Tag Archives: Creator

His Kingdom Rules over All

25 Tuesday Oct 2016

Posted by in Psalm 103, Psalms

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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When will I see your face?

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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

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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

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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. 

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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

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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).

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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

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

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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?

Creative Words

20 Monday Jun 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

≈ 3 Comments

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As soon as he spoke the world was created; at his command, the earth was formed (Psalm 33:9, CEV).

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Early Morning Sunrise, Grey Nuns Park, Orleans, ON — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

The beauty of the natural world is astounding. The morning sunrise is an example of that beauty. Even more astonishing is the thought that the world—this grand creation—came into existence through the power of spoken words.

Today’s verse from the Psalms reminds us of that truth.

As soon as he spoke the world was created; at his command, the earth was formed (Psalm 33:9, CEV).

If God’s words have such incredible power, what about our words? Do they have power too? Absolutely. We are created in the image of God and the words we speak can create a world of good or stir up the dark forces of hell. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21).

Consider this. Today you have an opportunity to create a better world by the amazing power of your words.

Response: LORD God, today I want to use my tongue for good rather than lashing out in angry hurtful ways. Help me bring encouragement and positive change where needed. Amen.

Your Turn: Have your words hurt or helped someone lately?

Your Wisdom Made So Many Things

13 Monday Jun 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

≈ 3 Comments

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Our LORD, by your wisdom you made so many things; the whole earth is covered with your living creatures (Psalm 104:24, CEV).

Always spend some time with your honey!

Monarch Butterfly — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

At 4:20 this morning I heard a robin sing his brilliant song to welcome the new day. Before I wrote this post, I saw a squirrel scamper across the walkway to hide a peanut in the soil beneath our lilies. The monarch butterfly in the photo above closed and then opened its wings, so I could capture its beauty in glory spread wide. As we behold all this and so much more, is it any wonder that the psalmist makes this statement:

Our LORD, by your wisdom you made so many things; the whole earth is covered with your living creatures (Psalm 104:24, CEV).

The infinite variety and diversity of God’s creatures is astounding. The word infinite is appropriate. Every year biologists add newly discovered species to the catalog of God’s creation. We are nowhere near discovering them all. Yet somehow we have the audacity to consider ourselves the superior ones—the ones who know how it all was formed.

Real wisdom knows its limitations. Real wisdom knows when to bow its head in praise.

Response: LORD God, in humility I bow before you. You are the awesome Creator whose wisdom I cannot begin to fathom. All praise belongs to you. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you amazed at God’s creation? Have we forgotten the One who set it all in motion?