The Gift of Peace

26 Monday Feb 2024

Tags

devotion, faith, Jesus, peace, peace of God, Prayer, Psalm 119, Psalms, salvation, word of God

Today’s Devotion from the Psalms

Reading: Psalm 119:161-168
ש Sin and Shin
Rulers persecute me without cause,
but my heart trembles at your word.
I rejoice in your promise
like one who finds great spoil.
I hate and detest falsehood
but I love your law.
Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws.
Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.
I wait for your salvation, LORD,
and I follow your commands.
I obey your statutes,
for I love them greatly.
I obey your precepts and your statutes,
for all my ways are known to you (NIV). *

Winter trail — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
We live in troubled times—times of domestic and foreign conflict. Turmoil abounds. If you follow world events, it seems we are sitting on a ticking time bomb. Problems and conflicts abound, and those conflicts spill across borders as people flee and desperately seek a better life.

Into this world of uncertainty, the psalmist speaks these words. Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

If we are looking for peace in this world, we are sure to be disappointed. The ways of the world lead directly to conflict, as human greed and pride compete for dominance. This should not surprise us since the world and the systems of the world are controlled by our adversary, the prince of darkness.

Again, the psalmist reminds us. Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

Our peace is not found in the world; it is found in loving your law, which is the Word of God. The good news is that this Word of God did not simply remain as pages in a book. It became flesh to live with us. The Prince of Peace came to live with us. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Furthermore, Jesus, the living word, gives us this promise, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Response: Father God, grant me your peace. Now by faith I receive the promise of your everlasting peace. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Thank you, Lord Jesus. My sins are forgiven. Amen.

Your Turn: What brings you peace? Why do you need the peace of Christ?

* 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.
TheElishaCodeCVR5
To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Praying with a Humble Heart

23 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

boast, faith, gift of God, grace of God, humble, Jesus, Prayer, Righteousness, saved

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

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

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

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

Your Posture of Prayer

23 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bible, humble, humility, Jesus, kneeling, Pharisees, postures in prayer, Prayer, Psalm 119, Psalms, tax collector

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

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

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

God’s Word and His Promises

21 Wednesday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

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Tags

believe, eternity, Jesus, Prayer, promises of God, Psalms, word of God, worship

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

Reading: Psalm 119:137-144

Father God,
your Word and your promises stand true for all eternity.
Help me to believe and live each day
through the wise application of your Word.
Give me understanding that I may live (Psalm 119:144).
Amen.

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus.
“Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed,
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
(Mark 9:23-24), NIV)*

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

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

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

Liberate Me by Your Spirit

19 Monday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

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clean heart, Jesus, liberate, master, Prayer, Psalms, pure, pure heart, victory over sin

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

Reading: Psalm 119:129-136

Father God,
I need you to liberate me
from every stronghold of sin.
Establish within me a clean heart.
Help my thoughts and actions to be pure.
Lord Jesus,
be my Master as I yield to you.
Amen.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
(Psalm 51:10), NIV)*

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

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

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

Are You Shackled or Free?

19 Monday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

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enslaved, God's word, Jesus, Prayer, Psalms, Savior, sinful habits, temptations, the cross

Reading: Psalm 119:129-136
פ Pe
Your statutes are wonderful;
therefore I obey them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant,
longing for your commands.
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name.
Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.
Redeem me from human oppression,
that I may obey your precepts.
Make your face shine on your servant
and teach me your decrees.
Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed (NIV). *

Winter creek-side photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Slavery is distasteful. Distasteful is a rather mild term. Let’s call it what it is—an abomination. It’s difficult these days to find someone who is in favor of slavery. We all seem to be in favor of personal liberty. But are we?

While trumpeting our personal liberty, are we letting ourselves become shackled by crippling habits? We seem quite willing—maybe even eager—to let sin enslave us.

James, the brother of our Lord, provides us with this warning: When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death (James 1:13-15).

Clearly sin has consequences. Yielding to temptations takes us down a dark path. We may think we are in control, but before long we discover we have a new master. Our sinful nature takes over. Evil desires are in control. If we persist in that pattern of behavior, the end result is a seared conscious and death.

We need a Savior to set us free. The psalmist expresses that earnest desire: Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.

Is that your prayer and the desire of your heart?

Response: Father God, I need you to liberate me from every stronghold of sin. Establish within me a clean heart. Help my thoughts and actions to be pure. Lord Jesus, be my master. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you yielded control to sinful habits? Take some time to go to the cross of Jesus.

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

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

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

The Soldier Who Killed a King

18 Sunday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Books by David Kitz

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Tags

book review, crucifixion, Easter, Jesus, Lent, Pontius Pilate, resurrection, Roman centurion, the cross

A stunning story of Holy Week through the eyes of a Roman centurion.

Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.

Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.

Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.

If you’ve heard the story of Passion Week so often it’s become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus’s humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ’s resurrection changed history, one life at a time.

4485 SHARABLE-2
Lent is here. Easter is approaching.
Are you ready for a journey to the cross?
For a closer look or to purchase click here.

Five Star Reviews for The Elisha Code

17 Saturday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Books by David Kitz

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bible, book review, Christian, Elijah, Elisha, Jesus, leaders, New Testament, Old Testament, revival

Fascinating Parallels between Elisha and Jesus 5 Stars

In their fascinating biblical expose of the Elisha Code—the typological parallels between Elisha and Jesus—Foursquare pastor David Kitz and Anglican pastor Ed Hird demonstrate remarkable insight into the nature of a Spirt-endowed, audacious faith. Their call to live the surrendered and crucified life, illustrated with compelling stories of key Christian leaders, will inspire and instruct every reader to explore Jesus’ blueprint for engaging culture and embracing revival. I offer my commendation for The Elisha Code & The Coming Revival. — Roger Helland

The Bible Comes Alive! 5 Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this “connect-the-dots” blueprint between the Old Testament ministries of Elijah and Elisha and the New Testament ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus. I found each chapter engaging, relevant to today, and insightful in a way that makes me eager to revisit these passages in my Bible. The Elisha Code has helped me see deeper connections between the Old and New Testaments, and has truly helped the Bible come alive in my own reading! I’m thankful to know author David Kitz and am grateful for this book and more books to come! — Danny Covey

A Hopeful Outlook for Coming Revival 5 Stars

Many Christians long for an end-time revival — one similar, or even greater, than the first and second great awakenings. The premise of the book, that there is a code in scripture that gives believers hope for a greater than ever end-time revival, one where Jesus “saves the best wine until last.” Political measures, as the authors point out, may be the calling of some, but for most, who put all their eggs in that basket, it leads “to the devil’s lair,” and to disappointment. Better to pray and wait on Him. A very encouraging book. — Rose McCormick Brandon

To purchase or for a closer look at The Elisha Code & the Coming Revival click here.
Or visit the author’s website here.

A Light on My Path

15 Thursday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

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Tags

danger, dangerous, God's commands, God's word, Jesus, Psalms, snares, walking with God

Reading: Psalm 119:105-112
נ Nun
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path.
I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
    that I will follow your righteous laws.
I have suffered much;
    preserve my life, LORD, according to your word.
Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth,
    and teach me your laws.
Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
    I will not forget your law.
The wicked have set a snare for me,
    but I have not strayed from your precepts.
Your statutes are my heritage forever;
    they are the joy of my heart.
My heart is set on keeping your decrees
    to the very end (NIV). *

Sunset on a winter trail — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Some stories that you read are memorable. They stick with you. You identify with the character or the event, and as a result, on a certain level their experience becomes your own.

Several years back, I read a story in Guideposts Magazine about a boy in Florida who went rambling through a field on his grandparents’ farm. On this adventurous excursion, he jumped across an irrigation ditch only to land on a deadly snake—a water moccasin—which instantly bit him. It was only through the miraculous intervention of God that this young fellow made it back to the farmhouse and survived. In this situation the old proverb, look before you leap, definitely applied.

We too are pilgrims traveling through a field—a dark and dangerous world. That’s why we need the light of God’s word. The psalmist says it best. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

We need a light—the light of God’s word—on our path because there are venomous snakes in the grass. The psalmist uses a different analogy; he speaks of snares. But the net result is the same. On this path we are walking, our very life is in grave danger. We must see clearly to avoid disaster. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.

We need to know the precepts—the principles of God’s word—if we are going to walk in His ways. This goes beyond a fixed set of rules. It involves an understanding of the reason for God’s commands. For this we need the Spirit and the mind of Christ. We are not just walking to avoid pitfalls; we are walking toward a goal. That goal is Christ Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV).

Response: LORD God, shine the light of your word on the path of life you have ordained for me to walk. I am not on this path by accident, but through your will and purpose. Guide me home. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you encountered snares or snakes in the grass? How do you know you are on the right path?

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

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Sweeter than Honey

14 Wednesday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

affections, Jesus, love for God, meditating on God's word, Prayer, Psalms, word of God

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

Reading: Psalm 119:97-104

Father God,
renew my first love for you.
I want to fall in love with you again.
Fill me with delight for your Word and your Spirit.
Completely change my affections.
Today, turn my heart to Jesus.
Amen.

Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
(Psalm 119:97), NIV)*

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

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Today’s Devotion from the Psalms

* 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” by David Kitz.

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

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

* 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” by David Kitz.

Reading: Psalm 119:137-144

Father God, your Word and your promises stand true for all eternity. Help me to believe and live each day through the wise application of your Word. Give me understanding that I may live (Psalm 119:144). Amen.

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24), NIV)*

* 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” by David Kitz.

Reading: Psalm 119:129-136

Father God, I need you to liberate me from every stronghold of sin. Establish within me a clean heart. Help my thoughts and actions to be pure. Lord Jesus, be my Master as I yield to you. Amen.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10), NIV)*

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

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

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

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

Fascinating Parallels between Elisha and Jesus 5 Stars

The Bible Comes Alive! 5 Stars

A Hopeful Outlook for Coming Revival 5 Stars

* 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” by David Kitz.

Reading: Psalm 119:97-104

Father God, renew my first love for you. I want to fall in love with you again. Fill me with delight for your Word and your Spirit. Completely change my affections. Today, turn my heart to Jesus. Amen.

Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. (Psalm 119:97), NIV)*

* 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”
by David Kitz.

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)*

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

Father God,
your Word and your promises stand true for all eternity.
Help me to believe and live each day
through the wise application of your Word.
Give me understanding that I may live (Psalm 119:144).
Amen.

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus.
“Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed,
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
(Mark 9:23-24), NIV)*

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

Father God,
I need you to liberate me
from every stronghold of sin.
Establish within me a clean heart.
Help my thoughts and actions to be pure.
Lord Jesus,
be my Master as I yield to you.
Amen.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
(Psalm 51:10), NIV)*

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

Father God,
renew my first love for you.
I want to fall in love with you again.
Fill me with delight for your Word and your Spirit.
Completely change my affections.
Today, turn my heart to Jesus.
Amen.

Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
(Psalm 119:97), NIV)*