Forest trail, Orleans, ON – photo by David Kitz
Come and Praise your LORD!
02 Saturday Jul 2016
Posted in Psalms, Saturday's Psalm
Category Archives: Psalms
Yet He Was Merciful
01 Friday Jul 2016
Reading: Psalm 78
Verses 32-39
In spite of all this, they kept on sinning;
in spite of his wonders, they did not believe.
So he ended their days in futility
and their years in terror.
Whenever God slew them, they would seek him;
they eagerly turned to him again.
They remembered that God was their Rock,
that God Most High was their Redeemer.
But then they would flatter him with their mouths,
lying to him with their tongues;
their hearts were not loyal to him,
they were not faithful to his covenant.
Yet he was merciful;
he forgave their iniquities
and did not destroy them.
Time after time he restrained his anger
and did not stir up his full wrath.
He remembered that they were but flesh,
a passing breeze that does not return (NIV).
Reflection
Psalm 78 is a lengthy indictment against the people of Israel for their unfaithfulness to the LORD. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that these were the people of God—His chosen people—yet they responded with lies, unbelief and disloyalty. If this is how the people of God conduct themselves, what are we to expect from those who do not know the LORD?
Autumn in Central Park, New York, NY — photo by David Kitz
Unfortunately, the people of God today are not so different from the people of Israel 3,000 years ago. When we look about the church world, we see a plenty of division, backbiting and sin. All too often hate rules instead of love. We cover ourselves with a fig leaf of self-righteousness and then proceed to attack those who fail to meet our standard. We do all this while we are trapped in our own secret web of sin. We are determined to clean up the world while ignoring our personal pile of filth.
The words of Jesus from his Sermon on the Mount still ring true today, “How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:4-5).
But given this deplorable state of affairs, what does the LORD do? The psalmist states, “Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them.” Like the people of ancient Israel, we are saved not because of our righteousness, but solely because of God’s mercy and grace.
Response: LORD God, I cannot boast because of my righteousness. You know all my shortcomings. I have an impressive pile of personal sin. Forgive me through the mercy of your son, Jesus. Amen.
Your Turn: Have you been guilty of pointing out the faults of others while ignoring your own?
Nations Bow Down
30 Thursday Jun 2016
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
You created each nation, and they will all bow down to worship and honor you (Psalm 86:9, CEV).
Petrie Island Park, Orleans, ON — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is bowing.
Before he ascended into heaven Jesus gave his disciples this command:
“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world” (Matthew 28:18-20, CEV).
Jesus promised he would be present and engaged with us as we spread the good news of his death and resurrection among the nations. In Psalm 86 we also have the promise that our mission will be successful.
You created each nation, and they will all bow down to worship and honor you (Psalm 86:9, CEV).
In this dark world Jesus and the gospel message shine as a light—a light the world and the imps of hell cannot extinguish. As we face the future, we can have great confidence because each nation will bow down to worship and honor you.
Response: LORD God, help me to do my part to bring your gospel message to the nations. I bow before you knowing that all over the world others too will bow to worship you. Amen.
Your Turn: How are you fulfilling Christ’s final command?
Foreign Gods
29 Wednesday Jun 2016
Posted in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms
Don’t worship foreign gods or bow down to gods you know nothing about (Psalm 81:9, CEV).
Early morning glory — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is bowing.
With each passing year it becomes more apparent that we live in a global village. My friendly neighbors across the street speak Arabic and were born in Lebanon. My barber is Chinese. My favorite restaurant serves Indian cuisine. My wife’s best friend is indigenous. The truth is we live in a multicultural society and to be frank, I like it that way.
What are we then to make of this injunction from the Psalms:
Don’t worship foreign gods or bow down to gods you know nothing about (Psalm 81:9, CEV).
In Psalm 81 the LORD, Yahweh, was addressing the wayward people of Israel, who had turned their backs on Him. They were chasing after other gods, rather than the LORD who had saved them from bondage in Egypt.
For many of us who live in countries with a Christian heritage, this command from the Psalms rings true. As a society we too have abandoned the Lord Jesus, who saved us from a cesspool of sin and corruption. I have met many foreigners and immigrants who are more zealous for the Lord Jesus than those who were born here.
When I was born again by the grace of the Spirit of God, I became a citizen of an eternal kingdom that transcends race and national borders. Today I bow before the King of that kingdom.
Response: LORD God, I want to be true to you, worshipping only you. Help me reflect your love to others today. Amen.
Your Turn: Are you a multicultural Christian?
Almost in the Grave
28 Tuesday Jun 2016
Posted in Psalms
All who are rich and have more than enough will bow down to you, Lord. Even those who are dying and almost in the grave will come and bow down (Psalm 22:29, CEV).
Forest glade, Gatineau Park, QC — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is bowing.
A few days ago I heard an acquaintance remark that she was glad that her mother turned to the Lord two weeks before her death. Of course that is very good news, but it’s also unfortunate that this mother put off getting her heart right before God until the very end of her life. She missed out on years of the joy and peace that only Jesus can bring.
Why do so many people stubbornly refuse to bow before God until they are staring death in the face? The psalmist, David wrote about this phenomena.
All who are rich and have more than enough will bow down to you, Lord. Even those who are dying and almost in the grave will come and bow down (Psalm 22:29, CEV).
It seems we want to be the masters of our own destiny, until the only destiny before us is the grave. We wrongly assume that the Lord is a hard taskmaster, but the devil, the world and our selfish nature drive their own hard bargain. They are the real slave masters.
Who will you serve?
Response: LORD God, I bow before you. I want to serve you now and for eternity. Give me a willing heart to serve you and your people with joy for all the days you give me. Amen.
Your Turn: Are you serving yourself or God? Examine your heart for your true motives.
Bowing before Royalty
27 Monday Jun 2016
Posted in Monday Meditation, Psalms
Because of your great mercy, I come to your house, LORD, and I am filled with wonder as I bow down to worship at your holy temple (Psalm 5:7, CEV).
Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is bowing.
When was the last time you bowed? I don’t mean a slight nod of the head; I mean a deep reverential bow. There’s not much bowing done in western societies unlike in Japan. After living there for a time, bowing became second nature for me. I even remember bowing to other drivers at four-way stops.
I recently saw a picture of ladies curtsying as Queen Elizabeth II passed by on the occasion of her ninetieth birthday celebration. Bending the knee or bowing the head are signs of submission, respect and willingness to serve.
Are we willing to submit and serve the great King? King David was not too great to bow before the LORD. We read of his willing submission in Psalm 5.
Because of your great mercy, I come to your house, LORD, and I am filled with wonder as I bow down to worship at your holy temple (Psalm 5:7, CEV).
Consider this. We have the privilege to serve the LORD our King today.
Response: LORD God, I bow before you. I am your servant. Give me ears that hear you calling. Give me a willing heart to serve. You are my eternal King. Amen.
Your Turn: Do you enjoy serving or being served?
He Rules the Whole Creation
26 Sunday Jun 2016
Posted in Psalms, Sunday's Psalm
Tags
Central Park, New York, NY — photo by David Kitz
God has set up his kingdom
in heaven,
and he rules
the whole creation.
(Psalm 103:19, CEV)
He Keeps His Promises
25 Saturday Jun 2016
Posted in Psalms, Saturday's Psalm
The Bread of Angels
24 Friday Jun 2016
Reading: Psalm 78
Verses 23-31
Yet he gave a command to the skies above
and opened the doors of the heavens;
he rained down manna for the people to eat,
he gave them the grain of heaven.
Human beings ate the bread of angels;
he sent them all the food they could eat.
He let loose the east wind from the heavens
and by his power made the south wind blow.
He rained meat down on them like dust,
birds like sand on the seashore.
He made them come down inside their camp,
all around their tents.
They ate till they were gorged—
he had given them what they craved.
But before they turned from what they craved,
even while the food was still in their mouths,
God’s anger rose against them;
he put to death the sturdiest among them,
cutting down the young men of Israel (NIV).
Reflection
Several years ago I received some wise counsel from a pastor. He said, “Be careful what you pray for. You may get what you want. And that’s not always a good thing.”
Mackenzie King Estate, Gatineau Park, QC – photo by David Kitz
What happens when we get exactly what we want? For the answer to that question we should consult with million-dollar lottery winners. Obviously, they got what they wanted when they bought their lottery ticket. Sociologists who do long-term studies on lottery winners will tell you that in some cases winning the “big one” ends in disaster. Some people have managed to fritter away millions in a perpetual party lifestyle that leaves them physically broken and bankrupt in less than five years. Others have maintained their wealth and their health, but they have become socially isolated with family relationships in ruins. Getting what we want doesn’t and more than we need doesn’t always end well.
In today’s reading from Psalm 78, we learn that despite Israel’s rebellious ways, God gave the people exactly what they wanted and more than they needed. Human beings ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat.
The greatest temptation we face may not be denying God in the face of poverty, but rather neglecting Him in the midst of wealth. When God gives us the wealth we want, the end result may be the impoverishment of our spirits. Be careful what you pray.
Response: LORD God, help me to find my contentment in you and not in the abundance of my possessions. If your blessings come, help me to be a wise and generous manager that seeks first the Kingdom of God. Amen.
Your Turn: Have your answered prayers led to regrets later on?
Creating Purity
23 Thursday Jun 2016
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
Tags
adultery, create, David, God, Holy Spirit, murder, pornography, purity
Create pure thoughts in me
and make me faithful again.
Don’t chase me away from you
or take your Holy Spirit
away from me
(Psalm 51:10-11, CEV).
Tulip beds, Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is creating.
King David, the author of many of the Psalms, fell deep into sin. Adultery and murder are about as deep as anyone can sink and David sank that low. But when Nathan, the prophet, confronted King David, he repented and prayed these words:
Create pure thoughts in me and make me faithful again. Don’t chase me away from you or take your Holy Spirit away from me (Psalm 51:10-11, CEV).
The New International Version reads, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Beauty and truth are found in both translations cited here. But what is most striking is David’s admission that it’s not within his power to create a pure heart or pure thoughts. The purity David needed is not found in himself. Purity comes from God and from Him alone.
In a world of violence and quick-access pornography, we desperately need purity—God created purity that comes from His throne room.
Response: LORD God, create pure thoughts in me. Create in me a pure heart. Holiness comes from you and without holiness we cannot see you, LORD. Speak your creative word into the dark places of my life.
Your Turn: Are you in the grip of pornography? Do you believe God can free you?
