LORD God, give me a humble heart
that seeks after you.
Show me your ways, O Lord.
Give me a hunger for your word.
I want to know you more and more.
Help me to do the Father’s will today.
In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Amen.
— — — —
Photo by David Kitz
Because of His Mercy
At one time we too were foolish,
disobedient, deceived and enslaved
by all kinds of passions and pleasures.
We lived in malice and envy,
being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us,
not because of righteous things we had done,
but because of his mercy.
He saved us through the washing of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously
through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace,
we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:3-7 NIV)*
Whoever does not love does not know God,
because Godislove (1 John 4:8 NIV)
Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza, and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!
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.
Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.
Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. See how the evildoers lie fallen— thrown down, not able to rise. (NIV)*
Reflection Do you know God? Are you well acquainted with Him and His ways? Are you in regular conversation with Him? I ask these questions because in this concluding portion of Psalm 36 David prays, “Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart” (v. 10).
Knowing God is or should be the great quest of our lives. This is our raison d’etre—our reason for being. We were created to know and love God. The Garden of Eden was first and foremost a place of communion with God. Yet so often we see ourselves running from God or ignoring His invitation to draw close.
Angel of the Divine Presence with Adam and Eve (William Blake/Wikimedia)
Jesus gives us this warning, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-23).
From Jesus’ statement here, there appear to be two requirements for entering the Kingdom of Heaven: doing the will of the Father and knowing Jesus. I would argue that truly knowing Jesus helps us to discover and do the will of the Father. If you know someone really well, you know what they want—what will please them—without even asking. We need to aim for that kind of intimacy with God.
We come to know the mind of God because we have drawn close to the heart of God through time spent with Him. Two-way prayer and meditation on His word acquaints us with God’s will and His ways—ways that do not change according to the whim of man.
God is not impressed by our prophetic or miraculous powers. He is not impressed by our power over demons. These after all are gifts from Him. God is impressed by our obedience as we seek His face and do His will.
Our God is faithful. He will continue His love to those who know Him. His righteousness will constantly flow to the upright in heart.
Response LORD God, give me a humble heart that seeks after you. Show me your ways, O Lord. Give me a hunger for your word. I want to know you more and more. Help me to do the Father’s will today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Your Turn How do you get to know God better? What practices or activities grow your faith and knowledge of God?
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.
Father God,
give me a heart of thanksgiving.
Help me appreciate the giftings
and success of others.
Grant me a pure heart
with pure motives.
May I always delight
in the well-being of your servants.
Amen.
— — — —
Winter creek-side — photo by David Kitz
Blind to Our Own Faults
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust
in your brother’s eye
and pay no attention
to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother,
‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’
when all the time
there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite,
first take the plank out of your own eye,
and then you will see clearly
to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:3-5 NIV)*
Whoever does not love does not know God,
because Godislove (1 John 4:8 NIV)
Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza, and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!
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.
Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).
LORD God,
help me to be a local peacemaker in my world today—
someone who builds bridges
between people and communities.
Amen.
— — — —
Koranke, Japan — a place of peace — photo by David Kitz
Kindness or Revenge
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)*
Whoever does not love does not know God,
because Godislove (1 John 4:8 NIV)
Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza, and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!
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.
Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.
Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your salvation.” May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.(NIV)*
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.
The photo of Jerusalem on the cover of Psalm 365, Volume II
Available now…
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.
Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek,
who drove him away, and he left.
I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those
who fear him, and he delivers them.(NIV)*
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.
The photo of Jerusalem on the cover of Psalm 365, Volume II
Available now…
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.
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 (Psalm 35:18).
Amen.
— — — —
Standing Firm in Faith
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead,
the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man,
the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die,
so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn:
Christ, the firstfruits;
then, when he comes,
those who belong to him. Then the end will come,
when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father
after he has destroyed all dominion,
authority and power. For he must reign
until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (1 Corinthians 15:20-26 NIV)*
Whoever does not love does not know God,
because Godislove (1 John 4:8 NIV)
Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza, and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!
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.
Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.
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).
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?
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.
Today’s quote and prayer from “Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer
Today’s Reading: Psalm 35:11-16
Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
Jesus,
you are my victory
when the enemy accuses me.
I put my trust in your redeeming blood.
Help me to stand firm
against the taunts of the enemy.
My victory comes from you.
Amen.
— — — —
Standing Firm in Faith
Be alert and of sober mind.
Your enemy the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour. Resist him,
standing firm in the faith,
because you know that the family of believers
throughout the world is undergoing
the same kind of sufferings.
And the God of all grace,
who called you to his eternal glory in Christ,
after you have suffered a little while,
will himself restore you
and make you strong,
firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza, and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!
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.
Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.
Heavenly Father,
I thank you that you have provided armor
so I can stand against the wiles of the devil.
I praise you for the power
of your Holy Word.
I have victory through your blood,
Lord Jesus.
Amen.
— — — —
The Word of God — photo by David Kitz
The Wonders of God’s Word
The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-11 NIV)*
Whoever does not love does not know God,
because Godislove (1 John 4:8 NIV)
Pray for enduring peace in Israel and Gaza, and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!
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.
Also available from David KitzIs a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
This book points the way forward.
For details click here.
Is a return-to-Jesus revival possible in our time?
I love the Psalms 