Psalms 131 - Know My Limitation

1 A song by David for going up to worship.

O Lord, my heart is not conceited.
My eyes do not look down on others.
I am not involved in things too big or too difficult for me.

2 Instead, I have kept my soul calm and quiet.
My soul is content as a weaned child is content in its mother's arms.

3 Israel, put your hope in the Lord now and forever.
Psalms 131:1-3 (GW)

Reflection of B:

This Psalm is one of the shortest chapter in the whole bible, only 3 verses. It's a reminder that we should not look down on anyone or over estimate ourselves and get involved in things too difficult to do. Personally, this verse speaks to me about my current contemplating at my working place. I may be shouldering a responsibility too heavy for me to do alone without the necessary support and resources. I am still asking God for guidance and the right timing to quit.

Dear Lord,
Are you speaking to me in the above verse? I feel that the load on my shoulder is really too heavy to bear. I acknowledge my own limitation... I am no superwoman. I pray that You will guide me and grant me wisdom and tact to decline tasks graciously. Give me strength to do what I can for the moment.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 130 - Forgiveness

3 O Lord, who would be able to stand
if you kept a record of sins?

4 But with you there is forgiveness
so that you can be feared.
Psalms 130:3-4 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Yes, with God there is always forgiveness, unlike with mankind. I was shocked that even certain Pastors I know keep record of 'sins' and harbour unforgiveness, when the 'unforgiven' may not even have done anything wrong. We need God to teach us to forgive, just like He has forgiven us.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for forgiven my sins. I pray that I will also forgive those who have wronged me. I pray that You will give me a forgiving spirit to pray like Jesus prayed, "Forgive them for they know not what they do." I commit my life to You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 128-129 - How To Be Fruitful

1 A song for going up to worship.

Blessed are all who fear the Lord
and live his way.

2 You will certainly eat what your own hands have provided.
Blessings to you!
May things go well for you!

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine inside your home.
Your children will be like young olive trees around your table.

4 This is how the Lord will bless the person who fears him.

5 May the Lord bless you from Zion
so that you may see Jerusalem prospering
all the days of your life.

6 May you live to see your children's children.
Let there be peace in Israel!
Psalms 128:1-6 (GW)


2 “From the time I was young, people have attacked me,
but they have never overpowered me.

3 They have plowed my back {like farmers plow fields}.
They made long slashes {like furrows}.”
Psalms 129:2-3 (GW)

Reflection of B:

The Psalmist has such confidence that those who fear God will be blessed and be fruitful in all they do at work, at home, or in other places. Sometimes when we look at our difficult circumstances we may doubt if God is there. Yet we need to claim God's blessing and affirm His character, One Who will keep His promise, just like the psalmist did. He will set us free from the attacks of our enemies.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your assurance and that You will bless me when I fear You. Surely I have seen that happening, and still do. In my present situation, I want to claim Your promise again that You are there to guide my every path and action. Lead me on Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 127 The Real Builder

1 A song by Solomon for going up to worship.

If the Lord does not build the house,
it is useless for the builders to work on it.
If the Lord does not protect a city,
it is useless for the guard to stay alert.

2 It is useless to work hard for the food you eat
by getting up early and going to bed late.
The Lord gives {food} to those he loves while they sleep.
Psalms 127:1-2 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Tonight's devotion is very timely for me. As I see the organization I am working with rushing to get the building contractor to complete the building, I wonder if they remember who the real Builder is. Do they remember that if God is not in the picture, all their labours will be in vain? I pray that in their hurry to get the building completed by next month, they will not forget that they still need to show love and care in how they deal with people.


Dear Father,
I commit the leaders in the organization I am working for now. I pray that You will speak to each one of them that they should let You be their real builder. For only things done in Your will and plan will succeed.
I pray that You will forgive them should any of them do hurt others unknowingly. I pray for Your mercy and blessings to be with them. Give me peace in the decision I have to make tomorrow. I pray for understanding and love in what I am about to do.
In Your precious name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 126 - Reward of Your Labours

3 The Lord has done spectacular things for us.
We are overjoyed.

4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
as you restore streams {to dry riverbeds} in the Negev.

5 Those who cry while they plant
will joyfully sing while they harvest.

6 The person who goes out weeping, carrying his bag of seed,
will come home singing, carrying his bundles of grain.
Psalms 126:3-6 (GW)

Reflection of B:

The above Psalm, though short (6 verses), yet it has an impact on me tonight. It has encouraged me that all my labours are not in vain, even when others don't appreciate them. I shall surely harvest with joy and see the fruits of my labour. God knows and see what I have done even when others don't.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for encouraging me tonight. Thank You for Your assurance. Help me not to be lose heart in my current circumstances, for You have a great plan for me ahead.
Praise You! Amen.

Psalms 124-126 - Who Is On Our Side?

2 “If the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us,

3 then they would have swallowed us alive
when their anger exploded against us.

4 Then the floodwaters would have swept us away.
An {overflowing} stream would have washed us away.

5 Then raging water would have washed us away.”
Psalms 124:2-5 (GW)

1 A song for going up to worship.

Those who trust the Lord are like Mount Zion,
which can never be shaken.
It remains firm forever.

2 {As} the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people now and forever.
Psalms 125:1-2 (GW)

Reflection of B:

It is not how good we are but who is on our side that will ensure victory. Sometimes we trust in our own strength, sometimes we trust in other human strength. But those who trust in God will be strong as a mountain, for God will surround and protect them.


Dear Father,
Thank You for this assurance that You will be on my side no matter what if I trust in You, Yes, I do not trust in my own strength but in Yours. Guide me to make the right decision tomorrow so that I will be in Your will.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 123 - More Than Our Share

1 A song for going up to worship.

I look up to you,
to the one who sits enthroned in heaven.

2 As servants depend on their masters,
as a maid depends on her mistress,
so we depend on the Lord our God
until he has pity on us.

3 Have pity on us, O Lord.
Have pity on us
because we have suffered more than our share of contempt.

4 We have suffered more than our share of ridicule
from those who are carefree.
We have suffered more than our share of contempt
from those who are arrogant.
Psalms 123:1-4 (GW)

Reflection of B:

The above Psalm had only 4 verses. It talks about reliance on God and the sufferings the author and the people went through, which were more than what they should have. The phrase "more than our share" was repeated 3 times in v3,4.

Sometimes, we also feel that we suffered a lot in certain ways which are beyond what we deserve. In times like these, we need to be like the author to go to God for help and compassion. He will surely lift us up.


Dear Lord,
I thank You that whenever I feel down and depressed, You are always there to comfort me and see me through. I trust in You Lord.
In Jesus' name I give You praise! Amen.

Psalms 122 - The Place I like to Go

1 A song by David for going up to worship.

I was glad when they said to me,
“Let's go to the house of the Lord.”
Psalms 122:1 (GW)

Reflection of B:

I like this verse, for it speaks of my feeling whenever I prepare myself to go to Church every Sunday. Since the day I started going to Church at a young age, I always look forward to going there. I feel God's peace and joy whenever I enter into His presence. It's amazing!


Dear Father,
Thank You for giving me peace and joy in Your house. There will be even more joy when I go back with You to my heavenly home with all those who love You.
Praise Your name! Amen.

Psalms 120-121 - Safe In His Hands

1 A song for going up to worship.

When I was in trouble, I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me.
Psalms 120:1 (GW)

1 A song for going up to worship.

I look up toward the mountains.
Where can I find help?

2 My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let you fall.
Your guardian will not fall asleep.

4 Indeed, the Guardian of Israel never rests or sleeps.

5 The Lord is your guardian.
The Lord is the shade over your right hand.

6 The sun will not beat down on you during the day,
nor will the moon at night.

7 The Lord guards you from every evil.
He guards your life.

8 The Lord guards you as you come and go,
now and forever.
Psalms 121:1-8 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Psalm 121 is a chapter I have memorized (King James version) as somebody had put those verses into music to be sung. In times when I felt helpless, I would remember this Psalm and sang it to encourage myself. Yes, surely my God does not sleep at all. He watches over me day and night. I am safe in His hands.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for watching over me day and night. Thank You that I need not fear anything or anyone when I walk with You.
Praise You! Amen.

Psalms 119 - The Principles of Life

9 How can a young person keep his life pure?
{He can do it} by holding on to your word.

10 I wholeheartedly searched for you.
Do not let me wander away from your commandments.

11 I have treasured your promise in my heart
so that I may not sin against you.
Psalms 119:9-11 (GW)


18 Uncover my eyes
so that I may see the miraculous things in your teachings.

19 I am a foreigner in this world.
Do not hide your commandments from me.
Psalms 119:18-19 (GW)

36 Direct my heart toward your written instructions
rather than getting rich in underhanded ways.

37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things.
Give me a new life in your ways.
Psalms 119:36-37 (GW)

66 Teach me {to use} good judgment and knowledge,
because I believe in your commandments.

67 Before you made me suffer, I used to wander off,
but now I hold on to your word.
Psalms 119:66-67 (GW)

71 It was good that I had to suffer
in order to learn your laws.

72 The teachings {that come} from your mouth are worth more to me
than thousands in gold or silver.
Psalms 119:71-72 (GW)


92 If your teachings had not made me happy,
then I would have died in my misery.

93 I will never forget your guiding principles,
because you gave me a new life through them.

94 I am yours.
Save me, because I have searched for your guiding principles.
Psalms 119:92-94 (GW)

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet
and a light for my path.
Psalms 119:105 (GW)

Reflection of B:

This must be the longest Psalm or chapter in the Bible... 176 verses. The whole emphasis of this chapter is about the guiding principles of God found in the Bible. These principles keep us away from sins (v9-11).

Many times we can't see the truth till the word of God illuminates us and brings enlightenment to our understanding (v18-19).

We need God to turn our hearts to things that are of permanence instead of "worthless things" (v36-37). Even things and people God allow us to have while we are on earth may also be worthless when we are in heaven. We need to always remind ourselves about this.

Sometimes we wonder why we have to suffer. Verses 66-67 and 71-72 tell us that sufferings help us learn to obey God's counsel through His words instead of doing things our way.

By obeying God's word, we will be happy for His word is true and can save our life (v92-94).

Let us take God's word to be our guiding lamp for our feet and light for our path (v105).



Dear Lord,
Thank You that Your word is really the lamp for my feet and light for my path. They have guided me in my walk and showed me the way. I pray that I will continue to remember Your principles in all my doings.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 118 - Trust in The Right Person

9 It is better to depend on the Lord
than to trust influential people.
Psalms 118:9 (GW)

24 This is the day the Lord has made.
Let's rejoice and be glad today!
Psalms 118:24 (GW)

Reflection of B:

The world talks about networking and relying on influential people we know. Yet we learn today that it is better to rely on God. For only He can make us rejoice and be glad. I feel that I am a happier person today than the days before when I have learned to put my trust in the right person, which is God.


Dear Lord,
Thank You that I can rejoice in You no matter what circumstances I am in. I will trust in You instead of on people.
Praise You! Amen.

Psalms 117 - Praise Him

1 Praise the Lord, all you nations!
Praise him, all you people of the world!

2 His mercy toward us is powerful.
The Lord's faithfulness endures forever.

Hallelujah!
Psalms 117:1-2 (GW)

Reflection of B:

This is the shortest Psalm... only 2 verses. We are told to praise God for His mercy and faithfulness. Hallelujah!


Dear Lord,
Let me sing praises to You everyday, for Your mercy and faithfulness never fail.
Praise You! Amen.

Psalms 115-116 - God Is Not An Idol

3 Our God is in heaven.
He does whatever he wants.

4 Their idols are made of silver and gold.
They were made by human hands.
5 They have mouths, but they cannot speak.
They have eyes, but they cannot see.

6 They have ears, but they cannot hear.
They have noses, but they cannot smell.

7 They have hands, but they cannot feel.
They have feet, but they cannot walk.
They cannot {even} make a sound with their throats.

8 Those who make idols end up like them.
So does everyone who trusts them.
Psalms 115:3-8 (GW)


1 I love the Lord because he hears my voice, my pleas for mercy.

2 I will call on him as long as I live
because he turns his ear toward me.
Psalms 116:1-2 (GW)

Reflection of B:

What a great contrast is the God I believe in and the idols around. Idols have ears but cannot hear, whereas my God hears my voice and pleas. My God sees everything unlike the idols who couldn't.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for hearing my prayers. Though I can't see You, I can experience You, whereas the idols are in reverse. I pray that I shall not make anything or anyone my idol. Only in You shall I trust.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 114 - His Presence Makes the Difference

7 Earth, tremble in the presence of the Lord,
in the presence of the God of Jacob.

8 He turns a rock into a pool filled with water
and turns flint into a spring flowing with water.
Psalms 114:7-8 (GW)

Reflection of B:

This Psalms is so short... only 8 verses. Yet the message is clear, that God can change anything bad into good, or dryness into pool of water. In His presence all creatures must surrender. Yes, with God all things are possible. We need to come into His presence when we feel dry or thirsty.


Dear Lord,
You have quenched my thirst and longings. You have made all things beautiful no matter what state they are in. All I need is You.
Praise You. Amen.

Psalms 113 - Fruitful Works

9 He makes a woman who is in a childless home

a joyful mother.
Psalms 113:9 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Only God can make us fruitful in all we do. We need to commit all our doings, be in at work, in the church, or personal plans to God. Otherwise, all our works will become fruitless.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that in You I can be fruitful. I pray and commit all the things I do to Your hand now. May You bless them so that they can fall within Your plan.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 111-112 - How to be wise?

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Good sense is shown by everyone who follows {God's guiding principles}.
His praise continues forever.
Psalms 111:10 (GW)


1 Hallelujah!
Blessed is the person who fears the Lord
and is happy to obey his commands.

2 His descendants will grow strong on the earth.
The family of a decent person will be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches will be in his home.
His righteousness continues forever.
Psalms 112:1-3 (GW)

Reflection of B:

I just read a book, "10 Laws of Leadership", by Bill Newman, a Christian writer. One of the thing he says in his book is "The leader has wisdom" and "wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge and experience to any given situation".

In the above Psalms, we are told that wisdom comes from fearing God and abiding by His guiding principles for living. When we fear Him, we will stay happy and our family will be blessed and we need not worry about finance. He will give us wisdom to do what is right.


Dear Lord,
You said in Your word that if we lack wisdom we can ask from You. Now I pray that You will grant me wisdom to know how to apply knowledge I have from Your word and do what is right in every situation, at work, at home, and with friends. Thank You for Your blessings in my life.
Praise You in Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalms 110 - Jesus Christ the Lord

1 A psalm by David.

The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit in the highest position in heaven
until I make your enemies your footstool.”

2 The Lord will extend your powerful scepter from Zion.
Rule your enemies who surround you.
Psalms 110:1-2 (GW)

Reflection of B:

According to the Lord Jesus and the other NT writers this is a Psalm of David which he uttered in relation to Christ’s ascension into heavenly glory:

"And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, ‘How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, "The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet." David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?’ And the great throng heard him gladly." Mark 12:35-36

"Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’ Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Acts 2:33-36

On the basis of the above texts, Christians believe that Jesus is David’s Lord since he is the Christ. And since Yahweh is David’s Lord, Jesus must therefore be Yahweh God.


Dear Lord Jesus,
You are my Lord and God whom I follow and love. Thank You for Your assurance that You are not just another prophet, but truly God of this universe.
Amen.

Psalms 109 - Turning Curse Into Blessing

1 For the choir director; a psalm by David.
O God, whom I praise, do not turn a deaf ear to me.

2 Wicked and deceitful people have opened their mouths against me.
They speak against me with lying tongues.

3 They surround me with hateful words.
They fight against me for no reason.

4 In return for my love, they accuse me,
but I pray for them.

5 They reward me with evil instead of good
and with hatred instead of love.
Psalms 109:1-5 (GW)


28 They may curse, but you will bless.
Let those who attack me be ashamed,
but let me rejoice.

29 Let those who accuse me wear disgrace as though it were clothing.
Let them be wrapped in their shame as though it were a robe.
Psalms 109:28-29 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Very often I do feel like King David felt above. Sometimes I may feel unjustly treated by people around me, be it at work or outside work. Yet God always reminds me to forgive and pray for these people. I also believe that God will turn all curses into blessings if I continue to stay faithful to Him and learn from all my experiences. Praise God!


Dear Lord,
You have always protected me from all curses and blessed me instead. Thank You for being my sheath. I love You Lord.
Amen.

Psalms 107-108 - Human Assistance Is Worthless

31 Let them give thanks to the Lord because of his mercy.
He performed his miracles for Adam's descendants.

32 Let them glorify him when the people are gathered for worship.
Let them praise him in the company of respected leaders.
Psalms 107:31-32 (GW)


12 Give us help against the enemy
because human assistance is worthless.

13 With God we will display great strength.
He will trample our enemies.
Psalms 108:12-13 (GW)

Reflection of B:

The above Psalms remind us of the miracles God had done for the Israelites and that only through Him can we fight against our enemies (both human and spiritual).

Sometimes Satan may try to defeat us using human disguises, causing us to feel weak, helpless, depressed or discouraged. We have to remember to come to God for strength and help in such battles, for greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for this reminder. I pray that I will be always alert towards the physical and spiritual battles and turning to You for help at all times. For You are my Redeemer and Victor. Let me not rely on human assistance that has always been found to be worthless when I needed help most.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 106 - Summary of the Israelites' Disobedience

39 They became filthy because of what they did.
They behaved like prostitutes.

40 The Lord burned with anger against his own people.
He was disgusted with those who belonged to him.

41 He handed them over to other nations,
and those who hated them ruled them.

42 Their enemies oppressed them
and made them subject to their power.

43 He rescued them many times,
but they continued to plot rebellion against him
and to sink deeper because of their sin.

44 He saw that they were suffering
when he heard their cry for help.

45 He remembered his promise to them.
In keeping with his rich mercy, he changed his plans.

46 He let them find compassion
from all those who held them captive.
Psalms 106:39-46 (GW)

Reflection of B:

This chapter continues on what happened to the Israelites after God had performed many miracles for them. They disobeyed God and sinned even though God saved them each time. They brought sufferings to themselves. But God was still compassionate to them because He remembered His promise to Abraham.


Yes, that's the God we Christian have. Our God always give us chances and forgive us when we repent. But we need to be careful not to take His compassion for granted.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your mercy and love. Let me not take Your goodness for granted but to honour You in my life.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 105 - Summary of God's Miracles to the Israelites

1 Give thanks to the Lord.
Call on him.
Make known among the nations what he has done.

2 Sing to him.
Make music to praise him.
Meditate on all the miracles he has performed.

3 Brag about his holy name.
Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

4 Search for the Lord and his strength.
Always seek his presence.

5 Remember the miracles he performed,
the amazing things he did, and the judgments he pronounced,

6 you descendants of his servant Abraham,
you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.
Psalms 105:1-6 (GW)

Reflection of B:

This chapter summarizes all the miracles God did for the Israelites, from Abraham to Moses, to show how God kept His promises to Abraham.

Yes, we need to remember that our God is a God who will not fail us and will keep all His promises to us, unlike our experiences with mankind. When we are down, we need to remember all the things He had done for us and praise Him.


Dear Lord,
Once again You have reminded me that You will always keep Your promises. I trust in You.
In Your wonderful name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 103-104 - We Are Dust and Grass

8 The Lord is compassionate, merciful, patient,
and always ready to forgive.

9 He will not always accuse us of wrong
or be angry {with us} forever.

10 He has not treated us as we deserve for our sins
or paid us back for our wrongs.

11 As high as the heavens are above the earth—
that is how vast his mercy is toward those who fear him.

12 As far as the east is from the west—
that is how far he has removed our rebellious acts from himself.

13 As a father has compassion for his children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.

14 He certainly knows what we are made of.
He bears in mind that we are dust.

15 Human life is as short-lived as grass.
It blossoms like a flower in the field.

16 When the wind blows over the flower, it disappears,
and there is no longer any sign of it.
Psalms 103:8-16 (GW)

24 What a large number of things you have made, O Lord!
You made them all by wisdom.
The earth is filled with your creatures.
Psalms 104:24 (GW)

34 May my thoughts be pleasing to him.
I will find joy in the Lord.
Psalms 104:34 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Yeah! That's my God! He is always so "compassionate, merciful, patient, and always ready to forgive" towards those who fear Him (v8, 11, 13). He made us, so He knows very well that we are made from dust and our life is short-lived, like the grass (v 14, 15).

God also made the universe by His wisdom, keeping everything in order. But sadly we know that humans are doing things that will destroy the earth. Well, Christ will come again and give those who love Him a new heaven and earth.


Dear Lord,
You know me very well and You see my weaknesses. Thank You for forgiving me and for keeping me till today. I pray that my thoughts will be pleasing to You all the time.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 102 - All Will Pass Away

23 He has weakened my strength along the way.
He has reduced {the number of} my days.

24 I said, “My God, don't take me now in the middle of my life.
Your years {continue on} throughout every generation.

25 Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth.
Even the heavens are the works of your hands.

26 They will come to an end, but you will still go on.
They will all wear out like clothing.
You will change them like clothes,
and they will be thrown away.

27 But you remain the same, and your life will never end.
Psalms 102:23-27 (GW)

Reflection of B:

We will all pass away one day, but God will not. He remains forever, just as the above psalmist pointed out (v26, 27). Even the universe and the heavens will pass away, but God will not. God will make a new heaven and earth:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. (Revelation 21:1 )


Dear Lord,
Once again I am reminded of how soon I will pass away, including this universe. You will make all things new. Therefore, I pray that I will always remember to do what is of eternal value and not what is temporal. Teach me to please You in the way I live in this temporal earth for now.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 101 - Path to Integrity

1 A psalm by David.

I will sing about mercy and justice.
O Lord, I will make music to praise you.
2 I want to understand the path to integrity.
When will you come to me?

I will live in my own home with integrity.
3 I will not put anything wicked in front of my eyes.
I hate what unfaithful people do.
I want no part of it.
Psalms 101:1-3 (GW)

Reflection of B:

My search for the meaning of "integrity" led me to Wikipedia where it says:

Integrity is the alignment, the correspondence, between what one THINKs (beliefs, values), what one SAYs to others, and what one DOes. This is to say, integrity exists when THINK = SAY = DO. Picture each of these (THINK, SAY, DO) as a circle. When the three circles are separated, when there is no alignment between the three behaviors; the person is out of integrity. When the circles approach each other and overlap to become one circle, the person is integral. Behaviors within the concept of integrity include: honesty, sincerity, truthfulness, keeping one's word and agreements, punctuality, ethics, fairness and justice. It is said of Integrity that, "It is better to have an enemy who keeps his word, than a friend who does not"

Integrity is such an important characteristic Christians should have that King David asked God to help him understand the path to it. I have come across many people who do not have integrity or who will throw integrity away for selfish gain. Christians are not spared, unfortunately.

To practice integrity we need to know the path to it, which is the way towards God. Without God working in our lives, we are all selfish people who do not honour our words when situations are not in our favour. It's sad and disgusting to deal with people without integrity.


Dear Lord,
I want to understand the path to integrity too, just like King David did. Help me to stay true to my words and keep my commitment wheneve I have made my promise. Keep me faithful to the end.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 99 and 100 - Holiness and Mercy

9 Highly honor the Lord our God.
Bow at his holy mountain.
The Lord our God is holy!
Psalms 99:9 (GW)

5 The Lord is good.
His mercy endures forever.
His faithfulness endures throughout every generation.
Psalms 100:5 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Verses 3, 5 and 9 of chapter 99 kept repeating that God is "holy". Indeed He is! We need to reverent Him. Yet He is also good and merciful to us. Without His mercy, we will all be punished for our sinful deeds many times over. He is faithful to those who trust in Him.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your mercy that have spared me from Your holy wrath. May I be holy as You are holy.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 98 - Judge the Earth

7 Let the sea, everything in it,
the world, and those who live in it roar like thunder.
8 Let the rivers clap their hands
and the mountains sing joyfully
9 in the Lord's presence
because he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice
and its people with fairness.
Psalms 98:7-9 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Why does the creation of God rejoice when God is coming to judge the world? Surely they will rejoice just like Christians do, as the earth has been violated by people who don't care. The whole earth is going into destruction. When Christ comes, "He will judge the whole world with justice and its people with fairness." Isn't that something to rejoice?


Dear Lord,
I always long for Your coming again for those who called upon Your name. Sometimes I feel that I can't wait anymore. Yet You have sustained me day after day, month after month, and year after year. I wish to see You soon to bring justice as You have promised.
Teach me Lord, to know how to speak the right words that will not offend anyone. Thank You Lord, that I don't have to watch my words when I speak to You. Thank You that I can come to You just as I am, and not pretending to be someone else.
Praise You in Your gracious name. Amen.

Psalms 97 - Motives and Joy

10 Let those who love the Lord hate evil.
The one who guards the lives of his godly ones
will rescue them from the power of wicked people.
11 Light dawns for righteous people
and joy for those whose motives are decent.
12 Find joy in the Lord, you righteous people.
Give thanks to him as you remember how holy he is.
Psalms 97:10-12 (GW)

Reflection of B:

When our motives are wrong, we won't find joy. Our conscience will be darken and joy will elude us. God is righteous. In order to find joy in Him, we have to be righteous like Him and hate evil.


Dear Lord,
Search my heart and my thoughts right now. If there is any unrighteousness in me, cleanse me and make me whole. Wash me and make me white as snow, through the blood of Jesus Christ Your Son. Keep my heart pure, Lord.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 95 and 96 - Sing to God In All Circumstances

1 Come, let's sing joyfully to the Lord.
Let's shout happily to the rock of our salvation.
2 Let's come into his presence with a song of thanksgiving.
Let's shout happily to him with psalms.
Psalms 95:1-2 (GW)

1 Sing to the Lord a new song!
Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Sing to the Lord! Praise his name!
Day after day announce that the Lord saves his people.
3 Tell people about his glory.
Tell all the nations about his miracles.
Psalms 96:1-3 (GW)

Reflection of B:

I was supposed to hand in my resignation today, yet I didn't. I didn't feel nice doing it today... I shall wait and see.... I have my letter all prepared.

Hmmn... why? I was so disappointed and angry the last few days with my bosses. Yet today, my heart soften again. Am I such a 'weakling'? I lose my anger easily somehow.

But today's Psalms reminds me to sing to God and to praise Him. Perhaps the Lord wants me to learn to focus on Him instead of on what others did to me. Yes, when I share more about God, I will not look at myself that much. It's a good reminder.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me to praise You and give thanks to You for everything instead of looking at what others did to me. Surely You will bring justice for me and not let others bully me for too long. I commit my bosses to Your hand and pray that You will teach them too to be sensitive and not to humiliate others, especially those who are Your children. Speak to their hearts too, for they are Your children.
Give me another new day and let me rejoice once again in You.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 94 - My Rock in Times of Stress

9 God created ears.
Do you think he can't hear?
He formed eyes.
Do you think he can't see?
10 He disciplines nations.
Do you think he can't punish?
He teaches people.
Do you think he doesn't know anything?
11 The Lord knows that people's thoughts are pointless.

12 O Lord, blessed is the person
whom you discipline and instruct from your teachings.
13 You give him peace and quiet from times of trouble
while a pit is dug to trap wicked people.

14 The Lord will never desert his people
or abandon those who belong to him.
15 The decisions of judges will again become fair,
and everyone whose motives are decent will pursue justice.
Psalms 94:9-15 (GW)

22 The Lord has become my stronghold.
My God has become my rock of refuge.
Psalms 94:22 (GW)

Reflection of B:

I have been extremely stressed by work and on the verge of breaking down. I am praying for God's direction as to what I should do, and when I should hand in my resignation letter. What saddened me is not so much of the work I have to do (5 persons job and twice the working hours), but rather the way the culture of the organization where it does not recognize work done which does not bring in revenue.

The Lord has become my stronghold. My God has become my rock of refuge (v22). He really is tough I am very tired.


Dear Lord,
I am really very tired physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually. Surely this is not what You want to see happening to me. Yet I have joined this organization 'cos I felt Your leading. But now I feel that something isn't right if it robs me of my time with You and with other people close to me. Give me strength, wisdom and grace to bring this matter up to my bosses. May we have an amicable parting in the love of God.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 93 - How the Lord Is Like

4 The Lord above is mighty—
mightier than the sound of raging water,
mightier than the foaming waves of the sea.

5 Your written testimonies are completely reliable.
O Lord, holiness is what makes your house beautiful for days without end.
Psalms 93:4-5 (GW)

Reflection of B:

Sometimes it's hard to describe God to people who have not experienced Him. The above Psalm uses nature to describe God. If You know what "the sound of raging water" and "the foaming waves of the sea" are like, then You can imagine what it means that God is mightier than them. The whole creation is a testimony of our God.

What makes God's house beautiful is His holiness. Imagine a virgin bride who has preserved her purity till the wedding night. Ah... these are imageries that help us understand our holy God.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for painting the picture for us to understand things that are too difficult to comprehend. Through the things we see and know, You have helped us know You a little more. I love You Lord. For You are mighty and holy. Let me be like You in holiness in the way I live my life.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Psalms 91 and 92 - My Invisible Shelter

1 Whoever lives under the shelter of the Most High
will remain in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord,
“{You are} my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
Psalms 91:1-2 (GW)

14 Because you love me, I will rescue you.
I will protect you because you know my name.
15 When you call to me, I will answer you.
I will be with you when you are in trouble.
I will save you and honor you.
16 I will satisfy you with a long life.
I will show you how I will save you.
Psalms 91:14-16 (GW)

12 Righteous people flourish like palm trees
and grow tall like the cedars in Lebanon.
13 They are planted in the Lord's house.
They blossom in our God's courtyards.
14 Even when they are old, they still bear fruit.
They are always healthy and fresh.
15 They make it known that the Lord is decent.
He is my rock.
He is never unfair.
Psalms 92:12-15 (GW)

Reflection of B:

I like the above Psalms as they give me so much assurance and comfort that when we live under the shelter of the almighty God, He will keeps us from harms.

When we love and know God personally, He will....

• rescue us,
• answer our calls,
• honour us,
• give us long life, and
• make us flourish and bear fruit even when we are old

Yes, I need such a reminder in my stressful work to call upon my God.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me of Your word tonight that I should come under Your shadow and take cover from the stress of work. I pray that You will give me strength to do more than I normally could and help me not feel weary. I trust in Your unfailing love Lord.
In Your most wonderful name I pray. Amen.