Daily Encouragement

JUNE 29, 2008 - A Genuine Worshiper

Meditation on Psalm 26

David examined his heart when he worships God. We too must examine ourselves every time when we come to the congregational worship. Otherwise we may be categorized with those who are hypocrites. And our worship would be in vain.

Let us see how David prepared himself for worship:

First of all he prayed for God's vindication and examination. If there was someone who might accuse him for wrong doing, he wanted God to straighten it out for him. He knew he walked with integrity before God. He was depending on God's lovingkindness. He did not participate with those who were evil before God. (v. 1-5)

Before he gave thanks to God, he washed his hands to show his innocence. He knew he was coming before the holy God in His sanctuary where His glory dwelt. We thank God in this New Testament time Jesus has already sanctified us through His body once for all. And our hearts have been sprinkled form an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (v. 6-8 and Hebrews 10:10,22) So we as Christians can sense His glorious presence in the church among His congregation.

As far as the congregational business, like David, we want to maintain our righteous dealing at all cost. (v. 9-10)

Then we can truly bless the Lord without reservation. But of course, we are still relying on His mercy. (v. 11-12)

Jack Hayford, the Pastor who wrote the famous and well loved song, "Majesty" said that one time as he prayed in his church, he sensed God's glory like a silvery mist filling the sanctuary and he checked that there was no smog nor dust in the room or sky.

The next day, the attendance of his church doubled.

I pray that our church and your church will be as such as we seek to worship Him like David did. "LORD, I have loved the habitation of your house, and the place your glory dwells." (v. 8 NKJV)

JUNE 30, 2008 - A Determination Through Faith

Meditation on Psalm 27

I believe that David was the writer of this psalm indeed. As one go through the experiences and expression of this psalmist, one can see it was only him who could have written this psalm. Through his word, we come to learn the commitment through faith.

First of all, David declared that he was not going to be fearful in the midst of difficulties, trails or opposition from enemies. For God was his stronghold. (v. 1-3)

Then David determined that he would spend his whole life to serve the Lord in the tabernacle. In the house of God he would find refuge and safety. He resolved to worship the LORD. (v. 4-6)

He decided to seek God in all circumstances because he knew that God would take care of him even though his family might forsake him. (v. 6-10) Remember David was a fugitive for a long time.

He was depending of the LORD 's teaching and leading, so he would not be overcome by the foes. (v. 11-12)

He said, " I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of living." (v. 13 NIV)

He willed himself to be strong and wait for and hope in the LORD. (v. 14)

We can make up our mind like David because Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)

JULY 1, 2008 - Urgent Prayers For Self And God's People

Meditation on Psalm 28

The psalmist couldn't stand for God's silence any longer. He went into God's house and cried to God against those who opposed spiritual things and those who were hypocrites. He desperately wanted God to do something. (v. 1-5)

Praise God, He answered his prayers. God helped him. So he offered song and praise. (v. 6-8)

He then switched his focus to God's anointed, His people. (Habakkuk 3:13 and 1 John 2:20, 27)

He prayed for them, God's inheritance. He prayed for God's leading them like a shepherd and "carry them forever". (v. 9 NIV)

This kind of prayer is the prayer of a mature believer. May we pray like that and He shall answer our prayers today.

JULY 2, 2008 - Call To Worship

Meditation on Psalm 29

This psalm is calling the whole world to worship Him.

Worshiping God is to give God the glory and strength. The psalmist has called upon the angels (mighty ones) and mankind to worship God. (v. 1-2)

In the following verses, the psalmist describes that the nature calls upon us to worship God.

We can hear the majestic voice of God during a powerful thunder storm.

We can hear the voice of God through the breaking power of the whirling wind and lightening.

We can hear the voice of God during earthquake.

We can realize the effect of the voice of God when it gives strength to the birth of the deer as well as stripping the forest bare.

We can turn to God even when the flood comes knowing that He will judge and rule.

The LORD is over all gods. He will give strength, blessings, and peace to those who worship Him.

I remember many years ago, Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth was detained by a storm when he was going to take a plane somewhere. While waiting, he remarked that once awhile God showed us He is in charge of every thing.

Hence, let us "Worship the LORD in the beauty of Holiness." (v. 2 NKJV)

JULY 3, 2008 - Thanksgiving For Healing

Meditation on Psalm 30

This psalm can be interpreted with different emphasis. I prefer to see it as a thanksgiving and praise to God's healing after a very serious illness. For verse two says, "O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you healed me." (NASB) David was very close to death but God had rescued him. He felt that his illness was due to the anger of God because of his sin. But that was for just a short time. He was now sure that he would enjoy the favor of God for a life time. He thanked God for listening to his prayer and keeping him alive to praise Him.

God was gracious to David and turned his mourning into joy. So he determined not to be silent but would praise God forever.

Some of us had gone through life threatening sickness. Or our family member had. We should testify to others about that and give thanks to our Savior who healed us. Our enjoyment of life today is a result of God's grace. Just reflect upon that, we will rejoice and praise Him. Those who are in sick bed now should call upon the godly ones to pray with them. (James 5:14-16)

July 4, 2008 - My Times Are In Your Hand

Meditation on Psalm 31

Psalm 31:15 says "My times are in your hand" (NIV) God uses King David's personal experiences to teach us that we must turn over our life time into God's hand. Realizing his own inadequacy to face sin, failing health and enemies, David relied on God completely to live his daily life.

He prayed for God's deliverance and guidance. He cried like Jesus did many years later, "Into your hand I commit my spirit." (v. 1-5)

He testified that he trusted in the LORD with confidence and joy in His mercy. (v. 6-8)

But he admitted his own fear, torment by others and helplessness. (v. 9-13)

Once again he resolved to trust in God's deliverance and defense rather than himself. (v. 14-18)

As a result of David's commitment of himself, God will be with him at all times to protect him. (v. 19-20)

In the light of God's taking over and His preservation, David worships the LORD and urges others to do the same.

Would you put your hope in God today and turn over your life to live for Him? He will never leave you.

JULY 5, 2008 - Sin Must Be Dealt With

Meditation on Psalm 32

Once sin is dealt with, we can be happy. If not we will sense God's heavy hand upon us all day long, David said.

It is popular today to rationalize sin by saying it is a mistake. Pastor Andy, the son of the famous Dr. Charles Stanley recently pointed out that a mistake is from a miscalculation or a misjudgment. But a sin is a deliberate violation. When we commit sin intentionally, it is a lot more than just a mistake. In David's writing, he used three terms to categorize sin in general: "transgression" is a violation of other's right or intruding a forbidden territory; "sin" is missing the mark; and "iniquity" is injustice. Not only have these wrong doings needed God's forgiveness. David also spelled out that our inner heart should also be sincere. (v. 1-3)

The only way to obtain forgiveness from God is through acknowledgment and confession of sin. Hiding will do us no good. (v. 4-6)

God can deliver us from sinning more. He will personally (through the Holy Spirit) guide us in the path of righteousness. (v. 7-8)

God does not want to treat us like a horse which must be controlled by bit and bridle. It would be painful! (v. 9)

It is such a great joy to realize that God will surround us with lovingkindness and songs of freedom. (v. 10-11, 7b)

Shall we stay in His surrounding and not sin!