My Daily Bible Reading

Surprised by Richard's email recently:

> I notice you haven't posted a daily meditation in a while.
> I know I never visited frequently, but sometimes I found
> something of interest or inspiration.


My reply:

> No. I am still doing it almost daily, as I am following the Bible Reading
> schedule found in the Bible Explorer (BE). I record all my thoughts in the
> document in the BE after each reading. I will post them on the website when
> I can find time to do so.
>
> Thanks for asking.


My Thoughts:

Sometimes I do missed my Bible reading for a few days due to my work. But I will catch up as I have a Bible Reading calendar in the Bible Explorer software. I will be posting my devotion soon over the weekend.

Thank God for friends who care and are concern for me. It's good to know that I may be out of sight but not out of mind. May God be with them always.

Thanks, Richard! :D

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 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 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.