Gratitude in Pain

30 Monday Dec 2024

Tags

affliction, determination, devotion, encouragement, faith, God, gratitude, praise, Reflection, song, spirit, thanksgiving, trials, trust, worship

Reading: Psalm 69:29-36
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.
Let heaven and earth praise him,
the seas and all that move in them,
for God will save Zion
and rebuild the cities of Judah.
Then people will settle there and possess it;
the children of his servants will inherit it,
and those who love his name will dwell there (NIV).

Word - Growth

Reflection
The word ‘despite’ does not appear in this final reading from Psalm 69, but despite its absence it’s at the core of what David is saying here.

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 (v. 29-30).

Despite affliction and pain David resolves to praise God and give Him thanks. David decides to rise above his circumstances. He does not give into his troubles and sorrows. He does not yield to the complaints of his body. Not by the flesh, but in the Spirit, he rises above his afflictions.

Often, I would rather wallow in my difficulties and coddle my discomforts. But the LORD calls us to live on a higher plane. It takes praise, thanksgiving, and a song in our heart to lift us to that higher level. But before the song comes and the praise begins to flow, we determine our response. We must decide. We have a ‘but-as-for-me’ moment.

Despite opposition from our flesh, despite the doubts and misgivings of our peers, we determine that God is worthy of our praise. He is the God of the afflicted—not just the God of the feel-good set—so let the thanksgiving begin and praise burst forth.

Often God sees our heart and He intervenes and our situation changes. But if not, He is still worthy of wholehearted praise. Take time to praise and thank Him now.

Response: LORD God, in my difficulties I praise you. This pain-prone human flesh praises you. Thank you for this life you have given me. Your goodness and mercy never end. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you living in a season when praise comes easily? Is praise difficult for you at times? Why?

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Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

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Regard for Your Covenant

29 Sunday Dec 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 74, Psalms

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Tags

covenant, fools, God, God's protection, oppressed, praise the LORD, the LORD, violence

I will praise the LORD!

Winter sun — photo by Donald Adam

Remember how the enemy has mocked you, LORD,
how foolish people have reviled your name.
Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts;
do not forget the lives of your afflicted people forever.
Have regard for your covenant,
because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.
Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace;
may the poor and needy praise your name.
Rise up, O God, and defend your cause;
remember how fools mock you all day long.
Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries,
the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.
(Psalm 74:18-23, NIV) *

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

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The Maker of Summer and Winter

28 Saturday Dec 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 74, Psalms

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Tags

God, king, praise the LORD, salvation, seasons, summer, the Creator, winter

I will praise the LORD!

Photo by David Kitz

But God is my King from long ago;
    he brings salvation on the earth.

It was you who split open the sea by your power;
    you broke the heads of the monster in the waters.
It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan
    and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert.
It was you who opened up springs and streams;
    you dried up the ever-flowing rivers.
The day is yours, and yours also the night;
    you established the sun and moon.
It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
    you made both summer and winter.
(Psalm 74:12-17, NIV) *

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

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Give Me Courage

27 Friday Dec 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 69, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

courage, faithful, Holy Spirit, Jesus, power of the Holy Spirit, Prayer, Psalms, standing firm

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

Reading: Psalm 69:19-28

Lord Jesus,
you suffered rejection on my behalf.
Help me be faithful to you
when the world mocks you.
Help me stand true.
Give me courage
through the power of your Holy Spirit.
Amen.

— — —

Then they [the Sanhedrin] called them in again
and commanded them not to speak
or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John replied,
“Which is right in God’s eyes:
to listen to you, or to him?
You be the judges!
As for us,
we cannot help speaking
about what we have seen and heard.”
(Acts 4:18-20)*

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

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Faithfulness Amid Mockery

27 Friday Dec 2024

Posted by adeyemiasaba1 in Psalms

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Tags

betrayal, courage, crucifixion, faith, Holy Spirit, Jesus, prophecy, rejection, testing

Reading: Psalm 69:19-28
You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed;
all my enemies are before you.
Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless;
I looked for sympathy, but there was none,
for comforters, but I found none.
They put gall in my food
and gave me vinegar for my thirst.
May the table set before them become a snare;
may it become retribution and a trap.
May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,
and their backs be bent forever.
Pour out your wrath on them;
let your fierce anger overtake them.
May their place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in their tents.
For they persecute those you wound
and talk about the pain of those you hurt.
Charge them with crime upon crime;
do not let them share in your salvation.
May they be blotted out of the book of life
and not be listed with the righteous (NIV).

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Reflection
Vinegar is not the first thing I would reach for if I wanted to quench my thirst. Vinegar sets my teeth on edge. It curdles milk. It crinkles the stomach. Why? Because it’s acid, a naturally occurring acid.

You don’t give your friend acid to drink. But at his crucifixion that’s what the soldiers gave Jesus to quench his thirst. The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar (Luke 23:36).

Like many of David’s psalms, there is a prophetic element in them, and in this portion of Psalm 69, we see that prophetic element vividly portrayed. Jesus experienced the rejection described here. His friends deserted him. There were none to comfort him. He was scorned, disgraced, and shamed. As he hung dying, he was given vinegar for his thirst.

The retribution this psalm calls for fell on Judas. In Acts 1:20, Peter references this psalm as he speaks of the judgment that fell on Judas for his betrayal of Jesus. Yet in his moment of weakness even Peter denied knowing the Lord.

When our time of testing comes will we stand true to the Lord?

Response: Lord Jesus, you suffered rejection on my behalf. Help me be faithful to you when the world mocks you. Help me stand true. Give me courage through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Your Turn: Are there times when you have failed to take a stand for the Lord? Has fear hindered you? How have you stood true, aligning yourself with Jesus?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

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God Changed Saul’s Heart

26 Thursday Dec 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 69

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

God, perfect timing, Prayer, prophet Samuel, prophets, Psalms, salvation, Saul

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

Reading: Psalm 69:13-18

Father God,
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.

— — —

As Saul turned to leave Samuel,
God changed Saul’s heart,
and all these signs were fulfilled that day.
When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah,
a procession of prophets met him;
the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him,
and he joined in their prophesying.
When all those who had formerly known him
saw him prophesying with the prophets,
they asked each other,
“What is this that has happened to the son of Kish?
Is Saul also among the prophets?”
(1 Samuel 10:9-11)*

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

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When the LORD Shows Up, Everything Changes

26 Thursday Dec 2024

Posted by adeyemiasaba1 in Psalms

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Tags

devotion, faith, God, patience, Prayer, Psalms, Reflection, timing, trust, waiting

Reading: Psalm 69:13-18
But I pray to you, LORD,
in the time of your favor;
in your great love, O God,
answer me with your sure salvation.
Rescue me from the mire,
do not let me sink;
deliver me from those who hate me,
from the deep waters.
Do not let the floodwaters engulf me
or the depths swallow me up
or the pit close its mouth over me.
Answer me, LORD, out of the goodness of your love;
in your great mercy turn to me.
Do not hide your face from your servant;
answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.
Come near and rescue me;
deliver me because of my foes (NIV).

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Reflection
I have a confession to make and here it is. I don’t understand God.

Maybe a better way of putting this is to say I have a limited understanding of God. Yes, I have studied a lot about God, and I have written a lot about Him, but my understanding is small—minuscule beside an all-knowing God of infinite wisdom.

In particular, I do not understand God’s timing. When I pray, I want prompt answers. I run my life by a clock and a schedule, but God seems quite unimpressed by my propensity for planning. He’s been known to show up when I least expect Him. Furthermore, when I desperately want Him to put in an appearance, He usually keeps me waiting.

God can be unpredictable like a bad date. Speaking of a date, dear Lord, is that answer I want coming tomorrow, next week or next year?

Apparently, I’m in good company. David seemed to have the same problem with God. Hear his plea, “But I pray to you, LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation” (v. 13).

Winter glory — photo by David Kitz

There’s one thing I know. God is not my heavenly bellhop. But amazing things happen in the time ofGod’s favor. So, like David, I’ll call out to Him. I’ll wait for Him. He is well worth waiting for, because when the LORD shows up everything changes. I change, the world changes.

Response: LORD God, 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.

Your Turn: Do you sometimes get impatient with God? Can you recall occasions when you learned to wait on His timing?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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

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I Bring You Good News

25 Wednesday Dec 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Christmas

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Tags

Bethlehem, Christmas, joy, manger, Mary, Mary and Joseph, Messiah, shepherds, the LORD

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

Reading: Psalm 69:6-12

LORD God,
give me a zeal for your house
and your presence.
As the months and years roll by,
I want my values to be reflected
in my actions and my passion for you, Lord.
On this Christmas Day,
replace my lukewarm heart
with a burning desire to know
and love you more.
Amen.

— — —

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,
keeping watch over their flocks at night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news
that will cause great joy for all the people.
Today in the town of David
a Savior has been born to you;
he is the Messiah,
the Lord.
This will be a sign to you:
You will find a baby wrapped in cloths
and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host
appeared with the angel,
praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace
to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them
and gone into heaven,
the shepherds said to one another,
“Let’s go to Bethlehem
and see this thing that has happened,
which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off
and found Mary and Joseph,
and the baby,
who was lying in the manger.
When they had seen him,
they spread the word concerning
what had been told them about this child,
and all who heard it were amazed
at what the shepherds said to them.
But Mary treasured up all these things
and pondered them in her heart.
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
for all the things they had heard and seen,
which were just as they had been told.

(Luke 2:8-7)*

As you celebrate our Savior’s birth
let the joy of Jesus flood your heart.

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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Living Out Our Values in Faith

25 Wednesday Dec 2024

Posted by adeyemiasaba1 in Psalms

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Tags

Discipleship, faith, God, passion, presence, priorities, Reflection, values, worship, zeal

Reading: Psalm 69:6-12
Lord, the LORD Almighty,
may those who hope in you
not be disgraced because of me;
God of Israel,
may those who seek you
not be put to shame because of me.
For I endure scorn for your sake,
and shame covers my face.
I am a foreigner to my own family,
a stranger to my own mother’s children;
for zeal for your house consumes me,
and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.
When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn;
when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me.
Those who sit at the gate mock me,
and I am the song of the drunkards (NIV).

360_F_941527329_UqD8J6pCp9Y3GdTIrWBstcW6CLelqhQt

Reflection
With the approach of a new year many of us set goals and consider our progress over the past year. Our personal goals spring from those things we value and hold dear. So, what did David, the author of this psalm, value and hold dear? According to his own words, David was motivated by his zeal for the house of God. He longed to be in God’s presence and to seek His face. He placed his love for God ahead of his love for even his family.

I am a foreigner to my own family, a stranger to my own mother’s children; for zeal for your house consumes me… (v. 8-9).

Many of us would call that misplaced zeal, even fanaticism. But Jesus called for precisely this kind zeal from his disciples. He calls for a radical transformation in the lives of his followers. Are you a disciple, or are you following at a distance? His words are an open challenge to everyone.

“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:37-39).

After Jesus cleansed the temple, his disciples recalled the words from this psalm. His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me” (John 2:17).

Response: LORD God, give me a zeal for your house and your presence. As the months and years roll by, I want my values to be reflected in my actions and my passion for you. Replace my lukewarm heart with a burning desire to know and love you. Amen.

Your Turn: Where does the house of God rate on your zeal meter? Do you value the community of faith to which you belong?

Merry Christmas to all my readers!

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

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Christmas Eve Quote and Prayer

24 Tuesday Dec 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 69, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bethlehem, Christ, Christ's birth, David, Jesus, manger, Mary and Joseph, Prayer, Psalms, Savior

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

Reading: Psalm 69:1-5

LORD God,
thank you for showing us mercy
when we don’t deserve it.
Thank you on this Christmas Eve
for coming to rescue the likes of me.
For this mercy and a thousand more,
I give you thanks.
Amen.

— — —

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree
that a census should be taken
of the entire Roman world.
(This was the first census that took place
while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up
from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea,
to Bethlehem the town of David,
because he belonged to the house
and line of David.
He went there to register with Mary,
who was pledged to be married to him
and was expecting a child.
While they were there,
the time came for the baby to be born,
and she gave birth to her firstborn,
a son.
She wrapped him in cloths
and placed him in a manger,
because there was no guest room
available for them.
(Luke 2:1-7)*

On the eve of our Savior’s birth
let the peace of Christ flood your heart.

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Lebanon, Gaza, and Ukraine!

New from David Kitz
Winner of the 2024 Word Award of Merit in Biblical Studies

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

I will praise the LORD!

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and Ukraine!

I will praise the LORD!

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and Ukraine!

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

Reading: Psalm 69:19-28

Lord Jesus, you suffered rejection on my behalf. Help me be faithful to you when the world mocks you. Help me stand true. Give me courage through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

— — —

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Lebanon, Gaza, and Ukraine!

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

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

Reading: Psalm 69:13-18

Father God,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.

— — —

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Lebanon, Gaza, and Ukraine!

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

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

Reading: Psalm 69:6-12 LORD God, give me a zeal for your house and your presence. As the months and years roll by, I want my values to be reflected in my actions and my passion for you, Lord. On this Christmas Day, replace my lukewarm heart with a burning desire to know and love you more. Amen.

— — —

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

(Luke 2:8-7)*

As you celebrate our Savior’s birth let the joy of Jesus flood your heart.

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Lebanon, Gaza, and Ukraine!

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

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

Reading: Psalm 69:1-5 LORD God, thank you for showing us mercy when we don’t deserve it. Thank you on this Christmas Eve for coming to rescue the likes of me. For this mercy and a thousand more, I give you thanks. Amen.

— — —

On the eve of our Savior’s birth let the peace of Christ flood your heart.

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Lebanon, Gaza, and Ukraine!

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

Lord Jesus,
you suffered rejection on my behalf.
Help me be faithful to you
when the world mocks you.
Help me stand true.
Give me courage
through the power of your Holy Spirit.
Amen.

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

Father God,
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.

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

Reading: Psalm 69:6-12

LORD God,
give me a zeal for your house
and your presence.
As the months and years roll by,
I want my values to be reflected
in my actions and my passion for you, Lord.
On this Christmas Day,
replace my lukewarm heart
with a burning desire to know
and love you more.
Amen.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace
to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them
and gone into heaven,
the shepherds said to one another,
“Let’s go to Bethlehem
and see this thing that has happened,
which the Lord has told us about.”

As you celebrate our Savior’s birth
let the joy of Jesus flood your heart.

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

Reading: Psalm 69:1-5

LORD God,
thank you for showing us mercy
when we don’t deserve it.
Thank you on this Christmas Eve
for coming to rescue the likes of me.
For this mercy and a thousand more,
I give you thanks.
Amen.

On the eve of our Savior’s birth
let the peace of Christ flood your heart.