Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.(NIV) *
Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!
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
Available now…
James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?
David Kitz digs deep into archeology, family dynamics, church history, and the biblical texts. What emerges from his research is a portrait of a decisive, pivotal leader who embodied the will and character of Jesus Christ.
But how did James—James the unbeliever—transform to become a leader who changed the course of world history? In these pages you will uncover the answer and rediscover for yourself the life-changing power of the gospel.
To view further details or purchase directly from the author click here.
A code must be recognized, interpreted, and applied for it to be useful, and for it to effect meaningful change. Codes are recognized by the appearance of repetitive patterns. Through our examination of the lives and ministries of the Old Testament duo of Elijah and Elisha, and the New Testament duo of John the Baptist and Jesus, we can clearly see a pattern—a pattern of ever-increasing power and revelation.
In considerable detail, we have outlined how Elijah and John the Baptist are linked in terms of personality and the scope of their ministry. In the same way we have detailed how the miracles and ministry of Jesus runs parallel to the ministry of the prophet Elisha. The pattern is there for all to see.
What are the implications for Christians today? If we recognize this coded message in the Scriptures, how can it impact our lives in the twenty-first century?
Above all, The Elisha Code is a call to action. Yes, we can learn a great deal about the links between Elijah and John the Baptist and the links between Elisha and Jesus. But of first importance, we need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to work within us and to transform our churches and society today.
The dynamic duos of this book were the greatest revivalists of their time. Elijah and Elisha brought about transformative change in Old Testament Israel. John the Baptist and Jesus set in motion the greatest spiritual transformation the world has ever seen—a transformation that continues to this day.
Here then are some key takeaways from studying the lives of these biblical dynamic duos and other revivalists and key figures in church history:
Revivals/spiritual renewals have been an integral part of our faith from the time of ancient Israel to the present.
The age of miracles has not ended. We have Jesus’ promise that believers will do even greater things (John 14:12).
Genuine revivals are initiated by the Holy Spirit through fallible, imperfect human vessels (2 Timothy 2:20-22).
Literary prophets have played, and will continue to play, an important role in fomenting revival and bringing about social and spiritual change.
We need leaders with prophetic hindsight, insight, and foresight for the church to reach its full potential.
Humility and selfless service are foundational in initiating and sustaining revival. The Spirit of God is quenched and grieved when pride, sin, or selfishness enter in (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
Life-changing repentance is at the core of any authentic revival (Mark 1:15, Acts 2:38).
The gospel message according to Jesus is all about regime change on a personal level. It’s about letting King Jesus rule our hearts and minds (Colossians 1:13-14).
True spiritual awakenings leap across religious, denominational, racial, and cultural barriers (Acts 10). The most effective revivalists build bridges rather than walls.
The church must remain focused on the core of the gospel message, rather than become swallowed by political agendas and yield to the third temptation of Christ (Matthew 4:8-11).
We are called to live a crucified life that elevates Christ and others by the power of relentless love and forgiveness (Galatians 2:20).
God uses broken people who are yielded to his will (John 21:15-19).
Hungry humble prayer prepares a runway for the Holy Spirit to land just as it did on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:14, 2:1-4).
Frequently, revivals begin where and when we least expect them, and they are often spearheaded by the young.
Our goal should be to finish well. Our service to the Lord may involve many transitions, but his calling on our lives remains till we take our last breath (Romans 11:29).
Finally, the Elisha code is a call to courageous and audacious faith.
Courage is a matter of the heart. The word courage is derived from the Latin word for heart. We must put our heart into our faith. Courageous faith flows from a heart that has been captured by the love of Jesus.
Let this be our prayer. Lord, give us courageous faith.
Audacious faith refuses to remain silent. It speaks out. It must speak.
After Elijah was swept up to heaven in a chariot of fire, Elisha did not remain silent. He spoke up with audacious faith.
Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over. (2 Kings 2:14, NKJV)
Audacious faith is bold—bold like Elisha. The word audacious is derived from the same Latin root as audio. Audacious faith makes noise. It must be heard. Is your faith loud enough to be heard by others? Is it being heard by God?
Jesus, whose New Testament miracles are patterned after Elisha’s miracles, frequently chided his disciples for their lack of faith (Matthew 17:17-20).
Let this be our prayer. Lord Jesus, grant us a mustard seed of your audacious faith—mountain moving faith, and as we walk this road with you, light your fire in our hearts.
This is the final excerpt from the award-winning book The Elisha Code & the Coming Revival
Is a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time? This book points the way forward. For details clickhere.
In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God. (NIV) *
Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!
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
Available now…
James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?
David Kitz digs deep into archeology, family dynamics, church history, and the biblical texts. What emerges from his research is a portrait of a decisive, pivotal leader who embodied the will and character of Jesus Christ.
But how did James—James the unbeliever—transform to become a leader who changed the course of world history? In these pages you will uncover the answer and rediscover for yourself the life-changing power of the gospel.
To view further details or purchase directly from the author click here.
LORD God,
help me give careful consideration
to my words.
Today, may my words,
whether written or spoken,
be a creative force for good
in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
When we put bits into the mouths of horses
to make them obey us,
we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example.
Although they are so large
and are driven by strong winds,
they are steered by a very small rudder
wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise,
the tongue is a small part of the body,
but it makes great boasts.
Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire,
a world of evil among the parts of the body.
It corrupts the whole body,
sets the whole course of one’s life on fire,
and is itself set on fire by hell. (James 3:3-6 NIV)*
Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza, 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.
Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. (NIV)*
Adam naming the animals. 1983 etching by G. Scotin and J. Cole (Wikimedia)
Reflection
Have you ever considered the creative power of words? Words change the world. They bring order out of chaos. Words shine the light of day into the darkness of this world. From the very beginning words have been imbued with divine power. The psalmist reminds us, “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.”
But it’s not only God’s words that have this vast power. Our words—human words, whether spoken written or thought have enormous power too. Adam’s first job assignment was to speak words—to name the animals. Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals (Genesis 2: 19-20).
Strangely, God didn’t do what every parent does. He didn’t tell Adam what the animals were called. Adam told God their names. By so doing, God vested humanity with the power of language. Life is what we call it. Our words describe the world and give meaning to it.
Through our words we bring order and make sense of the world around us. As a writer I am continually processing and attempting to make sense of this chaotic thing called life. I do it with words. From the beginning of time, by divine command that is what we are called to do. We are to speak order into chaos— speak accuracy and clarity into this world’s muddled reality.
With our words we shine the light of truth onto a situation. With words we write laws, administer justice and design government. With words we woo and romance and vow our love to one another. Our words create imaginary realms into which we can travel—words that transport. With our words we have the power to elevate the human spirit, or crush someone to the point of suicide.
Finally, there is something innately prophetic about our words. What we think, speak, and write is potent. It has within in it the latent ability to become reality. Therefore, we need to guard our lips. (See James 3:1-12.) The psalmist reminds us not only of the power of the word of the LORD, but also our own words. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
Response LORD God, help me give careful consideration to my words. Today, may my words, whether written or spoken, be a creative force for good in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Your Turn How has God used your words for good lately? Are your words bringing order out of chaos, love and peace in a troubled world?
Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!
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
James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?
David Kitz digs deep into archeology, family dynamics, church history, and the biblical texts. What emerges from his research is a portrait of a decisive, pivotal leader who embodied the will and character of Jesus Christ.
But how did James—James the unbeliever—transform to become a leader who changed the course of world history? In these pages you will uncover the answer and rediscover for yourself the life-changing power of the gospel.
To view further details or purchase directly from the author click here.
Thank you, LORD God,
for each day you set before me.
Give me a heart of praise for you.
You sustain me.
Today give me a new song
to praise you, O LORD.
It’s always good, right, and fitting
to sing my praise to you.
Amen.
— — — —
Paul and Silas Jailed in Philippi
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas,
and the magistrates ordered them
to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged,
they were thrown into prison,
and the jailer was commanded
to guard them carefully. When he received these orders,
he put them in the inner cell
and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying
and singing hymns to God,
and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake
that the foundations of the prison were shaken.
At once all the prison doors flew open,
and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up,
and when he saw the prison doors open,
he drew his sword and was about to kill himself
because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted,
“Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” (Acts 16:22-28 NIV)*
Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza, 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.
Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.
LORD God, give me ears to hear what you have to say to me. Please instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. Then give me grace to obey. I put my trust in you, Lord Jesus. Amen.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father— and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life— only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:14-18 NIV)*
Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza, 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.
Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time? This book points the way forward. For details click here.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! (NIV)*
Mule being led (Countesy of Pacific Southwest Forest Service, US, Flickr)
Reflection In Psalm 32 God speaks back. David begins this psalm, and we clearly can hear his voice addressing us, as he tells how wonderful it is to be forgiven. He then goes on to speak of his own struggle with unconfessed sin. Finally, he tells us of the great relief he experienced as he is pardoned and restored to a place of close fellowship with the LORD. But then abruptly in verse eight, we hear a different voice. God is speaking. The LORD responds to what David has said. Through this psalm David is modelling true prayer. This psalm is two-way communication.
We have heard David’s words; let’s hear God’s words now. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Clearly this is not the voice of David. David is not going to counsel and watch over us. This is the work of the LORD. The LORD will teach and guide us. It is His role to shepherd the flock of His pasture.
These words, from verse eight to the end of this psalm are coming from the LORD. David has heard God speak, and now he is passing on this message from the LORD directly to us. In this respect David is fulfilling the role of a prophet. He is acting as God’s spokesperson. In fact, in Acts 2:30, Peter asserts David was a prophet. And what is a prophet? In the simplest terms, it is someone who hears God, and then passes on God’s message to others.
Do you hear God? This is no idle, rhetorical question. It is essential to our Christian faith that we as believers hear the voice of God. I would go so far as to say, you cannot experience salvation unless you first hear God. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish” (John 10:27-28a).
In short, we must be able to hear Jesus in order to follow Him, and it is in following Him that we receive eternal life. Hearing God’s voice is of paramount importance.
Response LORD God, give me ears to hear what you have to say to me. Please instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. Then give me grace to obey. I put my trust in you, O LORD. Amen.
Your Turn Do you hear God’s voice? How does He speak to you? Have you heard the Lord’s voice recently? How do you distinguish God’s voice from all the other voices you hear?
Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!
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
James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?
David Kitz digs deep into archeology, family dynamics, church history, and the biblical texts. What emerges from his research is a portrait of a decisive, pivotal leader who embodied the will and character of Jesus Christ.
But how did James—James the unbeliever—transform to become a leader who changed the course of world history? In these pages you will uncover the answer and rediscover for yourself the life-changing power of the gospel.
To view further details or purchase directly from the author click here.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love (NIV)*
Tree sparrows (Passer montanus) feeding in snow. (Courtesy of Vitalii Khustochka and Fliickr)
Reflection It’s a good to wake up with a song of praise to the LORD on your lips. How do I know that’s true? I listen to birds. Their joyous songs are new every morning. If they have cause to sing praise to the LORD, surely, I do as well.
Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31)
If a sparrow has grounds for praising the LORD each and every day, surely, we have more. His constant care sustains us moment by moment. If the Father keeps count of my hair, He must be concerned about even the tiny details of my life. His loving mercy is new every morning; therefore, it is fitting for the upright to praise him (v. 1).
Here in Psalm 33, we are instructed to: Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre (v. 2).
Forgive me, LORD. I’m an instrumental disaster. Playing skillfully is nigh unto impossible. But with my voice I will praise you. I can’t compete with robins and cardinals, but I will sing my praise. For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does (v. 4).
The steadfast love of the LORD is unchanging. My praise for Him should be just as steadfast—unaffected by my current circumstances. I have heard the birds break into song at sunrise even on a gray rainy morning. At the very least my praise for God should be as constant. Paul and Silas sang praises to God after being severely flogged and imprisoned in Philippi. See Acts 16:16-40. Their worship was unaffected by their circumstances. They were obedient to the LORD’s command: Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him (v. 1).
Response Thank you, LORD God, for each day you set before me. Give me a heart of praise for you. You sustain me. Today give me a new song to praise you, O LORD. It’s always good, right and fitting to sing my praise to you. Amen.
Your Turn Do you love to praise God? Does it lift your spirit when you do? Are there times when the Lord has given you a new song to sing?
Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia and Ukraine!
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
James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?
David Kitz digs deep into archeology, family dynamics, church history, and the biblical texts. What emerges from his research is a portrait of a decisive, pivotal leader who embodied the will and character of Jesus Christ.
But how did James—James the unbeliever—transform to become a leader who changed the course of world history? In these pages you will uncover the answer and rediscover for yourself the life-changing power of the gospel.
To view further details or purchase directly from the author click here.
LORD God,
I want to seek after you.
Show yourself to me today
in this grand adventure called life.
I want to have an encounter with you.
I want to know what it means to be found by you.
Amen.
— — — —
Draw me to the light of your countenance, Lord — photo by David Kitz
Saul’s Encounter with Jesus
Meanwhile,
Saul was still breathing out murderous threats
against the Lord’s disciples.
He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus,
so that if he found any there
who belonged to the Way,
whether men or women,
he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey,
suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus,
whom you are persecuting,”
he replied. “Now get up and go into the city,
and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:1-6 NIV)*
Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza, 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.
Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.
I love the Psalms 