Tag Archives: Creator

Marking the Seasons

28 Friday Oct 2016

Posted by in Psalm 104, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Reading:                                         Psalm 104                                                                  

 (Verses 19-26)

He made the moon to mark the seasons,
and the sun knows when to go down.
You bring darkness, it becomes night,
and all the beasts of the forest prowl.
The lions roar for their prey
and seek their food from God.
The sun rises, and they steal away;
they return and lie down in their dens.
Then people go out to their work,
to their labor until evening.

How many are your works, LORD!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
There is the sea, vast and spacious,
teeming with creatures beyond number—
living things both large and small.
There the ships go to and fro,
and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there (NIV).

Reflection

There is something to be said for routine and regularity. By that I mean the whole vast rhythm of life. Today’s reading from Psalm 104 eloquently reflects the rhythm of life from sunrise to sunset and the return to sunrise once again.

img_20161024_095102-1

End of season pickings — photo by David Kitz

Yesterday, my wife and I collected the last of the tomatoes from our garden and pulled out the vines. A hard frost is on the way. Later this morning we will be digging out the potatoes and root vegetables and putting them into storage. The seasons are changing. All we can do is prepare for the transition; we can’t prevent it from happening.

In reality, transitions are about rest and renewal. The setting sun lets us know that it’s time to stop our labor and get the rest that is essential for our well-being. In the same way as winter approaches trees and vegetation go dormant, but after a season of rest the great spring renewal will surely come. It always has, and so it will continue until the end of time.

In the same way there is a renewal promised to us at the end this life. Resurrection happens every spring and it will happen to this old clod of earth as well. That’s the great hope we have because of Christ. The word of God has been planted in our hearts and it will bear fruit now and in eternity, which has been promised to those who believe. Do you believe? Do you have faith in the changing seasons? Do you have faith in the One who created the seasons?

Response: Father God, thank you for designing the days, months and seasons. I want to draw near to you in every season of life. How many are your works, LORD! You are worthy of all praise. Amen.

Your Turn: What is your favorite season? Why?

The Land Is Populated

27 Thursday Oct 2016

Posted by in Psalm 104, Psalms

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , , ,

Reading:                                         Psalm 104                                                                  

 (Verses 10-18)

He makes springs pour water into the ravines;
it flows between the mountains.
They give water to all the beasts of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
The birds of the sky nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.
He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;
the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work.
He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for people to cultivate—
bringing forth food from the earth:
wine that gladdens human hearts,
oil to make their faces shine,
and bread that sustains their hearts.
The trees of the LORD are well watered,
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
There the birds make their nests;
the stork has its home in the junipers.
The high mountains belong to the wild goats;
the crags are a refuge for the hyrax (NIV).

Reflection

Psalm 104 is a poetic ode in praise of God’s creation. In yesterday’s reading, God lay down the foundations of the earth, and set the boundaries of the oceans. Today we see how He waters the land and covers it with vegetation. He populates it with a vast variety of animals and birds.

img_20161017_084608-1

Grey Nuns Park, Orleans, ON — photo by David Kitz

He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.

In this psalm we see a God of teeming abundance. He is an extravagant God of infinite variety. Consider for a moment the various kinds of birds from the soaring eagle to the tiny hummingbird. Our God cares for them all. Jesus gives us these words of assurance concerning the humble sparrow, “not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care” (Matthew 10:29). In reality, all of today’s reading is about the Father’s care and His rich provision for all His creatures.

Have your eyes been opened to the LORD’s rich provision for you? He’s not a stingy God. Those who call on Him will have their needs met. Perhaps David said it best: The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing (Psalm 23:1).

Response: Father God, you created such a wonderful world! I marvel at your handiwork. I thank you for the great variety of lifeforms on this planet. Help us appreciate and safeguard your creation. Amen.

Your Turn: How can we demonstrate our thanks for God’s creation?

In Praise of God’s Creation

26 Wednesday Oct 2016

Posted by in Psalm 104, Psalms

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Reading:                                         Psalm 104                                                                  

 (Verses 1-9)

Praise the LORD, my soul.

LORD my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

The LORD wraps himself in light as with a garment;
he stretches out the heavens like a tent
and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot
and rides on the wings of the wind.

He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.

He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.
You covered it with the watery depths as with a garment;
the waters stood above the mountains.
But at your rebuke the waters fled,
at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;
they flowed over the mountains,
they went down into the valleys,
to the place you assigned for them.
You set a boundary they cannot cross;
never again will they cover the earth (NIV).

Reflection

All of Psalm 104 is a poetic ode in praise of God’s creation. Like the previous psalm it begins and ends by calling us to praise the LORD.

img_20160430_061347

Sunrise over Departure Bay, Nanaimo, BC — photo by David Kitz

The psalmist begins his description of creation at the beginning. By that I mean he begins with the LORD in the heavens. He is the source point. It’s a very fitting start since the LORD called into being all of creation—all that we can see, hear and examine. In the creation account we read, “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” (Genesis 1:2). But here we read a more detailed—a more poetic description: The LORD wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.

The God of the heavens separates the waters of sky and earth. He establishes the boundaries of the oceans. These are the events of the second and third day in the Genesis account, but here they are portrayed as a seamless whole. In all this, the LORD is the actor, the mover, the sole performer. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.

And what a performance this is! It has no equal and no precedent. Land, sky and sea are His handiwork and do His bidding. They respond to the Master Builder, and so should we.

Response: LORD God, you are very great! I kneel before you, my awesome God! I praise you for your creation. It is magnificent because you are more than magnificent. All praise belongs to you. Amen.

Your Turn: Is there a particular aspect of creation that you are drawn to or enjoy, for example the stars, the oceans or the animal kingdom?

His Kingdom Rules over All

25 Tuesday Oct 2016

Posted by in Psalm 103, Psalms

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Reading:                                          Psalm 103                                                                 

 (Verses 19-22)

The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.

Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the LORD, my soul (NIV).

Reflection

Have you ever found yourself in a chaotic situation where you immediately ask this question, “Who’s in charge here?” Sometimes I have walked into an unruly classroom where that question is very pertinent. The teacher may be nowhere in sight, or is absorbed with one or two students while bedlam reigns all around. It takes very little to lose control of thirty twelve-year-olds. Trust me on this point: It takes a range of skills to get a class of youngsters motivated and moving in the same direction.

img_20161004_132719_hdr

Petrie Island, glory — photo by David Kitz

Today’s reading from the psalms gives us an answer to that age old question, “Who’s in charge here?” The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. 

So there is your answer. The LORD is in charge here. He’s in charge of everything—the orderly and the controlled, and the seemingly random. Above this world and its mixture of order, routine, bedlam and chaos, the LORD sits enthroned as ruler over all.

Often the LORD is blamed for the bedlam and the chaos, but is that a fair assessment? Yes, He could control everything—every detail, but then there would be no humans on this planet—no free moral agents. To be human is to have the ability to choose both good and evil. If God sovereignly decided that we could only do good, then we would be robotic humanoids—not true humans at all.

Can there be true love, if love is enforced from on high rather than freely chosen? Can there be genuine worship, if this divine privilege is induced by the Creator rather than willingly offered by the created? No, the LORD calls for our worship, but He forces it on no one. The God I serve is not a rapist; He is a true lover.

So I will freely join with all creation to praise Him. I will join the angels, the heavenly hosts and all his works everywhere in his dominion. I will join in praising my Creator and my Redeemer, who was born in a stable and raised high to suffer on a cross, but now His throne is established in heaven and His kingdom rules over all. He is the One I will praise. How about you?

Response: Father God, I appreciate the free will that you have given me. I choose to worship you. You are the lover of my soul. Thank you for all you have done. I owe my life to Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: Do we choose God or does He choose us, or are both answers correct?

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

26 Monday Sep 2016

Posted by in Psalm 95, Psalms

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

, , , , , ,

Reading:                                         Psalm 95

Verses 1-7

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care (NIV).

Reflection

I can’t read this opening portion of Psalm 95 without the folk spiritual “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” springing to mind. The psalmist makes this declaration: In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. In other words, He’s got the whole world in His hands.

img_20160823_194639

Sunset across the Ottawa River — photo by David Kitz

There is something deeply reassuring about that thought. The great loving God, the Creator of the universe, has the whole world in His hands. But more specifically, our heavenly Father has you and me in His hands. If we grasp this biblical truth, it has broad personal implications.

Early this morning I met with a weekly gathering of men to pray and study God’s word. One of the co-leaders of the group is going through a great personal tragedy. His young, vibrant wife is dying of pancreatic cancer. Unless the Lord miraculously intervenes, his school-age son and daughter will soon be without a mother. At the close of our meeting we placed our hands on this husband and father and prayed. The LORD has the whole world in his hands including this young family.

Do we understand the LORD’s purposes in all this? No. We would be fools to think we do. We can content ourselves in knowing that these great matters—these matters of life and death are in God’s hands. They are loving hands—hands that in the person of Jesus were scarred and pierced by nails. I’ll be content to be held in those hands.

Knowing this, let’s heed the psalmist’s call. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

Response: LORD God, you know all things. We were created for your purpose. Help us to live our lives in service to you. We are the flock under your care. Please extend your hand of mercy and blessing. Amen.

Your Turn: Does knowing your life is in God’s hands bring you reassurance?

He spoke and it came to be

18 Sunday Sep 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Sunday's Psalm

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , ,

When will I see your face?

img_20160823_193112

Petrie Island at sunset — photo by David Kitz

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
    their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
He gathers the waters of the sea into jars;
    he puts the deep into storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the Lord;
    let all the people of the world revere him.
For he spoke, and it came to be;
    he commanded, and it stood firm.

(Psalm 33:6-9 NIV)

Strongholds in Ruins

08 Thursday Sep 2016

Posted by in Psalm 89, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

This is a repeat of a post that was inadvertently published on Sunday, September 5th.

Reading:                                          Psalm 89

Verses 38-45

But you have rejected, you have spurned,
you have been very angry with your anointed one.
You have renounced the covenant with your servant
and have defiled his crown in the dust.
You have broken through all his walls
and reduced his strongholds to ruins.
All who pass by have plundered him;
he has become the scorn of his neighbors.
You have exalted the right hand of his foes;
you have made all his enemies rejoice.

 Indeed, you have turned back the edge of his sword
and have not supported him in battle.
You have put an end to his splendor
and cast his throne to the ground.
You have cut short the days of his youth;
you have covered him with a mantle of shame (NIV).

Reflection

Though we cannot be absolutely certain, it seems likely that Psalm 89 was written during the time of the Babylonian invasion of Judea. These were days of disaster brought on by idolatry as the people turned away from God. The rebellious King of Judah suffered a catastrophic defeat as the words of this psalm state: You have put an end to his splendor and cast his throne to the ground. You have cut short the days of his youth; you have covered him with a mantle of shame.

Via Dolorosa

Via-Dolorosa in Jerusalem — photo courtesy of Lois Morrow

In the last few decades the church in North America has also experienced a number of defeats or setbacks. Enemies of the Christian faith have risen up and become bold in their attacks. Just as ancient Jerusalem was attacked and laid low, so too Christian belief systems have been under constant assault. The walls and strongholds of our faith have been undermined.

Two unshakeable biblical truths have come under relentless attack. The first is the truth of creation. Our God is the Creator of the universe—the source point of all matter and life. Since the days of Darwin, who incidentally believed in God, atheists have mounted a ferocious attack on this foundational truth. The Christian response has often been jingoistic or at best disjointed. A more coherent and scientifically sound defense is needed.

The second truth that has been under continual attack is the veracity of the Bible. God’s holy word is mocked and routinely discredited especially at our universities. The word of God is our stronghold. Over and over again it has been proven to be accurate, reliable and true. Archeologists and scholars have marvelled at the veracity and authenticity of God’s word. But the real proof of the inerrancy of God’s word does not come from scholarly research. It comes from the transformed lives of believers.

Response: LORD God, my trust is in you and your word. Creator God, I want my faith to be as secure for me as the earth beneath my feet and the air in my lungs. You are all around me. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

Your Turn: Have attacks on your faith caused doubt? How did you overcome?

Strongholds in Ruins

02 Friday Sep 2016

Posted by in Psalm 89, Psalms

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , , ,

Reading:                                         Psalm 89

Verses 38-45

But you have rejected, you have spurned,
you have been very angry with your anointed one.
You have renounced the covenant with your servant
and have defiled his crown in the dust.
You have broken through all his walls
and reduced his strongholds to ruins.
All who pass by have plundered him;
he has become the scorn of his neighbors.
You have exalted the right hand of his foes;
you have made all his enemies rejoice.

 Indeed, you have turned back the edge of his sword
and have not supported him in battle.
You have put an end to his splendor
and cast his throne to the ground.
You have cut short the days of his youth;
you have covered him with a mantle of shame (NIV).

Reflection

Though we cannot be absolutely certain, it seems likely that Psalm 89 was written during the time of the Babylonian invasion of Judea. These were days of disaster brought on by idolatry as the people turned away from God. The rebellious King of Judah suffered a catastrophic defeat as the words of this psalm state: You have put an end to his splendor and cast his throne to the ground. You have cut short the days of his youth; you have covered him with a mantle of shame. 

GP2 2016-08-17

Gatineau Park picnic area — photo by David Kitz

In the last few decades the church in North America has also experienced a number of defeats or setbacks. Enemies of the Christian faith have risen up and become bold in their attacks. Just as ancient Jerusalem was attacked and laid low, so too Christian belief systems have been under constant assault. The walls and strongholds of our faith have been undermined.

Two unshakable biblical truths have come under relentless attack. The first is the truth of creation. Our God is the Creator of the universe—the source point of all matter and life. Since the days of Darwin, who incidentally believed in God, atheists have mounted a ferocious attack on this foundational truth. The Christian response has often been jingoistic or at best disjointed. A more coherent and scientifically sound defense is needed.

The second truth that has been under continual attack is the veracity of the Bible. God’s holy word is mocked and routinely discredited especially at our universities. The word of God is our stronghold. Over and over again it has been proven to be accurate, reliable and true. Archaeologists and scholars have marveled at the veracity and authenticity of God’s word. But the real proof of the inerrancy of God’s word does not come from scholarly research. It comes from the transformed lives of believers.

Response: LORD God, my trust is in you and your word. Creator God, I want my faith to be as secure for me as the earth beneath my feet and the air in my lungs. You are all around me. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

Your Turn: Have attacks on your faith caused doubt? How did you overcome?

Ownership

22 Wednesday Jun 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

You know the LORD is God! He created us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep in his pasture (Psalm 100:3, CEV).

538

The Ottawa River Valley as seen from the Gatineau Park Escarpment — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

So many of the divisive issues that convulse our society have a deeper root. Whether it is issues around gender and sexuality, or race and ethnicity, scratch below the surface and you soon discover the foundational issue. The foundational issue is do you believe in God. More specifically, do you believe God created you? Do you believe He has an ownership claim on your life?

The psalmist states this root issue quite succinctly:

You know the LORD is God! He created us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep in his pasture (Psalm 100:3, CEV).

If you accept the premise that God created humanity and therefore has ownership of our lives and “Creator’s rights,” then we know our bodies belong to Him. We are ultimately accountable to Him for how we use the gift of our sexuality. We are his people, the sheep in his pasture. 

Furthermore, there are no racially superior people. The LORD God made them all and offered up His Son to redeem them all.

The root issue is ownership. Do you belong to God or are you god?

Response: LORD God, I acknowledge that you created me. I belong to you. I was bought by the precious blood of Jesus. Help me to daily reflect the great love you have for me. Amen.

Your Turn: Whom do you belong to? Do you believe in Creator’s rights?

Creator of Nations

21 Tuesday Jun 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Tuesday's Truth

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , ,

You created each nation, and they will all bow down to worship and honor you (Psalm 86:9, CEV).

009

Shinkansen (Bullet Train), Nagoya, Japan — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

There’s an old saying that I heard as a child. It goes like this, “God created the world, but the Dutch created Holland.”

There is an element of human pride in that statement, but there’s also a measure of truth in those words. A good deal of the Netherlands is below sea level, but by building huge dikes and drainage systems the Dutch have been able to claim the land they live on from the sea.

Today’s reading from the Psalms states that God is the creator of every nation. Nations are God’s idea. He establishes them.

You created each nation, and they will all bow down to worship and honor you (Psalm 86:9, CEV).

Every nation takes pride in its accomplishments—the Dutch in their land reclamation, the Japanese in their ultra fast rail system, America in its military prowess. But there is a time coming when they will all bow down to worship and honor the LORD. That is a day we should all be looking forward to with expectant joy. What a privilege we have to worship Him now in advance of that great day!

Response: LORD God, my first allegiance is not to my country. My first allegiance is to you, my Creator—the Creator of nations. I want to worship and honor you today. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you proud of your country? Does that pride come ahead of your allegiance to the Lord?