Monthly Archives: August 2016

A Cause for Celebration

11 Thursday Aug 2016

Posted by in Psalm 81, Psalms

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Reading:                                       Psalm 81

For the director of music. According to gittith. Of Asaph.

Verses 1-9

Sing for joy to God our strength;
shout aloud to the God of Jacob!
Begin the music, strike the timbrel,
play the melodious harp and lyre.

Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon,
and when the moon is full, on the day of our festival;
this is a decree for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob.
When God went out against Egypt,
he established it as a statute for Joseph.

I heard an unknown voice say:

 “I removed the burden from their shoulders;
their hands were set free from the basket.
In your distress you called and I rescued you,
I answered you out of a thundercloud;
I tested you at the waters of Meribah.
Hear me, my people, and I will warn you—
if you would only listen to me, Israel!
You shall have no foreign god among you;
you shall not worship any god other than me (NIV).

Reflection

Psalm 81 begins with a call for God’s people to celebrate: Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! Begin the music, strike the timbrel, play the melodious harp and lyre.

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A celebration in the sky — photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Why should we break forth in music and song? Well, we have a good reason to celebrate. We have been set free from our burdens. Because of the victory of Christ, we have been set free from slavery to sin. The psalmist expresses this thought with these words: I heard an unknown voice say: “I removed the burden from their shoulders; their hands were set free from the basket. In your distress you called and I rescued you.”

Who is that unknown voice? That unknown voice belongs to the LORD. He is the One who set the people free from bondage in Egypt. God went out against Egypt. He opposed the most powerful nation of the world at that time and claimed a people for Himself by rescuing them from the hand of Pharaoh.

Our heavenly Father has done the same for us. At the cost of his life, Jesus redeemed us from bondage to sin and Satan and he brought us into his Kingdom. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14). We have plenty of reasons to celebrate and break forth into music and song. Let nothing hold you back. The joy of the Lord is our strength.

Response: LORD God, I thank you for rescuing me from a life of sin and futility. I praise you for redeeming me. I rejoice in your continual goodness. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you find it difficult or easy to break into song as you think of the Lord’s love for you?

The Son of Man at Your Right Hand

10 Wednesday Aug 2016

Posted by in Psalm 80, Psalms

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Reading:                                       Psalm 80

Verses 8-19

You transplanted a vine from Egypt;
you drove out the nations and planted it.
You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land.
The mountains were covered with its shade,
the mighty cedars with its branches.
Its branches reached as far as the Sea, its shoots as far as the River.

Why have you broken down its walls
so that all who pass by pick its grapes?
Boars from the forest ravage it,
and insects from the fields feed on it.
Return to us, God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see!
Watch over this vine, the root your right hand has planted,
the son you have raised up for yourself.

Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire;
at your rebuke your people perish.
Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand,
the son of man you have raised up for yourself.
Then we will not turn away from you;
revive us, and we will call on your name.

Restore us, LORD God Almighty;
make your face shine on us, that we may be saved (NIV).

Reflection

Who can turn around this situation? Who can bring this nation back to God? Essentially that was the question of the psalmist, Asaph, here in Psalm 80. Israel had been ravaged by foreign invaders. The beautiful land had been laid desolate, so Asaph pleads with the LORD. Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire; at your rebuke your people perish. But one hope remains. Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.

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Old hand pump near MacNutt, SK — photo by Donald Adam

Who is this son of man—this great hope of the people of God? Clearly a man—a champion like David is needed. David defeated Israel’s enemies on all sides. He turned the nation into a great military and economic power. He laid the foundation for the prosperity that followed under the wise rule of Solomon his son. Asaph is writing several generations later when all that wealth has been squandered and there is a dearth of godly leadership.

Who can save us now? The answer lies in the son of man. Jesus continually referred to himself as the Son of Man. He used that phrase thirty times in the Gospel of Matthew. All too often we are busy looking for a political savior. But what we need more than anything is the one and only true Savior. His name is Jesus Christ. He saves us body, soul and spirit from the corruption that is in the world.

Response: LORD God, on so many levels our nation is in a mess. We need a Savior to emerge. Jesus, you are the great Son of Man. I turn my heart to you. Govern my thoughts and my actions every day. Amen.

Your Turn: Who is governing you—governing your heart and mind?

The Shining Face of God

09 Tuesday Aug 2016

Posted by in Psalm 80, Psalms

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Reading:                                    Psalm 80

For the director of music. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.”

Of Asaph. A psalm.

Verses 1-7

Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,
shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.
Awaken your might; come and save us.

Restore us, O God;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.

How long, LORD God Almighty,
will your anger smolder
against the prayers of your people?
You have fed them with the bread of tears;
you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.
You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors,
and our enemies mock us.

Restore us, God Almighty;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved (NIV).

Reflection

Have you been greeted by a happy face today? I’m talking about the ubiquitous, yellow, happy face stickers that pop up everywhere, especially in any form of online communication. 🙂 ! We all recognize that these happy faces are intended to brighten our day—make us feel happy like the smiley face shows. I’m not sure they always succeed in their objective.

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The Shining Face, MacNutt, SK — photo by Rachael Loewen

Of course a bright, shining human face with a broad genuine smile is much better in communicating happiness than a symbolic sticker on a screen. Real live face time trumps online communication in every way—at least it should. Some things—most things—are communicated best fact to face.

Here in Psalm 80, the psalmist, Asaph, pleads for face time with the LORD. In fact, in the entire psalm, Asaph repeats this request three times. Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. Clearly, the psalmist is longing to see the smiley face of God—the shining face of God.

In Hebrew literature the shining face of God represents God’s favor—His grace. In reality the psalmist is pleading for God’s favor to rest on him and his people. The truth is we get nowhere without the favor of God. Unless the LORD is gracious to us, we are doomed to fail in this life and perish in eternity. It’s just that simple. We desperately need that happy face sticker from God. This should be our daily prayer: Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved

Response: Father God, today I need face time with you. Show me your kindness. Help me to sense you smiling down on me like a loving parent smiles down on their child. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you recently sensed God smiling down on you? How did that make you feel?

“Where is their God?”

08 Monday Aug 2016

Posted by in Psalms

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Reading:                                      Psalm 79

Verses 8-13

Do not hold against us the sins of past generations;
may your mercy come quickly to meet us,
for we are in desperate need.
Help us, God our Savior,
for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.
Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”

Before our eyes, make known among the nations
that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants.
May the groans of the prisoners come before you;
with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die.
Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times
the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord.
Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
will praise you forever;
from generation to generation
we will proclaim your praise (NIV).

Reflection

Psalm 79 began with the psalmist lamenting that Jerusalem had been invaded by foreign armies. Destruction and bloodshed were everywhere. O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble (Psalm 79:1). Now at the conclusion of this psalm there is a plea for God’s help and mercy. Do not hold against us the sins of past generations; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need.

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Ellis Island Immigration Center, New York, NY, — photo by David Kitz

It becomes clear from this psalm and other passages in scripture that there are personal sins and there are corporate or national sins. Here specifically the psalmist is reflecting on the sins of the nation. Both personal and national sins can be intergenerational. They are passed down from generation to generation with terrible consequences. The father who disrespects and abuses his wife is far more likely to raise a son who does the same to his partner.

The nation that mistreats racial, religious or ethnic minorities within its borders can expect dire national consequences. The LORD hears the cries of the oppressed. He heard the cries of the people of Israel when they were enslaved in Egypt, and the LORD hasn’t suddenly changed. His ears are still open to the cries of any people who cry out to Him for mercy.

But as for us, we need to recognize our collective or national sins even as we recognize and repent of our personal sins. Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” As always, our God is watching us. He is watching over the nations and He sees how we treat our neighbors here and around the world.

Response: LORD God, deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake. Forgive the sins we have committed against minorities within our borders.  You hold us accountable. Show us your mercy.  Amen.

Your Turn: Does the LORD care only about us, or all people? How can we reflect God’s love for all?

How long, LORD?

05 Friday Aug 2016

Posted by in Psalm 79, Psalms

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Reading:                                      Psalm 79

A maskil of Asaph.

Verses 1-7

O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance;
they have defiled your holy temple,
they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.
They have left the dead bodies of your servants
as food for the birds of the sky,
the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild.
They have poured out blood like water
all around Jerusalem,
and there is no one to bury the dead.
We are objects of contempt to our neighbors,
of scorn and derision to those around us.

How long, LORD? Will you be angry forever?
How long will your jealousy burn like fire?
Pour out your wrath on the nations
that do not acknowledge you,
on the kingdoms that do not call on your name;
for they have devoured Jacob
and devastated his homeland (NIV).

Reflection

Have you caught a glimpse of the devastation? It seems that the psalmist, Asaph, had a good look at it. Now take a good look at his words. They have left the dead bodies of your servants as food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild. They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead.

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Lighthouse, Cape Breton, NS — photo by Karen Kitz

This description reads like a segment of the evening newscast. Of course the newscast has plenty of disturbing visuals to go with it. When we look at conflict zones like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, we realize that bloodshed and violence are all too common in our world. Jihadi violence has spread to European cities too. But we don’t have to go overseas to find images of death and destruction. Just last week in my city an unarmed black man was beaten to death by two police officers. As is so often the case, the images were caught on camera. Violence and bloodshed are present in our cities too.

Has the world gone mad? Are we sinking deeper and deeper into depravity? Have our minds become numb to the carnage? Or are we joining with the psalmist in crying out, “How long, LORD?” How long will you let this insanity continue? LORD, won’t you come and fix this broken messed up world?

Our hearts cry out for justice, mercy and peace—justice for those who have been wronged, mercy for those who have been wounded and broken, and peace for all who are troubled in soul and spirit.  He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus (Revelations 22:20). 

Response: LORD God, please have mercy on the people of this world. We need you here—right here with us in this broken world. Come and fix it. Come and fix us, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you concerned about the state of your city, your country and the world?

Who cares for the poor?

04 Thursday Aug 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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You, LORD God, bless everyone who cares for the poor, and you rescue those people in times of trouble (Psalm 41:1, CEV).

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Fountain, Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is rescuing.

Here’s an old saying, “What goes around, comes around.” It’s a handy proverb that applies in many situations. For example, if we are generous, people will in turn be generous with us. Or if we are cruel, at some point we can expect that others will treat us cruelly. In other words, we reap what we sow.

Today’s verse from the Psalms reminds us of this principle.

You, LORD God, bless everyone who cares for the poor, and you rescue those people in times of trouble (Psalm 41:1, CEV).

God will look after us if we will look after others. He will intervene in our lives and provide the help we need. The day is coming when our generosity will be rewarded. Hardhearted stinginess will be rewarded too, but it’s not the kind of reward that any of us want to get.

St. Paul amplifies these thoughts in his letter to the Galatians. You will harvest what you plant. If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life. Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up. We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord (Galatians 6:7-10).

Response: LORD God, open my eyes to the needs of others today. Show me how I can help in practical ways. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you experienced your generosity coming back to bless you?

Discouraged?

03 Wednesday Aug 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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The LORD is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope (Psalm 34:18, CEV).

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Petrie Island, Ottawa, ON — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is rescuing.

Here is a personal confession, or maybe it’s just a pet peeve. I get annoyed with people who casually say, “If you need help, I’m there for you.” But when your hour of need arrives these same people are busy or unavailable.

The phrase, “I’m there for you,” makes me nervous. I won’t say it to others because I can’t predict my situation or response when the call for help comes. I may offer help, but I hate to promise something and then renege because I can’t deliver at that time or in the desired way.

Today’s verse from the Psalms reminds us that there is someone we can always count on in trying times:

The LORD is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope (Psalm 34:18, CEV).

Unlike human help that is fickle or unpredictable, we can count on the LORD. He is always there. Always. He is always there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope. If you are in that situation today, call out to Him. He is there for you!

Response: LORD God, you have helped me in the past during times of frustration and discouragement. You rescued me from drowning in my sorrows. I trust you now. Amen.

Your Turn: Has God “been there for you?” How has He helped you?

Trapped?

02 Tuesday Aug 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Tuesday's Truth

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I always look to you, because you rescue me from every trap (Psalm 25:15, CEV).

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Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is rescuing.

I got some disappointing news this week. A Christian brother that I meet with regularly confessed to being involved in an adulterous relationship. Actually, that’s the good news. Confession brings sin into the light where it can be dealt with appropriately. Now comes the heavy lifting—seeking forgiveness from his wife and restoration in his marriage. Sin always has unwanted, hurtful consequences.

Today’s verse from the Psalms reminds us that God is there to rescue us from the traps we walk into with our eyes wide open:

I always look to you, because you rescue me from every trap (Psalm 25:15, CEV).

But I have to wonder, why are so many Christian brothers trapped in ongoing adulterous relationships? Why are so many outwardly godly men addicted to pornography? Yes, there are traps all around us, but why are some individuals able to avoid the traps while others routinely blunder into them?

Maybe the greatest rescue the Lord initiates is the preventive rescue. He rescues a man or woman from ever engaging in an affair. He rescues us from giving in to the lure of pornography. He keeps us faithful to our marriage vows. Now that’s the best rescue of all!

Maybe it all depends on where we are looking. Are we looking to the Lord or looking at the lures?

Response: LORD God, I want to fix my eyes and my heart on you. Help me to stay faithful to my marriage vows. Guide me around the traps in my path. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you fixed your eyes and heart on the Lord? Is a course correction needed?