Sweeter than Honey to My Mouth

14 Wednesday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119, Psalms

Tags

drug addict, God's word, honey, hunger for God, Jesus, meditating on God's word, Psalm 119, Psalms, resurrected

Reading: Psalm 119:97-104
מ Mem
Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
Your commands are always with me
and make me wiser than my enemies.
I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.
I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.
I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.
I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path (NIV). *

Photo by Clifford Agyekum on Pexels.com

Reflection
Here’s a question for you: How do you take a bone away from a hungry dog?

Answer: You offer him a steak.

In many respects humans respond just like dogs. We won’t give up our filthy habits unless we are offered something much better. Many years back I remember a conversation with a former drug addict. I asked him if he found it difficult to give up his drug habit.

“No, it was easy. Once I experienced the love of God—the real love of Jesus for me on the cross—it was easy. I found something so much better,” he said with a huge grin on his face.

These words from today’s reading reflect the same concept: I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

It’s not hard to walk the straight and narrow when you are walking that path with the Lord—when He Himself is teaching you—when your heart is burning within you as the resurrected Jesus opens the eyes of your understanding. See Luke 24:13-32. There is a closeness in the Spirit that has no equal. Those are the moments that change you forever because you are fully with God. His Word is rich. It’s nourishment to your famished soul. His love is the air you breathe.

Who here wants a dirty chewed up bone when there’s steak on offer?

Response: Father God, renew my first love for you. I want to fall in love with you again. Fill me with delight for your word and your Spirit. Completely change my affections. Turn my heart to Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you hungry for more of God? How have you experienced the nearness of Jesus?

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

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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.

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Beyond My Comprehension

13 Tuesday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

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Tags

awesome God, judgments, knowledge, Psalm 119, Psalms, riches, wisdom of God, word of God

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

Reading: Psalm 119:89-96

Father God,
I love your Word.
I want to dig deeper in it, and know you better thereby.
You are a totally awesome God,
far beyond my comprehension,
but not beyond my appreciation.
Amen.

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
(Romans 11:33), NIV)*

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

Reaching the Limits of Perfection

13 Tuesday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

art, eternal, God's word, perfection, Psalm 119, Psalms, scriptures, wisdom of God

Reading: Psalm 119:89-96
ל Lamedh
Your word, LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.
Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.
The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes.
To all perfection I see a limit,
but your commands are boundless (NIV). *

Gatineau Park vista — God’s art work — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
One of my hobbies is art. I enjoy drawing. In recent years, I have rediscovered my childhood love for pencil crayons. When creating any piece of art, I find there is a delicate balance that needs to be reached. Anything I do can be improved. Early in the process there is a lot of improving or refining needed, but eventually you reach a point where further tinkering becomes pointless. I aim for perfection, but perfection always seems illusive. At some point I need to say, “I’m done. This piece is finished.”

In today’s reading the psalmist reached that same conclusion. To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.

We will never reach the limits of God’s holy Word. There is always more to be discovered, to comprehend and apply. It is as the psalmist declares, “Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”

St. Paul expresses the same thought. Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! (Romans 11:33). Eternity gives us insufficient time to explore the wisdom of God. But let’s begin the quest; let’s take up the challenge. All of Psalm 119 can be viewed as a grand challenge to discover the wisdom and beauty of God’s Word, His commands, and precepts.

Let’s continue the journey. This glorious art—the divine art of God’s Word—is without beginning or end.

Response: Father God, I love your word. I want to dig deeper in it and know you better thereby. You are a totally awesome God, far beyond my comprehension, but not beyond my appreciation. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you taken up the challenge to study God’s Word? When is the best time for you to read and study the Scriptures?

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

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Trustworthy Commands

12 Monday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

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compassion, faith, faithfulness of God, persecution, Prayer, Psalms, the LORD, trustworthy

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

Reading: Psalm 119:81-88

Father God,
have mercy on those who are suffering for their faith.
Be with those who are fleeing persecution.
Travel with them and be their guide.
Show me how I can help.
Amen.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 2:22-23, NIV)*

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

Persecution and Religious Freedom

12 Monday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

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believers, Christian, faith, freedom, persecution, Psalm 119, Psalms, religious freedom, Suffering, worship

Reading: Psalm 119:81-88
כ Kaph
My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, “When will you comfort me?”
Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.
How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?
The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
contrary to your law.
All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.
They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
In your unfailing love preserve my life,
that I may obey the statutes of your mouth (NIV). *

Winter trail — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Christians around the world are going through an unprecedented time of persecution. Broadly speaking the news media has done very little reporting on this topic. In China, new church buildings have been bulldozed to the ground. In Syria and Iraq, Christians have fled for their lives as Islamic extremist rampage through their communities raping and killing any who remain. In India several states have passed anti-conversion laws in an attempt to halt the spread of Christianity. Christian churches and villages were burned to the ground, men were killed, and women raped in Manipur state by Hindu radicals.

For those who are suffering, these verses from Psalm 119 are particularly pertinent: All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.

Satan and his minions are determined to wipe Christians from the face of the earth. Sensing that his end is near, he has inflamed a host of religious extremists and fanatics to attack the bride of Christ. Though he rages, he will not succeed. Closer to home court rulings have frequently trumped religious freedom, while openly promoting an LGBTQ agenda.

In their suffering, persecuted believers turn to the Lord and to his holy word. These words are their prayer: In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.

We ought to thank the Lord daily for the freedom we have to assemble and worship our Savior. It’s a freedom we may one day lose.

Response: Father God, have mercy on those who are suffering for their faith. Be with those who are fleeing persecution. Travel with them and be their guide. Show me how I can help. Amen.

Your Turn: Do we take our freedoms for granted? Have you faced opposition because of your faith?

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

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The Most Pivotal Event in History

11 Sunday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Books by David Kitz

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Christ's Passion, Christianity, crucifixion, Easter, faith, Jerusalem, Jesus, Lent, photography, religion, resurrection, Roman centurion

With Lent and the Easter season approaching, now is the time to reconnect with the most important event in human history—the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. See this pivotal week through new eyes 4485 SHARABLE-2 —the eyes of the Roman centurion, who at the foot of the cross exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54).

With 90 reviews on Amazon and a 4.8 star rating, you can’t go wrong. Take a journey to the cross. Step into the empty tomb. Let this book take you there.

This 288-page historical novel takes you on a fast paced ride through Christ’s passion, from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, to his suffering and death, and finally his resurrection. We see all this through the eyes of the Roman centurion Marcus Longinus. In this account the author stays true to the biblical record by incorporating more than a hundred direct bible quotes.

For a closer look or to purchase click here.

Love the LORD

11 Sunday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 31, Psalms

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cry for mercy, hope in the Lord, mercy of God, praise the LORD, Prayer, Psalms, the LORD

I will praise the LORD!

Reading: Psalm 31:21-24

Praise be to the LORD,
    for he showed me the wonders of his love
    when I was in a city under siege.
In my alarm I said,
    “I am cut off from your sight!”
Yet you heard my cry for mercy
    when I called to you for help.
Love the LORD, all his faithful people!
    The LORD preserves those who are true to him,
    but the proud he pays back in full.
Be strong and take heart,
    all you who hope in the LORD. *

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

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Good Things Stored Up

10 Saturday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 31, Psalms

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good things, praise the LORD, Psalms, refuge in trouble, safety, shelter

I will praise the LORD!

Reading: Psalm 31:19-20

How abundant are the good things
    that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
    on those who take refuge in you.
In the shelter of your presence you hide them
    from all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling
    from accusing tongues. *

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

You Are Not an Accident

09 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

creation, God's care, Jesus, meditate, Prayer, Psalms, redemption

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

Reading: Psalm 119:73-80

Father God,
I want to be like your Son, Jesus.
Thank you for touching my life
and forming me with your hands.
I am yours—
yours by creation—
yours by redemption.
I will meditate on your precepts.
Amen.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
(Psalm 139:13), NIV)*

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

When Did God Touch You?

09 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119, Psalms

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adversity, difficulties, Jesus, life purpose, promises of God, Psalm 119, Psalms, purposes of God, Suffering

Reading: Psalm 119:73-80
י Yodh
Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.
May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.
I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
but I will meditate on your precepts.
May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes.
May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame (NIV). *

Clean as fresh snow — Photo by David Kitz

Reflection
You have been touched by God. Pause. Consider that for a moment.

When did God touch you? According to the psalmist it happened at the very beginning of your life. Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.

Implied in that statement is God’s personal care—His attention to detail. You are not an accident or an afterthought in the mind of God. He formed you with a plan and a purpose. According to the apostle Paul, a large part of that purpose is that you may know Him, and be conformed to the image of His dear Son. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters (Romans 8:28-29).

When we face difficulties, hardship and suffering has God abandoned us? The answer is a resounding no. Consider the psalmist’s response to these things: I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.

Every adversity you face should bring you nearer to God. See it as an opportunity to learn, grow and be changed into someone who is more like Jesus. He did not run from adversity, but instead faced suffering and death head on. God the Father brought Jesus safely to the other side, and it’s His purpose to bring you through to glory too.

Response: Father God, I want to be like Jesus. Thank you for touching my life and forming me with your hands. I am yours—yours by creation—yours by redemption. I will meditate on your precepts. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you questioned God’s love for you? Are you living out His plan?

Please pray for peace to return to Israel and Ukraine!

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

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

Reading: Psalm 119:89-96

Father God, I love your Word. I want to dig deeper in it, and know you better thereby. You are a totally awesome God, far beyond my comprehension, but not beyond my appreciation. Amen.

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! (Romans 11:33), NIV)*

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

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

Reading: Psalm 119:81-88

Father God, have mercy on those who are suffering for their faith. Be with those who are fleeing persecution. Travel with them and be their guide. Show me how I can help. Amen.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 2:22-23, NIV)*

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

I will praise the LORD!

Reading: Psalm 31:21-24

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

I will praise the LORD!

Reading: Psalm 31:19-20

How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues. *

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

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

Reading: Psalm 119:73-80

Father God, I want to be like your Son, Jesus. Thank you for touching my life and forming me with your hands. I am yours— yours by creation— yours by redemption. I will meditate on your precepts. Amen.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13), NIV)*

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel and Ukraine!

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

Father God,
I love your Word.
I want to dig deeper in it, and know you better thereby.
You are a totally awesome God,
far beyond my comprehension,
but not beyond my appreciation.
Amen.

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
(Romans 11:33), NIV)*

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

Father God,
have mercy on those who are suffering for their faith.
Be with those who are fleeing persecution.
Travel with them and be their guide.
Show me how I can help.
Amen.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 2:22-23, NIV)*

How abundant are the good things
that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
on those who take refuge in you.
In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling
from accusing tongues. *

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

Father God,
I want to be like your Son, Jesus.
Thank you for touching my life
and forming me with your hands.
I am yours—
yours by creation—
yours by redemption.
I will meditate on your precepts.
Amen.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
(Psalm 139:13), NIV)*