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Spring Meadow, Orleans, ON — photo by David Kitz
A Crown on our Heads
04 Saturday Jun 2016
Posted in Psalms
Category Archives: Psalms
Tell the Next Generation
03 Friday Jun 2016
Tags
conflict, God, hearing God, intergenerational, listening, the LORD
Reading: Psalm 78
A maskil of Asaph.
Verses 1-8
My people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth with a parable;
I will utter hidden things, things from of old—
things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us.
We will not hide them from their descendants;
we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD,
his power, and the wonders he has done.
He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children,
so the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.
They would not be like their ancestors—
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
whose hearts were not loyal to God,
whose spirits were not faithful to him (NIV).
Reflection
Psalm 78 begins with a simple imperative statement: My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.
The next generation — photo by David Kitz
Hearing and listening are very simple commands. There is nothing particularly difficult about hearing or listening. But… but it seems most of humanity’s problems stem from not hearing or listening. Most marital breakdowns come as a result of a refusal to listen to one another. Intergenerational conflict results from a breakdown in communication. One party may be speaking, but the other party isn’t listening. Even on the international stage, when nations refuse to talk to one another, the next step is usually war.
Why do we stop listening or hearing? Is it because we don’t like what the other person is saying? How does that affect our relationship with God? Have we stopped listening to His voice because we don’t like what He says? Have we stopped listening to the voice of our conscience? Good listening starts with listening to the LORD. When our children stop listening to us we have a problem. Have we in turn listened to them? Telling the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD starts with us hearing and really listening to God. Our children are so very important to us. But it all starts with the LORD. He has something to say to you today. Are you listening?
Response: LORD God, today give me ears to hear what your Spirit is saying to me. I want a listening heart. Help me to really hear the others in my family and workplace. Thanks for listening to me. Amen.
Your Turn: At times I have not listened to God. How about you? How do we change?
Even While I Sleep
02 Thursday Jun 2016
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
Tags
earning a living, God, Kamakura, koi fish, long hours, night shift, sleep
It is useless to get up early and stay up late in order to earn a living. God takes care of his own, even while they sleep (Psalm 127:2, CEV).
Koi fish in a roadside canal. Kamakura, Japan — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is sleep.
In yesterday’s post we were reminded that God never sleeps. Because the LORD never sleeps, we should be able to take our needed rest in peace. Today’s verse from the Psalms affirms that truth.
It is useless to get up early and stay up late in order to earn a living. God takes care of his own, even while they sleep (Psalm 127:2, CEV).
We live in a high stress world. There are so many demands on our time and energy. It’s so easy to get caught up in doing, doing, doing with no time for sleep, rest or relaxation.
Sometimes I need to be reminded that God works while I sleep. The garden grows while I sleep. Answers come while I sleep. Troubles melt away while I sleep, because God takes care of his own. My anxious ways hint at a lack of faith on my part.
Response: LORD God, I place my troubles and concerns in your hands. I am so glad that you work the night shift so that I can enjoy my rest. I trust you to care for me. Amen.
Your Turn: Do worries keep you awake at times? Do you need reminders that God takes care of his own?
He Won’t Go to Sleep
01 Wednesday Jun 2016
Posted in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms
The LORD is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble (Psalm 121:3, CEV).
Moss covered bowl, Kamakura, Japan — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is sleep.
Though we need sleep, God does not. As today’s verse from the Psalms makes clear, He is the God who never sleeps.
The LORD is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble (Psalm 121:3, CEV).
Nothing illustrates this truth quite like the story of when the prophet Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal. Under the sway of Queen Jezebel Israel was divided about which god they should serve, Baal or the LORD. Elijah proposed that the god who answers with fire is the true God who is worthy of worship.
The prophets of Baal were given the first opportunity to have their god ignite their sacrifice. When Baal did not answer the entreaties of his priests, Elijah mocked them. “Pray louder!” he said. “Baal must be a god. Maybe he’s day-dreaming or using the toilet or traveling somewhere. Or maybe he’s asleep, and you have to wake him up” (1 Kings 18:27, CEV).
Elijah doused his sacrifice with water and when he prayed the LORD answered with fire from heaven that consumed even the stones of the altar. Hallelujah!
Our God is alive! He is awake! He never sleeps!
Response: LORD God, I thank you that you are my protector. You surround me with your ever-present care. Because you never sleep, I can always call on you. Amen.
Your Turn: What do the LORD’s constant care and protection mean for you?
Wake Up Refreshed
31 Tuesday May 2016
Posted in Psalms, Tuesday's Truth
Tags
I sleep and wake up refreshed because you, LORD, protect me (Psalm 3:5, CEV).
Fireplace chimney—photo courtesy of Karen Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is sleep.
Did you get a good night’s sleep? I hope so. Sleep is essential for our health and well being. God designed us that way and when we don’t get the required amount of sleep our body protests. Ultimately a tired body is an unproductive body.
Worry and various forms of stress rob us of the sleep we need. But in today’s verse from the Psalms David makes this observation:
I sleep and wake up refreshed because you, LORD, protect me (Psalm 3:5, CEV).
David wrote these words when he was fleeing for his life from his son Absalom. Here he was in the midst of a huge disaster. His son had conspired against him and forced him to flee from Jerusalem. Yet despite the incredible stress King David was under, he slept well. He had committed his life to the LORD, so David could sleep in peace and awake refreshed.
You and I need quiet confidence in the LORD that can bring us through times of stress.
Response: LORD God, grant me confident faith that you will help and protect me during stressful times. My help comes from you. Thank you for the gift of refreshing sleep. Amen.
Your Turn: Do you sometimes have trouble sleeping? What works for you?
Before I Go to Sleep
30 Monday May 2016
Posted in Monday Meditation, Psalms
I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night (Psalm 63:6, CEV).
Stairway to the moon — photo courtesy of Donald Adam
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is sleep.
Our thoughts tell us a great deal about what we value, what attracts us and what we consider important. In general, when our mind is idle or at rest, it turns to the things we love. During such times, David’s mind turned to the LORD. We know this because he penned this verse:
I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night (Psalm 63:6, CEV).
Where do your thoughts go before you go to sleep? Does your mind turn to the Lord as you review the events of the day? Is there a moment of thanksgiving as you consider how events unfolded?
If we love the Lord and are in covenant relationship with Him, then our thoughts should turn to Him as naturally as taking our next breath. Sleep comes easily to those who commit their way and their day into God’s hands.
Response: LORD God, I want my mind to turn to you quickly and easily. I always want to be mindful of your love for me. Your eyes are on the sparrow and on all I do as well. Amen.
Your Turn: Does it require some self-discipline for you to think about the LORD?
With all my Heart
29 Sunday May 2016
Bethesda Fountain, Central Park, New York — photo by David Kitz
With all my heart I praise the Lord,
and with all that I am I praise his holy name!
With all my heart I praise the Lord!
I will never forget how kind he has been
(Psalm 103:1-2, CEV).
Your Path Led through the Sea
27 Friday May 2016
Tags
difficulties, Egypt, Israel, the LORD, the sea, Winston Churchill
Reading: Psalm 77
Verses 16-20
The waters saw you, God,
the waters saw you and writhed;
the very depths were convulsed.
The clouds poured down water,
the heavens resounded with thunder;
your arrows flashed back and forth.
Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
your lightning lit up the world;
the earth trembled and quaked.
Your path led through the sea,
your way through the mighty waters,
though your footprints were not seen.
You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron (NIV).
Reflection
Psalm 77 began with the psalmist in a state of anguish approaching despair. He was filled with questions for the LORD—questions but no answers. This was followed by the psalmist’s decision to recall the miracle-working power of the LORD. He reflects on Israel’s release from bondage in Egypt and in today’s reading he describes their escape through the Red Sea. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.
The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia — photo by David Kitz
Sometimes life will bring us to difficult or even impossible situations. We can see no way forward and it’s impossible to turn back. That’s the situation the people of Israel found themselves in as they set out to escape from Egypt. The sea blocked the way before them and the Egyptian army was pursuing them from behind. They had nowhere to turn but to the LORD.
What did the LORD do? He didn’t take Israel around the problem or over it. He took them through it. We read these words: Your path led through the sea…
During the dark days of World War II, Winston Churchill gave his nation this advice, “If you are going through hell, keep going.”
Don’t stop. Don’t give up and hang your head in despair. You don’t know the moment when the LORD will intervene on your behalf. You don’t know when the sea will part. You don’t know when you will be called to follow the LORD’s invisible footprints onto the floor of the sea. That requires faith—steps of faith. And don’t dillydally along the way. If you are going through hell, keep going. If you are going through the Red Sea, keep going. You don’t want to be caught in the middle. That’s what happened to Egypt’s army. Have faith the LORD will bring you through and by all means keep going.
Response: LORD God, I am facing some difficult challenges. Give me the faith and the courage to keep going. I trust that you will bring me through—through hell and high water by the power of Jesus. Amen.
Your Turn: Are you facing difficult times? Has the LORD brought you through in the past?
City of Peace
26 Thursday May 2016
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
Tags
Your home is on Mount Zion in the city of peace (Psalm 76:2, CEV).
Koranke, Japan — a place of peace — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is cities.
Do you dwell in a city of peace? Cities can be places of violence and crime. But we all want peace and security. Today’s verse from the Psalms speaks about God’s city of peace.
Your home is on Mount Zion in the city of peace (Psalm 76:2, CEV).
Where God is there is peace. If you and I have been reconciled with God, we have the peace of Christ in our hearts. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7, NIV).
God’s city of peace is more than a geographic location where there is no conflict. We can experience the peace of God because Jesus has brought us peace with God by wiping away our sins. Jesus’ peace surpasses anything the world has to offer because it comes from beyond this world.
Will you take some time today to bask in that peace?
Response: LORD God, I thank you today for the peace that Jesus purchased for me on the cross. I can be at rest because my guilt is gone and my eternity is secure in your city of peace. Amen.
Your Turn: What do you do to maintain the peace of Christ in your life?
Rebuilding the City
25 Wednesday May 2016
Posted in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms
Tags
bombing campaign, city, city of Zion, Japan, prayers, rebuilding, Yokohama
You will rebuild the city of Zion.
Your glory will be seen, and the prayers of the homeless will be answered (Psalm 102:16-17, CEV).
Yokohoma, Japan — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is cities.
Last year on this date we returned home to Canada after a three-week stay in Japan. One of the cities we visited was Yokohama. At the end of World War II, Yokohama like many Japanese cities lay in ruins due to the American bombing campaign. As you can see from the photo above, there is no evidence of that destruction visible today.
Today’s verse from the Psalms speaks about God rebuilding a city.
You will rebuild the city of Zion. Your glory will be seen, and the prayers of the homeless will be answered (Psalm 102:16-17, CEV).
This verse reminds us that God gets behind rebuilding projects. He rebuilt the city of Zion after Babylonian invaders destroyed it. But God’s love is not confined to the people of ancient Israel. Through the mercy and redeeming sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God’s love is now available to all—to people of every nation under the sun.
God is in the business of rebuilding cities and broken lives.
Response: LORD God, the enemy has laid waste to areas of my life, my city and my country. But you are building a home of righteousness. I want to be part of your great building project. Amen.
Your Turn: Is there something that needs rebuilding in your life or community?
I love the Psalms 