Tag Archives: God

Goodness and Peace

01 Monday Feb 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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Love and loyalty will come together; goodness and peace will unite (Psalm 85:10, CEV).

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Monarch Butterfly — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

Do you pay attention to the news? At times it can be quite discouraging listening to a daily barrage of reports about violence, suffering and war. Then there’s that other feature of the news: politicians and world leaders arguing about—you guessed it—violence, suffering and war.

It can leave you wondering if there is any goodness left in our world.

That’s why I find today’s verse from the Psalms so comforting. Love and loyalty will come together; goodness and peace will unite (Psalm 85:10, CEV).

There’s a promise in that verse. This is something that will happen. We have God’s word on it. I want to be part of it.

Response: LORD God, give me faith to believe your word. Grant me hope so that I can see you at work. Give me grace to be an instrument of peace and love in a world of discord. Amen.

Your Turn: How can you be an instrument of peace this week?

Always Loving

29 Friday Jan 2016

Posted by in Friday's Focus, Psalms

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You are merciful, LORD!
    You are kind and patient
    and always loving (Psalm 145:8, CEV).

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Sunset over Lake Ontario – photo by Eric E. Wright

Reflection

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

What is God like? Gaze into the sunset pictured above and you will get a very good idea of what God is like. He is splendid, glorious and creative–a God of diversity and variety. We can deduce this from observing nature.

God puts on a splendid show before our eyes every day. The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done (Psalm 19:1, CEV).

But today’s verse from the Psalms also tells us the LORD is merciful, kind, patient and always loving. The word of God reveals more fully to us the character of God. That’s why I read the Bible.

We see God in nature, we learn about Him through His book, the Bible, and we experience Him through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Response: LORD God, I want to know you better. I want to see more of you in my life. I want to experience your mercy, kindness and love. Open my eyes to see you all around me. Amen.

Your Turn: Where do you most often see God?

In the Shadow of your Wings

28 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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God Most High, have pity on me! Have mercy. I run to you for safety. In the shadow of your wings, I seek protection till danger dies down (Psalm 57:1, CEV).

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Clematis – photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

Does God have wings? You might think so based on this verse from the Psalms.

In our attempts to picture God we often give Him anthropomorphic qualities. In simple terms that means we turn Him into a human. The truth is God is a spirit and any attempt to ‘picture’ Him will be grossly inadequate at best, and at worst idolatrous.

Nonetheless, Jesus reminds us that he is eager and willing to shelter us: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Your people have killed the prophets and have stoned the messengers who were sent to you. I have often wanted to gather your people, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you wouldn’t let me” (Luke 13:34, CEV).

God in the person of Jesus is willing and eager to show us mercy, if we will just come to Him. Take time to come to Him today.

Response: LORD God, I need your mercy. I set my pride aside and ask for your help. Keep me safe from all forms of harm in the shadow of your wings. Amen.

Your Turn: Has God been your shelter in the storms of life?

Waiting for Mercy

27 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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I am worn out from waiting for you to keep your word. When will you have mercy (Psalm 119:82, CEV)?

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Snowy Woods – Photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

When we are in a really tight spot, God’s mercy cannot arrive fast enough. We want help immediately.

Our impatience can be part of the problem. In God’s mercy, He has us wait. In the waiting process our situation may stay the same, but we change. God’s Spirit works on us.

I fear the kind of person I would become if God answered my every request immediately. 

That doesn’t mean we should never pour out our complaint to God as the psalmist does here. I am worn out from waiting for you to keep your word. When will you have mercy (Psalm 119:82, CEV)?

Bottled up frustration is never a good thing, especially when that frustration is directed at God. Are you frustrated waiting for God’s mercy? Take it to Him in prayer.

Response: LORD God, I need your help. I need your mercy. I need your patience. Give me the grace I need for today. Your word and your good promises sustain me. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you impatient as you wait for God’s mercy?

Despite Affliction and Pain

26 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Psalm 69, Psalms

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Reading:                                      Psalm 69

Verses 29-36

But as for me, afflicted and in pain—
may your salvation, God, protect me.

 I will praise God’s name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving.
This will please the LORD more than an ox,
more than a bull with its horns and hooves.
The poor will see and be glad—
you who seek God, may your hearts live!
The LORD hears the needy
and does not despise his captive people.

Let heaven and earth praise him,
the seas and all that move in them,

for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah.
Then people will settle there and possess it;

 the children of his servants will inherit it,
and those who love his name will dwell there (NIV).

Reflection

The word ‘despite’ does not appear in this final reading from Psalm 69, but despite its absence it’s at the core of what David is saying here.

But as for me, afflicted and in pain—may your salvation, God, protect me. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

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National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, ON — photo by David Kitz

Despite affliction and pain David resolves to praise God and give Him thanks. David decides to rise above his circumstances. He does not give into his troubles and sorrows. He does not yield to the complaints of his body. Not by the flesh, but in the Spirit, he rises above his afflictions.

Often I would rather wallow in my difficulties and coddle my discomforts. But the LORD calls us to live on a higher plane. It takes praise, thanksgiving and a song in our heart to lift us to that higher level. But before the song comes and the praise begins to flow, we determine our response. We must decide. We have a ‘but-as-for-me’ moment.

Despite opposition from our flesh, despite the doubts and misgivings of our peers, we determine that God is worthy of our praise. He is the God of the afflicted—not just the God of the feel-good set—so let the thanksgiving begin and praise burst forth.

Often God sees our heart and He intervenes and our situation changes. But if not, He is still worthy of whole hearted praise. Take time to praise and thank Him now.

Response: LORD God, in my difficulties I praise you. This pain-prone human flesh praises you. Thank you for this life you have given me. Your goodness and mercy never end. Amen.

Your Turn: Is praise difficult for you at times?

Every Bone in my Body

22 Friday Jan 2016

Posted by in Psalms

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Every bone in my body will shout: “No one is like the LORD!” You protect the helpless from those in power; you save the poor and needy from those who hurt them (Psalm 35:10, CEV).

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Sunset Glory – photo by Eric E. Wright

Reflection

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

God, help the poor. It seems like no one else will.

Of course that statement is an exaggeration, but there’s an element of truth to it. In a world where extreme wealth and extreme poverty live side by side, one wonders at the lack of care that we show for our fellow travelers on the road of life.

We find this advice in the Book of Proverbs: But you must defend those who are helpless and have no hope. Be fair and give justice to the poor and homeless (Proverbs 31:8-9, CEV).

Do we give more than a passing thought to refugees fleeing war, or youth on the run from domestic violence? Ask yourself, am I reflecting the care the LORD has for the poor and needy?

Response: LORD God, no one is like you. You protect the helpless and save the poor. In my thoughts and conduct help me to be more like you. Amen.

Your Turn: Is there someone in need that you can help today?

My Power to Save

21 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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The sacrifice that honors me is a thankful heart. Obey me, and I, your God, will show my power to save (Psalm 50:23, CEV).

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My Lighthouse in the Storm – photo by Eric E. Wright

Reflection

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

Here’s a rather uncomfortable truth about God. He wants us to obey Him. We want Him to save us from our troubles, but He in turn wants our obedience.

For the independent, I’ll-do-it-my-way crowd, this call for obedience is a real downer. Who wants to follow a Savior who requires obedience?

Jesus said to his disciples: If you love me, you will do as I command (John 14:15).

We prefer salvation without sacrifice. I want Jesus to save me, but I don’t want him telling me what to do. Ah, but this salvation he offers requires sacrifice. It cost Jesus his life. He went to the cross to purchase my salvation. That’s a steep price.

Our joy-filled gratitude and willing obedience are a fitting response.

Response: LORD God, I am thankful for the salvation you purchased for me through Jesus death. Help me today to hear your voice and be obedient to your commands. Amen.

Your Turn: Are the Lord’s commands difficult for you to obey?

His Holy Name

15 Friday Jan 2016

Posted by in Friday's Focus, Psalms

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Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart (Psalm 105:3, CEV).

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Frosted beauty — photo by Donald Adam

Reflection

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

Here’s a quick question for you. Do you like celebrations?

If you answered, yes, then you should love being around God. He loves wholehearted celebrations. Today’s verse from the Psalms reminds us of this aspect of God’s character. Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart (Psalm 105:3, CEV).

After telling the parable about finding the lost coin, Jesus reminds us that heaven is a place of celebration.  Jesus said, “In the same way God’s angels are happy when even one person turns to him” (Luke 15:10, CEV).

If you have turned from a life of sin to worship your holy Creator, you have a heaven full of reasons to celebrate. Why not start today?

Response: LORD God, I praise you because you found me and took me into your family. I celebrate your goodness and undeserved kindness. Amen.

Your Turn: What do you do to celebrate God’s love?

Praise for Answered Prayer

08 Friday Jan 2016

Posted by in Friday's Focus, Psalms

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I praise you, Lord, for answering my prayers (Psalm 28:6, CEV).

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September Iris, photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

If I did a quick one-question survey of Christians, here is the question I would ask:

Why do you praise God?

Here is the answer I would expect most often:

Because He answers my prayers.

Yes, we praise God because He hears and answers prayers. He has been doing it for thousands of years and He will continue to do it for eternity.

God’s faithfulness to answer our prayers calls us to praise Him.

Response: LORD God, I praise you because over and over again you have answered my prayers. You see me and listen to me. What a privilege it is to be your child. Amen.

Your Turn: Has God revealed Himself to you through answered prayer?

With All My Heart

06 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart and tell about the wonders you have worked (Psalm 9:1, CEV).

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Skaters, Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON — photo by Karen Kitz

Reflection

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

There is something both attractive and compelling about giving your all. A half-hearted effort draws no applause. But we stand and cheer when we see someone give their very best, whether it’s in sports, art or music.

The psalmist, David, gave his all in praise. He declares, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

God notices when we give our best to Him in praise.

Response: LORD God, I want to praise you with my whole heart. You are an awesome God, who hears and forgives. Thank you. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you been guilty of half-hearted praise?