Jesus Predicts His Death

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Today’s quote and prayer from
Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 102: 18-22 (NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Heavenly Father,
I thank you for your intervention in my life.
You have given me a story to tell—
a testimony to your amazing grace.
Help me to carry that testimony to a future generation—
a generation that is not yet born
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Predicts His Death

He then began to teach them
that the Son of Man must suffer many things
and be rejected by the elders,
the chief priests and the teachers of the law,
and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.

He spoke plainly about this,
and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples,
he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said.
“You do not have in mind the concerns of God,
but merely human concerns.”
(Mark 8:31-33).

* * *

God sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
We saw his son and are now telling others about him.

(1 John 4:14 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return
to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

Writing for a Future Generation

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading:  Psalm 102:18-22 (NIV)*

Let this be written for a future generation,
    that a people not yet created may praise the LORD:
“The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high,
    from heaven he viewed the earth,
to hear the groans of the prisoners
    and release those condemned to death.”
So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion
    and his praise in Jerusalem
when the peoples and the kingdoms
    assemble to worship the LORD
.

Reflection

Time capsules are a fascinating idea. They can tell us a great deal about what people at a certain point in history considered important or indicative of that particular time. What was significant in the lives of people 100 years ago? A time capsule gives us a glimpse into that long ago period. For instance, a time capsule from 1959 might contain a hula-hoop, but the significance of that craze might well be lost on the current generation of young people.

In some respects, this reading from Psalm 102 acts as a time capsule. It is a written testimony of what the LORD has done. “The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth,
to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death”
(v. 19-20). 

Generation after generation of Bible readers has read this written testimony. They know that the LORD hears the groans of prisoners and sets them free. But this testimony doesn’t end there. It doesn’t end there because the LORD has not stopped listening and acting. He continues to do these things today.

I can personally testify to being set free from the bondage of sin. I know that due to my sinful nature I was condemned to die. But Jesus suffered the punishment I deserve on my behalf. When I called out to God, He heard my cry and set me free from the death penalty I was living under. My body may perish, but through the blood shed by Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit, I have eternal life. That’s my testimony. That’s the time capsule message I want to send to the next generation and beyond.

By the way, my testimony is not unique. Millions of people around the world can testify to the life changing power of the LORD. They all have time capsule testimonies that they want to send to a generation yet unborn.

What about you? Do you have a testimony to God’s redeeming forgiveness and power? It might be worth your time to write it down. We overcome the attacks of the enemy by the words of our testimony. You have a story to tell. It’s a time capsule with contents far more valuable than a hula-hoop.

Response

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your intervention in my life. You have given me a story to tell—a testimony to your amazing grace. Help me to carry that testimony to a future generation—a generation that is not yet born. Amen.

Your Turn

Have you testified to the saving power of Jesus? How has the Lord changed your life?


bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look, click here.

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

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Today’s quote and prayer from
Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 102: 12-17 (NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Heavenly Father, reign in my life.
Jesus, you are King forever.
I bow my knee to you.
Give me ears that hear what you are saying to me
today and always.
I wait with faith and expectation
for you to show me your favor.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages
around Caesarea Philippi.
On the way he asked them,
“Who do people say I am?”

 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist;
others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”

“But what about you?” he asked.
“Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”

Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
(Mark 8:27-30).

* * *

God sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
We saw his son and are now telling others about him.

(1 John 4:14 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return
to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

The LORD’s Appointment

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading: Psalm 102:12-17 (NIV)*

But you, LORD, sit enthroned forever;
  your renown endures through all generations.
You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
    for it is time to show favor to her;
    the appointed time has come.
For her stones are dear to your servants;
    her very dust moves them to pity.
 The nations will fear the name of the LORD,
    all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.
For the LORD will rebuild Zion
    and appear in his glory.
He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
    he will not despise their plea
.

Reflection

Psalm 102 begins as a lament, but today’s reading is drawn from the mid portion of the psalm, and rather than despair and grief, this section is filled with hope and promise. Though at present we may be plagued by troubles, a turning point is coming. This is the hope we have when we truly know our God.

Despite experiencing the troubles and difficulties of an afflicted person, this is the psalmist’s personal confession: But you, LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.

What about you and me? Is the LORD enthroned as the Lord of my life? Is He calling the shots? Have I stopped to listen for His voice, or do I simply plunge ahead into my day without giving any thought to His will or His plans for me?

Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran (Julius Barclay/Wikimedia)

By the way, the LORD has plans for you that are nothing short of amazing. Here’s a look at the LORD’s plans according to Psalm 102: You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.

This is the promise that we all have as believers. A time is coming when the LORD will show us His favor. It is an appointed time. You can be sure that the LORD keeps His appointments. He will show up in our lives to favor us—to bestow His grace. What a magnificent promise that is!

Do I know when that appointed time will come? No, I don’t. It’s the LORD’s appointment, not mine. He will arise and show compassion on His people. My responsibility is to be numbered among His people—the faithful ones of Zion. That brings us back to considering who is enthroned as the King of our lives. Lord Jesus, this is my confession: I want you enthroned in my heart forever.

Response

Heavenly Father, reign in my life. Jesus, you are King forever. I bow my knee to you. Give me ears that hear what you are saying to me today and always. I wait with faith and expectation for you to show me your favor. Amen.

Your Turn

Have you experienced the Lord’s favor? What did that look like?


bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look, click here.

Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida

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Today’s quote and prayer from
Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 102: 1-11 (NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Father God,
when bad news comes, I look to you.
I call to you!
Be my help when all human help
and hope are gone.
Lord Jesus, you are my Savior.
In this— moment I trust you for that!
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida

They came to Bethsaida,
and some people brought a blind man
and begged Jesus to touch him.

He took the blind man by the hand
and led him outside the village.
When he had spit on the man’s eyes
and put his hands on him, Jesus asked,
“Do you see anything?”

He looked up and said,
“I see people; they look like trees walking around.”

Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes.
Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored,
and he saw everything clearly.

 Jesus sent him home, saying,
“Don’t even go into the village.”
(Mark 8:22-26).

* * *

God sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
We saw his son and are now telling others about him.

(1 John 4:14 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return
to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

God’s Firestarters: Healing Pioneers

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A Book Review by David Kitz

This is a book for our time. We live in a world that needs healing. I have a heart, body, and soul that needs healing. This book touched me at my point of need.

Ed & Janice Hird have assembled a book about pioneers in Christian healing. What we have in this 141-page volume is a series of twenty short biographies of men and women who God has used to minister healing over the last century and a half. I was familiar with some of these leaders in the Christian community, but others were new to me. Each person’s life and service added another dimension to my understanding of biblically based healing.

What became clear as the book progressed is that healing is multidimensional. Jesus comes to heal our body, soul, and spirit. This includes relationships within families and emotional wounds from our past. We need multidimensional healing because we are multidimensional beings. Emotional healing for past harms can lead to physical healing and vice versa.

The book left me hungering for more of God’s healing power in my life and in the life and ministry of the church.

Jesus Remains

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading: Psalm 102:1-11 (NIV)*

A prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak
and pours out a lament before the L
ORD.

Hear my prayer, LORD; let my cry for help come to you.
Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress.
Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.
For my days vanish like smoke;
    my bones burn like glowing embers.
My heart is blighted and withered like grass;
    I forget to eat my food.
In my distress I groan aloud and am reduced to skin and bones.
I am like a desert owl,
    like an owl among the ruins.
I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.
All day long my enemies taunt me;
    those who rail against me use my name as a curse.
For I eat ashes as my food
    and mingle my drink with tears
because of your great wrath,
for you have taken me up and thrown me aside.
My days are like the evening shadow;
    I wither away like grass
.

Reflection

If you have watched a friend or family member wither away due to the devastating effects of cancer, then you should have no difficulty identifying with the thoughts expressed here in this psalm. An enemy (cancer) is gnawing away at their very being. A sense of hopelessness and despair can easily settle in.  

This is when we need God the most, but in our distress, He can seem strangely distant. Our cries seem to fall on deaf ears.

But…

But God is still there. Our faith may be shaken, but our LORD remains. Death may come knocking, but our LORD remains. Friends and family may forsake us, but Jesus remains by our side. Bad news does not take God by surprise. Though He is not the author of the bad news, our Lord knows what’s coming around the next bend in the road. He is prepared though we may not be. The Lord’s provisions are in place. Trust Him for that.

When the bottom falls out of your life, God is there to catch you. Trust Him. Though I may wither away like grass, I have a Savior who will receive me. Trust Him for that.

Response

Father God, when bad news comes, I look to you. I call to you! Be my help when all human help and hope are gone. Lord Jesus, you are my Savior. In this— moment I trust you for that! Amen.

Your Turn

Have you received bad news recently? Have you taken it all to the Lord? How has your faith in God sustained you in difficult times?


bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look, click here.

A Devotional Journey through the Epistle of James

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Day 7: The Blessing and the Reward

God will bless you,
if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested.

He will reward you with a glorious life, 
just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
(James 1:12, CEV)

Reflection

Let’s face it. Life is tough. It’s a constant struggle, more so for some than others, but this truth remains: At various times, we will all face difficulties, grief, and loss.

For believers such hardships can come as a severe test that strikes at the very roots of our faith. The loss of a relationship, a spouse, or a child can snuff out our confidence and send our soaring faith crashing to the ground. We can quickly find ourselves asking, “Why God? You are all powerful. Why did you allow this tragedy—this mishap—this loss to happen?”

And what do we hear back when we ask these questions? 

Silence. Often just silence.

Into the silence—into our despair—God’s word whispers, “God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested.”

When tragedy strikes, we can be tempted to give up on our faith in a loving, merciful God. At such times we should heed this advice from the writer of Hebrews:

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. (Hebrews 12:7-8, NIV)

Are you just a fair-weather follower of Jesus, or does he command your full allegiance? Are you a son or daughter of the Most High? If so, then you will endure hardship and come through triumphant just as James declares. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him. (James 1:12b, CEV)

The Lord rewards our faithfulness to Him. The Greek words that James uses in the passage above signify crowning with a laurel wreath as was done for winners at the ancient Olympic games. Other translations refer to our reward as “the crown of life.” (See James 1:12, NIV.)

For now, and eternity there is unfading honor in running our race for Jesus.

Response

Lord God, when the way is hard give me the the strength to endure and press on. Bring me safely across the finish line. You are my shield and my very great reward (Genesis 15:1). I put my trust in your saving grace. I pray in the all-powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

A Fresh Perspective That Sent Me Back to the Gospels

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A Book Review by Victor Uduh

I’ve read quite a few books on biblical prophecy and typology over the years, but The Elisha Code gave me a perspective I hadn’t come across before. The authors explore the idea that the relationship between Elijah and Elisha serves as a prophetic pattern that finds its fulfillment in the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus. They don’t rush to their conclusions. Instead, they walk through the Scriptures step by step, allowing readers to see how the connections are made for themselves.

What I enjoyed most is that the book always keeps the focus on Christ. It would have been easy to get caught up in the symbolism and prophetic parallels, but the authors consistently point everything back to Jesus. I found myself going back to the Gospels and reading familiar passages with fresh curiosity instead of simply taking the authors’ word for it.

I also liked that the book isn’t just a theological study. It naturally leads into conversations about repentance, discipleship, revival, and what those things mean for the Church today. Even if you don’t end up agreeing with every interpretation, the book encourages you to think more deeply and spend more time in God’s Word.

The biggest compliment I can give is this. When I finished reading, I didn’t feel like picking up another book. I wanted to open my Bible and continue studying for myself. Any Christian book that inspires that kind of response has accomplished something meaningful.

If you’re looking for a light devotional, this probably isn’t the book for you. But if you enjoy thoughtful, Scripture-centered books that connect the Old and New Testaments in fresh and compelling ways while keeping Jesus at the center, I think you’ll find The Elisha Code well worth reading.

To learn more click here.

Giving Grateful Praise

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to Psalm 100 read by Jonathan Dent.

Reading: Psalm 100 (NIV)*

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
  Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the L
ORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.


Response

Heavenly Father, thank you for all your kindness. You have been so good to us! Help us to maintain an attitude of gratitude all year long and not only on Thanksgiving Day, but every day. Amen.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

The photo of Jerusalem on the cover of Psalm 365, Volume II


Take a journey to the cross.


To view further details or purchase click here.


* New International Version, Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica