Category Archives: Psalms Alive!

A Review Worth Repeating

12 Wednesday Jun 2019

Posted by in book review, Psalms, Psalms Alive!

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, ,

Much thanks to west coast writer Violet Nesdoly for the following review of Psalms Alive! 

In Psalms Alive! author, pastor, and dramatist David Kitz takes us on a journey through thirteen selected psalms. In the Preface Kitz explains why he wrote the book:

“For the past number of years I have been bringing the Psalms to life for audiences through the medium of live drama. Here now in book form, from a dramatist’s perspective I provide a glimpse into the prayers and praise of the psalmists.”

Each of the book’s 26 chapters begins with the quoted scripture passage under discussion. This is followed by Kitz expanding on it in a variety of ways that include personal stories, explanations of biblical customs and settings, devotional inspiration, and a challenge to apply the scripture’s advice to life. Each chapter ends with a “Bringing Life to the Psalms” section consisting of three to four discussion and personal application questions.

Kitz’s writing is lively, picturesque, and wise. He expands liberally on the ideas presented in the Bible passage. He doesn’t leaves us in the theoretical clouds though, but makes sure his conclusions connect to everyday living. My book is full of underlined sections. Here are a few of my favourite quotes:

From the Preface: “When we handle the Word of God, we are handling life. When we take hold of the Word of God, it takes hold of us” – P. 17.

From a chapter on Psalm 19: “Your heavenly Father does not need a stethoscope to check on the condition of your heart; he needs only to listen to the words coming out of your mouth” – P. 43.

From a chapter on Psalm 103: “Relationship is always the wellspring of all revelation. It is while we are in God’s presence that we discover the mind of Christ” – P. 149.

I used this book, along with others in an online creative Bible study and found much inspiration in it for Bible art journaling. It has deepened and broadened my appreciation of the psalms discussed. It would make an excellent textbook (along with the Bible, of course) for a men’s or women’s Bible study.

For further information on this 240 page book, visit https://davidkitz.ca/psalms.php.

For information on the direct book purchase from the author, click here.

For purchase from Amazon click here.

For information on a live dramatization of the Psalms visit
https://davidkitz.ca/psalms.php.

There is no liberation like the liberation of full and free forgiveness. — David Kitz 

 

Psalms Alive! Endorsements

20 Thursday Dec 2018

Posted by in Psalms, Psalms Alive!

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

Endorsements

No matter how many times you’ve read the Psalms, David Kitz’s dramatic rendering is sure to bring new revelation and insight. You’ll smile at the mirth around the family table, stand in awe under a canopy of stars, then weep at a tsunami’s destructive power, and through it all see the wonder and working of God.  It is my fervent hope that everyone reads this book!

Keith Clemons — Award winning author of “Angel in the Alley”

Sample Cover

Psalms Alive! by David Kitz

Psalms Alive! is Canadian! Yes, what a delight to have a meditational study that is biblically sound and makes you cry and belly laugh at the same time. Author David Kitz has done it again and has brought the truth of the Psalms to life.

Rev. Karen Middleton, Tent of David, Rockland, ON

As a person living with hereditary vision impairment, I am highly auditory. David Kitz has such a way of dramatizing the psalms in word and vocal inflection that I find myself immediately drawn into and captivated by the scene before me.  My imagination and emotions are actively participating in every situation. Whether through recorded media, live performance or personal interaction, the life of Christ radiates through David.

Rose Misner, co-pastor, Amazing Love Fellowship, Saint John, NB

For further information on the book, visit https://davidkitz.ca/psalms.php.

For information on the direct book purchase from the author, visit https://www.davidkitz.ca/bookcart/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=62&search=psalms.

For information on the live dramatization of the Psalms visit
https://davidkitz.ca/psalms.php.

Psalms Alive! Endorsements

22 Thursday Nov 2018

Posted by in Psalms, Psalms Alive!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Endorsements

As a leader of a Men’s small group Psalms Alive! is a great springboard for discussion in our covenant group. David presents the scripture, shows how it applies to his life and then leaves you with some questions to challenge you­ – and in my case my brothers – to further dig into the Word he has presented. This book will be a great resource to help us further in our walk and lead us into engaging discussions as well. Thanks David!
Andrew Nicholls, Men’s Bible Study Leader, Ottawa, ON

sample-cover

237 pages, trade paperback

David writes not as if using pen and ink, but as if he was actually in the room with the reader having a fireside chat over a cup of coffee (or tea if you prefer). The practical applications and the questions to ponder at the end of each study give the reader a time to reflect on what he has read and a time to “be still” for a few moments to listen for the voice of God to speak and minister to his heart. As David put it so well in the Epilogue of this book, “I meet with God in the Psalms. . .” I too met with God as I read the various Psalms in Psalms Alive! and it was a meeting well worth my time.

Garry Cline, Praise & Worship Leader, N. Manchester Missionary Church, N. Manchester, IN

For further information on the book, visit https://davidkitz.ca/psalms.php.

For information on the direct book purchase from the author, visit https://www.davidkitz.ca/bookcart/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=62&search=psalms.

For information on the live dramatization of the Psalms visit
https://davidkitz.ca/psalms.php.

 

 

When Our Faith is under Attack

01 Thursday Nov 2018

Posted by in Psalm 11, Psalms, Psalms Alive!

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

Reading: Psalm 11
For the director of music. Of David.
In the LORD I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
“Flee like a bird to your mountain.
For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”
The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.
The LORD examines the righteous,
but the wicked, those who love violence,
he hates with a passion.
On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur;
a scorching wind will be their lot.
For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice;
the upright will see his face (NIV).

20181010_1205033

A forest refuge, Gatineau Park — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Do you feel like your faith is under attack? It seems that everywhere there are people who are mocking those who have faith in God. Believers are openly ridiculed. We are blamed for every war since time immemorial. We are told that science has rock-solid evidence, while God followers rely on concocted myths handed down by unscrupulous manipulators.

The enemy is firing arrows of accusation, doubt and distrust from the shadows at the upright in heart. The very foundation of our faith, the word of God—the Bible—is being attacked as outdated, unreliable and historically inaccurate. Along with David we ask, “When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”

The righteous can do what David does in the first line of this psalm. David says, “In the LORD I take refuge.” For David, God was not a mystical concept. God was a rock solid reality. David had a memory bank full of experiences with the LORD. The LORD was David’s helper, healer and deliverer. In the tough times of life, God was there—was present in David’s life. The LORD brought victory for David over Goliath and over every enemy that exalted itself above God.

The same can be true for you. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11). Remember the LORD is on his heavenly throne. Nothing takes Him by surprise. The LORD is with you and He is watching your response. We need not be intimidated; we need not flee. We need to stand our ground like David and like Paul the apostle. The LORD is with us.  

Response: LORD, you are my refuge. Help me to stand my ground when my faith is under attack, and help other believers to do the same by the grace of Jesus. Our faith rests on you, Lord. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you have a memory bank full of experiences with the LORD that you can draw on?

PSALMS ALIVE! Endorsements

18 Thursday Oct 2018

Posted by in Books by David Kitz, Psalms, Psalms Alive!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Sample Cover

Psalms Alive! a 237 page devotional study by David Kitz

Endorsements

David writes with a dramatic and compelling flair, enticing us to meet with God and therein find life. His intent to let God’s Word speak through the psalms is accomplished with theological sensitivity to the sitz im leben and creative application to the context of our lives today. Well done, David! Psalms Alive! helped me inhabit the Word and know Him more.

Rev. Dr. Lawson Murray, President – Scripture Union Canada

“A timely call to stop our mad rush and encounter God in the stillness of prayer and Bible study. David Kitz paints pictures with words, taking lessons from Scripture and nature to offer us a three-dimensional, multi-sensory relationship with God.”

Robert L. Briggs, Executive Vice President, American Bible Society

“Psalms Alive!” is an excellent tool to help any reader engage with God’s Word (specifically 13 Psalms) and therefore engage with God. It is obvious that David Kitz has taken these Psalms into his life and by “listening in” to his thinking the reader can learn to do the same.”

Phil Collins, Ph.D., Executive Director, Taylor Center for Scripture Engagement, Taylor University, Upland, IN

For further information on the book, visit https://davidkitz.ca/psalms.php.

For information on the direct book purchase from the author, visit https://www.davidkitz.ca/bookcart/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=62&search=psalms.

For information on the live dramatization of the Psalms visit
https://davidkitz.ca/psalms.php.

 

Psalms Alive! Connecting Heaven and Earth

09 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by in Books by David Kitz, Psalms, Psalms Alive!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

For all who have followed my postings on I Love the Psalms, I want to take a moment to introduce you to my devotional study book on the psalms entitled, Psalms Alive! Connecting Heaven and Earth.

Sample CoverThis 240 page, beautifully bound paperback is an in depth exploration of thirteen psalms. It’s similar to my weekly blog posting, but also different in some important respects. Unlike my one page postings, the chapters in my book are five to six pages in length and they end with a series of questions that act as prompts to bring the psalm alive. This means it’s a great book for personal study, but it works even better for small group discussion.

The longer format allows for more personal anecdotes and real-life illustrations. The goal is to discover how to live out the psalms in our daily lives.

Endorsements: David writes with a dramatic and compelling flair, enticing us to meet with God and therein find life. His intent to let God’s Word speak through the psalms is accomplished with theological sensitivity to the sitz im leben and creative application to the context of our lives today. Well done, David! Psalms Alive! helped me inhabit the Word and know Him more.
Rev. Dr. Lawson Murray, President – Scripture Union Canada

“A timely call to stop our mad rush and encounter God in the stillness of prayer and Bible study. David Kitz paints pictures with words, taking lessons from Scripture and nature to offer us a three-dimensional, multi-sensory relationship with God.”

Robert L. Briggs, Executive Vice President, American Bible Society

“Psalms Alive! is an excellent tool to help any reader engage with God’s Word (specifically 13 Psalms) and therefore engage with God. It is obvious that David Kitz has taken these Psalms into his life and by “listening in” to his thinking the reader can learn to do the same.”

Phil Collins, Ph.D., Executive Director, Taylor Center for Scripture Engagement, Taylor University, Upland, IN

Your Turn: Get in touch to get your signed copy of Psalms Alive! Connecting Heaven and Earth. Cost $17.95.

Let God speak to you and through you via the Psalms.

Psalms Alive!

04 Saturday Feb 2017

Posted by in Psalms, Psalms Alive!

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

,

sample-cover

237 pages, trade paperback

If you enjoy my daily blog posts, you may also be blessed by reading my full length book on the Psalms.
The Psalms Speak to our Deepest needs!

Within the Psalms we hear the deepest longings of the human heart. Here we find the full range of human experience – an experience that brings us face to face with God. Our joys and triumphs are reflected here. Our spirits soar to the heavens, but we also plumb the depths of tragic despair. Is it any wonder then, that throughout the ages men and women have found refuge in the Psalms.

In the Psalms we find the wellspring of praise. This has been the churches’ fount of worship, from ancient hymns, to stately concertos, to modern praise choruses, they all find their source in the Psalms.

“David Kitz paints pictures with words, taking lessons from Scripture and nature to offer us a three-dimensional, multi-sensory relationship with God.” — Robert L. Briggs, Executive Vice President, American Bible Society

To read more or purchase visit: http://www.davidkitz.ca/bookcart/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=62&search=psalms