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Spring Meadow, Orleans, ON — photo by David Kitz
A Crown on our Heads
04 Saturday Jun 2016
Posted in Psalms
Tag Archives: forgiveness
Forgetting and Remembering
21 Thursday Apr 2016
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
Tags
forgetting, forgiven, forgiveness, God, remembering, sins, the LORD, wrongs
Forget each wrong I did when I was young. Show how truly kind you are and remember me (Psalm 25:7, CEV).
Treed Flood Plain, Ottawa River — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is remembering.
How can God forget? He knows everything. He knows everything I have done and everything I will do, before it has even entered my mind. The petition prayed here in Psalm 25 must be doomed to fail.
Forget each wrong I did when I was young. Show how truly kind you are and remember me (Psalm 25:7, CEV).
Strange as it may seem God can be forgetful. When we repent of our sins, He chooses to forget that those sins ever happened. But don’t take my word on this topic. The prophet Jeremiah declares this word from the LORD, “I will forgive their sins and forget the evil things they have done” (Jeremiah 31:34, CEV).
That’s an amazing promise. If God can forget our sins, maybe we should do the same. We should not allow the guilt of them torment us any longer. Our sins are forgiven and forgotten when we confess them to our gracious heavenly Father.
Response: LORD God, I am so glad that you choose to remember me and forget my sins. You love like no one else can. Thank you for the forgiveness that is available because of the shed blood of Jesus. Amen.
Your Turn: Do you spend too much time remembering sins that the Lord has forgiven and forgotten?
The Fruit of Forgiveness
18 Friday Mar 2016
Posted in Friday's Focus, Psalms
But you forgive us, and so we will worship you (Psalm 130:4, CEV).
Plum Blossoms, Nagoya, Japan — photo courtesy of Matthew Taylor
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is forgiveness.
Worship is the fruit of forgiveness. Those who have been forgiven by God worship God. Jesus said this of a sinful woman, “So I tell you that all her sins are forgiven, and that is why she has shown great love. But anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love” (Luke 7:47, CEV).
Jesus forgave this woman’s sins and so she poured out her love to him by kissing his feet and washing them with her tears.
Our heartfelt worship is our expression of love for God. Today’s verse from the Psalms captures this thought succinctly.
But you forgive us, and so we will worship you (Psalm 130:4, CEV).
Forgiveness is like a heaven-sent love potion. It restores our relationship with God and draws us into His arms of love.
Response: LORD God, a thousand words of thanks are not enough. Your forgiveness draws me to worship you with a grateful heart. I praise you, LORD of heaven and earth. Amen.
Your Turn: Does God’s forgiveness move you to worship?
Healing Forgiveness
17 Thursday Mar 2016
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
Tags
forgiveness, healing, James, Jesus, protection, Psalms, sick, the LORD, therapeutic
The LORD forgives our sins,
heals us when we are sick, and protects us from death (Psalm 103:3-4, CEV).
River of Healing — Photo courtesy of Donald Adam
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is forgiveness.
Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Our forgiving Lord expects us to be forgiving toward others—to pass on the forgiveness we have freely received from Him.
There is something deeply therapeutic about forgiveness. We can see that in today’s verse from the Psalms:
The LORD forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, and protects us from death (Psalm 103:3-4, CEV).
Forgiveness and healing are linked. James, the brother of our Lord, writes, “If you have sinned, you should tell each other what you have done. Then you can pray for one another and be healed. The prayer of an innocent person is powerful, and it can help a lot” (James 5:16, CEV).
Forgiveness is the Lord’s prescription for ailments of body, soul and spirit.
Response: LORD God, I need your forgiveness, healing and protection. Help me start on the road to healing by forgiving those who have wounded my spirit. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Your Turn: Have you received forgiveness and healing through Christ?
Willing Forgiveness
16 Wednesday Mar 2016
Posted in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms
You willingly forgive, and your love is always there for those who pray to you (Psalm 86:5, CEV).
Plum Blossoms, Nagoya, Japan — Photo courtesy of Matthew Taylor
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is forgiveness.
We are all familiar with the phrase: Well, I guess if I have to. It’s usually signals a lot of reluctance on the part of the speaker.
When we think about God, we may feel that since He is perfect and holy, He may be reluctant to forgive our many sins. Just the opposite is true and today’s verse from the Psalms makes this crystal clear.
You willingly forgive, and your love is always there for those who pray to you (Psalm 86:5, CEV).
Jesus beautifully portrayed the love of our heavenly Father when he told the story of the prodigal son.
The younger son got up and started back to his father. But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt sorry for him. He ran to his son and hugged and kissed him (Luke 15: 20, CEV).
Our heavenly Father shows no reluctance to forgive.
Response: Father God, I come to you. Thanks for running to me when I repent and ask for forgiveness. I do not deserve such a loving response. It is beyond wonderful. Amen.
Your Turn: Have you seen God as reluctant to forgive?
Unknown Faults
14 Monday Mar 2016
Posted in Monday Meditation, Psalms
Tags
confess, confession, faults, forgiveness, God, Psalms, sin
None of us know our faults. Forgive me when I sin without knowing it (Psalm 19:12, CEV).
Plum Blossoms, Nagoya, Japan — Photo courtesy of Matthew Taylor
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is forgiveness.
I can’t see the back of my head. I was reminded of this yesterday when I was getting my haircut. After the hairdresser finished, she held up a mirror so that I could see the back of my head. To my dismay I realized I’m balding back there. The evidence of hair loss was plain to see, but until that moment I was not fully aware.
In the same way we are often blind to our own faults. We are quick to spot the faults in others, but our own character flaws and moral shortcomings go undetected. Today’s verse from the Psalms reminds us of this.
None of us know our faults. Forgive me when I sin without knowing it (Psalm 19:12, CEV).
Even when we discover our faults or sins, we are usually quick to excuse ourselves. The truth is we don’t need excuses; they usually don’t hold water. We need forgiveness—God’s forgiveness. Honest confession to God and forgiveness from God liberates the soul.
Response: LORD God, help me to see my faults—not so I’ll be weighed down by guilt—but so I will be set free by your forgiveness through Jesus your Son. Amen.
Your Turn: Have you been blind to your faults? What do you do when you become aware of them?
The Joy of Forgiveness
14 Monday Dec 2015
Posted in Monday Meditation, Psalms
Tags
Our God, you bless everyone whose sins you forgive and wipe away (Psalm 32:1 CEV).
One falling leaf, Gatineau Park, QC — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is joy.
What is your greatest joy? For me many things spring to mind. But the more I think about joy, the more the thought of forgiveness presses to the forefront. God through the grace of a babe laid in a manger has forgiven me.
I am accepted. I am redeemed. I am forgiven. Those thoughts bring joy.
Response: LORD God, thank you for the forgiveness you extend to all through Jesus suffering, death and resurrection. Lord Jesus, I find my joy in you. Amen.
Your Turn: Does forgiveness bring you joy?
Calling Forth Songs of Joy
21 Wednesday Oct 2015
Posted in Devotionals, Psalms
Tags
answered prayer, David, forgiveness, God, gratitude, praise, Psalm 65, thankful
Reading: Psalm 65
For the director of music. A psalm of David. A song.
Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion;
to you our vows will be fulfilled.
You who answer prayer,
to you all people will come.
When we were overwhelmed by sins,
you forgave our transgressions.
Blessed are those you choose
and bring near to live in your courts!
We are filled with the good things of your house,
of your holy temple.
You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,
God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas,
who formed the mountains by your power,
having armed yourself with strength,
who stilled the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy (NIV).
Reflection
There is a joyful exuberance found in Psalm 65. In some ways this psalm reminds me of a Broadway musical in that there’s an eagerness—a readiness—to burst into song. It could happen at any moment. The opening line expresses this joyous exuberance well: Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion!
Petrie Island, Ottawa, ON –David Kitz
What about you and me? Is there an eagerness and enthusiasm to praise God as we walk through our day? Is there a song in our hearts just aching for the moment of release? Is your heart filled with gratitude to God? If you can answer, “Yes!” then you have captured the spirit of Psalm 65.
David penned this psalm and it reflects an attitude of gratitude that is present in many of David’s psalms. David provides several reasons for his jubilant praise. First of all, our God answers prayer. He hears when we call out to Him. Over many years, on countless occasions, God has answered my prayers, sometimes in miraculous ways. Like David of old, I can’t help but be grateful.
Secondly, David was thankful for the forgiveness of his sins. There is no better feeling than knowing you have been washed clean from the inside out by the cleansing blood of the Lamb of God. And now you are accepted—welcomed with open arms into God’s family. Oh, hallelujah! I’ve been redeemed.
Finally, all of God’s creation declares his glory. Mountains, prairie, sea and sky shout out His praise!
Response: LORD God, I thank you for hearing my prayers, for forgiving my many sins, and surrounding me with the beauty of your creation. I praise the name of Jesus. Amen.
Your Turn: What blessing from God are you most thankful for?
The LORD Sees and Hears
17 Monday Nov 2014
Tags
confession, David, forgiveness, longings, Psalms, trouble, victory
Reading: Psalm 38
(Verses 9-16)
All my longings lie open before you, LORD;
my sighing is not hidden from you.
My heart pounds, my strength fails me;
even the light has gone from my eyes.
My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds;
my neighbors stay far away.
Those who want to kill me set their traps,
those who would harm me talk of my ruin;
all day long they scheme and lie.
I am like the deaf, who cannot hear,
like the mute, who cannot speak;
I have become like one who does not hear,
whose mouth can offer no reply.
LORD, I wait for you; you will answer, LORD my God.
For I said, “Do not let them gloat
or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.” (NIV)
Reflection
Here in Psalm 38, David has brought all his troubles before the LORD. He laments over his sin and the downcast state in which he finds himself. Hear his confession: All my longings lie open before you, LORD; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes.
New York Skyline, David Kitz
In humble prayer David has come before a God who always hears and sees. God hears and sees even when we wish He could not. He sees our triumphs and our failures, our victories over temptation and our slide into defeat. He hears every idle word and understands every crass and selfish thought. The LORD sees and hears. He saw Adam’s sin in the Garden before He met with him in the cool of the evening. God sees our sins long before we bow in repentance.
God sees and hears all we say and do. This should bring comfort to the soul in distress and a healthy fear to the soul tempted to sin. All my longings lie open before you, LORD: the wholesome longings and those that spring from impure motives. The LORD sees my needs and my wants, my hopes and my dreams, but more than that, God understands my motives. David brought all of this before the LORD and so should we.
Though we may not see the pain of those around us, God sees our suffering. Though we may be deaf to the needs of others, God is not deaf to our plea for help. Though we may stand mute when others need defence or encouragement, our God speaks. He does not remain silent. His Spirit speaks even to you—even to me.
Response: LORD God, speak to me when I am downcast. Lift me when I am in need. Forgive me when I fail. LORD, I wait for you; you will answer, LORD my God. Amen.
Your Turn: How has the all-hearing, all-seeing God helped you?
Givers and Takers
09 Thursday Oct 2014
Posted in Psalm 37
Tags
forgiveness, generosity, givers, God, Jesus, Psalm, takers, the LORD
Reading: Psalm 37
(Verses 18-22)
The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care,
and their inheritance will endure forever.
In times of disaster they will not wither;
in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.
But the wicked will perish:
Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,
they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.
The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously;
those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,
but those he curses will be destroyed. (NIV)
Reflection
I have heard it said that there are two kinds of people in the world—givers and takers. Notice I didn’t say givers and receivers. We all are receivers from the first breath we take, as we receive love and nourishment from our mothers. But there is a subtle but important difference between receiving and taking. The receiver takes what is freely offered. The taker takes regardless if it is offered or not.
Generosity is like a rainbow – David Kitz
Takers feel the world owes them something. Givers owe a debt of love and make regular payments on that debt. The apostle Paul urges us, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8 NKJV).
Here in Psalm 37 David declares: The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously. There is something counterintuitive about generosity. Generosity breeds prosperity, whereas hoarding leads to poverty. One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty (Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV).
Why is this the case? Job gives us this nugget of wisdom, “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty (Job 6:14). The Almighty oversees our lives. He sees when we withhold kindness from a friend and He sees when we give generously. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV).
A generous spirit reflects the Spirit of God, who freely gives us all things, including His Son. His Son generously gave his life for our redemption, and for the forgiveness of our sins. Forgiveness is freely offered. It’s free for the taking from a lavishly generous God. Have you received what He offers?
Our amazing God turns takers into givers. Saul of Tarsus was a taker, but when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, he became a giver—a forgiven giver. Saul became Paul. Hate turned to love. Taking from the world turned to giving.
Response: LORD God, turn me around. Help me to be generous with those in need. You gave so much to me. Now help me be a giver—a reflection of you in the world. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Your Turn: Can we give without receiving? Which comes first?
I love the Psalms 