Psalm 41

Psalm 41 - Daily Devotion - 16 September 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

The book of Psalms is divided into 5 parts or smaller “books.” Today we are reading Psalm 41, which is the last psalm in book 1.

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 Blessed is the one who cares for the poor;
the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.
2 The LORD will protect and preserve him;
He will bless him in the land
and refuse to surrender him
to the will of his foes.
3 The LORD will sustain him on his bed of illness
and restore him from his bed of sickness.

4 I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me;
heal me, for I have sinned against You.”
5 My enemies say with malice:
“When will he die and be forgotten?”
6 My visitor speaks falsehood;
he gathers slander in his heart;
he goes out and spreads it abroad.
7 All who hate me whisper against me;
they imagine the worst for me:
8 “A vile disease has been poured into him;
he will never get up from where he lies!”
9 Even my close friend whom I trusted,
the one who shared my bread,
has lifted up his heel against me.

10 But You, O LORD, be gracious to me and raise me up,
that I may repay them.
11 By this I know that You delight in me,
for my enemy does not triumph over me.
12 In my integrity You uphold me
and set me in Your presence forever.

13 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.

Amen and Amen.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

Psalm 40

Psalm 40 - Daily Devotion - 15 September 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

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:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
He inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me up from the pit of despair,
out of the miry clay;
He set my feet upon a rock,
and made my footsteps firm.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

4 Blessed is the man
who has made the LORD his trust,
who has not turned to the proud,
nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
5 Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders You have done,
and the plans You have for us—
none can compare to You—
if I proclaim and declare them,
they are more than I can count.

6 Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,
but my ears You have opened.
Burnt offerings and sin offerings
You did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll:
8 I delight to do Your will, O my God;
Your law is within my heart.”

9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
behold, I do not seal my lips,
as You, O LORD, do know.
10 I have not covered up Your righteousness in my heart;
I have declared Your faithfulness and salvation;
I have not concealed Your loving devotion and faithfulness
from the great assembly.

11 O LORD, do not withhold Your mercy from me;
Your loving devotion and faithfulness will always guard me.
12 For evils without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, so that I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart has failed within me.
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me;
hurry, O LORD, to help me.

14 May those who seek my life
be ashamed and confounded;
may those who wish me harm
be repelled and humiliated.
15 May those who say to me, “Aha, aha!”
be appalled at their own shame.
16 May all who seek You
rejoice and be glad in You;
may those who love Your salvation
always say, “The LORD be magnified!”

17 But I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my helper and deliverer;
O my God, do not delay.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

Psalm 39

Psalm 39 - Daily Devotion - 13 September 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

1 I said, “I will watch my ways
so that I will not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle
as long as the wicked are present.”
2 I was speechless and still;
I remained silent, even from speaking good,
and my sorrow was stirred.
3 My heart grew hot within me;
as I mused, the fire burned.

Then I spoke with my tongue:

4 “Show me, O LORD, my end
and the measure of my days.
Let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths,
and my lifetime as nothing before You.
Truly each man at his best
exists as but a breath.

Selah
6 Surely every man goes about like a phantom;
surely he bustles in vain;
he heaps up riches
not knowing who will haul them away.

7 And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in You.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the reproach of fools.
9 I have become mute;
I do not open my mouth
because of what You have done.
10 Remove Your scourge from me;
I am perishing by the force of Your hand.
11 You discipline and correct a man for his iniquity,
consuming like a moth what he holds dear;
surely each man is but a vapor.

Selah
12 Hear my prayer, O LORD,
and give ear to my cry for help;
do not be deaf to my weeping.
For I am a foreigner dwelling with You,
a stranger like all my fathers.
13 Turn Your gaze away from me,
that I may again be cheered
before I depart and am no more.”

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

Psalm 38

Psalm 38 - Daily Devotion - 12 September 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

A Psalm of David, for remembrance.

1 O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger
or discipline me in Your wrath.
2 For Your arrows have pierced me deeply,
and Your hand has pressed down on me.

3 There is no soundness in my body
because of Your anger;
there is no rest in my bones
because of my sin.
4 For my iniquities have overwhelmed me;
they are a burden too heavy to bear.
5 My wounds are foul and festering
because of my sinful folly.
6 I am bent and brought low;
all day long I go about mourning.
7 For my loins are full of burning pain,
and no soundness remains in my body.
8 I am numb and badly crushed;
I groan in anguish of heart.

9 O Lord, my every desire is before You;
my groaning is not hidden from You.
10 My heart pounds, my strength fails,
and even the light of my eyes has faded.
11 My beloved and friends shun my disease,
and my kinsmen stand at a distance.
12 Those who seek my life lay snares;
those who wish me harm speak destruction,
plotting deceit all day long.

13 But like a deaf man, I do not hear;
and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth.
14 I am like a man who cannot hear,
whose mouth offers no reply.
15 I wait for You, O LORD;
You will answer, O Lord my God.
16 For I said, “Let them not gloat over me—
those who taunt me when my foot slips.”

17 For I am ready to fall,
and my pain is ever with me.
18 Yes, I confess my iniquity;
I am troubled by my sin.
19 Many are my enemies without cause,
and many hate me without reason.
20 Those who repay my good with evil
attack me for pursuing the good.

21 Do not forsake me, O LORD;
be not far from me, O my God.
22 Come quickly to help me,
O Lord my Savior.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

Psalm 37:21-40

Psalm 37:21-40 - Daily Devotion - 11 September 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous are gracious and giving.
22 Surely those He blesses will inherit the land,
but the cursed will be destroyed.

23 The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD
who takes delight in his journey.
24 Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed,
for the LORD is holding his hand.

25 I once was young and now am old,
yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned
or their children begging for bread.
26 They are ever generous and quick to lend,
and their children are a blessing.

27 Turn away from evil and do good,
so that you will abide forever.
28 For the LORD loves justice
and will not forsake His saints.
They are preserved forever,
but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.
29 The righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever.

30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not falter.

32 Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
and seek to slay them,
33 the LORD will not leave them in their power
or let them be condemned under judgment.

34 Wait for the LORD and keep His way,
and He will raise you up to inherit the land.
When the wicked are cut off,
you will see it.

35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man
flourishing like a well-rooted native tree,
36 yet he passed away and was no more;
though I searched, he could not be found.

37 Consider the blameless and observe the upright,
for posterity awaits the man of peace.
38 But the transgressors will all be destroyed;
the future of the wicked will be cut off.

39 The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
He is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40 The LORD helps and delivers them;
He rescues and saves them from the wicked,
because they take refuge in Him.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

Psalm 37:1-20

Psalm 37:1-20 - Daily Devotion - 10 September 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David.

1 Do not fret over those who do evil;
do not envy those who do wrong.
2 For they wither quickly like grass
and wilt like tender plants.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD,
and He will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in Him, and He will do it.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness like the dawn,
your justice like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the LORD
and wait patiently for Him;
do not fret when men prosper in their ways,
when they carry out wicked schemes.

8 Refrain from anger and abandon wrath;
do not fret—it can only bring harm.
9 For the evildoers will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10 Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
11 But the meek will inherit the land
and delight in abundant prosperity.

12 The wicked scheme against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them,
13 but the Lord laughs,
seeing that their day is coming.

14 The wicked have drawn the sword
and bent the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.
15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

16 Better is the little of the righteous
than the abundance of many who are wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked will be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 The LORD knows the days of the blameless,
and their inheritance will last forever.
19 In the time of evil they will not be ashamed,
and in the days of famine they will be satisfied.

20 But the wicked and enemies of the LORD
will perish like the glory of the fields.
They will vanish;
like smoke they will fade away.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

Psalm 36

Psalm 36 - Daily Devotion - 9 September 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD.

1 An oracle is in my heart
regarding the transgression of the wicked man:
There is no fear of God
before his eyes.
2 For his eyes are too full of conceit
to detect or hate his own sin.
3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful;
he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.
4 Even on his bed he plots wickedness;
he sets himself on a path that is not good;
he fails to reject evil.

5 Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
Your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains;
Your judgments are like the deepest sea.
O LORD, You preserve man and beast.
7 How precious is Your loving devotion, O God,
that the children of men take refuge
in the shadow of Your wings!
8 They feast on the abundance of Your house,
and You give them drink from Your river of delights.
9 For with You is the fountain of life;
in Your light we see light.

10 Extend Your loving devotion to those who know You,
and Your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 Let not the foot of the proud come against me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 There the evildoers lie fallen,
thrown down and unable to rise.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

Psalm 35

Psalm 35 - Daily Devotion - 8 September 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

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:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David.

1 Contend with my opponents, O LORD;
fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take up Your shield and buckler;
arise and come to my aid.
3 Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers;
say to my soul: “I am your salvation.”

4 May those who seek my life
be disgraced and put to shame;
may those who plan to harm me
be driven back and confounded.
5 May they be like chaff in the wind,
as the angel of the LORD drives them away.
6 May their path be dark and slick,
as the angel of the LORD pursues.
7 For without cause they laid their net for me;
without reason they dug a pit for my soul.
8 May ruin befall them by surprise;
may the net they hid ensnare them;
may they fall into the hazard they created.

9 Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD
and exult in His salvation.10 All my bones will exclaim,
“Who is like You, O LORD,
who delivers the afflicted from the aggressor,
the poor and needy from the robber?”

11 Hostile witnesses come forward;
they make charges I know nothing about.
12 They repay me evil for good,
to the bereavement of my soul.
13 Yet when they were ill,
I put on sackcloth;
I humbled myself with fasting,
but my prayers returned unanswered.
14 I paced about
as for my friend or brother;
I was bowed down with grief,
like one mourning for his mother.
15 But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee;
they gathered together against me.
Assailants I did not know
slandered me without ceasing.
16 Like godless jesters at a feast,
they gnashed their teeth at me.

17 How long, O Lord, will You look on?
Rescue my soul from their ravages,
my precious life from these lions.
18 Then I will give You thanks in the great assembly;
I will praise You among many people.
19 Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause,
nor those who hate me without reason wink in malice.
20 For they do not speak peace,
but they devise deceitful schemes
against those who live quietly in the land.
21 They gape at me and say,
“Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen!”

22 O LORD, You have seen it; be not silent.
O Lord, be not far from me.
23 Awake and rise to my defense,
to my cause, my God and my Lord!
24 Vindicate me by Your righteousness, O LORD my God,
and do not let them gloat over me.25 Let them not say in their hearts,
“Aha, just what we wanted!”
Let them not say,
“We have swallowed him up!”

26 May those who gloat in my distress
be ashamed and confounded;
may those who exalt themselves over me
be clothed in shame and reproach.
27 May those who favor my vindication
shout for joy and gladness;
may they always say, “Exalted be the LORD
who delights in His servant’s well-being.”

28 Then my tongue will proclaim Your righteousness
and Your praises all day long.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

Psalm 34

Psalm 34 - Daily Devotion - 6 September 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away.

1 I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise will always be on my lips.
2 My soul boasts in the LORD;
let the oppressed hear and rejoice.
3 Magnify the LORD with me;
let us exalt His name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to Him are radiant with joy;
their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him;
He saved him from all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
9 Fear the LORD, you His saints,
for those who fear Him lack nothing.
10 Young lions go lacking and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11 Come, children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12 Who is the man who delights in life,
who desires to see good days?
13 Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from deceitful speech.
14 Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
and His ears are inclined to their cry.
16 But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to wipe out all memory of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears;
He delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted;
He saves the contrite in spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the LORD delivers him from them all.
20 He protects all his bones;
not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked,
and the haters of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems His servants,
and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

Psalm 33

Psalm 33 - Daily Devotion - 5 September 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

1 Rejoice in the LORD, O righteous ones;
it is fitting for the upright to praise Him.
2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to Him with ten strings.
3 Sing to Him a new song;
play skillfully with a shout of joy.

4 For the word of the LORD is upright,
and all His work is trustworthy.
5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of His loving devotion.

6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
and all the stars by the breath of His mouth.
7 He piles up the waters of the sea;
He puts the depths into storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere Him.
9 For He spoke, and it came to be;
He commanded, and it stood firm.

10 The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations;
He thwarts the devices of the peoples.
11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
the purposes of His heart to all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people He has chosen as His inheritance!

13 The LORD looks down from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
14 From His dwelling place He gazes
on all who inhabit the earth.
15 He shapes the hearts of each;
He considers all their works.
16 No king is saved by his vast army;
no warrior is delivered by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for salvation;
even its great strength cannot save.

18 Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him,
on those whose hope is in His loving devotion
19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our hearts rejoice in Him,
since we trust in His holy name.
22 May Your loving devotion rest on us, O LORD,
as we put our hope in You.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

Psalm 32

Psalm 32 - Daily Devotion - 4 September 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David. A Maskil.

1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the man
whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him,
in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent, my bones became brittle
from my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night
Your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was drained
as in the summer heat.

Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to You
and did not hide my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
and You forgave the guilt of my sin.

Selah
6 Therefore let all the godly pray to You
while You may be found.
Surely when great waters rise,
they will not come near.
7 You are my hiding place.
You protect me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance.

Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will give you counsel and watch over you.
9 Do not be like the horse or mule,
which have no understanding;
they must be controlled with bit and bridle
to make them come to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.

11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones;
shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

Psalm 31

Psalm 31 - Daily Devotion - 3 September 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
save me by Your righteousness.
2 Incline Your ear to me;
come quickly to my rescue.
Be my rock of refuge,
the stronghold of my deliverance.

3 For You are my rock and my fortress;
lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name.
4 You free me from the net laid out for me,
for You are my refuge.
5 Into Your hands I commit my spirit;
You have redeemed me, O LORD, God of truth.

6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols,
but in the LORD I trust.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in Your loving devotion,
for You have seen my affliction;
You have known the anguish of my soul.
8 You have not delivered me to the enemy;
You have set my feet in the open.

9 Be merciful to me, O LORD,
for I am in distress;
my eyes fail from sorrow,
my soul and body as well.
10 For my life is consumed with grief
and my years with groaning;
my iniquity has drained my strength,
and my bones are wasting away.
11 Among all my enemies I am a disgrace,
and among my neighbors even more.
I am dreaded by my friends—
they flee when they see me on the street.
12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind.
I am like a broken vessel.
13 For I hear the slander of many;
there is terror on every side.
They conspire against me
and plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in You, O LORD;
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in Your hands;
deliver me from my enemies
and from those who pursue me.
16 Make Your face shine on Your servant;
save me by Your loving devotion.

17 O LORD, let me not be ashamed,
for I have called on You.
Let the wicked be put to shame;
let them lie silent in Sheol.
18 May lying lips be silenced—
lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous,
full of pride and contempt.

19 How great is Your goodness
which You have laid up for those who fear You,
which You have bestowed before the sons of men
on those who take refuge in You!
20 You hide them in the secret place of Your presence
from the schemes of men.
You conceal them in Your shelter
from accusing tongues.

21 Blessed be the LORD,
for He has shown me His loving devotion
in a city under siege.
22 In my alarm I said,
“I am cut off from Your sight!”
But You heard my plea for mercy
when I called to You for help.

23 Love the LORD, all His saints.
The LORD preserves the faithful,
but fully repays the arrogant.
24 Be strong and courageous,
all you who hope in the LORD.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

Psalm 30

Psalm 30 - Daily Devotion - 2 September 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

A Psalm. A song for the dedication of the temple. Of David.

1 I will exalt You, O LORD,
for You have lifted me up
and have not allowed my foes
to rejoice over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried to You for help,
and You healed me.
3 O LORD, You pulled me up from Sheol;
You spared me from descending into the Pit.

4 Sing to the LORD, O you His saints,
and praise His holy name.
5 For His anger is fleeting,
but His favor lasts a lifetime.
Weeping may stay the night,
but joy comes in the morning.

6 In prosperity I said,
“I will never be shaken.”
7 O LORD, You favored me;
You made my mountain stand strong.

When You hid Your face,
I was dismayed.
8 To You, O LORD, I called,
and I begged my Lord for mercy:
9 “What gain is there in my bloodshed,
in my descent to the Pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it proclaim Your faithfulness?
10 Hear me, O LORD, and have mercy;
O LORD, be my helper.”

11 You turned my mourning into dancing;
You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks forever.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

Psalm 29

Psalm 29 - Daily Devotion - 1 September 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

This month, we are returning to our devotions through the book of Psalms. For these devotions, instead of hearing someone else’s reflections, each day I’ll ask you to reflect on the Psalm yourself using two simple questions:

1. What things in the Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus? It could be something about his ministry, his suffering and death, his resurrection, his kingdom, or what God has done for us through Jesus.

But don’t worry if you can’t always think of something – just read, reflect and pray.

~~~

A Psalm of David.

1 Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders;
the LORD is heard over many waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the LORD
strikes with flames of fire.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
the LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in His temple all cry, “Glory!”

10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
11 The LORD gives His people strength;
the LORD blesses His people with peace.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

Luke 24:44-53

Luke 24:44-53 - Daily Devotion - 30 August 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

44 Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

46 And He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

49 And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

50 When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 praising God continually in the temple.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Lachlan Shead

This year, my brother took me to watch Dune: Part Two in cinemas. I really enjoyed the movie; but then I left the theatre, and Dune really hasn't affected me since then. Sometimes faith feels similar to me. We live in the Last Days, between the resurrection and return of Jesus. Both of these events can feel far removed from day-to-day life.

Today we see the disciples at the very beginning of the Last Days. Jesus has been raised from the dead, and he tells them to wait until he will pour out the Spirit on them. The Spirit will give them power and courage to begin proclaiming this news. Then he ascends to heaven.

If the disciples had felt like me, their next steps would be like leaving a movie theatre: getting back to life as normal. Maybe they'd pick up fishing again. But instead, Jesus changes everything for them: "they worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, praising God continually in the temple" (v 52-53). As I’ve thought about why they were so deeply transformed, two things have stood out to me.

First, people have been longing for a restored relationship with God ever since the fall. We see this at the beginning of Luke’s Gospel. For example, Zechariah thanks God that Jesus will "give to His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins" (Luke 1:77). In today's passage, Jesus makes it clear that he has brought that restored relationship – his death and resurrection mean repentance and forgiveness of sins are now available to people from all nations (v 47)!

Second, Jesus ascends while he is blessing his followers (v 50-51). There's no gap between the blessing of the resurrection and the blessing of the Spirit. Here we see Jesus' constant attitude toward his people: he delights in blessing us with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).

This passage brings us to the end of Luke's Gospel. But rightly responding to Jesus is nothing like leaving a cinema. We who trust in Jesus enjoy this same salvation and blessing, through the same Spirit! Let's join in praising God for his great mercy.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lachlan is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Luke 24:36-43

Luke 24:36-43 - Daily Devotion - 29 August 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

36 While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 37 But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit.

38 “Why are you troubled,” Jesus asked, “and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself. Touch Me and see—for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and feet.

41 While they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and He took it and ate it in front of them.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Tim Mitry

Just yesterday I was reflecting on how much I am looking forward to seeing Jesus – the image of the invisible God – in the flesh. And now today, reading this account from Luke, I again feel excited. A part of me wishes I got to see Jesus in person when he walked this earth, to enjoy and experience His physical presence with me. I do remind myself that I have access to Christ by God’s Holy Spirit living in me, but I also look forward to the consummation of God's plan, when we will bodily live and relate to our Triune God in the New Creation.

Because our Lord was resurrected with a redeemed and glorified body, I am even more joyful, since I know that I will be raised in the same kind of body fit for eternity (Philippians 3:20-21). This is a profound validation of our bodily existence, because it means that my whole being – my body, my human nature, my senses, all perfected – will share in life and communion with Jesus eternally. This is a deep way of “being known,” which uplifts my heart as I remember the fact of Jesus’ resurrection.

So even though I'm not sharing the "joy and amazement" of the disciples with my eyes (yet!), by hearing their testimony I can have the same response to our resurrected Lord, and I can unceasingly repeat the words: "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tim is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

Luke 24:25-35

Luke 24:25-35 - Daily Devotion - 28 August 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

25 Then Jesus said to them, “O foolish ones, how slow are your hearts to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then to enter His glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself.

28 As they approached the village where they were headed, He seemed to be going farther. 29 But they pleaded with Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”

So He went in to stay with them. 30 While He was reclining at the table with them, He took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight.

32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem.

There they found the Eleven and those with them, gathered together 34 and saying, “The Lord has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon!”

35 Then the two told what had happened on the road, and how they had recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Vinh Dang

Yesterday we met these two disciples who were walking to the village of Emmaus. As they travelled, they were discussing the events of Jesus’ crucifixion with a stranger who started walking with them – without realising that this stranger was the risen Jesus. Today’s passage begins with Jesus rebuking them, because it seems they haven’t understood how the Old Testament was preparing them for the gospel. Jesus says, “O foolish ones, how slow are your hearts to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then to enter His glory?” Jesus goes on to explain to them the Scriptures.

As I read this passage, these words from Jesus speak volumes to me. My natural instinct when something doesn’t go my way is to feel disappointed. Jesus offers me hope, purpose and a transformed perspective. Because of this, I am reminded that I have a hope that is beyond my own understanding. Jesus has risen and entered His glory, and that is our future in Christ as well. That shifts my focus from worldly pursuits to the eternal hope found in Jesus.

Jesus is the one who also helps me to understand the meaning of the gospel. I can’t understand it on my own because of my limitations and my hardness of heart. The two disciples were filled with disappointment and confusion, but upon breaking bread with Jesus, their eyes were opened and they recognised him. That is a picture of what happens when we read Scripture and Jesus opens our understanding to the gospel.

Thank you, Father God, that despite our failure to recognise the power and truth of the gospel, you never cease to remind us and show us Your grace and mercy through Your Son Jesus. In your forgiveness and grace, we have a Saviour who died for us, even though we are so undeserving. Thank you that today we are saved by His death on the cross. All praise and glory to You alone. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vinh is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

Luke 24:13-24

Luke 24:13-24 - Daily Devotion - 27 August 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

13 That same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 And as they talked and deliberated, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”

They stood still, with sadness on their faces. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, “Are You the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in recent days?”

19 “What things?” He asked.

“The events involving Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “This man was a prophet, powerful in speech and action before God and all the people. 20 Our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to the sentence of death, and they crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping He was the One who would redeem Israel. And besides all this, it is the third day since these things took place.

22 Furthermore, some of our women astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 but they did not find His body. They came and told us they had seen a vision of angels, who said that Jesus was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had described. But Him they did not see.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Charis Ould

It’s so easy for me to read this passage and think that I would immediately recognise Jesus. He’s the very person that these disciples are talking about as they walk on the road, and yet they can’t see who he is! But verse 16 tell us why: “Their eyes were kept from recognising him.”

During his ministry, Jesus had shared multiple times with the apostles that he would die and rise again, and yet even after they know his tomb is empty, they are still confused about what has happened to him. In verse 12, Peter went away from the empty tomb wondering what had happened!

We don’t know much about the two disciples in today’s passage—only Cleopas is named—but like the twelve apostles, they have been told what has happened to Jesus but don’t understand. They’ve heard the testimony from the women at the tomb, that it was empty and the angels told them that Jesus had risen, and yet they are still confused!

We will have to wait until the next part of the passage to see how Jesus responds to them, but he is clearly planning to reveal himself to them in his own timing. Jesus knows they have no reason to be sad! But first, he asks them what things had been happening. He is encouraging them to reveal their hearts and what they know about Him. They speak about their hope that Jesus was the One who would redeem Israel.

These disciples had heard the testimony of Peter about the linen cloths in the grave, and the report from the women, and Jesus wanted them to tell him what they had heard. They don’t yet understand or believe, but soon they will. Jesus will open their eyes to see that their hopes have been realised – Jesus has redeemed his people by dying and rising again. What a great reminder that we can believe based on the reliable eyewitness testimony we read in the Bible, and that Jesus still opens people’s eyes when we share that testimony with them.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charis is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Luke 24:1-12

Luke 24:1-12 - Daily Devotion - 26 August 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them.

5 As the women bowed their faces to the ground in terror, the two men asked them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’”

8 Then they remembered His words. 9 And when they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But their words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.

12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. And after bending down and seeing only the linen cloths, he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Ian Mu

Sometimes we might have plans, but God's plans may be different. That's the first thing I noticed from reading the first 4 verses. The women planned one thing with the prepared spices, but straight away their plans were changed.

In this case, God’s plan shouldn’t have been a surprise, Jesus had made it known to them earlier. The angels reminded the women of what Jesus had said. Then they remembered and went to share the news of what had happened to others.

But the reaction of the others was that they did not believe. Peter got up and ran to the tomb. But why did Peter run to the tomb? Was it because he believed, or was it because he doubted? If I was to go off what I know of Peter, I would guess it was because he doubted. But his response showed that it wasn’t pure doubt, he went away wondering what had happened.

I noticed the difference in response between the women and the disciples. The women remembered and went and told people. The disciples doubted, and Peter saw and was still puzzled afterwards.

For me, my takeaway is: How often do we remember what Jesus tells us? As soon as the women were reminded, they believed and told others. Peter was left behind, doubting and wondering “what had happened” (v 12). I want to be like the women who remembered and shared. The good thing is, we don’t need two angels to remind us, as we have Jesus’ word directly through the Bible. So I can be the one that constantly reminds myself, and we can remind each other.

My challenge to myself is to strengthen my knowledge of God through the Bible, so I can be reminded of what he has done for us. That way, whatever situation I am thrown in, I can be reminded constantly of Jesus and what he tells us.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ian is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Luke 23:50-56

Luke 23:50-56 - Daily Devotion - 25 August 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

50 Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea, and was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was beginning.

55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how His body was placed. 56 Then they returned to prepare spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath, according to the commandment.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Monica Ly

As I read this passage, I was struck by the courage of Joseph— a member of the Council. Even though he was highly respected and closely connected to the Jewish leadership, Joseph did not agree with their decision. He chose to stand apart from them and not take part in their actions.

Joseph’s actions made a powerful statement. He publicly aligned himself with Jesus, even though he was aware of the social and religious backlash he would face. It seems he understood who Jesus was and the significance of his death. Joseph was waiting for the Kingdom of God (v 51), so perhaps like the thief on the other cross back in verse 42, he understood that Jesus was the King who would bring in the Kingdom. Perhaps he even understood that Jesus’ sacrifice had paid for his sins, so he was no longer condemned but justified, declared “not guilty.” However much he understood, Joseph’s assurance gave him the strength to set aside the fear of human approval. His identity was now rooted in Christ.

Joseph’s conviction challenges me to reflect on my own life. How often I forget that my identity is in Christ. I can easily fall into the trap of seeking human approval, measuring my worth by achievements, or striving to fit into cultural expectations. It’s tempting to define myself by what I do or how others see me, instead of by what Christ has already done for me.

Take a moment to reflect on your own life:

• Where have you allowed human approval to define your worth?

• In what ways have you tried to earn your value through accomplishments or appearances?

Let us come before God in prayer, repenting of the ways we have sought approval apart from Him. Take comfort in this truth: Jesus’ death on the cross has given us our value, our dignity, and our security.

In Christ, we lack nothing. May this truth empower us to live out our true identity in Him—walking in His ways and living lives worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Monica is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.