We Have Never Seen Anything Like This!

25 Monday Aug 2025

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 136, Psalms

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authority, Bible, faith, forgiveness of sins, God, healing, Jesus, praise, Prayer, Psalms

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

Reading: Psalm 136:17-26

Father God,
I admit my need for Jesus,
your Son,
my Savior.
I need his love,
and his forgiveness.
His love endures forever.
Amen.

— — — —

A few days later,
when Jesus again entered Capernaum,
the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers
that there was no room left,
not even outside the door,
and he preached the word to them. Some men came,
bringing to him a paralyzed man,
carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus
because of the crowd,
they made an opening in the roof above Jesus
by digging through it
and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith,
he said to the paralyzed man,
“Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Now some teachers of the law were sitting there,
thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that?
He’s blaspheming!
Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit
that this was what they were thinking in their hearts,
and he said to them,
“Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man,
‘Your sins are forgiven,’
or to say,
‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know
that the Son of Man
has authority on earth to forgive sins.”
So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up,
took his mat
and walked out in full view of them all.
This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying,
“We have never seen anything like this!”
(Mark 2:1-12 NIV)*

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Iran, 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.

A gripping read from David Kitz.
Is a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.

A Secret Addiction

25 Monday Aug 2025

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 136

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addiction, Bible, church, confess, devotion, his love endures forever, Jesus, Prayer, pride, rescue from sin and death, Savior, trust in Christ, turning to God

Reading: Psalm 136:17-26

to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.
He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever (NIV). *

Reflection
In recent months I have transitioned from attending an established church to involvement in a new church plant. In many respects the change has been refreshing. This new church has a clear focus on reaching the lost in our city, specifically those who are trapped in addictions. Almost weekly new converts are coming forward to put their trust in Christ. The church itself is a place of transition, as deadly habits are broken, and the healing power of Jesus is applied to long festering inner wounds.

So how does this connect with our reading from Psalm 136? In his description of Israel, the psalmist makes this statement: He remembered us in our low estate… and freed us from our enemies (v. 24-25).

We serve a God who rescues us at our lowest point, in our low estate. In our foolish pride, we would never turn to God. But when we hit bottom—when there is no way forward, but up—then we turn to the Lord. You see, Christ has been patiently waiting for us to acknowledge our need. But Jesus doesn’t rescue the proud. He doesn’t save those who see no need for salvation. He only comes to the humble—those who admit they need a lift from the hole they find themselves in.

Sadly, there are many who sit in fine churches that have never discovered their low estate. Actually, they have become experts at hiding it. We all have a secret addiction to sin. Even St. Paul wrote, “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing” (Romans 7:19). The only one who can turn us around is Jesus, our Savior. See Romans 7:25.

Response: Father God, I admit my need for Jesus, your Son, my Savior. His love endures forever. Amen.

Your Turn: Why do we hide our sins rather than confess them? Does pride hold you back?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

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

A gripping read from David Kitz.
Is a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.

The Wonders of Redemption

22 Friday Aug 2025

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 136, Psalms

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Bible, blood of Christ, devotion, Egypt, God's love, Israel, Jesus Christ, Passover, Passover Lamb, Pharaoh, Red Sea, redeemed, redemption, the LORD, victory

Reading: Psalm 136:10-16

to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.
to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.
to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever (NIV). *

Morning mist, Bell Creek, Durham, ON –photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Because of the responsive pattern employed by the psalmist, today’s reading from Psalm 136 begins as an incomplete sentence. When combined with yesterday’s reading, the full sentence reads: Give thanks to the Lord of lords, to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, and brought Israel out from among them with a mighty hand and outstretched arm (v. 1 &. 10).

Whereas yesterday’s reading from Psalm 136 celebrates the wonders of God’s creation, today’s reading celebrates the wonders of God’s redemption of Israel. The LORD delivered the captive souls of Israel from hard labor and slavery in Egypt. Though the eldest child of the Egyptians perished, the Hebrew children were spared from the Angel of Death, because the blood of the Passover lamb was applied to the doorposts of their home. See Exodus 12.

At a grim Passover celebration 2,000 years ago, Jesus suffered and died on the cross as our Passover Lamb. When we place our faith in his sacrificial blood, we too are spared from death. Jesus tasted death on our behalf, so that we can live eternally with him. As believers we can rejoice and draw comfort from these words. “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

Through the blood of Christ, the power of Satan is broken, and we are brought into the dominion of the Son of God. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14).

Surely as redeemed children of God—children personally redeemed by the Son of God—we have this testimony: His love endures forever.

Response: Father God, I thank you for redeeming me with the sacred blood of Jesus. I have been adopted into your family. You are my heavenly Father. I can never thank you enough. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you living in a new kingdom, under a new king—King Jesus? Is your heavenly citizenship evident to others?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

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

A gripping read from David Kitz.
Is a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.

And God Saw That It Was Good

21 Thursday Aug 2025

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 136, Psalms

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Tags

appreciation for God's creation, beauty of creation, Bible, birds, character of God, creation, creatures, God, God's blessing, Psalms

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

Reading: Psalm 136:1-9

Father God,
help me to appreciate
the wonder of your creation every day.
Give me opportunities to see the beauty in it,
because it’s a reflection
of your magnificent character.
Amen.

— — — —

And God said,
“Let the water teem with living creatures,
and let birds fly above the earth
across the vault of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea
and every living thing with which the water teems
and that moves about in it,
according to their kinds,
and every winged bird according to its kind.
And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said,
“Be fruitful and increase in number
and fill the water in the seas,
and let the birds increase on the earth.” And there was evening,
and there was morning—
the fifth day.
(Genesis 1:20-23 NIV)*

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

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

A gripping read from David Kitz.
Is a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.

He Alone Does Great Wonders

21 Thursday Aug 2025

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 136, Psalms

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appreciation for God's creation, Bible, Creator, devotion, giving thanks, God's love, Prayer, Psalms, seasons, thanks to God, the LORD, wonders of creation

Reading: Psalm 136:1-9

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever (NIV). *

Foster farm pond — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Here are some straightforward facts about me. I love nature. I enjoy all four seasons. I love getting out of the house and hiking through the woods or riding my bicycle along nature trails. I am fascinated by the wildlife I encounter on these excursions. I like planting a backyard garden in spring and harvesting the produce from it through the summer and fall. I feel knitted to the land and its seasons.

My love for God’s creation underpins my love for God. A God who created such a beautiful, wonder-filled world must be truly awesome—awesome beyond measure—because the universe He created is awesome beyond measure.

Psalm 136 extols the virtues of this awesome limitless God. His love endures forever. For a total of twenty-six verses the psalmist expounds on the goodness of the LORD. In response His people reply, “His love endures forever.”

Today’s reading lays the foundation for our worship. That foundation rests on the wonder of God’s creation. We are to give thanks to God because He alone does great wonders. By his understanding, [He] made the heavens, and spread out the earth upon the waters (v. 4-6).

As you go through your day, are there moments when you give God thanks for the wonders of His creation? In an urban, man-made environment we can lose touch with nature and our Creator. We lose something precious—something fundamental to our well-being—when that happens.

Response: LORD God, help me to appreciate the wonder of your creation every day. Give me opportunities to see the beauty in it, because it’s a reflection of your magnificent character. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you enjoy nature? How can an appreciation of nature translate into love for God?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

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

A gripping read from David Kitz.
Is a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.

God Opposes the Proud

01 Monday Apr 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 136, Psalms

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God, humble, Prayer, Psalms, Scripture, sinners, the LORD

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

Reading: Psalm 136:17-26

Father God,
I humble myself before you.
I admit my need for Jesus,
your Son, my Savior.
I need His forgiveness.
His love endures forever.
Amen.

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”

Submit yourselves, then, to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Wash your hands, you sinners,
and purify your hearts,
you double-minded.
Grieve, mourn and wail.
Change your laughter to mourning
and your joy to gloom.
Humble yourselves before the Lord,
and he will lift you up.
(James 4:6-10), NIV)*

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

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. TheElishaCodeCVR5

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

In Our Foolish Pride and Our Low Estate

01 Monday Apr 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 136, Psalms

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Christ, church, Jesus, Prayer, pride, Psalms, salvation, the humble, the proud

Today’s Devotion from the Psalms

Reading: Psalm 136:17-26
to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.
He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever (NIV). *

The entrance to the walled city of Carcassonne, France — photo by David Kitz

So how does this connect with our reading from Psalm 136? In his description of Israel, the psalmist makes this statement: He remembered us in our low estate… and freed us from our enemies.

Response: Father God, I admit my need for Jesus, your Son, my Savior. His love endures forever. Amen.

Your Turn: Why do we hide our sins rather than confess them? Does pride hold you back?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Redemption Came at a Price

29 Friday Mar 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 136

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Tags

blood of Christ, children of God, Egypt, Israel, Jesus, Prayer, redeemed, Son of God, the LORD, victory

Today’s Good Friday Devotion from the Psalms

Reading: Psalm 136:10-16
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.

to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.

to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever (NIV). *
Psalm 10523-38 -365

Surely as redeemed children of God—children personally redeemed by the Son of God—we have this testimony: His love endures forever.

Response: Father God, I thank you for redeeming me with the sacred blood of Jesus. I have been adopted into your family. You are my heavenly Father. I can never thank you enough. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you living in a new kingdom, under a new king—King Jesus? Is your heavenly citizenship evident to others?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

Good Friday is here. Easter is approaching.
Are you ready for a journey to the cross?
For a closer look or to purchase click here.

The Wonder of God’s Creation

28 Thursday Mar 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 136, Psalms

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creation, devotion, giving thanks, God, love for God, love of God, nature, Prayer, Psalms, the LORD, worship

Today’s Devotion from the Psalms

Reading: Psalm 136:1-9
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever (NIV). *

The Aude River at sunset — Carcassonne, France

Response: LORD God, help me to appreciate the wonder of your creation every day. Give me opportunities to see the beauty in it, because it’s a reflection of your magnificent character. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you enjoy nature? How can an appreciation of nature translate into love for God?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

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Are you ready for a journey to the cross?
For a closer look or to purchase click here.

The Maker of the Great Lights

02 Sunday Apr 2023

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 136

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give thanks, God's love, love forever, the LORD, wonders

I will praise the LORD!

Photo by egil sju00f8holt on Pexels.com

Reading: Psalm 136:1-9

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

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

Reading: Psalm 136:17-26Father God,I admit my need for Jesus, your Son, my Savior. I need his love, and his forgiveness.His love endures forever. Amen.

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

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

* 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 136:1-9 Father God, help me to appreciate the wonder of your creation every day. Give me opportunities to see the beauty in it, because it’s a reflection of your magnificent character. Amen.

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Iran, 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 136:17-26

Father God, I humble myself before you. I admit my need for Jesus, your Son, my Savior. I need His forgiveness. His love endures forever. Amen.

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

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

Today’s Devotion from the Psalms

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

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

Today’s Good Friday Devotion from the Psalms

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

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

Today’s Devotion from the Psalms

* 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 136:1-9

And

Reading: Matthew 21:9

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

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

Please pray for peace to return to Ukraine!

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

Reading: Psalm 136:17-26

Father God,
I admit my need for Jesus,
your Son,
my Savior.
I need his love,
and his forgiveness.
His love endures forever.
Amen.

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

Reading: Psalm 136:1-9

Father God,
help me to appreciate
the wonder of your creation every day.
Give me opportunities to see the beauty in it,
because it’s a reflection
of your magnificent character.
Amen.

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

Father God,
I humble myself before you.
I admit my need for Jesus,
your Son, my Savior.
I need His forgiveness.
His love endures forever.
Amen.