Psalms 90 - Two Different Time Frames

4 Indeed, in your sight a thousand years are like a single day,
like yesterday—already past—
like an hour in the night.
5 You sweep mortals away.
They are a dream.
They sprout again in the morning like cut grass.
6 In the morning they blossom and sprout.
In the evening they wither and dry up.
Psalms 90:4-6 (GW)

8 You have set our sins in front of you.
You have put our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9 Indeed, all our days slip away because of your fury.
We live out our years like one {long} sigh.
10 Each of us lives for 70 years—
or even 80 if we are in good health.
But the best of them {bring} trouble and misery.
Indeed, they are soon gone, and we fly away.
Psalms 90:8-10 (GW)

17 Let the kindness of the Lord our God be with us.
Make us successful in everything we do.
Yes, make us successful in everything we do.
Psalms 90:17 (GW)

Reflection of B:

God and us have two different time frames. This knowledge helps us understand why sometimes we think God is too slow in action. Yet His time is not our time. In His time He will made all things beautiful. We must be patient to wait and see things He promised happen.

Human lives are short, 70 or 80 years, but science have prolonged our sufferings by prolonging our lives using unnatural means. Verse 10 says that even "the best of them {bring} trouble and misery". That means being alive and even healthy in itself cannot make us happy. We need God's kindness to be with us to make us "successful in everything we do" (v17).


Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that Your time is not the same as mine and I have to be patient to wait for Your time to make things happen. I pray that Your kindness will be with me and make me successful in everything I do for Your name's sake.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 89 - Keeping Promises

11 The heavens are yours.
The earth is also yours.
You made the world and everything in it.
Psalms 89:11 (GW)

14 Righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne.
Mercy and truth stand in front of you.
Psalms 89:14 (GW)

34 I will not dishonor my promise
or alter my own agreement.
Psalms 89:34 (GW)

Reflection of B:

How many people will keep their promises? Perhaps some will when they still feel good.

Have you ever come across guys (maybe also gals) who say that they can't keep their promises to their once loved ones, 'cos their feeling for them have changed? To these people, their feelings dictate if they should keep their promises, not integrity, not honour, not righteousness, not justice. They promise on a very weak and shaky ground, no firm foundation. Not so with God.

As Christians, we are supposed to be Christ-like. That means, we have to keep our promises base on the firm foundation of God's righteousness and justice and not on our wavering feelings.

So next time before you promise someone, be it to do something or to love someone.... think again and ask,"What is the basis of my promise?" If you can't promise... then stop and don't go ahead to mislead someone.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for keeping Your promises to me all the time. Help me to be like You, letting Your righteousness and justice guide my life. I do not want to be found as a liar, not fulfilling my promises. May Your integrity be always with me.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 87 and 88 - The Presence of God

1 A song; a psalm by Korah's descendants; for the choir director; according to mahalath leannoth; a maskil by Heman the Ezrahite.

O Lord God, my savior,
I cry out to you during the day and at night.
2 Let my prayer come into your presence.
Turn your ear to hear my cries.
Psalms 88:1-2 (GW)

13 I cry out to you for help, O Lord,
and in the morning my prayer will come into your presence.
Psalms 88:13 (GW)

Reflection of B:

What is the presence of God? The word "presence" means to be near. God is always present, but we may not be in His presence.... we may be too busy with other things or people and not sensing His presence. To be in God's presence, we need to "come into" His presence. That means our part of the action is needed. We need to set aside time to come into His presence.


Dear Lord,
Forgive me for being too busy with other things/people/work that I did not make time for You. I pray that tonight I will learn to set aside everything to come to You to enjoy Your presence. Let me be with You, Lord.
I Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 86 - Lend Me Your Ear

1 A prayer by David.

Turn your ear {toward me}, O Lord.
Answer me, because I am oppressed and needy.
2 Protect me, because I am faithful {to you}.
Save your servant who trusts you. You are my God.
3 Have pity on me, O Lord,
because I call out to you all day long.
4 Give me joy, O Lord,
because I lift my soul to you.
ms 86:1-4 (GW)

Reflection of B:

The above prayer is also my prayer to the Lord. For I am greatly stressed by my work. I felt as if I will collapse any time soon due to over working (16 hours a day for 6. 5 days a week) for the past 5 months. I am physically and mentally tired. Yet the organization I am working for doesn't seem to be satisfied. I am thinking of quiting, but need to know when.

I know I must wait for God's timing since He is the One who placed me there and made me so accommodating to my employer, which is a miracle. I shall wait and listen to God's leading.


Dear Lord,
You know how I feel and You know that I may breakdown if not for Your strengthening. But I know I can't take it anymore if my employer continues the way it has been. I pray that if You still want me to work for my employer, they will change their ways and be more supportive to me instead being my 'bottle neck" at work. I shall get my letter ready for submission if nothing has changed by next week. Give me peace, if I am taking the right step in Your will.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 85 - Hear What God Says to Be Saved

8 I want to hear what God the Lord says,
because he promises peace to his people, to his godly ones.
But they must not go back to their stupidity.
9 Indeed, his salvation is near those who fear him,
and {his} glory will remain in our land.
Psalms 85:8-9 (GW)

Reflection of B:

This passage reminds me that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Yes, when we fear (reverent) Him, we will not do stupid things. For we will hear what God has to say and be saved from all the things that will harm us.


Dear Lord,
Let me listen to Your voice and be wise in the decisions I make. Let me not do anything stupid that will make You sad. Save me from my own foolishness and the troubles I may about to make. Guide me in my path and teach me to say what is right in my work and other places.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 83 and 84 - Lovely Dwelling Place

1 For the choir director; on the gittith; a psalm by Korah's descendants.

Your dwelling place is lovely, O Lord of Armies!
2 My soul longs and yearns
for the Lord's courtyards.
My whole body shouts for joy to the living God.
3 Even sparrows find a home,
and swallows find a nest for themselves.
There they hatch their young
near your altars, O Lord of Armies,
my king and my God.
4 Blessed are those who live in your house.
They are always praising you.
Psalms 84:1-4 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Until we come into the presence of God and enjoy His love, peace and joy, we will never know how "lovely" His dwelling place is. I have experienced that before. Ah.... I missed it. :( I have been too busy with my work.... working something like 16 to 17 hours a day, for at least 6 days a week in my current job. That's very bad! I need to change, I shouldn't let doing something 'good' result in something bad for me physically and spiritually.


Dear Lord,
Help me to learn to set a limit to my time spent at work. Help me not to get carried away by the business of life and lose Your presence with me. I missed You very much, Lord. Draw me once aagin and I will run after You.
In Your lovely name I plead. Amen.

Psalms 82 - He Will Judge the Earth

8 Arise, O God!
Judge the earth, because all the nations belong to you.
Psalms 82:8 (GW)

Reflection of B:

I have been watching the detective TV series recently. As I watched, I could understand why two of the characters took law into their hands to punish the law breakers. The reason is that the law of the land may not be able to pin down the culprits due to lack of 'evidence' even though you are sure who the culprits or murders are. The sense of injustice prevails and makes me somewhat agitated when the culprits run loose.

Yes, we are living in an imperfect world that is full of sins and lawlessness. Human laws are limited in bringing justice to the world. But we know that there is a judgment day fixed by God. He judges the world and brings about justice and peace forever one day. For the nation belongs to Him.


Dear Lord,
Though I am saddened that injustice seems to be prevailing, yet, I thank You that You have promised to repay people for what they did. You will reign. Praise You.
Amen.

Psalms 81 - If Only We Listen to Him

13 If only my people would listen to me!
If only Israel would follow me!
14 I would quickly defeat their enemies.
I would turn my power against their foes.
Psalms 81:13-14 (GW)

Reflection of B:

The Israelite were stiff-necked and didn't listen to God. God allowed them to listen to their own advice and fell.

Tonight's passage is a reminder that I must constantly seek God's advice rather than take things into my own hand whenever I see things not going the right way for me. God has promised to grant me wisdom to make the right decision.


Dear Lord,
Thank you for this timely reminder that I must listen to You. Teach me to be still before you rather than be too busy finding solutions on my own. Help me, I need You, Lord!
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Psalm 79 and 80 - Positive Reinforcement

8 Do not hold the crimes of our ancestors against us.
Reach out to us soon with your compassion,
because we are helpless.
9 Help us, O God, our savior, for the glory of your name.
Rescue us, and forgive our sins for the honor of your name.
Psalms 79:8-9 (GW)

19 O Lord God, commander of armies, restore us, and smile on us
so that we may be saved.
Psalms 80:19 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Sometimes, we feel so alone when problems overwhelm us or people are against us. Yet instead of turning away from God, we should come before Him and plead with Him like the psalmist did. We plead on God's glory and honour and ask Him to help us. The effect is similar to using positive reinforcement on a person's good character than to focus on the negative feelings.


Dear Lord,
Help me to remember this principle of always seeing Your great virtues which I know instead of on the situations I see. Help me to always be humble to look to You in solving problems and not do things in my own way. Guide me in my dealing with people at my work place.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 78 - Lessons From the Story of Egypt

2 I will open my mouth to illustrate points.
I will explain what has been hidden long ago,
3 things that we have heard and known about,
things that our parents have told us.
4 We will not hide them from our children.
We will tell the next generation
about the Lord's power and great deeds
and the miraculous things he has done.

5 He established written instructions for Jacob's people.
He gave his teachings to Israel.
He commanded our ancestors to make them known to their children
6 so that the next generation would know them.
Children yet to be born {would learn them}.
They will grow up and tell their children
7 to trust God, to remember what he has done,
and to obey his commands.
Psalms 78:2-7 (GW)

23 In spite of that, he commanded the clouds above
and opened the doors of heaven.
24 He rained manna down on them to eat
and gave them grain from heaven.
25 Humans ate the bread of the mighty ones,
and God sent them plenty of food.
Psalms 78:21-25 (GW)

38 But he is compassionate.
He forgave their sin.
He did not destroy them.
He restrained his anger many times.
He did not display all of his fury.
39 He remembered that they were only flesh and blood,
a breeze that blows and does not return.
Psalms 78:38-39 (GW)

52 But he led his own people out like sheep
and guided them like a flock through the wilderness.
53 He led them safely.
They had no fear while the sea covered their enemies.
Psalms 78:52-53 (GW)

Reflection of B:

This chapter is a summary of the story of Egypt which tells us why God did what He did. God was gracious to forgive the rebellion of the Israelites over and over again because of His compassion and love. Yet the Israelites took God's grace for granted each time. To the end, God allowed those who did not believe in Him to fall into their own destruction. For those who trusted God, He led them out of slavery.

We are also reminded that we need to tell our children about this story so that they will not become like the rebellious Israelites.


Dear Lord,
Yes, we need to teach our children, and our children's children about Your love and mercy and to trust in You.We need to warn them of Your judgment on those who are not following Your ways. Thank You for Your grace and mercy in my life. I pray that my life will bring glory to You in all I do.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 77 - Like A Shepherd

20 Like a shepherd, you led your people.
You had Moses and Aaron take them by the hand.
Psalms 77:20 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Sometimes, we go through struggles in life and wonder where God is, like in the case of the psalmist. He wondered why God didn't answer him. Yet his conclusion is that God is "like a shepherd" who led His people. Yes, we need to remember that our God is our Shepherd though things look bleak at times.


Dear Lord,
I want to thank You that You have led me in my career and life. As I wonder why You led me to my present job, help me continue to trust in your perfect will. I pray that all things will work out together for good if I am in Your will. I pray for unity, love and peace as I work with the people in my company. Guide me, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 75 and 76 - Right Time Right Judgment

1 For the choir director; al tashcheth; a psalm by Asaph; a song.
We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks.
You are present, and your miracles confirm that.
2 When I choose the right time,
I will judge fairly.
Psalms 75:1-2 (GW)

7 You alone must be feared!
Who can stand in your presence when you become angry?
8 From heaven you announced a verdict.
The earth was fearful and silent
9 when you rose to judge, O God,
when you rose to save every oppressed person on earth.
Psalms 76:7-9 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Judgment has its timing though often we thought that God is slow in judging the wicked. God is gracious in wanting the wicked to repent, but surely He will judge when the time is right.

Dear Lord,
Teach me to be patient to see Your justice being done for those who are unjustly treated. I pray that You will come quickly as You have said in Revelation.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 74 - Did God Reject Us?

1 A maskil by Asaph.
Why, O God, have you rejected us forever?
Why does your anger
smolder against the sheep in your care?
Psalms 74:1 (GW)

22 Arise, O God!
Fight for your own cause!
Remember how godless fools insult you all day long.
23 Do not forget the shouting of your opponents.
Do not forget the uproar made by those who attack you.
Psalms 74:22-23 (GW)

Reflection of B:

When persecution comes, even Christians may think that God is the one who is punishing them and ask like Asaph, "Why, O God, have you rejected us forever?" (v1). We see injustice around like in the Taleban's terrorism. In times like these, Christians should pray like in v 22,23, asking God to fight these terrorists and rescue His people.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for hearing our prayers and cries to You. At times when situations look bad, help us to continue to trust You and never lose heart. For You will surely rescue us from all situations in Your mighty ways.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 73 - Seeing In His Presence

1 A psalm by Asaph.
God is truly good to Israel,
to those whose lives are pure.'
2 But my feet had almost stumbled.
They had almost slipped
3 because I was envious of arrogant people
when I saw the prosperity that wicked people enjoy.
Psalms 73:1-3 (GW)

16 But when I tried to understand this,
it was too difficult for me.
17 Only when I came into God's holy place
did I {finally} understand what would happen to them.
Psalms 73:16-17 (GW)

25 As long as I have you,
I don't need anyone else in heaven or on earth.
26 My body and mind may waste away,
but God remains the foundation of my life
and my inheritance forever.
Psalms 73:25-26 (GW)

Reflection of B:

This is another 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.

Many non-believing friends have told me that they don't understand why God did certain things and some don't even believe there is a God because of what they saw. Well, just like Asaph, who couldn't understand why the wicked continued to prosper while the righteous suffer. He only understand it when he came into the presence of God. He also learned that God was all he needed in life.

Yes, personally I also begin to see things clearly only when I come into the presence of God and let Him show me His plan and purpose. I have learned that He is all I need. Only He will never leave me non forsake me.


Dear Lord,
Thank You that in You I can see what I couldn't. In You I have everything I need. I was too stupid in the past to think that man can give me happiness, but that's not true. Only You can give me true happiness.
Praise You in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalms 71 and 72 - Only You

5 You are my hope, O Almighty Lord.
You have been my confidence ever since I was young.
6 I depended on you before I was born.
You took me from my mother's womb.
My songs of praise constantly speak about you.
Psalms 71:5-6 (GW)

17 O God, you have taught me ever since I was young,
and I still talk about the miracles you have done.
18 Even when I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God.
Let me live to tell the people of this age
what your strength has accomplished,
to tell about your power to all who will come.

19 Your righteousness reaches to the heavens, O God.
You have done great things.
O God, who is like you?
20 You have made me endure many terrible troubles.
You restore me to life again.
You bring me back from the depths of the earth.
21 You comfort me and make me greater than ever.
Psalms 71:17-21 (GW)

Reflection of B:

This Psalm reminds me of my childhood days and how I came to know Christ. He has chosen me since birth. I almost died as a baby, almost lost in darkness as a child, yet He found me and brought me home. He guided me as I grew up and transformed my life, making me the way I am today. Yes, I will never forget my God and I pray that even when my hairs turn grey, He will still be my strength.


Dear Lord,
Only You will stay with me till I am old.
Only You will treasure me like gold.
Only You can keep me warm when I am cold.
Only You can make me feel so bold.
Only You will be my joy in many folds.
Amen

Psalms 70 - Come Quickly to Me

5 But I am oppressed and needy.
O God, come to me quickly.
You are my help and my savior.
O Lord, do not delay!
Psalms 70:5 (GW)

Reflection of B:

King David was very candid and cried to God when he was depressed. Whenever we are oppressed or feel depressed, we can always cry to God for help. Our God is always there and can come quickly to those who trust in Him. This is something which our closed friends and loved ones may not be able to do.


Dear Lord,
Thank You that You can come quickly to me when I called upon Your name. Thank You that You never leave me alone.
Praise You in You holy name. Amen.

Psalms 69 - My Stupidity

5 O God, you know my stupidity,
and the things of which I am guilty are not hidden from you.
Psalms 69:5 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Sometimes I feel very stupid. Sometimes I feel used in the name of love, or in the name of Christianity, or in the name of God even. Sometimes Christians take me for a ride or take me for granted. Yet, tonight's passage reminds me that God knows and sees everything. He already knew that I am a fool without Him. I need to rely on His wisdom to do what is right.


Dear Lord,
Yes, I admit that I am not wise and feel cheated a number of times. If I have sinned, please forgive me. Help me to be wise in You. Let me know how I should deal with people who may take me for a ride or use Your name in vain.
In Jesus' name I pray.

Psalms 67 and 68 - God of Victories

20 Our God is the God of victories.
The Almighty Lord is our escape from death.
Psalms 68:20 (GW)

Reflection of B:

These two Psalms are praises and thanksgiving by King David to God. God had led him to victories and helped him escape death many times.

We don't have to wait for big happenings to thank God. We can thank Him for seeing us through yet another day. He is great!



Dear Lord,
Thank You for being my victor and salvation. Thank You that I am always safe in Your arms. Praise You!
Amen.

Psalms 66 - Refinement of Life

10 You have tested us, O God.
You have refined us in the same way silver is refined.
11 You have trapped us in a net.
You have laid burdens on our backs.
12 You let people ride over our heads.
We went through fire and water,
but then you brought us out and refreshed us.
Psalms 66:10-12 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Yes, God has put me into lots of tests since the day I knew Him. Sometimes I thought I might not make it. Yet He always see me through and refined me more and more through them, like gold being purified through fire. Till now, I know in my heart that I will not deny Christ even if I have to die. For I know where my eternal home is... not of this earth.



Dear Lord,
Thank You that even though You have allowed me to go through 'fire' I was not burnt. Instead I came out purer each time. Continue to purify my heart, O Lord. Let me be perfect as You are perfect. Guide my pathway in all I do. That I will always be in Your will.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 65 - He Cares For Me

2 You are the one who hears prayers.
Everyone will come to you.
3 Various sins overwhelm me.
You are the one who forgives our rebellious acts.
Psalms 65:2-3 (GW)

Reflection of B:

If God takes care of the earth, how much more He would care for us. Yes, He cares for those who love Him more than anyone on earth does. He has answered their prayers and forgives their rebellious acts.



Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for taking care of me and all the earth even though at times it seems You didn't. Let me always trust in Your faithfulness, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 63 and 64 - Be My Lover

1 A psalm by David when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

O God, you are my God.
At dawn I search for you.
My soul thirsts for you.
My body longs for you
in a dry, parched land where there is no water.
Psalms 63:1 (GW)

6 As I lie on my bed, I remember you.
Through the long hours of the night, I think about you.
7 You have been my help.
In the shadow of your wings, I sing joyfully.
8 My soul clings to you.
Your right hand supports me.
Psalms 63:6-8 (GW)

Reflection of B:

King David is known as "a man after God's heart". When we read his Psalms, we see that he treated God like a lover does when in love. He used action words in his dealing with God, such as:

• searches
• thirsts
• longs
• remembers
• thinks
• clings

Yes, that's how a person deeply in love will DO, especially for a woman. God wants us to do that to Him, unlike in human love, where the one being loved (usually the man) might dislikes such actions and finds the woman too immature when she does those things.

God is the best lover of all, who will not despise us when we show our deep affection for Him.


Dear Lord,
Draw me and I will run after You. Attract me with Your everlasting love. Help me love You in return. Let not people, things or my work take away my love for You. May I love You above all else. Be my Lover, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 62 - What You Sow Is What You Get

5 Wait calmly for God alone, my soul,
because my hope comes from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my savior—my stronghold.
I cannot be shaken.
Psalms 62:5-6 (GW)

12 Mercy belongs to you, O Lord.
You reward a person based on what he has done.”
Psalms 62:12 (GW)

Reflection of B:

This chapter again emphasizes that God is our rock and stronghold. He will reward us according to our deeds and not our words. Yet He is also a merciful God who is willing to forgive us of our sins when we confessed them to Him and repent.


Dear Lord,
I pray that I will do the things that please You and fully rely on You at work and in my relationship with others. Keep me strong in You and let me not be shaken by my circumstances to doubt Your will for my life. Let me face all challenges boldly because You are my rock and stronghold.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 61 - My Rock and Strength

2 From the ends of the earth, I call to you
when I begin to lose heart.
Lead me to the rock that is high above me.
3 You have been my refuge,
a tower of strength against the enemy.
4 I would like to be a guest in your tent forever
and to take refuge under the protection of your wings.
Psalms 61:2-4 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Just like for King David, God has always been "the rock that is high above me" and "a tower of strength" to me in all my trials of life. Without Him I would have been gone long ago. I feel safe under the protection of His wings.

Dear Lord,
Thank You so much for being my rock and my strength all these years. Thank You for keeping me under Your wings when dangers and storms of life swept through me. Thank You for loving me as I am.
Amen.

Psalms 59 and 60 - Human Assistance is Worthless?

11 Give us help against the enemy
because human assistance is worthless.
12 With God we will display great strength.
He will trample our enemies.
Psalms 60:11-12 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Sometimes we may feel that God has abandoned us when we are faced with our trials and emergencies. King David felt that way too when he fought with his enemies. Yet his faith in God always return in the midst of those 'noises' that tried to make him lose faith. He knew where his help comes from, not from "human assistance".


Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that "human assistance is worthless" in comparison to Yours in an emergency. I should never trust in them but trust only in You. Only You can help me fight my enermies. I want to trust in You, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 58 God Takes Revenge for Us

10 Righteous people will rejoice when they see {God} take revenge.
They will wash their feet in the blood of wicked people.
11 Then people will say,
“Righteous people certainly have a reward.
There is a God who judges on earth.”
Psalms 58:10-11 (GW)

Reflection of B:

This Psalms echoes my reflection for Psalms 57... God will take revenge on our behalf. God is a fair judge who will never let the culprits get away. Their sins will catch up with them soon and punishment is sure in God's own time.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me to leave it to Your vengeance on whoever that wrongs me. I pray that one day they will repent and be saved.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 57 - Falling Into Own Pits

6 {My enemies} spread out a net to catch me.
(My soul is bowed down.)
They dug a pit to trap me,
but then they fell into it.
Psalms 57:6 (GW)

9 I want to give thanks to you among the people, O Lord.
I want to make music to praise you among the nations
10 because your mercy is as high as the heavens.
Your truth reaches the skies.
11 May you be honored above the heavens, O God.
Let your glory extend over the whole earth.
Psalms 57:9-11 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Hehehe.... that happened to 'my enemies' too. The passage above reminds me of how God has always repay the evil they did to me. Whoever harm those who loved God, God will know what to do with them in His time. We need not take vengeance into our own hands. God said vengeance is His, He will repay.

Yes, His "mercy is as high as the heavens" and His "truth reaches the skies". I can always trust in my God.


Dear Father,
Thank You for always taking care of me and bringing justice for me when I am wrongly accused. Praise You for loving me.
In Jesus' name I give You thanks. Amen.

Psalms 55 and 56 - Betrayed By Best Friend

12 If an enemy had insulted me,
then I could bear it.
If someone who hated me had attacked me,
then I could hide from him.
13 But it is you, my equal,
my best friend,
one I knew so well!
14 We used to talk to each other in complete confidence
and walk into God's house with the festival crowds.
Psalms 55:12-14 (GW)

20 {My best friend} has betrayed his friends.
He has broken his solemn promise.
21 His speech is smoother than butter,
but there is war in his heart.
His words are more soothing than oil,
but they are like swords ready to attack.
22 Turn your burdens over to the Lord,
and he will take care of you.
He will never let the righteous person stumble.
Psalms 55:20-22 (GW)

12 I am bound by my vows to you, O God.
I will keep my vows by offering songs of thanksgiving to you.
13 You have rescued me from death.
You have kept my feet from stumbling
so that I could walk in your presence, in the light of life.
Psalms 56:12-13 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Have you ever been betrayed by your friend friend? How do you feel when the one who let down is your best friend rather than you enemy?

It happened to me before. It's very painful indeed. Thank God that He had "rescued me from "death" and "kept my feet from stumbling" (56:13).


Dear Lord,
All I can offer is my sincere thanksgiving to You for keeping me till today. I pray for my best friend that your blessings will be upon him and change his heart to one that seeks only You and bring glory to Your name in all he does.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 54 - A Powerful Name

4 God is my helper!
The Lord is the provider for my life.
Psalms 54:4 (GW)

7 Your name rescues me from every trouble.
Psalms 54:7 (GW)

Reflection of B:

King David always remember that God is His helper and provider for his life. He always run to God in His deepest sorrows and his greatest joy. For God always rescues him from his troubles when he calls on His name. Yes, the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, is powerful to save those who called upon Him. Likewise, we must do the same.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your great and wonderful name, which I can called upon anytime. For You said that whoever called upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. I pray that You will guide me in my decision makings in my work, church, and home. Grant me wisdom and discernment to do and say the right thing.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 53 - Who Are The Fools

1 For the choir director; according to mahalath, a maskil by David.

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 God 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 fallen away.
Together they have become rotten to the core.
No one, not even one person, does good things.
Psalms 53:1-3 (GW)

Reflection of B:

The above passage shows that those who say in their hearts, “There is no God.” are:

- fools
- corrupt
- do disgusting things and not good

It will be an endless debate if we were to argue over if there is a God. Instead, if people are wise enough, the creation itself has already proven that that must be a Creator, God. The human nature of sinning is the same in Adam's time as it is now, but maybe more obvious these days. Disbelief, rebellion, disobedience, and falling away from truth are seen more and more. May God help us!


Dear Lord,
I pray for those who do not know You or say that You don't exist, that they will soon find salvation in Christ and glorify You for Your creation.
In Your great name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 51 and 52 - How To Repent

1 For the choir director; a psalm by David when the prophet Nathan came to him after David's adultery with Bathsheba.

Have pity on me, O God, in keeping with your mercy.
In keeping with your unlimited compassion, wipe out my rebellious acts.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my guilt,
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 I admit that I am rebellious.
My sin is always in front of me.
4 I have sinned against you, especially you.
I have done what you consider evil.
So you hand down justice when you speak,
and you are blameless when you judge.

5 Indeed, I was born guilty.
I was a sinner when my mother conceived me.
6 Yet, you desire truth and sincerity.
Deep down inside me you teach me wisdom.
7 Purify me from sin with hyssop, and I will be clean.
Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear {sounds of} joy and gladness.
Let the bones that you have broken dance.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and wipe out all that I have done wrong.

10 Create a clean heart in me, O God,
and renew a faithful spirit within me.
11 Do not force me away from your presence,
and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore the joy of your salvation to me,
and provide me with a spirit of willing obedience.

13 {Then} I will teach your ways to those who are rebellious,
and sinners will return to you.
Psalms 51:1-13 (GW)

8 But I am like a large olive tree in God's house.
I trust the mercy of God forever and ever.
Psalms 52:8 (GW)

Reflection of B:

There are many times that we asked God for forgiveness when we sinned. Yet we may commit the same sin over and over again if there is no true repentance. Repentance means to turn away, like making a U-turn, from the wrong we did and never go back to it again.

King David fully repented of his sin of adultery with Bathsheba, not just a sense of regret. In the above Psalm we learned how David repented from his sin, not just say "God, forgive me." To repent fully we need to be able to feel like how David felt and do what he did. He....

- cried to God for mercy (v1)
- asked for cleaning (v2)
- admitted his rebellion (v3)
- recognised his sin not only hurt a person, but also God (v4)
- recognised his sinful nature (v5)
- recognised God's character of desiring truth and sincerity (v6)
- asked God to restore his joy (v8)
- recognised the wrong of his sin (v9)
- asked for a new heart (v10)
- asked God and His Holy Spirit to be with him (v11)
- asked God for restoration and learn to be obedient (v12)
- teach others not to be rebellious and sin from his own failure (v13)


Dear Lord,
Thank You for teaching me the right way of repentance from sin from tonight's devotion. Let me be like King David, not only confessing my sins but also take positive steps in getting Your restoration and also help others not to commit the same sins. Thank You for restoring the joy of my salvation. Thank You that Your presence has been with me in the things I do. Please continue to lead me in Your righteous path, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.