Tag Archives: Jesus

Firm and Unwavering Love

04 Wednesday Dec 2024

Posted by in Psalm 62, Psalms

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Reading: Psalm 62:9-12
Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie.
If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
Do not trust in extortion
or put vain hope in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.
One thing God has spoken,
two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God,
and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;
and, “You reward everyone
according to what they have done” (NIV). *

pxl_20241115_213831337.mp-effects

Backyard sunset photo by David Kitz

Reflection
In this life we have been given, what things are solid? What things are sure? Not much according to the psalmist, David.

Our station in life is just a fabricated lie. At heart, the highborn are no different than the street pauper. We breathe the same air, suffer the indignities of aging, and our bodies are fated for death and decay. In his epistle, James makes our fate quite clear. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14b).

As for this world’s wealth, it has no lasting value. Here is sound advice—advice from this psalm you won’t get from a financial planner: though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them (v. 10).

What then should we do? How should we live? Live in the light and knowledge of eternity and the One who holds eternity in His hands. David reminds us God will… “reward everyone according to what they have done” (v. 12).

In other words, how we live matters. It matters for now and eternity. That knowledge should inform and give shape to all we say and do. But there are two additional truths that should bring meaning to our lives. One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love” (v. 11-12).

God alone has the power of life, death, and resurrection. And in Jesus, He demonstrated his unfailing power and love for every man, woman, and child on this planet. On the cross Jesus showed his unfailing love. Other loves—human loves—may fail us, but God’s love stands firm and unwavering. In a changing world of eroding values our LORD remains firm and immovable.

Response: LORD God, thank you for the unfailing love of Jesus. You love me even when I have failed and despite my shortcomings. Help me live my life in the light of eternity. Amen.

Your Turn: Is God’s love a motivator for you to change your ways since He never changes? Reflect on the changes you have made in your life because of your relationship with the Lord?

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

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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Rich in Good Deeds

03 Tuesday Dec 2024

Posted by in Psalm 62

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 62_5

Reading: Psalm 62:1-8

LORD God,
you are my mighty rock,
my refuge.
In a troubled world
you are a sure foundation.
My soul finds rest in you.
Help me put into practice the words of life—
the words of Jesus.
Amen.

— — —

 Command those who are rich
in this present world
not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,
which is so uncertain,
but to put their hope in God,
who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 
Command them to do good,
to be rich in good deeds,
and to be generous and willing to share. 
In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves
as a firm foundation for the coming age,
so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
(1 Timothy 6:17-19)*

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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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Jesus, Our Rock and Salvation

03 Tuesday Dec 2024

Posted by in Psalms

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Reading: Psalm 62:1-8
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
How long will you assault me?
Would all of you throw me down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge (NIV).

Hiker man at the top of the mountain.This is a 3d render illustration

Hiker man at the top of the mountain. This is a 3d render illustration

Reflection
Jesus concluded his Sermon on the Mount by telling the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-29). One man built his house on sand, while the other built his home on the rock. Only the house built on the rock was able to withstand the floods and storms of life. Having Jesus and his teaching at the very foundation of your life will help you withstand all the hardship and temptation the world and the devil can throw at you.

Did Jesus use Psalm 62 as his story prompter as he told the parable of the wise and foolish builders? Until we pass over to eternity and can question Jesus personally, we cannot know the answer with absolute certainty; nevertheless, there is a striking parallel between Jesus’ built-on-a-rock parable and Psalm 62.

According to this psalm, David found his rest in God. God was his rock. His life rested secure on that eternal foundation. Here is David’s confession: Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken (v. 5-6).

To David’s declaration of allegiance to the Rock, Jesus adds this thought. Our connection to the Rock is established as we put his words—Jesus’ words—into practice. What is your life resting on?

Response: LORD God, you are my mighty rock, my refuge. In a troubled world you are a sure foundation. My soul finds rest in you. Help me put into practice the words of life—the words of Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: In a changing world has the LORD become your rock of stability? Are you heeding this admonition from James, the brother of our Lord? “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).

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, 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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Calling Out to God

02 Monday Dec 2024

Posted by in Psalm 61, Psalms

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 61 -365

Reading: Psalm 61

LORD God,
help me to draw near to you.
Thank you for the indwelling Holy Spirit.
You have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
Renew my faith in your unfailing love
through Jesus.
Amen.

— — —

A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
    the way for the LORD;
make straight in the desert
    a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up,
    every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
    the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
    and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
(Isaiah 40:3-5)*

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

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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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Give Thanks to Him

28 Thursday Nov 2024

Posted by in Psalm 59

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 59_16

Reading: Psalm 59:10-17

LORD God,
teach me to pray like David prayed,
and praise you like David praised
with ample thanksgiving.
Give me ears to hear your voice
when I come before you.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.

— — —

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.
(Psalm 100)*

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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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A Prayer for Peace

26 Tuesday Nov 2024

Posted by in Psalm 58, Psalms

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 58 -365

Reading: Psalm 58

LORD God,
we pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia.
We ask for peacemakers to come to the fore
in the war raging in Israel, Gaza, Palestine, and Lebanon.
Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace. 
Come reign in our hearts 
and our troubled world.
Amen.

— — —

Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted
because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:9-10)*

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

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

A gripping read from David Kitz. An ideal Christmas gift.
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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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A Thank Offering to You

25 Monday Nov 2024

Posted by in Psalm 57

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 57_7-8

Reading: Psalm 57:6-11

LORD God,
even amid trouble
help me to fill my heart with praise for you.
You are good and faithful.
You are my help—
my steadfast help—
through Jesus Christ your Son.
Amen.

— — —

Truly I am your servant, LORD;
    I serve you just as my mother did;
    you have freed me from my chains.
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
    and call on the name of the LORD.
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
    in the presence of all his people,
in the courts of the house of the LORD—
    in your midst, Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD.
(Psalm 23:37-40)*

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

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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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I Have Longed to Gather Your Children Together

22 Friday Nov 2024

Posted by in Psalms

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 57_1

Reading: Psalm 57:1-7

LORD God,
you are my defender.
Help me daily to appreciate
your love and protection.
When the cruelty of this world assaults me,
I find shelter under your wings.
Thank you, Lord Jesus.
Amen.

— — —

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
you who kill the prophets
and stone those sent to you,
how often I have longed
to gather your children together,
as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,
and you were not willing.
Look, your house is left to you desolate.
 For I tell you,
you will not see me again until you say,
‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
(Matthew 23:37-40)*

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

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

New from David Kitz
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TheElishaCodeCVR5

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

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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How to Overcome Fear

20 Wednesday Nov 2024

Posted by in Psalm 56

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 56_3-4

Reading: Psalm 56:1-7

LORD God,
right now I put my faith and trust in you.
By the blood of Jesus,
you forgive all my sins
and have paid the price for my redemption.
When I am afraid,
I turn to you, Lord.
I put my trust in you alone.
Amen.

— — —

When evening came,
his disciples went down to the lake,
where they got into a boat
and set off across the lake for Capernaum.
By now it was dark,
and Jesus had not yet joined them. 
A strong wind was blowing
and the waters grew rough.
When they had rowed about three or four miles,
they saw Jesus approaching the boat,
walking on the water;
and they were frightened. 
But he said to them,
“It is I;
don’t be afraid.”
(John 6:16-20)*

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

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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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Who Do You Trust When the Worst Happens?

20 Wednesday Nov 2024

Posted by in Psalms

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Reading: Psalm 56:1-7
For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David.
A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.
Be merciful to me, my God,
for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
all day long they press their attack.
My adversaries pursue me all day long;
in their pride many are attacking me.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
All day long they twist my words;
all their schemes are for my ruin.
They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps, hoping to take my life.
Because of their wickedness do not let them escape;
in your anger, God, bring the nations down (NIV).

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Reflection
In times of trouble David knew where to turn. With his enemies, the Philistines, surrounding him, he turned to God. Hear his bold confession, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

David, the obvious answer is, “Mere mortals can torture and kill you.”

Despite this David remained confident. The Philistines could destroy his body, but they could not harm his eternal spirit which was at peace—protected by God. Do you and I have the same confidence? That confidence can be ours if we put our trust in God.

Jesus warned his disciples, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). The One we are to fear is God alone. Jesus perfectly demonstrated his trust in God the Father when he went to the cross on our behalf. There he was tortured and killed, but three days later he was vindicated by the Father, who raised him from the dead. Our redemption and salvation come from Jesus.

When we face mortal danger or a deadly prognosis may these words be on our lips and in our heart: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (v. 3-4)

Response: LORD God, right now I put my faith and trust in you. By the blood of Jesus, you forgive all my sins and have paid the price for my redemption. When I am afraid, I turn to you. I put my trust in you alone. Amen.

Your Turn: Who do you trust and turn to when bad news comes? Friends and family can provide support, but is your Father—your heavenly Father with you? Are you leaning into Him?

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, 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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