Tag Archives: city

Is Your Town a City of God?

20 Tuesday Feb 2018

Posted by in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 87, Psalms

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Reading:                                       Psalm 87

Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. A song.
He has founded his city on the holy mountain.
The LORD loves the gates of Zion
more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you,
city of God:
“I will record Rahab and Babylon
among those who acknowledge me—
Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—
and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”
Indeed, of Zion it will be said,
“This one and that one were born in her,
and the Most High himself will establish her.”
The LORD will write in the register of the peoples:
“This one was born in Zion.”
As they make music they will sing,
“All my fountains are in you” (NIV).

Reflection
Do you love your hometown? I hope you do. I certainly love my hometown, or to be more accurate, my home city. I live in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. Though I wasn’t born or raised in Ottawa, I chose to live here. There’s a lot to love about Ottawa. Like any major world capital, there are plenty of grand museums, galleries, historic buildings and monuments. But I think it’s their situation or setting that makes the city so attractive.

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Remic Rapids Park, Ottawa, ON, balanced rock sculptures by John Ceprano — photo by David Kitz

 Ottawa is situated at the juncture point of three rivers. The scenic Rideau River winds its way through the city from the south before it plunges into the Ottawa River at the Rideau Falls. On the north shore of the Ottawa River the Gatineau River makes its entry after passing through the rugged Gatineau Hills. With three scenic rivers there’s an abundance of city parks and green space.

According to the psalmist, the LORD loves his hometown too. The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, city of God.

During the Old Testament era the LORD chose to dwell in Zion the citadel within Jerusalem. It was David who first brought the Ark of the Covenant to Zion after one of his successful military campaigns. (See 2 Samuel 6.) From that time forward Jerusalem has been called the city of God. It became the city of God because God dwelt there. In due course, His temple was built there.

What about your city or town? Does God dwell there? What truly makes a place remarkable or special is the One who lives there. The presence of God can turn a hut or a humble stable into the portal to heaven. If Jesus is enthroned in your heart then God is truly with you. He is in your city.

Response: LORD God, my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for being so personal—so intimate with me. I want to honor and serve you in my community. Be present and active here. Amen.

Your Turn: What do you like most about your community/city? Is God active in your community?

Destructive Forces at Work in the City

08 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 55, Psalms

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Reading:                                      Psalm 55

 (Verses 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).

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. (Note: This post was written mid-summer two years ago.)

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Central Park, New York, NY — Photo by David Kitz

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 window pane 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 that 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.

The God of the City

20 Friday Oct 2017

Posted by in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 48, Psalms

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Reading:                                       Psalm 48

A song. A psalm of the Sons of Korah.
(Verses 1-8)
Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise,
in the city of our God, his holy mountain.
Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth,
like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion,
the city of the Great King.
God is in her citadels;
he has shown himself to be her fortress.
When the kings joined forces,
when they advanced together,
they saw her and were astounded;
they fled in terror.
Trembling seized them there,
pain like that of a woman in labor.
You destroyed them like ships of Tarshish
shattered by an east wind.
As we have heard, so we have seen
in the city of the LORD Almighty,
in the city of our God:
God makes her secure forever (NIV).

Reflection
I grew up on a farm in wide open rural Saskatchewan, Canada. It was a cross-country mile to the nearest neighbour, but if you stood at the right spot in our farmyard, you could see our neighbour’s house. I loved growing up on the farm and I still love visiting. Who wouldn’t? I was living in God’s country surrounded by the wild beauty of nature in all its varied, changing forms.

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Autumn sunset near MacNutt, Saskatchewan — photo by David Kitz

 But I have spent the last forty years living in the city—actually three rather large cities with populations of more than a million. Is the God of the open country the God of the city too? The psalmist seemed to think so. He begins Psalm 48 with this declaration: Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain.

Of course the sons of Korah were referring to biblical Jerusalem, more specifically Mount Zion, the fortified citadel within the walls of ancient Israel’s capital. God was within her. During the reign of David the Ark of the Covenant—the seat of the LORD’s rule—was housed in the sacred tabernacle on Mount Zion. This was where God dwelt.

Where does God dwell today? As partakers of the new covenant, through the blood of Christ we are the temples of God. Paul, the apostle, asks, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). God dwells in the city too—your city. Whether it’s Calgary, Ottawa, New York or Tokyo, God is within her because His redeemed people live there.

Response: LORD, I thank you because you live within us! Help me to let my light shine in my city. Amen.

Your Turn: How would you characterize your city? How is God revealing His presence there?

Living in a City Under Siege

14 Monday Aug 2017

Posted by in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 31, Psalms

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Reading:                                     Psalm 31

(Verses 21-24)
Praise be to the LORD,
for he showed me the wonders of his love
when I was in a city under siege.
In my alarm I said,
“I am cut off from your sight!”
Yet you heard my cry for mercy
when I called to you for help.
Love the LORD, all his faithful people!
The LORD preserves those who are true to him,
but the proud he pays back in full.
Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD (NIV).

Reflection
David ends Psalm 31 with a testimony to God’s great love and mercy. Hear his declaration: Praise be to the LORD, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.

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The Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa — photo by David Kitz

Are you living in a city under siege? My quick and simple answer is no. My city is not surrounded by enemy troops who are lobbing artillery shells down on my neighbourhood.

While in the physical sense that may be true, in the spiritual realm my city is caught up in active warfare. Demonic forces are firing their missiles into my city. The airwaves and social media feeds are filled with smut and pornography. In the public square Christian faith is routinely mocked and under attack. Atheists trumpet their cause with bestselling books and spew venom on any who dare to embrace the faith.

Meanwhile, pop culture plunges headlong into the deep end of gothic horror, vampire blood lust and zombie self-identification. Then we stand back in amazement when those same young people lash out in murderous deranged madness as happened when five young people were stabbed to death in Calgary or in my hometown when an eighteen-year-old killed his mother.

When you shun God and bed down with the devil, many are going end up hurt. My city is under siege, but with the help and grace of God, I will not succumb to the enemies attack. I will emerge triumphant. David did. And here is his advice for you and me: Love the LORD, all his faithful people!

David’s advice is counterintuitive. Take your eyes off the enemy. Don’t be mesmerized by the devil’s devices and machinations. Your salvation comes from the LORD. Set your heart and your affections on Him. The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Response: LORD God, have mercy on me. I love you, LORD. Preserve me through the unfailing love of your Son, Jesus. I will be strong and take heart because I set my hope on you. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you feel that your faith is under attack? How do you respond? Do you cower or advance?

The City of the Great King

04 Saturday Mar 2017

Posted by in Psalms, Saturday's Psalm

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I will praise Him!

via-dolorosa

Via-Dolorosa in Jerusalem — photo courtesy of Lois Morrow

Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise,
    in the city of our God, his holy mountain.

Beautiful in its loftiness,
    the joy of the whole earth,
like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion,
    the city of the Great King.
God is in her citadels;
    he has shown himself to be her fortress.

(Psalm 48:1-3, NIV)

In Praise of Zion

29 Monday Aug 2016

Posted by in Psalm 87, Psalms

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Reading:                                       Psalm 87

Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. A song.

He has founded his city on the holy mountain.
The LORD loves the gates of Zion
more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.

Glorious things are said of you,
city of God:
“I will record Rahab and Babylon
among those who acknowledge me—
Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—
and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”
Indeed, of Zion it will be said,
“This one and that one were born in her,
and the Most High himself will establish her.”
The LORD will write in the register of the peoples:
“This one was born in Zion.”

As they make music they will sing,
“All my fountains are in you” (NIV).

Reflection

Do you love your hometown? I hope you do. I certainly love my hometown, or to be more accurate, my home city. I live in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. Though I wasn’t born or raised in Ottawa, I chose to live here. There’s a lot to love about Ottawa. Like any major world capital, there are plenty of grand museums, galleries, historic buildings and monuments. But I think it’s their situation or setting that makes the city so attractive.

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Sunset across the Ottawa River — photo by David Kitz

 

Ottawa is situated at the juncture point of three rivers. The scenic Rideau River winds its way through the city from the south before it plunges into the Ottawa River at the Rideau Falls. On the north shore of the Ottawa River the Gatineau River makes its entry after passing through the rugged Gatineau Hills. With three scenic rivers there’s an abundance of city parks and green space.

According to the psalmist, the LORD loves his hometown too. The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, city of God. 

During the Old Testament era the LORD chose to dwell in Zion the citadel within Jerusalem. It was David who first brought the Ark of the Covenant to Zion after one of his successful military campaigns. (See 2 Samuel 6.) From that time forward Jerusalem has been called the city of God. It became the city of God because God dwelt there. In due course, His temple was built there.

What about your city or town? Does God dwell there? What truly makes a place remarkable or special is the One who lives there. The presence of God can turn a hut or a humble stable into the portal to heaven. If Jesus is enthroned in your heart then God is truly with you. He is in your city.

Response: LORD God, my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for being so personal—so intimate with me. I want to honor and serve you in my community. Amen.

Your Turn: What do you like most about your community/city?

City of Peace

26 Thursday May 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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Your home is on Mount Zion in the city of peace (Psalm 76:2, CEV).

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Koranke, Japan — a place of peace — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is cities.

Do you dwell in a city of peace? Cities can be places of violence and crime. But we all want peace and security. Today’s verse from the Psalms speaks about God’s city of peace.

Your home is on Mount Zion in the city of peace (Psalm 76:2, CEV).

Where God is there is peace. If you and I have been reconciled with God, we have the peace of Christ in our hearts. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7, NIV).

God’s city of peace is more than a geographic location where there is no conflict. We can experience the peace of God because Jesus has brought us peace with God by wiping away our sins. Jesus’ peace surpasses anything the world has to offer because it comes from beyond this world.

Will you take some time today to bask in that peace?

Response: LORD God, I thank you today for the peace that Jesus purchased for me on the cross. I can be at rest because my guilt is gone and my eternity is secure in your city of peace. Amen.

Your Turn: What do you do to maintain the peace of Christ in your life?

Rebuilding the City

25 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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You will rebuild the city of Zion.
Your glory will be seen, and the prayers of the homeless will be answered (Psalm 102:16-17, CEV).

Yokohoma Station

Yokohoma, Japan — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is cities.

Last year on this date we returned home to Canada after a three-week stay in Japan. One of the cities we visited was Yokohama. At the end of World War II, Yokohama like many Japanese cities lay in ruins due to the American bombing campaign. As you can see from the photo above, there is no evidence of that destruction visible today.

Today’s verse from the Psalms speaks about God rebuilding a city.

You will rebuild the city of Zion. Your glory will be seen, and the prayers of the homeless will be answered (Psalm 102:16-17, CEV).

This verse reminds us that God gets behind rebuilding projects. He rebuilt the city of Zion after Babylonian invaders destroyed it. But God’s love is not confined to the people of ancient Israel. Through the mercy and redeeming sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God’s love is now available to all—to people of every nation under the sun.

God is in the business of rebuilding cities and broken lives.

Response: LORD God, the enemy has laid waste to areas of my life, my city and my country. But you are building a home of righteousness. I want to be part of your great building project. Amen.

Your Turn: Is there something that needs rebuilding in your life or community?

Built by the LORD

24 Tuesday May 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Tuesday's Truth

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Zion was built by the LORD
    on the holy mountain,
 and he loves that city
    more than any other place
    in all of Israel (Psalm 87:1-2, CEV).

Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts – photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is cities.

A simple definition of a city is a large built up area inhabited by people and the enterprises they operate. Just as ants build anthills, people build cities. But today’s verse from the Psalms tells us that the LORD built a city.

Zion was built by the LORD on the holy mountain, and he loves that city more than any other place in all of Israel (Psalm 87:1-2, CEV).

Did King David build Zion and make it his capital, or did the LORD build the city? Elsewhere in  Psalms we read: Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain (Psalm 127:1, NIV).

It would seem that the LORD wants to be involved in human society and He is the driving force behind everything good that we do. He is the Creator, the Builder and the Savior of the city.

Response: LORD God, open my eyes to see how you are building the city in which I live. Help me play an effective role in what you are doing. Jesus, you are Lord of all. Amen.

Your Turn: How is the God working in your city or community? What is He building?

The City Where He Lives

23 Monday May 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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The LORD God is wonderful! He deserves all praise in the city where he lives.
His holy mountain, beautiful and majestic,
    brings joy to all on earth (Psalm 48:1-2, CEV).

Apple Blossoms

City park crabapple blossoms — photo by Karen Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is cities.

Where does God live? That’s a simple question, but answers are many and varied. The most common answer is that God lives in heaven. But many say that Jesus lives in their heart. Today’s verse from Psalms declares that the LORD lives in the city, specifically on Mount Zion in the heart of Jerusalem.

The LORD God is wonderful! He deserves all praise in the city where he lives. His holy mountain, beautiful and majestic, brings joy to all on earth (Psalm 48:1-2, CEV).

So does God still live in Jerusalem or was this verse only true during the Old Testament period? Does the LORD live in your city?

Paul, the apostle, has this to say on the topic:  You surely know that your body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. The Spirit is in you and is a gift from God. You are no longer your own (1 Corinthians 6:19).

If you are inhabited by God through the presence of the Holy Spirit, then you bring that presence to the city where you live. What an awesome privilege and responsibility!

Response: LORD God, I want the fullness of your presence to dwell in me. Let me bring the joy of the Lord to a city that is weary and searching for meaning. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you conscious of God’s presence in your life?