Collected or prepared by Pastor Wilfred Chung

June 15 - June 21, 2008

JUNE 15, 2008 - When We Are Sick Of Men's Word

Meditation Psalm 12

I think that at the time when he was fleeing from Saul, David expressed his feeling that there was no godly man around any more. He was alone and he could trust no one. It seemed that the people in the country may praise him in his face but they actually betrayed him behind his back. David was sick of those flattering lips.

God indeed hates those who talk without regarding to the truth and say whatever they want to say. He will hear the constant prayers of those who were afflicted by lying people. Now I will arise, says the LORD, I will set him in the safety for which he longs. (v. 5b)

It is so good to know that God's word can be trusted for "The words of the LORD are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times." (v. 6 NASB) Contrasting with dishonest and scheming words God's word is perfect, pure and absolutely trustworthy. You can rely on what He says in the Scriptures. His promise will stand true forever.

Thus in the world of deception, you can still put your hope in what God says. He will preserve the faithful. Praise the LORD!

JUNE 16, 2008 - From Groaning To Rejoicing

Meditation on Psalm 13

David asked God the question, "How long" four times at the beginning of this psalm. Like many believers who had been suffering, he was wondering whether God had forgotten him, why was God avoiding him, when would be the end of his lengthy suffering and the continuous insult of his enemy.

David pleaded with God to give him strength so he would not die. He did not want to be defeated by his personal enemy and be laughed at. (v. 3-4)

Some of us or our family members or friends have suffered pain, terrible diseases, personal lost or other's attacks for a long time. Our enemy, Satan seems to have the upper hand at times. It is very painful to go through life like that.

The best solution is to pray constantly like David. We can look to Jesus who Himself had suffered for us.

Moreover, sing the victorious songs of Christian faith. David sang, "But I have trusted in Thy lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me." (v. 5-6 NASB)

Based on the fact of Christ's salvation and His bountiful dealing with us in the past, we can keep on singing to the One who will accomplish His purpose through us and answer our questions at the right time.

JUNE 17, 2008 - Don't Be A Fool

Meditation on Psalm 14

This psalm is quoted by Paul in Romans 3:10-13, that all are fools. "There is none righteous, not even one." (NASB) But Paul goes on to say that Jesus has paid the penalty of our sins. By trusting Him as our Lord and Savior, we become righteous.

This psalm also describes how the godless fools treat the people of God by eating them up and shame their thinking and plan. But be of good cheer, God is our refuge.

Indeed, King David was inspired by the Holy Spirit when he sang this psalm. For he prophesied that "the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores His captive people, Jacob will rejoice, Israel will be glad." (Psalm 14:7 NASB) Jesus, who proclaimed the release to the captives, had entered Jerusalem triumphantly. He will also return to this earth personally to overcome all the fools. (See Luke 4:18 and Matthew 21:1-11, and Zechariah 9:9-10)

JUNE 18, 2008 - Who Will Stay With The Church?

Meditation on Psalm 15

Long ago in his time, God used David to reveal who would be faithful and trustworthy in His church.

He is a person who conducts himself with integrity in behavior, at work, and in conversation.

He does not slander others and does a number on those who are close to him.

He despises the vile person but honor the Christians.

He still keeps his promise even it may hurt himself for doing that. And he does not change what he has promised.

He does not put out his own money to needy Christians with interest.

He does not take a bribe against the innocent.

"He who does these things shall never be moved." (v. 5 NKJV)

JUNE 19, 2008 - Preservation Of The Saints For Now And Forever

Meditation on Psalm 16

Some have called this Psalm the Golden Psalm. It is such a comfort to know that God does preserve us in all aspects of our lives as we pray like David did in verse one. David said, "You are my Lord; I have no good beside You." Every good thing for our enjoyment comes from God. (v. 2 NASB & cf. James 1:17)

In our gladness, we should also want to express our appreciation to all other Christians. But we will definitely not participate in the ceremony of those who pay homage to other gods. (v. 3-4)

When we have Jesus as our Savior, we have Him as our inheritance. He also provides our present needs and possession on earth. (v. 5-6)

He guides us, instructs us, and is with us all the time and everywhere. Therefore our soul, our spirit and our body is secure. (v. 7-9)

Verse 10 attributes to the resurrection of the Messiah, "the Holy One". In the light of the resurrection of Jesus, our Savior, we too will not be abandoned in Sheol.  We will be raised to see Him face to face. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

God indeed will make known to us the path of life individually. We will be granted joy and pleasures all the time both now and forever. (v. 11)

What an assurance for the believers. It should be an inspiration for everyone to trust in God and pray to Him in Jesus' name. (John 16:24)

JUNE 20, 2008 - An Appeal To Heaven

Meditation on Psalm 17

Every psalm is inspired by God and every verse in the psalm has great meaning for us. Psalm 17 is like an appeal by David to the righteous Judge for His just sentencing and protection. Today let us select a few verses from David's appealing prayer to chew on it a little bit.

From verse 1- 5, David told God in his prayer that he had walked and talked righteously. He even said in verse 3 "Thou hast visited me by night; Thou hast tested me and find nothing." Can we say that?

He called upon God to deal with the wicked who had closed in to devour him and his companions. (v. 6-12) Moreover, it is interesting to know that he was appealing to God more than a plaintiff but as a loving Father. "Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of Thy wings." He claimed special privilege from God. Christians can do that!

David's inspiring words help us to understand what Christian’s behavior should be and how we should pray in the midst of evil environment at times.

As a practical observer in life, we can also see like David saw concerning people's main interest in this world. Please read details in verse 13-14.

Even then our ultimate desire should also be like his: "As for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Thy likeness when I awake." (v. 15 NASB)

Whether we awake every morning on earth or when we see Jesus face to face. We want to be like him. (1 John 3:2)

JUNE 21, 2008 - Declaring Your Love To God

Meditation on Psalm 18

This psalm is more than a psalm of a summary of God's grace upon David's kingdom. It is a fore shadow of the Kingdom of God on earth. Donald Williams' Commentary said, "God's wrath against David's enemy is cosmic embracing nature as well as history" in this psalm.

David witnessed o the Gentiles in this psalm. His kingdom will last forever as it is really God's kingdom.

We too can experience God's great blessings in our lives like David did because we are all in His kingdom. Jesus the Messiah, our King is the root of Jessi, David's father.

Therefore I appreciate very much David's expression to God at the beginning of the Psalm to summarize his feeling to God: "I will love you, O Lord, my strength." (KJV)

Can you tell God that this day? Read this psalm carefully again to see what God will do for you.