Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving

21 Thursday Nov 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 56, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

faithfulness of God, God, praise, Prayer, Psalms, thanksgiving, the LORD, the word, trustworthy, word of God

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

Reading: Psalm 56:8-13

LORD God,
I put my trust in your Word.
I praise your life-giving Word
for it is good and completely trustworthy.
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path (Psalm 119:105).
Amen.

— — —

Psalm 100*

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

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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A gripping read from David Kitz

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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.

Whose Word Do You Trust?

21 Thursday Nov 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalms

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Tags

faith, God, Light, meditation, praise, Psalm, salvation, Scripture, trust, word

Reading: Psalm 56:8-13
Record my misery;
list my tears on your scroll—
are they not in your record?
Then my enemies will turn back
when I call for help.
By this I will know that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise,
in the LORD, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can man do to me?
I am under vows to you, my God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.
For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life (NIV).

7_Sept2022_KWH_MainArticle_Graphic

Reflection
Psalm 56 is a relatively short psalm. Yet in this short psalm, David repeats the phrase ‘whose word I praise’ three times. In today’s reading he states, “In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid.”

For me this phrase raises a question. Whose word do I praise? Do I praise God’s word? Do I appreciate and value the written word of God? Have I made it my refuge as it was for David? Is it my sustenance? Do I feed on it daily? While fasting in the wilderness Jesus answered the tempter, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).

Do you trust the living, active word of God to help you today and every day? Trust really is crucial. If I don’t trust God’s word will help, encourage, correct, and sustain me, I won’t bother reading it or meditating on it. I’ll trust in my own abilities or seek direction from other sources.

Trust is crucial in election campaigns. During such campaigns politicians from a variety of parties make their pitch to the electorate. Again, the fundamental question for each voter is whose word, do you trust? Politicians often promise more than they can deliver. Often, I have been let down by a politician who promised to do things differently, but once in office failed to deliver, or became caught up in scandal after scandal. I presume the same disappointment holds true for many voters.

We need to remember salvation won’t ever be achieved at the ballot box. It was achieved at the cross—only at the cross. The remedy for my sin is found there. The living word of God reminds us of that trustworthy, unchanging truth.

Response: LORD God, I put my trust in your word. I praise your life-giving word for it is good and completely trustworthy. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path (Psalm 119:105). Amen.

Your Turn: Do you make it your habit to read and meditate on the word of God? How can you demonstrate your trust in the living active word of God today and every day?

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

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

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

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How to Overcome Fear

20 Wednesday Nov 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 56

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

blood of Jesus, faith in God, Jesus, Prayer, Psalms, redemption, the LORD, trust in God

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

Reading: Psalm 56:1-7

LORD God,
right now I put my faith and trust in you.
By the blood of Jesus,
you forgive all my sins
and have paid the price for my redemption.
When I am afraid,
I turn to you, Lord.
I put my trust in you alone.
Amen.

— — —

When evening came,
his disciples went down to the lake,
where they got into a boat
and set off across the lake for Capernaum.
By now it was dark,
and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing
and the waters grew rough.
When they had rowed about three or four miles,they saw Jesus approaching the boat,
walking on the water;
and they were frightened. But he said to them,
“It is I;
don’t be afraid.”
(John 6:16-20)*

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

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

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

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Winner of the 2024 Word Award of Merit in Biblical Studies

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Who Do You Trust When the Worst Happens?

20 Wednesday Nov 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalms

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Tags

confidence, courage, faith, fear, God, Jesus, peace, Prayer, Psalms, redemption, salvation, trials, trust

Reading: Psalm 56:1-7
For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David.
A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.
Be merciful to me, my God,
for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
all day long they press their attack.
My adversaries pursue me all day long;
in their pride many are attacking me.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
All day long they twist my words;
all their schemes are for my ruin.
They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps, hoping to take my life.
Because of their wickedness do not let them escape;
in your anger, God, bring the nations down (NIV).

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Reflection
In times of trouble David knew where to turn. With his enemies, the Philistines, surrounding him, he turned to God. Hear his bold confession, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

David, the obvious answer is, “Mere mortals can torture and kill you.”

Despite this David remained confident. The Philistines could destroy his body, but they could not harm his eternal spirit which was at peace—protected by God. Do you and I have the same confidence? That confidence can be ours if we put our trust in God.

Jesus warned his disciples, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). The One we are to fear is God alone. Jesus perfectly demonstrated his trust in God the Father when he went to the cross on our behalf. There he was tortured and killed, but three days later he was vindicated by the Father, who raised him from the dead. Our redemption and salvation come from Jesus.

When we face mortal danger or a deadly prognosis may these words be on our lips and in our heart: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (v. 3-4)

Response: LORD God, right now I put my faith and trust in you. By the blood of Jesus, you forgive all my sins and have paid the price for my redemption. When I am afraid, I turn to you. I put my trust in you alone. Amen.

Your Turn: Who do you trust and turn to when bad news comes? Friends and family can provide support, but is your Father—your heavenly Father with you? Are you leaning into Him?

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

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

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

New from David Kitz
TheElishaCodeCVR5

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Do Not Worry about Your Life

19 Tuesday Nov 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 55, Psalms

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Tags

David, God, overcoming worry, Prayer, Psalms, trust in God, worries

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

Reading: Psalm 55:16-23

LORD God,
I cast my worries and cares on you.
I am so thankful you care
about the details of my life.
With the psalmist, David, I can say,
“But as for me, I trust in you.”
Amen.

— — —

“Therefore I tell you,
do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink;
or about your body,
what you will wear.
Is not life more than food,
and the body more than clothes?
Look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?
Can any one of you by worrying
add a single hour to your life^[a]?
(Matthew 6:25-27)*

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

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

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

A gripping read from David Kitz

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Entrusting Our Burdens to God’s Steady Hands

19 Tuesday Nov 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

comfort, faith, God, hope, peace, Prayer, promises, Psalm, Reflection, strength, trust

Reading: Psalm 55:16-23
As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me.
Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress,
and he hears my voice.
He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me,
even though many oppose me.
God, who is enthroned from of old,
who does not change—
he will hear them and humble them,
because they have no fear of God.
My companion attacks his friends;
he violates his covenant.
His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart;
his words are more soothing than oil,
yet they are drawn swords.
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken.
But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay;
the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days.
But as for me, I trust in you (NIV).

Reflection
The phone call wasn’t good news. After our 7,000 km trip to western Canada an oil change was in order, and my wife volunteered to take our car to have that service done. She called back with the news that the car needed new tires and there was a leak in the front-end suspension system. Suddenly a routine oil change turned into a major expense, and this all comes so soon after the costs for our trip. Consequently, these words from Psalm 55 have added meaning for me this morning: Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you (v. 22).

These are minor troubles in the sight of God. He is more than willing to carry them. Speaking prophetically David invites us to cast our cares on the LORD. That includes unexpected bills, injuries, or medical emergencies.

One of my favorite leisure time activities is skipping rocks across the water. There’s something so unnatural about a stone dancing across the water. Stones are supposed to sink, not hop across the waves. But when they are cast with enough force and with the right technique, they do the impossible. They skip across the water.

Notice there is a promise attached to those cares we cast on the LORD. This is the LORD’s promise: He will sustain you. He will sustain us—sustain us amid the impossible. Until like that dancing rock, we safely reach the other side.

Response: LORD God, I cast my worries and cares on you. I am so thankful you care about the details of my life. With the psalmist, David, I can say, “But as for me, I trust in you.” Amen.

Your Turn: What cares do you need to cast onto the LORD today? Take time to pray now.

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

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

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

New from David Kitz
TheElishaCodeCVR5

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Are You Salt and Light?

18 Monday Nov 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 55

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Tags

God, Jesus, Prayer, Psalms, the LORD

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

Reading: Psalm 55:9-15

LORD God,
I want you to find lodging in my heart
through Jesus Christ your Son.
By your mercy grant me a pure heart.
Help me be salt and light in my community
for Jesus’ sake.
Amen.

— — —

“You are the salt of the earth.
But if the salt loses its saltiness,
how can it be made salty again?
It is no longer good for anything,
except to be thrown out and trampled
underfoot.

“You are the light of the world.
A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp
and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand,
and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way,
let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your Father in heaven.
(Matthew 5:24-27)*

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

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Winner of the 2024 Word Award of Merit in Biblical Studies

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Seeking Refuge from Violence

18 Monday Nov 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalms

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Tags

city, evil, faith, Heart, Jesus, Prayer, protection, Reflection, safety

Reading: Psalm 55:9-15
Lord, confuse the wicked; confound their words,
for I see violence and strife in the city.
Day and night they prowl about on its walls;
malice and abuse are within it.
Destructive forces are at work in the city;
threats and lies never leave its streets.
If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it;
if a foe were rising against me, I could hide.
But it is you, a man like myself,
my companion, my close friend,
with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship
at the house of God,
as we walked about among the worshipers.
Let death take my enemies by surprise;
let them go down alive to the realm of the dead,
for evil finds lodging among them (NIV).

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Reflection
My wife and I are currently on a road trip through western Canada. Today I am in Edmonton, a growing, prosperous city of more than a million. Last evening after a passing thunderstorm, I went by myself for a walk in the Mill Creek Ravine. There in the cool of the evening I was surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. After the heat of the day, it was a quiet place of refreshing.

Sad to say, my wife would not dare go for a walk by herself in Mill Creek Ravine. You see, last week in broad daylight, a woman was attacked there by a sexual predator. Earlier in the day I had gone to a nearby bank branch to use an ATM. At the bank, a repairman was replacing a shattered windowpane and the front door had been kicked in—presumably an attempted robbery.

In cities today the words of Psalm 55 ring true. I see violence and strife in the city. Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it. Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets.

Edmonton is no more dangerous than any large city. In fact, it is far safer than most North American cities of comparable size, nevertheless, evil finds lodging here. Evil leaps across geographic boundaries and crosses cultural and racial barriers. Evil finds lodging wherever a human heart entertains hatred, greed or lust. Jesus said all manner of wickedness flows out from the heart. See Matthew 15:19.

The question I need to ask myself is what finds lodging in my heart. Do I open the door to the evil one, to resentment and bitterness? Or do I turn those thoughts away and invite Jesus in?

Response: LORD God, I want you to find lodging in my heart through Jesus Christ your Son. By your mercy grant me a pure heart. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you live in a safe city or neighborhood? Take a moment to pray for your city or community.

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

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

New from David Kitz
TheElishaCodeCVR5

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To Shift a Nation

17 Sunday Nov 2024

Posted by davidkitz in book review

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

books, Christianity, reading, writing

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Repeatedly, I found myself nodding my head in agreement as To Shift author, Craig Docksteader set out sound biblical principles for shifting Canada back to this nation’s Christian roots.

Many Christians are disappointed and angered as they see the country drift away from the moral and spiritual foundation that was established by earlier generations. Legitimately they ask, “How can we bring our nation back to God?” Docksteader systematically sets out the answer to that question.

In short, we need to do the hard work of implementing incremental organic change. This is change that moves from the bottom up transforming society, rather than being imposed from the top down by government authority. This progressive incremental change is how the Kingdom of God is intended to operate among us.

The author provides ample examples of how this change comes about in history and through current life situations. He also points out the errors that many believers are making by trying to impose their will on a post-Christian society.

Finally, I believe, this book is a blueprint for change and revival in Canada, but the truths outlined in this book apply universally. Every Christian should read it.

From Deep Waters

17 Sunday Nov 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 69

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Tags

God's favor, mercy of God, peace, praise the LORD, Psalms, rescue, trouble

I will praise the LORD!

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. *

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

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

A gripping read from David Kitz

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

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

Reading: Psalm 56:8-13 LORD God, I put my trust in your Word. I praise your life-giving Word for it is good and completely trustworthy. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path (Psalm 119:105). Amen.

— — —

Psalm 100*

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, 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 56:1-7 LORD God, right now I put my faith and trust in you. By the blood of Jesus, you forgive all my sins and have paid the price for my redemption. When I am afraid, I turn to you, Lord. I put my trust in you alone. Amen.

— — —

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, 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 55:16-23 LORD God, I cast my worries and cares on you. I am so thankful you care about the details of my life. With the psalmist, David, I can say, “But as for me, I trust in you.” Amen.

— — —

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, 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 55:9-15 LORD God, I want you to find lodging in my heart through Jesus Christ your Son. By your mercy grant me a pure heart. Help me be salt and light in my community for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

— — —

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

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

* 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!

Reading: Psalm 69:13-18

* 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 56:8-13

LORD God,
I put my trust in your Word.
I praise your life-giving Word
for it is good and completely trustworthy.
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path (Psalm 119:105).
Amen.

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

Reading: Psalm 56:1-7

LORD God,
right now I put my faith and trust in you.
By the blood of Jesus,
you forgive all my sins
and have paid the price for my redemption.
When I am afraid,
I turn to you, Lord.
I put my trust in you alone.
Amen.

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

Reading: Psalm 55:16-23

LORD God,
I cast my worries and cares on you.
I am so thankful you care
about the details of my life.
With the psalmist, David, I can say,
“But as for me, I trust in you.”
Amen.

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

Reading: Psalm 55:9-15

LORD God,
I want you to find lodging in my heart
through Jesus Christ your Son.
By your mercy grant me a pure heart.
Help me be salt and light in my community
for Jesus’ sake.
Amen.