The Twelve Apostles

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 95: 1-7(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

LORD God,
you know all things.
We were created for your purpose.
Help us to live our lives in service to you.
We are the flock under your care.
Please extend your hand of mercy and blessing
to those we know who are suffering or grieving
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
The Twelve Apostles

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray,
and spent the night praying to God.
When morning came,
he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them,
whom he also designated apostles:
 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew,
James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,
 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus,
Simon who was called the Zealot,
Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot,
who became a traitor.
(Luke 6:12-16).

* * *

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.

(1 John 4:13 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.

In His Hands

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading: Psalm 95:1-7 (NIV)*

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song.
For the LORD is the great God,
    the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
    and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
    and his hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us bow down in worship,
    let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God
    and we are the people of his pasture,
    the flock under his care
.

Reflection

I can’t read this opening portion of Psalm 95 without the folk spiritual “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” springing to mind. The psalmist makes this declaration: In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land (v. 4-5). In other words, He’s got the whole world in His hands. 

There is something deeply reassuring about that thought. The great loving God, the Creator of the universe, has the whole world in His hands. But more specifically, our heavenly Father has you and me in His hands. If we grasp this biblical truth, it has broad personal implications.

Early this morning I met with a weekly gathering of men to pray and study God’s word. One of the co-leaders of the group is going through a great personal tragedy. His young, vibrant wife is dying of pancreatic cancer. Unless the Lord miraculously intervenes, his school-age son and daughter will soon be without a mother. At the close of our meeting, we placed our hands on this husband and father and prayed. The LORD has the whole world in his hands including this young family.

Do we understand the LORD’s purposes in all this? No. We would be fools to think we do. We can content ourselves in knowing that these great matters—these matters of life and death are in God’s hands. They are loving hands—hands that in the person of Jesus were scarred and pierced by nails. I’ll be content to be held in those hands.

Knowing this, let’s heed the psalmist’s call. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care (v. 6-7).

Response

LORD God, you know all things. We were created for your purpose. Help us to live our lives in service to you. We are the flock under your care. Please extend your hand of mercy and blessing to those we know who are suffering or grieving. Amen.

Your Turn

Have you questioned God’s care for you during times of stress and grief? Does knowing your life is in God’s hands bring you reassurance?


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 Is Lord of the Sabbath

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 94: 16-23(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

LORD God,
I am so glad that first and foremost
I live under your Kingdom rule.
You are my King.
I find unfailing love and consolation in knowing you.
Guide the leaders of our land
into paths of righteousness,
wisdom, and truth.
Amen.

   — — — —

 

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath

One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields,
and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain,
rub them in their hands and eat the kernels.
Some of the Pharisees asked,
“Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

Jesus answered them,
“Have you never read what David did
when he and his companions were hungry?

He entered the house of God,
and taking the consecrated bread,
he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat.
And he also gave some to his companions.”
 
Then Jesus said to them,
“The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching,
and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled.
 
The Pharisees and the teachers of the law
were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus,
so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath.
 
But Jesus knew what they were thinking
and said to the man with the shriveled hand,
“Get up and stand in front of everyone.” 
So he got up and stood there.

Then Jesus said to them, 
“I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath:
to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”

He looked around at them all,
and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” 
He did so, and his hand was completely restored.
 
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious
and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.
(Luke 6:1-11).

* * *

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.

(1 John 4:13 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.

A Throne That Brings Misery

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading: Psalm 94:16-23 (NIV)*

Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
    Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
Unless the L
ORD had given me help,
    I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
    your unfailing love, L
ORD, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me,
    your consolation brought me joy.
Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—
    a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?
The wicked band together against the righteous
    and condemn the innocent to death.
But the LORD has become my fortress,
    and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
He will repay them for their sins
    and destroy them for their wickedness;
    the LORD our God will destroy them.

Reflection

Here is a question that is well worth asking at election time, or really at any time during the life of a nation: Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?

Ecclesiastes (Throne of Solomon, 1900) by Isaak Asknaziy (Wikimedia)

Whatever your political persuasion, this is a question that has relevance. Corruption isn’t a problem that is unique to just one party. It transcends the political spectrum. Corruption and poorly designed laws or decrees can bring misery to millions. According to the psalmist, it has happened in the past and as long as we live in a fallen world, it will continue into the future.

If we fix our eyes on the problems of this world, we can soon find ourselves in despair. Like the psalmist, in times of worry, we need to turn to the LORD. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy (v. 18-19).

That’s the good news of the gospel. In times of anxiety, we have someone to turn to. His name is Jesus. He was familiar with suffering and adversity. In Psalm 55 we read, “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22). The apostle Peter reiterates the same thought: Cast all your anxiety on him [God] because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

In times of trouble, the unfailing love of the LORD will sustain you. In times of loss His consolation will bring you joy. That’s the promise of Psalm 94. It’s a promise that’s worth clinging to in good times and bad, and yes, even in election years.

Response

LORD God, I am so glad that first and foremost I live under your Kingdom rule. You are my King. I find unfailing love and consolation in knowing you. Guide the leaders of our land into paths of righteousness, wisdom, and truth. Amen.

Your Turn

Are you facing adversity now? Are others supporting you in prayer?


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 Questioned About Fasting

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 94: 8-15(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

LORD God,
I confess that I need your discipline.
I want to become like your Son, Jesus.
Help me to learn from the difficult experiences of life.
I want to live my life as your obedient child.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Questioned About Fasting

They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray,
and so do the disciples of the Pharisees,
but yours go on eating and drinking.”

Jesus answered,
“Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them?
But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them;
in those days they will fast.”

He told them this parable:
“No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one.
Otherwise,
they will have torn the new garment,
and the patch from the new will not match the old.
And no one pours new wine into old wineskins.
Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins;
the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined.
No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.
And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say,
‘The old is better.’”
(Luke 5:33-39).

* * *

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.

(1 John 4:13 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 Disciplines Nations

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading: Psalm 94:8-15(NIV)*

Take notice, you senseless ones among the people;
    you fools, when will you become wise?
Does he who fashioned the ear not hear?
    Does he who formed the eye not see?
Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
    Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
 The L
ORD knows all human plans;
    he knows that they are futile.
Blessed is the one you discipline, LORD,
    the one you teach from your law;
you grant them relief from days of trouble,
    till a pit is dug for the wicked.
For the LORD will not reject his people;
    he will never forsake his inheritance.
Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,
    and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Reflection

Do I like discipline? Hardly. Do I like self-discipline? Not really. Discipline sounds difficult or unpleasant. Self-discipline and self-denial are twin brothers. I don’t like either of them. They are two tough customers that demand I change, but I don’t like change. My flesh—my stubborn sinful nature—resists change.

On the other hand, do I like the fruits of self-discipline? Absolutely. Self-discipline pays huge dividends. In any field of endeavor, in due time self-discipline will bring rewards. Athletes succeed because of self-discipline. Fortunes are accumulated through self-discipline. But those same fortunes can be frittered away through a lack of discipline. Strength of character does not develop naturally; it develops through adversity and self-discipline.

Discipline comes in two forms, internally or externally. Both are needed if we are to become people of the cross.  Son though he was, he [Jesus] learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him (Hebrews 5:8-9). If Jesus learned obedience through the discipline of suffering, as his followers should we not expect to experience the same?

Here in Psalm 94, we learn that the LORD disciplines nations. The following admonition reminds us of the vital role that discipline plays in the life of the believer: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” 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 12:5-8).

Response

LORD God, I confess that I need your discipline. I want to become like your Son, Jesus. Help me to learn from the difficult experiences of life. I want to live my life as your obedient child. Amen.

Your Turn

Do you appreciate God’s discipline? Are you enjoying the fruit of self-discipline?


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.

He Is Robed in Majesty

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to Psalm 93 read by Jonathan Dent.

Reading: Psalm 93 (NIV)*

The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the L
ORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
The seas have lifted up, LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the L
ORD on high is mighty.
Your statutes, LORD, stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Response

LORD God, I want your holiness to adorn my house and my heart. Help me to conform to your will and your ways, rather than the other way around. You are my Lord. Reign on sovereign LORD. Reign in glorious majesty. 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

Jesus Calls Levi and Eats With Sinners

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 94: 1-7(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

LORD God,
thank you for the peace and security I enjoy.
Many are not so fortunate.
I don’t want to take my peace and prosperity for granted.
Show me how I can be of help in this troubled world.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Calls Levi and Eats With Sinners

After this, Jesus went out
and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth.
“Follow me,” Jesus said to him,
and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.

 Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house,
and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.
 
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law
who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples,
“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
 I have not come to call the righteous,
but sinners to repentance.”
(Luke 5:27-32).

* * *

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.

(1 John 4:13 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.

A God Who Avenges

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading: Psalm 94:1-7 (NIV)*

The LORD is a God who avenges.
    O God who avenges, shine forth.
Rise up, Judge of the earth;
    pay back to the proud what they deserve.
How long, L
ORD, will the wicked,
    how long will the wicked be jubilant?
They pour out arrogant words;
    all the evildoers are full of boasting.
They crush your people, LORD;
    they oppress your inheritance.
They slay the widow and the foreigner;
    they murder the fatherless.
They say, “The LORD does not see;
    the God of Jacob takes no notice”

Reflection

As I gather my thoughts to write this post, there are fresh reports that a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine is imminent. Power plants have been bombed. Recriminations fly back and forth between the warring parties; each blames the other. Meanwhile, war rages on. People starve. Refugees flee. Bombs fall from the sky and children are killed and injured.

There is a present-day relevance to Psalm 94. Its words are an ongoing reality in war-torn Ukraine. How long, LORD, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant? They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. They crush your people, LORD; they oppress your inheritance. They slay the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless (v. 3-6).

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine is now into its fourth year with no end in sight and many people are asking, “How long, LORD?”

There is so much evil in the world. Evil expresses itself most graphically during war. There are those who would like to blame God for war, but that makes no sense. Human pride, greed, and cunning lead to war. Human intransigence keeps it going. We can and should pray for God to show mercy and bring peace, but ultimately human hearts must change to bring an end to war.

We are right to pray for an end to murderous regimes. Essentially that is what the psalmist is praying. Is there more we can do? Emergency aid to war-torn regions is always needed. We can open our hearts and our wallets to provide some help. When an entire nation falls into the hands of murderous thieves are there a few good Samaritans who are willing to help?

Sometimes there are no easy answers in this difficult world. Rise up, Judge of the earth!

Response

 LORD, thank you for the peace and security I enjoy. Many are not so fortunate. I don’t want to take my peace and prosperity for granted. Show me how I can be of help in this troubled world. Amen.

Your Turn

Should we be concerned about foreign conflicts or only pay attention to things at home? In an increasingly interconnected world, who is your neighbor?


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 Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man

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


Today’s
Reading:
Psalm 93(NIV)*

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

LORD God,
I want your holiness to adorn my house and my heart.
Help me to conform to your will and your ways,
rather than the other way around.
You are my Lord.
Reign on sovereign LORD.
Reign in glorious majesty.
Amen.

   — — — —

Gospel Reading:
Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man

One day Jesus was teaching,
and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there.
They had come from every village of Galilee
and from Judea and Jerusalem.
And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick.
 
Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat
and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.
 
When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd,
they went up on the roof
and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd,
right in front of Jesus.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said,
“Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves,
“Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy?
Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked,
“Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?
 Which is easier: to say,
‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say,
‘Get up and walk’?
But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”
So he said to the paralyzed man,
“I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”
Immediately he stood up in front of them,
took what he had been lying on and went home praising God.

 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God.
They were filled with awe and said,
“We have seen remarkable things today.”
(Luke 5:17-26).

* * *

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.

(1 John 4:13 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.