REMEMBER THE DEEDS OF THE LORD

Psalm 77:1-20 / Keywords 77:11

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

 

1. Asaph cries out to God in distress, but his prayer appears to go unanswered. During one of these sleepless nights, he concludes that God was keeping him awake and troubling his heart. With a faint spirit, he asks God six rhetorical questions (7-9) because God seems to be rejecting him and withholding his compassion toward him. He then deliberately focuses his thoughts on past times when God seemed so near. He remembers God’s mighty works for his people and meditates on them. Then Asaph realizes: Although God’s footprints were unseen, God shepherded his people through the Red Sea. God’s way often appears hidden, even when he is leading.

 

2. When we feel locked down by the trials of life, how can we regain spiritual perspective? Instead of looking at the trials and questioning God’s seeming indifference and silence, we need to turn our hearts toward the rearview mirror at God’s past blessings. Until when should we remember, consider, and meditate on God’s past blessings and mighty works for us and his people? Until we recognize that Jesus is shepherding us faithfully, although his shepherding is sometimes hidden.

 

Prayer Lord, help me to remember your mighty work in and around me and to trust in Jesus, my good shepherd who shepherds us faithfully.

One Word Remember God’s work

FEAR GOD

Psalm 76:1-12 / Keywords 76:11

Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the neighbouring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared.

 

1. This psalm sings God’s miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem—perhaps from the strong Assyrian army (2 Kings 19). God who dwelt in Zion showed his great power on behalf of his people. He broke the flashing arrows of the Assyrian army and made them lie still. He revealed his great name in Jerusalem by keeping it as the city of peace. God’s glory was shown even more brightly by silencing the fearsome wrath of the Assyrians. Therefore, God alone is to be feared because he judges and saves. So, his people, in godly fear, should make vows to live by faith to this awesome God and fulfill them. They should bring the gifts of heartfelt thanks, devotion, and commitment to him.

 

2. Our God is great, awesome, and almighty. No creature can stand in resistance against him. At times, fearsome, Assyrian-army-like problems can besiege us and make us fret. However, they can be silenced by God who is able to turn problems around to reveal his glory. Therefore, we must fear God and honor him, offering him our thanks and praises. We must also share God’s great name with all peoples of all nations so that they can fear God and bring gifts to him.

 

Prayer Lord, you are renowned in your created world. Help me to fear you, glorify you and make your name known in the world.

One Word Great is God’s name

IN HIS TIME GOD JUDGES WITH EQUITY

Psalm 75:1-10 / Keywords 75:2

You say, "I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge uprightly.

 

1. The psalmist starts and ends with praising God who is near his people and does wonderful deeds for them. He describes God as the ultimate and righteous judge. God’s judgment will be just and fair and come on his timeline. Although the world is messed up in sin, God in his patience and mercy keeps his hold on the pillars of the world firmly from collapsing. Godless people in their arrogance and pride defy God as if a bull lifts its horns to gore. God cuts off the horns of the wicked and brings them down but exalts the horns of the righteous. When he pours out the cup of his wrath, the wicked cannot refuse it but must drink it to its last drop. So, God’s people must trust him by faith and praise him who executes his timely righteous judgment.

 

2. Our God is the Lord of history and in control over the universe. He saves, protects, and guides his people. Although we are often spiritually blind to what God is doing, he has worked and is still working by keeping the world from eternal judgment. But in his “right time” Jesus will return to earth as the judge of the living and the dead. The righteous, holy, fair, and equitable Lord will deliver final judgment and take his people to his heavenly home and condemn the wicked. So, we sing praise to him and live before him to the end.

 

Prayer Lord, help me trust in you no matter what the circumstances, give thanks to you, and live by faith.

One Word God is still in control

GOD BRINGS SALVATION ON THE EARTH

Psalm 74:1-23 / Keywords 74:12

But you, O God, are my king from of old; you bring salvation upon the earth.

 

1. The psalmist is grieving over his devastated nation because the brutal enemies invaded it, destroyed the temple, and defiled it. He is crying out to God who seems silent, holding back his mighty hand. His agonizing questions are “Why?” and “How long?” Yet the psalmist remains confident in God and his power to intervene. He believes that God is his King and brings salvation on the earth. He takes time to recall God’s sovereignty, power and past act of salvation. So, by faith in God, he pleads with God to remember his people and his promises for God’s namesake.

 

2. There are times in life when we find ourselves in the midst of the ruins due to the consequence of sin or the effects of living in a fallen world. We feel like the world has been turned upside down and God has cast us off. What is the best response in that situation? We still need to come to God, even with pained hearts and honest questions: “Why?” and “How long?” God waits for us to come just as we are through our earnest prayers. We also need to look back to what God has done in our lives and how he accomplished our salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The anchor of our faith is Jesus Christ our king who brings salvation on the earth.

 

Prayer Lord, help me pray to you even in times of spiritual confusion and ruins, remembering your marvellous work in me and in the world.

One Word God is my King

WHY DO THE WICKED PROSPER?

Psalm 73:1-28 / Keywords 73:17

till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

 

1. Asaph was a choir director under King David. He believed that God is good to the pure in heart. But he was deeply troubled when he saw that those who were wicked, proud, violent, and blasphemous were prosperous, healthy, and easy-going. He began to doubt God’s goodness and righteousness and was overcome with envy. He felt that keeping his heart pure was in vain. Asaph’s faith was greatly tested, and he almost fell away. But God helped him see things from the perspective of eternity. Asaph realized that the wicked were destined for destruction in the end and regained his confidence and contentment in God.

 

2. We need to consider how the way we think impacts the way we live. When our thoughts are consumed by worldly influences, we end up seeing the fortunes of the godless with envious eyes and become full of distraction, dissatisfaction, and despair. But when our thoughts are firmly set on God, we can harvest a life that is full of thanks, wisdom, and clarity. God’s people may not have many things in this temporary world, but they have everything because they have the eternal God. We can see that nothing in this life is as good as that taste of belonging to the Lord. We should offer our praise and thanks to God.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for being my God. Help me to get my eyes off my wants and lacks, and to see how blessed I really am just for having you.

One Word Whom have I in heaven but you?

ALL WILL BE BLESSED THROUGH HIM

Psalm 72:1-20 / Keywords 72:17b

All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed.

 

1. This psalm is dedicated to the reign of Solomon, perhaps at his coronation. It consists of a prayer for the king to bring justice and righteousness (1-2), to bring about prosperity and extended dominion (3-11), to care for the poor and needy (12-14), to bring about a splendid and peaceful reign (15-17), and a doxology (18- 20). This petition cannot be fully realized in a human king. It rather points to the Messiah king who fulfilled this ideal kingship.

 

2. Jesus brought God’s justice and righteousness through his death on the cross (Ro 3:21-26). When Christ’s kingdom is set up, conflict and animosity cease in families, communities, and nations. Christ’s laws written in the heart motivate his people to be just, righteous, and caring. Christ cares for the poor and needy. He endures forever through all generations. His Spirit comes down like rain upon the mown grass. His kingdom will know no end. His gospel will be preached to all nations. Christ is the Lord who will be served and worshipped by everyone forever. His name will be forever praised. And all nations will be blessed through him and call him blessed. When Jesus reins in our hearts, we experience his righteous, loving kingship and become his kingdom people, the people of blessings to others.

 

Prayer Lord, you are my king forever. Help me imitate your shepherd kingship through caring for the needy both physically and spiritually.

One Word Your kingdom come!

DECLARE HIS POWER AND DEEDS

Psalm 71:1-24 / Keywords 71:18

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.

 

1. This psalm has an encouraging word for those who walk a little slower, have difficulty seeing and hearing, and make lots of noise when they stand up or sit down. The psalmist is aging and has enjoyed a long relationship with the Lord. He knows of the Lord’s great mercy and power and has claimed the Lord as his refuge. God simply says the word and the psalmist is saved! Ever since the psalmist was born, God has been present and working in his life and he has trusted the Lord since his youth. The thought of all the wonderful things God has done throughout his life stirs up praise from his soul. All the problems of old age have started to set in as his strength fades and his enemies circle around him. With confidence, though, he cries out to God to stay near and help him.

 

2. The psalmist never tires of telling others about God's righteous deeds and his mighty acts. In fact, this has become his life purpose now that he is getting older. He has numerous stories of God’s great love to share with the younger generation. Even as he gets old and gray, he prays that God would not forsake him so that he can declare God’s power and deeds to the next generation. Although he has many bitter troubles, he is confident that God will restore his life. Our God, the Holy One of Israel, is faithful to his people.

 

Prayer Father, give us powerful testimonies.

One Word Teach the next generation

Psalm 70:1-5

THE LORD IS MY HELP AND MY DELIVERER

Keywords 70:5

Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.

 

1. We all have had days with some unexpected twists and turns. In hindsight, we had no idea the troubles those days would hold! Perhaps we received news of a loved one who has become ill or a financial need arose that is simply beyond us. In David’s case, it was his enemies who were pointing their fingers at him and yelling “Aha!” They sought his ruin and were trying to take his life. During times like these, our prayers become very short and to the point, don’t they? David writes, “Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, LORD, to help me.” God knows our desperation and he understands our urgency. Like David, we can lay our problems at his feet and put our trust in him. All those who seek the LORD will rejoice and be glad in him. They are the ones who will experience his greatness in wonderful and personal ways.

 

2. We make our sufferings even worse by not recognizing who we are and who God is. Notice how David admits that he is poor and needy. He understood that his resources and abilities were woefully inadequate for the problems he faced. He acknowledged that the help he needed was the help that only God could provide. The LORD was David’s help and deliverer and he is ours as well. Our God is sufficient for all our needs. Oh Lord, hear our prayers and do not delay!

 

Prayer Father, our trust is in you alone.

One Word God will help and deliver you!

Psalm 69:1-36

GOD’S GREAT LOVE AND SURE SALVATION

Keywords 69:13

But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.

 

1. Help! Save me! David was overwhelmed and floundering like a drowning man. One enemy after another was persecuting him for no reason at all. To make matters worse, he had cried out to the Lord again and again but to no avail. It turns out that David was enduring this persecution for the Lord’s sake. His zeal for the house of the Lord and his acts of repentance were met with scorn and ridicule. He was abandoned by his family, mocked by the elders, and sung about by drunkards. David looked for comfort and sympathy, but there was none to be found. His sufferings point to the sufferings of our Lord. Jesus endured all of this himself as he went to the cross and died for the sins of the world. When we suffer persecution, we know that our Lord understands and cares.

 

2. David never gave up on the Lord because he knew of God’s great love for him. God is able to rescue and deliver his people from any trouble and his salvation is sure. Not only is the Lord full of goodness and mercy, but righteousness as well. David prayed for God’s justice to prevail over his enemies. Whenever we suffer persecution, we must continue to seek the Lord with all our hearts and put our trust in him. Like David, our spirits will soar and become full of thanksgiving and praise.

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, give us courage and strength to endure persecution. Draw near and rescue us.

One Word God’s salvation will protect you

Jonah 4:1-11

THE LORD’S CONCERN

Keywords 4:11

But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"

 

1. Once again, Jonah’s heart turned dark. When he saw that the Lord had relented and would not bring about the destruction of Nineveh that Jonah expected, he thought the Lord was in the wrong. His heart must have secretly been happy to have seen the destruction of Israel’s enemies in Nineveh. But when he experienced the Lord’s mercy on that city, he became so angry, he cried out to the Lord. See? I knew this is what you would do! That is why I fled to Tarshish! You are too nice and compassionate. I’m so upset. I would rather die than live! The Lord didn’t sympathize with Jonah at all. He asked him, “Is it right for you to be angry?” The Lord pointed out Jonah’s sin to him.

 

2. Jonah had gone out of the city and sulked. Despite Jonah’s sin, God was concerned about him and provided a shady vine for him. The vine did two things. It kept Jonah comfortable, but it was also to be used as a lesson for Jonah. In the heat of the day, the Lord sent a worm to eat the stalk. Jonah lost his shade and became angry again. Then the Lord taught Jonah about his mercy, compassion, and concern for all creation (11). Our concerns are so self-centered compared to our Lord’s!

 

Prayer Father, I am concerned so often about only myself and those I love. Circumcise my heart that I may be concerned with everyone, just as you are.

One Word God is concerned with us all

Jonah 3:1-10

GOD RELENTED

Keywords 3:10

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

 

1. While in the belly of the big fish, Jonah repented. When the word of the Lord came to Jonah again, saying, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you,” Jonah was prepared to listen. Jonah made the decision to obey the word of the Lord this time, and he went to Nineveh. For the next three days, Jonah proclaimed “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown” (4). Like Jonah, we cannot hear and obey God while our hearts are still mired in sin. We are worth no more than fish food. But when we repent, we are ready to listen and obey God’s word. Then God can use us.

 

2. What happened over the next forty days in Nineveh? The Ninevites believed God. The Ninevites were Gentiles. They had nothing to do with the God of Israel. Nevertheless, when they heard God’s word, they believed it. They believed the Lord, and they, too, repented. They put on sackcloth, proclaimed a fast, called urgently on the Lord, and turned from their wicked ways. When the Lord saw the heartfelt repentance of the Ninevites, he relented from his plan to destroy the city. When sinners repent, the Lord relents! Our God is so merciful and gracious to us, even when we are steeped in sin. He forgives and relents of his judgment when a sinner repents.

 

Prayer Father, when sinners repent, you relent from your judgment. Help us that as a nation, we may repent our sins and turn back to you.

One Word Repent and the Lord will relent

Jonah 1:17- 2:10

Jonah’s prayer

Keywords 2:9

But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD."

 

1. When Jonah ran away from God, God sent a huge fish in the sea to swallow him up. He was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. He was now as good as dead. With a broken heart, he prayed to God. He repented of his sin and finally praised God, proclaiming, “Salvation comes from the Lord.”

 

2. When we are disobedient, God gives us hardship to turn our hearts back to him. In those times, all we can do is kneel and repent before God. After three days in the fish’s belly, Jonah came to realize that only God could save him; no one else could save him, neither idols nor human willpower. He only could say, “Salvation comes from the Lord.”

 

3. In our hardship, we sometimes argue with God, “Why are you giving me this trouble?” But through hardship, God purifies our heart that we may repent and meet God newly as Jonah did. With a renewed heart and deeper understanding of God, we can serve the purpose that God has for us. Now Jonah was ready to serve his mission, to preach the message of repentance to the city of Nineveh.

 

Prayer Lord, please help us to repent and meet you newly through our hardship.

One Word Salvation comes from the Lord!

Jonah 1:1-16

Jonah Flees from the Lord

Keywords 1:2

"Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me."

 

1. God is the God of love. No matter how sinful we are, he wants to save us. Although the city of Nineveh was full of sinfulness, God sent his prophet Jonah to warn them of coming destruction in order that they may repent and be saved.

 

2. However, Jonah did not obey God’s command. He did not want the Ninevites to repent and be saved. So, he ran away from God. We all know someone whom we do not want to bless or even be saved. But God is the God of love. He wants everyone to repent and come to salvation.

 

3. Jesus did not come to save the righteous but sinners. He came to save those who crucified and killed him. We need to have the same heart as Jesus for whomever God sends our way. No matter what their attitude is towards us, we must preach the gospel message of Jesus so that they may repent and be saved. This is what God wants most.

 

Prayer Lord, please help us to bless and pray for those who sin greatly—even against us—and bring them to salvation in Christ.

One Word Preach the words of God to those who sinned against you!

 

2 Corinthians 7:2-16

GODLY SORROW BRINGS REPENTANCE

Keywords 7:10

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

 

1. Paul passionately declares his genuine love and concern for the Corinthian Christians and his joy over them in spite of their many spiritual growing pains. He acknowledges that his words to them (we can read some of them in I Corinthians) caused them pain and sorrow. Paul himself was sorry that he had to cause them sorrow, yet he rejoiced later that it had a good result. The Corinthians’ earnest response and desire to make things right was proof of their innocence and good hearts.

 

2. It’s natural to try to justify ourselves to avoid the pain of feeling guilty. When we did not know Jesus, feeling sorrow for our sin seemed like death. But in Jesus, when we allow ourselves to feel real remorse and then decide to change, we can take a big step in spiritual growth and also be a good example for others. If we are too stubborn to repent, we always regret it later. But repentance by the power of grace brings freedom from regret.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for the gift of repentance even when it is painful at first. Give us zeal to set things right when we fail.

One Word Let pain lead to repentance

2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1

LET US PURIFY OURSELVES

Keywords 7:1

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

 

1. Paul strongly warns the Corinthian Christians against marrying unbelievers. (This is not the same as becoming a Christian after one is already married.) Paul says, how can the deep fellowship of marriage exist between those who have come back to God and those who still follow idols?

 

2. Paul uses this problem as an opportunity to remind us that we are called to be different from the world. In Christ, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. When we live a pure life, God can dwell among us, and we can see each other as brothers and sisters, children of one loving heavenly Father (18). Indulging in sinful desires contaminates both body and spirit. None of us is perfect yet. But when we love and fear God, we will set our sights on holiness. Then Jesus’ grace cleanses our conscience from past sins and gives us power for living a pure life.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for calling us out of the world in Jesus to be your children. I want to purify myself for you.

One Word Called out of the world to be God’s child

2 Corinthians 6:1-13

A LIFE THAT COMMENDS GOD’S MINISTRY

Keywords 6:3

We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.

 

1. Because salvation is available to all people today in the gospel, Paul and his fellow gospel workers made up their minds not to put a “stumbling block” in anyone’s way. Practically, it means they decided to keep their lives pure, to speak only the truth, and to endure every type of hardship with patience, so that everyone could see that their ministry was genuine. They suffered much to live this way. But even though they seemed poor and downtrodden, they were spiritually rich and victorious conquerors. This is what spiritual greatness looks like.

 

2. Paul’s life of serving also showed the sincerity of his heart and the genuineness of his love for the people he served. It pained Paul greatly to see people in the churches get caught up in bitter disputing and judging. It showed that their hearts were still narrow and petty. He urged them to consider his example and love each other with wide-open hearts.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for calling me as your servant. Give me a clear attitude to serve patiently with love and win the spiritual victory.

One Word As servants of God we have everything