God and the Roadrunner

19 Thursday Aug 2021

Tags

God's wrath, justice, Roadrunner, Wile E. Coyote

Reading: Psalm 7:10-17
My shield is God Most High,
who saves the upright in heart.
God is a righteous judge,
a God who displays his wrath every day.
If he does not relent, he will sharpen his sword;
he will bend and string his bow.
He has prepared his deadly weapons;
he makes ready his flaming arrows.
Whoever is pregnant with evil
conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment.
Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out
falls into the pit they have made.
The trouble they cause recoils on them;
their violence comes down on their own heads.
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness;
I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High (NIV).*

Itchy bunny video by David Kitz

Reflection
Ah justice, sweet justice! When we take justice into our own hands, it always has a boomerang effect. I am reminded of Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner when I read these words from Psalm 7: Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made.

In those Saturday cartoons of my youth, poor Wile E. must have dug a hundred pits and he fell into them every time. Every clever scheme backfired catastrophically. The Roadrunner always escaped. To paraphrase the words of this psalm, the trouble Wile E. caused recoiled on him; his violence came down on his own head. Even now can you picture the anvil falling on the hapless coyote, as he lies in a crumpled heap at the bottom of the canyon? The cartoonist and the psalmist must have been reading from the same script!

Somehow we often have the mistaken impression that getting even works—that scoring points at the expense of our neighbor elevates us somehow. If snide sarcasm and putdowns elevate us, then it’s the kind of elevation we often see in cartoons. Our clever, cutting remarks run us out off the edge of a cliff, and like the cartoons, there we stand in the middle of thin air—the last one to realize we are heading down fast. That’s justice, sweet justice, Psalm 7 style.

If as this psalm states, God displays his wrath every day, it’s because we reap the reward of our sinful actions. In our selfishness, we harm instead of building up those around us. We try to pull ahead by pulling others down. It’s a strategy doomed to failure. It always backfires. God and the Roadrunner will see to that.

Response: Heavenly Father, today show me how I can build others up instead of tearing them down. I want to be more like you, Lord Jesus. You came to lift others. In my interactions today, help me do the same. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you encouraged someone lately with a positive word? Did that bring a reward?

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

https://BibleGateway.com/blog/bloggergrid/

Volume III of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer by award-winning author David Kitz is available now. Journey through the Psalms in a year. For a closer look at Volumes I and II click here.

I Have Nothing to Hide

18 Wednesday Aug 2021

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 7

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Tags

God's word, judgment, repent, righteous

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

Reading: Psalm 7:1-9

Heavenly Father,
I open my heart and my mind to your probing.
I have nothing to hide,
since you see all and know all,
even the hidden things of the heart.
Help me repent where needed.
Amen.

Volume III of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer by award-winning author David Kitz is available now. For a closer look at Volumes I and II click here. Journey through the Psalms in a year.

God Probes Minds and Hearts

18 Wednesday Aug 2021

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 7, Psalms

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

attitudes of the heart, integrity, transparency, word of God

Reading: Psalm 7:1-9
A shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite.
LORD my God, I take refuge in you;
save and deliver me from all who pursue me,
or they will tear me apart like a lion
and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.
LORD my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands—
if I have repaid my ally with evil or without cause have robbed my foe—
then let my enemy pursue and overtake me;
let him trample my life to the ground and make me sleep in the dust.
Arise, LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies.
Awake, my God; decree justice.
Let the assembled peoples gather around you,
while you sit enthroned over them on high.
Let the LORD judge the peoples.
Vindicate me, LORD, according to my righteousness,
according to my integrity, O Most High.
Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure—
you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts (NIV).*

Let your light shine in my heart — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Have you ever been falsely accused? Have you been accused of wrong doing by someone you consider a friend? That can be a deeply hurtful experience. In the context of this psalm, that’s the situation that David found himself in. He stands accused of repaying his ally with evil.

How did David respond? Did he strike down his accuser? Remember that David is the king. It is within his power to act—to unleash his vengeance. Is that his just and righteous response? No, he takes his case before the LORD. In prayer he declares, “Let the LORD judge the peoples.” He invites God to judge him. He presents his case before the righteous God who probes minds and hearts.

That takes some courage; that takes some integrity. That takes a level of faith and transparency that we often see lacking in men of position and power. Are you willing to let God probe your heart and your mind? What might He find hidden away in there? The writer of the Book of Hebrews reminds us about the power of God’s word, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

David was a man of God. He submitted his heart and mind to the all-seeing eye of God. He wanted the sin source cut off within him. Right thinking and righteous judgment begin when God and His word gain entry to your heart.

Response: LORD, I open my heart and my mind to your probing. I have nothing to hide, since you see all and know all, even the hidden things of the heart. Help me repent where needed. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you transparent before God? Why do we think we can hide something from God?

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

https://BibleGateway.com/blog/bloggergrid/

I Pour out My Problems before You

17 Tuesday Aug 2021

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 6

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

hurts, mercy of God, problems, struggles

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

Reading: Psalm 6

Heavenly Father,
I pour out my problems, hurts and struggles before you.
Hear my prayer.
I know you are a God of mercy.
I open myself to you.
Amen.

Poured Out before the LORD

17 Tuesday Aug 2021

Posted by davidkitz in Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

abandoned, David, Prayer, Psalms

Reading: Psalm 6
For the director of music. With stringed instruments.
According to sheminith. A psalm of David.
LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.
Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint;
heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.
My soul is in deep anguish.
How long, LORD, how long?
Turn, LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.
Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
Who praises you from the grave?
I am worn out from my groaning.
All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.
My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.
Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping.
The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.
All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;
they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame (NIV).*

Bilberry Creek — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
The life of a God-follower isn’t all happy days and sunny skies, as some preachers might have you believe. On the contrary, hard times and grief may frequent our way. Does that mean we are out of the will of God? Has God abandoned us during these times of inner turmoil, struggle and hardship?

Judging by the life and experience of David as expressed through the psalms, the answer is a resounding, “No.” God has not abandoned you.

David met with God during these times of difficulty. He poured out his complaint before the LORD. He pleaded with God; he held nothing back. Take a look at some of the keywords in this psalm: agony, anguish, groaning, weeping, tears, and sorrow. David experienced all these emotions. He didn’t bottle them up. He poured them out before the LORD in prayer.

Many believers suffer from a form of spiritual constipation. They are filled with anger, hurt and bitter disappointment. Life has been hard, but they are afraid to take their anguish before God. They put on a brave face for the world and the church, but inwardly they are dying. They need a massive dose of the Psalms of David—psalms of self-emptying—pouring out their heart.

Fear not; God can handle your anguish and anger. He won’t smite you dead for being honest about your feelings. Here is some sound advice. Are you hurt or feeling broken? Take it to the Lord in prayer. Then take heart from what David says in the conclusion to this psalm, “The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.“

Response: Dear God, I pour out my problems, hurts and struggles before you. Hear my prayer. I know you are a God of mercy. I open myself to you. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you bottling up things that should be released to the Lord? Does heartfelt prayer bring relief?

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

https://BibleGateway.com/blog/bloggergrid/

Show Me the Way

16 Monday Aug 2021

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 5

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

enemies, God's protection, joy

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

Reading: Psalm 5:8-12

Heavenly Father,
lead me.
I can’t see the dangers ahead.
Often I am unaware of the enemies trying to undermine my life
and my love for you.
Go before me.
Show me the way, Lord Jesus,
because you are the way.
Amen.

20/20 Vision

16 Monday Aug 2021

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 5, Psalms

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

enemies, protection, Psalms, the LORD

Reading: Psalm 5:8-12
Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies—
make your way straight before me.
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies.
Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you (NIV).*

Blooming gerbera — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
How good is your eyesight? Is it 20/20? How well do you score on an eye exam? I recently had elective lens replacement surgery. I simply got tired of wearing glasses. They were the bane of my childhood. I was an active lad and in those early years I can’t begin to count the number of times I broke or damaged the frames.

Going without glasses was not an option. I was practically blind without them; everything was a blur.

Today’s reading from Psalm 5 begins with David making this request: Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make your way straight before me.

Trust me on this point. If you can’t see clearly, you may need someone to lead you. David recognized his need. Because of his enemies, he needed the LORD to lead him. He knew his enemies were waiting to ambush him at any moment. But where were they? Enemies in hiding are not easily spotted. That’s why like David, we need the LORD. He sees everything.

My greatest enemies are not parading around out in the open. They are lurking within. Pride and selfish ambition come dressed in various disguises. It’s easy to justify that lingering eye or wayward glance. Somehow we have 20/20 vision for that sort of thing.

The truth is I too need the LORD to lead me because of the enemies of my soul. How about you? Now here is the outcome we want: But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Response: LORD God, lead me. I can’t see the dangers ahead. Often I am unaware of the enemies that are trying to undermine my life and my love for you. Go before me. Show me the way, Lord Jesus, because you are the way. Amen.

Your Turn: How is your spiritual vision? Can you see the enemies that derail your progress?

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Your Perfect Timing

15 Sunday Aug 2021

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 69, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

God's favor, patience, peace, salvation

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

Reading: Psalm 69:13-18

Heavenly Father,
favor me.
Show up in your perfect timing.
I need you now.
I need you always.
You know best.
Teach me patience and grant me peace.
Answer me with your sure salvation.
Amen.

The LORD Hears the Needy

15 Sunday Aug 2021

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 69, Psalms

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Tags

salvation, the LORD, the needy, the poor

I will praise the LORD!

Pink pentagon — photo by David Kitz

(Psalm 69:29-33, NIV)*

But as for me, afflicted and in pain—
    may your salvation, God, protect me.
   I will praise God’s name in song
    and glorify him with thanksgiving.
This will please the LORD more than an ox,
    more than a bull with its horns and hooves.
The poor will see and be glad—
    you who seek God, may your hearts live!
The LORD hears the needy
    and does not despise his captive people.

Volume III of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer by award-winning author David Kitz is available now. For a closer look at Volumes I and II click here.

Hearing the Voice of God

14 Saturday Aug 2021

Posted by davidkitz in Psalms, Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

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Tags

David Kitz, Devotions, hearing God, praise, Prayer, Psalms

The Psalms speak to our deepest needs! P 365-120120

God speaks to us—to humanity—through His word. This has been the case since the first God-inspired, God-directed scribe took pen and ink in hand. For over three millennia men and women have heard the voice of God through words of Holy Scripture.

How do we draw meaning from these words? In the twenty-first century can the word of God come alive to us and speak to our hearts? Are there insights we can draw upon by looking at the prayer and devotional life of the ancient Hebrews?

Within the Psalms we hear the deepest longings of the human heart. Here we find the full range of human experience—experiences that bring 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? RGB72PsalmsVol2

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, the devil urged him to turn stones into bread. Jesus responded by saying, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4)

If for you, God’s word has been as palatable as stone, then ask the Holy Spirit to bring His word to life. In the Psalms we find life. We discover real people in a real relationship with God. Here we tap into the biblical fount of prayer and praise. Through the Psalms we discover what it means to know God and be fully known by Him.

For the past number of years, award-winning author, David Kitz has been bringing the Psalms to life through the medium of live drama. Here now in book form, from an actor and pastor’s perspective, he provides insight into the prayers and praise of the psalmist.

Vol III 2021-07-26 As you read these daily devotions listen. Listen and let God speak. Let Him speak to you through His living, Holy Word.

Come now and find yourself before your God through the eternal poetry of the Psalms.

Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer by award-winning author David Kitz is available now. Begin your personal, year-long journey through the Psalms. For a closer look at Volumes I and II click here.

I love the Psalms

~ Connecting daily with God through the Psalms

God and the Roadrunner

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

I Have Nothing to Hide