Psalms 50 - The Safe Way

1 A psalm by Asaph.
The Lord, the only true God, has spoken.
He has summoned the earth
from where the sun rises to where it sets.
Psalms 50:1 (GW)

23 Whoever offers thanks as a sacrifice honors me.
I will let everyone who continues in my way
see the salvation that comes from God.”
Psalms 50:23 (GW)

Reflection of B:

I just realized that not all Psalms are written by King David. This is a Psalm of Asaph. According to Wikipedia,

Asaph Meaning: convener, or collector

(1.) A Levite; one of the leaders of David's choir (1 Chr. 6:39). Psalms 50 and Psalms 73-83 inclusive are attributed to him. He is mentioned along with David as skilled in music, and a "seer" (2 Chr. 29:30). The "sons of Asaph," mentioned in 1 Chr. 25:1, 2 Chr. 20:14, and Ezra 2:41, were his descendants, or more probably a class of poets or singers who recognized him as their master.


One way to honour God is to thank Him. Yet many times we forget to give thanks to God unless it's something major which God has helped or blessed us.

Verse 23 says that to continue in God's way is a way to receive salvation from God. Salvation from what? Salvation from sins, from the evil one, from harms, from ourselves, etc. We need to be saved from all forms of unrighteousness by walking in God's way.


Dear Lord,
May thanksgiving always be in my mouth. For You are the one who keeps me and sees me through my life. Let me not forget You even in the smallest thing that happens in my life. Let me be thankful that You have seen me through another day. Help me to walk in Your way always and receiving Your salvation from all unrighteousness.

I also want to pray for my sisters in Christ, that they may come for the fellowship tomorrow and be blessed by the fellowship in Christ. Open a way for them to come, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 49 - What Is The Purpose of Man

10 Indeed, one can see that wise people die,
that foolish and stupid people meet the same end.
They leave their riches to others.
11 Although they named their lands after themselves,
their graves have become their homes for ages to come,
their dwelling places throughout every generation.

12 But mortals will not continue here with what they treasure.
They are like animals that die.
Psalms 49:10-12 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Is there a difference between Men and animals? No difference in one sense.... they have the "same end". Men will die one day and bring nothing into their graves, just like the animals.

If that is the case, what should be the most important thing to do when we are still on earth?

To make it easier to answer the question, perhaps we should try to ask ourselves:

"What is the purpose of a flower vase?"
For display

"What is the purpose of a musical instrument?"
To make music

Yes, they are made for a purpose intended by their makers.

So "What is the purpose of man?"
To fulfill the purpose of his Maker, God.

When God first created Adam and Eve, His purpose for them was to "be fruitful and multiply", to have fellowship with God and keep His commands. Yet they sinned and have a broken relationship with God through disobedience.

To restore this relationship we have to accept the price paid through the blood of Christ, then continue to obey God's commands. When we seek Him earnestly, He will reveal His purpose for our life to us.


Dear Lord,
I know that I will die one day. But before I die, I want to be in Your purpose and do Your will. Help me to follow Your guidance and to please You in all I do and say.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Psalms 47 and 48 - Praise Worthiness

1 ...Clap your hands, all you people.
Shout to God with a loud, joyful song.
2 We must fear the Lord, the Most High.
He is the great king of the whole earth.
Psalms 47:1-2 (GW)

1 ....The Lord is great.
He should be highly praised.
His holy mountain is in the city of our God.
Psalms 48:1 (GW)

Reflection of B:

In Psalms 46 we learned to let go of our concerns and know that God is ever-present with us. Tonight we continue to praise Him for His worthiness. He is the King we need to fear more than any other earthly king, for He rules the earth. Any earthly rule that goes against God's principle must give way to God's principle.


Dear Lord,
You are worthy to be praised, not just because You have made the heavens and the earth, but because You loved me so much. Let not anything or anyone take me away from You. May I always be devoted to You and put You first in my life.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 46 - Let Go of Your Concerns

1 ...God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in times of trouble.
2 That is why we are not afraid
even when the earth quakes
or the mountains topple into the depths of the sea.
3 Water roars and foams,
and mountains shake at the surging waves.
Psalms 46:1-3 (GW)

10 Let go {of your concerns}!
Then you will know that I am God.
I rule the nations.
I rule the earth.
Psalms 46:10 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Sometimes I tend to try very hard to solve my own problems when they come. I forgot that I have a God who is always beside me to lend me His hands when I call upon Him. I tend to use my own strength to do things and turn to Him only when I failed.

Tonight's passage reminds me of God's "ever-present help". He is just next to me at all times and I need not be afraid no matter what happen. Even when life's storm hits me, He will see me through. I need to learn to "let go" of my concerns, to surrender all to God. Then, only then, will I 'know' that He is GOD.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that You are "ever-present" before me and that I can let go of all my concerns. For You are MY GOD, who fail me noe. Yes, You are God who rule over the nation and the earth.
Praise You! Amen.

Psalms 45 - He Longs For My Beauty

10 Listen, daughter! Look closely!
Turn your ear {toward me}.
Forget your people, and forget your father's house.
11 The king longs for your beauty.
He is your Lord.
Worship him.
Psalms 45:10-11 (GW)

Reflection of B:

The above verse popped up as I read, "The king longs for your beauty". Am I so beautiful to the Lord? I am suppose to "forget" my people and my family and worship Him for He longs for me.

What is true beauty? God's standard of beauty is different from our human understanding of beauty. God looks at a person's heart, the inner beauty. Proverbs 31: 30 says:

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

Yes, Jesus Christ, our Lord, loves us so much and longs for our full attention. He wants us love Him so much and be willing to forsake others just like lovers do.

Can we forget our boyfriend/girlfriend, or husband/wife, or father/mother for someone Who longs for us and deserves our worship? This is a question Christians need to ask themselves constantly.


Dear Lord,
I am so happy to know that You long for me and see me as beautiful. There are others who may say this to me, but they always proved to be short-lived. I have come to a point where I don't believe this statement anymore. Yet tonight I heard You saying it to me. Thank You for letting me know that I am so precious to You. I want to give my life to worship and serve You, Lord.
Hear my prayer in Your holy name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 43 and 44 - We Never Forget You

5 Why are you discouraged, my soul?
Why are you so restless?
Put your hope in God,
because I will still praise him.
He is my savior and my God.
Psalms 43:5 (GW)

17 Although all of this happened to us,
we never forgot you.
We never ignored your promise.
18 Our hearts never turned away.
Our feet never left your path.
Psalms 44:17-18 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Psalms 43:5 is a repeat of Psalms 42:5,11 where King David talked to himself. When we are discouraged, we should be like David and asked ourselves what is the root of our discouragement and remind ourselves to trust in God and praise Him in all situations. In this way we will not be overcome by sorrows.

Even though many bad things happened to David that caused him to question God, yet he never forget Him or turn away from Him. He passed the tests set for him and was called the man after God's own heart. Likewise, we need to be strong and have faith in God in all situations.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for keeping me with You through all my sufferings and trials. Thank You for all the bible men and women of faith whom I can learn from their examples. When I am discouraged, Your words always lift me up and help me hope in You again.
Praise You! Amen.

Psalms 42 - My Soul Longs For You

1 ...As a deer longs for flowing streams,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When may I come to see God's face?
3 My tears are my food day and night.
People ask me all day long, “Where is your God?”
4 I will remember these things as I pour out my soul:
how I used to walk with the crowd
and lead it in a procession to God's house.
{I sang} songs of joy and thanksgiving
while crowds of people celebrated a festival.

5 Why are you discouraged, my soul?
Why are you so restless?
Put your hope in God,
because I will still praise him.
He is my savior and my God.
Psalms 42:1-5 (GW)

Reflection of B:

The Bible tells us, “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven” (Matthew 22:30). In another word, there will be no marriage in heaven other than the marriage between the Church and the Lamb (Jesus Christ). For He shall be our 'soulmate', the One we long for. Perhaps, that's the reason Paul said in 1 Cor 7:

1Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry.[a] 2But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.

8Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. 9But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

25Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. 26Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for you to remain as you are.


It seems that the only reason for marriage on earth is to prevent "immorality" due to the inability to have self-control for most people. For those who can have self-control, it's better not to be married. To do this, the Lord must be our desire and passion.

The above Psalm is also a favorite song for many Christians. In times of discouragement and sadness, like in verses 5 and 11, we always find encouragement and relief when we read this Psalm or sing the song.

I personally find much comfort in reading or singing it, especially when I feel down and lonely. It reminds me that the person I need to long for should be God and not another person. Even my best friend and the closest one failed me, while the Lord Jesus Christ didn't. So why not I turn to Him instead of to another person? I should, and have. I have learned to let go and let God be my heart's desire.


Dear Lord,
I thirst for You, just as the deer thirsts for the water. Without You, my soul will be dry. No one can quench my thirst, except You. For You have made me such that only You can fill the void in my heart and soul.
Amen.

Psalms 41 - When My Closest Friend Leaves

4 I said, “O Lord, have pity on me!
Heal my soul because I have sinned against you.”
Psalms 41:4 (GW)

9 Even my closest friend whom I trusted,
the one who ate my bread,
has lifted his heel against me.
10 Have pity on me, O Lord!
Raise me up so that I can pay them back
Psalms 41:9-10 (GW)

Reflection of B:

It can be very painful when our "closest friend" whom we trusted come against us or leave us. That's why King David cried out to God to have pity on him. This Psalm reminds me of the hurtful feeling I had when my best friend deserted me.

Thank God that in time like this, Christians can cry out to God and have the assurance that God will hear them and heal their pains. Yes, God healed all my hurts and helped me move on as I gave all my pains to Him.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for soothing all my pains when I cried to You. You have turned my mourning into dancing and filled my heart with joy. I have learned that in giving up what I hold dear and give it to You, You will grant me something more than what people can give. I thank You for all Your works in my life.
In Jesus' name I praise You. Amen.

Psalms 39 and 40 - Number Our Days

4 “Teach me, O Lord, about the end of my life.
Teach me about the number of days I have left
so that I may know how temporary my life is.
5 Indeed, you have made the length of my days {only} a few inches.
My life span is nothing compared to yours.
Certainly, everyone alive is like a whisper in the wind.
Selah

6 Each person who walks around is like a shadow.
They are busy for no reason.
They accumulate riches without knowing who will get them.”
Psalms 39:4-6 (GW)

4 Blessed is the person
who places his confidence in the Lord
and does not rely on arrogant people
or those who follow lies.
5 You have done many miraculous things, O Lord my God.
You have made many wonderful plans for us.
No one compares to you!
I will tell others about your miracles,
which are more than I can count.
Psalms 40:4-5 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Not many people number their days, unless when the doctor declares to them that they don't have too many more days to live. People who knows that their lives are short tend to want to spend their remaining days with people whom they love or to quickly settle their unfinished 'businesses'. Suddenly, they become the more loving or efficient.

Why can't people be as loving and efficient by treasuring every moment of their life and set their priorities right? We need to pray like King David, asking God to teach us to number our days (39:4,5). We need to remember that we are like wind and shadow and our busyness in accumulating wealth can be futile.

God wants us to put our confidence in Him as He has "many wonderful plans for us" (40:5).


Dear Lord,
Teach me to number my days and to live them worthily. Let me set my priorities right and live in Your wonderful plan instead of mine own. I want to commit my life, my plans and my ways to You. Guide me to walk in Your path.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 38 - God Knows Me

3 No healthy spot is left on my body
because of your rage.
There is no peace in my bones
because of my sin.
Psalms 38:3 (GW)

8 I am numb and completely devastated.
I roar because my heart's in turmoil.
9 You know all my desires, O Lord,
and my groaning has not been hidden from you.
Psalms 38:8-9 (GW)

11 My loved ones and my friends keep their distance
and my relatives stand far away because of my sickness.
Psalms 38:11 (GW)

18 I confess my guilt.
My sin troubles me.
Psalms 38:18 (GW)

21 Do not abandon me, O Lord.
O my God, do not be so distant from me.
22 Come quickly to help me, O Lord, my savior.
Psalms 38:21-22 (GW)

Reflection of B:

During my deepest sorrows in the past I prayed the same prayers as King David did in the above verses. When I tried to do things my way, it it a disobedience and sinning against God. Sins always bring sorrows and they trouble our heart until we confess them and repent by obeying God. Yes, it's so true. I had no peace till I surrendered all my heart's desires to God and accepted His way.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for hearing my prayers and giving me strength to walk in Your path of righteousness. Thank You for not abandoning me when others did... even people whom I loved. Thank You, Abba Father.
Amen.

Psalms 37 - Outcome of Trust

3 Trust the Lord, and do good things.
Live in the land, and practice being faithful.
4 Be happy with the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Entrust your ways to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will act {on your behalf}.
6 He will make your righteousness shine like a light,
your just cause like the noonday sun.

7 Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him.
Do not be preoccupied with {an evildoer} who succeeds in his way
when he carries out his schemes.

8 Let go of anger, and leave rage behind.
Do not be preoccupied.
It only leads to evil.

9 Evildoers will be cut off {from their inheritance},
but those who wait with hope for the Lord will inherit the land.
Psalms 37:3-9 (GW)

23 A person's steps are directed by the Lord,
and the Lord delights in his way.
24 When he falls, he will not be thrown down headfirst
because the Lord holds on to his hand.

25 I have been young, and now I am old,
but I have never seen a righteous person abandoned
or his descendants begging for food.
Psalms 37:23-25 (GW)

Reflection of B:

In the course of my work recently I came across a situation that made me felt a sense of injustice for another sister in Christ who was somewhat being unfairly treated by her 'Christian' business partner. I felt very sorry for her. I believe I came into the picture so that her partner was compelled to be fair to her without me having to say anything. God will plead her cause just like what Ps 37:8 says.

When we...

• trust and be happy in God, He will grant us our desires
• entrust and trust God, He will act on our behalf
• surrender and wait upon God, He will make us inherit the land

Yes, God will direct the steps of those who do right so that even when they fall, God will hold them. They will not have to beg others.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your assurance that when I stay righteous in Your sight even when others don't, You will surely grant me my desires, plead my cause and keep me from falling. Thank You for doing all these for me. I pray that in my anger I will not sin. May you guide me in my work and my relationship with people. Teach me how to deal fairly with everyone.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 36 - Mercy and Faithfulness

5 O Lord, your mercy reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
Psalms 36:5 (GW)

9 Indeed, the fountain of life is with you.
In your light we see light.
10 Continue to show your mercy to those who know you
and your righteousness to those whose motives are decent.
Psalms 36:9-10 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Who can be as merciful and faithful as God? Even the most compassionate person might find it hard to forgive when he/she is hurt badly by another person. Even the most faithful person would betray the trust of another. Otherwise, we won't be seeing so many broken relationships or marriages. Yes, even those who claim to love another person aren't merciful in the way they treat that someone when the relationship is over. They couldn't stay faithful nor keep their promises.

Yet God is not like man. He is forever merciful and faithful to those who trust in Him. Those whose "motives are decent" or pure will experience God's mercy and faithfulness in their life.


Dear Lord,
Though people close to me may have betrayed and deserted me, yet Your faithfulness never end. Thank You for who You are. Thank You.
In Your wonderful name I praise You. Amen.

Psalms 34 and 35 - Taste And See

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Blessed is the person who takes refuge in him.
Psalms 34:8 (GW)

18 The Lord is near to those whose hearts are humble.
He saves those whose spirits are crushed.
19 The righteous person has many troubles,
but the Lord rescues him from all of them.
20 The Lord guards all of his bones.
Not one of them is broken.
Psalms 34:18-20 (GW)

24 Judge me by your righteousness, O Lord my God.
Do not let them gloat over me
Psalms 35:24 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Sometimes people like to comment about or reject Christ before they themselves have tasted Him personally. Verse 8 is an invitation to "taste and see" Christ for ourselves to know He is "good".

When we are "crushed" in our spirit we can experience God's comfort and presence if we go to Him. This is always true in my life. As Christians, we still will have "troubles" like non-believers. Yet we have the assurance that God will rescue us from "all troubles". Even though we fall we shall arise and run again, as God will preserve us. All we need to do is to be righteous before God.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for keeping me when I fell and preserving me till this day. I know You will continue to do so, for my heart seeks for You. Thank You for letting me taste of Your goodness. I pray that I will have the privilege of bringing more people to know You and experience Your love. May those people whom I have shared Your love with be drawn near to You. Keep my heart pure and right before You always. I commit my life to You again.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 33 - Who Can Understand Us?

13 The Lord looks down from heaven.
He sees all of Adam's descendants.
14 From the place where he sits enthroned,
he looks down upon all who live on earth.
15 The one who formed their hearts
understands everything they do.
Psalms 33:13-15 (GW)

18 The Lord's eyes are on those who fear him,
on those who wait with hope for his mercy
19 to rescue their souls from death
and keep them alive during a famine.
Psalms 33:18-19 (GW)

Reflection of B:

We all need to be understood and loved.

Since young, I always long for someone to understand me but couldn't find this person even when I grew up as an adult. Even my close friends don't understand me. I went through lots of hurting moments. Then I began to learn that I have searched at the wrong places to find this person. This person who fully understands me is non other than the One who formed my heart (v15). Shouldn't I seek and wait on Him then?


Dear Lord,
Thank You for letting me find You, the One who fully knows and understands me because You are my Creator. Thank You that I can be transparent with You and bear my soul. You know exactly how I am feeling now. Help me to hang on to You and never let go. Keep me strong in You now.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 32 - My Hiding Place

3 When I kept silent {about my sins},
my bones began to weaken because of my groaning all day long.
4 Day and night your hand lay heavily on me.
My strength shriveled in the summer heat.
Selah

5 I made my sins known to you, and I did not cover up my guilt.
I decided to confess them to you, O Lord.
Then you forgave all my sins.
Selah

7 You are my hiding place.
You protect me from trouble.
You surround me with joyous songs of salvation.
Selah

8 {The Lord says,}
“I will instruct you.
I will teach you the way that you should go.
I will advise you as my eyes watch over you.
9 Don't be stubborn like a horse or mule.
{They need} a bit and bridle in their mouth to restrain them,
or they will not come near you.”
Psalms 32:3-9 (GW)

Reflection of B:

When I read the above verses I felt like crying, for they were the same prayers and cries I made to God before. I always love to read Psalms, especially I do not know how to prayer express my feelings to God. It is always a relief after I pray using Psalms.

There is no way we can hide our sins from God. His Holy Spirit will prick our conscience day and night till we confess our sins and repent. When we do that God will forgive our sins and be our hiding place. He will teach us in the way we should go. This is my personal experience and testimony.

Even though it may be painful when we give up on doing what is wrong in God's sight, though it may not be that wrong in the eyes of men, God will always ensure that the end result is blessings in our life if we obey. I see His blessings in my life when I obeyed His words.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for forgiving me my sins and teaching me Your path. Praise You for being my hiding place whenever I need one. In You is my security, joy and peace. In You I find strength to go on in my pilgrim journey. I love You, Lord.
Amen.

Psalms 30 and 31 - Character of God

2 O Lord my God,
I cried out to you for help,
and you healed me.
3 O Lord, you brought me up from the grave.
You called me back to life
from among those who had gone into the pit.
Psalms 30:2-3 (GW)

5 His anger lasts only a moment.
His favor lasts a lifetime.
Weeping may last for the night,
but there is a song of joy in the morning.
Psalms 30:5 (GW)

11 You have changed my sobbing into dancing.
You have removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy
Psalms 30:11 (GW)

15 My future is in your hands.
Psalms 31:15 (GW)

24 Be strong, all who wait with hope for the Lord,
and let your heart be courageous.
Psalms 31:24 (GW)

Reflection of B:

I can fully concur with the Psalmist in all the above verses. The Lord has done all the above to me in my depressed moments and saved me from the enemy's attacks. Even when I sinned, His anger is short-lived. He is full of love and compassion. Yes, my future is in His hands and I want to remain strong and courageous comes what may. Praise God for all He has done for me.


Dear Lord,
As I recall all the happenings in my life and how You led me through them I really felt so indebted to You. May my life be a blessing to those around me that they may know You the author of love.
In Jesus' name I praise You. Amen.

Psalms 29 - The Voice of God

2 Give to the Lord the glory his name deserves.
Worship the Lord in {his} holy splendor.
Psalms 29:2 (GW)

9 The voice of the Lord splits the oaks
and strips {the trees of} the forests bare.
Everyone in his temple is saying, “Glory!”
Psalms 29:9 (GW)

Reflection of B:

We always think that God only speaks in small still voice. But the above chapter brings alive the voice of God with loudness so overwhelming and showing forth His power and glory. I can even imagine seeing fireworks in the sky with the sound of thunder.

Sometimes, we also need God to 'shout' at us in order for us to hear His voice. He shouts by allowing things that may be unpleasant in our lives so that we can hear Him. In reality we tend to be quite 'deaf' when our lives are too smooth sailing.


Dear Lord,
I see Your glory and splendor tonight as I read the above Psalm. You are so powerful and great while I am so small and insignificant. Yet You have loved me and at times You need to speak loudly in order for me to hear Your voice. Teach me to recognise Your voice even when You speak softly to me. Guide my pathway, Lord.
In Jesus' powerful name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 28 - In All Situations Give Thanks

6 Thank the Lord!
He has heard my prayer for mercy!
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield.
My heart trusted him, so I received help.
Psalms 28:6-7 (GW)

Reflection of B:

King David is our model in praising and thanking God, though initially he may be complaining to God about his fears and distress. David knew his Maker well, that He will always hear his prayers and recuse him from all troubles.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for encouraging me through the example of King David. Help me to always give You thanks in all situations.
I want to praise You! Amen.

Psalms 26 and 27 - Integrity Through Seeking God

1 ...Judge me favorably, O Lord,
because I have walked with integrity
and I have trusted you without wavering.
2 Examine me, O Lord, and test me.
Look closely into my heart and mind.
3 I see your mercy in front of me.
I walk in the light of your truth.
4 I did not sit with liars,
and I will not be found among hypocrites.
Psalms 26:1-4 (GW)

4 I have asked one thing from the Lord.
This I will seek:
to remain in the Lord's house all the days of my life
in order to gaze at the Lord's beauty
and to search for an answer in his temple.
Psalms 27:4 (GW)

10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the Lord will take care of me.
Psalms 27:10 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Integrity is a very important value which I treasured and adhered to since young. Without which there will be no trust and no relationship can be formed. People who have no integrity put me off. I detest those who break their promises without good cause. Dishonesty in transaction also put me off.

Being sinful in nature, we can only be men/women of integrity by seeking God so that His truth will always keep us in check. Yes, even our natural parents may abandon us but God will take care of us. That's my true experience.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for teaching me to be woman of integrity. Thank You for teaching me to show mercy and grace. Thank You for transforming me day by day as I seek Your face each day. Thank You for staying with me, even when my loved ones deserted me.
Praise You, Lord!

Psalms 25 - The Sins of My Youth

4 Make your ways known to me, O Lord,
and teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me
because you are God, my savior.
I wait all day long for you.
6 Remember, O Lord, your compassionate and merciful deeds.
They have existed from eternity.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my rebellious ways.
Remember me, O Lord, in keeping with your mercy and your goodness.
Psalms 25:4-7 (GW)

Reflection of B:

When we were young, we tend to be "rebellious" and we may have sinned in many instances. We need to ask God for forgiveness and to remember them no more. We need to ask Him to show us His ways and paths so that we can be in His will. Surely God's compassion and mercy for us never fail as long as our heart is sincere in seeking God.

Dear Lord,
Please forgive the sins of my youth. May Your grace and mercy continue in my life as I seek to know Your will and walk in it. Keep me strong and faithful to Your calling in my life.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 24 - Experiencing God's Presence

3 Who may go up the Lord's mountain?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 {The one who} has clean hands and a pure heart
and does not long for what is false or lie when he is under oath.
5 {This person} will receive a blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from God, his savior.
6 This is the person who seeks him,
who searches for the face of the God of Jacob.
Psalms 24:3-6 (GW)

Reflection of B:

People, including Christians, often say that they cannot feel God. In the above Psalm we learned that there are criteria in experiencing God's presence. They are:
- clean hands
- pure heart
- does not like falsehood
- does not lie through his nose
- seeks God
- searches for God

Therefore, if we cannot feel God's presence we need to check ourselves and ask if we have done the opposites of these things.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for showing me how to experience Your presence. Search and cleanse me that I may have clean hands and pure heart in all I do, say, and think. Keep me close in Your presence, Lord.
In Jesus' most precious name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 22 and 23 - Trust Even In Death

1 My God, my God,
why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far away from helping me,
so far away from the words of my groaning?
Psalms 22:1 (GW)

4 Even though I walk through the dark valley of death,
because you are with me, I fear no harm.
Your rod and your staff give me courage.
Psalms 23:4 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Ps 22 is a prophecy on the suffering of Christ at the cross, where God forsook Him because He was bearing our sins. It is a great contrast from Ps 23 of confidence and trust even through death.

Yes, tonight I see the correlation between these two chapters of Psalms. Jesus could go through the cross because the Lord is His Shepherd and He will not be afraid.

Our bad experiences on earth are opportunities for us to know how Jesus felt when He suffered for us, yet without sin. How will we react when we go through the valley experiences?


Dear Lord,
Thank You for this revelation tonight that helps me understand Ps 22 and Ps 23 in a different way. I want to put my trust in You too so that I can have such confidence even when I am in the shadow of death or going through the valley experiences.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 21 - Desires and Prayers

1 ....The king finds joy in your strength, O Lord.
What great joy he has in your victory!
2 You gave him his heart's desire.
You did not refuse the prayer from his lips.
Psalms 21:1-2 (GW)

Reflection of B:

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." - James 5:16

If we wronged someone, we need to confess our sins not only to God, but also to the one we wronged or hurt. Only then can we be counted as righteous before God and our prayers and desires will be granted.

When God is our joy, how would He not give us the desires of our heart? Of course He will.

Dear Lord,
When I am down, You always lift me up and give me joy again in You. It's in You that my joy can be full. I thank You for always giving me the desires of my heart, which are according to Your will. Praise You, Lord! Amen.

Psalms 20 - Desires and Plans

4 He will give you your heart's desire
and carry out all your plans.
Psalms 20:4 (GW)

7 Some {rely} on chariots and others on horses,
but we will boast in the name of the Lord our God.
Psalms 20:7 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Those who trust in the Lord and not in human power will have their heart's desires granted. Why? For then their desires and God's will are intertwined.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for moulding me day by day, year by year, to desire the things You desire. I can have the assurance that my desires will be granted when they are same as Yours. Open my eyes to see, and my heart to feel, just like You. Take all of me and make me Yours.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 18 and 19 - I Love You

1 ....I love you, O Lord, my strength.
Psalms 18:1 (GW)

6 I called on the Lord in my distress.
I cried to my God for help.
He heard my voice from his temple,
and my cry for help reached his ears.
Psalms 18:6 (GW)

1 ....The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky displays what his hands have made.
2 One day tells a story to the next.
One night shares knowledge with the next
3 without talking,
without words,
without their voices being heard.
4 {Yet,} their sound has gone out into the entire world,
their message to the ends of the earth.
Psalms 19:1-4 (GW)

Reflection of B:

When I read Ps 18:1 I felt tongue-tied, for it's very hard for me to utter the word "I love you" even when I truly love someone. I grew up from a family that did not display love, neither in words nor in actions. So though I could DO the loving things but not utter the loving words. I felt like crying, when I tried to read, "I love You, O Lord". I do, but I can't say it. He has done so much for me, just like in Ps 18:6.

Looking at he heavens always let me see the glory and wonders of God. There is no need to explain anything, He is there.


Dear Lord,
I want to say, "I love You" in my heart. Sorry that I don't know how to say it verbally to You or to anyone. Teach me, Lord. I don't know how.
Thank You for creating the majestic heavens, Your master piece. Without a word, without any voice, I could feel Your wonders. That's the same way I feel about You, without saying "I love You".
Thank You for hearing my prayer, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalms 17 - He Keeps My Steps

3 You have probed my heart.
You have confronted me at night.
You have tested me like silver,
but you found nothing wrong.
I have determined that my mouth will not sin.
4 I have avoided cruelty because of your word.
In spite of what others have done,
5 my steps have remained firmly in your paths.
My feet have not slipped.
Psalms 17:3-5 (GW)

Reflection of B:


Dear Lord,
You have searched my heart too. You have tried and test me in many ways too. Thank You for keeping me from falling and failing Your test. Thank You for rescuing me from from the snare of the wicked one and keeping my steps firm in You.
Thank You for everything in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalms 16 - What Is Joy?

8 I always keep the Lord in front of me.
When he is by my side, I cannot be moved.
9 That is why my heart is glad and my soul rejoices.
My body rests securely
10 because you do not abandon my soul to the grave
or allow your holy one to decay.
11 You make the path of life known to me.
Complete joy is in your presence.
Pleasures are by your side forever.
Psalms 16:8-11 (GW)

Reflection of B:

What is joy? It is different from happiness. It is something deep inside despite of circumstances. It can only be found in the presence of God (v.11). In order to have God's presence and joy, we need to keep Him before us in all we do. We can trust in God and feel secured in Him.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me what true joy is, something that circumstance can't rob it away from me if I stay in Your presence. Please draw me back each time I get carried away by things that distracted me from Your presence. Keep me by Your side, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 14 and 15 - Keeping Promises

1 ....Godless fools say in their hearts,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt.
They do disgusting things.
There is no one who does good things.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven on Adam's descendants
to see if there is anyone who acts wisely,
if there is anyone who seeks help from God.
3 Everyone has turned away.
Together they have become rotten to the core.
No one, not even one person, does good things.
Psalms 14:1-3 (GW)

1 O Lord, who may stay in your tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?
Psalms 15:1 (GW)

4 The one who makes a promise and does not break it,
even though he is hurt by it.
Psalms 15:4 (GW)

Reflection of B:

When we read the above verses, we may think that they are sweeping statements and ask how the Psalmist can say "No one, not even one person, does good things". However, if we honestly search our hearts and ask ourselves, we know that no matter how good we think we are, there will be times that we sin. According to the Bible, sinning is coming short of the glory (standard) of God.

23 Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God's glory. Romans 3:23 (GW)

It's an encouragement to know that when we keep our promises, even though it hurts us, God is pleased and we shall have His presence with us.


Dear Lord,
I am a sinner, saved by grace, through the blood of Christ. I am still imperfect and need You to transform me from glory to glory till I am perfect when You come again. There is nothing I can boast, except in Christ Jesus.
Thank You for helping me keep my promises, even though at times they hurt me. For this is Your desire that we be like You who never fail in Your promises.
Thank You in Your wonderful name. Amen.

Psalms 13 - Joy In The Lord

2 How long must I make decisions alone
with sorrow in my heart day after day?
Psalms 13:2 (GW)

5 But I trust your mercy.
My heart finds joy in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord because he has been good to me.
Psalms 13:5-6 (GW)

Reflection of B:

There were many times in my life where I felt lonely, just like King David, when it comes to important decision making. I wished I could know exactly what to do or what to choose. I just followed my gut feelings whenever I felt lost. Sometimes the choices I chose were painful ones for me but would be good for another person. That's the time when the sorrow in my heart was so heavy, I could feel how King David felt. Yet in those times, God reminded me to trust in His grace and mercy, and that He will make all things together for good for me.


Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You that You never hide Yourself from me for too long. Thank You for always helping me find back my joy in You when it seems to be lost for awhile. May You continue to keep me joyful in all circumstances. Yes, Your joy is my strength.
Praise You! Amen.

Ps 12 God's Promises Are Pure

5 “Because oppressed people are robbed and needy people groan,
I will now arise,” says the Lord.
“I will provide safety for those who long for it.”
6 The promises of the Lord are pure,
like silver refined in a furnace and purified seven times.
7 O Lord, you will protect them.
You will keep each one safe from those people forever.
Psalms 12:5-7 (GW)

Reflection of B:

God has His own timing in taking actions against the law breakers. He will protect His children and keep them safe. We need to trust God that He know what He is doing. His promises are always pure.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that Your promises are pure, not hidden agenda. You will keep Your children safe from harm in Your sovereignty power.

Praise You in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalms 10 and 11 - God Watches Over His People

12 Arise, O Lord!
Lift your hand, O God.
Do not forget oppressed people!
Psalms 10:12 (GW)

4 The Lord is in his holy temple.
The Lord's throne is in heaven.
His eyes see.
They examine Adam's descendants.
Psalms 11:4 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Tonight's passage again reminds me of the 2 Korean Christians who were killed by the Telebans terrorists, and another 21 still under hostage. Their lives are in danger of death any moment. Yet we are reminded that God did not forget his people who are oppressed. He watches from heaven and see the wickedness of the terrorists and the suffering of his children. Is He slow to save His children? No, He examines them and know when to act.


Dear Lord,
I pray that Your words will ring in the heart of my brothers and sisters who are under hostage now. I pray that You will stretch out Your mighty hands towards themas You see their sufferings. I pray that the wicked ones will surrender and let Your people go,as in the days of Moses. I pray that Your love and grace be upon Your children now.
In Jesus' name I ask and plea. Amen.