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.