Daily Encouragement

AUGUST 31, 2008 - Faith In God's Faithfulness

Meditation on Psalm 89

This psalm was composed by Ethan, a very wise man who was a musician and was now in his old age. He had seen a lot in his life. He used this song to teach the people of God to rely on God's faithfulness, even though the circumstances around him were so terrible and unacceptable. But he still trusted in God and what He had promised to David, the anointed one.

Look at the beginning of this psalm. It is the song that we sing in church all the time: "I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations." Why can we trust in the faithfulness and mercy of the LORD? It is because of verse 2, "For I have said, 'Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heaven.'" (NKJV) This kind of promise from God is eternal, continuous, and firm.

The first part of this psalm is full of praise and reminder of God's covenant with His people through David and His descendants. (v. 1-37)

But then in the second part from verses 38-51, Ethan described the brokenness of his nation and the shame and disasters they suffered from the enemies because of their sins. He pleaded for God's remembrance of His own people to be hastened before it would be too late.

He knew God would answer his prayer. Indeed today the second David, Jesus the anointed one has established His church who has overcome Satan. He has also restored the nation of Israel miraculous in 1948. We shall all wait for the Messiah's return to fulfill God's promise to King David.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2008 - Satisfy Us Early With Your Mercy

Meditation on psalm 90

The man of God, Moses had lived in this world for 120 years. He had given us the Ten Commandments which became the foundation of the law of many civilizations. He was a prince of Egypt, a great military leader and organizer. He talked to God face to face. Yet he realized his own imperfection and the frailty of men. Let each of us contemplate his prayer very carefully and learn from him.

But briefly, allow me to wet your appetitive in this brief observation:

Moses first confirmed for us the everlasting existence of God. How wonderful it would be to recognize that we were living under Him and in His protection. (v. 1-2)

Moses then acknowledged the temporal and insignificant nature of man in the sight of God. (v. 3-6) I believe that when we understand this in our inner being, we will have a better acceptance of our life before God and live accordingly.

He strongly lamented in this poem that we were living under the wrath of God because of our sins and we would soon fly away. (v. 7-11) Li Taibai (李太白), the greatest poet in Chinese history also sighed in his epic poem concerning the brevity of time and human life. So he spent his days in drunkenness and encouraged others to do so. But we are thankful that Moses knew God and took a dramatically different and hopeful approach.

He showed us that we should ask God to teach us how to count our days with wisdom. He yearned for God's returning to us with compassion. (v. 12-13)

Verse 14 is a verse we must memorize in our daily prayer: "Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." (NKJV)

Moses continued to petition that God would work with us and grant His glory to us by establishing our work for Him. (v. 14-17)

Everyday we need this prayer!

SEPTEMBER 2, 2008 - The Secret Place Of The Most High

Meditation on Psalm 91

Jewish tradition referred this psalm to Moses' penmanship. Indeed the images in this psalm would be similar to what Moses had experienced. Moses lived 120 years old.

This is such a beautiful and wonderful psalm that we all wish to claim and enjoy its content in our lives. God's protections from enemies, diseases and all kinds of threats day and night are confirmed to those who love Him. God would send His angels to guard them in their walk with Him. They can overcome Satan and all their foes. They are promised with long life and salvation.

What is the key to all these blessings?

Verse one and two give it to us. "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.'" (NKJV) This means that we need to have a very close fellowship with God at all times.

As we keep ourselves intimate with God all the time by meditating in Jesus and His Word. And as we set our hearts to love Him and live for Him, our prayers will be answered and He will walk with us.

Have confidence in God. He will show you His salvation presently and in the future.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 - Declaring The Lord Is Good

Meditation on Psalm 92

On the day of congregation worship we should sing this great song. We want to give thanks to the LORD and praise His name, His loveingkindness and faithfulness.

We want to shout the victory because of His work on our behalf.

We praise Him for our beginning to understand His very deep thoughts in dealing with people which are beyond human comprehension.

He always wins over His enemies but exalts the power of His own children.

He refreshes us with His Holy Spirit.

He is always righteous. He is good only to those who are righteous in Him also. They are the one who are planted in house of the LORD. They shall also flourish in the courts of our God.

These who are solid and growing in the church will enjoy these blessings:

"They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing" (v. 14 NKJV)

How do you like that? Hope this will make you glad.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2008 - God's Principles Are Firm And Sure

Meditation on Psalm 93

The difference between Christianity and other religions in the world is that our LORD is established form everlasting, without beginning and ending. He does not change. His principles in his revealed Word are always sure and dependable. Psalm 93 reaffirmed that for us in simply five verses.

Verse one and two show us the God rules overall. He is the King of the universe and has established the world firmly.

Verse three and four use the image of the rising flood and strong waves (e.g. the flood due to hurricane at Gulf Coast) to remind us the God's voice is more higher and mightier than any thing in the world including the crowd's opinion. (See Psalm 65:7)

Therefore we must gird and decorate our worship with holiness! Our praises should never be self-centered and for entertainment.

SEPTEMBER 5, 2008 - Defender Of The Oppressed

Meditation on Psalm 94

Whether it is from the psalms or Jesus' messages, one would find that God is interested in relieving the poor and liberating the captives. The LORD cares specially for the widows, the orphans, and the homeless.

This psalm cries out for God's vengeance upon those who are oppressed by the proud and wicked. (v. 1-6)

Does not the creator of man's ear and eye hear and see what is going on among men? Does not God who has shown us His principles correct the wrong and make known the inner thoughts of man? (v. 7-11)

Moreover, God will not forget those who follow His instruction to be the righteous and are His inheritance. He will give them rest, mercy and comfort. (v. 12-19)

God will never ally Himself with the oppressors. Instead He will cut them off. But He will be the hiding rock for His own people. (v. 20-23)

Throughout history, there have been political philosophies, national liberation and profit- centered ideas which claim to relieve the poor and the weak and the under class. But they soon became another tyrant or oppressor in one way or another. Only God is our true defender.

I like the clear images and assurance of this psalm. Please read it and be encouraged by God's own words.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2008 - Worship And Obey

Meditation on Psalm 95

This is a psalm for worship in the form of antiphon. The music director may sing the first part of call to worship. (v. 1-7a) The congregation would respond by singing in unison the second part of the psalm. (v. 7b-11)

What is worship? We sing, we shout and we give thanks to the LORD. (v. 1-2) We bow down to Him. (v. 6)

Why do we worship Him? He is our Savior, our God, our King, our Maker, and our Shepherd. He controls even the underworld. He has the top and strongest strength. (v. 3-7)

During worship we must hear His voice and obey His ways. Without obedience we shall not enter God's rest. (v. 7-11) This rest is the rest of the mind, soul and spirit. We cannot be short of any part of it. Ultimately, those who have no rest in the Spirit will not enter into the Promised Land.

What is the cause of disobedience? Our harden heart. (v. 8)

Let us learn from the tragic example of the Israelite in the wilderness for forty years. Don't go side track from obeying God as we worship Him.