Learning at the “School of Hard Knocks”

06 Friday Feb 2026

Tags

cry for help, David, false accusations, hardship, James, Job, Prayer, Satan, Suffering, the Psalms, the school of hard knocks

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

Reading: Psalm 35:17-21

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

How long, LORD, will you look on?
    Rescue me from their ravages,
    my precious life from these lions.
I will give you thanks in the great assembly;
    among the throngs I will praise you.
Do not let those gloat over me
    who are my enemies without cause;
do not let those who hate me without reason
    maliciously wink the eye.
They do not speak peaceably,
    but devise false accusations
    against those who live quietly in the land.
They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha!
    With our own eyes we have seen it.”
(NIV)*

Reflection
This portion of Psalm 35 begins with David’s cry for help, “How long, LORD, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions” (v. 17).

When I am in distress, help can never arrive too soon. I want an instant answer from God. Better yet, He should have pre-empted this disappointment—this disaster. But often God doesn’t instantly ride to our rescue. If poor choices are the cause of our distress, He may let us experience the consequences of our folly. When you are enrolled in “The School of Hard Knocks” the test comes first and then you learn the lesson. Often patient endurance brings about an invaluable change in character through the work of the Holy Spirit. James, the brother of our Lord, reminds us of this truth:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4).

(Suvan Chowdhury/Stocksnap)

But all our troubles do not come as a result of bad decisions on our part. Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward (Job 5:7). Job reminds us that even the good and the just will at times face suffering. Anyone who tells you differently is not being faithful to the full counsel of scripture. Satan severely tested Job, but he remained firm in his faith.

When hardships come will you stand firm? When the haughty accuse can you bear it? David felt the sting of false accusations. They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it” (v. 21).

Thanks be to God. We can bring our trials and burdens to the Lord in prayer. He hears and in His perfect time He responds.

Response
Lord, you know the troubles and trials that I face daily. You are my help and my strength. I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you (v. 18). Amen.

Your Turn
Do you learn from God’s word or from “The School of Hard Knocks” or from both? Which is the better teacher?

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

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel, Gaza, Russia 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.

New from David Kitz

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

David Kitz digs deep into archeology, family dynamics, church history, and the biblical texts. What emerges from his research is a portrait of a decisive, pivotal leader who embodied the will and character of Jesus Christ.

But how did James—James the unbeliever—transform to become a leader who changed the course of world history? In these pages you will uncover the answer and rediscover for yourself the life-changing power of the gospel.

To view further details or purchase directly from the author click here.

James the Lynchpin of Our Faith

01 Sunday Feb 2026

Posted by davidkitz in Psalms

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

author, Bible, book, church, David Kitz, God's word, gospel, history, James, Jesus, New Testament

Foreword

My acquaintance with David Kitz began back in the 1990s.
During those years I was serving with the Canadian Bible Society.
When arranging an evening program, it was one of my goals to
demonstrate the relevance of the Bible to practical living. Is there
any part of God’s Word that better accomplishes this than the writings
of James?

David Kitz

David responded to my needs. He had memorized the entire Epistle of James and honed it into a powerful drama. The audience was always thrilled and challenged by his presentation. The book you hold is the result of years of study, memorization, and reflection by the author. You will learn and be challenged in your faith as you read.

If you were to ask your friends, I dare say most would admit a dislike for history. To extend that survey to a little-known historical character would have comparable results. And yet the book you are about to read will dispel that prejudicial attitude. The author has skillfully woven together relevant facts of history, archeology, and psychology into the context of biblical exposition. This breadth of thinking is typical of the author.

Though I am a lifelong Bible student, I confess to a meager knowledge of the character of James. His name appears frequently in the New Testament—but strangely, we rarely give him the significance he deserves. As the author develops the theme of James’ character, we discover the reasons.

The reader will trace James’ journey from unbeliever and critic to
faithful follower of the Lord Jesus and finally preeminent leader in the
early church. Beyond the Jewish population, he was instrumental in
opening the door of the entire world to the message of the gospel. He
left us a short but challenging epistle, reminding us that the gospel is not
only to be believed but also to be lived.

This book will expose you to the seasoned reflections of a competent
author and biblical scholar. You will be led along paths you had never
considered. You will wonder why you had not previously considered
James and his rightful prominence in the early Christian church. If you
are a serious Bible reader, you will want to have your Bible handy—and a
pencil—as you read and grow!

— Wilf Wight, Pastor, Église de la Nouvelle Jérusalem, Vanier, ON, Canada

Available now…

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

To view further details or purchase directly from the author click here.

Rich in Faith

12 Wednesday Nov 2025

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 12, Psalms

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

care for others, David Kitz, faith, God's chosen, inherit, James, Jesus, the oppressed, the poor, the rich

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

Today’s Reading: Psalm 12

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

LORD God,
give me a caring heart
for those who are poor and oppressed.
Help me to demonstrate care
not just in thought but in practical ways
as Jesus would.
Amen.

— — — —

Daisy Lake photo by L. Kranz

Listen,
my dear brothers and sisters:
Has not God chosen those who are poor
in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith
and to inherit the kingdom
he promised those who love him?
But you have dishonored the poor.
Is it not the rich who are exploiting you?
Are they not the ones
who are dragging you into court?
Are they not the ones
who are blaspheming the noble name of him
to whom you belong?
(James 2:5-7 NIV)*

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

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

Thank God for peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

New from David Kitz

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

To view further details or purchase this or other books directly from the author click here.

Make Room for Us

06 Thursday Nov 2025

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 10, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bible, encouragement, expectant faith, James, Jesus, Prayer, Psalms, room for God, seeking God

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

Today’s Reading: Psalm 10:1-4

Lord Jesus,
I seek after you.
Open my eyes to see you at work today.
You are not distant from me
in time or space.
Show up in my world today.
I wait expectantly for you.
Amen.

— — — —

[Paul writes]
Make room for us in your hearts.
We have wronged no one,
we have corrupted no one,
we have exploited no one.
I do not say this to condemn you;
I have said before
that you have such a place in our hearts
that we would live or die with you.
I have spoken to you with great frankness;
I take great pride in you.
I am greatly encouraged;
in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
(2 Corinthians 7:2-4 NIV)*

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

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

Thank God for peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

New from David Kitz

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

Can Such Faith Save Them?

05 Wednesday Nov 2025

Posted by davidkitz in Psalms

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Bible, good deeds, Heavenly Father, James, praise, Prayer, Psalms, salvation, the needy, trouble

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”

Today’s Reading: Psalm 9:11-20

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Heavenly Father,
in times of trouble,
you are my help.
I lay my troubles
and my requests before you.
I wait expectantly for you.
I praise you for your goodness to me
even in difficult times.
Amen.

— — — —

What good is it,
my brothers and sisters,
if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?
Can such faith save them?
Suppose a brother or a sister
is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to them,
“Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,”
but does nothing about their physical needs,
what good is it?
In the same way,
faith by itself,
if it is not accompanied by action,
is dead.
(James 2:14-17 NIV)*

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

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

Thank God for peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

New from David Kitz

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

It Was to Save Lives

23 Thursday Oct 2025

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 3, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bible, deliverance, Egypt, famine, God, history, James, Jesus, Joseph, Prayer, Psalms, troubles

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
Today’s Reading: Psalm 3

LORD God,
save me from all my troubles.
I put my confidence in you.
You reach down to me
at the low points in my life.
You have never abandoned me.
Jesus,
I give you thanks in advance
for your help.
Amen.

— — — —

Then Joseph said to his brothers,
“Come close to me.”
When they had done so, he said,
“I am your brother Joseph,
the one you sold into Egypt!
And now, do not be distressed
and do not be angry
with yourselves for selling me here,
because it was to save lives
that God sent me ahead of you.
For two years now
there has been famine in the land,
and for the next five years
there will be no plowing and reaping.
But God sent me ahead of you
to preserve for you a remnant on earth
and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
(Genesis 45:4-7 NIV)*

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

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

Thank God for peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

New from David Kitz

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

Who Is Like the LORD

19 Sunday Oct 2025

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 113, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Bible, brother of Jesus, James, mother, nations, praise the LORD, princes, Psalms, sunrise, the name of the LORD, the needy, the poor

I will praise the LORD!
Psalm 113

Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD, you his servants;
praise the name of the LORD.
Let the name of the LORD be praised,
both now and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.
The LORD is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.
Who is like the LORD our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high,
who stoops down to look
on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust
    and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes,
    with the princes of his people.
He settles the childless woman in her home
    as a happy mother of children.
Praise the LORD. *

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

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

Coming soon…

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

Trusting in the LORD

18 Saturday Oct 2025

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 112

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

brother of Jesus, gifts, James, Jesus, praise the LORD, Psalms, Righteousness, steadfast heart, the LORD, the poor, the wicked, trust in God

I will praise the LORD!
Psalm 112:6-10

Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
their righteousness endures forever;
their horn will be lifted high in honor.
The wicked will see and be vexed,
they will gnash their teeth and waste away;
the longings of the wicked will come to nothing. *

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

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

Coming soon…

James—the brother of Jesus—who was this man? What evidence do we have that this “brother of our Lord” even existed?

A Guard for my Lips

04 Tuesday Sep 2018

Posted by davidkitz in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 141, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

conversation with God, guard, incense, James, Prayer, will of God

Reading: Psalm 141
A psalm of David.
(Verses 1-4)
I call to you, LORD, come quickly to me;
hear me when I call to you.
May my prayer be set before you like incense;
may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
Set a guard over my mouth, LORD;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil
so that I take part in wicked deeds
along with those who are evildoers;
do not let me eat their delicacies (NIV).

Late afternoon sun — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Like so many of the psalms, Psalm 41 is a conversation with God—a prayer to the LORD—the Holy One. Prayer should be part of our daily routine, as routine as getting out of bed in the morning, and as regular as our evening meal. David, the psalmist, expresses this thought with these words: May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

In his revelation of the throne room of God, John saw our prayers being offered as incense before Jesus, the Lamb of God. And when he had taken it [the scroll], the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people (Revelations 5:8).

I find it fascinating to view our prayers being offered up in a tangible way as incense—a pleasing aroma to the LORD. See Numbers 15:1-15.

David continues his prayer with this petition: Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Often my mouth gets me in trouble. I say I’ll do something, and then don’t follow through. I let others down. In frustration I blurt out words that I later regret. James, the brother of Jesus, provides us with this advice. My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires (James 1:19-20).

I need a guard over my mouth. This is true in my daily conversation with others, but it’s also true of my conversations with God. I think we often pray rash prayers—prayers that in His mercy God does not answer. I think I know what is best for me only to discover after the fact, that what I thought would be a blessing is a huge detriment. My prayers can be mixed with the stench of human flesh.

Response: LORD, I want my prayers to be like sweet incense to you. Help me to pray according to your will. That means listening for your voice before I blurt out my requests. Guide my thoughts. Speak to me and through me as I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Turn: How careful are you with your prayers? Can we be too cautious in prayer?

It Won’t Last Forever

06 Tuesday Mar 2018

Posted by davidkitz in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 90, Psalms

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Creator, Ecclesiastes, eternal, everlasting, James, Maker, mist, Moses, Petrie Island, praise, scholars, temporal, thanksgiving

Reading: Psalm 90

A prayer of Moses the man of God.
(Verses 1-6)
Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
You turn people back to dust,
saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”
A thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.
Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—
they are like the new grass of the morning:
In the morning it springs up new,
but by evening it is dry and withered (NIV).

Reflection
In case you have not noticed, your life on this earth is temporal. It won’t last forever. In fact, there is very little on this earth that fits into the “lasts forever category.” My car fits well into this rusty, temporal category. My physical body will suffer a similar fate. My morning aches and pains remind me of this outcome. In this psalm Moses states the obvious when he makes this declaration: You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”

Misty morning sunrise on Petrie Island — photo by David Kitz

James, the brother of our Lord, makes a similar observation: You should know better than to say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to the city. We will do business there for a year and make a lot of money!” What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears (James 4:13-14, CEV).

Only God stands apart, above and beyond this temporal world. He is the ageless One, untouched by time. This assertion holds true. A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

The entire book of Ecclesiastes addresses the topic of the temporal nature of human life. Glenn Fobert has written an excellent book that explains the true meaning of that puzzling book: Everything Is Mist: Ecclesiastes on Life in a Puzzling and Troubled Temporary World

Life is not meaningless or vanity. According to Fobert, scholars have mistranslated the Hebrew word for mist in Ecclesiastes. Life is like a morning fog that lifts and it is gone. Where has it gone? It goes to the eternal One, the Creator of all life. How then should we live? Ecclesiastes gives us the answer. Simply live in full reverence and praise to your Maker.

Response: LORD God, I thank you for being the author of this wonderful thing called life. Today I want to live in humble thanksgiving and praise to you. Let my work, words and conduct honor you. Amen.

Your Turn: Is the Lord your dwelling place? Are you at home with Him?

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365 by David Kitz

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

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

Foreword

Today’s quote and prayer from “Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

Today’s Reading: Psalm 12

LORD God, give me a caring heart for those who are poor and oppressed. Help me to demonstrate care not just in thought but in practical ways as Jesus would. Amen.

— — — —

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

Thank God for peace in Israel and Gaza, and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Today’s quote and prayer from “Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

Today’s Reading: Psalm 10:1-4

Lord Jesus, I seek after you. Open my eyes to see you at work today. You are not distant from me in time or space. Show up in my world today. I wait expectantly for you. Amen.

— — — —

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

Thank God for peace in Israel and Gaza, and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Today’s quote and prayer from “Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”

Today’s Reading: Psalm 9:11-20

Heavenly Father, in times of trouble, you are my help. I lay my troubles and my requests before you. I wait expectantly for you. I praise you for your goodness to me even in difficult times. Amen.

— — — —

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

Thank God for peace in Israel and Gaza, and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Today’s quote and prayer from “Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer” Today’s Reading: Psalm 3

LORD God, save me from all my troubles. I put my confidence in you. You reach down to me at the low points in my life. You have never abandoned me. Jesus, I give you thanks in advance for your help. Amen.

— — — —

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

Thank God for peace in Israel and Gaza, and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

I will praise the LORD!Psalm 113

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

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

I will praise the LORD! Psalm 112:6-10

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

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

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

LORD God,
give me a caring heart
for those who are poor and oppressed.
Help me to demonstrate care
not just in thought but in practical ways
as Jesus would.
Amen.

Thank God for peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

Lord Jesus,
I seek after you.
Open my eyes to see you at work today.
You are not distant from me
in time or space.
Show up in my world today.
I wait expectantly for you.
Amen.

Thank God for peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”

Heavenly Father,
in times of trouble,
you are my help.
I lay my troubles
and my requests before you.
I wait expectantly for you.
I praise you for your goodness to me
even in difficult times.
Amen.

Thank God for peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
Today’s Reading: Psalm 3

LORD God,
save me from all my troubles.
I put my confidence in you.
You reach down to me
at the low points in my life.
You have never abandoned me.
Jesus,
I give you thanks in advance
for your help.
Amen.

Thank God for peace in Israel and Gaza,
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

I will praise the LORD!
Psalm 113

I will praise the LORD!
Psalm 112:6-10