Author Archives: davidkitz

A Devotional Journey through the Epistle of James

18 Sunday Oct 2026

Posted by in James

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Day 12: Humility and the Message Planted in You

You must stop doing anything immoral or evil.
Instead be humble
and accept the message planted in you to save you.
(James 1:21, CEV)

Reflection

Humility. Who needs it?

Humility is a much-overlooked character quality. But then, that’s rather unsurprising. Afterall, humility doesn’t announce its presence with loud shouts, a red carpet, or a trumpet fanfare. But here in today’s reading from the Epistle of James, we have humility playing the central role—a pivotal role.

Humility changes everything.

Change in the human condition cannot happen—will not happen without humility. Humility is the precondition for personal change. Furthermore, today’s verse is all about change:  

You must stop doing anything immoral or evil. Instead be humble and accept the message planted in you to save you (James 1:21, CEV).

We have no trouble in agreeing with the first part of this verse. You must stop doing anything immoral or evil. We can all see that evil and immorality are rampant in the world. It’s all around us, in our newsfeeds, in the breakdown of societal norms, in harmful addictions, in crime and corruption. We have no problem identifying the problem. We are steeped in it.

We see the immorality and evil in others. But do we see it in ourselves? Far too often the words of Jesus apply to us. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3, NIV)

That’s where self-reflection and humility enter the picture. We only see our faults, imperfections, and misdeeds when we humble ourselves. Pride blinds us to our sins and shortcomings.

What can save us from our blind and wretched condition?

James 1:21 clearly tells us that the message is planted in you to save you. Jesus is the message of salvation. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Jesus lived a sinless life and suffered in our stead to purchase our redemption.

Today will you receive the message—the gospel message? Will you let it grow within you? That will take humility. It means admitting your failures and your needy condition.

Who needs humility? I do.

Response

Lord God, forgive my pride. I humble myself before you. Thank you for sending Jesus. I need his help. Lord Jesus, I receive you as my Savior. Plant your word—your message within me. Help me to grow daily in my knowledge and love for you. I thank you for your amazing grace and love for me. Amen.

New from David Kitz.

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He Led Them by a Straight Way

17 Saturday Oct 2026

Posted by in Psalm 107, Psalms

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to Psalm 107:1-9 read by Jonathan Dent.

Reading: Psalm 107:1-9  (NIV)*

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
 Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.
Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.


Response

Father God, I am thankful that I have a story of redemption. You intervened in my life. You sent Jesus to pay the price for my sin. Your Holy Spirit led me to the cross. Today, I thank you for satisfying my thirst and filling my life with good things. 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

11 Sunday Oct 2026

Posted by in James

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Day 11: Quick to Listen—Slow to Speak

My dear friends,
you should be quick to listen
and slow to speak or to get angry.
If you are angry,
you cannot do any of the good things God wants done. 
(James 1:19-20, CEV)

Reflection

We live in an angry world. To some extent this has always been the case, but in recent years anger and division have intensified. Why is this so? The simple answer is social media. The algorithms reward anger, outrage, and hate. And there is no need to hold back. We can spew our bile and indignation anonymously.

In addition, these social media algorithms can shield us from hearing other viewpoints—contrary viewpoints. We are fed a steady diet of news and opinions that re-enforce our existing perspective. So rather than opening us to the wider world, this technology can make our world narrower. We become less tolerant of others, and more self-centered.

Into this fractured world James speaks:

My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry (James 1:19, CEV).

Am I quick to listen? Not always. All too often I do the exact opposite of this verse. I am slow to listen and quick to get angry. My short fuse demonstrates my self-centeredness, and my reluctance to listen may reveal my low opinion of others.

Good listening is a skill of immeasurable worth. It shows we value others. Marriages breakdown when partners stop listening to one another. Social cohesion and national cohesion break down in the same way. And when listening breaks down anger follows.

Our anger can thwart the plans and purposes of God for our lives and the lives of others. James makes this truth clear with these words:

If you are angry, you cannot do any of the good things God wants done (James 1:20, CEV).

The New International Version translates this verse as follows: human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires (James 1:20, NIV). In other words, our angry outbursts short circuit the purposes of God. Knowing this should cause us to temper our temper.

Finally, we need to listen with more than our ears. You and I need to listen with our hearts. Often beneath the angry words beats a wounded heart crying out to be heard.

Let’s be good listeners today.

Response

Lord God, I acknowledge that I need to become a better listener. Help me to honor those around me by truly hearing what they have to say. Help me to avoid lashing out in anger. Lord, you are patient with me. Help me be patient with others. Holy Spirit, guide me. Amen.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

Who Can Fully Declare His Praise?

10 Saturday Oct 2026

Posted by in Psalm 105, Psalms

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to Psalm 106:1-5 read by Jonathan Dent.

Reading: Psalm 106:1-5  (NIV)*

Praise the LORD.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD
or fully declare his praise?
 Blessed are those who act justly,
who always do what is right.
Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people,
come to my aid when you save them,
that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may share in the joy of your nation
and join your inheritance in giving praise.

Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com


Response

Father God, I call on you. Look on me with favor. I know I fall short of your standard. I need your mercy. I depend on you. I know my efforts are inadequate. I rely on your grace and the redemptive blood of Jesus. Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all my Canadian readers!

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

04 Sunday Oct 2026

Posted by in James

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Day 10: A Message of New Birth

He wanted us to be his own special people,[a]
and so he sent the true message to give us new birth.  
(James 1:18, CEV)

Reflection

How does God feel about you? Does He consider you a waste of His time and effort? For that matter, does God think of you at all? Today’s reading from the Epistle of James answers these questions.

He wanted us to be his own special people,[a]and so he sent the true message to give us new birth. (James 1:18, CEV)

According to this verse, you are not an afterthought in the mind of the Creator. You are special and you are wanted. How special are you? According to the original Greek, you are “the first of his creatures.” In other words, we are of first importance. And how do we know this is true? 

We know this is true because of the second half of verse eighteen: and so he sent the true message to give us new birth.

So who is this true message? Notice I didn’t ask, “What is this true message?”

Jesus didn’t just proclaim the message of salvation. He is the message of salvation. In his gospel, John introduces us to Jesus our Messiah with these words:

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

And why did God send the true message? Again, we find the answer in this verse. The Father who created all the lights in the heavens (v. 17) sent the true message to give us new birth.

In his conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus stated, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3, NIV).

Please note that you and I did not initiate our own birth. My birth was initiated by my father in consort with my mother. In the same way our heavenly Father initiated our spiritual rebirth by sending Jesus—the true message to give us new birth. Peter reassures us that this is so with these words: For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God (1 Peter 1:23, NIV). 

Therefore, along with Paul we can declare, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15, NIV).

Response

Heavenly Father, I thank you for sending Jesus, the true message into my life. Jesus, I appreciate your grace and forgiveness. I am so grateful that I have been born again by your Holy Spirit. Father, I am your child. My spirit cries, “Abba, Father! You are my God.” Amen.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

His Judgments Are in All the earth

03 Saturday Oct 2026

Posted by in Psalm 105, Psalms

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to Psalm 105:1–7 read by Jonathan Dent.

Reading: Psalm 105:1–7 (NIV)*

Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
    tell of all his wonderful acts.
 Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
 Look to the LORD and his strength;
    seek his face always.
Remember the wonders he has done,
    his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
you his servants, the descendants of Abraham,
    his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.
He is the LORD our God;
    his judgments are in all the earth.


Response

Lord Jesus, you are strong—strong enough to carry the cross on my behalf—strong enough to purchase my redemption. I look to you for strength and salvation. Always guide my steps. I confess that I need you at every stage of my life. 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

27 Sunday Sep 2026

Posted by in James

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Day 9: Our Unchanging Father

Don’t be fooled, my dear friends.
 Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father
who created all the lights in the heavens.
He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.  
(James 1:16-17, CEV)

Reflection

At this point, we are over halfway through the first chapter of the Epistle of James. If you have been paying attention, you may have noticed the James has been painting a picture—a word picture of Jesus. With every word, phrase and sentence, he is giving us a clearer sense of who his virgin-born brother really is.

Some may protest that this perspective is inaccurate. After all, James has not mentioned the name of Jesus even once thus far, and the name of Christ does not appear anywhere in his epistle. So, how could James be painting a picture of Jesus?

James has been describing the very nature of God the Father. But in that description, we see Jesus because Jesus is the embodiment God. When Philip asked to see the Father, Jesus responded with these words:

“Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? (John 14:9)

In the same way, through his words since the start of his epistle, James has been showing us the Father. And when we see the Father, we see Jesus. So then, with the strokes of his pen what picture of the Father has James sketched for us thus far?

James has revealed that God hears our prayers and generously provides wisdom (v. 5). God expects us to have persistent faith (vs. 6-8). He values the poor and humbles the rich (vs. 9-11). He blesses and rewards those who love Him (v. 12). And our heavenly Father tempts no one (v. 13-15).

With today’s reading, we learn of three additional character qualities of the Father. He is a giver—a giver of good and perfect gifts. There is no darkness or evil intention in God. And He never changes.

That’s also a perfect picture of Jesus. In his earthly ministry Jesus demonstrated all the character qualities that James sketches out for us in his epistle. Jesus was and is the physical embodiment of his Father. He didn’t just show us the way to the Father. He showed us the Father.

As sons and daughters of the Father let’s determine to become like Him.

Response

Holy Spirit, I want to be more like Jesus. You know I fall short. Change me from the inside out. Show me how to live in this fallen world. Daily, I need your wisdom. You have promised good and perfect gifts including wisdom to those who ask. I ask all this by the power and grace of Jesus. Amen.

New from David Kitz.

To view further details or purchase click here.

Compassion for His Children

26 Saturday Sep 2026

Posted by in Psalm 103, Psalms

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Listen to Psalm 103:13-18 read by Jonathan Dent.

Reading: Psalm 103:13-18 (NIV)*

As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
 and his righteousness with their children’s children—
with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.

Photo by brenoanp on Pexels.com


Response

Father God, you are matchless. There is none like you. Your compassion is astonishing. Your grandeur is beyond my ability to even imagine. I love you, LORD. I bow in awe. I praise you for the mercy Jesus shows to me. 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

20 Sunday Sep 2026

Posted by in James

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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.

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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.