Author Archives: davidkitz

A Devotional Journey through the Epistle of James

20 Sunday Sep 2026

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Day 8: The Ultimate Blame Game

 Don’t blame God when you are tempted!
God cannot be tempted by evil, and he doesn’t use evil to tempt others.  
We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us.
Our desires make us sin, and when sin is finished with us,
it leaves us dead.
(James 1:13-15, CEV)

Reflection

Ah… The blame game. It’s been going on since Adam and Eve stepped out of Eden. Adam blamed Eve. And Eve blamed the serpent. But a closer look at Adam’s words reveals that he places the deeper blame—the ultimate blame—on God.

The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” (Genesis 3:12, NIV)

So then, it’s God’s fault. He brought this woman—the cause of this problem into Adam’s life. So logically, God is to blame.

Humanity has been using this line of reasoning since day one. You see echoes of the ultimate blame game in arguments trotted out by present-day atheists. Every war is God’s fault. The fault does not lie with the humans who start the war and perpetuate it. Somehow, God is to blame for our self-inflicted pain and stupidity.

But there is a serious problem with this blame shifting line of reasoning. It conveniently absolves us of all responsibility for our actions. However, God did not create a planet of automatons. He created us as humans capable of both love and hate, good and evil. So then, as free moral agents, we are responsible for our actions. Freedom requires responsibility. Furthermore, we are accountable—accountable to God and those around us for our words and deeds.

The devil tempted Eve, but he did not force her to eat the forbidden fruit. In the same way Adam freely chose to disobey God. For Adam and Eve, and me as well, these words prove true:

We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us. Our desires make us sin, and when sin is finished with us, it leaves us dead. (James 1:14-15, CEV)

Fortunately, God does not leave us condemned to death. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, a way has been opened for us to get back to the garden of God and the Tree of Life. It’s the way of the cross. The penalty for our disobedience has been paid by the spotless Lamb of God.

Let’s walk that way together with Him.

Response

Lord God, I want to stop blaming you for my difficulties, and for the suffering I see in the world. You are a good God—a God of mercy and compassion. Through Jesus, your Son, you demonstrated your love and mercy. Help me to overcome every temptation by the power of Jesus. Amen.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

The Story Was Familiar. Marcus Wasn’t.

19 Saturday Sep 2026

Posted by in Books by David Kitz, The Soldier Who Killed a King

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A Book Review by Victor Uduh

I picked up this book expecting a retelling of a story I already knew. What I didn’t expect was to become so invested in the inner struggle of Marcus, the Roman soldier at the center of the story.

What stayed with me most was not the historical detail or even the familiar events of Holy Week, but the psychological journey of a career soldier trying to make sense of something that challenged everything he understood about duty, justice, and power.

David Kitz does something difficult here. He makes well-known events feel uncertain again, not because the facts change, but because we experience them through the eyes of someone who doesn’t fully understand what he is witnessing.

I also appreciated that the story doesn’t rely on heavy preaching. The events are allowed to speak for themselves, which made the book feel more authentic and engaging.

Days after finishing it, I found myself thinking about Marcus and the moral tension of serving a system he increasingly questions. That internal struggle felt surprisingly relevant and human, despite the story taking place two thousand years ago. For me, that human element is what made this book memorable.

To learn more click here.

The Eternal Unchanging God

19 Saturday Sep 2026

Posted by in Psalm 102, Psalms

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to Psalm 102:23-28 read by Jonathan Dent.

Reading: Psalm 102:23-28 (NIV)*

In the course of my life he broke my strength;
he cut short my days.
So I said:
“Do not take me away, my God,
in the midst of my days;
your years go on through all generations.
In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
 They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
Like clothing you will change them
and they will be discarded.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.
The children of your servants will live in your presence;
their descendants will be established before you”.

Photo by brenoanp on Pexels.com


Response

Father God, I want to live in your presence now and in eternity. Establish my children before you. Strengthen their faith in you. They are gifts from your gracious hand. You are constant and I want to live in constant awe and praise for you. Amen.

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.

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

God’s Firestarters: Healing Pioneers

14 Monday Sep 2026

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A Book Review by David Kitz

This is a book for our time. We live in a world that needs healing. I have a heart, body, and soul that needs healing. This book touched me at my point of need.

Ed & Janice Hird have assembled a book about pioneers in Christian healing. What we have in this 141-page volume is a series of twenty short biographies of men and women who God has used to minister healing over the last century and a half. I was familiar with some of these leaders in the Christian community, but others were new to me. Each person’s life and service added another dimension to my understanding of biblically based healing.

What became clear as the book progressed is that healing is multidimensional. Jesus comes to heal our body, soul, and spirit. This includes relationships within families and emotional wounds from our past. We need multidimensional healing because we are multidimensional beings. Emotional healing for past harms can lead to physical healing and vice versa.

The book left me hungering for more of God’s healing power in my life and in the life and ministry of the church.

A Devotional Journey through the Epistle of James

13 Sunday Sep 2026

Posted by in James

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Day 7: The Blessing and the Reward

God will bless you,
if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested.
He will reward you with a glorious life, 
just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
(James 1:12, CEV)

Reflection

Let’s face it. Life is tough. It’s a constant struggle, more so for some than others, but this truth remains: At various times, we will all face difficulties, grief, and loss.

For believers such hardships can come as a severe test that strikes at the very roots of our faith. The loss of a relationship, a spouse, or a child can snuff out our confidence and send our soaring faith crashing to the ground. We can quickly find ourselves asking, “Why God? You are all powerful. Why did you allow this tragedy—this mishap—this loss to happen?”

And what do we hear back when we ask these questions? 

Silence. Often just silence.

Into the silence—into our despair—God’s word whispers, “God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested.”

When tragedy strikes, we can be tempted to give up on our faith in a loving, merciful God. At such times we should heed this advice from the writer of Hebrews:

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 12:7-8, NIV)

Are you just a fair-weather follower of Jesus, or does he command your full allegiance? Are you a son or daughter of the Most High? If so, then you will endure hardship and come through triumphant just as James declares. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him. (James 1:12b, CEV)

The Lord rewards our faithfulness to Him. The Greek words that James uses in the passage above signify crowning with a laurel wreath as was done for winners at the ancient Olympic games. Other translations refer to our reward as “the crown of life.” (See James 1:12, NIV.)

For now, and eternity there is unfading honor in running our race for Jesus.

Response

Lord God, when the way is hard give me the the strength to endure and press on. Bring me safely across the finish line. You are my shield and my very great reward (Genesis 15:1). I put my trust in your saving grace. I pray in the all-powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

A Fresh Perspective That Sent Me Back to the Gospels

12 Saturday Sep 2026

Posted by in Books by David Kitz, Psalms

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A Book Review by Victor Uduh

I’ve read quite a few books on biblical prophecy and typology over the years, but The Elisha Code gave me a perspective I hadn’t come across before. The authors explore the idea that the relationship between Elijah and Elisha serves as a prophetic pattern that finds its fulfillment in the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus. They don’t rush to their conclusions. Instead, they walk through the Scriptures step by step, allowing readers to see how the connections are made for themselves.

What I enjoyed most is that the book always keeps the focus on Christ. It would have been easy to get caught up in the symbolism and prophetic parallels, but the authors consistently point everything back to Jesus. I found myself going back to the Gospels and reading familiar passages with fresh curiosity instead of simply taking the authors’ word for it.

I also liked that the book isn’t just a theological study. It naturally leads into conversations about repentance, discipleship, revival, and what those things mean for the Church today. Even if you don’t end up agreeing with every interpretation, the book encourages you to think more deeply and spend more time in God’s Word.

The biggest compliment I can give is this. When I finished reading, I didn’t feel like picking up another book. I wanted to open my Bible and continue studying for myself. Any Christian book that inspires that kind of response has accomplished something meaningful.

If you’re looking for a light devotional, this probably isn’t the book for you. But if you enjoy thoughtful, Scripture-centered books that connect the Old and New Testaments in fresh and compelling ways while keeping Jesus at the center, I think you’ll find The Elisha Code well worth reading.

To learn more click here.

Giving Grateful Praise

12 Saturday Sep 2026

Posted by in Psalm 100, Psalms

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to Psalm 100 read by Jonathan Dent.

Reading: Psalm 100 (NIV)*

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
  Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.


Response

Heavenly Father, thank you for all your kindness. You have been so good to us! Help us to maintain an attitude of gratitude all year long and not only on Thanksgiving Day, but every day. Amen.

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.

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

A Devotional Journey through the Epistle of James

06 Sunday Sep 2026

Posted by in James

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Day 6: The Poor and the Rich

Any of God’s people who are poor should be glad
he thinks so highly of them. 
But any who are rich should be glad when God makes them humble.
Rich people will disappear like wild flowers 
scorched by the burning heat of the sun.
The flowers lose their blossoms,
and their beauty is destroyed.
This is how the rich will disappear,
as they go about their business.
(James 1:9-11, CEV)

Reflection

I confess I would rather be rich than poor. I would rather be honored than humbled. But in today’s reading from James, we see that God turns that kind of thinking on its head. God thinks highly of the poor. And on the opposite end of the wealth spectrum, James writes the “rich should be glad when God makes them humble.”

That’s the reverse of how the world operates. The rich are honored and the poor and needy are despised.

From where did James get the values reflected in the passage above? He got them directly from his half-brother, the Lord Jesus, the risen Christ.

Jesus begins his epic Sermon on the Mount with these words:

 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:3-5, ESV)

Jesus blessed the poor and honored the meek and humble in heart. That’s the kind of Savior we have. He hears the pleas of the beggar by the roadside of life. (See Mark 10:46-52.) Our Savior saves his rebukes for the rich, the proud, and the self-righteous. See Matthew 23.

There is no certainty in wealth. Paul gives this sound advice to Timothy: Warn the rich people of this world not to be proud or to trust in wealth that is easily lost. Tell them to have faith in God, who is rich and blesses us with everything we need to enjoy life. (1 Timothy 6:17, CEV)

But it’s not just wealth that is uncertain. Our very lives are uncertain. Later in his epistle James issues this warning: What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears. (James 4:14, CEV)A rich man named Job declared, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart” (Job 1:21). Our security for now and all eternity must rest in Christ our Savior.

Response

Lord God, help me to put my complete trust in you rather than this world’s wealth. In practical ways help me to reflect your care for the poor and needy. If I prosper help me maintain a heart of humility and gratitude because all I have comes from you. I pray in the all-powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

Let the Earth Be Glad

05 Saturday Sep 2026

Posted by in Psalm 97, Psalms

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to Psalm 97:1-7 read by Jonathan Dent.

Reading: Psalm 97:1-7 (NIV)*

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.
Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him
and consumes his foes on every side.
His lightning lights up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all peoples see his glory.
All who worship images are put to shame,
those who boast in idols—
worship him, all you gods!

My Lighthouse in the Storm – photo by Eric E. Wright

Response

LORD God, it is my prayer that all people will see your glory and bow before you, the magnificent King of Righteousness. Extend your reign I pray. Let the distant shores rejoice because you reign. Amen.

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.

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

A Devotional Journey through the Epistle of James

30 Sunday Aug 2026

Posted by in James

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Day 5: The Faith Imperative

But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt.
Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm.
If you are that kind of person, you can’t make up your mind,
and you surely can’t be trusted.
So don’t expect the Lord to give you anything at all.
(James 1:6-8, CEV)

Reflection

In today’s reading, James commands us to have faith. There is nothing timid or passive about the faith that James urges us to have. He calls us to a confident, aggressive kind of faith.

Where does that confident faith come from? It must come from the Lord Jesus Christ. In his life on earth, Jesus demonstrated aggressive faith—life-changing faith—mountain-moving faith.

Jesus gave his disciples this instruction: “Have faith in God! If you have faith in God and don’t doubt, you can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith.” (Mark 11:22-24, CEV)

Now that’s bold faith—mountain-moving faith.

What kind of prayers are you praying? Are you praying bold prayers? Does the devil tremble when you get on your knees to pray? Are you seizing the moment for God and His Kingdom? Or are your prayers self-centered and disrupted by doubt?

When we pray in God’s will we can pray with great confidence.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:13-15, NIV)

Christ’s faith was rock solid and immovable. That’s the kind of faith that James calls us to have. The doubter is uncertain of God’s will and is tossed to and froe by changing circumstances and worries. But the person who has heard God has a faith that is sure and anchored in the Almighty.

Rather than receiving wisdom, (see James 1:5) the doubter receives nothing. The man of faith moves mountains. The doubter moves nothing. Instead, the doubter is adrift moved by wind and wave.

Which would you rather be? A mover of mountains or a hapless drifter?

Response

Lord God, I need faith, but not just any faith. I need the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. Lord grant me mountain-moving faith, not for my sake, but for the sake of your Kingdom and your glory. I ask in humility. I pray this in the all-powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.