I will praise Him!
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Sunset on the Ottawa River — photo by David Kitz
Be Still
02 Thursday Mar 2017
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
Category Archives: Thursday’s Thought
Who cares for the poor?
04 Thursday Aug 2016
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
You, LORD God, bless everyone who cares for the poor, and you rescue those people in times of trouble (Psalm 41:1, CEV).
Fountain, Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is rescuing.
Here’s an old saying, “What goes around, comes around.” It’s a handy proverb that applies in many situations. For example, if we are generous, people will in turn be generous with us. Or if we are cruel, at some point we can expect that others will treat us cruelly. In other words, we reap what we sow.
Today’s verse from the Psalms reminds us of this principle.
You, LORD God, bless everyone who cares for the poor, and you rescue those people in times of trouble (Psalm 41:1, CEV).
God will look after us if we will look after others. He will intervene in our lives and provide the help we need. The day is coming when our generosity will be rewarded. Hardhearted stinginess will be rewarded too, but it’s not the kind of reward that any of us want to get.
St. Paul amplifies these thoughts in his letter to the Galatians. You will harvest what you plant. If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life. Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up. We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord (Galatians 6:7-10).
Response: LORD God, open my eyes to the needs of others today. Show me how I can help in practical ways. Amen.
Your Turn: Have you experienced your generosity coming back to bless you?
From Every Nation and Race
28 Thursday Jul 2016
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
Tags
You created each nation, and they will all bow down to worship and honor you. You perform great wonders because you alone are God (Psalm 86:9-10, CEV).
Stained glass Llewelyn United Church, SK — photo courtesy of Donald Adam
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is wonders.
Though as followers of the Lord Jesus we may go through difficult and discouraging times we can draw strength from this thought: God is in control and He will triumph in the end. Though at present the world may be in turmoil, the day is coming when the Prince of Peace will return. Today’s verse from the Psalms reflects this truth.
You created each nation, and they will all bow down to worship and honor you.
You perform great wonders because you alone are God (Psalm 86:9-10, CEV).
God sent his son to suffer and die to take away the sins of the World. But on the third day God raised Jesus from the dead. Now that’s a great wonder! But I’m not sure which is a greater wonder, the resurrection of Jesus, or God’s love for the likes of you and me?
There is a thought that brings me great peace. Our great Redeemer will bring His elect people together from every nation. That’s the promise of His word.
Then they sang a new song, “You [Jesus] are worthy to receive the scroll and open its seals, because you were killed. And with your own blood you bought for God people from every tribe, language, nation, and race” (Revelation 5:9).
Response: LORD God, what a wonderful hope we have in you. The day is coming when we will all bow down to worship and honor you. Amen.
Your Turn: Are you glad that we will be unified around the throne of God?
From Tears to Celebration
21 Thursday Jul 2016
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
Tags
celebrate, celebration, God, harvest, Malala, Malala Yousafza, Suffering, tears
We cried on the way to plant our seeds,
but we will celebrate and shout
as we bring in the crops (Psalm 126:6, CEV).
Newly planted rice stalks, Nagoya, Japan — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is celebration.
All those who like tears and suffering, please raise your hand. Did your hand shoot up in response to that request? No, you say. Well, if it’s any consolation, I didn’t raise my hand. Tears, pain and suffering are things I avoid at all cost. But strange as it may seem some of the greatest human triumphs come directly from experiencing suffering or loss.
On October 9, 2012, Malala Yousafzai was taken off a school bus and shot in the head by the Taliban for the ‘sin’ of seeking an education. But miraculously she survived. Despite tears and pain she has gone on to promote education for girls and win the Nobel Prize.
Today’s verse from the Psalms reminds us that cries of anguish often precede shouts of celebration.
We cried on the way to plant our seeds, but we will celebrate and shout as we bring in the crops (Psalm 126:6, CEV).
If you are suffering now, take heart. God is well able to turn your sorrow into joy. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy (Psalm 126:5, NIV).
Response: LORD God, I know my tears are not wasted. You value even my suffering. Work good out of those things that bring me pain. I will celebrate the victories you bring. Amen.
Your Turn: Are you suffering at the present time? Do you believe God hears your cries?
God Struck the Rock
14 Thursday Jul 2016
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
“It’s true God struck the rock and water gushed out like a river, but can he give his people bread and meat?” (Psalm 78:20, CEV).
Remic Rapids Park, Ottawa, ON, balanced rock sculptures by John Ceprano — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is rock.
There’s an old saying about how it’s hard to get blood from a stone. But according to today’s verse from the Psalms, God is very good at getting water from a rock.
“It’s true God struck the rock and water gushed out like a river, but can he give his people bread and meat?”(Psalm 78:20, CEV).
This quote from the Psalms refers to the time when the people of Israel were without water in the Sinai Desert. The LORD gave Moses these instructions, “I will be there with you. Strike the rock with the stick, and water will pour out for the people to drink.” Moses did this while the leaders watched (Exodus 17:6).
St. Paul tells us the true significance of the rock that was struck in the wilderness. All of them also ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink, which flowed from the spiritual rock that followed them. That rock was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:3-4).
Jesus is the rock that was struck on our behalf and from him gushes living water that will bring eternal life. He said, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say” (John 7:37-38).
Response: LORD God, I thank you for Jesus, the eternal living rock. Through his shed blood I have everlasting life. Jesus, you are my water of life. Amen.
Your Turn: Is Jesus the rock of your salvation?
Receiving the Land
07 Thursday Jul 2016
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
Tags
You will show the right path to all who worship you. They will have plenty, and then their children will receive the land (Psalm 25:12-13, CEV).
Tulip beds, Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is land.
Are you waiting for your inheritance? Actually, as sons and daughters of the King, we have an eternal inheritance that will be coming our way. We have a promised land that is ours to possess. Today’s verse from the Psalms is a direct promise from the LORD:
You will show the right path to all who worship you. They will have plenty, and then their children will receive the land (Psalm 25:12-13, CEV).
Old Testament Israel was promised a land flowing with milk and honey—a rich inheritance. But there are conditions attached to receiving the promises of God. Israel did not simply waltz in and possess the land they were promised. They had to fight for it. Yes, the LORD fought with them, but in return He expected their love, obedience and worship.
The same principles apply to believers today. The LORD will show the right path to all who worship Him. The LORD may show us the right path, but we must be willing to take it—to walk down that path—His chosen path for our lives.
Response: LORD God, show me the right path. I worship you with my whole heart. Give me a willing heart to enter into your promises that come through a life of love, faith and humble obedience. Amen.
Your Turn: Are you entering into your inheritance?
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?
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?
Perfect!
16 Thursday Jun 2016
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
Tags
Jesus, new life, perfection, perfectionist, the LORD, wisdom, word of God
The Law of the LORD is perfect; it gives us new life. His teachings last forever, and they give wisdom to ordinary people (Psalm 19:7, CEV).
The Word of God — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is wisdom.
I have trouble with the word perfect. Is it possible to achieve perfection on this side of heaven?
During my days as a teacher, I could give a student 100% on a math test where right or wrong answers are not open to interpretation, but on creative writing assignments or essays I simply refused to give a student 100% even if their writing was well thought out and error free. Error free does not mean perfect. Do anyone’s thoughts on a topic encompass all wisdom and knowledge? Of course not. There is always more to learn or understand.
But…but David declared that the Law of the LORD is perfect.
The Law of the LORD is perfect; it gives us new life. His teachings last forever, and they give wisdom to ordinary people (Psalm 19:7, CEV).
The expression the Law of the LORD refers to the written Word of God. God’s written Word is perfect because it does not originate with man. Its source is in God. It comes from heaven even as Jesus came from heaven and is the perfect embodiment of the Word. See John 1:1-5. Jesus came to bring us new life and perfect wisdom.
Response: LORD God, give me a love for your written Word because in it I find wisdom from the living, eternal Word. Lord Jesus, you are the perfection that I need! Amen.
Your Turn: Are you a perfectionist? Are you good enough or do you need the perfection of Jesus?
Jerusalem!
09 Thursday Jun 2016
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
Tags
citizenship, home, homeland, Jerusalem, Kingdom of God, tongue
Jerusalem, if I forget you,
let my right hand go limp.
Let my tongue stick
to the roof of my mouth,
if I don’t think about you
above all else (Psalm 137:5-6, CEV).
Greenery growing on the rampart walls of Jerusalem — photo courtesy of Lois Morrow
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is the tongue.
Today’s verse from the Psalms highlights the psalmist’s love for Jerusalem. While in captivity in Babylon, he longs to return to Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, if I forget you, let my right hand go limp. Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I don’t think about you above all else (Psalm 137:5-6, CEV).
In this verse the psalmist was expressing his deep-felt desire to return home. We all have a homeland and that desire for home never leaves us. We may grow up and move a thousand miles from home, but that desire to return home—and the imprint of that place of belonging remains with us for a lifetime.
On the spiritual level, we too have a homeland and it’s not defined by national borders. Our true homeland is within the Kingdom of God, which is both here and now, and far beyond and forever.
May I never forget that place of spiritual rebirth—that place of belonging near to the heart of God.
Response: LORD God, my real and forever home is with you. I never want to forget that truth. With my tongue I affirm my citizenship is in your eternal Kingdom. Amen.
Your Turn: Are you a citizen of the New Jerusalem? How do you define your citizenship?
I love the Psalms 