Daily Archives: July 25, 2017

Book Release

25 Tuesday Jul 2017

Posted by in Books by David Kitz, Psalms

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Today marks the official release of my Biblically-based novel The Soldier Who Killed a King.

Soldier bookIt was a pleasure to work with the dedicated team at Kregel Publications to bring this literary project to fruition. From the editors to the design and marketing team, I  felt heard and respected every step of the way. Thanks to everyone at Kregel for the time and effort they put into my novel. (I have decided to avoid listing names for fear of missing someone.) Your dedication and hard work is much appreciated.

Already, I have received a good number of compliments on the cover design. The picture to the left does not fully convey the striking appearance this book presents when it is in your hands.

This past weekend I received an endorsement for my book from a reputable source. Here it is for your consideration:

David Kitz’s book is “a true retelling of the Passion” because he’s mastered the use of sanctified imagination while simultaneously staying tethered to the historical realities of the dramatic events leading to Christ’s death and resurrection. In the genre of biblical fiction, “The Soldier Who Killed a King” deserves two thumbs up! 

– Dr. Lawson Murray, President, Scripture Union

As of today “The Soldier Who Killed a King” is available through Amazon, the Kregel website and at a wide range of bookstores. See: http://www.kregel.com/fiction/the-soldier-who-killed-a-king/

Canadian readers can visit: https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_8?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+soldier+who+killed+a+king&sprefix=The+sold%2Caps%2C454&crid=1E7C9RT8QWWXU

Rejoice with me!

 

 

 

Loving the House of God

25 Tuesday Jul 2017

Posted by in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 26, Psalms

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Reading:                                      Psalm 26

(Verses 8-12)
LORD, I love the house where you live,
the place where your glory dwells.
Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
my life with those who are bloodthirsty,
in whose hands are wicked schemes,
whose right hands are full of bribes.
I lead a blameless life;
deliver me and be merciful to me.
My feet stand on level ground;
in the great congregation I will praise the LORD (NIV).

Reflection
In America, Canada and much of the western world, people have been abandoning the house of God in droves. In the most recent census survey, by far the largest growth has been among those who identify themselves as having no religion. This move to “no religion” is most pronounced among our young people. There are many factors that have led to this decline. Perhaps a hard look in the mirror is needed for us to see what we are doing wrong. Jesus attracted people. Why are his followers today repelling people?

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North Gower United Church — photo by David Kitz

David had a completely different attitude toward the house of God. Hear the cry of his heart, “LORD, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.”

No one had to drag David to the LORD’s house. He was eager to meet with God there. Really, that’s the secret. If God is in the house—if His glory is present—it will be hard to keep people away. The question we need to be asking ourselves is, “Is God in the house? Is His glory dwelling here among us?”

If God is truly, tangibly present among you, look out! The transformational power of God will overwhelm individuals and ignite the congregation. I have seen it happen and there is no experience quite like it.

I live in expectation of His appearing among us. The living Christ visits His church. Are you anticipating His coming? Have you set the table for Him? Have you prepared your heart and your mind? Have you put out the welcome mat?

All too often church has become program maintenance. The focus is entirely wrong. Church in its most vibrant form is God dwelling among us—God breathing upon us. That was the Book of Acts Church. That’s the church I love. When we have found that place—when we experience the LORD of that place—we will join David in declaring, “My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the LORD.”

Response: Come, Lord Jesus, dwell among. This is my confession: “LORD, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.” Lord come and dwell in my local congregation. Manifest your presence there, so that many will see it and be changed by your Spirit. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you love the house of God? Why or Why not? Is God showing up at your church? What are you doing to make the place ready for Him?