Gus Cameron

5 June 2025

2 Timothy 1:16-18

Gus Cameron

5 June 2025

16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains. 17 Indeed, when he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently until he found me.
18 May the Lord grant Onesiphorus His mercy on that day. You know very well how much he ministered to me in Ephesus.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Val Dewan

I do not know many people who are in prison. The people around me are quite easy to hang out with. Although there may be moments where I find hosting people or building relationships inconvenient or difficult, it is always easier to quash those feelings, because I really do want to build upon these friendships. When I first read this passage, I thought: I can relate to Onesiphorus and his actions in refreshing his friend Paul. But on reflection, I realised for the first time how incredibly brave Onesiphorus was, not just to be associated with Paul, but to openly show his loyalty and deep love for him.

Paul was in a pitiful and dishonourable state as a prisoner of the Roman empire, locked up without his friends knowing where he was. But more than that, Paul was facing execution simply for being a Christian. No wonder Paul praises Onesiphorus, a man who showed such kindness and faithfulness to him.

Not much else is described about Onesiphorus, but I am touched and inspired by his dedication in showing love to Paul. He was a friend who ‘refreshed’ Paul and searched for him ‘diligently’ – in stark contrast to all the people who turned their backs on Paul in his most vulnerable moment. Paul finishes by praying for the Lord to show mercy to Onesiphorus because of his faithfulness.

Even though I don't know anyone in chains, I have friends who are struggling or dishonoured by people around them because of their trust in Jesus. This passage challenges me to love and encourage them, and be willing to forgo comfort and convenience. This will look different for everyone, but I pray that we all can be like Onesiphorus – people who love God, and so love our brothers and sisters generously, even if doing so will risk bringing shame to our name. That shame will seem so small in the light of God’s great mercy when Jesus returns and we see him face to face.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Val is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

Gus Cameron

4 June 2025

1 Timothy 1:13-15

Gus Cameron

4 June 2025

13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
15 You know that everyone in the Province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Omar Dewan

In March this year, Valerie and I travelled to Peru and explored the area of Cusco, which was the capital of the great Incan Empire. We learned that the Spanish came to Peru in the early 1500s in search of treasure – it’s estimated that the Incan Empire had over $1 billion AUD in gold and other precious metals. The Spanish placed high monetary value on these metals, but to the Incas it had no monetary value – gold wasn’t considered to be treasure, but rather it was used for political, religious and ceremonial purposes. I thought it was interesting that the same object could be valued so differently by different groups.

Today’s passage in 2 Timothy 1 rounds out Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to not be ashamed of Paul’s testimony and of the gospel. In the passage today, the part that sticks out to me is in verse 14 – “Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us”.

It is easy to be distracted by the things of this world like career, money and relationships, and view them as our greatest treasure. I know for myself, it’s so easy to be distracted with talk about career and promotions, and it’s common to hear from others that the gospel has little-to-no value (like those who deserted Paul in Asia). But I am reminded today that the gospel is the greatest treasure there was, is and ever will be! As we heard earlier in 2 Timothy 1:9-10, Jesus has saved us and called us to a holy calling, by God’s own purposes before time began. Jesus has defeated death and shown us the way to eternal life with God – and this is all by grace alone, not because of our works!

I need the Spirit’s help to continually sustain my hope in God and to not desert Him. I need the Spirit’s help to continually view the gospel as the priceless treasure that it is – and not to place anything else above that, or to minimise the value of the gospel in pursuit of other things. Why not pray with me for these things, and that we would continue to seek God’s kingdom wherever we are?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Omar is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

Gus Cameron

3 June 2025

2 Timothy 1:8-12

Gus Cameron

3 June 2025

8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began. 10 And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.
12 For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Keith Hengpoonthana

I was bullied in high school. Everything I said and everything I did was mocked and ridiculed. There were days when I dreaded going to school. Even worse, there was no escape even away from school, as the bullies carried on their harassment outside of school. To this day a part of me wants to avoid anything that might draw attention to me being different. I always desperately wanted to fit in. I was anxious about what people thought about me all the time. So it’s no surprise that sharing the gospel with others, particularly non-believers, is one of the most difficult parts of my Christian life. The few times that I have tried evangelism and failed brings back the angst of my childhood.

So I found this a hard passage to read initially. Paul wanted Timothy to not be ashamed of proclaiming the good news of our Lord Jesus and to join him in suffering for the gospel. My heart sank; this is all too hard for me. I can imagine Timothy felt the same, knowing that Paul who he cared dearly about was imprisoned and suffering. But as I read on, Paul encourages him to hold strong. Why? Because we have been saved by the grace of God in Christ Jesus who defeated death and brought us to eternal life. The Lord has called us to fulfil his purpose, including Paul and Timothy, and… even me, the anxiety-ridden scaredy-cat. Paul himself suffered for the gospel. He knew full well what it costs to follow Jesus, and he reasoned that it is well worth it.

I read stories of Christians being persecuted around the world for boldly proclaiming the gospel, some even losing their lives. I realise that the suffering I went through at school is nothing compared to how those Christian brothers and sisters are persecuted, it doesn’t compare to what Paul and the original disciples had to bear, and it certainly doesn’t compare to the suffering and death of Jesus, who took the punishment for my sins upon himself.

Pray today that we may be able to withstand the hardship of following Jesus and proclaiming the gospel. Be encouraged in knowing that on that final day we will be raised with Him, and there will no longer be any suffering forever.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keith is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

2 June 2025

2 Timothy 1:1-7

Gus Cameron

2 June 2025

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my beloved child:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as did my forefathers, as I constantly remember you night and day in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Stephen Shead

Today we are starting what was very likely the last letter the Apostle Paul wrote before he was executed for his faith in Christ. He wrote it to his dearest friend and apprentice, Timothy – and he knew this would probably be his final letter.

To set the scene: When Paul wrote this, he was in prison in Rome. This was not the comfortable house arrest we read about in Acts 28. That was several years earlier. Now, Emperor Nero was severely persecuting Christians, and Paul was chained in a cold, dismal dungeon (1:16-17; 4:13). His friends had deserted him at his first court hearing (4:16), and now he was waiting for his death sentence – which, it seems, came shortly after.

Knowing that background makes the whole book so much more moving – especially these opening verses. Paul longs for the joy of seeing Timothy, but he knows that the next time they see each other may be in the new creation.

And yet throughout the letter, Paul is not consumed by grief (because Jesus is risen!). His consuming priorities are bigger, gospel-shaped concerns. As we will see, Nero’s persecution wasn’t the only crisis the church was facing. There was a crisis of false teachers and whole churches abandoning the gospel. So Paul’s “last will and testament” to Timothy was that he “fan into flame the gift of God” (v6) – that is, that he grow strong in the ministry God had given him. That ministry was all about proclaiming and defending the gospel of Christ, to save the lost and protect Christ’s sheep.

Not all of us have been given a ministry exactly like Timothy’s. But we have been given the same Spirit of God – the Spirit of “power, love, and self-control” (v7). It is the Spirit in us who gives us the power to stand up boldly as Christians, a love big enough even for our enemies, and self-control to resist being led astray by the world.

Finish by praying that God would help you to fan into flame the Spirit’s work in your life – his power, love, and self-control.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen is our Senior Minister.

Gus Cameron

31 May 2025

Psalm 28

Gus Cameron

31 May 2025

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David.
1 To You, O LORD, I call;
be not deaf to me, O my Rock.
For if You remain silent,
I will be like those descending to the Pit.
2 Hear my cry for mercy
when I call to You for help,
when I lift up my hands
toward Your holy sanctuary.
3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,
and with the workers of iniquity,
who speak peace to their neighbors
while malice is in their hearts.
4 Repay them according to their deeds
and for their works of evil.
Repay them for what their hands have done;
bring back on them what they deserve.
5 Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD
or what His hands have done,
He will tear them down
and never rebuild them.
6 Blessed be the LORD,
for He has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
Therefore my heart rejoices,
and I give thanks to Him with my song.
8 The LORD is the strength of His people,
a stronghold of salvation for His anointed.
9 Save Your people and bless Your inheritance;
shepherd them and carry them forever.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

30 May 2025

Psalm 27

Gus Cameron

30 May 2025

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
whom shall I dread?
2 When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh,
my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army encamps around me,
my heart will not fear;
though a war breaks out against me,
I will keep my trust.
4 One thing I have asked of the LORD;
this is what I desire:
to dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and seek Him in His temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
He will hide me in His shelter;
He will conceal me under the cover of His tent;
He will set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be held high
above my enemies around me.
At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call;
be merciful and answer me.
8 My heart said, “Seek His face.”
Your face, O LORD, I will seek.
9 Hide not Your face from me,
nor turn away Your servant in anger.
You have been my helper;
do not leave me or forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.11 Teach me Your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a level path,
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not hand me over to the will of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.
13 Still I am certain to see
the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the LORD;
be strong and courageous.
Wait patiently for the LORD!

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

29 May 2025

Psalm 26

Gus Cameron

29 May 2025

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David.
1 Vindicate me, O LORD!
For I have walked with integrity;
I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
2 Test me, O LORD, and try me;
examine my heart and mind.
3 For Your loving devotion is before my eyes,
and I have walked in Your truth.
4 I do not sit with deceitful men,
nor keep company with hypocrites.
5 I hate the mob of evildoers,
and refuse to sit with the wicked.
6 I wash my hands in innocence
that I may go about Your altar, O LORD,
7 to raise my voice in thanksgiving
and declare all Your wonderful works.
8 O LORD, I love the house where You dwell,
the place where Your glory resides.
9 Do not take my soul away with sinners,
or my life with men of bloodshed,
10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,
whose right hands are full of bribes.
11 But I will walk with integrity;
redeem me and be merciful to me.
12 My feet stand on level ground;
in the congregations I will bless the LORD.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

28 May 2025

Psalm 25

Gus Cameron

28 May 2025

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David.
1 To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
2 in You, my God, I trust.
Do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame;
but those who are faithless without cause will be disgraced.
4 Show me Your ways, O LORD;
teach me Your paths.
5 Guide me in Your truth and teach me,
for You are the God of my salvation;
all day long I wait for You.
6 Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and loving devotion,
for they are from age to age.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth,
nor my rebellious acts;
remember me according to Your loving devotion,
because of Your goodness, O LORD.
8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore He shows sinners the way.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them His way.
10 All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful
to those who keep His covenant and His decrees.
11 For the sake of Your name, O LORD,
forgive my iniquity, for it is great.
12 Who is the man who fears the LORD?
He will instruct him in the path chosen for him.
13 His soul will dwell in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.
14 The LORD confides in those who fear Him,
and reveals His covenant to them.
15 My eyes are always on the LORD,
for He will free my feet from the mesh.
16 Turn to me and be gracious,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart increase;
free me from my distress.
18 Consider my affliction and trouble,
and take away all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many,
and they hate me with vicious hatred.
20 Guard my soul and deliver me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in You.
21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
because I wait for You.
22 Redeem Israel, O God,
from all its distress.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

27 May 2025

Psalm 24

Gus Cameron

27 May 2025

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

A Psalm of David.
1 The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof,
the world and all who dwell therein.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?
Who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek Him,
who seek Your face, O God of Jacob.
Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
Be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of Glory may enter!
8 Who is this King of Glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
Be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of Glory may enter!
10 Who is He, this King of Glory?
The LORD of Hosts—
He is the King of Glory.
Selah

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

26 May 2025

Psalm 23

Gus Cameron

26 May 2025

A reminder: This month, we are using our do-it-yourself method for reading the Psalms. Each day, after the reading, I’ll ask you to reflect on two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

A Psalm of David.
23 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
for the sake of His name.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

24 May 2025

Psalm 22:16-31

Gus Cameron

24 May 2025

Yesterday we heard about the sufferings of David, or the Messiah, and how he felt like he’d been abandoned by God. But he also remembered God’s faithfulness and how God has always delivered his people. As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

16 For dogs surround me;
a band of evil men encircles me;
they have pierced my hands and feet.
17 I can count all my bones;
they stare and gloat over me.
18 They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.
19 But You, O LORD, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
my precious life from the power of wild dogs.
21 Save me from the mouth of the lion;
at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me!
22 I will proclaim Your name to my brothers;
I will praise You in the assembly.
23 You who fear the LORD, praise Him!
All descendants of Jacob, honor Him!
All offspring of Israel, revere Him!
24 For He has not despised or detested
the torment of the afflicted.
He has not hidden His face from him,
but has attended to his cry for help.
25 My praise for You resounds in the great assembly;
I will fulfill my vows before those who fear You.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
those who seek the LORD will praise Him.
May your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD.
All the families of the nations
will bow down before Him.
28 For dominion belongs to the LORD
and He rules over the nations.
29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before Him—
even those unable to preserve their lives.30 Posterity will serve Him;
they will declare the Lord to a new generation.
31 They will come and proclaim His righteousness
to a people yet unborn—
all that He has done.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

23 May 2025

Psalm 22:1-15

Gus Cameron

23 May 2025

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David.
1 My God, my God,
why have You forsaken me?
Why are You so far from saving me,
so far from my words of groaning?
2 I cry out by day, O my God,
but You do not answer,
and by night,
but I have no rest.
3 Yet You are holy,
enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 In You our fathers trusted;
they trusted and You delivered them.
5 They cried out to You and were set free;
they trusted in You and were not disappointed.
6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by men and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
they sneer and shake their heads:
8 “He trusts in the LORD,
let the LORD deliver him;
let the LORD rescue him,
since He delights in him.”
9 Yet You brought me forth from the womb;
You made me secure at my mother’s breast.
10 From birth I was cast upon You;
from my mother’s womb You have been my God.
11 Be not far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13 They open their jaws against me
like lions that roar and maul.
14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are disjointed.
My heart is like wax;
it melts away within me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
You lay me in the dust of death.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

22 May 2025

Psalm 20 & 21

Gus Cameron

22 May 2025

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

PSALM 20

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May He send you help from the sanctuary
and sustain you from Zion.
3 May He remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.
Selah
4 May He give you the desires of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy at your victory
and raise a banner in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your petitions.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;
He answers him from His holy heaven
with the saving power of His right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and others in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They collapse and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9 O LORD, save the king.
Answer us on the day we call.

PSALM 21

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1 O LORD, the king rejoices in Your strength.
How greatly he exults in Your salvation!
2 You have granted his heart’s desire
and have not withheld the request of his lips.
Selah
3 For You welcomed him with rich blessings;
You placed on his head a crown of pure gold.
4 He asked You for life, and You granted it—
length of days, forever and ever.
5 Great is his glory in Your salvation;
You bestow on him splendor and majesty.
6 For You grant him blessings forever;
You cheer him with joy in Your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the LORD;
through the loving devotion of the Most High,
he will not be shaken.
8 Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies;
Your right hand will seize those who hate You.
9 You will place them in a fiery furnace
at the time of Your appearing.
In His wrath the LORD will engulf them,
and the fire will consume them.
10 You will wipe their descendants from the earth,
and their offspring from the sons of men.
11 Though they intend You harm,
the schemes they devise will not prevail.
12 For You will put them to flight
when Your bow is trained upon them.
13 Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength;
we will sing and praise Your power.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

21 May 2025

Psalm 19

Gus Cameron

21 May 2025

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of His hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 Without speech or language,
without a sound to be heard,
4 their voice has gone out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens He has pitched
a tent for the sun.
5 Like a bridegroom emerging from his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course,
6 it rises at one end of the heavens
and runs its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.
7 The Law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
bringing joy to the heart;
the commandments of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
the judgments of the LORD are true,
being altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them indeed Your servant is warned;
in keeping them is great reward.
12 Who can discern his own errors?
Cleanse me from my hidden faults.
13 Keep Your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless
and cleansed of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in Your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

20 May 2025

Psalm 18:25-50

Gus Cameron

20 May 2025

Today we will read the second half of Psalm 18, and then Stephen will share his own reflections on the Psalm as a whole.

25 To the faithful You show Yourself faithful,
to the blameless You show Yourself blameless;
26 to the pure You show Yourself pure,
but to the crooked You show Yourself shrewd.
27 For You save an afflicted people,
but You humble those with haughty eyes.
28 For You, O LORD, light my lamp;
my God lights up my darkness.
29 For in You I can charge an army,
and with my God I can scale a wall.
30 As for God, His way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
31 For who is God besides the LORD?
And who is the Rock except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way clear.
33 He makes my feet like those of a deer
and stations me upon the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You have given me Your shield of salvation;
Your right hand upholds me,
and Your gentleness exalts me.
36 You broaden the path beneath me
so that my ankles do not give way.
37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
I did not turn back until they were consumed.
38 I crushed them so they could not rise;
they have fallen under my feet.
39 You have armed me with strength for battle;
You have subdued my foes beneath me.
40 You have made my enemies retreat before me;
I put an end to those who hated me.
41 They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—
to the LORD, but He did not answer.
42 I ground them as dust in the face of the wind;
I trampled them like mud in the streets.
43 You have delivered me from the strife of the people;
You have made me the head of nations;
a people I had not known shall serve me.
44 When they hear me, they obey me;
foreigners cower before me.
45 Foreigners lose heart
and come trembling from their strongholds.
46 The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock!
And may the God of my salvation be exalted—
47 the God who avenges me
and subdues nations beneath me,
48 who delivers me from my enemies.
You exalt me above my foes;
You rescue me from violent men.
49 Therefore I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations;
I will sing praises to Your name.
50 Great salvation He brings to His king.
He shows loving devotion to His anointed,
to David and his descendants forever.

REFLECTIONS

If it wasn’t obvious yesterday, I hope it’s obvious by now that Psalm 18 applies directly to Jesus, not to us. Things like verse 43: “You have made me the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me” … if you hear me saying that about myself from up front in church, please report me to my bishop!

There are a few truths about Jesus that especially stood out to me. Yesterday, in verse 19 we read: “He rescued me because He delighted in me.” The reason God raised Jesus from the dead and made him the King and ruler over all things is because: he delighted in him. The Father delighted in his righteous and faithful Son. And here’s the amazing bit: if we put our trust in Jesus as our King, God delights in us – not because of what we’re like, but because we’re connected to the Messiah.

Then today in verse 39, we read: “You have subdued my foes beneath me.” Jesus went into battle against human opponents, against sin, against death itself. He has already won the battle by his resurrection. And when he returns as the judge and saviour, he will destroy every rival power, put all his enemies under his feet, and destroy death itself (1 Cor. 15:24-26). I can’t even conquer my diary … but if we put our trust in Jesus as our King, we will share in his victory over all things.

Finally, I love how the whole Psalm, from start to finish, is filled with Jesus’ trust in God his Father. “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer” (v. 2). I usually take for granted that Jesus, in his earthly life, trusted in God – of course he did. But this helped me to appreciate what a monumental amount of faith Jesus must have had to go through with his mission. He is the shining example of dependence on God that we need to look towards.

What a Psalm! Why not finish by applying one of the verses that we can say with Jesus: “Therefore I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing praises to Your name” (v. 49).

Gus Cameron

19 May 2025

Psalm 18:1-24

Gus Cameron

19 May 2025

Today we are going to read the first half of Psalm 18, which is the longest Psalm in the book so far. It also has parts that will seem very strange if you try to apply them directly to yourself. There’s a good reason for that – a bit like Psalm 2, this is specifically about the Messiah. There are two big clues for that: one is the heading, which is much longer than most Psalm headings, and tells us that this Psalm was a song King David sang about how God delivered him. The other clue is that the Psalm also appears in 2 Samuel 22, near the end of David’s rule as king. So as you read this Psalm, it’s especially important to remember that King David was the forerunner of the true Messiah, Jesus.

You should still think about the two questions – what things can I relate to, and what things remind me of Jesus? Then tomorrow I will give a few of my own thoughts on the Psalm as a whole.

For the choirmaster. Of David the servant of the LORD, who sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:
1 I love You, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold.
3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
so shall I be saved from my enemies.
4 The cords of death encompassed me;
the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me.
5 The cords of Sheol entangled me;
the snares of death confronted me.
6 In my distress I called upon the LORD;
I cried to my God for help.
From His temple He heard my voice,
and my cry for His help reached His ears.
7 Then the earth shook and quaked,
and the foundations of the mountains trembled;
they were shaken because He burned with anger.
8 Smoke rose from His nostrils,
and consuming fire came from His mouth;
glowing coals blazed forth.
9 He parted the heavens and came down
with dark clouds beneath His feet.
10 He mounted a cherub and flew;
He soared on the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness His hiding place,
and storm clouds a canopy around Him.
12 From the brightness of His presence
His clouds advanced—
hailstones and coals of fire.
13 The LORD thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded—
hailstones and coals of fire.
14 He shot His arrows and scattered the foes;
He hurled lightning and routed them.
15 The channels of the sea appeared,
and the foundations of the world were exposed,
at Your rebuke, O LORD,
at the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.
16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
He drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from foes too mighty for me.
18 They confronted me in my day of calamity,
but the LORD was my support.
19 He brought me out into the open;
He rescued me because He delighted in me.
20 The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness;
He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.
21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD
and have not wickedly departed from my God.
22 For all His ordinances are before me;
I have not disregarded His statutes.
23 And I have been blameless before Him
and kept myself from iniquity.
24 So the LORD has repaid me according to my righteousness,
according to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

17 May 2025

Psalm 17

Gus Cameron

17 May 2025

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

A prayer of David.
1 Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea;
listen to my cry.
Give ear to my prayer—
it comes from lips free of deceit.
2 May my vindication come from Your presence;
may Your eyes see what is right.
3 You have tried my heart;
You have visited me in the night.
You have tested me and found no evil;
I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.
4 As for the deeds of men—
by the word of Your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held to Your paths;
my feet have not slipped.
6 I call on You, O God,
for You will answer me.
Incline Your ear to me;
hear my words.
7 Show the wonders of Your loving devotion,
You who save by Your right hand
those who seek refuge from their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
hide me in the shadow of Your wings
9 from the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.
10 They have closed their callous hearts;
their mouths speak with arrogance.
11 They have tracked us down, and now surround us;
their eyes are set to cast us to the ground,
12 like a lion greedy for prey,
like a young lion lurking in ambush.
13 Arise, O LORD, confront them!
Bring them to their knees;
deliver me from the wicked by Your sword,
14 from such men, O LORD, by Your hand—
from men of the world
whose portion is in this life.
May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons,
so they leave their abundance to their children.
15 As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I will be satisfied in Your presence.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

16 May 2025

Psalm 15 & 16

Gus Cameron

16 May 2025

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

PSALM 15

A Psalm of David.
1 O LORD, who may abide in Your tent?
Who may dwell on Your holy mountain?
2 He who walks with integrity
and practices righteousness,
who speaks the truth from his heart,
3 who has no slander on his tongue,
who does no harm to his neighbor,
who casts no scorn on his friend,
4 who despises the vile
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who does not revise a costly oath,
5 who lends his money without interest
and refuses a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.

PSALM 16

A Miktam of David.
1 Preserve me, O God,
for in You I take refuge.
2 I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
apart from You I have no good thing.”
3 As for the saints in the land,
they are the excellence
in whom all my delight resides.
4 Sorrows will multiply
to those who chase other gods.
I will not pour out their libations of blood,
or speak their names with my lips.
5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
You have made my lot secure.
6 The lines of my boundary have fallen in pleasant places;
surely my inheritance is delightful.
7 I will bless the LORD who counsels me;
even at night my conscience instructs me.
8 I have set the LORD always before me.
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will dwell securely.
10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.
11 You have made known to me the path of life;
You will fill me with joy in Your presence,
with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

15 May 2025

Psalm 13 & 14

Gus Cameron

15 May 2025

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

PSALM 13

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1 How long, O LORD?
Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart each day?
How long will my enemy dominate me?
3 Consider me and respond, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes rejoice when I fall.
5 But I have trusted in Your loving devotion;
my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
for He has been good to me.

PSALM 14

For the choirmaster. Of David.
1 The fool says in his heart,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt; their acts are vile.
There is no one who does good.
2 The LORD looks down from heaven
upon the sons of men
to see if any understand,
if any seek God.
3 All have turned away,
they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.
4 Will the workers of iniquity never learn?
They devour my people like bread;
they refuse to call upon the LORD.
5 There they are, overwhelmed with dread,
for God is in the company of the righteous.
6 You sinners frustrate the plans of the oppressed,
yet the LORD is their shelter.
7 Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion!
When the LORD restores His captive people,
let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Gus Cameron

14 May 2025

Psalm 11 & 12

Gus Cameron

14 May 2025

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

PSALM 11

For the choirmaster. Of David.
1 In the LORD I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
“Flee like a bird to your mountain!
2 For behold, the wicked bend their bows.
They set their arrow on the string
to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
3 If the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”
4 The LORD is in His holy temple;
the LORD is on His heavenly throne.
His eyes are watching closely;
they examine the sons of men.
5 The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked;
His soul hates the lover of violence.
6 On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur;
a scorching wind will be their portion.
7 For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice.
The upright will see His face.

PSALM 12

For the choirmaster. According to Sheminith. A Psalm of David.
1 Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more;
the faithful have vanished from among men.
2 They lie to one another;
they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.
3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips
and every boastful tongue.
4 They say, “With our tongues we will prevail.
We own our lips—who can be our master?”
5 “For the cause of the oppressed
and for the groaning of the needy,
I will now arise,” says the LORD.
“I will bring safety to him who yearns.”
6 The words of the LORD are flawless,
like silver refined in a furnace,
like gold purified sevenfold.
7 You, O LORD, will keep us;
You will forever guard us from this generation.
8 The wicked wander freely,
and vileness is exalted among men.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

What things in this Psalm can I relate to?
Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.