Psalm 26: How do I look?

By Sean Theunissen

Psalm 26 (NIV)

'Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.'

You've got to have guts to ask God to examine you from head to toe and let you know if there's any sin lurking inside!

When you first read this psalm you get a bit of a shock at how seemingly confident David is about his own righteousness. It's not until you read the psalm preceding this one that you realise he's very aware of sin in his life and his need for God's mercy. Psalm 26 is written on the back of David being accused of murdering someone who wanted his throne. With regard to this situation, David's conscience was clear, so much so that he was willing to ask God to look at him and clear his name.

It's important to distinguish between a clear conscience and a proud spirit. One God loves and one God hates. A clear conscience recognises our standing before God in the light of the cross. It's also a place we get to when we've repented of our sin having come before His throne of grace with a broken heart pleading forgiveness. A clear conscience also teaches us to fear God alone, not man. No matter what accusations are thrown at us, if our conscience is clear before our fearsome God, we have nothing to fear.

I'm challenged by David's spiritual sensitivity and I'm not talking about super-spirituality, I mean his heart position in God's assembly. I know I have come in to a time of worship without even a thought about my heart and stuff that's not been dealt with. What was the worship I offered up to God during those times, I dread to think.

Verse 6 sums it up:

I scrub my hands with purest soap, then join hands with the others in the great circle, dancing around your altar, God,
Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs, telling God-stories.
(The Message)

Lord remind me to come to your throne with a clear conscience, not confident in my own righteousness, but in Yours, fully repentant and trusting in your forgiveness having scrubbed my hands with the work of Christ ready to belt out your praise.

Psalm 25: God’s medicine for discouragement

By Priscilla
Psalm 25 (NIV) 


Since moving from my home country, it is quite a rare treat for me to meet a friend who I’ve known for longer than I’ve lived in Bournemouth. And when we meet, we end up, quite naturally laughing about things in our shared history, reliving fun times and friendships. Occasionally and briefly, my mind drifts back to some of the other times in my teens and 20s that I am not proud of. I can remember incidents, thoughts and things I’ve said with toe-curling embarrassment and detail.

And my spirit resonated with David’s plea to God in this psalm when he says, ‘Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways.’ (vs 7)

David is at a point where he probably needs to make some decisions and seeks guidance from God particularly as he does not want a repeat of past mistakes. I am completely with David on that one!

David’s answer? He pins his hope on God! (vs 4, 5)

Hope is God’s medicine for discouragement. When we’ve blown it yet again, when we find ourselves sinning, repeating sins of our youth, again. God says – I can give you hope.

Without hope we can sink and look down into a pool of pity. But by fixing our hope in Christ, we can look up at the freedom He offers.

When we put our hope in God and humbly repent - God instructs, guides and teaches (vs 8, 9). What a bargain!

Not only that, verse 14 says, ‘The LORD confides in those who fear Him; He makes his covenant known to them.’

Confiding is something we indulge in only amongst close friends and this psalm says that God will confide in me?? And makes His promise known to me??

What have I got to lose by putting my hope in Christ? Nothing! I have everything to gain.

Let’s approach this week by not going over past sin, but meditating on God’s perfect character. Fix our gaze on Jesus and know that when we do that He untangles our feet when they get caught in the fowler’s snare (vs 15). We never have to worry about untying ourselves from those knots again. He’s done it for us. Amen!

Psalm 24: Revelation and Response

The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world
and all who live in it | flickr/traqair57

By Andy Flood 

Psalm 24 (NIV)


The heart of worship is revelation and response, God reveals and we respond. God reveals more and we go deeper and so on and so on.

What an awesome example of this we see in Psalm 24 and what an opening line - 'The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and all who live in it....' If you want perspective, there it is!

A while ago, I would read this Psalm and my response to the verses proceeding the above, was condemnation, I would measure myself up to this passage, realise that I came well short and believe that I wasn't welcome in God’s presence. What a tragedy! I had failed to grasp the work of Christ in my life. I believed my relationship with God was based on works. Only feeling welcome when I had been a good boy, when I felt good enough.

I now know, it is Jesus that gives us clean hands and a pure heart. His work upon the cross has won it for us! I no longer swear by a relationship based on works, and no longer lift up the idol of believing I could ever be good enough!

Now, I cannot wait to be with the King, I can abide in Him and Him in me. He alone has made me righteous.

Who is this King? He is the Lord strong and mighty. Mighty to save, mighty to break the back of legalism, self-righteousness and pride.

Psalm 23: Day at the spa or life of a king?

By Peter Roxburgh

Psalm 23 (NIV)


Would you like to avail of these wonderful benefits at the 'Lamb's Spa Treatment'?

• You shall have all you need (v1) 
• You shall lie down in green pastures and be by quiet waters (v2) 
• You shall have your soul restored (v3) 
• You shall be guided in paths of righteousness (v3) 
• You can leave your fears and worries behind (v4) 
• You shall be comforted (v4) 

Or would you rather choose the life of a king?

• The incredible satisfaction of feasting in the midst of your enemies (v5) 
• Having yourself and your enemies reminded of your anointing as king to the point that the oil pours off your head, into your cup and even your cup overflows! (v5) 
• Being pursued by goodness and mercy, rather than by your enemies (v6) 
• Being able to dwell in the total safety, security and peace of the House of the Lord for all your days (v6) 

Which would you choose if Groupon was doing a great deal?

God is doing a much better deal! You can have both. Today and everyday. You are both the precious lamb of the Good Shepherd and you are anointed to reign (Rev 20:6).

If you are like me you find it easier to live with a lamb's spa mentality - all meek and dependent. "Lord, restore my soul. Lord, comfort me. Lord, make me lie down in green pasture. Lord, take away my fear."

But reading this Psalm again, I feel challenged to also live in the complete boldness and authority of knowing that we are anointed kings called to rule with Christ (1 Peter 2:9)

Remind yourself and the enemy today that God has prepared a feast for you and the enemy no right to stop you from enjoying that feast.

Remind yourself and the enemy that you are anointed and chosen by God and there is no doubt about it! (Eph 1:4)

Remind yourself and the enemy that you are pursued by goodness and mercy!

Remind yourself and the enemy that today, not just when you get to Heaven, you can rest in the House of the Lord.

I like spa days. I need spa days. But I also want to know and live like the king He has anointed me to be.

Psalm 22: We have only just begun

By Chantalle Wookey

Psalm 22 (NIV)

I have to admit that when I first read this Psalm I didn’t find it very encouraging.

I don't mean that it isn't encouraging, because of course it is. It is actually an AMAZING Psalm - the issue was entirely to do with me. I was thinking I need to get this blog written, people are waiting for it, get it done, tick the box, consumed, I am, by my surrounding circumstances.

This of course leads to a feeling of guilt in me as I know this Psalm is a huge prophetic reference to the saving work of Jesus. The cry of Jesus as He hung, dying, on the cross are the beginning cries of this psalm. A picture of His suffering. Alone. Forsaken by everyone including God himself. Jesus hung on that cross, He took the sins of the entire world upon Himself. My sins. Your sins. All the sins that were ever committed. All the sins that would ever be committed.

The problem for me so much of the time is that I am spoilt. I know this stuff, and not just in my head, I really do know Jesus as my amazing Saviour. Yet I have been around this knowledge for so long that I can begin to take it for granted. I don’t allow it to humble me like it once did.

This was the place I was in when I began to write this blog.

It was as I read this Psalm again and engaged my spirit that I was struck by so many things, and not just in my head but in my inner man, the strongest of which was an over-whelming sense of desperation to worship God. No matter where we find ourselves, no matter the situation of life we are in, no matter how many times I take it for granted; He has done it. Death is beaten. I am free.

I was drawn to four simple words in the last part of verse 21. “You have answered me.” Jesus, hanging on the cross. Darkness seems all consuming. A weight of hopelessness abounds. The heavens are silent. Completely forsaken by all around Him. And suddenly a Light shines. “You have answered me”. God turns back around. Fellowship with the Father is restored. And because of Jesus’ unending Love, I am forgiven, I am restored. God has answered and he continues to answer me.

I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. You who fear the LORD, praise him!.........For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one;

God would you pour out the oil of gladness. God would you restore to us the joy of our salvation. Your love is out of the world. Oh that we would be totally undone by it.

He's Alive. It is Finished. We have only just begun to worship him.

Psalm 21: Tag, You're in

By Andi Norton

Psalm 21 (The Message)


He wanted a good life; you gave it to him, 

     and then made it a long life as a bonus. 

You lifted him high and bright as a cumulus cloud,
      then dressed him in rainbow colors. 

You pile blessings on him;
      you make him glad when you smile. 

Is it any wonder the king loves God?
      that he's sticking with the Best?



This life can come with some heavy blows, pounding even!

Time and time again when I faced a battle with drugs and alcohol, sin was rapidly pulling me further and further into a black hole of depression and despair. I was cut off from a sense of reality and being free was alien to me. But for many years in this pit my biggest desire was to be freed of it.

I tried so many times in my own strength, and pulled upon the strength from others around me, looked for expert advice, but none were strong enough to save me from my enemy (myself, and the life that was surrounding me).

How is it that I could try so hard and not accomplish something that could be broken in a single moment by a loving God on a dark road one evening with two simple words - 'Help God'.

GOD IS STRONG!

I remember singing in my childhood of a God who is big, strong and mighty, there's nothing that He can not do, and as cheesy as that may appear now, the truth that surrounds these words is so real to me.

I may not be like David facing the oppression of an enemy surrounding Him, but I know the feeling that must have come with it and the rejoicing that comes from knowing God's strength in these times.

I'm so thankful that God started my walk with Him this way, because I know that in God's strength anything is possible. In our weakness, He is strong, and if we cast our concerns to Him, He will step in.

It's like a tag team wrestling match, in which I'm in first knowing that my partner is stronger, but foolishly I try and battle the big opponent on my own. I take a huge battering and when I'm unable to take anymore, I turn to my partner, and say 'Tag, You're in'.

He comes in, and in one blow, KO. But why do we take so many blows, why do we try to do things in our own strength so frequently?

Since making the decision to let God step into my life in all the situations I face, I have known many blessings. I've known the smile of God upon my life, and like the king in today's psalm, I can say I love God, and I'm sticking with the best. I wanted a good life and God gave it to me.

We serve a Victorious King, He's already won the battle, so let Him step into the wrestling ring of your life and in His Strength you can rejoice that we are more than conquerors, because of Jesus.

Lord, constantly remind us that all things are possible for You, and not to just to turn to You in times of trouble, but to submit all things to You daily, because in Your strength we know a truly good life.

Psalm 20: An army's prayer

A team with a good scrum can advance even against a technically 

more powerful pack if they hold together and push together 

in the same direction. 

By Sean Theunissen

Psalm 20 (NIV)

1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.

3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.

4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.

5 May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God.


This psalm is the first of two royal psalms. The army of Israel would sing it as an anthem-like prayer before going in to battle, requesting that God would give success to the king, to the anointed. I love how prophetic this psalm is of Christ's victory for us, I can almost imagine Jesus' followers, if they had a clear understanding of what Jesus would go through at Calvary, praying this psalm over Him. 'May the Lord answer you when you are in distress...may he remember all your sacrifices, and accept your burnt offerings...we will shout for joy when you are victorious'.


What a reminder of Christ's victory, going before us, shouldering all the responsibility that wasn't even his to carry.


This psalm also reminds me that this life is so short and that our time on earth is so precious. How often do I forget what I'm here for, a soldier calling for Jesus to have victory and to advance His kingdom. A soldier is part of an army and in the same way we are called to be the church as one, lifting up the name of Jesus, praying for Him to move in power, to break down strongholds. An army works together, upholding our friends and comrades who are going through tough times or have fallen behind, or are in danger.


It reminds me of the prophetic word Adi Bonner had earlier in the year about being a rugby scrum and holding tight lines, no gaps. A team with a good scrum can advance even against a technically more powerful pack if they hold together and push together in the same direction.


There is a sense of community about this psalm that I really think is important for us. We are one people fighting a battle behind an already victorious King!


Lord, let me remember your plan for your church, to not get distracted by civilian affairs. Lord, help me to get alongside others, to not leave people in danger or in pain. Help me also to stay close to friends you've given me, not to try and go it alone. Thank you for your victory, thank you for the battle you endured for me. I give my life to honour this. Amen.

Psalm 19: Navel gazer or star gazer?

By Priscilla

Psalm 19 (NIV)

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
(Vs 14)


If I stuff my face with cream cakes, I am going to become fat. Fact. I am what I eat. Likewise – I also am what I think. If I think negative thoughts, I am going to be a critical person. If I think sad thoughts, I am going to get depressed. But it is some times not good enough to tell someone, think happy thoughts and you will be happy. Life can be hard - unbearable situations persist, health is not always great, money is always tight.

But David helps us with this.

Instead of indulging in navel-gazing – he encourages a bit of stargazing. 

“The heavens declare the glory of the God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” (vs 1-4)

This is God’s unparalleled design and form in creation. His art.

David then takes the spotlight from this outward beauty God’s creation and swings it around to shine it down on the inward beauty of His Word. He describes it as: perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, firm and righteous. (vs 7-9)


But by focusing on God’s outward manifestation of greatness – His creation - and by our inward meditation of God’s perfect word, we will bubble forth with songs of praise and thanks to Him – no matter what our circumstance, no matter what our weakness. This is pleasing to God.

What have our conversations been about lately? That’s what we we’ve been meditating upon.

Let’s look to meditate on God’s perfect word, His magnificent creation and His faithfulness – that we may please Him, gain His perspective and be a great reflection of His grace over us.

Psalm 18: What are you made of?

By Andy Flood

Psalm 18 (NIV)

Success is just as much a test of character as failure. So often when we fail, we chalk it up as 'character building' but when we succeed, are we as willing as David to give the credit to God?

It's easy to fall into the mindset that whenever we do something well, it's because of us. And when we fail it's all because of outside influences.

The truth is, character isn't forged in success or failure, but rather success or failure puts to test what is already there, what we have cultivated and God has put within us.

Character is the backbone within us, our default position.

David wins a massive victory over his enemies and instead of self congratulation he's full of praise for God. We know David had his flaws (understatement I know) but he is remembered as a man after God's own heart & jealous for the worship of God.

Our character, the very heart of us, needs to be one of praise to our God, in EVERY circumstance we turn to God and worship.

Here's a few questions that may help point out areas of our character that may need work:


• Where do I turn in success?

• Where do I turn in failure?

• How do I react when God calls for my obedience?

• How do I treat those I have authority over?

Psalm 17: What makes God VERY angry?

By Peter Roxburgh
Psalm 17 (NIV)



The earth trembled and quaked,
and the foundations of the mountains shook;
they trembled because he was angry.


Smoke rose from his nostrils;
consuming fire came from his mouth,
burning coals blazed out of it.


He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew;
he soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, 

his canopy around him—the dark rain clouds of the sky.


Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,
with hailstones and bolts of lightning.


The Lord thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded. 

He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy, 

with great bolts of lightning he routed them.


The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, Lord, at the blast of breath from your nostrils. (v 7-15)


Why did God behave in such a ferocious manner?

In my distress I called to the Lord;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears. (v6)


And having scattered the enemy with lightning bolts what does this big, strong and very angry God do?
He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters. (v16)


Today, walk in the assurance that your Daddy is the biggest, the strongest and woe to anyone who even so much as lays a finger on you, His child.

Psalm 16: Living all the days of my life

By Chantalle Wookey

Psalm 16 (NIV)

Keep me safe, O God, I've run for dear life to you. I say to God, "Be my Lord!" .......Without you, nothing makes sense.......My choice is you, God, first and only....Day and night I'll stick with God; I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go. 

Sometimes I feel like life is passing me by, like I have somehow really missed the boat or taken a wrong turning somewhere.

Am I the only one who feels like this?

I have definite days and even some longer periods of time when I just feel like I am muddling through life with a nagging and unshakable sense that something isn’t quite right, that I really am missing something somehow.

The truth is so much of the time I KNOW that I should be experiencing life more profoundly than I do. It is like there is a life I am destined to live and then the reality of the life I find myself in. The problem I so often face is how to transition from the version of my ‘life’ I so often find myself living to the one I feel I am missing.

A few of the things that I have done to change my life include changing my body through diet and exercise, changing my postcode, changing my church, changing my job, trying to meet new people and traveling to exotic and exciting places.

I am not saying there is anything wrong with these things, in fact these are good if done in the right context and for the right reasons. The truth is though that none of these things in themselves will lead you or me to the fullness of life we so desperately seek.

The simple reality is this: I am created for God. You are created for God. We are created for worship. It is only in a life of loving Him above all else that we will be satisfied. This life of worship is the version of “Me” and “You” that longs to be born.

Psalm 16 describes this life and how to get there. Apart from God we have no good thing. It is only in a life of worship, one that is immersed in the presence of God, with him at the centre that we can find real joy and un-fleeting pleasure (v11).

Psalm 15: I'm innocent I tell you!

By Andi Norton

Psalm 15 (NIV)

Some times I'm awakened with loud screaming and tears. I run down the hall only to find my two children trying to tell me two accounts of what has just happened.

I usually find myself accepting both stories because there is no evidence to point towards either story. Both children are found innocent, they are encouraged to hug, make up and continue to play nicely with one another as if nothing had happened.

LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?

The one whose walk is blameless

Who of us can say that they have lived a blameless life?

When I read these words I think of the great multitude of wrong doings I’ve done, and even though I try to be good, I sometimes still do wrong.

Thank God for this word – ‘blameless’ (to be found innocent, free from guilt).

We know there's only one who has truly lived a righteous life – Jesus - because of His life obedient to death, for me, I can be seen as blameless before a Sovereign God.

I love where it says in verse 4, "Who keeps an oath even when it hurts; and does not change their mind."

We've all been faced with this I'm sure, a difficult decision or choice to go back on our word, because of a change in circumstances, the pressure and pain that comes with the commitment we have made or temptation.

But none of us will have to face anything near the pain that comes with the oath Jesus made of going to a cross to die, to take on the full sin of every wrong doing since the beginning of creation right through until the future coming of our Lord.

Jesus didn't change His mind, he was obedient to death, to the point of His father turning His face away, to the point in which He said 'IT IS FINISHED' and why? So I could be called blameless. I can come to a God who can find no evidence to my wrong doings, because He looks to Jesus and so I can dwell in His sacred tent, I can live on His holy hill.

It's because of this blameless life reflected onto me through Jesus that I want to live a righteous life, to constantly strive to do right, keep my word, speak truth, but I know when I fail, I'm still seen as blameless.

Lord thank you for keeping your oath, thank You that You were obedient to death, thank You that I'm seen as blameless. I prayer you would constantly remind me of this daily and give me the strength to live a righteous life pleasing to You.

Psalm 14: The fool says in his heart, "There is no God"

By Sean Theunissen
Psalm 14 (NIV)

I've often had someone or something come up against my faith as if it was stupid child's play. Whether it was friends at uni or even documentaries or films in which the whole idea of God is ridiculed as something for the weak minded, sensitive soul.

When I come up against that I either get really angry or just feel really weak and useless in the face of something or someone who seems much cleverer and intellectual. It's in these moments that we need to hear psalms like this one.

The word fool here derived from the word ‘Nabal’ has the significance of something fading, dying or falling away, as a withered leaf or flower. It gives me such courage to read this and know that God doesn't need a big kid in the school playground to stick up for Him. He just laughs at the stupidity of the atheist and the hedonist, living life and hurting people without any concern for consequence and justice.

David finishes the psalm with a firm hope in God:

'You would shame the plans of the poor, but the Lord is his refuge. Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.' 

Not 'if' but 'when' the Lord restores. Our challenge is to see the fool for who he is but then to pray for his heart to change. David is passionate about God's honour and renown in all the earth, when we hear God's honour being dragged through the mud, what is our reaction? Is it to say, 'Oh well, that's just the way the world is now,' or is it, 'O Lord, that You would reveal yourself to this broken, confused and rebellious generation. Would You use me to demonstrate your love and power'.

Lord make me more passionate for your fame, let my prayer life reflect the battle that we're actually in. Help me to remember that no one puts you to shame and all will have to face You one day and who will be able to stand up to you then? It's amazing to think that You are on my side.

Psalm 13: A future secured

By Priscilla

Psalm 13 (NIV)

A couple of years into our marriage, Peter and I decided to start a family. But we soon found out that is was not going to happen easily. It was a time of incredible patience and testing for us. I can so identify with the words in this psalm as I often found myself praying words along similar lines:

Psalm 13:1-2 (NIV)
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? [2] How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?

It wasn't easy to see our friends have children but I remember praying, "God, fill me with immense gladness when I see my friends' new babies." And He did! We enjoyed playing with them; watching their chubby little legs take them from crawling babies to energetic toddlers and we were then secretly glad we could still sleep in on Saturdays. But I digress - flicking through my journal from those years - I can read countless promises of hope and words of encouragement that sustained me - joyfully.

I love how this psalm ends with:

Psalm 13:5-6 (NIV) BUT I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. [6] I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.
He has indeed been good to us - always!

Despite every despondent situation in our lives - let's choose to trust in God's plan and love for us.
When I used to look back then, I saw how God had skilfully ordained my life - could I not trust Him for the future?
We most certainly can! Awesome!

Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Psalm 12: The night is darkest before the dawn.

And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified 

in a crucible,  like gold refined seven times

By Andy Flood

Psalm 12 (NIV)
Like night and day. The forked-tongued conmen surrounding David are shown for what they are, by contrasting them to the brilliant sun of God's integrity.

"His words are like silver, purified seven times in a furnace." (The Message)
How awesome is it to know that God is totally trustworthy, eternally loyal and forever faithful. We know that even when we are surrounded by darkness His light is ever brighter, and His heart is for the broken, the poor and the needy.

We see God’s heart in verse 5 when God has had enough of the oppression of the poor and declares that He will arise. Jesus, the Great Physician, came for us and continues to empower and use His church, THE greatest change agent and plan A for this world, to serve to poor and make disciples for Him.

In his preach on 5/2/12,  Guy said that we must build the church by prizing the poor (Luke 4:14-19). Not because they are more deserving, but, purely because this is the Father's heart.

The world is a better place when the church listens and acts on the Father’s heart, but we will not see perfect justice here, not until the brightest of days comes and our Saviour returns for His bride. There will be no more pain, no more tears and no injustice.

Father, thank you that your heart is for us, You arose for us! Thank you that You're completely trustworthy and You are all that You say You are. Fill us with your compassion for the hurting people of the world. We have seen Your heart and long to echo it.
But Lord we long for your return, come quickly.

Psalm 11: I want to hate like God hates.

By Peter Roxburgh

Psalm 11 (NIV)

"One of the men in the criminal network has been raping a minor child every night in one of several locations where he keeps victims before supplying them to the brothels."

This was part of a text I received from the director of an anti-trafficking organisation just before they did a 48-hour raid to rescue 23 girls.

Psalm 11:5 tells us that, "The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, He HATES WITH A PASSION."

Yes, that's right, our loving, God-with-a-long-beard-on-a-cloud-and-perpetual-smile HATES. Not just hates but hates with a passion! 'God loves the sinner but hates the sin'? Nonsense! He hates those (the people, the sinners) who love violence.

Vs 6, "On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulphur; a scorching wind will be their lot." And I say 'amen' to that.

But how can a God who is love, hate? He hates because he loves.

I am glad I serve a God who hates the violent with a passion. It reminds me that He is indeed a just God. He is a God with standards. He is a God who is passionate about His people. He is a God who loves the vulnerable, the oppressed and the broken.

It is also a challenge for me to not be passive about injustice. If God hates the unjust, the violent and the wicked with a passion, how dare I just look upon injustice with indifference and passivity! If I do then I have not come close to understanding and grasping the heart of God.

I don't just want to love like God. I want to hate like God too.

Psalm 10: God WITH us

By Chantalle Wookey

Psalm 10 (NIV) 

Psalm 10: Why, O Lord, do You stand far off? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble? … But You, O God, do see trouble and grief; You consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless…You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth may terrify no more. 

For me this has been a very sad time. I have spent much of the past few days feeling a deep despair that I have not experienced many times in my life. I have found my heart crying out, “Where are you God?” “Can’t you see I need you?” “I do not understand your ways God!”

The thing is I haven’t had any answers and my situation has not changed. But, the truth is that God sees everything. He knows my sorrows and troubles, as He knows yours. He is all-knowing. God is there and I know He understands my pain.

I, like so many others who experience painful times must have faith that God will answer. I believe He will answer in His own timing, even if I don’t understand the outcome. His ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

God’s Word tells us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We can count on that. Yes, God is the helper of those who are in need. Even though it has seemed to me for so much of this time that He is far away, in reality He is as near to me and to you as our hearts beat in our chests. He hears us and will take care of us. God cares about the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. As I have spent time crying with Him this week, I know this is true.

God cries and suffers with us, simply because He loves us and feels our pain. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, promised to send His Spirit to all believers so that we will never have to go through trials alone. Jesus said in Matthew 28:20, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

This week, in the middle of my sadness I have made a choice, to turn to God, as my Source for it is only in him we can find our comfort and strength – I do not need to be afraid!

Psalm 9: We are but men, before a Mighty God

By Andi Norton

Psalm 9 (NIV)

15 The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug;
their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.

16 The LORD is known by his acts of justice;
the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.

 17 The wicked go down to the realm of the dead,
all the nations that forget God.

 18 But God will never forget the needy;
the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

19 Arise, LORD, do not let mortals triumph;
let the nations be judged in your presence.

 20 Strike them with terror, LORD;
let the nations know they are only mortal.

Being humbled is a painful process, and one I remember well. From the years of rebellion when I turned my back on God and went my own way – I found that there came a point where I had to decide - was it going to be God's way or the reality that comes from choosing a life against God?

I am so thankful that I'm just a man, but a man with God on my side. Although there will still be pain and trial, we know the final result! We know that our God is triumphant, and that God gives hope to the afflicted and that we will never perish. HALLELUJAH!

I think this is David's response too as he opens up with thankfulness in Psalm 9.

I don't know about you, but I struggle with the simplest of daily tasks, choices to make, and will frequently go to Nikki for advice (thank God for wives), but it's not near the choices God has to make.

In several verses God is described as a God of Justice, who will Judge. I thank God I'm just a man and that He has this job. God will have justice, but he does not judge like us. He is always fair in his judgement, He has no favourites, he cannot condemn the innocent, or clear the guilty.

Now I know I'm a guilty man, but as I'm sure David is as he looks upon the fate of a rebellious people, He is thankful that God has extended infinite favour on those who have come under the humbling righteousness of God through Jesus.

Suddenly the humbling process seemed worth it, when we know the true heart of God.

I stop, pause, and thank the Lord with all my soul, that He is my God and I His Creation!

Jesus I thank you, that you have made a way to bring infinite favour on those who choose to except you, and although at times there are trials we thank you that you are on our side.

Psalm 8: Nothing like a child to shut the mouth of the proud

Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you;
toddlers shout the songs

By Sean Theunissen

Psalm 8 (The Message)

Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you; toddlers shout the songs that drown out enemy talk, and silence atheist babble.

I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder,

Why do you bother with us? Why take a second look our way?

- The Message

I love this illustration of God using the praise of infants to shut the mouths of the proud, even the enemies. This Psalm really humbles me, it's like God saying, all your strategising and tactics are great, but actually I'm going to use these kids today to bring me glory, to speak of my fame. There is something so pure and genuine about children singing Jesus songs. There are moments that you’re so glad you didn’t miss which pour cold water on cynicism, bitterness and bring back a sober assessment and a heart of thanksgiving.

We can so easily lose a sober assessment of ourselves and think we've got such a huge part to play, that some how we're doing God a favour or possibly wondering if the church would cope if we weren't doing what we're doing. This isn't to put a dampener on using our gifts, not at all, can you imagine what would happen if we all just decided not to bother 'let go, let God'. A sober assessment is what this psalm brings to mind. What a privilege to serve God, He could use anyone, even kids to make His name famous.

It's perspective we need in order to keep a heart of thanksgiving, it's what stops legalism creeping in, I can often hear the elder brother whispering, "You deserve more honour, no one sees what you do."

When I consider the heavens, the stars He flings in to space, the galaxies He sustains, the life He gives, the price He pays, the sin He covers, what on earth is man that He cares so much, not only that, He gives us a role to play!

The challenge is to always look up before we get our heads down, get some macro, before we start on the micro.

God, we are blown away by your heart for us, you're so involved in every life you've made, we are honoured to be apart of your incredible plan to bring worshippers to your feet. Lord stop us every time seeking a crown on this earth, let our inheritance be your fame.

Psalm 7: Leave horrible colleagues eating their own spiteful dust

By Priscilla

Psalm 7 (NIV)

King David has had a long day. He has just spent hours on the road, running from his hot-headed son Absalom who is out to kill him having usurped his throne. Hot, dusty, weary and hungry David and his men arrive at the house of Shimei, a supposed friend.

But instead of being greeted with a cuppa and a fat slice of cake, Shimei comes out of his house and starts cursing David, using choice words in his name- calling tirade and falsely accusing him. David and his men are a bit bewildered at this onslaught.

With a little background digging, we find that Shimei used to be a close friend and a relative of King Saul (same clan). He was probably in and out of the king’s courts during Saul’s tenure. But after his death Shimei finds himself out of favour with power and not able to wield the influence he had. In other words his gravy train had reached its final stop. Not finding anyone else to blame, Shimei vents his anger and blames David at this perceived injustice done to him.

Psalm 7 is David’s song to God in relation to the events described above from 2 Samuel 16.

Let the LORD judge the peoples. Vindicate me, LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High.
Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure (vs 8, 9)
Being at the receiving end of slander can be very discouraging. We’ve probably all been there in varying degrees at one point of time or the other. Recovering from accusations, false as they may be, is tough. It’s their word against ours.

David’s response to Shimei is impressive:
i) He forbids one of his men from killing Shimei, (2 Sam 16:9, 11)
ii) He turns around and leaves the slanderer to stamp and kick up his own-mini dust storm (2 Sam 16:9)
iii) He then takes his plea for vindication to God. (Ps 7:8)

Wow! What a mature response! If that were to happen to me, I am pretty sure my default response would be fume and kick up my own competing dust-storm. 

What’s more in Ps 7:16, David quite simply states that that those who seek to dig a pit of trouble for others, end up falling in it themselves. The Bible is replete with examples of that: Haman and his gallows (Esther 7:10), or King Saul choosing to fall on his own sword (1 Sam 31:3-6). God promises us in Galatians 6:7-9, what you sow, you will most certainly reap.

Let’s ask God today for immense grace when responding to those who seek to accuse us falsely at work or those who make our lives miserable with their loose talk. May we not give up and be weary of doing good. Let’s have a response that reflects the heart of Jesus.

Psalm 6: Please God...no more trips to the woodshed!

LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger 

or discipline me in your wrath. Have mercy on me,
LORD, for I am faint. (Pic from Paris Psalter)

By Andy Flood

Psalm 6 (NIV) 

David, feeling the hot displeasure of God is in desperate need of God's mercy. But he doesn't flee from God here, being a man after God's own heart he turns to God with this heartfelt prayer/song crying out for God to ease off with the discipline, "Please God.....no more trips to the woodshed!"

Having felt God's hot displeasure before, I certainly know the need for forgiveness, sought through repentance. But I feel challenged, am I only repentant when I've been caught by God? Or am I coming to Him daily asking Him to reveal my mistakes?

We can get caught up in the sins of our past, those habitual sins that made us feel extra rubbish, forget that repentance is part of dying daily and only feel our conscience prick when we're tempted to return to old habits.

So here's the challenge:

How can we grow to be more like Jesus if we are blinkered to the sins we've become comfortable with?

Run and hide? By no means! We turn to our gracious Dad. The one who saw our need and met it, and continues to meet our need of a saviour. Confess and in our turning our relationship is restored.

Let's not be like David's enemies scoffing at his weakness and who were ultimately put to shame. Rather let us be united in our vision for each other to grow, preferring one another and delighting in each others' walk with the Father.

We can be thankful that David's prayer is answered in the Psalm. He knows the forgiveness of the Father.

We will always be sons and daughters of the King, nothing can take that away!

THANK GOD!!

Psalm 5: Hunting with a dead dog?

By Sean Theunissen

Psalm 5 (NIV)

Most of us knew that when we started this series in the Psalms that it wasn't going to be about namby-pamby prayers and worship songs! For those who didn't know that, then have a read of Psalm 5 and look forward to Psalm 137, I wonder who’s blogging on that one!

This is the first Psalm with prayers for the personal downfall of David's enemies. There is a major sense of urgency and desperation on David's part, 'consider my groaning, give attention to the sound of my cry'. It is a prayer for justice. David is angry with those who hate God and His people.

It's difficult not to react to David's curse on his enemies as being somewhat wrong. How can it be possible for those who say they follow Jesus' example, to then pray in this way?

First we need to realise that these are not trivial enemies, they are people who hate God and anyone who stands for Him. They mock God and use ruthless violence to suppress the godly. These are enemies who dashed the heads of infants on rocks, who enjoyed torturing God's people and did the most detestable things to Israel's women.

These curses are expressions of moral indignation, not personal vengeance. The more time we spend getting to know God, the more we love what He loves and the more we hate what he hates. We become sensitive to evil and injustice. When we hear of the church being persecuted around the world or even just mocked, which is closer to home, or hearing of abuse; rape; human trafficking; abortion; God's people tortured for their faith. These innocent people, the object and focus of God's affection and love, it is unthinkable that God could tolerate cruel men taking delight in destroying His creation. These are prayers for God to vindicate Himself, to display His righteousness for all to see.

I don't think over-the-top zealous prayers is our problem in the West, on the contrary, it's indifference and wimpy-ness, and this Psalm challenges my zeal and passion for all things God would be zealous about.

There is crying and weeping in this prayer. When last was I so desperate for God's cause?

Charles Spurgeon once said: 'Prayer without fervency is like hunting with a dead dog.

I sometimes over-think my prayers. I consider whether to ask God for that thing that's been burning on my heart or maybe I should construct a well thought-out prayer or maybe I need to make sure I've thought about all the possible outcomes of my request, as if I am somehow in a better position than God to say yes or no, like I'm in some way filtering or purifying the prayer before I offer it up to God. David says, 'Consider my meditation', in other words:

'If I have asked what's right, give it to me Lord, if I've omitted to ask what I really need, then fill the gap, let Jesus our perfect mediator, present it on our behalf, Lord regard it in Your wisdom, weigh it on Your scales, judge what I really need and through your mercy answer me. Were I to fumble and stress and sort it out myself I would only hurt others and make things worse, rather I lay it at Your feet, God only wise, for You alone are sovereign, perfect in wisdom, power and love.

Let's approach God the way He says we should, children of a perfect loving Father, made righteous in His sight by Jesus' blood. David appeals to God as 'my king, my God', not aliens, but children.

Yes, we need to love the lost and yes we are called to love our enemies and our priority is to see our enemies come to realise the love of God and stop violence and restore justice, but this does not mean we become insensitive to the sin and evil around us.

God, make me more zealous, more appalled by the state of this fallen world and the need for You to act. Lord, consume me for what consumes You and let me not burn hot and cold, or even worse, lukewarm, but rather a steady burning, well-kindled fire.

Psalm 4: De-stressed or distressed?

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, 

make me dwell in safety. (vs8)

By Peter Roxburgh 

Psalm 4 (NIV)

Distress! (v1) Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

Being made redundant probably won’t come anywhere close to the distress levels that David felt. Nobody was trying to kill me and I wasn't sleeping in cold dark caves or traipsing round a desert in scorching heat. But if you've ever been made redundant you know that it is a distressing time. I very much remember the day I was told I felt like I was literally free-falling. *and I'm freeeeeeeeeee....free-fallin'*



Certainty (v3) Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.

Of course, one great thing about being made redundant is that it does wonders for your prayer life! But it will only do that if we can say with the same certainty that David did 'the Lord hears when I call to him' (v3). Not 'I hope the Lord hears' or 'what if God isn't listening to my prayers?' The enemy will try and tell us that God doesnt care or is too busy. But we must remind ourselves that he DOES indeed hear when we call to him. Even if we feel our prayers are bouncing back off the ceiling, the truth is that God hears our prayers. What a relief!



Treasure (v6) Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.

My take on vs 6 during my redundancy was 'who will bring us even a basic salary, let alone prosperity'. And I have to say my answer was more in the vein of 'aaaaarrrrrggggghhhhhhh' rather than the 'Let the light of your face shine on us!' that David sang! But here David reminds us that actually the treasure we find in God is far greater than the prosperity that we crave for here on earth. It seems a strange thing to answer a question about prosperity with 'let God shine his face on us'. But consider a pirate who finds a treasure chest of gold, silver, rubies and other precious stones. He then looks up to see the Creator more beautiful than a thousand sunsets, brighter than the mid-day sun, with eyes blazing like fire, the one more radiant than all the angelic hosts. Suddenly his treasure looks like lose- change in a beggars cup. Oh that we would let God's face shine on us. But for that we need to be looking upward, not down at our full or empty 'treasure chest'.


Joy(v7)Fill my heart with joy 

when their grain and new wine abound

And what happens when we look upon God and not upon our fast-dwindling bank accounts? As David says in vs 7, He will put more joy in our hearts than when others have their 'grain and wine abound'. This is always easier to read than to experience but the challenge and the truth remains. We can find joy even in the midst of our difficult circumstance. We can find more joy in our lack than we or others ever find in prosperity. How? By realising and remembering that our source of Joy is God and He remains constant and abounding. I can honestly testify to finding that joy in the midst of the uncertainty and distress of a redundancy. I won't pretend that it was easy but God proved faithful to His word.

In His presence there is fullness of Joy.


Peace! (v8)In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, 

make me dwell in safety.

The first night after I was made redundant, I did not, i repeat, NOT lie down and sleep in peace. Nor did I feel much safety. I still felt like I was free-falling.

However, the next morning, with my freshly-invigorated prayer-life, I got on my knees. As I was praying, God gave me a picture of two trees being buffeted in the wind. I saw that the roots not only went deep into the soil, but rather they were in blocks of cement. He very kindly assured me that this storm that Priscilla and I were facing would by no means be the fiercest storm we would face (gee, thanks for the encouragement!) but by being rooted in the Word and holding on to one another, we would stand firm.

From that moment on, I did come under that peace that surpasses understanding. Nope, I did not float about on a cloud singing along with Bob Marley that "Every-tins gonna be alriyte" but I knew and experienced the truth of the words that David sang in this Psalm

'In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O, Lord, make me dwell in safety.'

It truly is a comfort to know and remind ourselves that no matter what distress we find ourselves in, no matter who might be against us, what has been thrown our way or what has been taken away from us, Father's arms are strong enough and safe enough for us to lie down and sleep. In peace.

Psalm 3: I can't get no sleep

Cast your cares on him. Believe His promises to be true
in any situation. Trust in Him. Rest in Him.
Let Him give you true freedom!

By Chantalle Wookey

Psalm 3 (NIV)

I don’t think I am the only person who does this but sometimes at night I find myself awake and drawn to thoughts of stress and worry, particularly at really pressured times, especially If I convince myself there are jobs I could do to help ease the anxiety. I find that I ask myself questions like, “When has not sleeping EVER helped you Channy?” and I try to talk myself into sleep with logic like, “All worry and staying awake will ever do is make you tired,” but do I sleep? No!

In this Psalm we find David having been overthrown by his own son Absalom fleeing Jerusalem. This is not something that happened by chance – David really had brought it on himself. It was as a result of David’s failure to bring justice against his son because David himself had committed a similar sin (sexual sin with Bathsheba followed by the murder of her husband). Despite this the rebellion by his son caught David by surprise, so much so, that he fled barefoot and weeping.

This part of the Psalm also rings true so often for me. How many times have I felt like a failure because of the poor choices I have made?.... Too many to count.

It’s at these times I am learning that more than anything else, I need God’s intervention in my life because I am powerless to make it different.

In my mind I see David as a tired man who is sleepless and paranoid – a little like myself in those nighttime hours when I cannot rest. However, unlike the poor choices I so often make, David makes a good choice – he turns to God in prayer and is heard.

“I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me” (3:5).
It’s in these moments of stress and worry I really need to discover how to Selah (3:2) – to pause and consider, to keep my head up, and set my eyes on God who gives me strength! In verse 3, with the word “But” David turns from looking with worldly eyes at his situation, and fixes his gaze on God. This is also so important in leading our congregation into worship, to truly pause, to make sure we are not looking with worldly eyes on how we are worshipping but to turn our eyes heavenwards.

What makes this psalm even crazier is not only that God answers but also that the Lord sustains David even though the betrayal by his son was a punishment from God because of David’s sexual sin with Bathsheba (II Sam. 12:11-12). God is a just God; yet, God is also a merciful God. Despite the afflictions and, yes, even punishment that we may face, God is with us and He is in control of the situation. This is the theme of this Psalm. David confessed his sin to God and repented from his sin and as a result David could look to God as his Saviour.

We know we will all face difficulties, Jesus even tell us that “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). When we are facing challenging events, things like sickness, family worries and job uncertainties that would threaten to keep us awake at night, God invites us to rest while He watches over us.

Today, I know I can be delivered from fear and worry, as can you. Call out to Him, and stand on His Word. Cast your cares on him. Believe His promises to be true in any situation. Trust in Him. Rest in Him. Let Him give you true freedom! As you are released into true freedom you can catalyst freedom in others.

Psalm 2: Make a run for God

Psalm 2 draws a picture of a hero 

who is strong and confident in his 

identity and knows that he will 

win the battle.

By Andi Norton

Psalm 2 (The Message)

Right in the first few verses of Psalm 2 I’m struck with David's description of God's reaction to the leaders who oppose and deny His ways.

David describes God as one who laughs at His enemies. This makes me think of a Hollywood movie, in which we see an enemy about to attack the muscular action hero, whose response is one at laughing at their enemy’s naivety.

It draws a picture of a hero who is strong and confident in his identity and knows that he will win the battle.

In the movie we would expect just this - our action hero defeating the enemy and then the rolling of the movie credits.

In this Psalm we see that God does become angry, furious even and we know that our God is confident and more than capable of destroying everyone with a snap of his fingers, and with one breath is able to wipe out the earth. But, we see a different response.

We see a righteous anger, the desperate shout of a God whose heart is longing for a lost people to see the truth of His love and the gift that they can receive in His Son (v6).

We see David describe God's offer to choose a gift, the authority and blessing that comes through His son, and makes it clear their rebellion and denial will result in God exploding with anger.

We see a God screaming with passion for a lost people whose lives are in danger, and makes it clear that we will not regret putting out trust in Him.

How will we respond to those who deny God and defy the Messiah?

Will you respond as God responds - with righteous anger and plea?

I'm drawn to reflect on our Friday mornings and the importance of intercession for these lost people, we must persist to intercede for them.

We see from this intro a strong God who can do anything and He can soften even the hardest heart, He can turn someone running as far as they can from God to a full 180o turn high speed run into His arms with the inheritance He offers, a seat at the Coronation Banquet.

Psalm 1: Two ways to live

By Sean Theunissen

In Psalm 1, the Psalmist also uses the illustration 

of a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit. 

Psalm 1 (NIV)

I love how black and white Psalm 1 is in distinguishing the righteous and the wicked. The former brings blessing; happiness; favour; purpose. the latter brings instability; judgement; decay; uselessness.

My initial reaction in reading this is: I've seen loads of people walking in the counsel of the wicked and looking pretty fruitful and prosperous, can you look at the world in such simple terms. We'll also find out later on in our study that David, who is a man firmly withdrawing from sinners and evil men, struggles physically and emotionally. He cries out regularly for God to rescue him from these men who are hunting him down. In those moments its hard to see the fruit and prospering is not a word I would use to describe his situation.

I don't know about you but I've definitely been in situations where you feel like you're doing the right thing and others who are clearly walking at a 180 degree angle from God seem to be doing ok.

Reading it like this is reading it from the wrong perspective, it's a worldly view, it's the gloss we see in the instant, the here and now. God works on us deep below the surface and for longer than our levels of patience can sometimes endure.

The Psalmist also uses the illustration of a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit. It's interesting to note that the tree isn't the beneficiary of the fruit. Our fruit is not for us, it's for the benefit of others, it's for the purpose God set for it. Our lives are to reflect His glory and often that is best shown in the drought, when all around is dry and withering yet our roots go deep. This is only achieved by delighting in His Word, a burning desire to know our Maker, it's like planting yourself next to a pure living stream that never runs out, where your roots just keep growing deeper and finding richer and richer soil.

The wicked on the other hand are compared to chaff, there is no weight to them, like windblown dust, they bring no benefit to anyone. Who on their death bed regrets a life of getting to know God as much as they possibly could, and how many masses have regretted a life of indulgence in self.

Lord there is no other rock but You. Everything else we put our trust in is just lightweight, there's no depth. We can't find your depth, there is no limit to you, and everything in you is good. Help me to learn what meditation is truly all about, what it is to not get enough Bible reading time, to be desperate to get just five minutes more. Lord bless these devotionals, speak through them, let fruit come from studying You. Amen.