February 27, 2015 – Friday

Start Time: 8:12 AM

End Time:  8:27 AM

Title: Psalm 43

Scripture: Psalm 43-:1 – 5

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ Psalm 43 I believe is still a continuation of the previous chapter as you can still hear the agonizing pain of David as he sought God in a time when HE is silent.  David pleaded to God to vindicate him.  He asked God to plead his cause against an unfaithful nation.  Now, hear David asked God to take control and fight for him.  Many times, we just asked God to remove our problems or take it away but we don't seek God to intervene and act on our behalf.  We felt like God is a magician who will just take away the problems and that's it - but how else can we truly see His greatness and power when we are not able to see Him working on our behalf in our troubled times?  Amazingly, David understood this because his heart is set to praise the Lord so he desires to see His glory and power in his life.  We should seek for the same.  Look at how David prayed.  His prayer is for God to rescue him; to plead his case and to act on his behalf.  Not to ultimately wake up and realized that all his troubles are gone (will ultimately this is the goal) but David wants to be in the process towards it, he wants to be in the fight and win the battle; David wants a front row seat to the battle against his enemies and cheer on (praise) as God wiped out all his enemies! 

David proceeded in verse 2 declaring God as his stronghold; asking why he should go about mourning?  Then in verse 3, he said to God to send him His light and faithful care.  I want to emphasize on the next statement, David said, "let them lead me" - David requesting God to let His light and care lead him.  So our focus is God's light and care/love towards us to lead us to the right path.  So we ought to focus on His great love rather than our problems; because His light, His love, His faithful care to us will bring us back to Him.  And then we will praise Him.  So why remain downcast?  Again David emphasized to himself to put his hope in God!  Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for these wonderful words from David.  Thank You Lord that in times of troubles, all I need is to focus on Your love for it will bring me back to You.  In times when I feel like You are far or hiding, all I need is to focus on Your love for me; Your everlasting love that will lead me back to You.  Thank You Jesus for this.  May I learn to apply it in my life and remember it always that I will never go astray but will go back to where I belong - in Your arms.  Thank You Lord.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

February 26, 2015 – Thursday

Start Time: 6:20 AM

End Time:  6:57 AM

Title: For the Director Of Music.  A Maskil of the Sons of Korah.

Scripture: Psalm 42-:1 – 11

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ Psalm 42 is one of the popular psalms of David that was turned into a song.  Each word speaks of thirst and longing of the heart.  David was clearly missing God.  In a time of his life where David felt the Lord was afar, his heart was in pain and aching...seeking not the dissolution of his problems or removal of his enemies, his only heart's desire was God, His presence.  Above all the requests he made in prayer to God, his ultimate desire is the presence of the Lord.  Now this is David seeking for the "Giver" rather than the "gift".  Looked at every word he wrote, he compared his soul to a deer who pants (to pant means to breathe hard and quickly; like a short gasps; in a labored manner) for streams of water.  This speaks of a deer gasping for breath, literally on the edge of dying.  David literally was saying that his soul is dying with the presence of the Lord.  This may seem dramatic but as I think of it, David considers God as his oxygen and with God being silent, is like his life fading away little by little literally.  David declared his soul thirst for God, for the living God.  Now, have you ever been without water for days?  The sight of it makes you crazy (in a way), you will do everything and anything to get to it; this is David at this time, dying when God hides from him.  Can we honestly say we feel the same or have we become numb and treat the day just like any other even without feeling or experiencing the presence of the Lord in our lives?  David spent nights in tears and his tears has become his food, meaning he cried as many times as he eats.  Today, that will be a normal 3 times a day, some would be about 5-6 times a day.  That's how often David cries for the Lord in a day as people tries to rub it onto him the absence of his God.

Now what kept David alive?  In verse 4, he answered that question...he remembers the days he had with the Lord in his temple with shouts of Joy and praise.  That's why it is important that every day we create amazing memories with God for a time will come when God will be silent and what will sustain us, are the memories we created with Him.  David was not short of it so he lives with those memories in his heart and mind. 

In verse 5, we see David encouraging himself; motivating his soul not to be downcast but to put his hope in God!  Clearly we learn here that we are our own motivator!  We are our own encourager!  Time will come when no one else can lift or speak words of encouragement to us so we must know how to do it ourselves!  We have to love ourselves the same way we love others so the same way we encourage others, we ought to encourage ourselves too.  And what is David's solution for his downcast soul?  Great memories with God!  In verse 6, he said, my soul is downcast within me therefore i will remember you.  Let us remember God daily.  David did so, which kept him alive at that point in time of his life.  He spoke of deep calling to deep, this is the intimacy of his relationship with God - it's deep and it's calling out for him too.  David recalled his day with the Lord, where God directs His love for him and at night God's song with him.  David remembers his day with God, walking side by side with Him all day long.

In verse 9, David illustrated his need of Him; his hunger by showing us his suffering without God.  And he ended this psalm with again, encouraging himself to put his hope in God for He has not failed him ever since.  He pushed himself to praise God.  At this time, David may not felt to worship or praise because of his current condition, especially that God seemed to be far from him, yet he pushed himself to put his trust and hope to God.  Let us do the same and practice this in our lives in times when things seemed to be a mess or feels like God is not around.  We ought to encourage ourselves to continue, push ourselves to hope in Him at all times, knowing it all too well that God never leaves us nor forsake us.  Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, great and awesome God!  My streams of water, my life, my oxygen...You are my life Lord and without You, life becomes a blur and dark.  Lord, I want to desire You the same as David did.  To understand the value of Your presence in my life so much that I will be sensitive enough when You hide Your face from me because my whole being will start to wither and die without You.  Help me Lord to thirst and long for You the same as David did.  I want to make You the ultimate desire of my heart.  Help me Lord to be an encourager and motivator to myself, not just to others.  Help me to see that I need to push myself to believe and hope in You even in times when things seem to be dark and You are nowhere to be found.  Help me Lord, give me the heart of David.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

February 25, 2015 – Wednesday

Start Time: 6:20 AM

End Time:  6:40 AM

Title: For the Director Of Music.  A Psalm Of David

Scripture: Psalm 41-:1 – 13

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ The first 3 verses of this chapter spoke of what God does to those who think of the weak (concern or care for them).  David clearly declared God's deliverance, protection and sustaining grace upon those who care for the weak.  David on those times were weak himself, as we learned he had been referring to himself as the poor and needy whose strength has failed him.  So in this scenario, I can only think that David cared for the weak despite of himself being weak.  Now this also confirms what he said that he continues to do good despite of the troubles he had at that time.  We ought to follow the example of David.  Though we are fully aware of our own weaknesses and our need for a Savior, this should not be an excuse to not care for others.  The world does not revolve around ourselves alone, in truth, it revolves around God and He loves people so we ought to share that love and care to them despite of our own present condition.

David then went on asking God for mercy on him because of his sins.  And from verse 5 to 9, we can see, David illustrating his present condition to God; a man helpless from all his enemies.  David highlighted on the fact that he has no control of the situation he is in because he can never control another man's thoughts or own decisions.  He spoke of himself as helpless in a time when his enemies rose against him and so he sought for mercy from the Lord for he knew that he was not a saint.  We ought to consider this carefully.  Each day, we ought to examine ourselves and present ourselves to God as one in need of a Savior, knowing all too well that we are sinners.  Despite of the right things we do and the decisions to walk an upright path, we must remember that ultimately, we are human and therefore we are flawed.  So we always come before God in humility and seek for His mercy over us.  Lord, I ask that You be merciful to me.  I know I am not a saint nor am I strong to fulfill the commitment I made to walk a righteous path.  Only You can give me the strength to pursue that and I am weak on my own.  Forgive me Lord and help me fight my weaknesses that I may continue on to the righteous path You have set before me.

David in verse 10 again, pleaded for God's mercy but i want to focus on verse 11, when David said that he knows God is pleased with him.  Can we say the same thing?  Can we say that God is pleased with us?  I know that I am not perfect and though I try my best to do what is right and choose the right decisions each day, I am still flawed in so many ways.  Yet I can honestly say that God is pleased with me today in coming into terms and realizing my faults.  My decision to come clean and repent and submit - I know pleased God!

So let us Praise God as David encouraged us to do for He is the Lord from everlasting to everlasting!  Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, great and mighty One!  Amazing and beautiful Savior, I am in debt to You for my own salvation.  Lord You see me and You hear my cries.  I know You can see my flaws in me yet You choose not to see them by allowing Jesus to reign in me that I may be pure and worthy of You.  Lord I am sorry for my weaknesses and wrong decisions.  I am not strong enough to fight on my own and I do not choose to do it my own way.  Help me Lord to always come to battle with You because only then can I win!  Lord give me the strength to forgive myself and trust in You completely.  Help me to extend my love and care to those who are weak despite of my present condition for You have showered me with Your love for that very purpose.  Thank You Jesus for saving me and coming to my rescue all the time.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

February 24, 2015 – Tuesday

Start Time: 5:36 AM

End Time:  AM

Title: For the Director Of Music.  Of David.  A Psalm

Scripture: Psalm 40-:1 – 17

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ This is a psalm of testimony!  David emphasized on the greatness of God in his own experience; focusing on God as the Savior and the One who hears his cry.  He started this chapter with the good news that God indeed turned to him and heard his cry but note that the key was, David waiting patiently for the Lord.  So David did not take matter into his own hands or tried to solve or handle things on his own.  He waited for the Lord to act and as written in the previous chapter, we saw that David struggled between what his anger wants to do and what is right!  But he chose what was right and waited for God to act and so this time around, David is now testifying that God indeed lifted him out of the slimy pit as He said He would.  He set his feet on a rock and gave him a firm place to stand - this is with clarity and no doubts; a strong foundation that cannot be shaken!  Not only that, God gave him a new song, a hymn of praise for the Lord.  Now because of all of this, many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.  Note that when God intervenes, His actions or works does not only saves us but it also gives us a stronghold that we can forever stand on, plus it gives us new song and praise for His Name with joy and gladness but most of all, His works will be known to many and people will fear and trust Him.  This is the result of God's works!  There is salvation or redemption, there is assurance and confirmation without a doubt, there is rejoicing with new song and hymn of praise to God, and lastly, there is repentance.  Now that is God's hands at work!

David knew all of this as he had experienced it first hand and so that's why he encouraged us all to trust in the Lord.  He spoke of those who trust in God as blessed!  So if you want to be blessed, trust in the Lord!  David spoke of many wonders God did and none can compare to Him!  David is unable to name each one because there are too many to speak of.  Possibly, David had trouble where to begin because of the goodness and greatness of God in his life.  Now that's what we call blessed!  You want to live a blessed life?  Well, trust in the Lord - that's the answer from one of the greatest kings in the world who experienced and witness it all firsthand, David!

Clearly David was in awe of what God had done as his words cannot stop proclaiming God's praises.  In verse6, David spoke of God as the One who wants us to desire His will.  God did not ask for any offerings, he only sought for us to seek Him and desire to do His will for us.  And so David in verse 8 proclaimed, "I desire to do Your will, my God; Your law is within my heart."  - Question, can we honestly say the same thing?  I know I have once or twice in my life but the real truth is, words are useless without actions.  So act on it!

David proclaimed God's saving acts in the great assembly!  So in truth, David boasts of God's mercy, love, works in his life; David did not seal his lips instead he spoke of it to the congregation!  We should not allow ourselves to keep the good things God has done in our lives hidden!  It deserves to be spoken of - in fact, it deserves to be boast of!  For God's glory cannot be kept hidden for a time, it will always shine through - the question is, will you be an instrument of God's glory revelation or not?

In verse 11, David plead to God to never withhold His mercy from him and that God's love and faithfulness will always protect him. Well, here's a fact that is true to us even to this day, in verse 12, David said - "For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me and I cannot see.  There are more than the hairs of my heads and my heart fails within me."  Now that's the truth! From the beginning of time until this very moment, trouble does surrounds us and our sins are too many to count.  So it is important to seek God's salvation!  That's why David said in verse 13, "Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me" - Now this is something new, I learned today that God is pleased to save the righteous - the question is are we that child whom God is pleased to save today? - Something to think about.

From verse 14 to 15, David spoke of what he wants to happen to his enemies and again, he never tells God what to do that's why his words start with "May" - in the same way, in verse 16, David said that may all who seek you, rejoice and be glad in you - may those who long for your saving help always say, "The Lord is Great!" - So far, I have not heard of any story who sought God and regretted it!  In fact, those who encountered God usually go through some struggles or difficulties but in the end, they always knew that the encounter was the best thing that happened in their lives.  And so I know that when we continue to seek God with pure intentions and right mind, I believe we will always come out rejoicing and glad and we will always proclaim God's greatness!  Scratch that!  I believe whatever intentions we have, whether right or wrong, or whatever conditions our heart was when we seek God, in the end, we will always come out rejoicing and glad and proclaiming God is great!  Hallelujah!

That's why in conclusion; David declared that he will be forever poor and needy...for GOD!  So he asked for God to always think of him because David knew how poor and needy he is without God.  And he only depends on the Lord for help and his deliverance.  David declared the Lord as his God and he does not delay in resolving whatever matters or troubles he is in!  Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, great and mighty is Your Name and all Glory to You!  Thank You for this wonderful amazing word today.  Thank You because You ask nothing of me but my will to do Your Will for my life, which again is for my own benefit.  Help me Lord to do as You please and not on my own effort!  Help me Lord to see myself poor and needy for YOU all the time!  And May I always declare Your greatness every time I have the opportunity to experience and witness it!  Give me a heart of praise and worship to You Lord and May I always come out rejoicing and glad in seeking You!  You are my only help Jesus.  Come and save me in all my troubles.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

February 23, 2015 – Monday

Start Time: 6:25 AM

End Time:  7:06 AM

Title: For the Director Of Music.  For Jeduthun.  A Psalm of David.

Scripture: Psalm 39:1 – 15

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ David wrote in this chapter his struggle with sin.  At the start of the chapter, he spoke of watching his ways and keeping his tongue from sin.  Clearly, David was human like us who had some struggle when it comes to keeping what is right.  But what I learned most in this chapter, at the first 3 verses, is that everything is a decision and a commitment.  Keeping our ways from sins or doing what is wrong, requires a decision and commitment from us.  David said, he is watching his ways and keeping his tongue from sin - this is clearly a conscious decision to keep himself from sin.  And so we ought to have the same mindset daily.  The cautious mind with the decision to keep away from sin.  David said, he remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good - which means that the struggle is for him to speak the truth, possibly in defending himself from the lies.  We knew from previous chapters that David was being attacked by gossips and rumors and lies and so most likely, David was talking about stopping himself from speaking the truth about him (defending himself) when he said that he remained utterly silent not even saying anything good.  He said that his anguish increased, so he was in pain because he cannot speak the truth.  He spoke of the fire (possibly anger) in his heart grew as he meditates.  This only portrays David as human like us.  I know we are all guilty or in the same situation as David used to be.  We are in a situation where we want so much to defend ourselves but there are times that there's no need to and we just have to trust God to fight and defend us.  This takes control and discipline. 

That's why in verse 4 - 5, David continued by asking God to show him his life's end.  To know or visualize the outcome of your decision is a great motivator to do what is right today.  David asked God to show him his life's end and the number of his days.  To remind him that life is fleeting and every decision he makes today will impact that.  David literally asked God to show him how life is fleeting and with just one breath, he can be gone.  This is to remind him that every decision he makes count and not to live life as if it has no value.

David pressed on and continued with the assurance of his hope upon the Lord.  Again, clearly, David was struggling to do what is right and he needed a reminder of the outcome of the decisions he will make then he spoke of God as his Savior and hope.  So he is strong enough to keep silent and not open his mouth because God is the one who gives him the strength to do so.  So even in the simplest thing that we all thought requires only our efforts, such as keeping silent or not fighting back, David recognize that this control he had over himself is control from the Lord Himself.  So he gave the credit to God who is in control of everything.  May we have the same perception of ourselves.  Our effort only possible because God made it possible.

David asked God to hear his prayer and listen to his cry for he knew that whatever he asked of, when God hears his cry and listen to him, God will do much better than whatever plans he had in mind.  So all he really needs is for God to listen and hear his cry.  David asked God to look away from him or more specifically, look away from his sins, so David can enjoy life again. 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, amazing God and wonderful Savior.  Truly, You are in control of everything.  I am amazed how David sees You in his life and would want to develop the same mindset of You in me.  Lord help me to see You as the source of everything including the little things.  Such as I am able to type faster because You made it possible.  Help me to see my flaws or my "nothingness" so I may see Your greatness in me Jesus.  Help me Lord to see You in everything.  In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

February 22, 2015 – Sunday

Start Time: 9:00 AM

End Time:  11:00 AM

Title: Hagar and Ishmael

Scripture: Genesis 16:1 - 15

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→

1)     When we obey the calling of the Lord in our lives, we become a blessing – verses 1 to 2

Hagar was…

a)     Slave

b)    Egyptian

c)     Gift to Sarah

Hagar’s purpose was to serve Sarah, the moment she was given as a gift by the pharaoh to Sarah.  This is her calling – to serve her master.

I believe Hagar was a blessing to Sarah; thru the years they may have become close and friends.  Sarah has a lot of maidservants but when she thought of one that can be the instrument to make her a mother, she thought of no one but only Hagar!  That’s how comfortable and trusting Sarah was to Hagar.  I believe Hagar made Sarah’s life easier and Sarah saw that she was a good servant and a true blessing so she gave Hagar the privilege to help her fulfill the duty that she was supposed to do for Abraham – becoming a mother or giving a son to her husband.

2)     When we disobey the calling of the Lord in our lives, we become a burden or a curse (verses 4 – 5)

When Hagar became pregnant she started despising Sarah.  She became proud and so deflecting from her purpose or calling in life, made her a burden to Sarah.  Instead of serving Sarah, she became proud and possibly disrespected her, which made her a burden to Sarah.  Sarah had to go to Abram about the situation and because of Hagar’s treatment to Sarah, Sarah mistreated her also.  So if we try to analyze it, it seems like Hagar was the person who actually put herself in a situation for Sarah to mistreat her, right?  So make sure we pursue our purpose in life and not deflect away from it.

3)     God’s calling in our lives requires sacrifice from us (verse 9 and verse 12)

Hagar left Sarah and I believe was on her way back to Egypt when she decided to stop for water.  Yet the angel of the Lord found her and spoke to her.  God’s instruction to Hagar was to go back to Sarah and to submit.  Now wait a minute, Sarah was mistreating her and she is pregnant, yet God told Hagar to come back to Sarah.  Sounds like Hagar sacrificed a lot in returning to Sarah.  Who knows if Sarah cooled down when she returned… some may say that Sarah was more harsh than before because Hagar left them.  Not only that!  God also said in verse 12 that Ishmael will become a wanderer and will not be at peace with his brothers.  Now tell me is that not another sacrifice that Hagar had to face when she follows God’s instruction to come back?  I truly wondered when I read this and asked myself, why Hagar decided to return when she knew what she is getting herself back into.  She will be suffering Sarah’s mistreatment plus when her son is born, he will be fighting with his brothers all the time and he will become a wanderer.  Reading the verses in this chapter made me realize that it seems like this deal between Hagar and the Lord is not so beneficial for Hagar at all so I wondered and asked God about it…then I realized that it was the best deal Hagar received! 

First of all, she is an Egyptian woman.  God is not her God – she is not an Israelite.  If this is a movie, she has no major role or part – she’s more like an extra in the story of Abraham and Sarah.  Yet here she is speaking to God Himself.  I believe Hagar saw the faithfulness of God to Abraham and Sarah all the time she was in their service.  And for God to look for her and find her when she left, means a lot.  But more importantly, I believe the reason that Hagar took the deal (the best deal of her life) with God was because of the Name she called God.  She gave God a Name, and the Name was that He is the God who sees me!  She knew that even with all the sacrifices she made, God sees it all – whether she is oppressed or mistreated, God sees it all!  Not only that, One truth I believe that Hagar was holding onto even if she knew that her son will become a wanderer and will be fighting with his brothers all the time, what made her commit and obeyed is the assurance that God sees them and hears their cries!  God Himself named Ishmael and Ishmael means God has heard his cries!  So I believe for Hagar at this point, it doesn't matter if he is an enemy to everyone or that he will always be in a fight with his brothers or that she will have to suffer against the hands of her master, Sarah…she is comforted that God sees her and hears their cries!  And she saw the compassion of the Lord for the oppressed or those who are mistreated and she knows that despite of the sacrifices, God will not leave her nor abandoned her nor forsake her for He sees her and her son and He hears their cries!  Hallelujah!

4)      

February 21, 2015 – Saturday

Start Time: 7:46 AM

End Time: 8:24 AM

Title: A Psalm Of David. A Petition

Scripture: Psalm 38:1 – 22

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ This chapter is a prayer of petition from David.  If you read it through, clearly, this is a prayer after David made a huge mistake or sin.  That's why at the start of this psalm, he sought first and foremost for God's grace.  Asking God not to rebuke him in anger or discipline him in His wrath.  David said discipline and rebuke, which denotes that he did something wrong that's why it requires rebuke or discipline.  So it is possible that this chapter was a prayer of petition for forgiveness, more of his confession prayer and request for pardon after doing something wrong.  Normally, when we confess we speak of the sins we did - telling God how wrong it was and how stupid we are (maybe) but the core of the prayer is the sin we did - that's the confession we thought of and believe to be.  But as I read thru this chapter, I can see that David has a different view of what confession is about.

He started out with seeking for God's Grace or underserved favor from God to be pardoned or saved from what he is supposed to endure because of what he did.  But in verse 2, David said that God's arrows have pierced him and God's hand has come down on him.  So clearly, David was suffering the consequence of his actions.  Possibly he is experiencing defeat, or worries or panic or whatever causes him to struggle at that point after he sinned.  But note that the emphasis of this chapter. This chapter emphasize on the condition of David after he made the terrible mistake.  David spoke of his body with no health; of his guilt overwhelming him like a burden to heavy to bear; he spoke of wounds festering in him because of his sin; how this sin has brought him low.  He continued on how this sin has afflicted him - filling his back with searing pain; how he is feeble and utterly crushed.  Now wait a minute, are we talking of the same David who defeated a bear and a lion with his bare hands?  The same David who killed 10,000 men in one battle?  So what is David talking about himself as feeble or utterly crushed.  So clearly, David illustrated that his sin cause an effect on his physical health.

In verse 9, David said that his longings lie open before the Lord and his sighs are not hidden before Him; he speaks of his heart pounds and his strength failing him - now he is talking of his sin affecting his emotional state?  David said his friends and companions avoid him because of his wounds - now he is talking of his social status.  He spoke of his enemies plotting to harm him all day long - now he is speaking of his worries.  So not only does his sin affect his physical condition, it also impacted his emotional being and social status.

In verse 13, David continued on saying that he is like a deaf who cannot hear, like a mute who cannot speak; he spoke of his mental capacity to reason or speak and ability to listen - now this sin impacted his mental state and whole psychological being.  Wow!  Can sin do this?  Well, David said it can!  It infiltrates our whole being from our bodies, minds, hearts, and even social abilities. 

In verse 15, David said "Lord I wait for you.  You will answer, Lord my God.  For I said, do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip." Despite of his present condition, David was hopeful that God will reply back to him.  David was confident in his faith that God will hear him. 

In verse 17, David's confession came out, which is admitting defeat and surrendering before the Lord.  He pleaded for God acknowledging his weakness and his ability to not able to control things on his own.  David spoke of his sin troubling him and his concerns and worries due to this.  David spoke of people becoming his enemies without cause and their schemes against him despite of his good intentions.  David clearly was seeing the near of his end at this point yet he remained faithful in his belief that God will not forsake him and He will come to help him for the Lord is His Savior.

Reviewing this confession of David, he did not linger on the mistake he did but instead, he elaborated his condition or the impact of sin in his life - showing humility before God.  Showing God that he sees the results of his wrong actions and how sin an lead him into a dangerous situation.  He spoke of the power of sin in his life and the need of a Savior for He is weak and unable to survive with the Lord.  In the whole chapter, what I learned in David's confession is David's need of a Savior!  Now that is confession!  Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, amazing God!  Thank You because You are my Savior and You do not forsake me nor abandoned me.  Lord thank You for this.  Again and again, You show me how David prays and it is all about You truly.  Whether he is confessing of his sins or he is praying in joy for the victory You gave him, in all these, he speaks of one thing and that is His need of You!  Lord, I need You!  I know I am nothing without You and clearly, everything I am is a failure without You Jesus.  So I never want to be in a situation that I will be comfortable living without You in my life, Jesus.  You are my life and my existence.  Life without You is not life at all.  I humbly admit my need of You each day Lord.  Thank You for You will supply my need every day according to Your richness and glory.  That's why I am sure that I have abundance of You Jesus every day for You are my ultimate need in life.  In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

February 20, 2015 – Friday

Start Time: 6:01 AM

End Time:  7:19 AM

Title: Of David.

Scripture: Psalm 37:1 – 40

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ David gave great advises in this chapter that we all can learn from when we are in distress or panic mode.  David started by saying "Do not fret because of those who are evil or envious of those who do wrong."  So the teaching again goes to us.  Even if there are evil people against us, David's advice first and foremost is a change that we ought to do in ourselves.  He said, "Do not fret!" or in other words "do not be afraid, or worry, or panic, etc."  So everything starts within us.  The decision to stop being afraid of our enemies comes first even if they seem to be really scary or even if it seems like they are still going to do what they evil things they said they will do.  The key again, as per David, is not to fret!  So when we do this, we are already taking the first step to our redemption.  I know that the decision to not be afraid is not easy, especially when things are really going south.  That's why David gave us a reason not to anymore.  He said in verse 2, those who do evil will soon wither like grass, they will die away like green plants.  So we get comfort from the truth that these evil or wicked people doing evil things against us will soon go away.  In short, be comforted with the thought that all our problems will pass soon!  Hallelujah!  This is what David is telling us in the 1st 2 verses of this chapter.  Do not be afraid of evil/problems for they soon will pass.  Amen!

David knew that the decision to not be afraid is not going to be easy.  Once you made the decision it is a commitment that you have to follow thru no matter what your circumstances or situation is.  That's why he continued on by telling us what we need to do in the process of not fearing our enemies/problems.  He gave us instructions so we can stop being afraid of the things we are afraid of that is not of God. 

1) Trust in the Lord and do good - Now David did not say just trust in the Lord...he said trust in the Lord and do good!  In addition to that, we are to dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Amazing!  So when we trust in God - this comes with action so again faith and action paired together.  Trust in the Lord is faith and doing good is the action.  The result of that is we dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  So we dwell on earth with the assurance of safety.  Thank You Lord!

2) Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him - Again faith and action.  Committing your way to God is the fruit of Your faith, which is trusting Him.  So not only do we do good but we also commit our ways to Him but in all of these, it is important that we trust Him at all times!  The result, God will make your righteous reward shine like dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.  So God will restore and vindicate us in public so all people will know we are innocent.  Hallelujah!

3) Be still before the Lord and wait patiently - now Being still and waiting before God are both action and faith.  Waiting is an act of faith, the same as being still before God, especially in difficult times.  In a time like we have now, where people are busy all the time.  Waiting and being still seems to be an inconvenience and a waste of time but God said wait and be still before Me.  Now that takes faith!  The result, we will build our faith in Him that we will no longer be afraid when people  (evil) succeed in their ways.  There will be peace in us that no matter how successful our enemies are in their plans, peace rules our hearts!

4) Refrain from anger and turn from wrath but hope in the Lord - We ought to keep our anger away and hope in God in situations that are wrath worthy for God will take care of the situation.  In short, we are to humble down and make peace even if our enemies provoke us to fight back.

The question now is we able to do this? 

David from verse 10, declared the fate of the evil ones.  He spoke of them being no more, not being found but the meek/humble will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.  God spoke of the wicked's plans but God just laughs at them for He knows their day is coming.  God spoke of the wicked tries to fight but they will die from their own swords.  Clearly, God has declared the defeat of the enemies, in connection to His word in the New Testament that we are more than conqueror because we no longer have to conquer for God has conquered them for us.  Amazing!

God also made sure that we understand that if the wicked will suffer, the righteous will experience the opposite.  So even if we feel we are treated unjustly or we are mistreated in any way, do not fret or angry, God will take care of you and those wicked who speaks or does ill towards you. 

Wow! verse 16 said, "Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken but the Lord upholds the righteous."  - Can we truly say this today?  I am amazed that God revealed this truth to me because many people today don't consider life or being alive as a blessing anymore.  Many even believe that it is better to die than live in disastrous times.  But they failed to see that being alive in a disastrous time is already a blessing!  It is already a miracle! for God said in verse 19, "in times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty." - So God's blessings and protection and word in times of disasters in our midst has been turned into a lie by the devil to some people.  The devil made the people believe that it is better to die than to be alive in a difficult time - but this is CLEARLY a LIE! Because God has planned to keep us safe and alive in a difficult time and that is one of HIS BLESSINGS!  But people don't see it that way anymore.  We see it more of a curse to be alive in a time of hardship when in fact; it is a miracle and God's work!  What a revelation Lord!  Thank You!

God also pointed out in verse 21 that the wicked borrow and do not repay but the righteous give generously!  Now, let's look into this deeper.  I know many people have conflicts because of money.  Christians against Christians because they feel like the righteous should know when to pay back but the truth is, the Lord never spoke of the righteous returning the money they owed back in the Bible.  In fact, He spoke of freeing them from their debts and the righteous giving generously. Wow! 

In verse 23, David wrote that the Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him and note that in verse 24, David said, though he may stumble, he will not fall for the Lord upholds him with His hand!  Wow!  Thank You Lord.  So our steps are made firm by the Lord but note that this is not just any steps we take... but it's the steps we take when we delight in God.  So it boils down to intention of the steps we take.  So do we take this step as one who delights in God or one who pursues our own selfish desire? 

Amazing in verse 25, David gave a testimony!  One that is based in his own experience!  David said, I was young and no I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread!  Woohoo!!! Thank You Jesus!  But take note, that the keyword in this context is "Righteous"  - we can take hold of this truth and stand on it when we live by it!  But if we are not, what's our right to say ill before God and accuse Him of lying when the truth is, we are the ones who failed in living up to the word He has spoken!  Wow Lord, these are great words of wisdom!  To top it all, the best part is that Jesus is our Righteousness!  So to be Righteous, all we need is JESUS!  That's why, no way should we let go of Jesus in our lives - instead, we ought to make HIM one with us at all times because HE is our righteousness and if we want that we will not be forsaken or that our children will be begging for bread or that we become a blessing to others, then hold on to JESUS at all times!

David continued on by telling us to turn away from evil and do good so that we can dwell in the land forever.  For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones!  Hallelujah!  The wrongdoers will be completely destroyed and their offspring will perish.

In this chapter, David differentiate the righteous from the wicked and we ought to see the difference clearly; from the use of their mouths to their behaviors.  But at all times, the Lord is always on the side of the Righteous and when I speak of the Righteous - these are the people with Jesus in them for Jesus is our Righteousness!

David made a conclusion for us all, he said in verse 34, Hope in the Lord and keep His way. Now this is our path to righteousness.  To put our trust and hope in God and keep His ways!  In today's generation, we are to Hope and trust Jesus and Keep His ways in our hearts.  Jesus came to save the lost and we ought to keep His ways.  Jesus came to heal the sick and we are to keep His ways; Jesus came to preach the gospel and cast away demons, we are to keep His ways!  Before Jesus left, HE instructed one thing, to go and preach the gospel and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them the ways of the Lord - we OUGHT to KEEP HIS WAYS! Hallelujah!

David said that he has seen a wicked and ruthless man flourish yet he passed away too.  So you may be in a time where your troubles are flourishing and consuming you, the good news is, it will soon passed away :)

David said to observe the upright for a future awaits those who seek peace like them - and who is more upright than Jesus?  So let us observe His ways by reading His words and keeping them.  Truly our salvation comes from God; He is our stronghold in time of troubles; HE will help us and deliver us from the wicked because we take refuge in Him!  Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I am greatly amazed of the wisdom You showed me today!  There's just so many that I need to internalize them one by one.  Lord thank You for giving me the opportunity to know and see these words in Your eyes!  Lord help me to apply them and share them to the people who needed it most.  Help me Lord to use this knowledge in the way You want me to.  But more importantly Lord, help in applying these truths in my life.  I take refuge in You just as David once did.  Help me to keep Jesus' ways in me so I may represent Him in the world.  Thank You Jesus for my salvation and for the gift of righteousness!  In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!