Psalm 32

1 Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the man
whose sin the LORD does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Selah

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD "—
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you
while you may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise,
they will not reach him.

7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.

9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.

10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him.

11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!

I'm pretty sure many of us understand what the pslamist mentioned in verses 3 to 4.

When we sin against the Lord, the first reaction is always like what Adam and Eve did. It's to hide away from God (as if God doesn't know...). I myself have done this so many times. I felt like I was too ashamed to face God, and chose to hide.

As a result, there weren't any peace in my heart. The feelings of guilt caused me to become depressed, exactly like what the psalmist described.

But our God knows that this is a fallen world and all of us have fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23). His rescue plan for us was to send Jesus, His one and only son to pay for our sins. And hence, when we acknowledged and confessed our sins before God, He will forgive us. Isn't that what is written in Psalm 32:5?

Actually one of the things we can do to deter us from sinning is to get under cover. That means we account regularly to our spiritual leaders our sins and our lives. Then they can guide us. After all, our leaders are godly people that God placed over us and they represent God in a sense.

Personally, I account to my cell leader once a month. I try to be as transparent as possible, so that I can be under my leader's covering. I pray that I will continue to do it with a cheerful spirit, instead of viewing it just like a routine or task.


Things to ponder
1. Do you account to your cell leader regularly? Rate yourself from 1 to 10 (10 means the best!).
2. What are two things that prevent you from being transparent with your cell leader?
3. With regards to being more accountable, what is one thing you would do different in this year of Sabbath?
4. Pray and commit to the Lord. Have a desire to be under the cover of your leader.

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 32

Psalm 31

1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.

2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.

3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

4 Free me from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.

5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols;
I trust in the LORD.

7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
for you saw my affliction
and knew the anguish of my soul.

8 You have not handed me over to the enemy
but have set my feet in a spacious place.

9 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
my soul and my body with grief.

10 My life is consumed by anguish
and my years by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction,
and my bones grow weak.

11 Because of all my enemies,
I am the utter contempt of my neighbors;
I am a dread to my friends—
those who see me on the street flee from me.

12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead;
I have become like broken pottery.

13 For I hear the slander of many;
there is terror on every side;
they conspire against me
and plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God."

15 My times are in your hands;
deliver me from my enemies
and from those who pursue me.

16 Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.

17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD,
for I have cried out to you;
but let the wicked be put to shame
and lie silent in the grave.

18 Let their lying lips be silenced,
for with pride and contempt
they speak arrogantly against the righteous.

19 How great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you,
which you bestow in the sight of men
on those who take refuge in you.

20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from the intrigues of men;
in your dwelling you keep them safe
from accusing tongues.

21 Praise be to the LORD,
for he showed his wonderful love to me
when I was in a besieged city.

22 In my alarm I said,
"I am cut off from your sight!"
Yet you heard my cry for mercy
when I called to you for help.

23 Love the LORD, all his saints!
The LORD preserves the faithful,
but the proud he pays back in full.

24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD.

From verses 7 to 13, the psalmist began to pour out his troubles and worries to the Lord. It really sounded quite depressive.

However, as we read on, the psalmist took a abrupt change at verse 14. He chose to trust God, despite all his negative circumstances. Verse 16a spoke to me the most.

"Let your face shine on your servant;"

What exactly did the psalmist mean by letting God's face shine upon him?

Personally, here's what I felt that the Lord is speaking to me. Letting God's face shine upon me means something like the goodness, blessings and favour of God overflows in my life tremendously. And people around me will have no choice, but to acknowledge that God is real.

I'm not there yet, but I believe I'm walking towards it. Today, one of my colleagues commented that I seemed to be able to handle students like a seasoned teacher (when I am actually just a beginning teacher). I know that it's God who's working in me and through me. I pray that I will continue to have more favour with God.


Things to ponder
1. Use one word to describe your present relationship with God.
2. Do people around you see Jesus in you? Give a rating of 1 to 10 (10 means the best!).
3. What is one thing that prevents you from having favour with God?
4. Pray and commit to the Lord right away.

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 31

Psalm 30

1 I will exalt you, O LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.

3 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave;
you spared me from going down into the pit.

4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.

5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 When I felt secure, I said,
"I will never be shaken."

7 O LORD, when you favored me,
you made my mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.

8 To you, O LORD, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:

9 "What gain is there in my destruction,
in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help."

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

God's love for us is simply amazing. He loves us even before we love him. Throughout the psalm, I felt that the psalmist was reminding that God's love for us is everlasting. Even the worst of situations will eventually pass, and God's goodness will be revealed.

Just look at verses 11 to 12. God will turn our wailing to dancing; remove our sackcloth and cloth us with joy.

I used to think that God will change the negative circumstances in our lives, and then we will feel joyful about it.

But the Holy Spirit showed me how wrong I was when I heard about Nick Vujicic's testimony.

God may or may not change our negative circumstances. But if we believe in Him and trust Him, our perspectives of the same thing can be changed. And hence, our despair and wailing will be turn into joy. Joy in the Lord.

I recalled that at the age of 19, when I was unable to obtain any overseas scholarship (despite getting almost perfect score in my 'A' levels), I was a bitter man. I was emotionally down and I felt that it was unfair.

After I received Christ a few years later, I still didn't get any overseas scholarship. But my whole perspective changed. I began to understand that God had a plan for me. He wanted to break my pride so that I can accept Him into my life. God had turned my wailing into dancing. All glory to God!


Things to ponder
1. On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your joy level today.
2. What are some things that are robbing your joy away? Name two.
3. What are some new perspectives that God is showing you with regards to the two things mentioned?
4. Pray and thank God for all He has done.

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 30

Psalm 29

1 Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.

4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the LORD strikes
with flashes of lightning.

8 The voice of the LORD shakes the desert;
the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"

10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as King forever.

11 The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.

The psalmist started the psalm by reminding us that our God is almighty. He has power and authority over every people, every nation.

But not just that, our God is also in control over all the "floods" in our lives (verse 10b). God allows difficult circumstances in our lives so that our characters can be molded to be more like Him.

When we enthrone Him in our lives, He promises us strength & peace.

These few days, I had not enjoyed much peace. There were many things that happened, ranging from ministry, school work & family. My prayer today is the serenity prayer. Lord, I enthrone You.

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Things to ponder
1. On the average, how much peace do you experience in your daily life? Are you always flustered, agitated? Give a rating of 1 to 10 (10 means most peaceful!).
2. What are the things that causes you NOT to have peace? Give 2 specific examples.
3. Pray and ask commit these things to the Lord. Enthrone Jesus in your heart.

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 29

More on Psalm 27...

Today, the whole youth service came together and read Psalm 27 during church service.

Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with verses 13 and 14.

13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.

14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

Just a day ago, I received news that one of my secondary school classmates, Eugene (not his real name) suffered a relapse. He was found to have cancer of the blood a few years. Thankfully, he was able to overcome the illness at that time.

Until now.

And so it happens that Eugene had a very good friend, Jason (not his real name again). I was in the same class as the two of them when I was Sec. 3 and Sec. 4.

Jason had passed away about 4 years ago. Cancer of the blood as well.

I really asked God "Why?". Eugene and Jason are both of the same age as me. Good academic results. Good people. Good characters.

My heart was really heavy today when I went for Youth Service. When I read Psalm 27, it gave me great comfort. Though I still don't have an answer as to why things had to happen to Eugene and Jason, I believed that I will eventually see the goodness of God in this fallen world, and not just tragedies. I just need to wait.

Life can be unpredictable. The only constant we have is God. Shouldn't we give all that we have to worship Him?


There's something practical you can do for Eugene. If you're between 17 - 50 years old and are reasonably healthy, do go down and register yourself as a Bone Marrow donor. You just need to give a small amount of blood to be checked and fill up a simple form. Find out more at this website: The Bone Marrow Donor Programme. You can save lives.

Psalm 28

1 To you I call, O LORD my Rock;
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.

2 Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.

3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,
with those who do evil,
who speak cordially with their neighbors
but harbor malice in their hearts.

4 Repay them for their deeds
and for their evil work;
repay them for what their hands have done
and bring back upon them what they deserve.

5 Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD
and what his hands have done,
he will tear them down
and never build them up again.

6 Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.

8 The LORD is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;
be their shepherd and carry them forever.

From the psalm, we are reminded of a category of people that God really dislikes - those "who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their heart" (verse 3).

While we may appear to be speaking nicely and peacefully with the people around us, are there times that we harbor ill-intentions? Perhaps it can be a feeling that I want to out-do you. Or maybe feelings of jealousy and envy.

Do we put on masks when we talk to people? Are we sincere in our words? Are we truthful when we speak?



More importantly, are our conversations consistent with our Christian faith?

This year, one of the church's focus is INTEGRATION. Are our lives (including words) integrated with our faith? If we truly believe in Jesus, let our words be always truthful.

Proverbs 12:22 " The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful."


I'm definitely guilty. There had been so many times that the words that I used to speak to people didn't agree with what my heart was feeling. Today, my prayer to God is that I will say what I mean and mean what I say.


Things to ponder
1. How truthful are you in terms of your conversations with others? Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 mean most truthful!).
2. Give one or two examples of situations whereby you weren't truthful in your conversations.
3. Pray and ask God for forgiveness. Pray also that you will change and say what you mean and mean what you say.

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 28

Psalm 27

NASB Version

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread?

2 When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,
My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

3 Though a host encamp against me,
My heart will not fear;
Though war arise against me,
In spite of this I shall be confident.

4 One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD
And to meditate in His temple.

5 For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;
In the secret place of His tent He will hide me;
He will lift me up on a rock.

6 And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,
And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice,
And be gracious to me and answer me.

8 When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You,
"Your face, O LORD, I shall seek."

9 Do not hide Your face from me,
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not abandon me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation!

10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
But the LORD will take me up.

11 Teach me Your way, O LORD,
And lead me in a level path
Because of my foes.

12 Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries,
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.

13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.

14 Wait for the LORD;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the LORD.

As we read the psalm, we can't help but conclude that the psalmist, David was really a man after God's own heart. How else could he make the statement in verse 4? "One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple."

The fallen world that we live in right now is filled with too many distractions. Career, financial wealth, the Internet, studies, MMOGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Games like Maple Story and World of Warcraft), etc.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that all the above-mentioned things are no good. Some of the things are actually important - like studies. But what is the one main thing that we seek?

If we call ourselves Christians, then the one thing must be God. Any other answer would make us liars. Hypocrites.

So serious?

Yes. I'm sure of it. In Revelations 3:15-16, God said this to the church of Laodicea "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

Personally, I think I've tried my best to live out my Christian faith. Yes, there were times that I was distracted (God, please forgive me). But I don't think that I'm a lukewarm Christian. I've served Him faithfully for the past 3 years. I've obeyed my spiritual leaders. Of course, there are still many areas for me to improve. I'm still WIP (Work in Progress).


Things to ponder
1. What are two things that often distract you from seeking God wholeheartedly?
2. With regards to the things mentioned in the previous question, what are you going to do differently this year so as to overcome these distractions?
3. Pray and commit to the Lord right now!

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 27

Psalm 26

1 Vindicate me, O LORD,
for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the LORD
without wavering.

2 Test me, O LORD, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;

3 for your love is ever before me,
and I walk continually in your truth.

4 I do not sit with deceitful men,
nor do I consort with hypocrites;

5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers
and refuse to sit with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands in innocence,
and go about your altar, O LORD,

7 proclaiming aloud your praise
and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

8 I love the house where you live, O LORD,
the place where your glory dwells.

9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
my life with bloodthirsty men,

10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,
whose right hands are full of bribes.

11 But I lead a blameless life;
redeem me and be merciful to me.

12 My feet stand on level ground;
in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.

David, the psalmist, started the psalm with such confidence. He actually asked God to check out and examine his life, his heart, his mind and his walk. He believed that God will be pleased with him. How many of us dare to be like David and asked God of the same thing?

Actually, to be honest, the more we read the Bible, the more we will find flaws in ourselves. The Bible is like a mirror. It reveals who we really are. And it reminds us of how far we are away from God's idea of perfection.

Hence, how could David claim that he was blameless? I think it's because of his close relationship with God. His heart's desire was to love God and glorify Him. Even though he might have committed sins, he knew that God's forgiveness was always there. He knew, without a doubt. He trusted and relied on God.

David put his whole weight onto the Lord.

It's been more than twenty days into the Year of Sabbath. I've been consistent in the reading of psalms daily. And as I read, I began to realise what a wretched and sinful man I am in this world. The character flaws that I have (for example, talking uncessarily, slandering, self-centeredness) have been revealed to me more and more.

I want to learn from David. I want to put all of my weight onto the Lord. All the sins. All the burdens. All the worries.

O'Lord, take it all.


Things to ponder
1. How faithful have you been in reading psalms since the start of the year? Rate yourself from 1 to 10 (10 being the best!).
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you some of your character flaws. Go for at least 2 and elaborate on each of them.
3. Pray and ask God to forgive you of your flaws. Pray also and ask God to help you overcome these flaws. Look to Him and rely on Him 100%!

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 26

Psalm 25

1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;

2 in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.

3 No one whose hope is in you
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.

4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;

5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.

6 Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.

7 Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you are good, O LORD.

8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.

10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
for those who keep the demands of his covenant.

11 For the sake of your name, O LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

12 Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ?
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.

13 He will spend his days in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.

14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.

15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied;
free me from my anguish.

18 Look upon my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.

19 See how my enemies have increased
and how fiercely they hate me!

20 Guard my life and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.

21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope is in you.

22 Redeem Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!

The verses that speak to me most are verses 6 to 7.

Verse 6 is like the plea of the psalmist to God to show him His love and mercy. And that this love and mercy had never changed since the whole of creation. We know that God's love for us is everlasting. He is always faithful, and we are the ones who can sometimes be faithless.

Verse 7 is like another plea. It's the psalmist's prayer to God to forgive him of his past sins and rebellious ways. He hoped that God would lessen his afflictions and sufferings. Perhaps he has sinned big-time against God.


Somehow, the Holy Spirit just reminded me that even while I wasn't a Christian, I can still sin against God. And it's really by God's grace that all these sins have been forgiven. At the cross, the price of every past sin, present sin and future sin has been paid for by the blood of Jesus.

Sins of my youth (before I receive Christ)
1. In my anger, I had used many many vulgarities at my recruits when I was a Basic Military Training (BMT) instructor. Often, I scolded them for no good reasons.

2. I took my family for granted and was often rude and impatient to them. I would lose my temper easily, and couldn't get along well with my sister and father.

3. I even watched pornographic stuff, ranging from R(A) to triple X. These images have been stuck with me for really quite some time, even though I have stopped sinning in this area many years ago.

Dear God, remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD.

Things to ponder
1. What are some sins that you have committed, before you believe in Jesus or before you were serious about God? Name 2 and elaborate a few sentences each (they can be sins that you are still struggling with even now).
2. Pray and ask God to forgive you of your past sins and rebellious ways. And pray a prayer receiving God's forgiveness because of what Jesus had done at the cross.

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 25

Psalm 24

1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.

3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?
Who may stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.

5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.

8 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.

10 Who is he, this King of glory?
The LORD Almighty—
he is the King of glory.
Selah

The first verse of this psalm is really a humble statement. The psalmist acknowledges that everything belongs to God. Man like us cannot claim ownership to the things that we have.

When I come to the conclusion that God is the Giver and Provider of all, I stop striving to earn as much money as possible. I just do my best right where I am in school, and God will give me whatever I need. His blessings will come - as stated in verse 5.

But to receive the blessings, the psalmist also mentioned a few conditions in verse 4.

1. We need to have clean hands.
I think this is talking about deeds. Are we doing things that please God?

2. We need to have pure hearts.
In the Bible, hearts often refers to the mind, soul and spirit. I think having "pure hearts" means we're always thinking and contemplating about things that please God.

3. We should not put our faith in things that are false.
Are we putting our confidence in the things of the world - like career, studies, even ministry? Our confidence should be in the Lord. Always.

4. We should not make false promises.
Do we often promise before man or before God, and yet fail to deliver the promises?


Personally, I think I struggle the most with having a clean heart. Many times, whether I'm driving, teaching or doing other things, I sometimes find myself having negative emotions - like anger, jealousy, prideful spirit, etc. Today I pray that to the Lord that my heart will always be clean, just like what Apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:8.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. "

There's this song called Give Us Clean Hands by Chris Tomlin. It totally talks about Psalm 24.




Things to ponder
1. Out of the 4 conditions mentioned, rate yourself from 1 to 10 (10 being the best!).
2. Which is the one with the lowest rating? Elaborate why you think it's the lowest.
3. Pray and ask God to give you the breakthrough that you need in the above-mentioned item.

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection

Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

If there's ever going to be a most popular psalm of the Bible award, I'm quite sure Psalm 23 will be a strong contender. Personally, I've read Psalm 23 when I was a young Christian, and even got to memorize it by heart.

It's really a beautiful psalm.

As I read Psalm 23,the thing that struck me most is how God will always meet the needs in us.

Verse 2 talks about physical needs like food & peace in our hearts.
Verse 3 talks about restoration of soul & direction in life.
Verse 4 talks about direction even in the most dangerous and difficult of situations & God will give us the comfort that we need.

The conclusion is that for a person who truly follow and love God, goodness and love will him all the days of his life. He will bring about blessings to everyone around him.

My own personal application is to commit my career to the Lord. Lately, it seems that there are many things happening in the school. And I have much more responsibilities than before. I really need God to guide me and give me direction.


Things to ponder
1. What is one need in your life that you want God to satisfy? You can choose from the list of needs shown above.
2. Out of a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best!), what would you rate yourself in terms of being a blessing to the friends around you? Why?
3. 2. Out of a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best!), what do you think your friends would rate you in terms of being a blessing? Why?
4. Pray and ask God to meet your real needs. And also pray & ask God that Psalm 23:6 comes true in your life.

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 23

Psalm 22

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?

2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, and am not silent.

3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the praise of Israel.

4 In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.

5 They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.

6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by men and despised by the people.

7 All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads:

8 "He trusts in the LORD;
let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him."

9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you
even at my mother's breast.

10 From birth I was cast upon you;
from my mother's womb you have been my God.

11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.

12 Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.

13 Roaring lions tearing their prey
open their mouths wide against me.

14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
it has melted away within me.

15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
you lay me in the dust of death.

16 Dogs have surrounded me;
a band of evil men has encircled me,
they have pierced my hands and my feet.

17 I can count all my bones;
people stare and gloat over me.

18 They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.

19 But you, O LORD, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.

20 Deliver my life from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dogs.

21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;
save me from the horns of the wild oxen.

22 I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the congregation I will praise you.

23 You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!

24 For he has not despised or disdained
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.

25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows.

26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
they who seek the LORD will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!

27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,

28 for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.

29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.

30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.

31 They will proclaim his righteousness
to a people yet unborn—
for he has done it.

From verses 1 to 18, we can tell that the psalmist, David was probably at his wit's end. He even felt that God has abandoned him.

Actually, the situation was very similiar when Jesus was hung on the cross. He said the same thing just before He died, as written in Matthew 27:45 "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?".

But as Psalm 22 continues, it is simply amazing. David declared that God's deliverance for him will surely come. And not just that. Everyone will bow down in worship before Him, and He will rule over the nations (verse 27).


Today, I just came back from a short cell retreat with my cell leader, Wai Mun and my cell brothers. One of the things that Wai Mun shared was that as we do the things that pleases God, He will not shortchange us. One of the things that always bothers me is my family salvation. I sometimes wonder if I should spend less time in ministry and more time at home.

God's answer to me was clearly no. I just need to trust Him and continue serving Him faithfully. Psalm 22:27 will happen. My family will be one of those that will worship God. They will be saved.


Things to ponder
1. Do you have any family members who are pre-believers? List them down here. If you don't have, you can list down the names of 3 pre-believer friends.
2. What is one thing you can do differently this year so that the people you have listed down will come to know Jesus?
3. Pray a prayer to claim the promise of Psalm 22:27 for them. That they too will be saved.

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 22

Psalm 21

1 O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength.
How great is his joy in the victories you give!

2 You have granted him the desire of his heart
and have not withheld the request of his lips.
Selah

3 You welcomed him with rich blessings
and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.

4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—
length of days, for ever and ever.

5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;
you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

6 Surely you have granted him eternal blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

7 For the king trusts in the LORD;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.

8 Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies;
your right hand will seize your foes.

9 At the time of your appearing
you will make them like a fiery furnace.
In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up,
and his fire will consume them.

10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
their posterity from mankind.

11 Though they plot evil against you
and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed;

12 for you will make them turn their backs
when you aim at them with drawn bow.

13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength;
we will sing and praise your might.

In verse 2, the psalmist, David talked about how God blessed him and granted him the desires of his heart. He really received a lot from the Lord, as we can see from the subsequent verses.

The question is: does that mean that God always answer our prayers immediately?
I really don't think so. There are at least 2 reasons.

Firstly, many of us pray for things to satisfy our self-centred desires. When we ask God of something, we did not ask with the right motives. James 4:3 says it all: "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."

Secondly, God wants to mold our characters as we pray. He wants us to learn to press on and persevere in prayers for the things deep in our hearts. As seen in Romans 5:3-4, sufferings produces perseverance, perseverance produces character and character hope.

I remember there was a time whereby I pray fervently and ask God to help me keep a particular relationship going. However, it seems that the more I pray, things just became worse. In the end, the relationship was gone. As I reflect on this, I realised that I prayed for the relationship because of my own selfish motives. Hence, God didn't answer my prayers.

To sum it up, we need to desire things that the Lord Himself desires. Let our desires coincide with His will.


Things to ponder
1. What are some things that you really desire and have been praying for it for some time?
2. Stop and ask the Holy Spirit why your prayers are not answered? Is it because of wrong motives? Or because God wants you to grow in perseverance.
3. Pray a prayer and ask God to give you a heart that coincides with His will.

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 21

Psalm 20

1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.

3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
Selah

4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.

5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.

6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.

9 O LORD, save the king!
Answer us when we call!

I think it was 2 years ago. I could still remember quite clearly. At the Sanctification Weekend, Pastor Hee Guan preached from Psalm 20. He focused on verse 7.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

I felt that the Holy Spirit spoke to me so much on that night. I was deeply ministered. Now as I read this verse again, I am as amazed as before, at the depth of its meaning.

At the time of the psalmist, chariots and horses represent military might. Obviously if you have many chariots at that time, you will feel powerful and in control. You will be able to defeat your enemies and conquer much land.

In the present day context, what do the horses and chariots represent?

I believe that they represent not just military might. They represent things that make you feel that you are in control.


For instance, to the working adults, horses and chariots can refer to their career or financial wealth. They put all their energy into climbing the corporate ladder and to accumulate money. When they achieve a reasonable level of success, they feel that they are in control, and they can have anything they want.

Another example, to the youths, horses and chariots can refer to the Internet. Whenever they are in the online world, they feel so much in control. Applications that can make them feel this way include MSN (they can choose the people they want to talk to), Maple Story or World of Warcraft (they can become super-high level characters), Friendster or Facebook (they can add all their friends), etc. Even the World Wide Web makes them feel like information is just so readily available. They can find anything, as and when they want.

I'm not saying that we should not aim high in our career (please do) nor am I saying that we should not use the Internet (this blog is on the Internet..). I'm saying that we must not put our complete trust in them. Because they are things that will not last. You may be retrenched. You may become bankrupt. Internet connection can be down. Who knows?

But we can trust in the name of the Lord, our God! He lasts. He was, He is and He is to come.

Personally, I know that I've been trusting God with more parts of my life now than in the past. One of the breakthroughs is my finances. I always give to the Lord faithfully and to others generously (usually). I just surrender all my finances to the Lord, and He always blessed me with more (like increasing my salary when I didn't expect it).

Trusting and surrendering always come together. One area I need to learn to trust God and surrender more is my family salvation.


Things to ponder
1. Out of 100%, how many percent of your life have you surrendered to the Lord?
2. Are there things in your life that you have placed too much trust in? Like studies, friends, computer games, etc. List them down here.
3. Are there areas in your life that you have difficulties surrendering? List them down too.
4. Pray and commit to walk the journey of trusting God and surrendering to Him every area of your life.


Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are my Rock and Savior. You will always be there for me, no matter what happens. I pray that every day, I will learn to trust You more, and have the Holy Spirit to guide me every moment of my life. Lord, I know that I still struggle with commiting my family salvation into Your hands. Today, I make a decision of surrendering it into Your mighty hands and trust that You will give the breakthrough. I just need to be a good testimony in my own family. Thank You, God. In Jesus' name, I pray and put all my trust in You. Amen!

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 20

Psalm 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.

4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.

11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

If we want any evidence that our God is awesome, our God is omnipotent (all-powerful), we just need to look at the skies at night. The stars. The constellations. As the psalmist put it in verse 1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."


In order for us to enjoy the lives that He has blessed us with, God has given us certain boundaries. His laws, statutes, percepts, commands and ordinances are meant to protect us from our sinful nature. It is to benefit us, and not to harm us.

And the psalmist goes on to say that at times, we may unknowingly sin against God. That's why he asked God to forgive his hidden faults in verse 12. The other scenario is that we sin against God on purpose and willfully, to satisfy our sinful desires, mentioned in verse 13.

There were so many times that I struggle with my eyes. Whenever an attractive lady or a scantily-dressed lady walked past me, there's always this reaction to take a second look. It's really my old nature. When I'm alert spiritually, I would forcefully turn my head away. When I'm not, I would find myself commiting the sin of lust of the eyes.

Whether is it sinning on purpose or otherwise, it's still a sin. I have to come back to the cross. To confess, repent and seek forgiveness.


Things to Ponder
1. Have you been sinning against the Lord recently (doesn't matter is it purposely or not purposely)? List the sins down. If not, talk to your cell leader.
2. Pray and ask God to reveal to you your hidden sins right now. Confess and repent before Him.
3. Pray Psalm 19: 14, that the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing in God's eyes.


Dear God, I thank You for all the laws, commandments and boundaries that You have placed around us. I know that they are meant to protect us and to bless us. I confess before You that there are times that I committed the lust of the eyes. Lord, please forgive me. Help me be strong spiritually, and that I will not fall into such sins again. Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be always pleasing before You. Thank You, Lord. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sins, so that I may be forgiven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen!

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 19

Psalm 18

1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.

2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.

4 The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.

5 The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.

6 In my distress I called to the LORD;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.

7 The earth trembled and quaked,
and the foundations of the mountains shook;
they trembled because he was angry.

8 Smoke rose from his nostrils;
consuming fire came from his mouth,
burning coals blazed out of it.

9 He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet.

10 He mounted the cherubim and flew;
he soared on the wings of the wind.

11 He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—
the dark rain clouds of the sky.

12 Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,
with hailstones and bolts of lightning.

13 The LORD thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.

14 He shot his arrows and scattered the enemies ,
great bolts of lightning and routed them.

15 The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, O LORD,
at the blast of breath from your nostrils.

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.

17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.

18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.

19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

20 The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.

21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD;
I have not done evil by turning from my God.

22 All his laws are before me;
I have not turned away from his decrees.

23 I have been blameless before him
and have kept myself from sin.

24 The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness,
according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
to the blameless you show yourself blameless,

26 to the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.

27 You save the humble
but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.

29 With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.

30 As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in him.

31 For who is God besides the LORD ?
And who is the Rock except our God?

32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.

33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.

34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

35 You give me your shield of victory,
and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great.

36 You broaden the path beneath me,
so that my ankles do not turn.

37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
I did not turn back till they were destroyed.

38 I crushed them so that they could not rise;
they fell beneath my feet.

39 You armed me with strength for battle;
you made my adversaries bow at my feet.

40 You made my enemies turn their backs in flight,
and I destroyed my foes.

41 They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—
to the LORD, but he did not answer.

42 I beat them as fine as dust borne on the wind;
I poured them out like mud in the streets.

43 You have delivered me from the attacks of the people;
you have made me the head of nations;
people I did not know are subject to me.

44 As soon as they hear me, they obey me;
foreigners cringe before me.

45 They all lose heart;
they come trembling from their strongholds.

46 The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock!
Exalted be God my Savior!

47 He is the God who avenges me,
who subdues nations under me,

48 who saves me from my enemies.
You exalted me above my foes;
from violent men you rescued me.

49 Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD;
I will sing praises to your name.

50 He gives his king great victories;
he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed,
to David and his descendants forever.

This psalm was written by David when the Lord delivered him from the hands of his enemies and Saul. Hence, it is a thanksgiving to God. David attributed his victory wholly to the Lord. All glory to God, and none to himself.

David has demonstrated what many of us nowdays lack - thankfulness.

Last year, one of FCBC's main focus was "Always be Thankful". This is indeed an attitude that we should carry with us all the days of our lives, and not just in 2007. Hence, I started having a thanksgiving list at the side of my personal blog.

But I realised that I had not maintained it well. I had not updated my thanksgivings recently. I'm going to update it once every 2 weeks in 2008. Please hold me accountable to my words.

Another thing about Psalm 18 was the different names that David used to address God. Among them are:
1. God is my rock.
2. God is my fortress.
3. God is my deliverer.
4. God is my shield.
5. God is the horn of my salvation.
6. God is my stronghold.
7. God is my support.
8. God is my Savior.


For myself, the name that meant to me the most is "God is my rock". I believe that this is also of significance because David mentioned it 4 times in Psalm 18. 4 times!

Why Rock? Because in bad times, I need a big and stable rock to give me support and strength. Even if I do fall down, I can stand up by holding on to the rock. When my grandpa was sick in 2007, God supported me like a rock.

Why Rock? Because in good times, I need a big and stable rock to lean on so that I can be steadfast in whatever I do. Rock always reminds me of steadfastness. Now things are generally stable, but hanging on to God as my rock gives me steadfastness in all that I do. Steady Bom Bi Bi! Bi Bi Bom Steady!!


Things to Ponder
1. Are there victories in your life that you've forgotten to thank God? List them out.
2. Which name that David used to address God in Psalm 18 speaks to you most? Why?
3. Pray a prayer of thanksgiving for a) the name that God speaks to you the most; b) the things that you've not thank God for yet.


Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me victories in my life. I know that whatever that I possess today - family, friends, relationships, finances, career, are things that You've blessed me with, by Your grace. And I thank You that You truly are my rock, who always support me in times of need, and make me steadfast in times of prosperity. In Jesus' name, I give thanks to You. Amen!

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 18

Psalm 17

1 Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea;
listen to my cry.
Give ear to my prayer—
it does not rise from deceitful lips.

2 May my vindication come from you;
may your eyes see what is right.

3 Though you probe my heart and examine me at night,
though you test me, you will find nothing;
I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.

4 As for the deeds of men—
by the word of your lips
I have kept myself
from the ways of the violent.

5 My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.

6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.

7 Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings

9 from the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.

10 They close up their callous hearts,
and their mouths speak with arrogance.

11 They have tracked me down, they now surround me,
with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.

12 They are like a lion hungry for prey,
like a great lion crouching in cover.

13 Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down;
rescue me from the wicked by your sword.

14 O LORD, by your hand save me from such men,
from men of this world whose reward is in this life.
You still the hunger of those you cherish;
their sons have plenty,
and they store up wealth for their children.

15 And I—in righteousness I will see your face;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

Just like many of the psalms written by David, you could feel the sense of desperation in him. From verses 9 - 12, it's like David was surrounded by his enemies and there was no way out. They were ready to take his life.

David began to pray the words of Psalm 17. At the start of the psalm, David was confident that God would answer his prayer. He was confident that God will find him righteous (indeed he is known to be a man after God's heart).

But I felt that the Holy Spirit ask me to look upon verse 8 deeper, especially its first part.

"Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings"


Apple of the eye generally means someone who is favoured.

He is reminding me that when I truly take God seriously, just like David did, God will favour me in every area of my life.

Is it true? Well, I should think so. Many wealthy people are Christians. I think material wealth is one way of God showing His favour on His people.

Of course, it doesn't mean that if you're not wealthy, then God doesn't favour you. I believe that God will favour those who love Him in many different ways - be it academic results, health, giftings, etc. The response should always be a thankful spirit.

For myself, I really thank God for His favour all this while. For instance, by His grace, I got my first-class honours in NUS. And now, I have good working relationships with my colleagues in school. God also blessed me materially - my salary increased quite a few times within the span of 1 year in 2007! Really thank God for His favour.


Things to ponder
1. Can you think of one or two situations in your life that God has shown you special favour?
2. Are there situations that you would wish that God's favour be upon you right now?
3. Remember that we must first learn to be like David, and be after God's heart. Decide to separate your mind from the world and Delight to saturate your spirit with God's Word. And His favour will surely go with you. Make this prayer now.


Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me favour all this while. I know that one of the reasons is because I take You seriously, since the days in NUS. I pray that I will continue to take you seriously, and learn to take even more delight in spending time with You. I also pray that You will continue to show me favour in the school, by Your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen!

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 17

Psalm 16

1 Keep me safe, O God,
for in you I take refuge.

2 I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing."

3 As for the saints who are in the land,
they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.

4 The sorrows of those will increase
who run after other gods.
I will not pour out their libations of blood
or take up their names on my lips.

5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;
you have made my lot secure.

6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.

7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.

8 I have set the LORD always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,

10 because you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

11 You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

In this time and age, how many of us can truly say to God "You are my Lord, apart from You I have no good thing." (verse 2)?

This seemingly simple statement encompasses really deep meanings. To me, the most important and obvious one is that to have a close personal relationship with God is far more crucial than any other thing that we could possibly have - including family, money, friends, life partner, etc.

I honestly do think that I can say this statement with 100% conviction. There were times that I struggle in terms of surrendering things dear to my heart to the Lord. But I do know that I'm walking towards it. Now, I have learnt to surrender more things to Him than in the past.

And when we come to terms with verse 2, tremendous blessings will flow into our lives, as mentioned by the psalmist from verse 5 - 11.

One of the things mentioned is "contentment". It's when we recognize that God is the giver of everything, and that whatever things we have is of the right amount and degree. (Yes, we can always ask God to bless us with more, but the key is to be satisfied even if God don't give) Then gladness of heart and joy will overflow in our lives.


Sadly, one of the reasons why there are so many wars is that there are people who are dissatisfied with what they already possess, especially in terms of geographical space. Nations invade nations to gain more land and resources. They are not satisfied with their portion, lot and boundary lines. They just want more.

Personally, I'm really thankful for the things that God has blessed me with, be it family, ministry, relationship, career and financial resources. I'm very contented at this point actually, except for one thing. I've been called up for reservist. That is an area whereby I need to learn to be contented about and thank God for it.


Things to ponder
1. How satisfied are you with the overall state of your life at the present moment? Give a rating from 1 to 10 (10 is very satisfied).
2. What are one or two areas of your life that you feel dissatisfied about?
3. Pray and thank God for what you already have. Pray and ask for more in the areas you feel dissatisfied about, but remember not to feel resentful if this prayer is not answered. God will surely have reasons if that happens.


Dear Heavenly Father, truly apart from You, I have no good thing. Every blessing in my life originated from You. Thank You for giving me so much. Lord, I pray that I would continue to desire to have intimacy with You every day of my life, more than any other thing. And Lord, I know that I am weak and can be easily distracted. Help me to always stay focused on You. Help me to be always thankful in every situation in my life - including my reservist call up. Thank You Father. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen!

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 16

Psalm 15

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart

3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,

4 who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,

5 who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.

This psalm is really reminding us of the kind of person that God will draw close to and allow to dwell in His sanctuary (verse 1). If we want to have an intimate relationship with God, we must strive to do the following.

1. Speaks the truth from our hearts, no lies, no facade (verse 2).
2. Don't slander others with words (verse 3a).
3. Don't do wrong to the people around us (verse 3b).
4. Don't mix so much with people who are wicked or godless (verse 4a).
5. Honors those who love God (verse 4b).
6. Keeps our promises even if they hurt (verse 4c).
7. Lend our money to others generously with no strings attached (verse 5a).
8. Don't accept bribes from the powerful and conspire against the innocent (verse 5b).


Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that if we make a mistake in any of the above, then God will not forgive us. Because of His grace, He will always forgive us if we confess and repent.

What I'm saying is that we should try our best to do the things mentioned. God sees our hearts. If He knows that we've given our best, He will surely bless us with His presence. And because of that, God will be our rock, and we will never be shaken by the world!

If I were to give myself a rating of 1 to 10 (10 means really good) for each of the 8 things mentioned above, I will give myself the following ratings:
1. (7)
2. (6)
3. (8)
4. (8)
5. (8)
6. (7)
7. (9)
8. (9)


Things to ponder
1. Do the same thing as I did. Reflect your life and rate each of the 8 things mentioned 1 to 10.
2. Choose the one with the lowest score and elaborate why it's the lowest.
3. Pray a prayer of commitment of this weakness to the Lord and ask Him for help. Confess and repent if need to.


Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace which allows me to draw close to You and have a personal relationship with You. I know that I'm filled with many imperfections. The thing I struggle most with is speaking bad or gossiping about others. Lord, I repent of sins and ask for Your forgiveness. Help me to stand up against it. I really want to be in Your sanctuary and be someone who won't be shaken by circumstances. In Jesus' name I ask and pray. Amen!

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 15