Psalm 100 9 APRIL 2008
Author Unknown

For the Lord is Good

This is the final psalm exalting the reign of God.

The people take delight in God, v1-2, know that they belong to Him, v3 and worship meaningfully in the temple, v4. The people could do so with ease as they can conclude that they have a good and loving God, v5.


Application:
Most of us have tasted the goodness of God. Take time to worship & give thanks to Him today! Count all your blessings and acknowledge His goodness towards you!




Psalm 99 8 APRIL 2008
Author Unknown

God’s Throne

Psalm 93, 97 and 99 all open with “The Lord reigns”. God’s reign is not limited only to the lives of the believers but His reign is for the whole earth. There are 3 aspects of the Throne of God:

i) God’s Throne is above the nations, v1-3

ii) God’s Throne is a Throne of Justice, v4

iii) God’s Throne is a Throne of Grace, v6-8
We serve a God who forgives and disciplines His people, “O LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds.” Psalm 99:8 (NIV)

Approach the King on His terms! He is holy, v3, 5, 9. “...Be holy, for I am holy...” Lev 11:44

Application:
The royal psalms talks about the reign of God. Is He is the reigning King in your life? Are you living a life of holiness? Any other kind of lifestyle is not acceptable to our Holy God and King of kings!




Psalm 98 7 APRIL 2008
Author Unknown

The Judge Arrives

Psalm 96 & Psalm 98 share several similarities. On an interesting note, Psalm 96:11-13 & Psalm 98:7-9 speaks of a Judge that finally shows up! One of the major laments of many psalmists is that the wicked prosper and seem to get away with their evil ploys as if there were no justice due.

Finally, after a wait, the Lord appears. He is the Bridegroom & the church is His Bride. He will return to receive His Bride some day. When He comes, He will also judge the world. Those who live conscience clear can truly sing and worship while they look forward to the 2nd coming of Jesus.


Application:
If you are facing some form of injustice, be assured that God is in the know and He will arrive!




Psalm 97 6 APRIL 2008
Unknown Author

He is Exalted

Psalm 97 is a call to worship God to both groups of people: the believers / Israel & the whole earth.

The psalmist beckons the whole earth to worship God, v1-7 and saints to rejoice in Him, v8-12.

People who do not know Him would stand amaze at the display of His power, “The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.” Psalm 97:6 (NIV)

As for those who belong to Him, when we see His Name exalted, we rejoice, “Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, O LORD. For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.” Psalm 97:8-9 (NIV)


Application:
Pray that the Lord’s name would be exalted in your spiritual family and among prebelieving friends & family members today.




Psalm 96 5 APRIL 2008
Unknown Author

Worship God all the Earth

While Psalm 95 is a call to God’s people to worship Him, Psalm 96 is a call to the whole earth to worship Him. There are 4 key words in our worship of God (extracted from Warren Wiersbe’s “Be Exultant”) :

i) Sing to the Lord a new song, v1

ii) Praise the Lord! He is great and greatly to be praised, v4

iii) Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, v9

iv) Rejoice – the Lord is coming back, v11-13


Application:
Imagine the day when the whole earth sings, praise, worship & rejoice in Christ! The newspaper headlines credits Jesus for reconciliation & end of wars, bird flu, cancer and AIDS patients are cured, marriages are strong and so on! The hearts of the people are grateful to the Saviour.

Let’s pray that this can become a reality and that God will be worshipped in all the earth.

As His children, we start today in some part of earth, to give to God our songs, praises, worship & rejoicing!









Psalm 95 4 APRIL 2008
Author Unknown

God is Great!

This psalm is a call to believers / Israel to worship God.

V1-3 calls us to sing to the Lord, shout joyfully, give thanks. Such exuberance and joy wells up when we can confess, “For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.” Psalm 95:3 (NIV)

The time of exuberance moves next into a time of reverence and bowing before Him, “for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.” Psalm 95:7a (NIV)

In the time of worship, the psalm affirms that we will hear His voice speaking, only do not be harden to what God has to say, v7b-11.

It’s only when we choose to listen & obey, is the worship of our lives, truly reflective of the worship of our lips and worthy of our great God.


Application:
We worship a great God. How great is your worship to Him? Consistent in walk and talk or is it dependent on how you feel? Focus on His greatness and not your feelings today when you enter His Presence and worship Him.









Psalm 94 3 APRIL 2008
Author Unknown

Facing Injustices

This psalm was likely penned during the rule of the wicked king Manesseh, 2 Kings 21, before the fall of Jerusalem. Instead of being whiney and grumbling incessantly when faced with injustices, the righteous can make 4 responses (points extracted from Warren Wiersbe’s “Be Exultant”)

i) Pray for justice, v1-7

ii) Warn the wicked of their danger, v8-11

iii) Accept God’s discipline, v12-15

iv) Rely on God’s help, v16-23


Application:
What is my typical response to unfairness? To complain & grumble? Choose to respond in a way God desires. Which of the above 4 responses would you like to grow in most at this point in time?




Psalm 93 2 APRIL 2008
By Unknown Levite

Psalm 93, Psalm 95-100 are a series of royal psalms exalting the Sovereign rule of Jehoveh the King.

The Lord Reigns

This Psalm was likely written when the remnant of Jews returned to Judah after the Babylonian captivity. Permission was given for them to return to their homeland, rebuild their temple & nation. While they were doing just that, their progress was interrupted, the builders were attacked. The leaders and the people needed encouragement & the Lord reassured them (points extracted from Warren Wiersbe’s “Be Exultant”) :

i) He reigns supremely, v1-2
ii) He is greater than our circumstances, v3-4
iii) He always keeps His Word, v5



Application:
Let the Lord reassure you today that He is able to help you at all times.




Psalm 92 1 APRIL 2008
Author Unknown

How Are You Fluorishing?

This psalm opens with praise & worship to God, v1-5. The wicked are then compared to grass – flourishing but without permanence, v7. The righteous are compared to the palm tree – flourishing and planted securely in the House of God, bearing fruit & remaining full of life even in old age, v12-14.



Application:
How are you flourishing today? Are you flourishing in the Lord or are you flourishing in the world, caught up with demands of career, socialising and so on?

Pray that the Lord give you wisdom to see where you would want to excel in today. Please Him above all so that He will bless you with permanence beyond temporal achievements.

Psalm 91 31 MARCH 2008
Author Unknown, possibly Moses

Our Divine Covering

This Psalm talks about the special covering of God’s people. They enjoy His protection, v2-13. He delivers & protects His people from traps, attacks, sicknesses, plagues. He even sends His angels to guard & help you.

This covering is conditional. We need to remain in Him. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 (NIV)

The Lord says this when we remain in Him: "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalm 91:14-16 (NIV)


Application:
For some of us, we are enjoying membership privileges. If you are sick or being attacked by problems or are feeling low, know that God protects & delivers you. What is an area that you can trust the Lord in today for His covering?

For others, check... Is God your protection & covering or have you stepped outside that by choosing your own ways? (Eg skip church or cell, secret sins etc) Come back to obeying Him today!




Psalm 90 30 MARCH 2008
By Moses

Lessons of Life

This psalm deals with our regard of life: today we have the breath of life and soon, we are no more, v3-6. Moses then goes on to mention the sin of Israel, possibly referring to the moment where they turned faithless at Kadesh Barnea (Numbers chapter 13 &14) and God’s wrath, v7-11.

Moses’ response to the numerous lessons of life :

(i) When we consider that life is short, pray, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

(ii) When we face difficult times, pray, “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14
(iii) When our works seem fruitless, pray, “establish the work of our hands for us-- yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17b


Application:
Which one of the above 3 prayers speaks to you today? Pray that He will teach you wisdom, satisfy you &





Psalm 89 29 MARCH 2008
By Ethan

When God Covenants

This psalm starts off as a psalm of praise & ends off as a psalm of lament. The Psalmist rejoices over God’s covenant with David, v3-4 and sorrows over how the later generations did not remain faithful to God, v39.

Still, in the face of unfaithfulness, God affirms that He keeps His covenant and will establish the throne of David, v33-37. This fulfilment is found in Christ, who is the King of kings. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11


Application:
God fulfilled this promise to His people over time and generations. Trust in Him. He may take awhile sometimes, but if you are patient, you will see the wonderful work that He will do!




Psalm 88 28 MARCH 2008
By the Sons of Korah

So Dark

This Psalm is not like the rest where writers would have started out dismayed but ended off their writing with a note of hope.

All through, we read about death & darkness v3-6, 10-12, 15, rejection from men v8, 18, sorrow v9, rejection from god v14, drowning v16-17.

At the lowest point in his life, we learn 4 steps of handling dark days (extracted from Warren Wiersebe’s ‘Be Worshipful’):

i) Go to the Lord by faith v1-2
ii) Tell the Lord how you feel v3-9, 15-18
iii) Defend your cause before the Lord v10-12
iv) Pray again v13-14


Application:
Take the first step of going to the Lord today for yourself or someone you know that is going through a difficult time.



Psalm 87 27 MARCH 2008
By the Sons of Korah

The Holy City

This Psalm speaks of God’s love for Zion, the holy city, v1-3 and the joy of the many nationalities that is birthed and residing there, v4-7.

The Psalm must be read in two levels:

i) It is a prophecy that nations will gather and worship in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:1-5)

ii) It is reflective of the heavenly Zion where we have our spiritual citizenship.


Application:
Pray for God to bless Jerusalem with peace.





Psalm 86 26 MARCH 2008
By David

Call on Him Confidently

Once again, David’s in need of God’s help, v14. He prays confidently in this Psalm. The reasons for his confidence stems from knowing that

i) He is the servant of God and he trusts in His Master, v2b, 16

ii) He can count on God, v5-8

iii) God is great, v9-10


Applications:
Like David, you can pray confidently to overcome the difficult situations in your life. Pray in confidence in Him, now!




Psalm 85 25 MARCH 2008
By the Sons of Korah

New Beginnings

This Psalm was written after 70 years of exile in Babylon. The people start to experience the favour of God, v1-3. Pray for a renewed walk with Him, v4-7 and recall lessons learnt in their fall, v8-13.

George H. Morrison said “The victorious Christian life is a series of new beginnings.” Do not stay in the fallen state, arise once more!


Applications:
Are there areas that you need God to bless you with new beginnings again? Trust Him. He is a God of restoration.




Psalm 84 24 MARCH 2008
By the Sons of Korah

Longing for God

This psalm was written by a man who for some reason, could not go to Jerusalem to worship God. As he contemplates the temple, we sense his longing for the Presence of God, v2-4. He then recalls the travel up to Jerusalem. The road up has its struggles, v5-6, but because of the desire to be in God’s house & the strength of God, all will make it and enter His Presence.

“They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.” v7 (NIV)


Application:
How has your time with the Lord been? Do you pause & allow your spirit to yearn for the Lord more than your projects, deadlines, to-do lists, tests, exams, meetings with friends etc? Long for Him today above all else that crowds your life.






Psalm 83 23 MARCH 2008
By Asaph – the Levite

Enemies United

Things could not have looked worse for Israel. Besides being faced with numerous enemies, this Psalm describes a coalition of 10 enemy nations, coming together against Israel, v5.

Asaph prayed for the defeat of Israel’s enemies and in their defeat, may they acknowledge God as the Most High over all the earth, v9-18.


Application:
Have you found yourself in the situation where others gang up against you? Ask God to help you to set the record straight, so that His Name will be exalted.







Psalm 82 22 MARCH 2008
By Asaph – the Levite

God judge the judges

The “gods” (NIV) or “rulers” (NASB) refers to God’s people in a position of influence. Since we are His people, we represent Him on earth & it’s the Lord’s desire that we are just, kind & obey Him.

The judges described here did not judge justly v2, nor were they merciful v3-4 and they walked in defiance to God’s will v5.

Asaph prayed that God will act & be the Judge above all our affairs.


Application:
Some of us might think, this applies only to leaders or adults. Right & wrong. This Psalm applies to all! We all have some form of influence in our lives: Influence over our maids, friends, classmates or perhaps you are a leader in your class, cell etc. How are you pleasing the Great Judge in the way we treat others?




Psalm 81 21 MARCH 2008
By Asaph – the Levite

IF…..

This psalm was likely penned during a Passover celebration cum Feast of the Tabernacle. The experience of deliverance from Egypt, v6-10 and the tragedy of a nation lost, v11-12, were recalled.

"IF my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways,” v13 (NIV)
Victory & blessings are promised, “IF My people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow My ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes!” v14, 16 (NIV)

“IF” speaks of God’s terms. God desires that we listen & obey.


Application:
Is there a thought or teaching that you heard recently?

Have you set your heart to obey? The Lord promises to bless you IF you listen & obey.




Psalm 80 20 MARCH 2008
By Asaph – the Levite

Cause Your Face to Shine Upon Us

Asaph prayed this Psalm after the Northern Kingdom was conquered by the Assyrians (722-21 BC)

The people have sinned against the Lord where once upon a time, they enjoyed tremendous blessings & favour from a fruitful vine, v8-11. Now, God’s face is turned away & the enemy ruled over them, v4-6.

Three times Asaph prayed, “Restore us, O Lord God Almighty; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.” v3, 7, 19


Application:
Have you allowed sin to creep into your life & are now finding a distance in your walk with God?

Repent & pray as Asaph did.




Psalm 79 19 MARCH 2008
By Asaph – the Levite

Sin, Consequences & Cry for Mercy

The pagan nations are triumphant. God’s people are captives and the city and temple are in ruins, v1-4.

God is angry. The kingdom of Judah declined and their forefathers have fallen away from God, v5-8a. The sins accumulated to an extent that God could hold back His wrath no longer.

The psalmist takes the position of the intercessor and pleads for God’s compassion, “may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need.” v8b.


Application:
God is love. He cares for His people and His chosen nation. But repeated rebellion and wilful sin will lead to consequences.

Are you holding on to some stubborn sins that seem too hard to let go? Plea for the mercy of God to forgive you & grant to you a new beginning.





Psalm 78 18 MARCH 2008
By Asaph – the Levite

Teaching the Next Generation

The psalmist warned the people not to imitate their faithless ancestors as he reviewed the history, v1-4.

God desires that the fathers teach their children, v1-8 and not to turn away like the Ephriamites & even the Israelites of old, when God rescued them from Egypt, v9-11. Despite seeing countless miracles of how God delivered them, Israel forgot what God did for them in rescuing them out of Egypt, v12-53 and were unfaithful to God by turning to idols even in the Promised land, v54-64.

Oftentimes, the failures of the people are the failures of the shepherd. Then the Lord found a good shepherd, “He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” Psalm 78:70-72
Application:
David is a man with integrity of heart. He does not lie nor live a double life. How are you doing in the area of integrity? Would you tell a white lie now & then? Your moral failure has great consequences on whether the next generation is stronger or weaker in their walk with God! Choose to be true to Him today!

PSALM 70 10 MARCH 2008
By David

Those who put their trust in God will receive help and deliverance.

“But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation
always say, “Let God be exalted!” Ps 70:4

This psalm is copied almost word for word from Psalm 40:13-17. Thus this Psalm is also a psalm of “remembrance”, to remember God of his mercy and promises.
David is properly facing a similar situations and is reminding himself of the prayers he had made before.

He pleaded and called to God to send help to him quickly, verse 1,5.
He called upon God to shame his enemies, verse 2,3.

There is joy in God’s deliverance for those who trust in Him, verse 4. There is no better help than the help of God. We should look to God for help when in need. Remember who your God is, He is the God that delivers you.

Application:
Those who place their trust in the faithfulness of God will surely be delivered. Are you in a situation where you are helpless now? Where you need God to do something right now? Do you call upon God like David did and ask Him to come quickly to help and to deliver?
Whatever pressing situation you might be in now, turn to the Sovereign God for his saving grace to come.
Cry out to him with desperation, plead of him the way David pleaded and let Him come to your rescue and deliverance.




PSALM 69 9 MARCH 2008
By David

Believe in God who keeps His promises with you.

“The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.” Ps 69:33

David pleaded for God to have mercy and asked God to save him. He was in affliction – troubles or hardship.
He begs God to relieve him from it. We can read about his plight and his desperation for help and relief from verses 1-21.
The judgement of God was being prophesized on those who rejected God. They will not receive his salvation. (V22-29)
David, the Psalmist concludes with joy and praise, in the assurance of God’s help and deliverance from verse 30-33. He knows that his prayers to God will be heard and he has the assurance that God will come to his rescue.
Verse 34-36 is a call to praise God, He will restore Judah and the assure the people of their inheritance in the promised land.

Application:
Are you able to praise God out of the assurance that God will come to you when facing hardship? Often, our confident in God is in what we see. It is not out of faith that we trust in Him. David is able to praise God while going through tough times because he knows that God will save him and grant to him salvation. His hope is in God. You too, can praise God because of who He is not because of what you have seen. DO IT NOW! By committing all your concerns and difficulties to God . Choose to praise Him because you can trust in Him and in His power.





PSALM 68 8 MARCH 2008
By David

A glorious and triumphant praise Song, a song of Victory.

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.” Ps 68:19

This is a psalm to remind us that there is victory in the Lord. This is the last to the series of 4 from Psalm 65 to praise God for his goodness to his people.
Verse 1-18 recounted the numerous victories of God. It tells us about God and what He has done for the people. He is a great God who rules by his name, a gracious God of mercy and compassion who uses his power to relief the troubled and a righteous God who reliefs and delivers the oppressed. It also reminded us of how God led his people from Egypt to the promise land. (V7-10) Through it, God performed many miracles to save the people.
Finally, from verse 19 -31, it was about His Triumphant procession, where God’s temple and kingdom is being established in Israel. It is one of the most victorious and glorious moment. Now that you had understood the background of this psalm, are you able to praise God the way the Psalmist do?

Application:
If God could carry the people through such adversities over and over again till final victory, He could easily carry you and see you through all difficulties. If there are any burdens you are carrying now, turn to God and let Him carries it for you. Give thanks to Him and declare his power as in verse 35.




PSALM 67 7 MARCH 2008
Author unknown

Praise God for His blessings and favours upon us.

“God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.” Ps 67:7

Psalm 67 is the 3rd of the four praise songs from Ps 65 – 68.
This is a song declaring God’s mercy to us where he bless us and cause his face to shine upon us. This chapter begins with a prayer in verse 1& 2, Prayer to God for his blessings and favour. Others who see His blessings and favours upon his people will come to the knowledge of God.

Verse 3-5 The people of God will praise Him for his abundant blessings. And Nations will join in praising God. When God blesses His people, the blessings are evident to all. It can be seen. As in verse 6-7, the effect of God’s blessing is that the land will yield it’s harvest.
There is prosperity when God bless. This is not the works of man but the divine blessing of God. Only God can bring about such great and awesome blessings. We will fear the Lord because we have been blessed by Him and we know He is God. We fear him because we do not want to come out of his blessings for us.

Application:
This is the third day since reading Psalm 65 that we learnt about praising God. Indeed, there is so much for us to praise God. Let’s take a few minutes to praise God for his blessings and favours today. The more you praise Him the more you will enter into his abundant blessings where prosperity and favours will bestow upon you.




PSALM 66 6 MARCH 2008
Author unknown

Praise God for Answered prayers!

“Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” Ps 66:16

This is a thanksgiving Psalm. The Psalmist calls upon all people to praise God here. We could praise God because of who He is. His deeds are awesome and His power is great. He recalled the deliverance of God at the Red Sea as a sign of His mighty saving power. This is recorded in Verse 5-7, where the Lord turned the sea into dry land and led his people to pass through the waters on foot. He is a powerful God.
He continued to praise God in verse 8 -12. Here the psalmist praises God for His protection and for saving his people.
From verse 13, the author enters into personal praise and worship of God after he has called all to praise God. He proclaims of what God has done in verse 16-20.
The psalmist has experience God’s power and blessing in his life. He has been blessed by the mercy of God and is able to tell others about how good God is and what God has done for him.

Application:
How about you? Have you ever turned to God in times of distress and trouble and see God’s deliverance, provision and protection? You too can testify of God’s goodness and power. God will answer to our prayers for help. He is a powerful God. Think about God’s power and who he is. Take a moment to praise Him for his mighty power. Praise Him for all His answered prayers for you. Go and tell someone of how God has answered you.




PSALM 65 5 MARCH 2008
By David

Let’s Praise God For His Power & Goodness

“Praise Awaits you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. Psalms 116:18

Psalm 65 is a praise song and it is the beginning of 4 Psalms of Praise. It is a song of praise of God’s greatness to His people.

David gives God glory for:
Hearing our Prayer
Verse 2
Pardoning our Sin
Verse 3
Satisfying our Souls
Verse 4
Protecting us
Verse 5
Giving Strength
Verse 6
Forming the mountains
Verse 6
Calming the Sea
Verse 7
Making the earth fruitful
Verse 9-13
In other words, verse 2 -4 tell us that God has saved us and redeemed us. Verse 5-7 summarizes for us that God is powerful.
And Verse 9-13 show us that God gives us plenty of good things.

Application:
Ask God to grant you a thankful spirit to praise the Lord. Take a few minutes to praise God.
· Thank God for His salvation. He has pardon your sins and you can enjoy an intimate relationship with God the father.
· Praise God for He is powerful. He is the master of the universe.
· Give thanks for God’s provision, both past and future.

Psalm 77 17 MARCH 2008
By Asaph – The Levite

From Despair to Confidence

In this Psalm, Asaph describes how he moved from despair to confidence knowing that the Lord cares for His people.

Asaph began by praying what troubled him, v1-6, and wondering in his pain if God has left him, v7-9. He reached out his hands and cried out to God, yet could not find the comfort for his heart, v10.

Things took a turn when he decided to shake himself out of his own sorrows, v11-12 by meditating on God’s mighty act of deliverance, where He rescued the Israelites enslaved by the Egyptians, v13-20.

Finally, he realized afresh that the Lord was the Shepherd of Israel, v 20 whom he could trust to work out everything for good.


Application:Are there terrible events happening that causes us despair and disappointment? Will yourself to look up in faith and look back at what God has brought you through. God will work all things out well for you as you put your trust in Him.









Psalm 76 16 MARCH 2008
By Asaph – the Levite

Back to Basics

The background of this psalm is probably God’s judgement on the Assyrian army’s attempted invasion of Judah as recorded in Isaiah 37-38 and 2 Kings 18-19 during the reign of King Hezekiah. Through the spectacular victory over the Assyrians, Asaph shares with us four basic truths about our Jehovah God.

1. God wants us to know Him, v1-3: The people of Judah knew of God’s greatness. When the Assyrian army threatened to attack Jerusalem, the angel of the Lord visited the camp and wiped out 185,000 soldiers.
2. God wants us to trust Him, v4-6: Despite the difficult challenges that King Hezekiah and his prophets faced, they chose to put their faith in God and His Word.
3. God wants us to fear Him, v7-9: When the wrath of God came, the siege over the Assyrian army was over within seconds. God is not only a God of love, but also a consuming fire.
4. God wants us obey Him, v10-12: Having seen the victory that the Lord had given Judah, nations around should be motivated to come and worship the Lord.

Application:
Which of these four basic truths do you struggle with? Come back to the Lord today and renew your covenant before Him.









Psalm 75 15 MARCH 2008
By Asaph – the Levite

Humble yourself in worship

When we worship, we thank God for what He has done. True worship centres on God. Not the feel good kind of feeling for ourselves. Asaph started worship with praising God for who He is, v1!

The wicked were warned about their boasting and arrogance because there is a God who judges the wicked, v2-8.

“As for me, i will declare this forever”, v9 indicates a decision made on the part of Asaph to worship & trust in God for the cutting off of the wicked and the lifting up of the righteous.


Application:
What does worship mean to you? Worship is all about God. Do you have difficulty humbling your heart before God? Ask God to help you worship Him with all your heart, mind and soul today.










Psalm 74 14 MARCH 2008
By Asaph – the Levite

God forgets NOT His covenant

Psalm 74 focuses on the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians.

God seemed to have rejected His chosen people! Why else did God permit a pagan nation to defeat the Jews and destroy their holy city and sacred temple, v1-11?

Asaph chose to remember the works of God in the past, v12-17.

The nation had been defeated and the sacred temple destroyed. But the nation of Israel still has God as their God. God’s covenant had not changed, v18-23.


Application:
In difficult moments, sometimes we get so overwhelmed by negative thoughts that we can forget the goodness of God.

Are you going through tough stages of your life right now?
Pause. Take a moment and start to recollect from the beginning the goodness of God in your life e.g. how you received Christ, how you did well in school for your worst subject…etc









Psalm 73 13 MARCH 2008
By Asaph – the Levite

Can I have the answer please.. God

Doubts crept in when Asaph saw with his eyes of flesh. Is God fair?

Why are the bad people prospering, v4-14? Have I wasted my efforts keeping my heart pure and doing the right things, v13?

Asaph did not stop at questioning God. He went before God to ask God and God revealed the answers to him.

Don’t envy the ungodly and those who live in sin. What seem pleasurable are fantasies that will fade away in time, v18-20. Worldly success and prosperity is transient.


Application:
Have doubts crept in? Is God good? Does He really love me? Then why doesn’t He answer my prayers?

Don’t stop at the questions. Ask Him for answers! Come before God today and present that doubt/question to Him. Ask Him to reveal the answer to you in a manner you best understand.
Make God your refuge.









PSALM 72 12 MARCH 2008
David

Who is the King of Glory?

“All kings will bow down to him and
all nations will serve him.” Ps 72:11

Psalm 72 bring an end to book 2 of psalms. This is a prayer for Solomon, son of David, as he was about to succeed as the next king. Verse one is a prayer of the father to the son who will be his heir to the throne as the next king.
Ps 72: 2 -17 contains a prophecy about a coming kingdom. On one hand, the kingdom being referred to is Solomon’s; on the other, it is referring to the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ. Only the kingdom of Christ is an everlasting kingdom, can there be a kingdom of perfect peace. Christ’s kingdom is a kingdom through which all peoples on earth are blessed.

David’s prophesy goes beyond a prayer for his son, Solomon. It goes into a prophesy for our Messiah, Jesus Christ.
The only kingdom that will reign in righteousness and glory is the kingdom of God.

Application:

Let’s pray for our government and leaders the way David prays for Solomon – to endow the government and leaders with God’s justice and righteousness.
Pray for them that they will come to the knowledge of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus. Bless them with the righteousness of God in all decision making. Make this your daily prayer in this 40 days prayer and fast when you pray for Singapore.









PSALM 71 11 MARCH 2008
Author unknown

God is loving and He will never forsake the one who trust in Him.

“Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare
your marvelous deeds.” Ps 71:17

Psalm 71 is a Prayer for God’s help in old age. The Psalmist initial appealed for God’s was found in verse 1-4. As he prayed to God for help, he confessed in verses 5-8 that the Lord has always been his hope.
After he confessed of his hope in the lord, it is interesting that we can notice that he now continues to appeal to God for help in from verse 9 – 13.
Finally, verse 14 was a declaration of his hope in the Lord, that He has always had hope in God. He could praise God more and more because of this hope.
We know that the author did not speak of an “untested” goodness of God here. He could always hope in the Lord is because God had never fail to rescue him when he needs help. God has delivered him from many life threatening moments too.
With hope being renewed and faith arises, his prayers is turned into thanksgiving.

Application:
Are your heart filled with faith and hope in the Lord? God is good and faithful, He will never disappoint nor forsake those who place their trust in Him. Until you learn to trust Him, you will not experience new hope in Him. The more you trust, the more hope will arise. What is something that God wants you to trust him now? Follow his voice and place your trust in him. You can be filled with joy when there is hope always in the Lord.

PSALM 64 4 MARCH 2008
By David

God Is Your Righteous Judge

“Let the righteous rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!.” Psalm 64:9

People were saying bad things about King David. The things that they said hurt David. They attack David with their tongues and words. They are like arrows and swords that pierce his hearts.
“They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows” Psalm 64:3

In a battle, Arrows and swords were used to kill their enemies. Similarly, the people’s words which David relates as “arrows” and “swords” will hurt your soul or spirit.

David prays to God for protection in verse 1-2. He places his confidence in God’s righteous judgement. God’s righteousness will prevail.

Application:
Have you ever been hurt by words of people? If you have, your soul or spirit could have been wounded. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember them. Release the hurts to the Lord and let Him be your righteous Judge. Do not hold grudges towards these people.





PSALM 63 3 MARCH 2008
By David

All I Want Is You Lord!

“Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.” Psalm 63:3

This was the time when David was in the wilderness of Judah. David fled from Jerusalem and into the wilderness when his son, Absalom, took control of his kingdom,
2 Samuel 15 - 16
Although David is in the Wilderness, his heart is filled with praises and adoration to God. We can see in this chapter that there is a great sense of peace in David’s heart.
David expressed his desire of God in
Ps 63:1-2. He knows how sweet and pleasant it is to be in God.

Imagine that you have to leave your house because someone has taken over by force. You have to leave behind every good things, your property, your wealth, your comfort, etc… In times like this, you can either chose to grumble and be unhappy or
Chose to turn to God and find comfort in Him because he is your all sufficiency.

Application:
Can you identify with David’s situation of being in wilderness where you could be in a situation you least wanted?
How would you have felt? Frustrated, angry, lost, confuse, fearful etc….
Praise and give thanks to God despite being in these sticky situations. God protects you and you will be satisfied in Him. Fix your eyes on Jesus and find joy in Him.




PSALM 62 2 MARCH 2008
By David

Put Your Trust In God At All Times

“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62: 8

In Psalm 62, David commits himself to the Lord when faced assaults by his son who had wanted to dethrone him.

David must be devastated yet he did not allow disappointment to rule in his heart. Instead David placed his confidence in God once again, verses 1 -4.
We can trust God at all times when we place our confident in him.

David finds strength in the Lord when he claims that God is his:
· Rock & Salvation – Vs1
· Fortress & Shelter – Vs 2
· Saftety and Hope - Vs 5


Application:
Do not look to men or material things to meet your needs. Rather look to God and place your trust in Him.
Tell God that you accept his loving kindness. Pour out your hearts to God – verse 8. Do not hide or ignored your emotions, come before God to tell him how you feel.
As you do that, invite God to be your Rock & Salvation, Fortress & Shelter and Saftety & Hope.




PSALM 61 1 MARCH 2008
By David

God Is Your Shelter

“I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings” Psalm 61:4

David, in this Psalm, as in many others, begins with prayers and tears, but ends with songs of praise. Psalm 61 is likely to be written soon after David lost his son, Absalom. Absalom plotted against his father’s throne but his plot failed and he died - 2 Samuel 18:9-15.

Once again, David was deeply distressed and he was shaken. As he prays to God, he was being reminded of what God has been for him, a strong refuge and tower. And he began to long for God’s presence –where there is security and peace.

We can make one observation of David’s prayer to the Lord through Psalms. Quite often, the prayer would start with a depressing or down mood and as David calls onto the Lord and began to proclaim the character of God, his mood changes. Changed from outcast and dejected to being hopeful and confident in the Lord.

Application:
It is perfectly ok to acknowledge how we feel when things aren’t going well. While doing so, we should not allow ourselves to stop there. Most of the time, David did not stop at his depression or discouragement. He would go beyond the feelings of the circumstances to praise God and to declare God’s goodness. There is power in the person God. Learn to profess the character of God everyday, especially when you are facing challenges. Come under His shelter.




PSALM 60 29 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

Final Victory Is In The Lord

“With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.” Psalm 60:12

After many Psalms that were written when David was in distress, Psalm 60 was written after David took throne as King

In this Psalm, David reflects upon the bad state of the nation for many years, Verse 1-3. He prays for the deliverance of the nation in verse 5.

Finally, David saw victories. He had numerous victories. Despite the numerous victories, David continues to pray in Hope. In the day of triumph where they defeat many nations, they see themselves in trouble because they are still at war.

David knows that unless God gave them help in the next battle, they might be defeated. Thus prays David,
“Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.”

Application:
We see the humility of David in his good days. He did not become proud or conceited even when he was wining battle after battle, not by own ability but by the power of God - From the Lord comes deliverance, Psalm 3:8.
Are you in good times or bad times? Whatever it is, do not forget the God of your victories. Speak Hope and blessing of God for the future regardless of how you might feel now.




PSALM 59 28 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

You Can Praise God When Facing Troubles

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” Psalm 59:16

King Saul sent a party of soldiers to David’s house in the night with an order to kill David. It must be a terrifying moment for David. Thankfully, David managed to escape with the help of his family.
1 Samuel 19:11-18 has recorded the event.

David prayed to be delivered from the enemy in verses 1-7. He is in grave danger as the enemy could often return in hope of finding him. (Verse 6) He asks God to take him away from his enemies and make him safe. He pleads to the Lord for deliverance. Once again, we see David placing his confidence in God. He is confident that God will win the fight for him, verses 8 - 13

David know full well who God is, “my strength, my fortress and my loving God” – Ps 59:9. Knowing who God is and being certain of the outcome in God, David could sing praises to God while running for his life.

Application:
We always find it hard to Praise God joyfully whenever we are in distress.
You can praise God when things go wrong.
You can do so by not focusing on what had gone wrong, but rather, focus on who God is – your strength, your fortress and your loving God. Come before Him now to receive a personal assurance from Him.





PSALM 58 27 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

God is your Judge

Then men will say, “ Surely the righteous
still are rewarded; surely there is a God
who judges the earth.” Psalm 58:11

In this chapter, David’s prayer is to God the Supreme Judge. There is corruption of the judicial power from the days of Saul to the end of the monarchy. Even when David was enthroned as King of Israel, he still has to face troubles caused by the corrupt system.

Accusation against the wicked judges was made in verse 1-5. Their mouth, hands and hearts were filled with injustice, Ps 58:1-2.
These injustices were brought before God in prayers.

There was assurance that David has in God that He will surely judge. Psalm 58: 9-11.
Finally, when God had judged, the whole earth will see the righteousness of God rules.

Application:
Are there any unfair or unjust treatments that are receiving? Go to God to be your Judge. Leave the matter to Him. Do not use your own ways to get back your justice. Do not take revenge. Do not repay injustice with injustice. Surrender it to God.
Or have you done any injustice to people around you knowingly or unknowingly? Ask God for forgiveness. Pray to bless these people.





PSALM 57 26 FEBRUARY 2008
By David

Fixed Your Heart To Trust God

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed” Psalm 57:1

David had fled and hid in the cave. This prayer was birthed out of the cave where David was hiding. From Psalms 54 – 57, David was fleeing from Saul’s attached and pursuit. 3 chapters later, David is still in the run for his life. Yet, he did not give up his hope in God. This is clearly demonstrated in Ps 57. David asked God for help in verse 1-5. He asked to be gracious and merciful. David continues to pray to God to deliverance.

Psalm 57 has two parts: verses 1-5 and verses 6-11. Both end with the words “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” (Ps 57:5, 11). First part is about David’s complain of the enemy and prayers to God. Yet this is not without his assurance in God that God will help. David’s faith in God increased in second part where he praises God for his saving help.

Application:
In life, there are times where we will feel we are being cornered by the same struggle or fear. And we just want a way out. Sometimes we lost our hope in God when we have yet to see His saving grace. Is there any situation you are facing that is causing your hope to grow weary over time? Do not loose heart. Fix your heart to trust God and to praise God today.