Psalm 119: 89 - 176 (1st June) - Kelvin

This portion of Psalm consists of entries from 12 people, mainly about the Law of the Lord. Honestly, I do not know who they are. Nevertheless, their words bring forth prophesies and the laws of the Lord to me in a renewed way. In my own way, I am going to summarise the understanding that I conceived from the various individuals:

Lamedh – Everything from the Lord endures forever. His faithfulness, His creation and His laws are within His command. The perfect things in this world all have limits but the commands of the Lord transcends everything on this earth.

Mem – The emphasis is the Law of the Lord. It makes you who read wiser than anyone who does not. Believe it or not, you can be wiser than teachers, elders or those above you in your careers if you read it with your heart. The words of the Law are better than honey if you never depart from it. Obey them and you will find every wrong path detestable.

Nun - The Lord’s word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. It is a joy to keep to His decrees even though the evil ones want to stop us from doing so. Sometimes, you may have put your life in your own hands but always remember to follow the law of the Lord.

Samekh – Love the law of the Lord and stop being Lukewarm! The Lord is where you can seek shelter and comfort in times when evildoers went rampaging around you. The Lord will know whether we have taken His decrees or not, for He knows the deceit in our hearts.

Ayin – Even as you love the law of the Lord, ask Him for discernment so that you can really receive something and not read in vain. Only those who are close to the law of the Lord dare to ask abundantly and unashamely because they have caught the heart of the Lord.

Pe – We ought to weep each time when we do not obey the Lord’s decree. The law of God brings light into every corner of our lives. It makes those who love it pant and thirst for more understanding. The Lord is merciful to those who love Him. When we are oppressed by men because of following His commands, the Lord will redeem us.

Tsadhe – The law of the Lord is forever right, it has no flaws nor is it questionable. It becomes our sole happiness when we are facing difficulty in life. You can be poor and hated by the world but so long as you do not forget the law of the Lord, you are priceless in His sight. The Lord’s promises never become empty.

Qoph – Cry out to the Lord when you are in distress, for He is near to you and those who devised wicked schemes are far from His law. The law of the Lord is true since the day it was established.

Resh – The Lord can preserve your life when you obey His decrees. He will deliver you from your suffering too.

Sin and Shin – Praise the Lord seven days a week, rejoice in His laws and have the fear of the Lord in your heart. Peace will follow you wherever you are when you follow His law. The Lord knows you inside out.

Taw – A prayer that we ought to say everyday. Simple and remindful to us each day as we live our lives.

2 Chronicles 1, 1 Kings 3 - 4, Psalm 72 (31st May) - Weiling

Psalm 72
There are only two psalms attributed or credited to Solomon. They are Ps 127 (shared yesterday by Vivien) and Ps 72.

However, it is not very clear if the “Of Solomon” of Ps 72 means it is by him or by King David as a prayer for his son because it ends of with v.20 “This concludes the prayers of David, the son of Jesse”. It is likely it is the latter.

It is a prayer to God for the king to be just and righteous and to have a special heart for the afflicted and needy. Indeed, special mention is given twice to the “afflicted” and “needy” in v.4 and v.12-14; for the king to save and defend them. It is important for a leader to have compassion for and not forget those who are weak. Let’s pray for the leaders and rulers over us to have that.

King David also prayed for Solomon’s legacy, that he will “endure as long as the sun” (v.5) and that people will pray and bless him (v.15). He also prayed for his name to “endure forever” and that “all nations will be blessed through him” (v.17). David also prayed for the greatness of his kingdom (v.8-11; 16).

However, some scholars have also said that v.2-17 is actually a prophecy of the kingdom of Christ.

2 Chron 1; 1 King 3&4
You will realize that as you read 2 Chron 1 and 1 King 3, that they are similar.
Both speak of God appearing to Solomon in a dream and asking him “Ask for whatever you want me to give you”.

What a million-dollar question!! Pause for awhile now and ask yourself, what would YOU ask? Don’t attempt to give the “correct” answer or a textbook answer; what is your truthful answer? I think our answer would reveal what is in our hearts, what our desires are, what the priorities in our lives are. For many of us, we would probably ask for something for ourselves.

Solomon truly had a heart of wanting to serve the people he was leading. He put them before himself. He asked for wisdom and knowledge that he may govern God’s people well. No wonder it pleased God so much to give him everything else! Solomon was wise and had wealth and honour that no kings before or after him ever had.

We see in 1 King 3:16-28 a demonstration of King Solomon’s wisdom and discernment. He was able to know the heart of a mother and this enabled to judge and rule justly and wisely. He knew a mother’s heart was always for the welfare of the child and not her own. This is love.

1 King 4
In this chapter, we discover from Solomon’s daily provision that he led a very grand life. There was much prosperity and peace. The twelve district officers provided and made sure that nothing was lacking. He also had fame and wisdom with “men of all nations” (v.34) coming to listen to him. God answered David’s prayer for Solomon. God gave Solomon what He promised him in his dream.

Psalm 119: 1 - 88 (30th May) - Pamelia

This is one of the longest psalm in the Bible. It tells us about the Word of God. Almost every verse refers to the Word, or the law or commands or judgments or the promises or the ways of God.

God promises to bless those who do what He commands. He will also bless those who obey His laws and walk in His ways. No matter how young we are, we too can live a pure life if only we obey the Word of God. We must obey God simply because He is God! But of course it is much better to obey Him because we love Him.

The psalmist prayed for life and light so that he could know and understand God’s wonderful word. The whole Bible contains many wonderful things and we should pray that the Lord will open our minds so that we can understand better.

Again, the writer asked God for life. He confessed his own ways and asked for strength to do God’s will and he promised to follow God’s laws. He also asked the Lord to teach him to keep him from shame and sin.

Next he asked the Lord for mercy so that he answer his enemies. He asked for the Word of truth to be convicted in him. If we love the Lord, it is easy to speak about Him! When the world laughs at us, we can turn to God for joy because nevertheless we have kept His commands. Singing praises to the Lord will lighten our Spirit and give us hope in God again!

1 Kings 1 - 2, Psalm 37, 71, 94 (29th May) - Joshua

Name your son Solomon and He will be wise!

What a nonsensical claim! But that name and wisdom are synonymous through time. So much so that even non christians know that. But we know that wisdom is neither mythical or exclusive through the beginnings of Solomon's Kingship.

Little is written about the Solomon and David's relationship, but I believe their lives together played an important role of Solomon's formative years. From the commissioning and conduct of Solomon (1 Kings 1-2) to the Psalms of david (particularly 37, 71 & 94). We can see the intertwine of their lives. Father instructing son. Son follows instructions. For sure, Solomon takes after His father. Like any good Hebrew father, I can imagine Solomon, as a young prince, spending time in the courts of his father. David cajoling Solomon to confess his first crush. Teaching him the gentleman's way to treat a hebrew maiden. Hours sweating, iron blades clashing, David coaches his son the ways of the sword. Mornings on the breakfast table, debating about the rise in iron prices in Gath, the politics and wars in Egypt. David singing psalms 94, telling solomon the dramatic story of his days of wilderness under the evening jerusalem twilight. I may be exaggerating. But if you read psalm 37 and imagine David saying those words to Solomon. You'll get my point. - Wisdom starts from God and is cultivated.

Solomon asked - I'm writing beyond my reading. Read 1 Kings 3:7-9. Solomon realizes that human wisdom, be it gifted since young, taught by his father, or self-learnt - has a limit (v7-8) Asking for something means acknowledging your lack. Wisdom comes to the "gifted" few because they asked perhaps? Humbling yourself and ask of God will open you to ways you've never seen.

Solomon listened - Psalm 71:17 "Since my youth, O God, you have taught me.." Not only is Wisdom given by God to those who lacks it. It is taught and trained. Again and Again. Till we listen and internalise it. Psalm 94:12 encourages us to see discipline as a blessing. "Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law." In our youth, listening every week's sermon, to the words of our spiritual parents will reap a harvest of life in due time. If God said His word doesn't return to His Father void, but accomplishes what it was sent out for, (see Isaiah 55:11), doesn't take give us a motivation to endure? This week in prayer, God spoke into my life, that when your life is about someone else, you'll see God provide. David who survived countless grieves and murder attempts, sees God's promise and provision true when He sees his son Solomon rise up to be King. Take heart. For those who sow in tears will reap in Joy.

Solomon obeyed - We read Solomon's statements and story in the printed words of the bible. But Solomon is far from just a man of words. His actions was shown immediately upon his commissioning. He discerned evil and eradicate it without apprehension (read 1 Kings 2:22-46), even up against the demands of his mother! His wise ruling was testament in 1 Kings 3. He was a man who not only listened to instructions but follows them. Completely.

We all long to be regarded as a man or woman of wisdom. But the wise people of the bible is marked by humility, brokeness, hard work, discipline, endurance. So much more that we can only come before God like Solomon did, and admit our insufficiency and surrendering our lives for His purpose. As recipients of His word, let us lay hold of the promise that God will accomplish what He desire and achieve the purpose for which He sent His word (Isaiah 55:11). Let us regard less of our appearance but our endurance. We and our children will be wise when we ask of God, listen and obey.

Psalms 111 - 118 (28th May) - Sylvia

The psalmist sings praises to our Lord for His love and mercy, His grace, righteousness and compassion and faithfulness to the people. He also shows God's special heart for the poor and needy, blessing them and protecting them, providing for them. God will strike the wicked and those who try to harm His people.

Thank God for sending Jesus to die for us on the cross. Let's constantly remind ourselves of the Lord's great love for all of us before we do anything.. let it be a self-check for us.

His love endures forever!!

1 Chronicles 26 - 29, Psalm 127 (27th May) - Vivien

1 Chron 26 – 27
This is a continuation of the previous chapters of the different duties. In chapter 26 it is a record of the gatekeepers, treasurers and other officials. Chapter 27 is a record of the army divisions, officers and the King’s overseers. Everything was so orderly.

1 Chron 28
In this chapter David announced his plan of building a temple for God through his son Solomon, as God has chosen him. the requirement of the temple was revealed to David and passed on to Solomon to start the work.

In verse 20 - 21:
“David also said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing man skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command.’”

God is our best supporter! If He has started something with you, He will finish it! Don’t lose hope in what you are doing now but fix your eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith.

1 Chron 29
In this last chapter of 1 Chronicles, it was a happy ending. It was a moment of celebration where Solomon was appointed and anointed king. And this also marked the end of David’s reign. For David, in verse 8 it recorded that he died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honour.

Psalm 127
This psalm reflects Solomon’s understanding of God. He knew that without God, he is nothing. He is really a man of wisdom, who understanding God’s favourite group of people - Children!!! This is the psalm that gave birth to the name of TOUCH Young Arrow!!! Children are like arrows in the hands of a warrior. Children are blessings from God. In TYA we are serving a blessed group, where the Kingdom of God belong to such as them. I truly encourage Livingstones to join in and be part of TYA by being a volunteer! You can touch lives! Do you believe that? =)

Psalms 131, 138, 139, 143 - 145 (26th May) - Pamelia

Psalm 131
This psalm of David shows that he was truly great man. Some people get a high position and become very proud. When David was a young man, his brother Eliab was angry with him and said that David was proud, 1 Samuel 17:28, but even when he became king, he was not proud. The man who really knows God is always humble. In the last verse, David called on Israel to hope in the Lord forever.

The Lord Jesus Christ came to this world as a humble Man, Matthew 11:29; 21:5; Philippians 2:8. His followers should never be proud, Colossians 3:12.

Psalm 138
This psalm is a praise psalm where David gave thanks to the Lord with his whole heart, with everything he had. He did this before the rulers, and in the temple of God. God made His name and His word to be most important. God’s names tell us what He is like, and we can learn these names from His word. His words and promises are always true so men can trust in His Name. God had promised to answer David’s prayers and he praised Him for doing so.

We know God’s character through His word and also through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. John 1:14,18.

David may have been the only king in the world at that time who was singing praise to Jehovah, but some day all kings will praise Him. They will hear the Word of God and will sing about His ways, the way He does things. One thing God often does, He brings down men who are proud and sets up those who are humble.

The Lord can do anything and David thanked Him for saving his life. He was sure that God would work out His own plan for him and asked Him not to leave him alone.

The most important thing for any son of God is to be in God’s plan for him. Sometimes we try to make our own plans, and fail to do what God wants. The Lord Jesus Christ came into this world to do His Father’s will, and we should try to know God’s will and do it at all times.

Psalm 139
In this psalm the Holy Spirit tells us through David a great deal about God. The Psalm is a song of praise, but the last part is a prayer to God.

This psalm teaches us that God knows everything. He knew David’s thoughts, his ways and his words. God laid His hand on His servant to keep him from sin. David did not understand how God could know everything.

Also, God is everywhere. He is in heaven, but we cannot escape from Him by going to the place of dead people. If we go to distant lands, the Lord will keep us dafely with His right hand. God can see us in the dark, because He is Light.

Then the Spirit teaches us that God can do anything. Many Psalms tell about God’s wonderful power, but here David spoke about a little baby growing before it is born. God tells us some of His thoughts, and they are indeed very wonderful; David cound not even count them.

God is also righteous. David knew that God would punish wicked men and he did not want to be like them when He did so, David hated these men because they were God’s enemies.

The Lord Jesus told us to love our enemies, but we know that God must judge sinners. He is right and they are wrong; we are on God’s side.

The word also tells us that God is love. Here we see that God loves men because He took care of David and kept him from sin. He asked God to test his thoughts, to show him if there was any sin in his heart, and to lead him in the right way.

This is eternal life: to know God and to know the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 17:3

The whole bible tells us about God, but this little psalm in 24 verses tells us a great deal about Him. We should praise God for what He is and ask Him to help us do what will please Him.

Psalm 143
Daivd asked God to hear him and to answer him because He is righteous. Still he remembered that no one is righteous in God’s sight; if He called us to judge us, He would find all men to be guilty. David’s enemy almost succeeded in killing him. David thought of his early life when the Lord had helped him and now he wished that the Lord was near him again.

David called on Jehovah to answer his prayer quickly because he thought he might die. He asked the Lord to save him and asked that the Holy Spirit would show him God’s way.

In the last part, David asked God to save his life because He is a righteous God. David was God’s servant and he prayed that He would cut off all Hid enemies.

If we serve God we can trust Him to take care of us. We do not say that we have not committed any sin in God’s sight, but we can trust Him to help us when our enemies would like to get us out of the way.

Psalm 144
David wrote this psalm after he had become king of Israel. In the first part he praise the Lord for helping him. The Lord taught him how to fight and protected him from his enemies. David asked why God should pay any attention to men, who can live in this world only for a short time.
David then prayed that the Lord would save him from men who came from other countires, who did not tell the truth. He promised to sing songs of praise to God for this victory.

The last part of Psalm 144 is a prayer that God would bless the nation of Israel. The kind wanted the young people to be strong. He prayed that they would have enough food to eat and that their animals would have plenty of young. The people would be happy because Jehovah was their God.

We can be happy even though we are not rich IF the Lord is our God. Real life is to know God, not to own many things in this world. Luke 12:15. If we know what God wants, we will be happy IF we do it. John 13:!7.

Psalm 145
David wrote about 75 psalms and Psalms 145 is the last of these in the book of Psalms. It is a song of praise to the Lord, like the other psalms at the end of the book. Here each verse begins with a different Hebrew letter, like psalms 37 and 119 and others. For example verse 2 begins with B and verse 4 with D. We learn from this that all human lanuages is needed to properly praise God.

David praised God because He is great! Notice the word great in verse 3. Older people should tell those who are younger about the works of Jehovah. David and all men will tell of God’s wonderful works.

God is also very good. Men should praise Him because He is righteous, merciful and good to all men. All God’s works and all God’s people will give Him praise. They will make known His glory and power to all men, because He will be King forever.

In the last part of the psalm we read of God’s love. He holds men so they will not fall into sin, and He lifts them up if they do fall. Both men and animals looks to God and He gives them the food they need. The Lord is righteous and kind in everything He does. He is near when we truly call on Him for help, but He must judge all men. David promised to praise the Lord and called on all men to do the same.

Thanks be to God, He is both our Saviour and King!

Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise!
Charles Wesley

1 Chronicles 23 - 25 (25th May) - Weiling

God had called David’s son Solomon, instead of him, to build the house of God (1 Chron 22: 7-10). David saw that his son was young and inexperienced (1 Chron 22: 5) and made ample preparations for the house of God which was to be magnificent and glorious.
King David was old and it is likely that he knew he was going to pass on, thus he made his son Solomon king over Israel.

King David then called together the sons of Levi, or the Levites, to appoint them to their duties in serving in the house of God. He did so with the same dedication and effort that he put in gathering the materials for the house of God.

The Levites were people set apart to minister unto God at the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle used to be carried around the people of God traveled and journeyed. But now, “the Lord God of Israel has given rest to His people, and He dwells in Jerusalem forever”. The Levites no longer have to carry the Tabernacle and utensils around. I’m sure at that time; the people of Israel must have felt that “Finally! We can settle down, and God’s presence will reside in this house!”

The Levites needed to be appointed in their duties. The casting of lots was used in the appointing of the priests, singers, and their order of ministering. (1 Chron 24: 5, 31; 25: 8) The drawing of lots ensured impartiality and that everyone was treated the same; regardless of the order of their birth or their father’s birth. Young and old, teachers and students; all of them stood the same chance for their duties. In appointing the holy and important positions, it was up to God to decide and not for men to choose.

Often, the choices of men are “coloured” by traditions, prejudices and how things appear. We often make the choice ourselves and then expect God to bless our decision without seeking Him in the first place. We neglect to revere Him in our decisions. Today, ask yourself, who decides in your life? Who is the master?
Is there a decision you have to make? Take time to seek God. He is waiting for you to speak to you and to give you wisdom. God loves you and has your welfare at heart. Make God the Master of your life :)

''For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." – Jeremiah 29:11-13

Psalms 108 - 110 (24th May)

Today's Blog Summary:

Refer to http://livingstonesmama.blogspot.com/

God bless

1 Chronicles 21 - 22, 2 Samuel 24, Psalm 30 (23rd May) - Li Juan

1 Chronicles 21, 2 Samuel 24
Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to count the fighting men. Joab tried to stop him yet was not successful. Joab numbered 1100000 men in Israel who could handle the sword, yet did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering because of the king’s abhorrent command, and this command was also evil in God’s sight. Thus, God punished Israel.

The Lord gave 3 options to David through Gad:
1) 3 years of famine
2) 3 months of being swept away before the enemies with their swords overtaking him
3) 3 days of plague in the land with the Lord’s angel ravaging every part of Israel

David chose the third and the 3-day plague killed 70000 men of Israel. God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem, but He was grieved when He saw the calamity and He stopped the angel. David, who had sinned and done wrong in the first place, pled for God to not let this plague remain on the people. The plague stopped after David’s offering. David was then told to build an altar at the threshing floor where the angel had stood. However, David could not go before the altar to inquire of the Lord because he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the Lord.

1 Chronicles 22
David made extensive preparation of the materials for building the temple for the Lord, which is to be of great magnificent, fame and splendor in the sight of all nations. Solomon, David’s son, was then charged to build the house for the Lord. David could not do it himself as he had shed blood and waged war. However, Solomon would be a man of rest and peace, and Israel would be granted peace and quiet during his reign.

David encouraged Solomon. “Now, my son, the Lord be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the Lord your God, as He said you would. May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Then, David ordered all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon, and commanded them to devote their heart and soul to seeking the Lord, and to build the temple for the Name of the Lord.

Psalm 30
God lifted us from our depths, and brought us up from our graves. He is the one who can turn our mourning into dancing, our sorrows in to joy. Let us all devote our heart and soul to seek the Lord!

Psalms 95, 97 - 99 (22nd May) - Sylvia

Psalm 95
This psalm was written by David as he was led by the Holy Spirit

V 1-7 The spirit calls the people to rejoice and worship the Lord
V 8-11 He warns them not to turn away from God

God loves to hear His people praise and worship Him. But God also knew that His men may praise Him for a while before turning away from Him thus the reminder in v8.
The people of Israel did not trust in the Lord when they were in the desert, speaking against Him and showing unbelief in His word thus they were made to wander for forty years and none could enter the promised land (except for Caleb and Joshua)

**Let’s make worship to God a lifestyle EVERYDAY (Monday to Sunday), and not just during church service. We can worship God and yet still cause Him to be sad and angry when we do not trust and believe His Word.

Psalm 97
This psalm speaks of the glory of God and proclaims His righteousness. It shows us how Jehovah rules as king, that even other gods have to bow down before Him. Our God is ALMIGHTY.

Rmb v10:

“Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”

This verse speaks of how the Lord deals with his enemies and how he protects those who are faithful to Him. Let’s all be servants of God ok?

Psalm 98
In this psalm, the Holy Spirit calls upon Israel to remember God’s love and the victory He has given to them. It is also for the whole earth to know and be reminded of God’s love for them so we can all sing and dance and praise Him with our lips.

Psalm 99
We are called to praise Jehovah simply because He is our King.
We should praise the Lord because He is good but also remember that He is a holy God who hates evil. We should love and fear Him.

2 Samuel 22 & 23, Psalms 57 (21st May)

2 Samuel 22

This chapter recorded the song from David when the Lord delivered him from the hands of his enemies and from Saul (v1). It was a song that praises the Lord for what He has done and what David proclaimed God to be his:-

• Rock (v1)
• Fortress (v1)
• Deliverer (v1)
• Shield (v3)
• Salvation (v3)
• Stronghold (v3)
• Refuge (v3)
• Savior (v3)
• Support (v19)
• Lamp (v29)

2 Samuel 23

Recorded David last words.
3 The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: 'When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God,
4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.'

Be a leader that leads in righteousness and be one that fears the Lord.
This chapter also recorded David’s mighty men.

Psalms 57

This is a David’s prayer when he fled away from Saul into the cave. David begins with prayer and complaint (v 1-6). He concludes with joy and praise (v 7-11).

Psalms 5, 38, 41, 42 (20th May) - Li Juan

Psalm 5
God is a God who hates and abhors all who do wrong. It is because of His mercy that we can come into His presence and take refuge in Him.

Psalm 38
We cannot rejoice when God is not with us. We are like the mute and the deaf, with ears yet cannot hear, with mouth yet cannot speak. Cry out to God for Him to come and save you, not taking Him for granted but truly rejoicing that we have a savior like Him. Let Him be the reason you smile.

Psalm 41
The Lord sees those who have regards for the weak. He sees what you go through to uphold His name; illness, slander, malice, diseases, betrayal. He will bless you, sustain you, and heal you because of all that you do to please Him.

Psalm 42
When we truly learn how to put our hope in God, our souls would not be downcast anymore. Let Him quench your thirst, and that you can go around spreading His love and proclaiming His goodness. Remember Him all the time; day time, night time, good times, bad times.

2 Samuel 19 - 21 (19th May) - Stephanie

2 Samuel 19

David went into mourning for his son, Absalom, ignoring the victory his troops. Joab confronted David on this, telling him to go encourage his men instead.

The people of Israel were confused as to who the king now is after Absalom died. David asked the priest to ask the elders of Judah to bring him back as king, announcing the Amasa would replace Joab as commander of the army and Judah insisted for David to return as king. When David made it back to the Jordan River, many rushed to meet him there.

Shimei confessed his sin of cursing David before David and asked for forgiveness. David did not kill Shimei but spared his life.

Mephibosheth (grandson of Saul), also came to David, revealing that Ziba had betrayed him while he has remained faithful to David. David ordered Ziba and Mephibosheth to divide the fields that was once Saul’s but Mephibosheth wanted Ziba to have them all. Mephibosheth felt that David’s return to Jerusalem as king was already a great reward to him.

David attempted to reward the 80 year old Barzillai who had given provisions to David and his men but Barzillai declined and offered him Kimham instead. All Barzillai wanted was to return to his hometown.

The men of Israel argued loudly with the men of Judah for bringing the king back without including them. Trouble then started to brew amongst the people.

2 Samuel 20

Sheba, a Benjamite was not ready to have David back as king, so he created trouble, sounded the trumpet and led another rebellion. Most of Israel followed him. But Judah remained loyal to David and returning with him to his palace in Jerusalem. The ten concubines were still at the palace where David had left them, he found them, confined them till their death dates. He never slept with them while they were in confinement.

David had replaced Joab with Amasa to lead his troops but Amasa took longer than his 3 day deadline to gather the men of Judah to fight Sheba. So David sent Abishai instead. Joab went with them and used deceit to get close to Amasa, stabbing him with a dagger, causing Amasa to die. After Amasa’s body was dragged off the road, Joab’s and Abishai’s men continued following reports of Sheba and eventually found his whereabouts in a city. They intended to destroy the city together with Sheba but a wise woman negotiated with them to use another way so as to save the city. Sheba’s head would be thrown over the wall to them instead. This method satisfied Joab. Sheba’s head was thrown over the wall and Joab sounded the trumpet and headed home with the men. The leadership of Israel’s army was eventually retained by Joab.

2 Samuel 21

During David’s reign, there was a 3 year famine in Israel. David sought the Lord on this and he heard from the Lord that the famine was the cause of Saul’s blood-stained house against the Gibeonites.

David called for the Gibeonites and asked to make amends. They asked for 7 of Saul’s descendents, of which 2 were sons of Rizpah (Saul’s concubine), 5 were sons of Merab (Saul’s daughter). They were handed over to the Gibeonites and got killed. Rizpah mourned over the sons’ bodies. Then David had the bones of Saul and Jobnathan moved to Saul’s father Kish’s tomb and the bones of these 7 men were gathered as well. Then God resumed answering prayer for Israel.

Then later part of this chapter talks on the war with the Philistines, who still had large and mighty warriors, descendents from the Rapha. Abishai rescued David from the Rapha descendent before and he and his men refused to let David join them at war after than. They wanted to protect David as the “lamp of Israel”. David’s men were able to kill 3 more of the giant Philistines, including one with 12 fingers and toes.

Psalms 26, 40, 58, 61, 64 (18th May) - Ivy

Psalm 26 – God is Blameless
Definition of vindicate: To vindicate is to justify, defending or maintaining a position.

While reading this Psalm of David, I hear the Lord ask:

Am I trying to lead a blameless life? Or Have I set my heart to lead a blameless life?

If the Lord examines our heart today, what can He find?

Psalm 40 – God is trust-worthy
What is the desire of your heart today?
Are you trusting the Lord to fulfil the need or cry in your heart? Let’s look at verse 4 which says:
Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

Do you trust the Lord that His hands is in every situation of your life? To fulfil your every need? If not? What are you trusting in? What and who are you turning to today?
Wont you make the Lord your trust and receive His blessings for you?

If you have received blessings from the Lord, are you hiding them in the closet or are you saying this to the Lord (V10):
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly

Psalm 58 – God is our Judge
Is there a vengeance in your heart? Someone you can’t forgive?
Would you forgive that person and trust the Lord to be your judge? Would hold your peace and you say (verse 11):
"Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth."

Psalm 61 – God is our refuge
I’ll like to highlight verse 8
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Whatever situation you’re in, wont you trust the Lord to be your refuge and run to Him only?

Psalm 64 – God is the ultimate Victor
Can anyone identify a situation where you felt that all forces are against you? Is anyone fighting a spiritual battle? If you’re fighting for your friend, family or even your own life, take heart!

Because the ultimate Victor is God. See verse 7:
But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be struck down.

Do note that the ‘them’ are not people who are against us, but are the powers of darkness.

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Summary:
Psalm 26 – God is Blameless
Psalm 40 – God is trust-worthy
Psalm 58 – God is our Judge
Psalm 61 – God is our refuge
Psalm 64 – God is the ultimate Victor

What is the condition of your heart today?
Knowing God’s character (as summarised above), how would you react to that with regards to what you’re experiencing right now?
How can we model after God’s character?
Have any thoughts to share? Email: titanvy@yahoo.co.uk

2 Samuel 16 - 18 (17th May) - Li Juan

David and Ziba
David met Ziba; a false servant of Mephibosheth (David’s grandson) . He brought many items to David and found favor in his eyes. David then told him that all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now his.

Shimei curses David
Shimei (a man from the same clan as Saul) casted stones and cursed David and his officials and troops. Abishai was unhappy with the cursing and wanted to cut off his head, yet David stopped him because David knows the Lord has told him to do so.

The Advice of Hushai and Ahithophel
Ahithophel’s advices were like those inquired of God, hence David and Absalom always regarded his advices. He advised Absalom to lie with David’s concubines whom David left at the palace and David did. He suggested choosing 12000 men and setting out in pursuit of David, wanting to attack him when he is weak and bringing back all the other people unharmed.

However, Hushai was against the idea as David and his soldiers were well-known to be brave and experienced fighters. Instead, he advised to gather people from all of Israel to attack David wherever he may be. Absalom and all the men of Israel preferred Hushai’s advices, yet Hushai informed David about all that was happening. David led his men to cross the Jordan and escaped. Ahithophel committed suicide when his advice was not followed. David and his people went to Mahanaim and they were well fed and provided for.

Absalom’s Death
David sent out his troops in thirds, with Joab, Abishai and Ittai leading a third each. He wanted to march out with them yet upon request, he did not as his life was worth ten thousand of the men. He commanded the trios and their troops to be gentle with Absalom. In the forest of Ephraim, the army of Israel was totally defeated by David’s men. Absalom was riding his mule and his head got caught in a tree. Joab plunged 3 javelins in to his heart and his armor bearers struck and killed him. They threw Absalom into a big pit and piled a large pile of rocks over him. Absalom erected a Absalom’s Monument in the King’s Valley during his lifetime.

David Mourns
David was devastated when he heard about Absalom’s death, and he wept and mourned.

Psalms 3, 4, 12, 13, 55 (16th May) - Vivien

Psalm 3
Here are some key points to highlight:
1) God is my shield – v3
2) The Lord sustains me – v5
3) I will not fear my enemies – v6
4) Real help comes from God – v8

Psalm 4
Do read the Message version for this psalm, quite interesting the way it is written.
God listens to all our prayer. John Wesley said that God does nothing but in answer to prayer. So be confident that God has heard your prayer, and he will answer your pray in His time.

Are there rooms for complaints? Will I be charged of the sin of “talking behind other people’s back”? Even in our daily life, if we disturbed by the behaviour of someone, be it a member of the public or an employee of a company or even a student in school, complaints are made to the one who has authority, simply because we know that they are able to investigate and do something constructive to improve the situation. So I guess if we complain it directly to God, we will not be charged. As He is perfect enough to handle our complaints. And even by complaining to Him, He might reveal something about ourselves, or what action to take.

In verse 4 -5 (The Msg):
Complain if you must, but don't lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.

So is there room for complaint? Yes, just do it to the RIGHT PERSON.

In verse 4 (NIV) again, the Bible teach us to reflect and be silent when we are on our beds. Before we end our day, walk through how you have spent your day, and give thanks for the day and ask for forgiveness for the things that you’ve done that had hurt God.

Psalm 12
We are living in the worst time (familiar?). We are in a confused generation. In the past, life is much simpler, what is black and what is white, it is quite straightforward to most of us. Now, life is more complicated, we challenged the principles, and what used to be black and white has become grey. There are so many lies around us.

O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever. (v7)

We need to equip ourselves with the Word of God, which sharper than a two-edged sword, so fight against the lies of the evil ones around us.

And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. (v6)

Psalm 13
Although David felt far away from God, which is hard for him to bear, he still chose to trust in God and praise Him. Can we be like David? Of course, this is a matter of choice. It is for you to decide whether in difficult times to still put your trust in God! If you find it difficult then pray and ask God for help!

Wait a minute, aren’t I feeling far away from God? Then still pray will He listen? You feel faraway from Him, doesn’t mean He is faraway from you. And we have mentioned earlier that God will listen to our prayer. And our prayer will be answered according to the measure of our faith.

Know that God is good.

Psalm 28
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom 12:2

Beware of doing what others are doing which are wrong in the eyes of the LORD. Like David, plead God that you will not be dragged away with the wicked, that you will not fall into their trap and join their club. Have you been ask to do something lately that is not right? If you can’t stop them, flee from them, DON’T JOIN IN! Satan is always setting trap for us to fall into. So be alert!

Rejoice that God will hear our prayer, and He is our strength and shield. David trusted in Him, and he is helped! Remember, we already know that ending of the story of this world. We WIN!

Psalm 55
In the midst of fear and terror, David was still able to compose a song to sing of his God who is Almighty and faithful. David has shared many of his testimonies through songs, and through all these songs they encourage us and help us understand more of God. Share your testimonies too! Then others would be encouraged and would know more about our God. And be creative in the ways you can share them like through letters, on stage, gathering, songs, raps etc…

2 Samuel 13 - 15 (15th May) - Joshua

2 samuel 13-15 shows an intriguing contrast of David and Absaloms' life decisions.

ABSALOM'S HEART - EVIL & SELF-SEEKING
Absalom killed Amnon out of revenge. Guilt & fear caused him to flee. His unrepentant heart grew more malicious in 2 Sam 15:5-6

"Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him...also, when anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the men of Israel." - 2 Sam 15: 5-6

Rather than protecting his father's honor, he was maliciously under-cutting him and methodically plotted a conspiracy to oust his father from the throne. (15:10-12)
What began as an understandable feat of vengence, left unchecked, grew to become a pandora box of evil. Its an irony. Absalom who stood up against rape & incest, committed the same sin he once was zealous against (2 Sam 16:21-22).

Absalom reminds me, painfully, that (despite good intentions) the heart is truly deceitful above all things. How do we guard our hearts?

DAVID'S HEART - COMPASSION & HUMILITY
"Then the King said to Zadok, "Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the LORD's eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. But if he says, 'I am not pleased with you,' then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." - 2 Samuel 15:25-26

David was laterally telling God, "God, please leave me. Don't wonder in the desert with me. I'm not worthy of your company."
That was how David regarded himself before God. He cared for God more than his welfare and safety.

Now, David is King of Israel, an experienced fighter brazened with years of conquest (17:8), he had the special forces with him. Wouldn't it be easy to launch a counter offensive to reclaim His kingdom? Precisely because david chose to love. He loved his son more than riches or stature. Why mercy above might? Perhaps he hanged on a hope that his son may repent?
One thing's for sure. David gave all his heart to his son/to God.

CONCLUSION
I do not fully agree to the way david took in not disciplining his son Absalom early. Yet we can learn from he who chose not to use his might but chose mercy in a hope that his son may repent. And we can learn from he who regarded God's presence more than his dwelling/welfare/safety.
As Jackie pullinger said "When you give all your heart till you have no heart left, you'll get God's heart." The best way to guard our hearts is to give it all up. As you press on to bless the 100,000, Let's give all your heart for a Father's heart.

Psalms 32, 51, 86, 122 (14th May) - Xiao Woon

Psalm 32
We can rejoice and have the joy of the Lord for Jesus’ blood has covered our sins and we’re forgiven.

Thank God for His forgiveness! Confess our sins to the Lord and He’ll forgive us. Our God does not hesitate to forgive us. As long as we have the heart n sincerity to repent of our sins, He’ll definitely forgive us.

Many times, we may see sin as if there are different levels of seriousness of sins, big or small sins. Sometimes we may compromise the small sins in our lives and say it’s ok. Then big sins or hidden sins we may find that we cannot even forgive ourselves. But to God, there’s no difference in the kind of sin we commit because they’re all the same, fallen short of the glory of God, and they are all serious, big or small. But thank God for His grace and mercy.

Let us not compromise the small sins in our lives, but to repent of them. Also, for the big or hidden sins, let us not run away from God for fear that He’ll judge us or that He won’t forgive us, and let us not hide them from Him for He knows everything. Instead, confess those sins to God and BELIEVE that He forgives every one of our sins and that He does not judge us. As you believe that He’s already forgiven you, you must also learn to forgive yourself. Embrace that joy of the Lord and rejoice for the righteousness that we can have in the Lord for Jesus has taken all the curses and transgressions upon Himself for us so that we may be righteous before God. Let there be no guilt for guilt does not come from God. (Psalm 103:12)

Also, something very important that I learnt recently is that we must also forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. I learnt from the Jackie Pullinger conference that He forgives us even when He knows that we will sin again. He forgives us whether or not we will change. In the same way, we must also forgive whoever who has hurt us or did us wrong in any way. This is not easy because when you have been hurt by someone very deeply, it is just so difficult to forgive that person because whenever you see that person, you will be reminded of the things that that person did to hurt you. But remember that we have to forgive as the Lord forgave, and with God’s help, it is possible to forgive that person. And you have only truly forgiven that person when you do not see that person as someone who has hurt you.

Psalm 51
This was how David prayed for forgiveness from the Lord. A prayer of repentance.

God knows our heart. He knows whether we really want to repent of our sins or are we just repenting for the sake of repenting. So don’t pretend to repent. Repent because you really want to have a 180 degree change and rid off that sin.

Verse 17: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart- These, O God, You will not despise.”
Indeed, the best sacrifice we can give to the Lord is our broken spirit and contrite heart.

Thank God that He washes us of our sins. Whenever we repent, we nail our sins to the cross and God gives us a blank white paper to start all over again. Praise Him=)

Psalm 86
Verse 5: “For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”

Thank God that He is always ready to forgive, even before we confess our sins.

Psalm 122
This psalm talks about the joy of going to the house of the Lord.

This made me think: what’s our attitude of going service every Sunday? Or what’s our attitude of spending time daily with the Lord? Do we enter into His presence with joy? Or is it just a routine, something that is right and that we, as Christians, should do? Is it a Christian duty to go service, to serve, to read the bible?

Of course, we all know the right attitude that we should have when we do all these things of the Lord or enter His house. Many times the devil may tell you otherwise, and make you feel as though all these are just what you should do, and that you don’t have the joy etc. Be careful and constantly remind yourself that Christianity is not about a religion, it’s a relationship with God. I believe we’re happy whenever we’re going to meet our good friends or something right? In the same way, when we have a relationship with God, we’ll be excited to meet up with Him!

Let us all have the joy of meeting up with one another in service and cell group meetings, and most importantly, with God =)

2 Sam 11 & 12, 1 Chronicles 20 (13th May) - Weiling

David was known to be “a man after God’s heart”.
However, we see today how he too had sinned against God by committing adultery and masterminding the death of one of his loyal servant.

1 Chron 20 laid out the setting of that time.
It was a time
When Kings Go Out to War
Yet King David remained in Jerusalem. We see in 1 Chron 20 that Joab was leading the armed forces. David’s other Mighty Men (read 1 Chron 11: 10-47 for the entire list of David’s mighty men) like Sibbecai and Elhanan were also fighting for him in war, winning victories. We see later that David only led his men out to Rabbath to fight when Joab asked him to do so. If David didn’t do so, Joab was going to capture Rabbath for himself.

Thus the episode began with King David idling at home when other kings were at war. He arose from his bed in the evening. Perhaps he couldn’t sleep. He became restless and bored and took a stroll on his roof (perhaps people in that culture and time walk on roofs though it certainly sounds peculiar to us now!). And that’s when he saw what he shouldn’t have seen.

Beautiful Bathsheba Bathing.
And what his eyes saw and desired, he began to lust after. He sent for her and slept with her. He knew she was someone’s wife (2 Sam 11:3). He knew she was of the wife of no other, but his faithful servant Uriah the Hittite. He was one of David’s Mighty Men (1 Chron 11:10-47), people who fought bravely for David and were loyal to him. And at that very moment, Uriah the Hittite was out in the battle field fighting wars for David. David knew he was doing wrong.

A Murder Plan is Hatched
After David slept with Bathesheba, she became pregnant. David tried to cover up by getting Uriah the Hittite back. He hoped that if Uriah came back and slept with his wife, it would not be so obvious then that Bathsheba became pregnant because she slept with someone else. Alas, his plot was foiled because Uriah was a righteous man. Uriah felt that he should not be enjoying himself while his band of brothers was fighting in the open field, and when the ark was still in a temporary shelter. Uriah was indeed a loyal man.

And so David had to devise other plans to cover up.
David sent a letter and instructed Joab to have Uriah killed in the battlefield.
When Uriah the Hittite went back to fight David’s wars, Joab was instructed to pull the other men away from Uriah where the fighting was fiercest so that Uriah would be overwhelmed by the enemies and killed. It would simply appear to one of the casualties of war but it was in fact an utter betrayal of loyalty.

And so Uriah the Hittite died and Bathsheba was taken in to be another of David’s wife shortly. All these, the Lord saw and they were evil in His sight.

The Poor Man and his Little Ewe
God sent Nathan to speak to David through a parable to show to him just how evil and cruel thing he had done. God probably sent Nathan to speak David because he had become callous to his sin and failed to realise the severity of his actions. If Nathan had approached David directly to talk to him about his sins, he might have tried to rationalise things and defend himself, like how we often do when become steeped in our sins.

David had many wives and great riches. God said that if that had been too little, He would have added many more! But what David was to take away the only and the little that Uriah had.

Repentance & Repercussion
We see in 2 Sam 12: 13 that David confessed his sin and truly repented. God was faithful to forgive and take away David’s sins so that he will not die. Indeed, as it is written in 1 John 1:9 too, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

However, even though David was forgiven, there were still repercussions and consequences to be faced because of what he did.
Because of his sin, David had given “occasion to enemies of the Lord to blaspheme”, thus the son that was born to David and Bathsheba had to die. (2 Sam 12: 14)

Similarly, we sometimes too have to face the consequences for our sins. For example, out of envy, you told a lie against a friend. God will forgive you when confess our sins and repent. But as a consequence, you may lose that friend.

Let us not take sin lightly and by doing so grieve the Holy Spirit and give Satan an opportunity.

David’s Response
David sought to plead with God and intercede on behalf of his ailing child. He fasted and refused to get up from the ground. His behaviour worried his servants. However, his response after his child died puzzled his servants. They were worried David would be overwhelmed by grief seeing that he was already not eating before his child died. Instead he got up and ate and behaved normally. The servants expected David to behave emotionally and interpreted his behaviour through that line of thought. But David was pleading with God because He knew God alone could save his son. In the end, David still submitted everything to God.

In the same way, let us not be overcome by emotions in our situations; let us instead commit all things to God in prayer and to submit everything and their outcome to God.

Beloved of the Lord
God blessed David and Bathsheba with another child, Solomon, who was to become one of the richest and wisest king who ever lived. Solomon also had the honour of being chosen by God to continue genealogy from David and through his descendants to the Lord Jesus. And indeed God loved this child that He named him “loved by the Lord”. This child also truly showed that God had indeed forgiven David and Bathsheba and remembered their sin no more.

Psalms 65 - 67, 69 - 70 (12th May) - Pamelia

PSALMS 65
Psalms 65 is a song of praise to the great God who is over all. In the future all men will come to God and praise Him because He answers prayers (v1-2). If His people sin, God will forgive them (v3). This is true of Israel or of any nation in the world, but there is a special blessing for those whom God chose to live near His temple, which David was planning to build (v4).

God is the only ground of hope for all nations, and He will deliver His own people (v5). Men can see that God is great because He alone has power in the world of nature. He made the mountains and can control the waves of the sea (v6-7). People all over the world can understand God’s power in nature everyday (v8). We have seen in Psalm 19:4 that this message goes out through the whole world.

God sends rain and food to all men (v9-10). He gives a good harvest at the end of the year and there is plenty of food wherever He goes (v11). The ground produces grass for the sheep and grain for men (v12-13). When men gather their food at the end of the year, everyone should be happy and give thanks to God. Paul tried to give this message to the men of Lystra, Acts 14:17. All people ought to thank God for all His blessings, but many never do so, Romans 1:21.

This psalm teaches us that we should give thanks to God for our food and for every blessing He gives. It also tells us about the time when all living people will come and worship Jehovah (v2). Then there will be a great blessing in the whole world. Today, we should tell our friends about our Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour, then we will be happier when we get to heaven (v4).

PSALMS 66
God had delievered the nation of Israel from some terrible trial and the writer of the psalm called on all nations to praise God. First he called on all the men of the earth to sing praise to God (v1-2). God has the power to defeat all His enemies, and everyone should worship Him (v3-4).

The Holy Spirit then asked the people of the world to consider what God had done for Israel in the past years (5-7). God turned the Red Sea into dry ground, Exodus 14:21. He held back the water on the River Jordan so that His people could walk right across, Joshua 3:14-16. These things had happened long ago, but God still had power to rule over all the nations (v7). God warned these nations not to revel against Him, Psalm 2:2, but even today they are still refusing to obey His word.

Again the people of the world are told to bless God because He had delivered Israel (v8-9). He put His people to the test, as men heat silver to take out what is not pure (v10-11). At first the enemy was stronger, and Israel went through a time of trial which was like going through fire and water, but God brought them asfely through it all (v12).

During this time of trial the writer of the psalm promised God that he would bring offerings if He would deliver His people. This write may have been a kind of Israel; if so, he could act for the whole nation. He was now ready to bring these sacrifices (v13-15).

Then the writer asked all who fear God to listen while he told what God had done for him (v16). This man had simply prayed and given praise to God (v17), but he knew that God would not hear him if there was any sin in his heart (v18). He could now praise God because He had answered prayer and delivered His people (v19-20).

PSALMS 67
In this psalm the Holy Spirit called on the people of the world again to praise God. First the men of Israel asked God to bless them in the same way that the high priest prayed for them, Numbers 6: 24-25. They asked for this blessing however so that all nations would know God’s way and power (v2). They wanted all men to prase God (v3-5).

God is ready to judge all nations in righteousness as He judged Israel. If they were willing, He would also guide them as a shepherd guides His sheep (v4), Psalms 23: 2-3. The nations should praise God for this time also (v5).

This time is coming when God will set His King on His holy hill of Zion, Psam 2:6. The Lord Jesus Christ will govern all nations righteously and well. Then men will rejoice in the belssing God gives. There will be plenty of food for all (v6). God will bless His people Israel, and even people far away at the ends of the earth will know and fear the God of Israel (v7).

In Psalms 66 and 67, the Holy Spirit called on the nations of the world to praise God because He has great power. mGod showed this power to Israel, to help them, but also so that other nations might learn to fear Him. We too have been saved for this purpose: that we should tell others about the power and love of God.

PSALMS 69
First we see that David was in trouble (v1-5). He felt like a man standing in mud and deep water. The water was getting deeper and he could not get out (v1-2). He was tired of weeping and crying to God for help (v3). His enemies were strong, but David had not done anything to make them hate him. He was willing to pay back what he had not taken away, but he did not claim to be perfect in God’s sight (v4-5).

Men were dishonouring David because he trusted in God, but he prayed that his friends would not be pit to shame on his account (v6-7). Even his own family rejected him (v8). He had a great desire to be in God’s house, so the men who dishonoured God insulted David too (v9). David went without food and and wore rough clothing to show that he was sad, but this just made them laugh all the more, especially those who had drunk too much wine, (v10-12).

In the rest of the psalm, David first prayed, then gave praise to God for delivering him. This praise would please God more than an animal sacrifice. The Lord always hears the prayers of His people. Some day everyone will praise God and the men of Israel will build their cities again and those who love God’s name will live in them.

This psalm shows man’s terrible mistake when they rejecte dthe One whom God had chosen. It also teaches that God is righteous when He judges those who will not repent. Again we see God’s grace toward men who accept Christ as Saviour. We who believe in Christ love the Bible which tells us about Him. We can see in this psalm many verses which help us to understand the thoughts and feelings of our Lord Jesus Christ when he suffered for us.

PSALMS 70
Israel had five main offerings to bring to Jehovah: the burnt offering, the meal offering, the peace offering, the sin offering and the guilt offering Leviticus 1-5. In all these sacrifices we see pictures of our Lord Jesus Christ in His death.

In the burnt offering the whole animal was burnt on the altar as a sacrifice to Jehovah. In Psalm 40:7-8, we hear the voice of the Lord Jesus who gave Himself more than what he had failed to give the first time, Leviticus 5:16. Our Lord Jesus paid the debt for us, not for Himseld, because He had done nothing wrong. He paid back what He had not taken, Psalm 69:4. For this reason Psalm 69 suggests the death of Jesus as the guilt offering.

Psalms 70 has almost the same heading as Psalm 38. Both of these psalms may have been used with one of the offerings in Leviticus 2:2. In all these psalms, David prayed to God that He would deliver him from his enemies.

Psalm is almost the same as the last 5 verses of Psalm 40, except that the name God is used three times instead of Lord. This psalm is also very much the same as parts og Psalm 69. David prayed to God to help him quickly. He asked God to judge his enemies. He prayed for his friends.

God will save us from our enemies if we ask Him, but all our blessings come to us because the Lord Jesus dies for us on the cross.

2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalm 20 (11th May) - Li Juan

2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19 - David Defeats the Ammonites
David sent a delegate to show kindness to Hanun (son of king of Ammonite) with regards to his father’s death. However, the ammonites think that David just wants to take this opportunity to spy and overthrow the city. Hanun humiliated these delegates and the Ammonites became a “stench in David’s nostrils”. (Are the Ammonites as smelly as ammonia? Or the name ammonia came from here??) The Ammonites summoned soldiers and from everywhere to help fight against David and his army. However, the Israelites won all the battles fought and all the kings became subject to them! Why?

“Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.”

Psalm 20
“Some trusts in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

Similarly, do not put your hopes on earthly things or make them the centre of your life, but in God and only God. When you are doing God’s will, you do not have to fear because God will bless you with success and victory!

Psalms 50, 53, 60, 75 (10th May) - Alvin

Psalm 50

Our God is a Righteous Judge and a Consuming Fire. He sees all that we do and judges us accordingly. So never think you can do anything in secret and get away with it. However, He is also a merciful God in whom we know will always receive us when we turn back to Him through genuine repentance.

In this Psalm, we see an instruction from God which was repeated twice, which emphasizes its importance. That is to always THANK GOD! Verses 14-15; 23 tells us to sacrifice thank offerings because it honors God and God will deliver us and show us His salvation. Philippians 4:6 tells us not to be anxious but to pray with THANKSGIVING.

Sometimes when we are overwhelmed or are in a difficult or trying position, we forgot that we have A God who can save us. But when we give thanks to God, we remember His goodness and the strength of His hands to save us. So focus on thanksgiving, always.

We are also warned in verse 22 not to do some things which might result in God tearing us up in pieces (a very scary thought)

Verse 17 warns us against neglecting the commands and instructions of God and actually hating them.

Verse 18 warns us against joining in with others who are sinning against the Lord instead of correcting them. (Compromise)

Verse 19 warns us against deception and not guarding our mouth (refer to James 3)

Verse 20 warns us against grumbling and slandering (speaking falsely) against our brothers and sisters (spiritual included).

Verse 21 warns us that even if God is silent now when you sin, He sees it and in His mercies He is giving us time to repent. Therefore repent or otherwise He will rebuke you and bring your sin to light. (you won’t want that!!!)

Psalms 53

A reminder once more that God sees. It’s interesting that this Psalm ends with the cry for the salvation of Israel. And prior to that talks about the crushing of the enemies by God. And even earlier a talk about God looking down from heaven when evil people say in their heart that there is no God. If you think about it, God is even giving the enemies of Israel a chance, to see if there is any amongst them who will have understanding. But when He saw that they have altogether been corrupt, He destroyed them and brought salvation to Israel. Such mercies from God. He was waiting for the enemies of Israel to repent and go away and not lay their fingers on the Israelites so that He does not have to destroy them.

Psalms 60

This was a Psalm written after Israel fought the Edomites and won.

Remember that prior to this, under Saul, Israel tasted defeat, but now in David’s reign they saw victory. Yet it is so crucial that they remember the victory has nothing to do with them but has everything to do with God!! Hence this Psalm was written to acknowledge God and to cry out to Him for victory.

READ VERSE 11-12 and meditate on it.

2 Corinthians 2:14 says, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.”

Remember in this year of victory, we must pluck up the courage to face the battles ahead like the Israelites, but finally we must remember it is God who leads us in VICTORY IN CHRIST.

Psalm 75

God is in control. He is the Righteous Judge who will judge in His appointed time. Therefore continue to press on in faith no matter the opposition and how at times you wonder if God sees your deeds. Rest assured, He DOES!! =) Remember verse 9. “As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob”
In the meantime, continually praise Him.

Agape

2 Samuel 8 - 9, 1 Chronicles 18 (9th May) - James

2 Samuel 8 & 1 Chr 18

"The Lord gave David victory wherever he went."

This chapter describes the victories David experienced over the Philistines, Moabites, Hadadezer, Arameans and the Edomites. Everywhere David went, he subdued the enemy and placed garrisons in the area to control the land. David even received favour from Tou the king of Hamath as David defeated Hadadezer, his old enemy. David also made sure that all the plunder, including the gifts that Tou the king of Hamath gave to David, was dedicated to God.

** David was a good steward of the treasures that came his way, dedicating all these to the Lord. In doing so, I believe that God gave him even more. God's word did not talk about the strength of David's army, but reminds us twice, that "The Lord gave David victory wherever he went". Sometimes we all need reminders that only the Lord gives us victories, despite our strengths or weaknesses. - Psalms 121

2 Samuel 9

The chapter shows us the character of David as he shows kindness on Mephiboseth (whose both legs were crippled), the son of Jonathan. When David found out that Mephiboseth survived his father, David did not waste one minute but had Mephiboseth brought before him, voluntarily restored the property that belonged to Jonathan's family and even insists on having Mephiboseth the cripple eat at his table like the his sons for the rest of his life.

** What struck me was David did not wait till a more convenient time or the next day/procrastinate to show kindness/giving, he just went and did it, not holding back in giving.

Psalms 25, 29, 33, 36 & 39 (8th May)

Psalms 25

This is a Psalms written by David. In this Psalms, David showed that he has put his trust in God totally and allowed God to guide him and lead him in the path. God was the refuge for David.

Psalms 29

Another Psalms written by David. David enthroned God and worshipped Him wholeheartedly. He sings about God voice that spoke and everything came into being. Out of 11 verses in this whole chapter, the voice of the Lord was mentioned 7 times in 6 verses. God is great.

Psalms 33

This Psalms is a song that celebrates the Lord’s goodness and love. The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love (v18). So wait upon the Lord and have hope in Him. Fear the Lord and His unfailing love will rest upon us.

Psalms 36

Written by David. The Love of the Lord reaches to heavens and it is priceless (v5, 7). So receive His love and experience His love.

Psalms 39

Prayer of David. Watch what you do and what you speak (v1). The world is looking at the Christians and finding things to say about Christians. So, let live a righteous life and glory His Name in our lives.

2 Samuel 7 & 1 Chronicles 17 (7th May)

Both books on this chapter shared about the same thing. It was about God spoke to David through Nathan and lead David into prayers. You can see that the favor of God was upon David especially when Nathan told David ‘that whatever he has in mind, do it, for the Lord is with him.’ Well, when the presence of God lives in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you (John 14:12-14, John 15:7)

Psalms 89, 96, 100, 101, 105, 132 (6th May) - Vivien

Psalm 89
v1 to v4: Glorifying God through speaking/declaring.

The characters of God:
1) Faithful – v5 to v8; v19 to 29
2) Mighty – v9 to v13
3) Righteous and just – v14 to 18
4) Holy – v30 – v37

v38 to v45: the disappointment of man’s respond
v46 to v52: man’s desperate pleading for God

Psalm 96
God loves hear our voices. What are the instructions that the psalmist had given? Sing, Proclaim, Declare and Say.
It is a time of rejoicing as we declare how great our God is.

Psalm 100
This is a psalm of thanksgiving. Give thanks for the fact that our God is good and His love endures forever. His faithfulness continues through all generations. (v5)

Psalm 101
This is Christian living 101. How should we live our lives? Worship Him with praise and songs; be careful to lead a blameless life; do nothing with evil; do not endure/compromise to what is wrong in the eyes of God.

Psalm 105
Retelling the past to remember what God has done. When we are disheartened or even doubt God, recall the wonders that God has done for you, so that you may increase in faith and be fired up for God again. Don’t allow the unhealthy thoughts remain in you for too long.

Psalm 132
God is not a forgetful god, He remembers (v1) Obey God’s law so that He can bless. And when He blesses us, we should bless others. Then God will bless us even more, in order that we can bless others. Be a blessing.

This reminded me of the attitude for this year: Always giving thanks, always victorious in Christ and always be a blessing.

Psalms 1, 2, 15, 22 - 24, 47, 68 (5th May) - Sky

Psalm 1
What’s your definition of being blessed?
Succeeding well? Earning a lot? Getting what you want? Achieving?

To be blessed is more than that, more than a feeling, more than a present it also a joyous position resulting from a right relationship with God. Psalms 1 shares the principle that not walking in the counsel of the wicked you will be like a tree planted by the streams being fruitful and prosperous.

While the wicked they are like worthless chaff. Chaffs are stems, leaves, husks blown away from the grain. The way of the wicked will perish, while our God promises to watch over the way of the righteous. Isn’t that assuring?

Psalm 2
Reading this chapter really showed how much faith David had. He knew his enemies will not stand a chance, knew that the Lord can make the nations his inheritance, and he will get victory!
This psalm acts as a warning to the nations that he won’t fall because the Lord is with him. Bless are those who take refuge in Him.

A year of Victory, we declare it but do we believe it? David didn’t just declare, he believed and knew as if it was logic that the nations will plot in vain, knowing he would not fall thanks to our Lord.

Psalm 15
This chapter shares the principles of being righteous. It ended with a verse which caught me. He who does these things will NEVER be shaken.

Walking blamelessly, doing what is righteous and speaking the truth in our hearts. It makes you to be like trees deeply rooted into the soil. No circumstances, struggles and burdens can shake us.

Psalm 22
This psalm was David’s cry to the Lord for forsaking him. It shows even Godly people go through spiritual struggles as well.

David cry was full of emotions, graphics and was poetic. Bulls surrounding him, roaring lion preying down on him, Heart melting and strength dried up. He was being bombarded by struggles in his life but he cried out to God with a genuine heart to praise our Lord and to glorify Him.

His cries were Godly, knowing our Lord is the only path.

Psalm 23
It begins in a powerful manner. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want” the promise that we can trust God for the essentials of out life.

This Psalm shows David praising the goodness of our Lord, strengthening him, enabling him, assuring him. Even when enemies are nearby, he understood God’s power and protection that he could feast in safety and security surrounded my enemies.

David has such close, dependent relationship with the Lord that it is truly encouraging. Sometimes as humans do we tend to do more works than choosing to believe? Trusting yourself, your works rather than God, which leads to your life being a struggle all the time where God cannot work on your life.

Learnt to Let Go…And Lets Go!

Psalm 24
A King’s humility is before the Lord, praising God that HE is the wonder creating wonders.

This chapter it shows David inviting the Lord King of Glory to enter into Jerusalem. Like a king returning victoriously from battle, the gates of the city would be opened and the citizens would receive him with adoration and praise.

The way our hearts should be. Inviting our Lord into our hearts as our Lord bring us victory

Psalm 47

Every verse is praise to the Lord in this chapter, praising his greatness and power.

What more can I say from this chapter?
That I want to praise him now!

Psalm 68
Many of the psalms were sung in the temple to worship God, but hints shows that this psalm was used in a procession leading in the temple.

Where the people gather and worship praising and believing each word meant.
It begins with telling the righteous to rejoice and be joyful because Our Lord the Father is powerful and is our assurance. Following that it talks about Sinai where other mountains gaze in envy for it is the mountain God choose to reign. It ended with proclamation of his Majesty, power and greatness.

V19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior who daily bears our burdens.

Why do we carry our own? When Christ took them all. Thank u Lord

2 Sam 5:11-6:23; 1 Chr 13-16 (4th May) - Alvin

BREAK OUT!!

God’s Way or Man’s Way??

2 Sam 5:11-6:23; 1 Chr 13-16 are two accounts of the same story, something like the Gospels in which you will find similar stories told differently to emphasize different angles and things that God wants us to learn.

This is the Year of Victory. And this year we want to BREAK OUT!! It’s interesting that in these two passages we see 2 different examples of God “Breaking Out”.

In 2 Samuel 5:20 and 1 Chronicles 14:11, we see the first example of God Breaking Out.

“So David and his men went up to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, "As waters break out, God has broken out against my enemies by my hand." So that place was called Baal Perazim”

God broke out against the enemies of Israel.

In 2 Samuel 6:8 and 1 Chronicles 13:11, we see the other example of God Breaking Out.

“Then David was angry because the LORD's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah.”

This time we see God breaking out against His people.

What’s the difference? What happened that caused God to break out once against His enemies and once against His people. Before we go further, let me clarify some things before hand. In both examples, we see clearly God’s will and plans were the objectives of David’s heart and mind. It is God’s will to defeat the Philistines, the enemies of Israel. It is also God’s will for the Ark of the Covenant to once again dwell in the midst of the Israelites.

1 Chronicles 13:1-4 tells us, “David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. He then said to the whole assembly of Israel, "If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers throughout the territories of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their towns and pasturelands, to come and join us. Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul." The whole assembly agreed to do this, because it seemed right to all the people.”

The intention and purpose was correct, to inquire of God. And they strongly believed it’s God’s will. And it seemed right to all the people to bring the Ark back. And does God intent to once again bless His people wherever His presence is? Yes!! 1 Chronicles 13:14 records, “The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the LORD blessed his household and everything he had.” We see that the blessings of God follow wherever His presence is. And we also see that David did not do it flippantly but had a huge assembly of people and musicians to accompany the Ark which was placed on a brand new cart and David himself followed too.

Why then did the tragedy to Uzzah happen? Quite simply, because they did not do it God’s way! God’s way was to have the Levites carry the Ark on poles. David in all his good intentions and passion and enthusiasm did not inquire of God as to how to bring the Ark back to Israel. But the second time when they did as the Law required, the Ark returned.

Just a side note, in case you are wondering why would a loving God strike a man down for doing an instinctive thing such as to prevent the Ark from falling of a cart, well let’s remember our God is to be feared! He is a Holy God, so holy that only the High Priest only can enter into the Holy of Holies once a year to make atonement for the people before the Ark of the Covenant. And now, someone who’s not a Levite, (the chosen ministers of the Tabernacle) dared to touch the Ark. So let us always remember that our God is to be revered and that we need to keep the holy things and the sacred things of God holy and sacred.

However in the other example, when the Philistines attacked, looked at what David did.

1 Chronicles 14:8-11, “When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went out to meet them. Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of God: "Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD answered him, "Go, I will hand them over to you." So David and his men went up to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, "As waters break out, God has broken out against my enemies by my hand." So that place was called Baal Perazim.”

Imagine you are David, and all your scouts came back with a report that the Philistines (the army that destroyed Saul and his troops) had assembled and are marching out against Israel, what would your instant reaction be? Would you not naturally gather your forces and march out against them? But what did David do? Amazingly he inquired of God and asked God if he should fight!!!! God said yes and David did. And God BROKE OUT against the Philistines. The story didn’t end. The Philistines retreated and then reorganized themselves and marched out again. If I’m David, I’ll quickly launch a counter attack against an army that was recently wounded and defeated and drive them away, but David didn’t!! And what did he do?

1 Chronicles 14:14-16 records, “so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, "Do not go straight up, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army." So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.”

David inquired of God AGAIN! And this time God gave him a different strategy, and David won again.

What is the lesson here? In both examples, we know what God’s will is. And we know the heart of David was to please the Lord and do His will. However, it is definitely possible for us still to do God’s will in our own way instead of God’s way. And what’s the warning then. You can have God either Breaking Out for us or against us. Which do you want?

How then do we ensure that we do it God’s way then? I believe the answer is in inquiring of God. We need to pray. I believe in this Year of Victory where there are many battles ahead, to see God Breaking Out against the enemies’ plans against our lives, our families, our ministry, our church, our relationships, our careers etc, we need to do His will His way. And it starts from PRAYER!! We need to engage God strongly again. (Of course when we inquire of God, we must also be accountable and under cover before we carry out what we think is God’s will, so always tell your spiritual leaders what you sensed God is telling you to do and have them pray along with you)

Therefore Livingstones, let’s lay hold of God once more in intercession and prayer. It is the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God spoken in prayer. Let’s remember what we have been learning over the last few weeks, Ephesians 6:10-20:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

Pray, pray, pray, because the battles ahead in this Year of Victory are not against flesh and blood.

One last thing before I end. The last time I blogged was on 1 Chronicles 10 and this was what was said of Saul, “So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the LORD; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.” The word “but” if you read the NKJV Bible suggests that the reason for Saul’s downfall was that He did not inquire of God. His disobedience and that he sought mediums resulted that the kingdom was turned over to David, but I believed God was merciful towards Saul and gave him a chance to repent, so that though he lost his throne, he shall not lose his life. But Saul did not inquire of God and eventually God killed him.

Let us LOOK FAR now through prayer.

Agape

Psalms 106 - 107 (3rd May) - Ezra

Psalms 106 - 107

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. (NIV)

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. (NKJV)

The above verse appears in the beginning of both chapters 106 and 107. As we read on in 106 and 107, you will realize that David is praising the Lord and humbling himself in every way.

I believe these two chapters are very straight forward. Telling us that, in everything, give thanks and give praise to our Lord in everything we do and whatever happens.

Easier said than done. But I'll put it this way; it's easier felt than not giving thanks.

As written in chapter 107:43 "Whoever is wise will observe these things, And they will understand the lovingkindness of the LORD. "

The 'lovingkindess': this word is not in the dictionary, but why they put these 2 words as 1 word?

Reason: This is expressing how much God loves us and His kindness in our lives which is way beyond what any human can give. This is why, chapter 107 ends off saying that, whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand......... why is it important to give thanks to God always; Pass or fail, good or bad, very good or very bad, in all things, give Him all the glory, praise, honor and thanks giving.

Application: Take a min or 2 to thank God for your day before you sleep. It may be just 2-3 sentences, God hears and appreciates them all. The more you give thanks to the Lord, the more He will bless you greatly and the more you will live your life in joy.