God’s Firestarters: Healing Pioneers

14 Monday Sep 2026

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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

14 Monday Sep 2026

Posted by in Psalm 102, Psalms

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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 LORD.

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?

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.

A Devotional Journey through the Epistle of James

13 Sunday Sep 2026

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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

12 Saturday Sep 2026

Posted by in Books by David Kitz, Psalms

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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

12 Saturday Sep 2026

Posted by in Psalm 100, Psalms

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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 LORD 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.

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.

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

The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod

11 Friday Sep 2026

Posted by in Psalm 101, Psalms

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


Today’s Reading: Psalm 101: 5-8 (NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Heavenly Father,
I want to be your friend.
I want to love you because you first loved me
and showed that love through your son, Jesus.
Help me to choose my friends wisely
as I let your life and joy shine through me.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:

The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread,
except for one loaf they had with them in the boat.
 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them.
“Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”

They discussed this with one another and said,
“It is because we have no bread.”

 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them:
“Why are you talking about having no bread?
Do you still not see or understand?
Are your hearts hardened?
Do you have eyes but fail to see,
and ears but fail to hear?
And don’t you remember?
When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand,
how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

“Twelve,” they replied.

 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand,
how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

They answered, “Seven.”

21 He said to them,
“Do you still not understand?”
(Mark 8:14-21).

* * *

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.

Honesty and Integrity

11 Friday Sep 2026

Posted by in Psalm 101, Psalms

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading: Psalm 101:5-8 (NIV)*

Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret,
    I will put to silence;
whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,
    I will not tolerate.
My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
    that they may dwell with me;
the one whose walk is blameless
    will minister to me.
No one who practices deceit
    will dwell in my house;
no one who speaks falsely
    will stand in my presence.
Every morning I will put to silence
    all the wicked in the land;
I will cut off every evildoer
    from the city of the LORD.

Reflection

One of the roles of a king in ancient Israel was to render judgment in difficult civil cases. In fact, judges ruled Israel for about 400 years before the first king was anointed; hence the judicial role was of great significance during the early years of Israel’s kingdom period.

This reading from Psalm 101 should be viewed as King David’s commitment to his judicial role. He was determined to govern wisely, and for him that meant identifying and siding with those who do right. My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me.

Choosing the right kind of people to associate with is of great importance. This is not about the economic strata you occupy. Typically, rich people associate only with other rich people; similarly lower-class people have friends of the same social standing. But honesty and integrity cross these artificial socioeconomic lines. There are crooks and swindlers among the rich and among the poor. In the same way, there are honest, compassionate people with integrity at the extremes of both wealth and poverty.

David’s objective was to raise the integrity bar. He had no patience for lies or deceit. What kind of people do you enjoy hanging around with? Do they prompt you to walk with them in a blameless way, or do they drag you down in the gutter? Do they prompt you to good deeds or tempt you into a crooked path? It has often been said that we are known by the friends we choose. Are you a friend of God? James has this admonition for us: Don’t you know that if you love the world, you are God’s enemies? And if you decide to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God (James 4:4, CEV).

Response

Heavenly Father, I want to be your friend. I want to love you because you first loved me and showed that love through your son, Jesus. Help me to choose my friends wisely as I let your life and joy shine through me. Amen.

Your Turn

Do your friends encourage you in your faith? How are you letting your light shine?

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.

Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand

10 Thursday Sep 2026

Posted by in Psalm 101, Psalms

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


Today’s Reading: Psalm 101: 1-4 (NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Dear God,
I want my will to be conformed to your will.
I want to lead a blameless life.
By Jesus’ blood,
grant me a blameless heart
that is determined to love and serve you
for all my days.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand

 During those days another large crowd gathered.
Since they had nothing to eat,
Jesus called his disciples to him and said,
 “I have compassion for these people;
they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.
 If I send them home hungry,
they will collapse on the way,
because some of them have come a long distance.”

 His disciples answered,
“But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?”

“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.

“Seven,” they replied.

 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground.
When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks,
he broke them and gave them to his disciples
to distribute to the people, and they did so.
 They had a few small fish as well;
he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them.
The people ate and were satisfied.
Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls
of broken pieces that were left over.
About four thousand were present.
After he had sent them away,
he got into the boat with his disciples
and went to the region of Dalmanutha.

The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus.
To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven.
He sighed deeply and said,
“Why does this generation ask for a sign?
Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.”
 Then he left them,
got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.
(Mark 8:1-13).

* * *

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.

Sing of Love & Justice

10 Thursday Sep 2026

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading: Psalm 101:1-4 (NIV)*

Of David. A psalm.

I will sing of your love and justice;
    to you, LORD, I will sing praise.
I will be careful to lead a blameless life—
    when will you come to me?
I will conduct the affairs of my house
    with a blameless heart.
I will not look with approval
    on anything that is vile.
I hate what faithless people do;
    I will have no part in it.
The perverse of heart shall be far from me;
    I will have nothing to do with what is evil.

Reflection

Psalm 101 is a call to action or commitment. David, the author of this psalm, commits himself to a course of action. In this short opening portion of the psalm, David makes seven ‘I will’ statements. Each commitment is life altering in some way. 

The first commitment David makes is to sing of the LORD’s justice and love. He is determined to praise his God with a full, joyous awareness of the LORD’s character. This is the true starting point of any sustained relationship with God. The LORD is both loving and just. If we emphasize aspects of God’s justice too much, we risk becoming legalistic. If we focus only on the love of God, His holiness is ignored resulting in a break down in personal responsibility. Within the Godhead there exists a perfect tension between His justice and His love. As God’s servants, we do well when we recognize and maintain that tension.

Twice David uses the word blameless. I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart (v. 2). With these words, David has set for himself a high standard—an impossible standard. Did David succeed in reaching his lofty goal? The biblical record leaves no room for doubt. He failed miserably. In his affair with Bathsheba, King David was guilty of both adultery and murder.

Well, what good is there then in setting lofty goals? Why make any ‘I will’ statements if I am doomed to fail? Why not freely look on the vile and indulge in it?

Despite David’s stunning failures, there are many sound reasons for calling ourselves to a high standard. To put it bluntly, God expects it of us. He demands holiness from us—always has—always will. Will we succeed? Of course not. That’s why there’s the gift of repentance. That’s why there’s a Savior named Jesus. He’s the blameless one. I need his sinless record applied to my account.

Response

Dear God, I want my will to be conformed to your will. I want to lead a blameless life. By Jesus’ blood, grant me a blameless heart that is determined to love and serve you for all my days. Amen.

Your Turn

Should we set goals for ourselves? How do you measure the progress in your love for God?

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.

Jesus Heals a Deaf and Mute Man

09 Wednesday Sep 2026

Posted by in Psalm 100, Psalms

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


Today’s Reading: Psalm 100 (NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

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.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Heals a Deaf and Mute Man

Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon,
down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.
There some people brought to him a man who was deaf
and could hardly talk,
and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him.

After he took him aside,
away from the crowd,
Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears.
Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue.
 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him,
“Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”).
At this, the man’s ears were opened,
his tongue was loosened
and he began to speak plainly.

Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone.
But the more he did so,
the more they kept talking about it.
 People were overwhelmed with amazement.
“He has done everything well,” they said.
“He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
(Mark 7:31-37).

* * *

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.