Peace

Peace, you give me peace

When the storm comes and I'm afraid

Peace, you give me peace

When I trust in the words you say

You give me peace

If you can calm the sea

Then you can comfort me

If winds obey your voice

Why should I fear their noise

And though my eyes can't see

I know you're with me

When someone starts to fight

And does things I don't like

I hear your gentle voice

Saying I have a choice

To make an enemy

Or to spread your peace

This song is in Sovereign Grace's kids album "To Be Like Jesus". I bought this audio cd to have it available to play in our car when our niece(s) are travelling with us. It was only a long while later that I realised my SIL has this cd too and she plays it for her girls (2 of our nieces) in their car.

However, it was only quite recently that I grew to like the songs in this cd and appreciate the lyrics of most of the songs. They teach simple biblical truths and could relate it to children's behaviour. I used this song to encourage my niece B, who has been afraid when she goes to bed at night. I think she often has nightmares.

Of late, this song is encouraging me and reminding me to place my hope in Christ and He will give me peace... in times where I don't know what is happening and fearing the worst, in times when I am lost and feeling depressed because of news of others which I should be happy about but I am not, when I feel like I am all alone in my struggles - I know that the Lord will calm my heart and give me peace. 

To Be Like Jesus

This song has been ringing in my mind the past week. I bought a Sovereign Grace children's cd last year, to have it available in our car so that when our nieces ride with us, they could listen to some songs. I was glad that they love this cd. When my friend visited and used our car, their 2 kids loved it too, because they have this exact cd back in Singapore.

Sing along to this upbeat tune! Listen to the song here.

Love, joy, peace, and patience too
Grow in those who trust in You
All who put their hope in Christ
Kindness, goodness, faithfulness
Self-control and gentleness
Live in those who have new life

CHORUS
I want to be like Jesus
To walk and talk like Jesus
I want to live like one who follows Him
I want to love like Jesus
To give my all like Jesus
I want to live like one who follows Him

I don’t always do what’s right
Jesus lived a perfect life
And for sins like mine He died
Teach me to obey Your Word
Help me to put others first
Holy Spirit, change my life

© 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

God Is Good All The Time

This song rings in my head today... a simple old song which has simple words and truth.

This song reminded me of:
- God's goodness during the many times that I am so tempted to doubt
- God's promise that He will not forsake me and I need not fear
- His everlasting love and mercies
- His sacrifice for us
- My life being in His hands even though I don't understand His plans for me

God is good all the time

He puts a song of praise in this heart of mine

God is good all the time

Through the darkest night, His light will shine

God is good, God is good all the time

If you're walking in the valley

And there are shadows all around

Do not fear, He will guild you

He will keep you safe and sound

He has promised to never leave you, nor forsake you

And His word is true

We were sinners - so unworthy

Still for us He chose to die

Filled us with His Holy Spirit

Now we can stand and testify

That His love is everlasting

And His mercies - they will never end

Though I may not understand

All the plans He left for me

My life is in Your hands

And through the eyes of Him

I can clearly see

How Deep

I have been thinking about and humming this song today...

Based on The Valley of Vision prayer “Love Lustres at Calvary”

(Words and Music by Stephen Altrogge)

You were broken that I might be healed

You were cast off that I might draw near

You were thirsty that I might come drink

Cried out in anguish that I might sing

How deep is Your love

How high and how wide is Your mercy

How deep is Your grace

Our hearts overflow with praise

To You

You knew darkness that I might know light

Wept great tears that mine might be dried

Stripped of glory that I might be clothed

Crushed by Your Father to call me Your own

The Afflicted King

Last Sunday at church, we covered Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 and God's Word was shared from the pulpit. G also shared a song that she wrote that ties in very well with the sermon .

As G sing the song, it reminds me of another song which watermelon girl wrote and I still remember the lyrics of the song...

The Power of the Cross

Sang this song twice at Women of Purpose conference (which I will blog my reflections later). The tune and some lyrics got stuck in my head for the rest of the weekend... what great and true words in the song to a nice melody tune.

Words & Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

Oh, to see the dawn

Of the darkest day:

Christ on the road to Calvary.

Tried by sinful men,

Torn and beaten, then

Nailed to a cross of wood.

This, the pow’r of the cross:

Christ became sin for us;

Took the blame, bore the wrath—

We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain

Written on Your face,

Bearing the awesome weight of sin.

Ev’ry bitter thought,

Ev’ry evil deed

Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

Now the daylight flees;

Now the ground beneath

Quakes as its Maker bows His head.

Curtain torn in two,

Dead are raised to life;

“Finished!” the vict’ry cry.

Oh, to see my name

Written in the wounds,

For through Your suffering I am free.

Death is crushed to death;

Life is mine to live,

Won through Your selfless love.

This, the pow’r of the cross:

Son of God—slain for us.

What a love! What a cost!

We stand forgiven at the cross.

God's Precious Blood

Liking this song more and more... not just the music and how it is sung, but the words that makes me reflect and able to sing this as a personal response to God.

The Precious Blood

Before the cross I kneel and see the measure of my sin

How you became a curse for me though you were innocent

The magnitude of your great love was shown in full degree

The righteous blood, the crimson spill

Rained down on calvary

Chorus

Oh, the precious blood that flowed from mercy's side

Washed away my sin when Christ my Saviour die

Oh, the precious blood of Christ the crucified

It speaks for me before your throne, where I stand justified

And who am I that I should know, this treasure of such worth

My Savior’s pure atoning blood shed for the wrath I’d earned

For sin has stained my every deed, my every word and thought

What wondrous love that makes me one

Your priceless blood has bought

Bridge
A crown of thorns, pierced hands and feet

A body bruised, and Mercy’s plea

His Grace...

A simple song that I learnt when I was a young Christian... singing it (especially the chorus) reminds me I am God's precious and that I am drowned by His grace everyday....

Your grace is sufficient for me

Your strength is made perfect when I am weak

All that I cling to I lay at your feet

Your grace is sufficient for me

I'm no longer striving to merit your love

I rest in Your promise to me

That all of my sins have been washed in your blood

Your mercy is all that I need

You see me as righteous because of the blood

That made the atonement for me

Your mercy has triumphed where I should be judged

So now by your grace I am free

Listen to the song here.

When I panic and become restless, I am so privileged to be able to rest in His love and His promise for me. When I feel weak and helpless, His strength is made perfect.

Paul told the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times, I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness". Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I find myself difficult to say that I delight in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties. I mean, which person in all sanity would desire that? We desire blessings and good things to happen (which is not wrong) but forgetting that weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties are part of this fallen world. When they happen to us, sometimes we complain, we cry and may sometimes even ask "God, why is this happening to me?". If we think that it is God's will when we receive blessings, we need to remember that it is also God's will when we go through hardships. God allowed it to happen to us... for a reason which He knows best and we may know it later. Whatever the reason is... I think He desires for us to glorify Him even when we are weak. He wants us to remember that He alone is all-powerful, all-knowing and in total control. He knows what happened yesterday, what happened today and what will happen. In all of that, He is the King, He is sovereign, He reigns. Nothing that happens to us is outside His control, His knowing. It gives me great comfort to know that I am safe under His wings... makes me look forward to see His face when He returns...

Lord, please help me not to give up on You. May I be sufficient and contended to rest your amazing grace.

Childhood Song

Last Thursday, my 2.5yo niece Belle was singing a Chinese song 泥娃娃 (mud doll). She was so cute! I went to look for the song lyrics and as I was singing it, I recalled another song 青春舞曲 (Spring song). Here is a youtube clip that I found with some girls dancing to it.

太阳下山明早依旧爬上来
花儿谢了明年还是一样的开
美丽小鸟飞去无踪影
我的青春小鸟一去不回来
我的青春小鸟一去不回来
别的那样呦
别的那样呦
我的青春小鸟一去不回来

太阳下山明早还会爬上来
花儿谢了明年还是一样的开
只要你不是那负心的人
青春逝去爱情一样在胸怀
别的那样呦
别的那样呦
青春逝去爱情一样在胸怀

Translation
The sun sets, but tomorrow it will rise again;
The flowers wilt, but next year they will bloom again.
The beautiful bird has flown away, without a trace,
My spring bird has flown, and will never return again.
Do not moan and cry,
Do not moan and cry.
My spring bird has flown, and will never return again.

The sun sets, but tomorrow it will rise again;
The flowers wilt, but next year they will bloom again.
If you are not the heartless kind of person,
Youth may be wasted, but love resides in the chest.
Do not moan and cry,
Do not moan and cry.
Youth may be wasted, but love resides in the chest.

Reminds me a bit of the book of Ecclessiastes which we only recently studied...

When Belle returns from her holiday, I shall teach her this song :) It is a sure way to get children to learn Mandarin fast!

My Heart Longs For You, My Saviour

As I reflect on what I learnt over the past weekend at BLT+, this song came to my mind....

My heart longs for You, my Saviour
I would follow You, my Lord
Your kindness and love are vast as the skies
Your faithfulness never dies
My God and my King
Your great name I sing
My offering of praise I bring

Jesus, O Jesus
I give You my life
Jesus, O Jesus
I give You my life

My soul contemplates Your glory
I worship in holy awe
In quietness and in confident trust
I rest in all that you are
I’ll sing to the world
Your glory and grace
Until I behold Your face

How Beautiful......

Last weekend, hubby and I attended the wedding of our friends at the same church that we were married in, some 21 months ago. It brought back some memories for us and most of our friends also remembered that ours was the last wedding that we held there.

A few months before I got married, I heard this song sang as a special item at H&C's wedding. I have heard of the tune before but did not think much about it. But at that moment, I was able to reflect and appreciate the lyrics of the song. The lyrics were so true, so beautiful, so truthful, praising God and talks about what Jesus done for us and our final marriage in heaven.

I wondered how nice it will be to have this song sang live at our wedding as I walk down the aisle to be married. I thought the lyrics and the music just fitted perfectly. I had in my mind, asking J to sing it at our SG wedding and hubby had in mind for K to sing the song at our AU wedding. When I walked down the aisle then, I remembered that I almost cried as emotions overwhelmed me and as I listened to the song and see the lyrics up on the screen... I held back my tears, so that my make-up will not be ruined :p

Last weekend, the couple got K to sing the song again but as a special presentation song as the couple signs the register. This time again, I get to hear the entire song sung by the same person and thinking about the lyrics, water began to swell up in my eyes. But again, I held them back. How beautiful is Christ's body sacrified for us...

How beautiful the hands that served

the wine and the bread and the sons of the earth.

How beautiful the feet that walked

the long dusty roads and the hills to the cross.

How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ.

How beautiful the heart that bled

that took all my sin and bore it instead.

How beautiful the tender eyes

that chose to forgive and never despise.

How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ.

And as He laid down His life

we offer this sacrifice that we will live just as He died:

willing to pay the price, willing to pay the price.

How beautiful the radiant Bride who waits for her Groom

with His light in her eyes.

How beautiful when humble hearts give the fruit of pure lives

so that others may live.

How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ.

How beautiful the feet that bring

the sound of good news and the love of the King.

How beautiful the hands that serve the wine and the bread

and the sons of the earth.

How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ.

E also blogged about her reflections on this song and there is a youtube video where you can hear the entire song. I am secretly hoping that I can sing this beautiful song someday... at someone's wedding to minister to the couple and their guests.

味道 (Translated as "Smell/Scent")

今天晚上的星星很少 不知道它们跑那去了

赤裸裸的天空星星多寂寮
我以为伤心刻子很少 我以为我能过得很好
谁知道一想你 思念苦无药 无处可逃

想念你的笑 想念你的外套
想念你白色袜子 和你身上的味道
我想念你的吻 和手指淡淡煙草味道
记憶中曾被愛的味道

今天晚上的心事很少 不知道这样算好不好
赤裸裸的寂寞朝著心头绕

As I miss hubby who has been out of town for the past 4 days (and 6 more to go), this old chinese song came to my mind... (Disclaimer: not every word in the song is totally representative of my thoughts).

Walking Her Home

Mark Schultz sang the song with the title above and I have been hearing it on the radio. This is 'the song' of one of our couple friends who were recently engaged. I thought I'll look up the lyrics on google and this is what I found:

Looking back, he sees it all

It was her first date the night he came to call

Her dad said son, have her home on time

And promise me you’ll never leave her side

He took her to a show in town

And he was ten feet off the ground

(Chorus) He was walking her home

And holding her hand

Oh the way she smiled it stole the breath right out of him

Down that old road with the stars up above

He remembers where he was the night he fell in love

He was walking her home

Ten more years and a waiting room at half past one

And the doctor said come in and meet your son

His knees went weak when he saw his wife

She was smiling as she said he’s got your eyes

And as she slept he held her tight

His mind went back to that first night

He walked her through the best days of her life

Sixty years together and he never left her side

A nursing home, at eighty-five

And the doctor said it could be her last night

And the nurse said

Oh Should we tell him now or should he wait until the morning to find out

But when they checked her room that night

He was laying by her side

Oh he was walking her home and holding her hand

Oh the way she smiled when he said this is not the end

And just for a while they were eighteen

And she was still more beautiful to him than anything

He was walking her home

He was walking her home

Looking back, he sees it all

It was her first date the night he came to call

Lovely lyrics and rather moving, isn't it? There was another love song which made me teared. I will go look up the lyrics of the song....

He Loved Us First

Watermelon gal wrote a song for me and sang it at the wedding dinner held in Singapore. This song serves to remind me what love is and we should look for the definition of the word from my Lord and Savious Jesus Christ.

In Australia, there is an additional Easter Monday public holiday on top of Good Friday (which is tomorrow). So from tomorrow, I have a long weekend to rest and relax. There has been so much bunnies, chocolates and easter eggs on sale everywhere around me. BUT most people have forgotten the most important significance of Good Friday and Easter. I do not know how Easter and bunnies have any relations, but really, I am not bothered because it is not important. Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins some 2000 years ago and He rose to life and ascended into heaven 3 days later on Easter Day. That, is important to me... without which I will not be what I am today.

My prayer today: that there will be more and more people who will understand the true meaning of Good Friday and be able to share in this joy of salvation with me.

I’m glad to share this very special moment
You’re looking every bit the radiant bride
And I wish you all the joy that a heart can contain
And God’s grace for each day of life

As you learn to love and hold and cherish
And find magic in God’s precious gift of time
Remember your first promise that you gave as man and wife
And that it’s God who made you one in Christ

Remember the Christ who died for us
That it’s by the blood of sacrifice
We are cleansed from our sin
Remember the Son who said:
Not my will be done
Remember the one who loved us first
Remember that you were loved first

Love is true and generous and patient
It always has another’s good in mind
It needs no pride or envy and it chooses to have faith
For it stands in the love of Christ

Baking Song

As I was baking today, my mind drifted off to think about many other things... don't know why the tune of this song came to mind. So I just kept singing the song as I bake....

Memories...

I am probably a bit slow to become a "Winter Sonata" fan and addicted to watch the soapy drama series. Blame it on me that I went into a shop to check out the availability of the dvd series for a friend who would like to own it and watch it. But before I pass it to my friend, I thought I might as well enjoy the series first... to discover why this series caught the eyes and time of many who are crazy after BYJ and after this romantic lovey dovey soapy drama series.

In a bid of not to spoil the story for those who have not saw it, I shall not disclose too much here. In barely a week's time, I finished the 20 episodes in 6 discs. I teared less than I thought I would - about 4-5 times in total. I did not wail nor cry, only shed a few tears.... I must admit that the series is indeed rather dramatic but there are many sweet and touching moments. It is dramatic in the ways where the couple meet, separate, meet and separate again and again and again... It is sweet at the occasions when they went on dates, had fun, enjoyed each other's company and the simple words of love and appreciation they say.

The story is a bit unrealistic at some parts. Such love is also almost impossible. Yes it is sweet, romantic and warming. The kind of love portrayed is probably what many people are looking for but absent and so become suckers of romantic movies as such :p Yet I like it as it is a good break, different from the Hollywood and Singaporean type of drama/movies. It probably has to do with the cultural differences too. I probably have not heard a couple say so many "sorry"s and "thank you"s to each other. The way they relate is formal, respectful, yet personal, genuine, sincere and affectionate.

I love the sceneries in Winter. Makes me want to go Korea to experience winter myself. I like winter season too, however I have not been to a place which snows... Another thing I like about Winter is the songs and the instrumental pieces that was played. The music and songs were put in the right places to bring out the intended emotion and mood. I am humming the tunes now!

Here's one of the songs that has been played many times in the drama:

My memory
I remember very moment with you
I close my eyes
And see our memories together
You’re far away
Where I can’t even reach you
I didn’t even let you know how much I love you
I never thought this could happen
I never thought I could see you again

I never thought I’m still in love with you
I want to tell you
I will love you forever
If its not too late

Stay here with me forever
If I can’t see you again
I want to forget everything about you
Whenever I feel like laughing
Thoughts of you makes me cry even more
I can’t seem to do anything because of you

Every time I miss you, my heart breaks into pieces
I truly want to forget
No matter how hard I try I can’t forget you
I never knew how hard it is to love someone

Such a long time
You are always in my heart
Although the time passes
Although you're far away from me
You are still in my heart
I never thought this could happen
I never thought I could see you again

I’m still in love with you
Let me tell you
I wanna love you forever
If its not too late
Stay with me forever

My memory
I remember everything about that moment
I can remember the tiniest detail when I close my eyes
You're far away
Somewhere where I can't reach you
You didn't even say you loved me
Or tell me to wait for you

I didn't know that I'd meet you like this again
I never thought I still love you
I hope its not too late to tell you
I want to love you forever
If its not too late, stay with me forever

I don't think I have become a fan of BYJ like many aunties have. But I do agree that he does have some charm. I prefer his carefree smile than his cool and aloof smile. CJW has a sweet smile. Hmm... which is my next Korean drama?

What Is Love?

Watermelon girl got married over the weekend. She wrote a song for her hubby and sang it at the dinner whilst he played on the guitar.

Hey girl, thank you for your friendship and your love. May both of you grow in love in years as we continue to learn what is love by looking at Jesus Christ.

What is Love

Of the two of us I know

You'd be the kinder one
You'd be the first to take my hand
So I'd never have to run

Of the two of us I'd be
The one who falls apart
I'm scared of what I see in me
And my disobedient heart

So I'm amazed at the promise that you gave
That for all your days
We'll learn together
For better or worse

Oh I'm amazed
As I am after each battle
At your gentle and all forgiving love

Of the two of us we have
A stronger promise yet
God Himself has made us one
Oh this far exceeds our earthly vows

He'll give us everything we need
To live the testimony
That when all our days have come to pass
All creation will be

Amazed at the glory of the Lamb
Christ who broke the sin of men
By the blood He shed

And as He reigns exalted high above
His Word and Spirit teach us what is love

I know that loving can be hard
I know I make you tired
So this I pray with all my heart:
That we'll keep our eyes upon the Cross

Our Lord who bore His Father's wrath
For sinners who crucified Him
Had every right to ask for justice
Yet He cried, forgive

So be amazed, that Christ should love us first
We were lost in selfish anger
When He took on flesh to die on earth

By grace, as He laid gasping on the Cross
God Himself was showing what is love

Jesus Christ our Saviour God is love

"Thin"

Some months ago, friend helped me buy "丝路" cd for a very cheap price. It was probably a parallel import. Was listening to the cd whilst driving this morning and realised that the lyrics to "瘦瘦的" speaks a lot but it is rather cute way of expression =)

在童话很远的世界漂流

完美是个多奢侈的念头

终于搜集够多的伤口

才懂　八十分的幸福已足够

你让我感动是多过心动

踏实却比浪漫来得持久

朋友还在怀疑我的选择　

而我 不当仙女已经很久了

我的心　现在瘦瘦的

很容易　就饱了

为了抢快乐　搞得不快乐

为什么人总那么傻呢

我的梦　现在瘦瘦的

一下子　就满了

你的爱或许不是最美的

你的手却很厚　很念旧

如果一个人　一辈子　只能分到　一块叫做幸福的蛋糕

宁愿一小口　很小口　品尝味道　不想过瘾的一口吃掉

耶和华祝福满满! (祝福我的父母)

I am not about to blog in Mandarin but I am gonna share another Chinese song. I have heard this song a long time ago. I really like the melody of the song. Once I went to a Cantonese church service in 1999, a group of elder ladies danced to the song.

Today being a public holiday, a group of people in church organised a dinner to celebrate Mother's Day. Mother's Day is this coming Sunday. This dinner was an occasion to invite our Mandarin-speaking parents to have dinner and as a platform to share the gospel with them. I took the chance to invite my parents for the dinner. My mum did backed out at one time becos she thought that she would be tired after a day's work. But thankfully, she agreed again and she did not grumble a word about her being tired.

The programme at the event included some song presentations. Songs were sang in Mandarin, Cantonese and a brother sang the song (below) in Hokkien! (instrumental version here)

田中的白鹭鸶 无欠缺什么
山顶的百合花 春天现香味
总是全能的上帝
每日赏赐真福气
使地上 发芽结实
显出爱疼的根据

The crops in the fields lack nothing. The scent of flowers on the hills are refreshing in Spring time. The almighty God bestow blessings each day. The seedlings on the ground are evident of God's love and blessings.

耶和华祝福满满
亲像海边土沙
恩典慈爱 直到万世代
我要举手敬拜祂
出欢喜的歌声
赞美称颂祂名永无息

Jehovah's blessings are abundant, like sand on the beach. His grace, mercy and love are everlasting. I want to raise my hands to praise Him, sing joyful praises to Him and worship His name forever.

The song lyrics are rather poetic. The above is my literal translation of the song.

Anyway I'm thankful that my parents got to listen to the gospel message in Mandarin. Pastor OBK knows how to speak in such a way that he could engage the older folks. He used illustrations (makes people laugh) and sometimes in Hokkien, Cantonese and Teochew. He addressed the chinese virtue of fillial piety and how the relationship of God and man is reflected on us relating with our earthly parents. Pastor OBK must have understood that older chinese folks have a mindset that the "Christian God" is just another god, a god of the westerners. If chinese were to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, they will be betraying their ancestors. Pastor OBK addressed these issues in a tactful manner. And he still managed to introduce the Lord Jesus Christ, whom only through Him only are we able to be spared of the wages of our sins. The gospel presentation was very clear. Though the message took 45 minutes, he could hold the attention of everyone. Everyone present stood up and Pastor led us in the sinner's prayer. Praise God for His word preached. Pray that His word will take seed in the hearers present.

The message also made me and I'm sure the other children who were present, thought of how we have been relating to our parents... the needs of our parents. It made me rethink how I have been a daughter to my parents... I think I ought to spend more time with them, and do acts of service to show my love for them. In all, I pray that I will be a good testimony and love my parents... and that they will be receptive to the gospel and respond to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. I heard my mum uttered the sinner's prayer softly beside me. I believe she is slowly understanding more of the Christian faith. It is my responsibility to pray for her and continue to share with her. Dad is not so open but I shall pray and try. If you are praying for my parents, thanks... for your partnership in the gospel :)

The Steadfast Love of the Lord

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases

His mercies never come to an end

They are new every morning, new every morning

Great is thy faithfulness, Oh God

Great is thy faithfulness

I have not heard nor sung the above song for a long time. I only could remember part of the lyrics of the song "His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness". As I was listening to sermon on Sunday, the tune and words of the song suddenly came into mind. After humming the tune over and over again, the entire lyrics of the song slowly came to my mind.

Psalm 51 reads:

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion, blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.

14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

The above psalm was written by King David, after he had sinned against God (read account in 2 Samuel 11-12) David's sorrow and repentence is evident in his writing. It is comforting to know that the Lord my God is a merciful God, one who has unfailing love and great compassion towards us.

Psalm 103:8-12

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

If we acknowledge our sins and transgressions, God is just and merciful to forgive us. With total repentence and dependence on Him, we are able to be free from the captivity of our sins and in turn, have great joy and praises for Him who is gracious. His mercy is boundless and never ends.

Although we will eventually have to deal with the consequences of our sins, the abundant grace the God poured out on us enables us to put the past behind and strive onwards to the goal which Christ has marked out for us. Praise and thanks be to God!