Tag Archives: salvation

The Salvation of our God

04 Tuesday Oct 2016

Posted by in Psalm 98, Psalms

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Reading:                                         Psalm 98

A psalm.

Verses 1-6

Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
The LORD has made his salvation known
and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
He has remembered his love
and his faithfulness to Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;

 make music to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,
with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
shout for joy before the LORD, the King (NIV).

Reflection

Once again in Psalm 98 the psalmist calls us to break forth with a new song of praise to our God. This call to worship is a frequent theme in many psalms. In this case the cause for worship is well worth noting. We are to worship in music and song because of the salvation of our God. The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

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Petrie Island sunset — photo by David Kitz

To some extent these words trouble me. What salvation is the psalmist talking about? Is he referring to the miraculous redemption and rescue of Israel from slavery in Egypt? That’s the most significant act of national salvation in the Old Testament. On the other hand, the psalmist could be referring to the restoration of the Jewish nation after the destruction of the temple and the Babylonian captivity. Again this is a very significant event that was witnessed by the surrounding nations. Since we do not have a timeline or date for when this psalm was written, we are left guessing the answer.

For the New Testament believer we see the fulfillment of this psalm in the salvation that was won for us by Christ at the cross. There the ancient powers of sin, hell and the grave were defeated. Death itself was vanquished through the resurrection of Jesus. In reality, the true enemies of the people of God are not foreigners or foreign nations. Our enemies are spiritual; they lurk within—within us. Salvation from those enemies was purchased at the cross with the precious blood of Jesus.

Now here is a bizarre twist. Salvation arrives when we stop fighting. It arrives with our surrender. It arrives when we surrender our lives to our Savior and kneel before our King on a cross. That’s a salvation worth singing about!

Response: LORD God, I am so grateful for the salvation you purchased for me through the blood of Jesus. I want all the ends of the earth to know about that great salvation. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you knelt before the King on a cross? Take some time to do that now.

Satisfaction!

15 Thursday Sep 2016

Posted by in Psalm 91, Psalms

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Reading:                                          Psalm 91

Verses 9-16

If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation” (NIV).

Reflection

Let’s be honest. We all want it. We all want satisfaction. For our sex-obsessed society that can only mean one thing, but in reality personal satisfaction encompasses so many facets of life. I want a satisfying meal when I sit down to dinner this evening. I want satisfactory service at the restaurant, at the auto repair shop and on the plane that I’m catching tomorrow. Above all else I want a satisfying life.

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Ah, a lazy late summer afternoon — Sweet Satisfaction — photo by David Kitz

This may come as a surprise to many people, but the simple truth is God wants to give you a satisfying life. Here is the long list of promises that the LORD promises to undertake on your behalf. “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation”

In summary, we will be protected and rescued. Our prayers will be answered. We will know God’s presence in times of trouble. And just imagine this; the LORD will honor us. Consider for a moment the implications of that. Furthermore, we are promised eternal salvation, and in the here and now, we will have a long and satisfying life.

That sounds like an amazing offer and it truly is. But there are two conditions attached. We need say, “The LORD is my refuge.” In other word we need to confess our dependence on God, and then we must make the Most High our dwelling. We need to live in God, not our own little world, but rather His world with our minds and hearts set on Him. Are you ready for that kind of satisfaction?

Response: LORD, you are such a good God. I don’t deserve your goodness and love and yet you continually pour out your blessings. I love you, LORD. I want to dwell in you. Amen.

Your Turn: What do you think it means to dwell in God?

If You Love Me

14 Sunday Aug 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Sunday's Psalm

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Wild flowers, Petrie Island, Ottawa, ON — photo by David Kitz

    The LORD says,
“If you love me
    and truly know who I am,
    I will rescue you and keep you safe.
 When you are in trouble, call out to me.
I will answer and be there
    to protect and honor you.
You will live a long life and see my saving power.”

(Psalm 91:14-16, CEV)

Your Saving Power

19 Tuesday Jul 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Tuesday's Truth

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Let your worshipers celebrate and be glad because of you. They love your saving power, so let them always say, “God is wonderful!” (Psalm 70:4, CEV).

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Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is celebration.

Many years ago I saw a sign in front of an urban church which read, “Jesus saves!” The grocery store down the street countered with the slogan, “Safeway saves you more!”

So who has more saving power, the gods of merchandise or the God of the universe? The advertising industry certainly works hard at getting us to part with our money. Do you realize that right now, for a limited time you could save $300 on that deluxe barbecue? But here’s an even better saving option. You could save $700 by not giving into that barbecued temptation.

I love the saving that the LORD promotes, because He saves me from my greedy self. We can celebrate that kind of saving, because it’s genuine and personally transforming. It changes us at the core.

Let your worshipers celebrate and be glad because of you. They love your saving power, so let them always say, “God is wonderful!” (Psalm 70:4, CEV).

God is wonderful because through Jesus, He gives us exactly what we need—a Savior.

Response: LORD God, thank you for saving me from being trapped in my sins. Change me from day to day so that I become more like your son, Jesus. I celebrate your love. Amen.

Your Turn: What is wonderful about God’s saving power for you?

No Signs from God

12 Tuesday Apr 2016

Posted by in Psalm 74, Psalms

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Reading:                                      Psalm 74

Verses 9-17

We are given no signs from God;
no prophets are left,
and none of us knows how long this will be.
How long will the enemy mock you, God?
Will the foe revile your name forever?
Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!

But God is my King from long ago;
he brings salvation on the earth.

It was you who split open the sea by your power;
you broke the heads of the monster in the waters.
It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan
and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert.
It was you who opened up springs and streams;
you dried up the ever-flowing rivers.
The day is yours, and yours also the night;
you established the sun and moon.
It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
you made both summer and winter (NIV).

Reflection

Do you watch for road signs? I’m inclined to say yes, of course I do. But if I am traveling through a familiar neighborhood or to a familiar location, I pay very little attention to road signs. After all, I know where I am going and how to get there. But put me in unfamiliar territory without a GPS, and the situation changes dramatically. I am hunting for road signs like a hungry hawk hunts for field mice. Every sign is spotted well in advance; the details are read and repeated to cement them into my memory. Landmarks and the appearance of the terrain are memorized for future reference. I do all this because I don’t like being lost.

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River Ice Chandelier — photo by David Kitz

In our reading from Psalm 74, the psalmist finds himself in unfamiliar territory. The nation has been invaded and the enemy has desecrated the temple. This is an enormous loss. But beyond the loss, there appears to be no way forward. The psalmist laments, “We are given no signs from God; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be. How long will the enemy mock you, God?”

When I am lost, I watch for signs. But in this situation God gave no signs. After the psalmist pours out his complaint before God, he does not stay there. He goes on to recall the miraculous works of God. He reminds God of His interventions into the affairs of humankind. He makes this bold personal declaration, “But God is my King from long ago; he brings salvation on the earth.”

As we pray for our nation, we would do well to pattern our prayers on Psalm 74.

Response: LORD God, you see the sins of our nation. Bring us back to you. You are the Almighty God. You do not change. Bring your salvation on the earth even as you did long ago. You are my King. Amen.

Your Turn: Why is it helpful to recall God’s mighty deeds in your life?

Tell Every Nation

29 Tuesday Mar 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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Day after day announce, “The LORD has saved us!” Tell every nation on earth,
“The LORD is wonderful and does marvelous things! (Psalm 96:2-3, CEV).

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Easter Sunrise 2016 — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is proclamation.

We live in the afterglow of the resurrection. Unlike an afterglow that fades over time, this afterglow ought to intensify within us like the power of the rising sun. And why should this be the case? Because with each passing day, the day of redemption and regeneration of our physical bodies is drawing closer. Today, I’m one day closer to seeing my resurrected Lord face to face.

Within us there should be a growing desire to declare the goodness of the Lord. The psalmist expresses it this way:

Day after day announce, “The LORD has saved us!” Tell every nation on earth,
“The LORD is wonderful and does marvelous things! (Psalm 96:2-3, CEV).

We are tasked with the job of joyous declaration. Good news is not difficult to share. We are not tasked with announcing the death of a loved one. We have the joy of sharing the news that one man—Jesus Christ—has defeated death. By faith his resurrection victory becomes our victory as well.

Response: LORD God, I want to glow with the joy of knowing you and your resurrection power. Give me the privilege of telling someone else the good news today. Amen.

Your Turn: Is your resurrection afterglow growing or fading?

Packing Off to Hell

28 Monday Mar 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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All day long I will announce your power to save (Psalm 71:24, CEV).

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Chapel of the Transfiguration, Grand Teton National Park — Photo courtesy of Matthew Taylor

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is proclamation.

Do you have something wonderful to announce? If you are a witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, you certainly have something to proclaim. To put it simply our great enemy has been defeated. Through Jesus’ victory, death has been sent packing off to hell.

If that’s not good news, then I don’t know what is. The psalmist expresses it this way:

All day long I will announce your power to save (Psalm 71:24, CEV).

Jesus has the power to save us from death, hell and the grave. The proof of that is his empty tomb. By faith we too are witnesses of the resurrection. We know Jesus is alive by the proof of his indwelling presence in our lives.

Glory be to God! I have something to announce. My sins are forgiven. Death is defeated and I have eternal life thanks to Jesus.

Response: LORD God, I rejoice in the victory Jesus won over death. By faith that victory is mine as well. I don’t want to keep this good news to myself. Help me spread the joy. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you a witness to the resurrection?

Power with Purpose

03 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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I will praise you, LORD God, for your mighty deeds and your power to save (Psalm 71:16, CEV).

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Power to Save – photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is power.

What is power without a purpose? I’m reminded of a young buck revving his engine, so he can pop the clutch, spin his tires and squeal off in a blaze of glory, dust, and bravado. There’s really not much purpose in it, unless I suppose it’s to impress.

At times God will display His power, but unlike the young buck showing off his hot car, the LORD has a meaningful purpose in His display of power. His purpose is our salvation.

I will praise you, LORD God, for your mighty deeds and your power to save (Psalm 71:16, CEV).

In the Old Testament, in a grand display of miraculous power, the LORD rescued his people from slavery in Egypt. Israel was saved by God’s power.

In the New Testament in a grand display of miraculous power, the LORD raised Jesus from the dead, and in doing this He defeated death, our age-old enemy. Jesus rescued us from slavery to sin. Praise God! His power has purpose.

Response: LORD God, I praise you for the grand rescue mission you sent your Son to accomplish. Thank you for resurrection morning and your power to save me. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you appreciate God’s power to save?

My Power to Save

21 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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The sacrifice that honors me is a thankful heart. Obey me, and I, your God, will show my power to save (Psalm 50:23, CEV).

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My Lighthouse in the Storm – photo by Eric E. Wright

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is salvation.

Here’s a rather uncomfortable truth about God. He wants us to obey Him. We want Him to save us from our troubles, but He in turn wants our obedience.

For the independent, I’ll-do-it-my-way crowd, this call for obedience is a real downer. Who wants to follow a Savior who requires obedience?

Jesus said to his disciples: If you love me, you will do as I command (John 14:15).

We prefer salvation without sacrifice. I want Jesus to save me, but I don’t want him telling me what to do. Ah, but this salvation he offers requires sacrifice. It cost Jesus his life. He went to the cross to purchase my salvation. That’s a steep price.

Our joy-filled gratitude and willing obedience are a fitting response.

Response: LORD God, I am thankful for the salvation you purchased for me through Jesus death. Help me today to hear your voice and be obedient to your commands. Amen.

Your Turn: Are the Lord’s commands difficult for you to obey?

Carry Us

20 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms (Psalm 28:9, CEV).

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Lake Ontario sunset – photo by Eric E. Wright

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is salvation.

It’s a long, long time since I have been carried, but it remains as a pleasant childhood memory. I recall falling asleep in the car on the way home from a visit to some distant relatives. I remember slowly waking as my father carried me into the house.

David, the shepherd king penned the words of this prayer: Come save and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms.

Undoubtedly, as a young shepherd David remembered carrying lambs in his arms, but surely he also remembered being carried as a boy.

We may be adults now, but there are still days when we want to be carried—need to be carried. We are too big. Human arms aren’t strong enough. We need the LORD, the good shepherd, to carry us.

Response: LORD, my shepherd, when I am weary carry me in your arms. At the close of the  day, I want to feel your warmth and rest next to you. Come save and bless me. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you still long to be carried?