Biblical Meditation

22 Thursday Feb 2024

Tags

biblical meditation, God's word, meditating on God's word, meditation, Prayer, Psalm 119, Psalms, word of God

Reading: Psalm 119:145-152
ק Qoph
I call with all my heart; answer me, LORD,
and I will obey your decrees.
I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes.
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises.
Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, LORD, according to your laws.
Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.
Yet you are near, LORD,
and all your commands are true.
Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever (NIV). *

Photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Meditation. It seems everyone is doing it. Have you taken up meditation? Even the Bible encourages us to meditate.

Ah, but there are some fundamental differences between transcendental meditation and the meditation that is described in the Bible. Eastern meditation, which springs from the Hindu religion, calls on the practitioner to relax and empty his or her mind.

Biblical meditation is not an emptying of the mind, or a disengagement with the thought process. Instead, it is active, concentrated thought on a topic, word or Bible verse. On an intellectual level, it has been compared to rumination—a cow chewing her cud. It involves getting the most out of what God has said—digesting His word—so it is fully incorporated into the life of the believer.

Today’s reading sheds light on the psalmist’s practice of biblical meditation: I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.

The psalmist is thoroughly engaged with God. He is crying out to Him. He is focused on the word of God and His promises: I have put my hope in your word.

In the rush of life, do we stop and meditate on God’s word? Is Bible reading just a box to check off as we speed through our day? It’s the LORD who calls us aside to spend time with Him.

Response: LORD God, with all the distractions around me, I want to get in the habit of meditating on your word. Help me to focus my attention and thoughts on your promises. You are good to me. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you easily distracted from God’s word? How do you take it with you through the day?

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

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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. TheElishaCodeCVR5

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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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.

Road Tested

21 Wednesday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

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Bible, God's promises, God's word, Prayer, Psalm 119, Psalms, righteous, tested

Reading: Psalm 119:137-144
צ Tsadhe
You are righteous, LORD,
and your laws are right.
The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
they are fully trustworthy.
My zeal wears me out,
for my enemies ignore your words.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them.
Though I am lowly and despised,
I do not forget your precepts.
Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true.
Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands give me delight.
Your statutes are always righteous;
give me understanding that I may live (NIV). *

Photo by Khunkorn Laowisit on Pexels.com

Reflection
In the spring of 2015 my son bought his first new car. He was understandably proud of his purchase. The vehicle boasted great handling, exceptional fuel economy and almost zero harmful emissions. What’s not to like about a diesel-powered car like that? Volkswagen engineering was ranked among the best in the world.

Less than a year later, the illusion of zero harmful emissions came crashing down. Volkswagen had installed specially designed software to make sure its vehicles passed emissions tests, but real world, on-the-road results were totally different. The thorough testing that consumers rely on had been subverted.

Fortunately, God’s laws cannot be subverted. Humans may try, but the judge of all the earth knows all; He sees all. We can never pull a fast one on God. Today’s reading from Psalm 119 makes that perfectly clear. You are righteous, LORD, and your laws are right. The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. The psalmist then goes on to make this assertion: Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.

God’s word and His promises have been road tested by us, His people. They stand up in real life situations. The Bible—God’s word is designed to be applied. It doesn’t just work in the test lab. It works in the laboratory of life—day-to-day life, where it really counts. That’s why spending time in God’s word is so important. It becomes the roadmap for life—an abundant life—the life Jesus promised to his followers.

Response: 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. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you tested God’s Word? How has God’s Word worked for you in real life situations?

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

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

Show Mercy and Grace

20 Tuesday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

corruption, grace of God, judgment, mercy, Prayer, Psalms, the LORD

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

Reading: Psalm 119:121-128

Father God,
I see the corruption that is in the world.
Keep me free from it.
It is time for you to act, LORD;
your law is being broken.
Please show mercy and grace
to those who call out to you.
Amen.

The LORD reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
(Psalm 9:7), 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.

Here Comes the Judge

20 Tuesday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

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dictators, judge, judgment, justice, Prayer, Psalm 119, Psalms, righteous, the LORD, warmongers

Reading: Psalm 119:121-128
ע Ayin
I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
Ensure your servant’s well-being;
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise.
Deal with your servant according to your love
and teach me your decrees.
I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes.
Because I love your commands
more than gold, more than pure gold,
and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path (NIV). *

Winter sunrise — Grey Nuns Park — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Do you have a negative view of judgment—God’s judgment? Do you cringe at the thought? If you are guilty of wrongdoing, you should cringe. But if you have been harmed by wrongdoers you have solid grounds to welcome God’s judgment. Our sense of justice calls for the intervention of a righteous judge.

There is none more righteous than the LORD—none more worthy to sit as judge. For this reason, the psalmist calls for God to act. It is time for you to act, LORD; your law is being broken.

As we look about our world, as we listen to newscasts, it becomes increasingly apparent that it’s time for God to act. Lawlessness, hate, and violence abound. Sexual perversion is promoted—gets top billing—is openly applauded. Plutocrats with their extravagant wealth rule the roost, while the poor struggle to feed their families. On the international stage dictators and warmongers parade about freely, while oppressing their own people. Those who would dare to oppose them are imprisoned or slaughtered.

Where is the justice? Where is truth and right judgment in all this? Where is the LORD? Daily, the prayer on our lips should be this: It is time for you to act, LORD; your law is being broken.

It’s time for evil and crooked dealings to be exposed. It’s time for the light of day to reveal what has been done in secret. It’s time for the righteous Judge—the Judge of all the earth—to act.

On a personal level, like the psalmist, let this be the cry of our hearts: Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. The prophet Hosea also has a fitting word for us. But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always (Hosea 12:6).

Response: LORD God, I see the corruption that is in the world. Keep me from it. It is time for you to act, LORD; your law is being broken. Please show mercy and grace to those who call out to you. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you troubled by the lawlessness and injustice in society? Where do you turn?

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

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

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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.

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

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Taught by the LORD

18 Sunday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 32, Psalms

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praise the LORD, Psalms, rejoice, righteous, teach, the LORD, trust in God, unfailing love

I will praise the LORD!

Photo by David Kitz

Reading: Psalm 33:1-5

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Do not be like the horse or the mule,
    which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
    or they will not come to you.
Many are the woes of the wicked,
    but the Lord’s unfailing love
    surrounds the one who trusts in him.
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
    sing, all you who are upright in heart! *

Please pray for peace to return to Israel and Ukraine!

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Blessed to Be Forgiven

17 Saturday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 32, Psalms

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confess, confession, deliverance, forgiveness of sins, guilt, Prayer, protection, Psalms, the LORD, transgressions

I will praise the LORD!

Reading: Psalm 32:1-7

Of David. A maskil.

Blessed is the one
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
    whose sin the LORD does not count against them
    and in whose spirit is no deceit.
When I kept silent,
    my bones wasted away
    through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
    your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
    as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
    and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
    my transgressions to the LORD.”
And you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
    while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
    will not reach them.
You are my hiding place;
    you will protect me from trouble
    and surround me with songs of deliverance.*

Please pray for peace to return to Israel and Ukraine!

To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Your Holy Unchanging Word

16 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

corruption, escape, Jesus Christ, Prayer, Psalms, unchanging, wisdom of God, word of God

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

Reading: Psalm 119:113-120

Father God,
I need your wisdom to live right in this world.
I want to escape the corruption that is in the world
by drawing close to you
and obeying your holy and unchanging Word.
I call on you for help.
Amen.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
(Hebrews 13:8), NIV)*

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.

* 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!

* 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 119:121-128

Father God, I see the corruption that is in the world. Keep me free from it. It is time for you to act, LORD; your law is being broken. Please show mercy and grace to those who call out to you. Amen.

The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. (Psalm 9:7), 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 119:129-136

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!

I will praise the LORD!

Reading: Psalm 33:1-5

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel and Ukraine!

I will praise the LORD!

Reading: Psalm 32:1-7

Of David. A maskil.

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

Please pray for peace to return to Israel and Ukraine!

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

Reading: Psalm 119:113-120

Father God, I need your wisdom to live right in this world. I want to escape the corruption that is in the world by drawing close to you and obeying your holy and unchanging Word. I call on you for help. Amen.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8), 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,
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 see the corruption that is in the world.
Keep me free from it.
It is time for you to act, LORD;
your law is being broken.
Please show mercy and grace
to those who call out to you.
Amen.

The LORD reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
(Psalm 9:7), 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,
I need your wisdom to live right in this world.
I want to escape the corruption that is in the world
by drawing close to you
and obeying your holy and unchanging Word.
I call on you for help.
Amen.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
(Hebrews 13:8), NIV)*