Verse of the Day: (149:1) Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
1.God Of Praise (149:1-6)
Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. (149:2)
The true and living God, through King David, as well as all His kings, prophets and priests, commanded His people in the city of Zion or Jerusalem, and the nation, Israel, as well as all the people in the whole world, to truly believe and trust in Him, and to praise and worship Him for He is the faithful Creator of all things, including heaven and earth, the sun, the moon, the planets, the stars, the seas, the oceans, the mountains, the plains, the grass, the plants, the herbs, the trees, the fruits, the birds, the fish, the animals, and especially, man made in His own image. (Genesis 1-2) Indeed, let us praise and sing songs including new ones to our God day and night, and using His Word, the two-edged sword, in overcoming the devil’s temptations and trials, that we shall always be to His praise and glory. (Hebrews 4:12) At the end of our fragile and feeble life, at our last breath and heartbeat, let us praise and worship our God in His perfect and sovereign will, amid all our fiery troubles and tribulations, for He is worthy of our praises and worship, as He is our precious Saviour and Redeemer of our souls now and forever. (1 Peter 4)
2.God Of Punishment (149:7-9)
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; (149:7)
Though God loves sinners, but He hates sins, and this is why He shall eternally condemn all who refuse to believe and acknowledge Him as their personal Saviour and Lord. (John 3:16-21) Let us thus trust and obey God, the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, and submit to Him and all ordained authorities, as He shall judge and punish all unbelievers and evildoers, and one day, He shall cast their souls to fiery hell forever. (1 Peter 2:13-25)
3.God Of Psaltery (150:1-6)
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. (150:3)
God has made man with the love for music and this is why His people who are called by His name shall praise, sing and make music through all the different musical instruments, the likes of psaltery, trumpet, harp, timbrel, stringed instruments, organs, cymbals, and even dancing. What a day it shall be when we get to God’s heavenly sanctuary hearing the beautiful songs from the perfect choir and dancers, accompanied by the impressive orchestra, performing with all the musical instruments to our God, and I am sure, David, the shepherd boy and renowned king of Israel, shall be one of them. (2 Samuel 6:1-5)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to praise and sing to Your name in good and bad time.
Verse of the Day: (1:7) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
1.God’s Wisdom (1:1-14)
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; (1:1)
David was very thankful to God that his son and successor, King Solomon, loved and feared the true God of Israel. At the beginning of Solomon’s reign, he asked for God’s wisdom and understanding, when the Almighty God spoke to him in a dream at night for the desire of his heart. God not only gave Solomon His wisdom, but also riches and honour, as He was well pleased that he sought after Him and His wisdom. (1 Kings 3:1-15) God, the Holy Spirit, inspired King Solomon of Israel, to pen the Book of Proverbs, commanding the people of Israel at that time, and even Christians today, that the beginning of His wisdom is to truly believe and fear Him, and obey His commandments, so that His richest blessings be upon us. However, we are fools if we doubt and reject God and His wisdom, and we shall certainly reap the consequences of our sins. At the end of Solomon’s life, he regretted ignoring God’s wisdom, and allowing his heart to seek after idolatry and immorality, that resulted in his family being in disarray, and his vast kingdom divided. (1 Kings 11) Indeed, let us not only seek God and His wisdom of peace and mercy, but to truly live it out, so that it be pleasing before Him. (James 3:17-18)
2.God’s Way (1:15-33)
My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: (1:15)
King Solomon, encouraged his son, and even Christians today, to walk in God’s way of righteousness, and in honouring our parents, so that we shall receive His rich blessings and everlasting life in pearly heaven, while those who walk in man’s way of wickedness shall reap the consequences of eternal condemnation in the devil’s hell. (2 Peter 2:21-22)
3.God’s Word (2:1-22)
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; (2:1)
What went wrong in Solomon’s life? Solomon had God’s wisdom, riches and honour, but tragically he went after the lust of his eyes and flesh and the pride of life, and ignored His wisdom, way and Word. Let us therefore not only seek God and His Word, but to truly live it out, and even to die for it. Indeed, many of God’s believers choose to die for Him and His Word than to deny Him during the Old as well as the New Testament era, and even today, which is the church age. In fact, many more of God’s believers are also willing to die for God and His Word during the 7 years of Great Tribulation, which will begin after the Rapture that is anytime from now, when all Christians shall be caught up with the Lord Jesus to be with Him forever in His heavenly kingdom. (Revelation 20:1-4)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please grant me Your wisdom in obeying You and Your holy Word.
Verse of the Day: (147:5) Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
1.God Of Power (147:1-13)
The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. (147:11)
The Almighty God, through King David of Israel and many of His prophets and servants, prophesied to Israel at that time, that Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, shall leave His glorious heaven to live on earth, ministering to the people, healing their broken hearts, binding their wounds, and even numbering the stars and calling them by their names, and above all, forgiving their sins by His great power and infinite understanding. Indeed, man delights in the power of horses and their physique, but God only delights in all who fear Him and hope in His mercy. Let us thus believe in and receive Jesus as our Saviour, and repent our sins, and He shall forgive us by His great power and mercy. (Matthew 9:1-8)
2.God Of Peace (147:14-20)
He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat. (147:14)
David could certainly testified the God of peace and power, as he had experienced not only His forgiveness of his sins, but His peace amid chaos, and the abundant provision of the finest food for his family. However, David reaped the consequences of his sins, as his son, Absalom, rebelled against him, his advisor, Ahithophel, betrayed him, and his vast kingdom was subsequently divided during the reign of his successor and son, King Solomon. (2 Samuel) Indeed, let us truly believe in and receive Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, and He shall send His Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to dwell in us, granting us perfect peace and constant comfort amid our all our fiery trouble and tribulation. (John 14:23-31)
3.God Of Praise (148:1-14)
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. (148:13)
Since the day David believed in the true God of Israel, he had been praising Him from a lowly shepherd boy to the renowned King of Israel, the most powerful kingdom in that era. David truly enjoyed the presence of God in communing with Him in prayer, pouring out his heart to Him, and praising His holy name. David praised God for His name alone is excellent and His glory is above the earth and heaven. Let us therefore praise and worship our Saviour Jesus Christ, together with the hosts of angels, for He is Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father and The Prince of Peace, and for all that He has done in, for, with and through us, especially in granting us His eternal and precious salvation and home in pearly heaven. (Isaiah 9:6-7) Indeed, let all who fear and believe in Jesus Christ, praise and worship Him now and forever. (Revelation 19:1-10)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that You are my great power when I am weak and weary.
Verse of the Day: (145:8) The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
1.God Of All Grace (145:1-8)
They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. (145:7)
King David spent most of his time during the last lap of his life, praying to and praising God for who He is, and for all that He had done in, for, with and through him. As David recalled the history of Israel, and how God sustained them throughout their generations, and blessed them with faithful leaders, the likes of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, etc., he thanked Him for His grace, greatness, goodness, righteousness, compassion, patience and mercy toward him and Israel, as well as the rest of the people of the world who believed in Him. David knew that God had commanded Israel to be the light of this dark world of sins, as they would shine His grace and holiness, so that all shall know Him, and make Him known. (Genesis 12:1-3) Indeed, the God of all grace who calls us to believe in Him shall strengthen us amid all our life storms. (1 Peter 5:1-11)
2.God Of All Goodness (145:9-21)
The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. (145:9)
David praised God for all His goodness, greatness, grace and mercies, as time and again, He forgave not only his sins, but the sins of the people of Israel as well as the people of the world, and delivered them out of all their troubles, as they believed in Him, called upon Him, and repented their wickedness. David commanded all Israel to declare God’s wonderful works and saving grace to the rest of the world, so that they shall know Him, and made Him known. Indeed, let us flee from all evil, wickedness and deceit, and God shall bless us with His Spirit of all goodness, righteousness and truth. (Ephesians 5:1-10)
3.God of All Generations (146:1-10)
The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD. (146:10)
David acknowledged that the God of Israel was not just the God who shall reign and rule in his generation, but all generations since the beginning of the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, and for all eternity, when we truly believe in Him. (Romans 5) Indeed, David praised and thanked God to his very last breath and heartbeat, and this is why God praised and commended him as a man who was after His heart. (Acts 13:22) Let us therefore pray that not only ourselves, and our generation, but also all generations shall believe and trust in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and fear Him, and seek after His heart, and all His grace, goodness and greatness, and magnify His mighty name. (Luke 1:46-55)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that Your grace is sufficient for me amid my life storms.
Verse of the Day: (144:2) My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.
1.The Faithfulness Of God (143:1-12)
Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. (143:1)
David remembered God’s faithfulness, righteousness and lovingkindness, as he prayed and pleaded to Him to save and deliver him out of all his troubles and persecutions from his enemies, and even his own people. Many times, David would have died in the hands of his enemies, if not for God, who faithfully and lovingly saved and delivered him out of these near deaths. David trusted God as he humbly prayed for His wisdom and instruction in leading his flock of sheep before he eventually led God’s people, the nation of Israel. Indeed, let us trust and obey God, as He is faithful, and He truly knows how much we can take His tests of our faith as He stretches it to the fullest, so that we shall be like shining pure gold bringing glory, praise and honour to His mighty name. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
2.The Finger Of God (144:1)
Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: (144:1)
David believed and trusted in God who strengthened and sustained his hands and fingers as he used his sling and sword to completely overcome and subdue all his enemies, including Goliath, the giant Philistines champion warrior, the great enemy of Israel. (1 Samuel 17) Indeed, the finger of God shall truly protect and preserve us from all troubles and tribulations, including the devil’s deceitful and deadly temptations. (Luke 11:14-26)
3.The Fortress Of God (144:2-15)
Happy is that people, that is in such as case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. (144:15)
King David of Israel closed the last chapter of his life by singing a song of thanksgiving dedicating it to his true God of Israel, his Fortress, Goodness, High Tower, Deliverer and Shield. David kept praising and thanking God for being with him since the day he was an insignificant shepherd boy to the momentous day when he became the famous and renowned King of Israel, the most powerful nation of the world at that time. The happiest and most blessed moment of his life was the fact that the Anointed, the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, shall come forth from his lineage. Indeed, when we believe and trust in the God of Israel, we shall be happy and blessed, as He shall be our Fortress, Goodness, High Tower, Deliverer and Shield protecting, preserving and providing for us not only during our lifetime on earth, but for all eternity in glorious heaven. (2 Samuel 22)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that You are my Fortress amid the devil’s fiery temptations.
Verse of the Day: (141:3) Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
1.God’s Watch (141:1-5)
Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. (141:1)
Like the Lord Jesus Christ, King David of Israel, had his fair share of great sorrow and sufferings, as he poured them out to God. However, all our sufferings are nothing compare to Jesus’ suffering, as He left His riches and splendour of glorious heaven, to live on earth, to minister, suffer and eventually die on the most humiliating and excruciating death on the cruel cross, not for His own sins, but the sins of the whole world. (Isaiah 53) David prayed to God to set a watch upon his lips and life, so that he would continue to praise and thank Him, amid his sorrow and suffering. Indeed, let us pray to God to watch over our lips and lives that we glorify and honour Him, and submitting to our pastors and missionaries who watch over our souls as they are accountable to Him, that they may do it with joy and never with grief. (Hebrews 13:17)
2.God’s Word (141:6-10)
When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet. (141:6)
Amid crises and corruption, David found great comfort and consolation in God’s Word. Many times, David recalled and recited God’s Word to encourage himself first as a shepherd boy, then the King of Israel, before God eventually promoted him to pearly heaven. David committed everything, including his enemies, to God, knowing that vengeance belonged to Him. (Deuteronomy 32:35) Let us turn our eyes to God and taste and experience His Word in our hearts, that they are sweet for our encouragement, and powerful for the edification of our souls, and for His glory and praise. (Hebrews 6:1-8)
3.God’s Way (142:1-7)
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. (142:3)
When David’s spirit and ways in worshipping and serving God were hindered by the devil, through his opponents and oppressors, and when he eventually reached the rock bottom of his life, he managed to look up to the Rock of the bottom, his Creator and Refuge. David knew that Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah, is the only Way, the Truth and the Life, and no one could truly be saved by God, His Father, except through Him. Let us therefore trust and obey Jesus, and praise His name, as He is our only Way to heaven, our only Truth amid falsehood, and our only Life, as our souls shall never perish in the devil’s hell, but we shall live forever with Him in His eternal heaven. (John 14:1-6)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please set a watch over my lips and life giving glory and praise to You.
Verse of the Day: (139:15) My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
1.God’s Spirit (139:1-14)
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? (139:7)
King David of Israel poured out everything that was in his heart to God, his Creator and Saviour who knew everything about him, even when he was in his mother’s womb and right up to the time he would spend eternity with Him in His glorious heaven. In fact, God’s Spirit moved upon the earth even before everything, including man, was created and formed. Indeed, God is a Spirit, and He is omnipotent, omniscience and omnipresent, and He even watches the wicked in hell. God creates hell for the devil, the demons and the unbelievers who reject and rebel against Him. Let us thus believe in God, and pour our hearts to Him who is the Spirit who knows everything about us from the beginning when we are in our mother’s womb to all eternity with Him in His heaven. (Genesis 1:1-2)
2.God’s Secret (139:15-24)
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: (139:23)
David understood that no one, not even the smartest and the most intelligent person on the face of the earth, could truly and fully comprehend how man came into existence, and how he was created, as it was beyond human logic and understanding, except that there must be a Creator and God. David struggled with life on earth as he longed to be with his God and Saviour in pearly heaven, yet he must continue to fulfil his duty and responsibility as the King of Israel, and the father and husband to his family. David prayed and pleaded with God to search his heart, as he truly desired to live a life that would honour and glorify Him. Indeed, let us pray to God to search our hearts, that we may live a holy life. Though we may never understand many things in life, such as, why the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper, yet we must continue to accept them as God’s secrets until one day He reveals to us in His glorious heaven. (Deuteronomy 29:29)
3.God’s Salvation (140:1-13)
O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. (140:7)
David cried out to God to deliver him from the wicked and violent people who discouraged and depressed him in his life, especially his reign as the King of Israel. David trusted and obeyed God, and had confidence in His salvation and strength, knowing that He shall protect and preserve him, his family and kingdom amid countless battles and endless struggles. Indeed, let us fully trust and obey God, and have confidence in His salvation and strength amid our life storms and struggles. (Revelation 12:10-17)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to fully trust You even if it is Your mystery and secret.
Verse of the Day: (137:4) How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land?
1.The LORD’s Song (137:1-7)
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. (137:1)
God punished Israel by sending the Babylonians to attack and subdue them. The people of Israel wept when the Babylonians compelled them to sing the LORD’s song by the rivers of Babylon, the foreign land far away from Israel, as they remembered and recalled the good old days, especially the golden years during the reign of King David, but now they were prisoners and slaves of the Babylonians. One day, when we get to heaven, we shall sing the LORD’s song with the angels, including the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, the LORD Jesus Christ, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. (Revelation 15:1-4)
2.The LORD’s Service (137:8-9)
O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. (137:8)
Instead of serving God, they disobeyed Him, and now they were forced to serve as slaves to the Babylonians. Israel knew that their captivity was the consequences of their rebellion against God, and thus they repented their sins, and turned to Him, and committed their lives to Him. They also prayed for God’s judgment upon the Babylonians who had done much evil to them. Let us thus obey God, and do service to Him with joy in our hearts knowing that He is indeed our loving Master. (Ephesians 6:5-9)
3.The LORD’s Strength (138:1-8)
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. (138:3)
King David reminisced the time when God strengthened and sustained his soul, as he humbled himself before Him, and cried to Him in repentance of his transgressions. David learned the hard way, and he began to daily praise and sing to God for His holy Word, as well as His lovingkindness, truth and mercy, even during the worst time. David fully understood that God is too wise to make a mistake, and too kind to be unloving, and He shall help and revive him in the days of trouble. Indeed, when we call upon the Lord, He shall not only grant us His awesome strength and sustenance, but His priceless salvation, as He willingly left the splendour of heaven to be on earth, and to die on the cruel cross and shed His precious blood for the sins of the world, yours and mine. (Romans 5:6-8)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to praise and sing to You in good and even bad time.
Verse of the Day: (136:1) O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
1.God’s Memorial (135:1-21)
Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations. (135:13)
God reminds His people, Israel, and all Christians today, to keep praising Him for He is good all the time. God reiterates to them that they must always have fond memory of the days when His mercy was upon them amid their disobedience. In fact, God commanded Israel to teach their children of Him and His Word, and in turn, their children shall teach their next generation, until all generations shall know Him, and made Him known. God’s desire is for all to know the gospel, that only Jesus can save the souls of man, and it be preached throughout all generations. This was why Jesus commanded His disciples that the memorial of the woman who broke her precious ointment on His Head and Body as if in His burial, was the greatest prophesy that He would eventually die, be buried, and the third day, He shall rise from the grave conquering death. Though Jesus’ disciples thought it a waste for the ointment to be on Jesus and should be used to help the poor, yet this memorial act was the priceless gospel that whoever believes in His death and resurrection, shall never perish in hell, but have everlasting life with Him in heaven. (Matthew 26:6-13)
2.God’s Mercy (136:1-8)
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. (136:5)
Throughout God’s Word, His mercy is mentioned time and again, as it is truly His mercy that keeps us living, saving us from fiery hell, and His grace that will ultimately transport us to His heaven. God who creates the heavens; the first heaven being the home of birds, the second heaven being the home of stars, and the third heaven being His home, also creates man in His own image granting us precious salvation when we believe in and receive His Son, Jesus Christ, as our personal Saviour and Lord. Indeed, let us keep ourselves in God’s love, and looking always for His mercy now and forever. (Jude 21)
3.God’s Moon (136:9-26)
The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever. (136:9)
God who creates the moon and the stars to rule by night, and the sun to rule by day, shall keep us in His mercy as we trust and obey Him. Israel remembered God’s mercy, as He punished the Egyptians destroying their firstborn, so that they would free Israel from the bondage of slavery, and then Israel would eventually inherit His Promised Land. Indeed, one day, all who believe in God, shall never see the sun, moon and stars again, as we shall be Him in heaven, and He shall be the Light shining forever. (Revelation 21:22-27)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that Your mercy endures forever as I trust and obey You.
Verse of the Day: (134:1) Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.
1.The Brethren (133:1)
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (133:1)
King David of Israel, God chosen nation, knew what it was like to have unity in his family and kingdom, because he experienced chaos and conflicts as his family was divided, and his kingdom eventually broke apart. Indeed, let us as God’s family and church, unlike the worldly organisations and nations, be united in Him, because He is in and with us, in His perfect will, amid different preferences and personality. (Romans 12)
2.The Beard (133:2-3)
It is like the precious ointment upon the heads, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; (133:2)
During the Old Testament era, the beard of a man signified leadership, authority and dignity, and those who shaved them, like Ezra, the prophet and scribe, were either mourning for their loved ones, or for backslidden Israel. David described God’s goodness, pleasantness and blessings upon Israel, and the church today, who dwells, praises and worships God together in unity, love and truth, as the precious ointment flowing smoothly from the beard of Aaron, Israel’s high priest, down to his beard, and eventually to the skirts of his garments, and the refreshing dew of Hermon descending upon the mountains of Zion. Indeed, let us be united in Christ for His glory and praise. (Ezra 9)
3.The Blessing (134:1-3)
The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion. (134:3)
In the days of Israel during the Old Testament time, and even today, the church age during the New Testament period, all true believers of God shall worship and praise Him for who He is, the Creator of heaven and earth, the God of the holy city of Zion or Jerusalem in Israel, His chosen nation, as well as the God, the Head of the church, His body. Indeed, we are saved by God’s amazing grace to stand and serve Him, whether day or night, in health or in sickness, in life or even in death, and throughout all our lives for His praise and honour, as He bless and keep us now and forever. Indeed, in this life and life everlasting, God’s desire is for all of us to be united as one body in Him, worshipping and serving Him as He is our one and only Creator, Saviour and Lord. Let us therefore, as long as we live on this earth, be a blessing to all, including our enemies, and learn how to stand up for His holy Word, share His glorious Gospel, and serve His mighty name with all our hearts and souls, until the day He calls us to His pearly heaven. (Revelation 7)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to be a blessing to all even my enemies for Your praise.
