Pastor YC "Psalm 136: Lord of All"

v1-9 (The God of Creation)
PS 136:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
PS 136:2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
PS 136:3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
PS 136:4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
PS 136:5 who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
PS 136:6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
PS 136:7 who made the great lights-- His love endures forever.
PS 136:8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
PS 136:9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.



v10-22 (The God of Nations)

PS 136:10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever.
PS 136:11 and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever.
PS 136:12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.
PS 136:13 to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever.
PS 136:14 and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever.
PS 136:15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever.
PS 136:16 to him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever.
PS 136:17 who struck down great kings, His love endures forever.
PS 136:18 and killed mighty kings--His love endures forever.
PS 136:19 Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever.
PS 136:20 and Og king of Bashan-- His love endures forever.
PS 136:21 and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever.
PS 136:22 an inheritance to his servant Israel; His love endures forever.



v23-26 (The God of You and Me)
PS 136:23 to the One who remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever.
PS 136:24 and freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever.
PS 136:25 and who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.
PS 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.



God is not just high and mighty, aloof and distant. He is also personal and caring.


The greatest God of all, choosing to dwell in us - what a privilege!

Psalm 136

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.

5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.

6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.

7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.

8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.

9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.

11 and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.

12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.

13 to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.

14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.

15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.

16 to him who led his people through the desert,
His love endures forever.

17 who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.

18 and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.

19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.

20 and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.

21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.

22 an inheritance to his servant Israel;
His love endures forever.

23 to the One who remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.

24 and freed us from our enemies,
His love endures forever.

25 and who gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

It is true. God's love endures forever! Though God is the great creator of the sun and the moon, God's love for us can also be demonstrated very practically, sometimes even in miraculous fashion. Just look at the nation of Israel.

From Psalm 136:10-22, it was recorded how the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt where they were enslaved. He parted the Red Sea, did miracles for the Israelites in the desert, and even drove out great kings and gave His people land - all this despite them worshipping the golden calf, complaining and grumbling against Moses.

The Lord's LOVE for Israel is really AMAZING.

The Lord reminds me of China - which just had a massive earthquake in Sichuan. Right now, my heart just melts when I hear about the number of children trapped under collapsed buildings. To make matters worse, many of their parents only have 1 child each - due to the one-child policy. And according to reports, the death toll has hit 22,000 (with another 20,000+ or so missing).



The Lord had shown mercy on the Israelites, as mentioned in Psalm 136. I'm sure He loves the Chinese people in Sichuan too. I really pray for the Lord to turn the situation around and perhaps, the underground churches in China will rise up and gain acceptance from the government. After all, He is concerned with our needs - He gives food to every creature (v25).


Things to ponder
1. Pray for the rescue efforts to continue - so that more lives can be saved. Every single life count!
2. Pray for the government to also take care of the 5 million people who were left homeless because of the quake.
3. Pray for the churches in China to be united and rise up to be a blessing to the government.
4. Pray for the gospel to be shared in the nation, especially when the hearts of the people are open.

Psalm 135

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise the name of the LORD;
praise him, you servants of the LORD,

2 you who minister in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God.

3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.

4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob to be his own,
Israel to be his treasured possession.

5 I know that the LORD is great,
that our Lord is greater than all gods.

6 The LORD does whatever pleases him,
in the heavens and on the earth,
in the seas and all their depths.

7 He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth;
he sends lightning with the rain
and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

8 He struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
the firstborn of men and animals.

9 He sent his signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt,
against Pharaoh and all his servants.

10 He struck down many nations
and killed mighty kings-

11 Sihon king of the Amorites,
Og king of Bashan
and all the kings of Canaan-

12 and he gave their land as an inheritance,
an inheritance to his people Israel.

13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever,
your renown, O LORD, through all generations.

14 For the LORD will vindicate his people
and have compassion on his servants.

15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.

16 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but they cannot see;

17 they have ears, but cannot hear,
nor is there breath in their mouths.

18 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.

19 O house of Israel, praise the LORD;
O house of Aaron, praise the LORD;

20 O house of Levi, praise the LORD;
you who fear him, praise the LORD.

21 Praise be to the LORD from Zion,
to him who dwells in Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD.

Seriously, I wasn't feeling too good these few days. My heart really goes out to the people of Myanmar. Because of Cyclone Nargis, it is estimated that a hundred thousand people have perished. 1.5 million people are in danger of diseases and starvation. To make matters worse, the local government refuses to accept foreign aid.

Like what Pastor Melvyn shared, the local goverment is almost like committing crime against humanity.

Psalm 135:5-12 tells us that the Lord is great. He can do anything that pleases Him. And obviously, He has the power to strike down nations and kings (governments in today's context) -v10.


Not just being great, Psalm 135:3 reminds us that the Lord is good. I have no idea why the cyclone had to hit Myanmar. But what I do pray now is that the Myanmar government somehow be open and allow foreign aid to reach the people of Myanmar. (Perhaps the Lord can change the key leaders of the government?)


Things to ponder
1. Pray for the Myanmar government to be open to receive foreign aid.
2. Pray for the Myanmar churches to unite and help those in need right now.
3. Pray for the people of Myanmar to be open to the gospels.

Psalm 134

A song of ascents.

1 Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD
who minister by night in the house of the LORD.

2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the LORD.

3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion.

Last Sunday, Pastor Tommy Tenney preached about having favor with God. His point was simple - since we all need favors, we might as well ask God to show us favors instead of asking man. I mean, if we have God on our side, who or what can stand against us?

And according to his study of the Bible, one key thing that can help us gain favor from God is that we put on garments of praise. Give our best to praise God, even when we don't feel like it.

Psalm 134 may be short, but it does reminds us to praise God (perhaps even if it's at night and we don't feel like it).


I've been bothered and burdened by quite a number of things recently. On some days at home, I really found it hard to praise God. But at least, when I'm in church, I usually give my best even when I feel down. My prayer is that I can praise God even when I'm not in church.


Things to ponder
1. Praise God - what does this phrase means to you personally?
2. What is 3 things you can praise God for?
3. Pray a prayer of praise to Jesus now.

Psalm 133

A song of ascents. Of David.

1 How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!

2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.

3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

It is clear that from Psalm 133, one of the things that really pleases the Lord is that the spiritual family lives in harmony, and the cell members love one another.

In this fallen world, the devil constantly tries to create differences between brothers. And these differences can come in many different forms. It could be being envious of one another. Or it could be being competitive doing ministry.

But when we walk in agreement with one another, the devil has to flee. And the Lord is extremely pleased.


This quarter, I really want to make it a point to be a blessing to my cell brothers. Lord, lift me up when I fall short. Help me to learn to depend on them too.


Things to ponder
1. Rate your cell group's level of unity - 1 to 10 (10 means the most).
2. What are some reasons why the cell group is not as united as you would like to be?
3. What are you going to do about it?
4. Pray for your cell group to be united in one heart one spirit, aligned to your cell leader and the church leadership.

Pastor YC "Psalm 132: Pursuit of the God-Pursuer"

David the "God-Chaser"

PS 132:1 O LORD, remember David and all the hardships he endured.
PS 132:2 He swore an oath to the LORD and made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
PS 132:3 "I will not enter my house or go to my bed--
PS 132:4 I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids,
PS 132:5 till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."
PS 132:6 We heard it in Ephrathah, we came upon it in the fields of Jaar:
PS 132:7 "Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool--
PS 132:8 arise, O LORD, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.
PS 132:9 May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy."
PS 132:10 For the sake of David your servant, do not reject your anointed one.

God the "David-Chaser"

PS 132:11 The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke: "One of your own descendants I will place on your throne--PS 132:12 if your sons keep my covenant
and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever."
PS 132:13 For the LORD has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling:
PS 132:14 "This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it--
PS 132:15 I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor will I satisfy with food.
PS 132:16 I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints will ever sing for joy.
PS 132:17 "Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one.
PS 132:18 I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown on his head will be resplendent."

Psalm 132

A song of ascents.

1 O LORD, remember David
and all the hardships he endured.

2 He swore an oath to the LORD
and made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:

3 "I will not enter my house
or go to my bed-

4 I will allow no sleep to my eyes,
no slumber to my eyelids,

5 till I find a place for the LORD,
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."

6 We heard it in Ephrathah,
we came upon it in the fields of Jaar:

7 "Let us go to his dwelling place;
let us worship at his footstool-

8 arise, O LORD, and come to your resting place,
you and the ark of your might.

9 May your priests be clothed with righteousness;
may your saints sing for joy."

10 For the sake of David your servant,
do not reject your anointed one.

11 The LORD swore an oath to David,
a sure oath that he will not revoke:
"One of your own descendants
I will place on your throne-

12 if your sons keep my covenant
and the statutes I teach them,
then their sons will sit
on your throne for ever and ever."

13 For the LORD has chosen Zion,
he has desired it for his dwelling:

14 "This is my resting place for ever and ever;
here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it-

15 I will bless her with abundant provisions;
her poor will I satisfy with food.

16 I will clothe her priests with salvation,
and her saints will ever sing for joy.

17 "Here I will make a horn grow for David
and set up a lamp for my anointed one.

18 I will clothe his enemies with shame,
but the crown on his head will be resplendent."

I'm really amazed at what David said in v3-5. He made an oath before the Lord (I believe oaths were taken very seriously during his time) that he will not rest until he has found a place for the Lord.

Many of us, when physically tired, just want to rest, and forget all about God. When I'm exhausted, I would lay aside my bible, my guitar (used to worship God), my journal, etc. But David's heart was really for God. He chose to bless God at his own expense.

During GDOP 2008, Pastor Edmund Chan said that the church of this century has to love God with all our hearts (somewhat similar to David) - Deuteronomy 6:5 "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." What a word released!!

However, many of us (myself included of course) can't do it. Pastor Edumund said that there are 4 reasons. Some of us may have Primal Wounds - I'm hurt. Some of us may have the Cynicism of Mind - I doubt. Some of us may have the Paralysis of Will - I can't. Finally, some of us have Overcrowding of Soul - I'm too busy.


As I reflected, it seems that I have all four of the things mentioned. Lord, help me overcome all the "I hurt, I doubt, I can't and I'm too busy". Help me to be more like David, to love you with everything I have.


Things to ponder
1. Which of the four things mentioned above spoke to you the most? Why?
2. Pray for yourself to have a heart of change. So that you can love God with everything you have.

Pastor YC "Psalm 131: The Warrior is a Child"

PS 131:1 My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.
PS 131:2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

PS 131:3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.

On the outside: Wise and mighty men on great exploits.
On the inside: Calm in the eye of the storm - a child with his mum.

Dear Lord, whenever my soul frets, remind me again that I am but a little child taking on things that you have prepared for me long before, so that by walking the road, I may learn to put my hope in you.

Teach me that I will never get all excited over the great exploits and have eyes only for my achievements and talents. Instead let me look to the Giver of all gifts.

Warrior is a Child by Twila Paris

Lately I've been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I'm amazing
Strong beyond my years
But they don't see inside of me
I'm hiding all the tears

(Chorus)

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armour
The warrior is a child

Unafraid because his armour is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I'm amazing
Never face retreat
But they don't see the enemies
That lay me at His feet

Chorus x2

I drop my sword and look up for His smile
Because deep inside this armour
Deep inside this armour
Deep inside this armour
The Warrior is a Child

Psalm 131

A song of ascents. Of David.

1 My heart is not proud, O LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.

2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.

Today's psalm is really timely. Pastor Tommy Tenney had just reminded us that we have to hunger for God in our lives. And Psalm 131 talks about how we need to humble ourselves and come to the Lord like a little child.

Christianity is not about a religion. It's about having a personal relationship with God. We need not always go for accomplishing big and spectacular stuff for Him. Often we just need to come before Him, quieten our souls and seek Him. He will give us the spectacular stuff and results, according to His timing. We need not worry.

Pastor Tommy's point was that the emptiness in our souls can only be filled up by God. Career, family, relationships, studies, and even ministry can't.


Recently, I've been very busy in school, preparing for wedding, church activities, etc. I really need to focus back on God and have a hunger for Him. I need to learn to lay aside all the great and wonderful matters. O Lord, help me.


Things to ponder
1. How hungry are you for God in your life right now? Rate yourself 1 to 10 (10 means very).
2. What are some things that cause you not able to still and quieten down your soul?
3. Pray and be hungry for God. Remember, only He can fill your emptiness. Bring all your empty jars to Him right now.

Pastor YC "Psalm 130: Fear the Only One Who Can Forgive..."

PS 130:3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
PS 130:4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.

What an amazing thought! "Fear Him who forgives".

One would think that we fear those who do not forgive. But to fear "him who forgives"?

• "Fear him who does not forgive" - the understanding is that evil reigns. We live in fear. Don't offend the big & powerful bully who does not forgive.
• "Fear him who forgives" - a good God reigns in world of evil. Because of evil, we will all die. But God alone forgives and grants us life. Therefore we fear Him because we need his mercy and favour.

What a blessing! We do not live in a world where the Ultimate Authority is unforgiving, but we can have favour with the One who is merciful!

PS 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
PS 130:6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Psalm 130

A song of ascents.

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;

2 O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared.

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.

6 My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.

8 He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.

"Waiting" is not a word commonly associated with modern-day man. Most of us dislike waiting. We want results out fast, especially when it seems that time is a precious commodity these days.

However, in Psalm 130:5-6, it is described that the psalmist actually waited for the Lord. Maybe he is waiting for the Lord to fill him with His love yet again. Maybe he is waiting for the Lord to assure him that all of his sins have been forgiven. Maybe he is waiting for the Lord to deliver him from the hands of his enemies. Maybe...

Actually, it perhaps doesn't matter what situation it is. We, Christians need to know that God is our heavenly Father, and He dotes on us. Hence, in every situation, if we seek Him sincerely as we wait upon Him, He will answer us.

Let's put our hope in His word. His word that says in Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."


I had to trust God and waited almost two full days before the church venue of my wedding was confirmed. Dawn and I prayed and He answered. He is really faithful. And through this waiting phase, I learned to put my trust in God and leave Him to pave the way for me. God is really good!!


Things to ponder
1. When was the last time you waited for God to answer a prayer of yours? Did you try to over-do things using your own strength? What was the result?
2. Spend some time before the Lord during QT and wait for His presence to fill you. You can do some worship first.

Pastor YC "Psalm 129: Prayer for Deliverance and Judgment"

PS 129:1 They have greatly oppressed me from my youth--let Israel say--
PS 129:2 they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me.

Just how oppressed were the Israelites?

PS 129:3 Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long.

Imagine long furrows ploughed down our back!

Well honestly I have not come near to this kind of experience. People may have poked me here and there but nobody has ploughed long furrows down my back.

PS 129:4 But the LORD is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.

Lord, remove the work of the darkness far away from my life!

Psalm 129

A song of ascents.

1 They have greatly oppressed me from my youth—
let Israel say-

2 they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,
but they have not gained the victory over me.

3 Plowmen have plowed my back
and made their furrows long.

4 But the LORD is righteous;
he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.

5 May all who hate Zion
be turned back in shame.

6 May they be like grass on the roof,
which withers before it can grow;

7 with it the reaper cannot fill his hands,
nor the one who gathers fill his arms.

8 May those who pass by not say,
"The blessing of the LORD be upon you;
we bless you in the name of the LORD."

Ever since the time of Jesus, the church has always been under constant persecution. Almost all of the 12 disciples of Jesus died a martyr's death. They were beheaded, crucified, crucified upside down and speared. This webpage shows quite a complete listing.


Even in recent times, the persecution of the church goes on in some parts of the world. Brother Yun, who was from China, suffered intense persecution because of his faith in Jesus. In his book "The Heavenly Man", he wrote

In my home area of Nanyang, believers were crucified on the walls of their churches for not denying Christ. ... One pastor was bound and attached to a long rope. The authorities, enraged that the man of God would not deny his faith, used a makeshift crane to lift him high into the air. Before hundreds of witnesses who had come to accuse him solely of being a "counter revolutionary," [Public interrogation and punishment built the public fear needed for government control] the pastor was asked on last time if he would recant. He shouted back, "No! I will never deny the Lord who saved me!" The rope was released and the pastor crashed to the ground below. (Page 21)

Despite all the things that the devil has done against the church, the church continues to grow and was never eliminated. Just like what the psalmist wfrote in Psalm 129:1-4. There's no way the church will be destroyed.

It is because we have a great and mighty God!


I really have to be more outward-looking. I have never been on a mission trip. I have not seen what it's like to believe in Jesus in other nations. Lord, give me a chance to go and serve another nation. Then I would be able to appreciate what I have in Singapore way much better.


Things to ponder
1. Do you feel persecuted in school or in your family because of you faith? If so, in what ways?
2. Pray and ask God to help Christians who are currently persecuted. You can search the internet to find out more.
3. Pray and ask God to give you a heart to serve the nations. Ask for an opportunity to go on a mission trip.

Pastor YC "Psalm 128: Man Who Fears God"

What happens when one fears God?

PS 128:1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.

PS 128:2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
PS 128:3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.

The metaphor of the fruitfulness of the vine extends, not only to the bearing of children, but also to everything the wife contributes to the welfare of family

Olives are long-lived with a life expectancy of 500 years. The trees are also tenacious, easily sprouting back even when chopped to the ground.

PS 128:4 Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.
PS 128:5 May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,
PS 128:6 and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.

I've never actually imagined how it would be like to "see my children's children" until today. Sure it tells of one's longetivity. But also I guess, as a parent, I can understand it to be the ultimate indicator and milestone of one's parenting journey - to see my children becoming established and mature till the point that they begin to raise their own children.


In a sense, that must be the indicator that "I've made it!"


:) How will Elsie's and Anna's kids look like? :p