Tag Archives: Jesus

Endorsements for “The Elisha Code”

20 Saturday Jan 2024

Posted by in Books by David Kitz

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Wow! This is terrific. ReadingThe Elisha Code and the Coming Revival is like walking the road to Emmaus with the resurrected Jesus and two of his twenty-first century disciples—Ed Hird and David Kitz. Share their excitement as Jesus opens their minds to the Old Testament prophecies about Himself. With the added benefit of New Testament insights and lessons from history, we see the Holy Spirit preparing to ignite fresh revival fires in our day.

Don Hutchinson, pastor, lawyer, and author of 
Church in Society: First Century Citizenship Lessons for Twenty-First Century Christians

TheElishaCodeCVR5
My initial reaction to drawing a parallel between two “dynamic duos”—Elijah/Elisha and John the Baptist/Jesus—was not favorable. The Bible never makes such a claim. Or so I thought, until I read The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival. I did so mainly because co-author Ed Hird is one of my oldest and dearest friends. I was genuinely surprised at the compelling argument he and David Kitz make for this connection as they spur the reader onto revival expectation.

— Alan Gilman, Bible Teacher, Writer, & Podcaster

I found The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival by David Kitz & Dr. Ed Hird to be a rollercoaster-thrill-read from beginning to end … I could not put it down! The authors take you on an adventure of discovery—seeking bold faith—in readiness for the revival to come.

— Alan Kearns, Devotional Treasures blogger, Glenrothes, Scotland

Canadian readers for a closer look or to purchase click here.

American readers click here.

Fulfilling My Vows to the LORD

18 Thursday Jan 2024

Posted by in Psalm 116

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 116_10-14 -365

Reading: Psalm 116:10-14

Lord Jesus,
I thank you for your sacrifice.
You gave yourself fully for me.
On a crude wooden cross,
you purchased my salvation.
Today, help me fulfill my vows to the LORD.
Amen.

* 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.

Vol III 2021-07-17 at 8.15.36 AM

A Cup of Salvation

18 Thursday Jan 2024

Posted by in Psalm 116, Psalms

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Reading: Psalm 116:10-14
I trusted in the LORD when I said,
  “I am greatly afflicted”;
in my alarm I said, “Everyone is a liar.”
What shall I return to the LORD
for all his goodness to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
  and call on the name of the LORD.
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
    in the presence of all his people (NIV). *

Winter 5021 D Adam

Photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection
Today started a bit different. Rather than beginning my day with a hot cup of coffee, I had a few sips of water and then headed off for some blood tests. I missed that cup of coffee, but in reality going without it was no great hardship. Some view their morning shot of caffeine like a cup of salvation—early morning salvation. Today’s reading from Psalm 116 speaks of the cup of salvation. I’m sure the psalmist wasn’t speaking of his morning cup of java. What was he speaking of?

The psalmist lifts up the cup of salvation and calls on the name of the LORD in response to this question: What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me? The psalmist lifts up his cup as an expression of thanksgiving to the LORD for the salvation he has received from God.

But salvation came at a price. To purchase our salvation, Jesus lifted a cup and brought it to his lips. It was a cup of unimaginable suffering. In the Garden of Gethsemane he prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). He was referring to the anguish he would endure. In the hours that followed, Jesus drained that cup of suffering dry, even as his body was drained of blood on a cruel Roman cross.

In the great plan of redemption, Jesus’ cup of suffering became for us a cup of salvation. He drank it down to save us from the cruel consequences of our sin. Jesus assumed the full penalty of our disobedience, rebellion, and devious ways. But now by faith, we can become active recipients of the salvation he won on our behalf.

The next time you bring the communion cup to your lips you are remembering—acknowledging in a tangible way—that Jesus’ blood was shed for you. Salvation came through a cup of suffering. We can rejoice in that truth because early on a Sunday morning, Jesus’ dead body was jolted back to life. He was resurrected by the power of the Father, and one day the body of every believer will be resurrected too. In that moment we will experience the fullness of our salvation.

Tomorrow morning, I’ll return to my usual routine, and I’ll enjoy my hot cup of coffee. But the cup I savour most is the cup the Lord provides—the cup of salvation.

Response: Lord Jesus, I thank you for your sacrifice. You gave yourself fully for me. On a crude wooden cross, you purchased my salvation. Today, help me fulfill my vows to the LORD. Amen.

Your Turn: Which cup do you appreciate most? How can you show your appreciation for the cup of salvation?

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

BGBG_v4.3_150[1818]

Please pray for peace to return to Israel 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.

To Your Name Be the Glory

15 Monday Jan 2024

Posted by in Psalm 115

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 115_1

Reading: Psalm 115:1-8

Father God,
show me if there are idols in my life.
In love,
correct me when I stray.
I want to serve you
and put you first in my life.
Lord Jesus,
be my master.
It’s an honor to bow before you
and serve you
my King. 
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.

Where Are Your Idols?

15 Monday Jan 2024

Posted by in Psalm 115, Psalms

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Reading: Psalm 115:1-8
Not to us, LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.
Why do the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.
 But their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
They have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but cannot smell.
They have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but cannot walk,
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them (NIV). *

170 Giant Bhudda

Giant Bhudda, Kamakura, Japan — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Where are your idols? “I have none,” you say. Are you sure? Most readers of this post would deny being idol worshippers, but perhaps we have more idols than we care to admit.

Idolatry was commonly practiced during Israel’s kingdom era. In Old Testament times, the nations around God’s people all practiced various forms of idol worship. One might assume God’s redeemed people, who were rescued from slavery, would have nothing to do with such vile practices. But you would be wrong. Time and again Israel fell into idolatry.

King Solomon, who was revered for his wisdom, is a prime example of someone who condoned idol worship. Here’s what we read about this ‘esteemed’ leader: On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods (1 Kings 11:7-8).

When leaders go astray, there will be many who follow. In the church today we have many leaders who have fallen captive to the god of Mammon—material goods. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24).

Before we claim to be free from idols, we need to examine our hearts. Are we yielding to the Holy Spirit, or are we controlled by our desire for what this world has to offer?

Response: Father God, show me if there are idols in my life. In love, correct me when I stray. I want to serve you—put you first in my life. Lord Jesus, be my master. It’s an honor to serve you. Amen.

Your Turn: What things have become idols in your life? What actions can you take to establish Jesus as your Lord?

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

BGBG_v4.3_150[1818]

Please pray for peace to return to Israel 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.

Faith Today Magazine Interviews David Kitz

13 Saturday Jan 2024

Posted by in Books by David Kitz

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Faith Today PXL_2024-01-13FT (Faith Today): You’re a retired schoolteacher and ordained Foursquare minister who writes a daily blog on the Psalms (davidkitz.blog) and performs one-man Bible dramas. Why prioritize those things?

DK (David Kitz): These priorities come out of my objective and motto which is “Bringing God’s Word to life and lives to God’s Word.” If we want to see real change in people’s lives, we need to connect them with the living Word of God. Jesus is the living Word, and in knowing him I have discovered love, peace, and joy. Writing and drama are two vehicles I use to bring the living Word to others.

FT: Congrats on the Word Alive Press award you and your co-author Ed Hird got for your manuscript The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival. What’s the book about and when does it come out?

DK: The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival explores the relationship between the Old TestamentTheElishaCodeCVR5 prophetic dynamic duo of Elijah and Elisha, and their New Testament counterpart, the duo of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Jesus identified John as “the Elijah who was to come” (Matthew 11:14). An examination of Elisha’s miracles reveals that they run parallel to the miracles of Christ in a most remarkable way. Furthermore, this has implications for believers today as we live in anticipation of seeing even greater works (John14:12) in days of spiritual revival ahead. The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival is available now.

FT: You’re chair of the board at The Word Guild, a national association for Christians in writing and publishing. How does that group benefit the church community?

DK: Writers change the world, and they have been shaping the world we live in for thousands of years. Our goal at The Word Guild is to encourage, equip, and strengthen Canadian Christian writers so they can impact our society at every level. God uses Christian writers to inform and inspire the church community. We can all agree the written living Word needs to be present and active in Canada.

FT: Tell us a bit more about yourself anf your development as an author.

DK: I’m a farmboy born and raised in Saskatchewan but now living with my wife Karen in Ottawa, Canada’s capital. We have two adult sons and a daughterinlaw.
2023-10-06-OnlineSharing-2
My first book, a novel, was published in 2003. God has blessed my efforts, and over the years I have won multiple awards across several literary genres. Prior to The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival, my most recent publication was a three book devotional series entitled Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer by Elk Lake Publishing.

In all this my goal contunues to be “Bringing God’s Word to life and lives to God’s Word.”

For a direct link to David’s website click here.

A Display of Love and Power

12 Friday Jan 2024

Posted by in Psalm 114

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 114_7-8 (1)

Reading: Psalm 114

Father God,
thank you for going all out to save me
through the death and resurrection
of your Son, Jesus.
What a display of your love and power!
Help me to love, fear, and trust you
always.
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.

Beyond Comprehension

11 Thursday Jan 2024

Posted by in Psalm 113

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 113 -365

Reading: Psalm 113

LORD God,
your love is beyond comprehension.
Thank you for stooping down
and involving yourself in my life.
When I reach out to you, Father God,
you lift me up.
I praise and thank you,
Lord Jesus.
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.

Light Dawns for the Upright

10 Wednesday Jan 2024

Posted by in Psalm 112

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 112_4

Reading: Psalm 112

Father God,
I thank you for every blessing
that comes from fearing you and living uprightly.
When my way seems dark,
shine your light on me.
Lead me forward in the way of Christ
my Savior.
Amen.

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

BGBG_v4.3_150[1818]

Please pray for peace to return to Israel 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.

Direct My Steps

08 Monday Jan 2024

Posted by in Psalm 110

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

Psalm 110Reading: Psalm 110

Father God,
thank you for sending Jesus into the world
to be my personal Messiah.
Jesus,
you suffered and died for me.
Now extend your reign as conquering king
over me and through me
as I yield to your will.
Holy Spirit,
direct my steps,
thoughts, words, and actions.
Amen.

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

BGBG_v4.3_150[1818]

Please pray for peace to return to Israel 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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