sometimes I devise such evil plans in my heart too even though i portray such a good character.. aiyolamak! kena exposed!

Huijuan: So so real... sometimes our thoughts are not seen by others but God can see everything. Help me not to think evil but be found righteous in your eyes. Help me to love the unlovable.

Dellia: Lord, I pray, give me a pure heart...a heart that pleases You Lord.

Psalm 57 - Tuesday

Psalm 57

For the director of music. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam . When he had fled from Saul into the cave. ^[a]

1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,
for in you my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.

2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me.

3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me;
Selah
God sends his love and his faithfulness.

4 I am in the midst of lions;
I lie among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

6 They spread a net for my feet—
I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
but they have fallen into it themselves.
Selah

7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.

8 Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.

10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

Chin Ling: I pray that God's purposes will be fulfilled in my life not by my might but by his great love and faithfulness. Thank You Jesus.

Dellia: Lord, thank you for saving me...that I know in the midst of everything, You are here! Be exalted above all circumstances!

Aileen: My heart is steadfast. that is my prayer that my heart will remain steadfast!

Crow: dear Lord, please help me, that my heart will be steadfast in all i do, each and every day.

Jacq: God's love is beautiful and greater than the heavens. His faithfulness reaches the skies. God, thank you for your faithfulness. Teach me to be faithful too okie?

Psalm 56 - Monday

Psalm 56

For the director of music. To the tune of "A Dove on Distant Oaks." Of David. A miktam . When the Philistines had seized him in Gath. ^[a]

1 Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me;
all day long they press their attack.

2 My slanderers pursue me all day long;
many are attacking me in their pride.

3 When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.

4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?

5 All day long they twist my words;
they are always plotting to harm me.

6 They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps,
eager to take my life.

7 On no account let them escape;
in your anger, O God, bring down the nations.

8 Record my lament;
list my tears on your scroll ^[b]—
are they not in your record?

9 Then my enemies will turn back
when I call for help.
By this I will know that God is for me.

10 In God, whose word I praise,
in the LORD, whose word I praise-

11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

12 I am under vows to you, O God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.

13 For you have delivered me ^[c] from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life. ^[d]

Chin Ling: As I read, I feel assured that I have a God that I can trust when I am afraid. There is a God for me. I feel very assured in my heart. There will be no fear for he is with me.

Pam: I must give it up to David! *Three cheers!* Hahah... He is always in constant pursue by his enemies and all... he should have long given up and just die lah... so I thot.... yet he is still perservering.... n indeed... I see that determination in him.. and I see his trust n love in the Lord... indeed David had displaced his unfailing love for Him..... Dear Lord, I wan to love /trust you this much!!!

Aileen: I'm always reminded to put my trust in God and not men. I think God is always reminding me of that!

Crow: I think in this season, the Lord is constantly telling me to trust in Him, teaching me through what happens daily what it really means to trust in the Lord... dear Lord help me to trust in You with all my heart in season and out of season.. to lean not on my own understanding.. for You are in full control.. Thank u Lord

Huijuan: in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? WEll well...this verse speaks so real to me.. what can man do to me. God will judge those who pursue me accordingly. Amen. Yday in service i prayed to forgive those who pursue me and ask God to bless their life. I pray that they stop pursuing other ppl's life. :)

Sara: If I were in his shoes, I really dont know if I still am able to say that I will trust in the Lord, and I will not be afraid, and even more so, to give thanks that my enemies are pursuing me all day long! As Pastor Khong has taught, Lord, help my unbelief! that I may walk before you in the light of life!

Jacq: vs 12 says I will present thank offerings to God, and God has delivered me from death.. this is so true.. at time when i find it difficult to give thanks for any of the mighty things He is doing cos.. things dont go right.. and u will be thinking.. i had a lousy day.. what can I thank God for..? I am reminded that i can thank God the day is over.. and He has brought me through. I can thank God that i still breathe his breath of life..

Dellia: I'm just so glad that when I woke up this morning and read the bible! the Lord reminds me NOT TO BE AFRAID! Haaa..it's my first day of work this year again..and the Lord reminds me NOT TO BE AFRAID! There are so many things to do......and I couldn't handle, but God is good

Psalm 55

Psalm 55

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Amaskil of David. ^[a]

1 Listen to my prayer, O God,
do not ignore my plea;

2 hear me and answer me.
My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught

3 at the voice of the enemy,
at the stares of the wicked;
for they bring down suffering upon me
and revile me in their anger.

4 My heart is in anguish within me;
the terrors of death assail me.

5 Fear and trembling have beset me;
horror has overwhelmed me.

6 I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest-

7 I would flee far away
and stay in the desert;
Selah

8 I would hurry to my place of shelter,
far from the tempest and storm."

9 Confuse the wicked, O Lord, confound their speech,
for I see violence and strife in the city.

10 Day and night they prowl about on its walls;
malice and abuse are within it.

11 Destructive forces are at work in the city;
threats and lies never leave its streets.

12 If an enemy were insulting me,
I could endure it;
if a foe were raising himself against me,
I could hide from him.

13 But it is you, a man like myself,
my companion, my close friend,

14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship
as we walked with the throng at the house of God.

15 Let death take my enemies by surprise;
let them go down alive to the grave, ^[b]
for evil finds lodging among them.

16 But I call to God,
and the LORD saves me.

17 Evening, morning and noon
I cry out in distress,
and he hears my voice.

18 He ransoms me unharmed
from the battle waged against me,
even though many oppose me.

19 God, who is enthroned forever,
will hear them and afflict them—
Selah
men who never change their ways
and have no fear of God.

20 My companion attacks his friends;
he violates his covenant.

21 His speech is smooth as butter,
yet war is in his heart;
his words are more soothing than oil,
yet they are drawn swords.

22 Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall.

23 But you, O God, will bring down the wicked
into the pit of corruption;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men
will not live out half their days.
But as for me, I trust in you.

Chin Ling: Today, is a new week and a new day! Last week was one where I re-evaluated my friendships and life, and today, as I read this, all I can say is that Jesus is the bestest and most constant friend of all. I can cast my care on him, and know that Jesus truly cares.

Crow: Well, as I read this psalm again after today's service, the verse that i recall right away is verse 22, Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.. Lord i trust you enough to cast my cares, concerns and worries all into your hands... knowing that you will sustain me and deliver me in your time.. Dear Lord i pray that u will give me the discipline through this period of prayer and fasting, that I will daily be able to spend an hour praying with u each day.. Today @ cell, we just prayed through that one hour, and though i was not really prepared and my heart was not ready at first, the Lord showed me that we must choose to follow his commands first, whether we feel like it or not, and then His blessings will come.. I chose not to be disappointed that only 2 of my cell members came, but I knew at the end of it that it was divine that these 2 members came today so that the Lord could work deeper in them.. Indeed, cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain u! :)

Dellia: Lord, indeed when I cast all my cares on You, You will sustain me! Lord, help me to go to You in every season of my life!

Psalm 54

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Amaskil of David. When the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said, "Is not David hiding among us?" [a]

1 Save me, O God, by your name;
vindicate me by your might.
2 Hear my prayer, O God;
listen to the words of my mouth.
3 Strangers are attacking me;
ruthless men seek my life—
men without regard for God.
Selah
4 Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me.
5 Let evil recoil on those who slander me;
in your faithfulness destroy them.
6 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you;
I will praise your name, O LORD,
for it is good.
7 For he has delivered me from all my troubles,
and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.

Jacq: I think the Lord missed me... ! yeaps.. I do.. this week hasnt been a very good week.. I've been quite sick.. n.. just overwhelmed by the chain of events.
Lord, show me the freewill offering.. what is it that you want me to offer to you? God I thank you, for sustaining me.. in vs 4.. you have reminded me that you are my help, and in your faithfulness, you will make things right. God.. i'm tired.. but.. i will run to you.. today is baptism day!!!!

Chin Ling: I will sacrifice a freewill offering of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord despite any circumstances. Because the word of the Lord stands true and loving, he has delivered me from ALL my troubles , and REJOICE I WILL! Happy Baptism, Jacq. Happy Transfer, Sara! :)

Crow: Not only can the Lord sustain, he will also deliver us from all troubles..

Dellia: the lord will save and deliver..Lord...teach me to always put my trust and wait for You!

Psalm 53

Psalm 53

For the director of music. According to mahalath. A maskil of David. ^[a][b]

1 The fool says in his heart,
"There is no God."
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile;
there is no one who does good.

2 God looks down from heaven
on the sons of men
to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.

3 Everyone has turned away,
they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.

4 Will the evildoers never learn—
those who devour my people as men eat bread
and who do not call on God?

5 There they were, overwhelmed with dread,
where there was nothing to dread.
God scattered the bones of those who attacked you;
you put them to shame, for God despised them.

6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When God restores the fortunes of his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Dellia: Lord, I pray that when You look down from heaven, You will find me faithful and true. Lord I can rejoice cos I know that You are my Lord and God, my deliver and provider!

Chin Ling: Everyone has turned away, no one was good, not even one. Yes. I am reminded of his goodness...despite the fact that no one was good, God will restore us and we can rejoice and be glad.. His mercy endures forever.

Pam: Same as Del... I hope that when the Lord look down... He will be able to find me ready and available for Him!

Crow: Dear Lord, help me to never be a fool who says that there is no God.. But instead let me always know of your power and always have u as the Lord of my life..

Juan: I pray God will see me as his child. School is speechless especially when innocent me got into some politics...sigh... sometimes u really can see all kinds of christians everywhere. And u wonder God is so great that He loves them. God help me to forgive and bless them, lest i sin against u and curse them with my lips. I pray when u look down from heaven, u see me.

Psalm 52

Psalm 52
For the director of music. A maskil of David. When Doeg the Edomite had gone to Saul and told him: "David has gone to the house of Ahimelech." [a]

1 Why do you boast of evil, you mighty man?
Why do you boast all day long,
you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God?
2 Your tongue plots destruction;
it is like a sharpened razor,
you who practice deceit.

3 You love evil rather than good,
falsehood rather than speaking the truth.
Selah

4 You love every harmful word,
O you deceitful tongue!

5 Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin:
He will snatch you up and tear you from your tent;
he will uproot you from the land of the living.
Selah

6 The righteous will see and fear;
they will laugh at him, saying,

7 "Here now is the man
who did not make God his stronghold
but trusted in his great wealth
and grew strong by destroying others!"

8 But I am like an olive tree
flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God's unfailing love
for ever and ever.

9 I will praise you forever for what you have done;
in your name I will hope, for your name is good.
I will praise you in the presence of your saints.

Chin Ling: Decided to read a little about Olive Trees..and realise that they are actually very small trees but yet have very strong, long roots and foundation. Because of that, their branches extends out and are able to provide shade. I want to be like an olive tree, strong within in the Lord, having roots that are found in him, flourishing in him and trusting him so that this love can be shared with others!

Aileen: think it keeps reminding me to trust in God's unfailing love. i always say that men by default are "xia jian" so we must really rely on the lord! hahaha.. that's for me, remembering his unfailing love!

Crow: I'm reminded to always seek to edify those around me.. haha, i think some times in the midst of wanting to get things done, i may forget this.. Lord help me to continually seek to bless..

Pam: I want to flourish in the house of the Lord... indeed nthing shld matter as long as I stand firm in Him.

Sara: wah! felt so guilty after reading this psalm... coz my tongue hasnt exactly been saying words of edification.. esp. from yesterday evening's dinner. i was pulled for dinner and drinks with my dept ppl, coz they wanted to celebrate the acomplishments of the law careers fair that we had put so much hard work in. but basically, we ended up throwing out all the unhappiness we had over another dept coz of all their craftiness and unwillingness to help us. sigh... i felt so bad but i agreed with them...it was like adding oil to fire! sigh...words can be so destructive... not edifying at all..at all.... =(

Dellia: I wanna be like a Olive tree flourishing in the house of God. Lord, guide and guard me and teach me to be like an Olive tree that flourishes!

Psalm 51

Psalm 51

For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ^[a] ;
you teach ^[b] me wisdom in the inmost place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.

14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17 The sacrifices of God are ^[c] a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Chin Ling: David ran to God immediately for forgiveness and restoration immediately after being exposed of his sins.. He did not hide nor shy away from God, neither did he continue in his sin. I thank God that I can draw near to him and seek the joy of his salvation under all circumstances. I thank God for his forgiveness over my life.

Aileen: was reminded of the song and reminded that hte lord really doesn't despise a broken spirit and a contrite heart. wah reminds me of the old times, draw me close to u lord!

Huijuan: Thank God for today's psalm, especially the pat that David ask God to forgive his sins then in vs13, he ask God to help him teach the trangressors your way and the sinners back to u. I seriously need that kind of wisdom from God. God, help me to see your presence working in the lives of my cell group! and also they will not be the gods in my life.

Sara: haha.. yup! this reminds me of the song too! and really, as it says, the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart. i was feeling so tired and worn out this past couple of days, and i was asking God, what it takes for me to draw near to Him and to renew my poor spirit, and i felt so comforted that what God wants is not any burnt offerings, but simply, just my broken spirit. sigh... what love that i dont deserve.....

Crow: Thank u Lord for your great mercy and unfailing love for me.. 50 psalms have passed, and i'm starting to slacken a little in my daily reading and posting! been quite tired out.. but Lord please help me to be disciplined in reading and meditating on your word! :)

Jacq: God.. I do not deserve... Have mercy on me..

Dellia: Same song as you Sara! I'm just reminded that as I come to God with all the brokeness and all, He doesn't despise! thank you Lord

Psalm 50

Psalm 50

A psalm of Asaph.

1 The Mighty One, God, the LORD,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.

2 From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.

3 Our God comes and will not be silent;
a fire devours before him,
and around him a tempest rages.

4 He summons the heavens above,
and the earth, that he may judge his people:

5 "Gather to me my consecrated ones,
who made a covenant with me by sacrifice."

6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,
for God himself is judge.
Selah

7 "Hear, O my people, and I will speak,
O Israel, and I will testify against you:
I am God, your God.

8 I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices
or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.

9 I have no need of a bull from your stall
or of goats from your pens,

10 for every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know every bird in the mountains,
and the creatures of the field are mine.

12 If I were hungry I would not tell you,
for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of goats?

14 Sacrifice thank offerings to God,
fulfill your vows to the Most High,

15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me."

16 But to the wicked, God says:
"What right have you to recite my laws
or take my covenant on your lips?

17 You hate my instruction
and cast my words behind you.

18 When you see a thief, you join with him;
you throw in your lot with adulterers.

19 You use your mouth for evil
and harness your tongue to deceit.

20 You speak continually against your brother
and slander your own mother's son.

21 These things you have done and I kept silent;
you thought I was altogether ^[a] like you.
But I will rebuke you
and accuse you to your face.

22 "Consider this, you who forget God,
or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue:

23 He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me,
and he prepares the way
so that I may show him ^[b] the salvation of God."

Chin Ling: I am just reminded that God is one the carries out his words. And He is watching our every action, good or bad. I am also thankful that he is my God and I pray that he will continue to show me his salvation, and reminded to work my salvation fearfully.

Aileen: am reminded of his justice and power

Dellia: As i read today's pslam, i'm like woah......trusting in God is also a form of sacrifice......! And that all He desires is for me to thank Him, fulfill my vows to Him and I mean...trusting in Him!

Crow: For me, i am reminded to offer thank offerings to the Lord always, for that is what he delights in.... to always choose to give thanks to the Lord... well, it has been quite a busy period for me, and many times i find it hard to "give thanks in all situations". But to know that the Lord delights in it.. i will do my best to always choose to give thanks each day each moment.. :)

Psalm 49

Psalm 49

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

1 Hear this, all you peoples;
listen, all who live in this world,

2 both low and high,
rich and poor alike:

3 My mouth will speak words of wisdom;
the utterance from my heart will give understanding.

4 I will turn my ear to a proverb;
with the harp I will expound my riddle:

5 Why should I fear when evil days come,
when wicked deceivers surround me-

6 those who trust in their wealth
and boast of their great riches?

7 No man can redeem the life of another
or give to God a ransom for him-

8 the ransom for a life is costly,
no payment is ever enough-

9 that he should live on forever
and not see decay.

10 For all can see that wise men die;
the foolish and the senseless alike perish
and leave their wealth to others.

11 Their tombs will remain their houses ^[a] forever,
their dwellings for endless generations,
though they had ^[b] named lands after themselves.

12 But man, despite his riches, does not endure;
he is ^[c] like the beasts that perish.

13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves,
and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
Selah

14 Like sheep they are destined for the grave, ^[d]
and death will feed on them.
The upright will rule over them in the morning;
their forms will decay in the grave, ^[e]
far from their princely mansions.

15 But God will redeem my life ^[f] from the grave;
he will surely take me to himself.
Selah

16 Do not be overawed when a man grows rich,
when the splendor of his house increases;

17 for he will take nothing with him when he dies,
his splendor will not descend with him.

18 Though while he lived he counted himself blessed—
and men praise you when you prosper-

19 he will join the generation of his fathers,
who will never see the light of life .

20 A man who has riches without understanding
is like the beasts that perish.

Jacq: God I pray that my heart will not turn cold.. that when I am rich, I am rich in you, ith understanding. God I thank you for reminding me that my salvation is what matters most, and I should treasure it, not take it for granted. God, I seek you, no one else, or nothing else. Amen!

Chin Ling: I was telling Crow, at cell yesterday, I felt myself being very overwhelmed by the many things I want to do, the fears I have for the kids and even them not finding God in the midst of it all. I feel being not good enough..and a whole lot of overwhelming emotions... But, reading today's psalm, esp V7 and V 9, all I pray is that I don't take over God's work. I just learn and God will be the one to redeem all our lives. Yesterday's service really stirred my heart to just look to him. As v 15 says, he will take me to him.

Pam: This is realli an re-assuring passage esp the verses 17-19... oh.. i think I din give thanks yet... i got $100 pay increment n a lump sum for performance in '07.... heee! I realli give thanks.... n as I reflect.. the Lord has always been gd to me.... i was nv in lack (.ie. my bag n shoe shelves are EXPLODING).... it was myself who thinks otherwise... how foolish! n I do not want to join in the generation w/o light! Cya on wed!

Dellia: Ah.....verse 5!! I have no need to fear when trouble come! Lord, thank you! Marriage encounter was a wonderful experience for me & woah..been a long time since i last felt good attending a session! But the fear I had was in coming back to the "world"..haaa...to face all the things again! But the Lord reminds me to "NOT FEAR"!! AMEN!

Crow: Well for me it's quite the same as chin! to remember that it is only the Lord who can redeem lives, not me.. that sometimes i may feel discouraged or lose focus, Lord help me to always remember it is all You and you alone...

Aileen: yesterday's message really spoke to me and i was just sharing with the cell about how sometimes we also feel that the bad tend to do better than us but we christians were not called to be meek and just dissappear in one corner. I tink reading this reminded me that having riches without understanding really means nothing. to remember to giver and not the gifts

Psalm 48

Psalm 48

A song. A psalm of the Sons of Korah.

1 Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise,
in the city of our God, his holy mountain.

2 It is beautiful in its loftiness,
the joy of the whole earth.
Like the utmost heights of Zaphon ^[a] is Mount Zion,
the ^[b] city of the Great King.

3 God is in her citadels;
he has shown himself to be her fortress.

4 When the kings joined forces,
when they advanced together,

5 they saw her and were astounded;
they fled in terror.

6 Trembling seized them there,
pain like that of a woman in labor.

7 You destroyed them like ships of Tarshish
shattered by an east wind.

8 As we have heard,
so have we seen
in the city of the LORD Almighty,
in the city of our God:
God makes her secure forever.
Selah

9 Within your temple, O God,
we meditate on your unfailing love.

10 Like your name, O God,
your praise reaches to the ends of the earth;
your right hand is filled with righteousness.

11 Mount Zion rejoices,
the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments.

12 Walk about Zion, go around her,
count her towers,

13 consider well her ramparts,
view her citadels,
that you may tell of them to the next generation.

14 For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end.

Crow: Today the Lord says to me that he is with me, and he will be my guide even to the end... and at today's service.. it brought me back to the simple loving relationship with our dear Lord Jesus.... i loved the psalm we sang "in the garden"... it speaks so much of the Lord's walking with us and talking with us, so close to us... and His great love for us as he says we are his own.... thank u Lord...

Chin Ling: Great is the Lord. Weak and small is me. I know i can leave my success and failures in his hands.

Dellia: The Lord reminds me to mediate on His unfailing love as I worship Him! (V9). You know after a while, we tend to just worship Him and we forget to MEDIATE on His word and more importantly of His unfailing love! Not just love...but UNFAILING LOVE! That's where we can have the strength to love others!

Psalm 47

Psalm 47

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with
cries of joy.
2 How awesome is the LORD Most High,the great King
over all the earth!
3 He subdued nations under us, peoples under
our feet.
4 He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom
he loved.

Selah
5 God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm [a] of praise.
8 God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.
9 The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings
[b] of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.

Huijuan: Opps.. sorry ppl.. not sure how to post the above...pardon me.
Oh but today this psalm is one that is praising God, so wana praise and thank God. Today we had a online stimulation game in school, some entrepreneurship module lah.. so we had to play the game from 12pm to 730pm without stopping..basically the game is quite stressful cos each group is a computer company trying to compete against one another in a market selling their products to virtual customers. So as usual my grp, we blur blur play. So for the 1st 2 Quarters, we are the last 2nd grp out of 6 grps and we made a deficit of 1 million dollars. And so i made a little prayer to God to help us. I told my team mates i pray ok. haha.. den amazingly with our team effort, we emerge champion churning 4.7 million dollars in the 3rd quarter...Wow!!! we were shocked.. the instructor was shocked too as if a miracle happened for the first time!! den 4th quarter, we also remained champion making 9 million dollars and our stock market was higher than the 2nd grp. Praise God! and also this game constitute 40% of my module, the instructor says champion gets FULL MARKS!!!! ahaha.. so i secured 40MARKS!!!!

Crow: I am reminded to choose to praise God in all circumstances

Dellia: V1 - V4 forms a picture in my mind of a group of people that dances and praises God and just throw of every inhibitation to praise the Lord! I'm reminded that for myself...it's been a long time since I dance before the Lord! I wanna clap and shout and sing praise to Him!

Psalm 46

Psalm 46

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. ^[a]

1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields ^[b] with fire.

10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

Chin Ling : One of my favourite verse - V10... never fail to remind me of the greatness of the Lord as I stay still before him. His name be exalted forever!

Crow: Thank you dear Lord Jesus for speaking so clear and close to my heart.. In verse 5, it says "God is within her, she will not fall.. God will help her at break of day.." I personally experienced that late last night... Really, when we're at our wits end, God takes over... and his answers are really so divine.... Thank u Lord...

Sara: I really like what vs 8 - 10 says, and I'm reminded not to say or think that any dream is impossible because as we see the work of His hands, we know that He is capable of making wars cease to the ends of the earth and our God is definitely far more capable of handling our lives! At this point, I'm just feeling so tired, discouraged and burnt out, but i will choose to trust and commit my life, my dreams and every circumstance into His hands, and not into my own hands!

Dellia: I'm reminded that He is my ever present time of help! He is my strength. THank you Lord for Your grace...then though I'm unworthy, You still love me!

Huijuan: God is within me, and i will not break! This CNY has been busy and also helping my mum take care of my bro and also not forgetting the tons of assignments due. And tmr in school we will have a test and a online stimulator game played between groups, have to develop misson statement for our company and prepare strategies... and its 20%. i feel like i'm dying.....physically... but today God assures me that He will not allow me to "die"....He is within me...Thank God!

Psalm 45

Psalm 45

For the director of music. To the tune of "Lilies." Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. A wedding song. ^[a]

1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme
as I recite my verses for the king;
my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

2 You are the most excellent of men
and your lips have been anointed with grace,
since God has blessed you forever.

3 Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one;
clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.

4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously
in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness;
let your right hand display awesome deeds.

5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king's enemies;
let the nations fall beneath your feet.

6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.

8 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
from palaces adorned with ivory
the music of the strings makes you glad.

9 Daughters of kings are among your honored women;
at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.

10 Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear:
Forget your people and your father's house.

11 The king is enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord.

12 The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift, ^[b]
men of wealth will seek your favor.

13 All glorious is the princess within her chamber ;
her gown is interwoven with gold.

14 In embroidered garments she is led to the king;
her virgin companions follow her
and are brought to you.

15 They are led in with joy and gladness;
they enter the palace of the king.

16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers;
you will make them princes throughout the land.

17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;
therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.

Chin Ling: Happy Valentine Day everyone! Not really a believer of V day, but its great that today's psalm is A Wedding Song! :) In other versions, A love song! So nice! :) I love it! I spent quite some time reading it and praying through it too :) Thank God for Chiwern through verses 2-8 :) And then claimed the verses 11-15 for the wedding :)
And then of course, V 16-17 for the future generation. hehehe...

Jacq: I thank God for coming for me. Its a reminder that w/o us, God would not have come.. He came.. for me and you.. each and every single one of us. His loves does not rise n fall with performance.. but cos He really loves us..

Crow: Today i am reminded that i am a princess of the King of Kings, and with that He has given me the power and victory over everything.. Lord help me to ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness.. :)

Aileen: today i'm claiming the last verse! believing that the lord can use me to impact the future generations!! and i'm always reminded that it is the lord and not me

Pam: Hee... happi v-dae.... A wedding Psalm... cool eh.. of divine timing even as I prepare my heart for the marriage encounter tis wkend... Lord... may my love for you will be pleasing to your sight..... Thx u for the union that you have brought.... that I will not forget that you Lord is our heavenly match-maker!

Sara: I used to think that the greatest blessing that anyone could have is to be blessed with joy, that one can possess joy in any and every circumstance, but after reading today's psalm, I realised that the psalmist has blessed the reader with so much more! what a wholesome blessing! a love song indeed, and i pray that my relationship with the Lord can be like that too! happy V day everyone, and may the Lord's favour be with you always! =)

DEllia: I felt God telling me HAPPY V DAY!! haaaa

Psalm 44

Psalm 44

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. ^[a]

1 We have heard with our ears, O God;
our fathers have told us
what you did in their days,
in days long ago.

2 With your hand you drove out the nations
and planted our fathers;
you crushed the peoples
and made our fathers flourish.

3 It was not by their sword that they won the land,
nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm,
and the light of your face, for you loved them.

4 You are my King and my God,
who decrees ^[b] victories for Jacob.

5 Through you we push back our enemies;
through your name we trample our foes.

6 I do not trust in my bow,
my sword does not bring me victory;

7 but you give us victory over our enemies,
you put our adversaries to shame.

8 In God we make our boast all day long,
and we will praise your name forever.
Selah

9 But now you have rejected and humbled us;
you no longer go out with our armies.

10 You made us retreat before the enemy,
and our adversaries have plundered us.

11 You gave us up to be devoured like sheep
and have scattered us among the nations.

12 You sold your people for a pittance,
gaining nothing from their sale.

13 You have made us a reproach to our neighbors,
the scorn and derision of those around us.

14 You have made us a byword among the nations;
the peoples shake their heads at us.

15 My disgrace is before me all day long,
and my face is covered with shame

16 at the taunts of those who reproach and revile me,
because of the enemy, who is bent on revenge.

17 All this happened to us,
though we had not forgotten you
or been false to your covenant.

18 Our hearts had not turned back;
our feet had not strayed from your path.

19 But you crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals
and covered us over with deep darkness.

20 If we had forgotten the name of our God
or spread out our hands to a foreign god,

21 would not God have discovered it,
since he knows the secrets of the heart?

22 Yet for your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.

23 Awake, O Lord! Why do you sleep?
Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever.

24 Why do you hide your face
and forget our misery and oppression?

25 We are brought down to the dust;
our bodies cling to the ground.

26 Rise up and help us;
redeem us because of your unfailing love.

Jacq: God hears my cry, yet he allows certain things to happen for a reason. God, remind me not to fall away when things dont go right, but instead, that I will walk by faith n draw even nearer back to you.

Chin Ling: I'm amazed at how the psalmist is going through such a difficult time, yet is able to start his song by praising the Lord for his goodness. The psalmist continue to acknowledge the goodness of God, displaying his trust in the Lord in spite of his emotions. I want to learn to put his goodness and majesty above my feelings.

Pam: Ydae I wen for a run wif Rog.... ended up walking back cos was nt in the "running mode" and literally I felt so weigh down by things that I did not have the perservance to continue running.... but the walk back was gd cos I am reminded that there are times u walk, n other times u run... but I am assured that I am not alone..... I have Him n the community that I am in... v3 realli reaffirmed my thot..... it is His right hand that won the battle n nt my own will, strenght that did it.

Crow: Reading this psalm this morning, i learnt a truth that the Lord helps me win victories, because he loves me.. Thank you Lord for your sweet love for me.. In this period, i know that i can be quite weak.. many times i feel so tired, and temptations seem so often and so hard to bear.. but dear Lord u r the one that really give me victories small and big... Dear Lord i once again commit my life to u.. help me to always look to you, help me to love u above all... Lord thank u...

Aileen: vs 6 "i do not trust in my bow. my sword does not give me victory." i really was reminded to look to the lord and not on my own abilities. always remembering that the lord is the one who gave me my bow first

Huijuan: The psalmist was recalling how the the forefathers has seen God's blessings in their life and how God brought them through. And i was remineded of my cell, i pray that not only me will see God's victories and expereince His blessings. But my ppl will see Him moving in their lives. God work sth in their lives!

DEllia: I rest assure that the Lord is my protector and I'm reminded not to put my trust in anything or anyone else but the Lord

Psalm 43

Psalm 43

1^[a] Vindicate me, O God,
and plead my cause against an ungodly nation;
rescue me from deceitful and wicked men.

2 You are God my stronghold.
Why have you rejected me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?

3 Send forth your light and your truth,
let them guide me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.

4 Then will I go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the harp,
O God, my God.

5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Chin Ling: I was reading in 2 Corinthians 6:10 today and it says "sorrowful yet always rejoicing" I was pondering over it. And today's psalm's really throwing a new light to it... it is when we go to the altar of the Lord, and look at him, resting in him, hoping in him, that we will know that he is our joy, and delight. Because of the King, I can rejoice. I need not stay downcast any longer, because my hope is in him. For that, I respond by praising him!

Pam: v4 "..... I'll praise him with your harp...." I am reminded that I have not being worshipping Him when I m at home..... n yes.... I noe He has been calling me to do so.... haha... beta listen ah! I want to praise YOU!

Crow: I am reminded that the Lord is my judge, only seek vindication from him... Seek to serve the Lord only and not man.... then it will not bother me when man do not appreciate.. cuz i work for God not for man... this is something i find very important to apply at work, yet many times it is so hard to really make Jesus ur only boss... and choose to find delight and satistfaction in the Lord alone.... Lord help me to serve u only, Lord help me to praise u all the time, deep within me.. Lord i commit this day to u... :)

Aileen: as i always say, this whole psalms always says vindicate me! haha, well i think the lord is really shining through in terrms of my work. BEgininning to see a little light at the end of the tunnel and i remember to rejoice always and NOT be downcast. so i shall be UPCAST lar!

Dellia: Lead me Lord in Your truth & light. Reading the word and seeking Him I need to do cos that's where His light and truth will shine. Many a times, I'm impatient, Lord, teach me to seek You with all my heart and wait patiently.

Sara: Today's psalm is short & sweet... =) and it answers yesterday's prayer... as it says in vs 3, that His truth and light will guide me to where He is. I pray that I will stray away from that path!

Jacq: Lord I want to go to that Hold mountain where you are. God, reveal to me more of your face and more of your glory. God, lead me in your light and your truth to guide me.

Psalm 42

BOOK II : Psalms 42-72

1

For the director of music. A maskil of the Sons of Korah. ^[a]

^[b] As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?

3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"

4 These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving
among the festive throng.

5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and 6 my God.
My ^[c] soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

7 Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.

8 By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.

9 I say to God my Rock,
"Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?"

10 My bones suffer mortal agony
as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"

11 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Jacq: Sounds like a very depressed psalm to start a Monday morning.. but even as I read vs 1, the writer says "so my soul pants for you, O Lord".. I am thinking, am I panting for the Lord, am I so hungry n thirsty for Him to feed me daily, or am I starting to feel that its a duty to read psalm every morning? Lord, teach me to delight more in you, to delight in your word. That I will hunger more and more for you. Going after you will not be a chore, but an exciting journey that I will want to take every morning. Lord, you have reminded me today, nv to take you or your presence for granted. Thank You Lord. Amen!

Pam: This Psalm reminds alot of how the Lord 1st spoke to me thr v11.... n yes.. during tis season/period, dear Lord, I wana put my hope in You!

Crow: Haha, it was so hard to wake up this morning!!! was groaning all the way to office... "i dun wanna go work i dun wanna go i dun wanna go work!!!!" hahaa... so i found this psalm quite amusing.... "Why so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?" hahaha... Well, on a more serious note... This verse had helped me through some time ago, when i felt really down... So i'm reminded of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness in my life... that he will always be my friend, even if i'm down and out.. Yup, and also in verse 1, to thrist for the Lord just as the deer pants for water.... hee hee... Ok! back to work! hahaa..... bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aileen: I am SOOooo tired from this CNY where there has been endless visitations and gong xi fa cai action. Even as i looked at today's verse, it really reminded me of the song. As the deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after you. And i really long for the lord.. for some peace and restoration. hahah.. i need rest lord!!

Sara: haha..i think everyone's feeling the same way, esp. after such a long break from wk, i just kept having to remind myself that God meant for us to wk and not to slack! but today's passage really speaks to me this period, that as long as I am willing to be still and spend time with Him, to listen to His voice, He will meet with me. I dont want to seek him only when I am sad, downcast, unhappy and need shelter and refuge... I would like to meet with Him, to sit and spend time with Him, and let him be part of everything I do!

Chin Ling: Oh man..Such a hard time to drag my lazy self to work! But I will still praise him!

Dellia: Haha...you gals are so cute leh! Haa..! As I read the psalm today, I can't help but told God that one day in His courts is better than a thousand elsewhere! For me, it wasn't the CNY visitation or a start of a new week that makes me tired....frankly..I felt exhausted as dennis was sick and I spent my CNY looking after Him and baby and having all the assignments due plus being a full time housewife....sleep & rest deprive! But the Lord assure me, that I can put my hope in Him and rest in His presence!

Joanna: my keypad is spoilt. haven been able to use my com properly. this psalm makes me one to sing and worship God.Thank God forthis psalm, making me want to worship n draw near to Him.

Psalm 41

Psalm 41

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.

2 The LORD will protect him and preserve his life;
he will bless him in the land
and not surrender him to the desire of his foes.

3 The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed
and restore him from his bed of illness.

4 I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me;
heal me, for I have sinned against you."

5 My enemies say of me in malice,
"When will he die and his name perish?"

6 Whenever one comes to see me,
he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander;
then he goes out and spreads it abroad.

7 All my enemies whisper together against me;
they imagine the worst for me, saying,

8 "A vile disease has beset him;
he will never get up from the place where he lies."

9 Even my close friend, whom I trusted,
he who shared my bread,
has lifted up his heel against me.

10 But you, O LORD, have mercy on me;
raise me up, that I may repay them.

11 I know that you are pleased with me,
for my enemy does not triumph over me.

12 In my integrity you uphold me
and set me in your presence forever.

13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.

Crow: Dear Lord, help me to always have regard for the weak.... not for my own gain, but because you love them so much....

Chin Ling : I will trust in the Lord and not do things my own ways because he will always protect me.

Dellia: I rest assure that the Lord will sustain me. Though sometimes I feel that I cannot tahan liao..the Lord never fails to sustain me! So Yup yup..!!! =)

Psalm 40

Psalm 40
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

4 Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.

5 Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.

6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.

7 Then I said, "Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.

8 I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."

9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips,
as you know, O LORD.

10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly.

11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;
may your love and your truth always protect me.

12 For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.

13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me;
O LORD, come quickly to help me.

14 May all who seek to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.

15 May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!"
be appalled at their own shame.

16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say,
"The LORD be exalted!"

17 Yet I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, do not delay.

Dellia: The psalm opens with wait patiently! Haha...so often I wait...but not patiently.....! Lord, teach me to wait and wait patiently for You!

Aileen: really reminds me of my MSN nick.. zechariah. God remembers!

Chin Ling: I had a nightmare last night. And, I dreamt that 2 people very close to me died, and one of them said to me " I don't know whether I will go to heaven or not....." At that moment, I was so regretful that I did not try my best in my lifetime to reach out to more.... or even disciple well...
"10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly."
I pray that I'll live out V10 in my lifetime.

Crow: Thank you thank you thank you Lord...... for always being so, so faithful.....

Psalm 39

Psalm 39

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

1 I said, "I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
as long as the wicked are in my presence."

2 But when I was silent and still,
not even saying anything good,
my anguish increased.

3 My heart grew hot within me,
and as I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:

4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.

5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah

6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.

8 Save me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the scorn of fools.

9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
for you are the one who has done this.

10 Remove your scourge from me;
I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

11 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin;
you consume their wealth like a moth—
each man is but a breath.
Selah

12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD,
listen to my cry for help;
be not deaf to my weeping.
For I dwell with you as an alien,
a stranger, as all my fathers were.

13 Look away from me, that I may rejoice again
before I depart and am no more."

Jacq: Actually, I dont really understand this psalm.. but.. right up till the middle, I feel tht David was trying to keep his mouth silent about speaking evil... I am reminded that in YoS, Isa 58.. not to speak idle words. Lord, many times when I struggle, on what to say and what not to say, to what extend it will be a gossip, to what extend will be a sharing, God teach me and always remind me not to speak idly, keep my heart in check not to speak evil.

Crow: Dear Lord, help me to speak only what is good and only what glorifies your Name.

Chin Ling: I've learnt that we can keep silent even when we feel unjustified or when things happening is just so unfair, because the Lord will do all things in accordance to his time. Yet, I also looked inward and question the meaning of my life, (V4-6) and I pray that the Lord will continually show me how fleeting my life is, that the wealth we store here cannot be brought to heaven- to learn to be contented. Lastly, I learn to keep my eyes and my hope only in God, and Rejoice!

DEllia: Totally agree with Chinling! Cos the Lord is our judge & we don't have to justify to others! Lord, teach me not to jump into defense so quickly but to trust in Your unfailing love!

Juan: Agree totally with u all..aahahah.. WEll, i guess if i have nothing nice to talk about, jus shut up else my gossip or words might hurt ppl. Now i have 2 ulcers in my mouth.. its time to be silent and be a listener. :)

Psalm 38

Psalm 38

A psalm of David. A petition.

1 O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger
or discipline me in your wrath.

2 For your arrows have pierced me,
and your hand has come down upon me.

3 Because of your wrath there is no health in my body;
my bones have no soundness because of my sin.

4 My guilt has overwhelmed me
like a burden too heavy to bear.

5 My wounds fester and are loathsome
because of my sinful folly.

6 I am bowed down and brought very low;
all day long I go about mourning.

7 My back is filled with searing pain;
there is no health in my body.

8 I am feeble and utterly crushed;
I groan in anguish of heart.

9 All my longings lie open before you, O Lord;
my sighing is not hidden from you.

10 My heart pounds, my strength fails me;
even the light has gone from my eyes.

11 My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds;
my neighbors stay far away.

12 Those who seek my life set their traps,
those who would harm me talk of my ruin;
all day long they plot deception.

13 I am like a deaf man, who cannot hear,
like a mute, who cannot open his mouth;

14 I have become like a man who does not hear,
whose mouth can offer no reply.

15 I wait for you, O LORD;
you will answer, O Lord my God.

16 For I said, "Do not let them gloat
or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips."

17 For I am about to fall,
and my pain is ever with me.

18 I confess my iniquity;
I am troubled by my sin.

19 Many are those who are my vigorous enemies;
those who hate me without reason are numerous.

20 Those who repay my good with evil
slander me when I pursue what is good.

21 O LORD, do not forsake me;
be not far from me, O my God.

22 Come quickly to help me,
O Lord my Savior.

Jacq: It sounds like a cry to God.. to have mercy. God I pray that I will not go my own way.. going my own way causes some misery that is often self inflicted. but no man can hide from the Lord. Father, have mercy on me..

Crow: Lord, thank you for your great mercy on me..

Dellia: My prayer is that I will always be near Him....Lord don't go away from me and let me stay with You forever.

Chin Ling : I will wait for you Lord. I know You will answer me Oh Lord. Hear my desperate cry for my family and love ones.

The Lord is good.. really really good

My Testimony!

The huge project.. is almost over.. not over yet.. but almost... the initial stage of the project i mean.. and... I got a very very good compliment from my boss, which went up to my boss's boss... which went up to my Ops Manager!
Yeaps.. only selected pieces of information will be passed to her.. and.. mine happened to be the one this time.. and yes.. Praise the Lord that the project is over.. even though difficult, the Lord has brought me through it.. and.. I even got a compliment for it.. No reward, but.. its an encouragement for me to move on.. to Trust that He is really really in control..
Thanks family, for your support, and del mummy.. for your encouragement..

Praise the Lord!

oh.. Happy New Year... to everyone!

Psalm 37

Psalm 37

Of David.

1 ^[a] Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;

2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.

9 For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.

11 But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy great peace.

12 The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them;

13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows their day is coming.

14 The wicked draw the sword
and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.

15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

16 Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth of many wicked;

17 for the power of the wicked will be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 The days of the blameless are known to the LORD,
and their inheritance will endure forever.

19 In times of disaster they will not wither;
in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20 But the wicked will perish:
The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields,
they will vanish—vanish like smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously;

22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,
but those he curses will be cut off.

23 If the LORD delights in a man's way,
he makes his steps firm;

24 though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25 I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.

26 They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be blessed.

27 Turn from evil and do good;
then you will dwell in the land forever.

28 For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.
They will be protected forever,
but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;

29 the righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever.

30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks what is just.

31 The law of his God is in his heart;
his feet do not slip.

32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
seeking their very lives;

33 but the LORD will not leave them in their power
or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34 Wait for the LORD
and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,

36 but he soon passed away and was no more;
though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
there is a future ^[b] for the man of peace.

38 But all sinners will be destroyed;
the future ^[c] of the wicked will be cut off.

39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

40 The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him

Jacq: Trust, Delight, Commit and Being Still. These are the words that I catch, from vs4-7. Matt6: 33 Seek Ye first.. I sense the Lord really speaking to me about delighting in Him. Delighting in His comfort, his promises, His refuge even.. and His presence in my life, and He will take care of the rest.. cos He is taking care of me.. Wait and Keep the ways of the Lord, God is faithful, and everything else, is under His care. When you seem to look at life of everyone around and say that its not fair, when you feel that your hard work is not recognised, do not worry. God has something even bigger and better in store, especially for you! Lord, I claim your promises! Amen x 10000000!

Chin Ling: Staying in the ways of the Lord is most important above all. And, I pray that I'll continually stay in the Lord and seek his way, walk in his ways, not my own. Let me glorify his name as I walk in his ways, I may 1) enjoy safe pasture 2) gain the desires of my hearts 3) shine like the dawn and the justice of my cause like the noonday don, 4) inherit the land, 5)enjoy great peace, 6) gain inheritance that endures forever 7) enjoy plenty 8) have firm steps 9) see my children blessed 10) protected forever 11) not slip 12) be delivered. Retracing the gifts of the giver affirms me to want to continue to walk in his ways, help me look in hope to the giver instead of being tempted in my own ways. Thank you, Jesus. You're the greatest gift of all.

Aileen: Wa.. this is a classic case of.. are you talking to me lord? wah.. maybe the lord knows i'm seeking greener pasture. haha.. i think vs 6 and 7 speaks to me a lot.. justice and waiting for the lord

Crow: To me, this psalm is really about trusting the Lord.. even when circumstances do not seem just, to trust and wait upon Him... and choose to delight myself in the Lord.... i like verse 23 and 24.. " If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand." haha, find so much truth and joy in this verse! :)

Pam: Alamak... i thot I post it up lo.... oh well... Aniwae I realised that thoughtout today's Psalm... the word "dwell" kept popping up and yes indeed I want to dwell in the Lord n not on the physical things/emotional feelings...!

Dellia: This psalm really spoke to me. 3 key phases: Trust in the Lord, Take Delight in Him & Commit all my plans to Him! I can rest assure cos He will never let me fall even if I stumble and He watches over my every step. So though I have a very eventful day today (with dennis falling sick and etc), the 3 key phases really reminds me that though I have so many more things that are in urgent need to do, I need to trust in Him, take delight in Him and just commit all things to Him!

Huijuan: This is like an answered prayer from God. Cos this whole week i've been thinking, God as christians, what do we differ from non christians or those who have backslided?? Cos i see that the people mentioned in the latter part are also blessed. So what's the difference? The answer is our blessing is eternal in the Lord while theirs is shortlived and temporary. Although we might see them super blessed, but God says wait and see. So i asked what does wait and see meant?? Cos if we are faithful in the Lord, our children and our next generation will also be blessed! (see vs 25). But as for the rest, the Lord never say that they sure will be blessed! So my friends, u might not see the purpose of all that u going thru, but the Lord says He will never let the righteous fall. Praise be to God!