Tag Archives: peace

Apeirogon—a Tough Essential Read for Our Time

08 Sunday Sep 2024

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Apeirogon by Colum McCann
A Book Review by David Kitz


Apeirogon is a most unusual and complex novel—almost as complex as the Israel/Palestine conflict that is at heart of this story.

At its core, this is the story of two father’s and the loss they suffer when their daughters are killed by the opposing side in the never-ending conflict in Israel/Palestine. Rami Elhanan lost his fourteen-year-old daughter, Smadar when three Palestinian extremists blew themselves up in West Jerusalem. Bassam Aramin lost his ten-year-old daughter Abir when a rogue Israeli soldier shot her in the back of the head as she walked to school in the occupied West Bank.

Sadly, these tragedies are all too common in the region. What is striking about these two men is that through their grief they have become close friends and advocates for peace and reconciliation.

s-l960In many respects Apeirogon reminds me of a 1,001-piece jigsaw puzzle. Author, Colum McCann presents us with a thousand and one disjointed snapshots or snippets of life. This can be very difficult, and as disorienting for the reader, as an enormous jigsaw puzzle. It took some time for me to get into the gist of the story, but the more I read the more fascinated I became by the enormity and complexity of this narrative.

An apeirogon is a geometric shape with an infinite number of sides. That’s the reality of the Israel/Palestine conflict. The combatants love to simplify this to a good side versus a bad side. The reality is this is a conflict with innumerable sides and viewpoints.

This book is an eye-opener, and it should come with a warning. It will break many shallow preconceptions of the conflict and the people in this region.

Rami Elhanan and Bassam Aramin have founded Combatants for Peace. If peace is ever to arrive in this contested land it will come because of men like Rami and Bassam rather than the militant hardliners on both sides who insist that everything must go their way while the other side is displaced and destroyed.

In no way would I describe this as a Christian book written from a Christian perspective. But the main characters exemplify the power of forgiveness and reconciliation that Jesus taught. They are living out the truths of the Beatitudes, in particular these words, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

With war currently raging, and hardliners on both sides digging in, Apeirogon is a tough but essential read for our time.

The Promise in Times of Trouble

06 Friday Sep 2024

Posted by in Psalm 34, Psalms

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 34_19-22 -365

Reading: Psalm 34:19-22

Heavenly Father,
I can’t always see what is genuinely in my best interest,
especially when that involves adversity.
Be my sure help and protection in troubled times.
May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.

— — —

“I have told you these things,
so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33), 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.

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God’s Unchanging Plans

30 Friday Aug 2024

Posted by in Psalms

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Reading: Psalm 33:10-15
The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;
from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth—
he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do (NIV).
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Reflection
I confess I am a bit of a history buff. I am currently reading The War that Ended Peace by Margaret MacMillan. The subtitle is The Road to 1914. As you might guess, it highlights the causes of World War I. Throughout, the author meticulously points out that war was not inevitable. A change in course by any of the key players in the years leading up to 1914 could have prevented this monumental catastrophe. Each nation had plans and objectives that they considered in their best interest. Quite naturally the pursuit of those plans led to conflict with neighboring nations with opposing objectives.

What does the psalmist say about national objectives? “The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations” (v. 10-11).

Nations pursue their own perceived national interest. Despite the rhetoric we sometimes hear, they do not pursue the plans and purposes of the LORD. For political leaders’ national self-interest trumps the purposes of God. In fact, the purposes of God are seldom considered. “But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations” (v. 11).

Was it God’s plan and purpose to have millions of Christian believers go to their slaughter in World War I? Many atheists purport that this is what we believe. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are responsible for our own actions. God does not cause war. Humans cause war and they carry it out. Why should we suddenly blame God for what we have engineered through our own dogged stupidity? Blaming God for our own arrogant idiocy is the pinnacle of irresponsibility, yet we do it all the time, both on a national and a personal level. Most often we are the author of our own disaster. We stubbornly fail to pull back and change course before it’s too late.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance” (v. 12).

Response: LORD God, thank you for choosing me to be to be one of your people. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you, my Father. You watch over me. You, O LORD are my inheritance, and first and foremost, I am a citizen of your eternal Kingdom. Amen.

Your Turn: How does personal conflict escalate? Do you blame God rather than examine your own words and actions?

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.

New from David Kitz
TheElishaCodeCVR5

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Overcome Evil with Good

16 Friday Aug 2024

Posted by in Psalm 31, Psalms

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 31_6-8 -365

Reading: Psalm 31:6-8

LORD God,
thank you for your forgiveness.
Help me to practice it daily.
Give me a forgiving spirit
like your Son, Jesus,
who forgave eveven those who crucified him (Luke 23:34).
Amen.

— — —

 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right
in the eyes of everyone.
If it is possible,
as far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge,
my dear friends,
but leave room for God’s wrath,
for it is written:
“It is mine to avenge;
I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this,
you will heap burning coals on his head” (Prov. 25:21-22).

Do not be overcome by evil,
but overcome evil with good.
(Romans 12:17-21), 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.

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New from David Kitz
TheElishaCodeCVR5

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Full Confidence in God

27 Thursday Jun 2024

Posted by in Psalm 17, Psalms

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Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365

Reading: Psalm 17:10-15
They close up their callous hearts,
    and their mouths speak with arrogance.
They have tracked me down; they now surround me,
    with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.
They are like a lion hungry for prey,
    like a fierce lion crouching in cover.
Rise up, LORD, confront them, bring them down;
    with your sword rescue me from the wicked.
By your hand save me from such people, LORD,
    from those of this world whose reward is in this life.
May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies;
    may their children gorge themselves on it,
    and may there be leftovers for their little ones.
As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face;
    when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness (NIV). *
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Reflection
In this world there are those who have callous hearts—a heart that is indifferent to our pain, and the suffering of others. Here in Psalm 17, David finds himself surrounded by such people—people who were ready and willing to tear him down. This is a very difficult place to find yourself. This is why David cries out to the LORD for vindication. Earlier in this Psalm he pleads, “Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.”

David’s response in this very trying situation is highly instructive. He does not try to defend himself. He does not plan a personal counterattack. He has no personal plan for revenge. What tactic does he use? He calls out to the LORD, “Rise up, LORD, confront them, bring them down; with your sword rescue me from the wicked.”

David, the mighty warrior, refuses to use his own sword. Instead, he calls on the LORD to draw His sword and rise to his defense. That takes a lot of faith and a lot of trust in God. When surrounded and attacked my natural response is to rise up in hostile indignation. I’m inclined to counterattack with all guns blazing. But David held his peace. He did not rely on his abilities. He fled to God. There he lay out his complaint and asked God to intervene. When King Saul maliciously attacked him, David did not seek revenge. He allowed the LORD to take up his cause and deal with Saul. See 1 Samuel 26.

David’s confidence was fully in the LORD. Finally in this psalm, he declares his confidence with these words: As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

How confident are you in God’s saving intervention on your behalf?

Response: Heavenly Father, help me to seek vindication from you. Help me put my troubles in your hands. Rise up and come to my defense. Today, I trust in you to act on my behalf. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you seek revenge when others have hurt you? Have you asked God to intervene?

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.

If you enjoy my daily devotional posts on the Psalms, you may also enjoy Psalms Alive!
Psalms Alive!

237 pages, trade paperback

To purchase from Amazon click here.

To purchase directly from the author click here.

My Peace I Give You

13 Thursday Jun 2024

Posted by in Psalm 10, Psalms

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 10_1-4 -365

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.

— — —

“All this I have spoken while still with you.
But the Advocate,
the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you all things
and will remind you of everything
I have said to you.
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 14:25-27), 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.

New from David Kitz
TheElishaCodeCVR5

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

The Government of the Mind

11 Tuesday Jun 2024

Posted by in Psalm 9, Psalms

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 9_1-10 -365

Reading: Psalm 9:1-10

Heavenly Father,
I praise you, LORD,
and I seek you.
Along with David,
I can say you have upheld me in difficult times.
Be the master within me.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name,
O Most High.
Amen.

— — —

Those who live according to the flesh
have their minds set on what the flesh desires;
but those who live in accordance with the Spirit
have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
The mind governed by the flesh is death,
but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 

(Romans 8:5-6), 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.

New from David Kitz
TheElishaCodeCVR5

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Come Quickly, LORD

08 Saturday Jun 2024

Posted by in Psalm 40, Psalms

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I will praise the LORD!

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Backyard iris — photo by David Kitz

Reading: Psalm 40:11-13

Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD;
    may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
For troubles without number surround me;
    my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
    and my heart fails within me.
Be pleased to save me, LORD;
    come quickly, LORD, to help me. *

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.

B1P95Jv-LtS._SY300_

Overcome Evil with Good

07 Friday Jun 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 7_10a

Reading: Psalm 7:10-17

Heavenly Father,
today show me how I can build others up
instead of tearing them down.
I want to be more like you,
Lord Jesus.
You came to lift others.
In my interactions today,
help me do the same.
Amen.

— — —

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right
in the eyes of everyone.
If it is possible,
as far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone. 
Do not take revenge,
my dear friends,
but leave room for God’s wrath,
for it is written:
“It is mine to avenge;
I will repay,”
says the Lord. 
On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty,
give him something to drink.
In doing this,
you will heap burning coals on his head.”

 Do not be overcome by evil,
but overcome evil with good.

(Romans 12:17-21), 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.

New from David Kitz
TheElishaCodeCVR5

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Those Who Seek Peace

19 Sunday May 2024

Posted by in Psalm 37, Psalms

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I will praise the LORD!

Psalm 86_7Reading: Psalm 37:35-40

I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
    flourishing like a luxuriant native tree,
but he soon passed away and was no more;
    though I looked for him, he could not be found.
Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
    a future awaits those who seek peace.
But all sinners will be destroyed;
    there will be no future for the wicked.
The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
    he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
The LORD helps them and delivers them;
    he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
    because they take refuge in him. *

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.TheElishaCodeCVR5To purchase or for a closer look click here.