Tag Archives: Psalms

Turning Idle Thoughts Toward God

06 Friday Dec 2024

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Reading: Psalm 63: 6-11
On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.
They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.
But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God will glory in him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced (NIV).

TheWayToLiveWithTheMindOfChrist

Reflection
Where do your thoughts turn when you are at rest? Where our mind goes in idle moments, tells us a lot about ourselves. Are you off in the realm of sports, politics, or family events? Does your mind graze on pornography or steamy romance novels? Are you plotting your plans for the week or the weekend?

My mind—your mind—is a busy place. And if it’s not occupied with things at hand, it will invent thoughts, opinions and worries to keep self-engaged.

Where did David’s mind go when he was at rest? Here in Psalm 63, we find the answer. “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night” (v. 6).

Rather than worry about the schemes being hatched by his enemies, King David’s mind was focused on the LORD. We may mistakenly believe being king meant dwelling in a worry-free secure zone. Nothing could be further from the truth. Kings in Old Testament times were frequently assassinated. Rebellions and backroom treachery were common. Metaphorically, the king walked about with a bullseye target on his back.

But are today’s followers of the Lord Jesus any different? The true and faithful follower of Jesus is engaged in spiritual warfare. The sons and daughters of the King are target practice for the demons of hell. Temptation comes in a variety of ways. Sometimes it wears a pretty dress. At other times it offers a fast buck or a thrilling escape. Or does temptation simply dazzle and distract us into soul deadening spiritual apathy?

Now here is a thought to consider: Turn your mind to the Lord Jesus through the watches of the night, because you can rest assured, he’s watching you.

Response: LORD Jesus, I want my mind to find rest in you. I know my sins are forgiven and your love for me was proven on the cross. You lived for me; you died for me. You love me. Oh, what joy that thought brings! Amen.

Your Turn: Where does your mind go when you are at rest? Does the Holy Spirit come to change your thoughts?

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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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Joy Brings Strength

05 Thursday Dec 2024

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 63_3

Reading: Psalm 63:1-5

LORD God,
I want more of you in my life.
Help me to sing and praise your name
and draw my satisfaction from you.
You are the true source of life and joy.
All my springs of joy are in you.
Amen.

— — —

Then Nehemiah the governor,
Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law,
and the Levites who were instructing the people
said to them all,
“This day is holy to the LORD your God.
Do not mourn or weep.”
For all the people had been weeping
as they listened to the words of the Law.

Nehemiah said,
“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks,
and send some to those who have nothing prepared.
This day is holy to our Lord.
Do not grieve,
for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
(Nehemiah 8:9-10)*

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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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Cultivating a Heart That Thirsts for God

05 Thursday Dec 2024

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Reading: Psalm 63:1-5
A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you (NIV).

water-in-hands-400x400-1

Reflection
A healthy human body can go as much as ninety days without food, but only about ten days without water. Water is life. Without it we perish.

A few years ago, with great fanfare, it was announced liquid water had been discovered on the surface of Mars. This opens the possibility of microbial life on or just beneath the Martian surface. What is more important, human life can be sustained on Mars for long periods if water is present.

The introductory note to Psalm 63 informs us David composed this psalm, when he was in the Desert of Judah. But there is something quite startling about this psalm. David is not crying out for water as we might expect. Instead, David is crying out for God. He’s not seeking for water; he is earnestly seeking for God.

Hear David’s desperate plea, “I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water” (v.1).

When was the last time you thirsted for God like a man trekking in the heat of the desert? I must confess I’m better at ignoring God than seeking Him. But that was not David’s mindset. David recognized his need for God. He was thirsty for Him.

Our thirst for God should be a constant in our lives. As I write this, I pause for sips of my morning coffee. It’s a thirst I have—a longing that prompts me to pick up my cup. At various times through the day do I thirst for God in the same way? Do I long for His Spirit and the thrill of His presence near me?

Are you spending your days in a spiritual desert? Are you yearning for intimacy with God? Oh, that we might thirst for God as David did!

Response: LORD God, I want more of you in my life. Help me to sing and praise your name and draw my satisfaction from you. You are the true source of life and joy. All my springs of joy are in you. Amen.

Your Turn: How can we cultivate a personal thirst for God? Do you find yourself yearning for times of spiritual refreshing?

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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All Such Boasting Is Evil

04 Wednesday Dec 2024

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 62_12 -365

Reading: Psalm 62:9-12

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
bringing honor to Jesus,
my Savior. 
Amen.

— — —

 Now listen, you who say,
“Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city,
spend a year there,
carry on business and make money.” 
Why,
you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.
What is your life?
You are a mist that appears
for a little while and then vanishes. 
Instead, you ought to say,
“If it is the Lord’s will,
we will live and do this or that.” 
As it is,
you boast in your arrogant schemes.
All such boasting is evil. 
If anyone, then,
knows the good they ought to do
and doesn’t do it,
it is sin for them.
(James 4:13-17)*

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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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Firm and Unwavering Love

04 Wednesday Dec 2024

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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?

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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Rich in Good Deeds

03 Tuesday Dec 2024

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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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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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Always Have Hope

01 Sunday Dec 2024

Posted by in Psalm 71

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I will praise the LORD!Psalm 71_14

Reading: Psalm 71:9-14

Do not cast me away when I am old;
    do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
For my enemies speak against me;
    those who wait to kill me conspire together.
They say, “God has forsaken him;
    pursue him and seize him,
    for no one will rescue him.”
Do not be far from me, my God;
    come quickly, God, to help me.
May my accusers perish in shame;
    may those who want to harm me
    be covered with scorn and disgrace.
    As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more. *

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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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The Shield of Faith

29 Friday Nov 2024

Posted by in Psalm 60

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Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer”
by David Kitz.Psalm 60_12

Reading: Psalm 60

LORD God,
help me to put on the armor of God
and voice the battle cry.
You are my strength.
Victory is mine in my personal battle
through the the blood of Christ
and the all-powerful name of Jesus.
Amen.

— — —

Therefore put on the full armor of God,
so that when the day of evil comes,
you may be able to stand your ground,
and after you have done everything, to stand. 
Stand firm then,
with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 
and with your feet fitted with the readiness
that comes from the gospel of peace. 
In addition to all this,
take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish
all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 
Take the helmet of salvation
and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God.
(Ephesians 6:13-17)*

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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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Overcoming Personal Enemies

29 Friday Nov 2024

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Reading: Psalm 60
For the director of music. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A miktam of David.
For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, and when Joab returned
and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us;
you have been angry—now restore us!
You have shaken the land and torn it open;
mend its fractures, for it is quaking.
You have shown your people desperate times;
you have given us wine that makes us stagger.
But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner
to be unfurled against the bow.
Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered.
God has spoken from his sanctuary:
“In triumph I will parcel out Shechem
and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth.
Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine;
Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter.
Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal;
over Philistia I shout in triumph.”
Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us
and no longer go out with our armies?
Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless.
With God we will gain the victory,
and he will trample down our enemies (NIV).

Spiritual_Warefare_Prayer_For_Addictions-1024x583

Reflection
David was Israel’s great warrior king. Through conquest he expanded and secured the nation’s territory against enemies who for generations had ravaged the land. His success as a warrior is fully reflected in the words of Psalm 60. Conquerors often boast of their accomplishments, but David does not take the credit for his victories. He attributes his success to God. He asserts, “With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies” (v.12).

On a personal level, we too have enemies who ravage and sabotage the excellent plan God has for our lives. Many a Christian is fighting a personal war with lust and pornography, pride, greed, and envy. These are enemies of the soul that rob us of spiritual vitality, leaving us bereft of the fruits of the Spirit. The battle is real. We are in desperate need of victory, but many lack even the will to fight. Over you, God speaks from His sanctuary. Victory is available. Hear and believe these words: With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

Response: LORD God, help me to put on the armor of God and voice the battle cry. You are my strength. Victory is mine in my personal battle through the all-powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you identified the personal enemies of your soul? Have you taken up the battle cry against these things?

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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