Tag Archives: humble

Honor One Another above Yourselves.

09 Monday Sep 2024

Posted by in Psalm 35

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 35_1-6

Reading: Psalm 35:1-6

Heavenly Father,
give me a humble heart
that sees beyond my narrow interests.
Help me to stand for righteousness, justice and truth.
First, I want to align my heart
and my spirit with you.
In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Amen.

— — —

Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil;
cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal,
but keep your spiritual fervor,
serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.
Practice hospitality.
(Romans 12:9-13), NIV)*

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

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Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

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Are you Learning from Jesus?

30 Tuesday Jul 2024

Posted by in Psalms

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Reading: Psalm 25:8-15

Good and upright is the LORD;
    therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
He guides the humble in what is right
    and teaches them his way.
All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
    toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
For the sake of your name, LORD,
    forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
Who, then, are those who fear the LORD?
    He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
They will spend their days in prosperity,
    and their descendants will inherit the land.
The LORD confides in those who fear him;
    he makes his covenant known to them.
My eyes are ever on the LORD,
    for only he will release my feet from the snare (NIV).*

L Kranz 2023-11-25

Photo courtesy of Liz Kranz

Reflection

Some truths are self-evident: Water flows downhill, always has and always will. Darkness is an absence of light. The first line of today’s psalm reading is also one of those self-evident truths. Good and upright is the LORD. The LORD is always good, and He is always upright in all His ways. There is nothing devious or corrupt about Him. That’s simply the nature of our God.

Because the LORD is good and upright, righteousness and grace flow from His throne. The LORD instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. His love cascades down upon those who are humble of heart. Jesus in his earthly ministry exemplified the very nature of God because he came as the LORD in human flesh. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:27-29).

Are you learning from Jesus? Have you positioned yourself to hear and follow him? The LORD is our teacher, but he only instructs those who humbly fear and reverence Him. The obstinate sinner has shut his ears to the voice of God. There is no guidance from heaven for him, nor does he seek it, because in rebellion he has chosen his own path.

Do you want the LORD to guide you in the decisions you face? Be of good cheer. If you fear the LORD, He will instruct you in the way you should choose. Confess your sin to Him, admit your need before Him, and then open your spirit to hear from God. We have this promise: The LORD confides in those who fear him. 

Response: LORD, in humility I come before you. I need your help and guidance every moment of the day. Teach me your ways in every situation and circumstance I face. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you routinely ask for the LORD’s guidance? How has He responded? Can you testify to situations in which the LORD has guided your steps?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

BGBG_v4.3_150[1818]

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

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Exalted to the Highest Place

29 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by in Psalm 2, Psalms

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 2_7-8

Reading: Psalm 2

Dear Lord Jesus,
thank you for your unconditional love.
You want only the best for me.
I yield to you.
Help me to embrace your will
and purpose for my life.
I trust in you.
I love you, Lord.
With my lips I kiss the Son.
Amen.

— — —

And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name
that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth
and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.
(Philippians 2:8-11), NIV)*

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

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Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

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He Cares for You

23 Tuesday Apr 2024

Posted by in Psalm 142

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 142_1-4 -365

Reading: Psalm 142:1-4

LORD God,
when I reach a low point,
you are there.
Hear me when I am down.
I bring my troubles and sorrows to you.
They are more than I can bear.
Jesus, be my burden bearer.
Amen.

 Humble yourselves, therefore,
under God’s mighty hand,
that he may lift you up in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on him
because he cares for you.
(1 Peter 5:6-7), NIV)*

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

BGBG_v4.3_150[1818]

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.TheElishaCodeCVR5

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

 

God Opposes the Proud

01 Monday Apr 2024

Posted by in Psalm 136, Psalms

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 136c -365

Reading: Psalm 136:17-26

Father God,
I humble myself before you.
I admit my need for Jesus,
your Son, my Savior.
I need His forgiveness.
His love endures forever.
Amen.


But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”

Submit yourselves, then, to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Wash your hands, you sinners,
and purify your hearts,
you double-minded.
Grieve, mourn and wail.
Change your laughter to mourning
and your joy to gloom.
Humble yourselves before the Lord,
and he will lift you up.
(James 4:6-10), NIV)*

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

BGBG_v4.3_150[1818]

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.TheElishaCodeCVR5

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

 

Good and Pleasant

21 Thursday Mar 2024

Posted by in Psalm 133

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 133_1

Reading: Psalm 133

Father God,
help me sow words of love and unity.
Open my eyes to see
where I can bring a word of encouragement
and affirmation to those around me.
Make me an instrument of peace,
love, and unity today.
Amen.

Finally, all of you,
be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another,
be compassionate and humble.
Do not repay evil with evil
or insult with insult.
On the contrary,
repay evil with blessing,
because to this you were called
so that you may inherit a blessing.
(1 Peter 3:8-9, NIV)*

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

BGBG_v4.3_150[1818]

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

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Lent is here. Easter is approaching.
Are you ready for a journey to the cross?
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Humility Determines Destiny

15 Friday Mar 2024

Posted by in Psalm 131

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Today’s Devotion from the Psalms

Reading: Psalm 131
A song of ascents. Of David.
My heart is not proud, LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore (NIV). *

father and son outside

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

Reflection
In my personal quiet time this morning I highlighted this verse. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom (Proverbs 11:2).

The wisdom that comes with humility is a rare commodity in today’s world. It appears that the crude bravado of boasting egocentrics is winning the day. Every field of human endeavor has its loudmouthed champions—men who heap scorn on meeker souls.

But Jesus has a message that runs completely contrary to this approach. In his Sermon on the Mount, he said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). On another occasion, the disciples asked Jesus this question, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

This is Jesus’ response.  “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (See Matthew 18:1-5).

Jesus turns this world’s operating system on its head. He heaps honor on the weak, the humble and the vulnerable. He praises the soul of the weaned child—the one who takes the position of humility. Of course, Jesus is right. The folly of the proud ends in disgrace, but the humility of the meek ends in honor and a glorious inheritance.

Your eternal destiny is determined by your humility. These words of Jesus are an ominous warning: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

I need to become like the weaned child of Psalm 131. Can I truthfully say these words? My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty. Have I calmed and quieted myself? Am I like a weaned child with its mother? Am I content? Becoming like the weaned child requires change. I need to change. Jesus asks me to change. How about you?

Response: Father God, help me to change. I want to become more like Jesus. He was the servant of all.  Help me to avoid the pitfall of pride. Teach me how to quiet my soul and be content in you. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you learning to quiet your soul before God? How do you quiet your spirit?

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

BGBG_v4.3_150[1818]

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

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Lent is here. Easter is approaching.
Are you ready for a journey to the cross?
For a closer look or to purchase click here.

Praying with a Humble Heart

23 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by in Psalm 119

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 119_153-160 -365

Reading: Psalm 119:153-160

Father God,
teach me how to pray with a humble heart.
Any righteousness or goodness I have comes from you.
I will brag about your goodness
and unfailing love for me as revealed
through Jesus, your Son.
You are true.
Amen.

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), NIV)*

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

BGBG_v4.3_150[1818]

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.4485 SHARABLE-2

Are you ready for a journey to the cross?
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Your Posture of Prayer

23 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by in Psalm 119, Psalms

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Reading: Psalm 119:153-160
ר Resh
Look on my suffering and deliver me,
for I have not forgotten your law.
Defend my cause and redeem me;
preserve my life according to your promise.
Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek out your decrees.
Your compassion, LORD, is great;
preserve my life according to your laws.
Many are the foes who persecute me,
but I have not turned from your statutes.
I look on the faithless with loathing,
for they do not obey your word.
See how I love your precepts;
preserve my life, LORD, in accordance with your love.
All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal (NIV). *

a tattooed man praying while holding a book

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Reflection
As we draw near to the end of Psalm 119, I have a confession to make. Though in general, I love the Book of Psalms, Psalm 119 did not rank high in my affections. Though my views have changed, please bear with me now as I attempt to describe why at first, I disliked some aspects this Psalm.

In my opinion the author of this psalm spends too much time posturing. He continually reminds God how good he is and how disgusting others are. Statements like this one set my teeth on edge: I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word. See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, LORD, in accordance with your love.

Words like these remind me of the Pharisee bragging in the temple while the tax collector humbly calls out to God for mercy. Jesus concludes that the tax collector “went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 18:14). I’m left wondering, how did the author of Psalm 119 return home? Was his prayer heard and accepted by the LORD?

The answer must be a resounding yes. Psalm 119 would not be in our Bible’s if it was not the divinely inspired word of God. So, this question remains. How does the psalmist get away with using the sort of comparison that drew Jesus’ condemnation in his description of the Pharisee and the tax collector?

I believe the answer lies in posture. Psalm 119 is best prayed from a kneeling position. The psalmist is humbly—even desperately—calling out to God. The posture we assume influences the prayers we pray.

Response: Father God, teach me how to pray with a humble heart. Any righteousness or goodness I have comes from you. I will brag about your goodness and unfailing love for me. You are true. Amen.

Your Turn: What posture do you assume when you pray? How does your posture reflect your heart?

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

BGBG_v4.3_150[1818]

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.TheElishaCodeCVR5

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

The Best Understanding

01 Thursday Feb 2024

Posted by in Psalm 119

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 119_25-32

Reading: Psalm 119:25-32

Father God,
  you are right to call me to account.
I humble myself before you.
Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
I want to please you in all I do.
Holy Spirit, help me.
Amen.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

BGBG_v4.3_150[1818]

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.TheElishaCodeCVR5

To purchase or for a closer look click here.