Tag Archives: God

The Dilemma of Silence

11 Thursday Dec 2014

Posted by in Psalm 39, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Reading:                                  Psalm 39

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

(Verses 1-5)

I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin;

I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.”

So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good.

But my anguish increased; my heart grew hot within me.

While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:

“Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days;     

let me know how fleeting my life is.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;     

the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. (NIV)

Reflection

Do you often find yourself in a dilemma of silence? In this psalm David finds himself in this very predicament. He decided, “I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.”

River Bank -- David Kitz

River Bank — David Kitz

If your ways and your thoughts run contrary to the ways of the wicked, you are in good company. You are in the company of the LORD. But don’t be surprised if you are socially ostracized, when you express your opinion. The ungodly rarely want to hear about the error of their ways. They usually prefer to blunder along in the darkness and curse the sudden appearance of light. It’s seen as too great a threat to their way of life.

David remained silent, “not even saying anything good.” But it was an uneasy silence.

Often as I listen to others—as I listen to news reports and the ruminations of cultural icons—I find myself in an uneasy silence. We live in a world that has largely abandoned God and His ways. When we embrace the God of the Bible, we are choosing to swim upstream against the flow of gravity and humanity. The world heaps scorn on those who have caught a different vision.

In his silence, David’s anguish increased. He states, “my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned.”

Is passion for God burning in your heart? True worth and eternal values can only be found in Him

Response: LORD, show me your ways. Show me how much I need you day by day. Help me to value every day you give me on this earth. Shine your light in me and through me by the power of Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: Are we silent too often when we should speak?

Salvation Comes from the LORD

30 Thursday Oct 2014

Posted by in Psalm 37

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

Reading:                                    Psalm 37

(Verses 35-40)

I have seen a wicked and ruthless man     

flourishing like a luxuriant native tree,

but he soon passed away and was no more;     

though I looked for him, he could not be found.

Consider the blameless, observe the upright;     

a future awaits those who seek peace.

But all sinners will be destroyed;     

there will be no future for the wicked.

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;     

he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

The LORD helps them and delivers them;     

he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,     

because they take refuge in him. (NIV)

Reflection

Today’s reading is the concluding portion of Psalm 37. As noted previously, this entire psalm contrasts the life of the righteous person with the individual who pursues a life of sin and illicit gain. The righteous will receive their reward and the man who does evil will be destroyed.

Stepping Stones -- David Kitz

Stepping Stones — David Kitz

We all reap what we sow. If we sow seeds of selfishness, hate and discord, we will reap a harvest of ruin. Paul, the apostle, gives us this warning, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:7-8).

We can readily conclude that the good man will live because of his goodness. In other words the righteous person will be saved because of his righteous deeds. But that’s not what this psalm teaches. In fact, the idea that one is saved because of one’s righteousness runs contrary to the message of this psalm and the entire counsel of Holy Scripture. The psalmist clearly states, “The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD.”

We are not saved by our righteousness. We are saved by the LORD. It is because of His great mercy that we are saved. This aligns with New Testament teaching as Paul declares, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Yes, we are called to live righteous lives and to do good works, but let’s not deceive ourselves into thinking that by these means we will earn our way to heaven. Jesus is the way to heaven. Our feeble efforts won’t take us very far. We need His forgiveness and the power of His redeeming blood. We are saved because we take refuge in Him.

Response: LORD God, I thank you for Jesus. I am thankful that I can put my complete trust in you. I am saved by your amazing grace not by my effort. Hallelujah! Amen.

Your Turn: Have you relied on your righteousness rather than God’s grace?

Givers and Takers

09 Thursday Oct 2014

Posted by in Psalm 37

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

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.

The rainbow of generosity - David Kitz

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?

Are you drinking from the River of Delights?

05 Tuesday Aug 2014

Posted by in Psalm 36, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Reading:                                     Psalm 36

(Verses 5-9)

Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,     

your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,     

your justice like the great deep.     

You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!     

People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

They feast on the abundance of your house;     

you give them drink from your river of delights.

For with you is the fountain of life;     

in your light we see light. (NIV)

 Reflection

As mentioned in my previous post, Psalm 36 is a psalm of contrasts. David compares the wickedness of man with the amazing goodness of God. The opening portion of Psalm 36 touches on the depravity of man. In today’s reading we behold the awesome love and kindness of God.

Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. The beautiful poetry of those words sends me off on a Rocky Mountain high.

Banff-

Banff-Lake Louise Tourism

God’s love is reflected in the beauty of his creation. He nestled us into a world of incredible beauty and variety. From the grandeur of the mountains to the minute sea fauna, God is there—sustaining all—reigning over all. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!

Park Walk --David Kitz

Park Walk –David Kitz

God’s unfailing love stands in sharp contrast to man’s rapacious capacity for hate and destruction. We glory in war, death and bloodshed as though these are great accomplishments, when in fact they are a failure in love and forgiveness—the attributes of God. Yet despite these failures God showers us with His love and goodness. People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.

It is worth noting that God is the source of the river of delights. Just as any good father enjoys bringing pleasure to his children, so too our Heavenly Father delights in bringing joy to us. He is not stingy in His love, but overflowing with generosity, in many cases providing more than we can handle.

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. The LORD is the author and source of all life. “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day” (Genesis 1:31). Only in Him and through Him do we see the light of day and the light of life. To God be praise forever more!

Response: LORD God, thank you, thank you, thank you for your great love and faithfulness to me. Let your light shine in me and through me today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you been drinking from God’s river of delights?

Do you want a trouble free life?

11 Wednesday Jun 2014

Posted by in Psalm 34, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Reading:                                      Psalm 34

 (Verses 19-22)

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;

he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

The LORD will rescue his servants;     

no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. (NIV)

 Reflection

This final portion of Psalm 34 reflects David’s faith in a God who saves. He began this psalm with praise because he experienced the saving power of God. Now David states that the LORD delivers, protects and rescues. But for these words to be meaningful, the LORD must deliver, protect and rescue from various forms of trouble and adversity. There is no rescue if there is no danger. There is no deliverance if there is no oppression.

Ottawa River

Ottawa River

If you choose to follow the LORD, you are not guaranteed a trouble-free life. Jesus told his disciples, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Many of us believe that if we do our best to lead a good life, following the commandments as found in the Bible, God will exempt us from hardship and trouble. But Jesus, the sinless Son of God, did not have a trouble-free life. Why should we expect our lives to be trouble free? God has not promised me a trouble-free life; He has promised to be with me when trouble and adversity comes.

About three years ago a close friend of mine suffered a debilitating stroke. He lost his position as a teacher, his finances took a hit and he struggled mightily to get his mobility back. In an instant every movement became much more difficult for him—every step a monumental effort. Last week he made a startling confession. He said, “If I had it to do over, I wouldn’t go back. I wouldn’t return to my pre-stroke days. God has drawn me so much closer to Himself through this. I wouldn’t wish this on any man. But God has changed me and used me in new ways that wouldn’t have been possible unless this happened.”

All of us desperately try to avoid the furnace of affliction. It’s too hard—too unpleasant—full of things we cannot bear. But God meets us there. He bears us up on eagle’s wings. When our resources and abilities run out, He takes over. He becomes our help and our deliverer in ways we cannot fathom.

His promises are tried, tested and true: The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. 

Response: Heavenly Father, I can’t always see what is genuinely in my best interest, especially when that involves adversity. Be my sure help and protection in troubled times. May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Your Turn: Has God met with you in a time of trouble?

What does God look like?

09 Monday Jun 2014

Posted by in Psalm 34, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Reading:                                   Psalm 34

 (Verses 15-18)

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;

but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,     

to blot out their name from the earth.

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

The LORD is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV)

 Reflection

In my previous post discussing Psalm 34 I asked the question, “What does God taste like?” Remember David invites us in Psalm 34:8 to “Taste and see that the LORD is good.”

Violets 2014-05-14

As this psalm continues David again invites us to take a closer look at God. He reminds us that, “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil to blot out their name from the earth.”

In this passage David depicts the LORD as having eyes, ears and a face. I always have trouble picturing God. This inability does not stem from a lack of imagination. It comes from the knowledge that God is a spirit. How do you picture something that has no physical substance or form? But picturing God comes with further difficulties. We are specifically forbidden to create an image or likeness of God. The God of the Hebrews sat on the Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Covenant between two cherubim. But there was no image or statue there. To create an image or statue would be blasphemous. For that reason I find Michelangelo’s painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel offensive. I am not offended by the depiction of a naked Adam. I’m offended by the portrayal of an old grey-haired man as God. How dare he create an image of God? I am similarly troubled by any artistic rendering of God the Father. God is so far beyond human that to render Him as having a human form demeans His Majesty.

Bleeding-hearts 2014-05-14

But that’s what makes the incarnation so spectacular. This God of no fixed form took on material reality. In the person of Jesus, He became a man with eyes, ears and a human face. The God who sees all and hears all limited himself to a human body. The Creator took on the form and limitations of a creature—limitations that encompass betrayal, pain and death. In the body of Jesus, the Creator God, who sees and hears, experienced our reality—our humanity.

The psalmist, David declares, “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

The LORD is close to the broken-hearted because in the form of Christ his heart was broken. He experienced the pain that touches you and more. His eyes are on you. He is listening when you cry out.

Response: Hear my prayer. I seek your face. Be my healer. In Jesus’ name, who defeated death, I pray. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you have a picture of God? How does God look to you?

The Plans of Nations

20 Tuesday May 2014

Posted by in Psalm 33, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Reading:                                     Psalm 33

(Verses 10-15)

The LORD foils the plans of the nations;     

he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,     

the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,     

the people he chose for his inheritance.

From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;

from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—

he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. (NIV)

 

Reflection

I confess I am a bit of a history buff. I am currently reading The War that Ended Peace by Margaret MacMillan. The subtitle is The Road to 1914. As you might guess, it highlights the causes of World War I. Throughout, the author meticulously points out that war was not inevitable. A change in course by any of the key players in the years leading up to 1914 could have prevented this monumental catastrophe. Each nation had plans and objectives that they considered in their best interest. Quite naturally the pursuit of those plans led to conflict with neighbouring nations with opposing objectives.

What does the psalmist say about national objectives? The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Nations pursue their own perceived national interest. Despite the rhetoric we sometimes hear, they do not pursue the plans and purposes of the LORD. For political leaders national self-interest trumps the purposes of God. In fact the purposes of God are seldom considered. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Was it God’s plan and purpose to have millions of Christian believers go to their slaughter in World War I? Many atheists purport that this is what we believe. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are responsible for our own actions. God does not cause war. Humans cause war and they carry it out. Why should we suddenly blame God for what we have engineered through our own dogged stupidity? Blaming God for our own arrogant idiocy is the pinnacle of irresponsibility, yet we do it all the time, both on a national and a personal level. Most often we are the author of our own disaster. We fail to pull back and change course before it’s too late.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.

Response: LORD God, thank you for choosing me to be to be one of your people. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you, my Father. You watch over me. You, O LORD are my inheritance. Amen.

Your Turn: How does personal conflict escalate? Do you blame God rather than yourself?

The Creative Power of Words

14 Wednesday May 2014

Posted by in Psalm 33, Psalms

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Reading:                                     Psalm 33

(Verses 6-9)

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. (NIV)

 Reflection

Have you ever considered the creative power of words? Words change the world. They bring order out of chaos. Words shine the light of day into the darkness of this world. From the very beginning words have been imbued with divine power. The psalmist reminds us, “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.”

Swamp 2014-05-10

But it’s not only God’s words that have this vast power. Our words—human words, whether spoken or written have enormous power too. Adam’s first job assignment was to speak words—to name the animals. Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals (Genesis 2: 19-20).

Strangely, God did not do what every parent does. He didn’t tell Adam what the animals were called. Adam told God their names. By so doing, God vested mankind with the power of language. Life is what we call it.

Our words describe the world and give meaning to it. Through our words we bring order and make sense of the world around us. As a writer I am continually processing and attempting to make sense of this chaotic thing called life. I do it with words. That’s what we are called to do.

With our words we shine the light of truth onto a situation. With words we write laws, administer justice and design our government. With words we woo and romance and vow our love to one another. Our words create imaginary realms into which we can travel—words that transport. With our words we have the power to elevate the human spirit, or crush someone to the point of suicide.

Ott Riv 2014-05-10

Finally, there is something innately prophetic about our words. What we speak and write is potent. It has within in it the latent ability to become reality. Therefore, we need to guard our lips. See James 3:1-12. The psalmist reminds us not only of the power of the word of the LORD, but also our own words. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

Response: LORD God, help me give careful consideration to my words. Today, may my words be a creative force for good in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Turn: How has God used your words for good lately?

Sing joyfully to the LORD

12 Monday May 2014

Posted by in Psalm 33, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Reading:                                     Psalm 33

(Verses 1-5)

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;     

it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Praise the LORD with the harp;     

make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

Sing to him a new song;     

play skillfully, and shout for joy.

For the word of the LORD is right and true;     

he is faithful in all he does.

The LORD loves righteousness and justice;     

the earth is full of his unfailing love. (NIV)

Reflection

It’s a good thing to wake up with a song of praise to the LORD on your lips. How do I know that’s true? I listen to birds. Their joyous songs are new every morning. If they have cause to sing praise to the LORD, surely I do as well.

Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29:31).

If a sparrow has good grounds for praising the LORD each and every day, surely we have more. His constant care sustains us. If the Father keeps count of my hair, He must be concerned about even the tiny details of my life. His loving mercy is new every morning; therefore, it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

We are instructed to Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

Forgive me, LORD. I’m an instrumental disaster. Playing skillfully is nigh unto impossible. But with my voice I will praise you. I can’t compete with robins and cardinals, but I will sing my praise. For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

The steadfast love of the LORD is unchanging. My praise for Him should be just as steadfast—unaffected by my current circumstances. The birds break into song at sunrise even on a rainy morning. My praise for God should be as constant. Paul and Silas sang praises to God after being severely flogged and imprisoned in Philippi. See Acts chapter 16. Their worship was unaffected by their circumstances. They were obedient to the LORD’s command: Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Response: Thank you, LORD God, for each day you set before me. Give me a heart of praise for you. You sustain me. Give me a new song to praise you, O LORD. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you love to praise God? Does it lift your spirit when you do?

A Game of Hide ‘n’ Seek with God

30 Wednesday Apr 2014

Posted by in Psalm 32, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Reading:                                      Psalm 32

(Verses 6-7)

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you,     

while you may be found;

surely when the mighty waters rise,     

they will not reach him.

You are my hiding place;     

you will protect me from trouble     

and surround me with songs of deliverance. (NIV)

Reflection

In the previous stanza of this psalm, David received the amazing dam-busting forgiveness of God. He has just experienced a wonderful release from a load of guilt. But now in his next breath he has some advice for us, and here it is. Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you, while you may be found.

We are to pray to God while He may be found. This raises some interesting questions. Is God unavailable at times? If God cannot be found, is He hiding? Furthermore, if God is hiding, where does He hide?

At this point I feel like jumping to my feet, like a lawyer in the court of reason, and shouting out, “I object! All that David has told us about God so far would lead us to believe that God is always close at hand. Didn’t David testify to this earlier in Psalm twenty-three? He said the following words about the LORD his shepherd: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. And now it seems David is telling us that there are times when God cannot be found. Which is it David? It can’t be both.”

Ah, but it is both. This is one of those great divine paradoxes. The God, who is near, even in my heart, can also be distant—light years away, both in time and space. There exists a perceived distance between us that can vary according to the state of my heart—according to the state of my relationship with God.

The fact remains that we cannot see God though we see evidence of His handiwork all around us. Our infinitely complex human bodies and finely tuned senses are themselves proof of His existence, yet Him we cannot see. He is a hidden God, and when we walk beside Him, we walk by faith and not by sight.

Repeatedly in the scriptures we are commanded to seek after the LORD. I find this to be a rather curious expression. We cannot see God, and yet we are commanded to seek Him, as though He might suddenly appear over the next hill, or around the next bend in the road. Suddenly, in unexpected ways, we may encounter God. In reality the Psalms are all about encounters with God. Psalm nineteen began that way. Suddenly the starry hosts began talking to David about God, declaring His glory. We may pick up the Bible, and suddenly it speaks to our deepest need—the need of the moment, and we know that this is the voice of God with a word specifically for us today. Even the ungodly people of this world recognize that people encounter God. They use expressions like, “He found God,” to describe someone’s conversion to faith in Christ. The LORD invites us to play the most amazing game: Hide ‘n’ seek with God.

Response: LORD God, I want to seek after You. Show yourself to me today in this grand adventure called life. I want to have an encounter with You. I want to know what it means to be found by You. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you had a recent encounter with God?