Tag Archives: the LORD

God Struck the Rock

14 Thursday Jul 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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“It’s true God struck the rock and water gushed out like a river, but can he give his people bread and meat?” (Psalm 78:20, CEV).

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Remic Rapids Park, Ottawa, ON, balanced rock sculptures by John Ceprano — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

There’s an old saying about how it’s hard to get blood from a stone. But according to today’s verse from the Psalms, God is very good at getting water from a rock.

“It’s true God struck the rock and water gushed out like a river, but can he give his people bread and meat?”(Psalm 78:20, CEV).

This quote from the Psalms refers to the time when the people of Israel were without water in the Sinai Desert. The LORD gave Moses these instructions, “I will be there with you. Strike the rock with the stick, and water will pour out for the people to drink.” Moses did this while the leaders watched (Exodus 17:6).

St. Paul tells us the true significance of the rock that was struck in the wilderness. All of them also ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink, which flowed from the spiritual rock that followed them. That rock was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:3-4).

Jesus is the rock that was struck on our behalf and from him gushes living water that will bring eternal life. He said, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say” (John 7:37-38).

Response: LORD God, I thank you for Jesus, the eternal living rock. Through his shed blood I have everlasting life. Jesus, you are my water of life. Amen.

Your Turn: Is Jesus the rock of your salvation?

Words and Thoughts

13 Wednesday Jul 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock and my protector (Psalm 19:14, CEV).

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Remic Rapids Park, Ottawa, ON, balanced rock sculptures by John Ceprano — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

Words and thoughts belong together. Thoughts produce words and words produce thoughts. Thoughts and words are the legs of our intellect. They are the means by which we move ideas and events forward. The world becomes a better place, when our words and thoughts are sourced in God. For that reason we should pray that the Holy Spirit would guide our every word and thought. That was David’s prayer in Psalm 19.

Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock and my protector (Psalm 19:14, CEV).

Our goal in life should be to please the LORD. Just as a young child wants to please its parent, so our daily desire should be to please the LORD. As my parents protected me as a child, so the LORD protects me now. He is the rock-solid strength that I need.

Response: LORD God, today I want to please you. When angry thoughts come, be my peace. When cruel words are spoken, be my comfort. I want to think as you think, Lord, and speak as you speak. Amen.

Your Turn: What do you do to keep your words and thoughts pleasing to the LORD?

Receiving the Land

07 Thursday Jul 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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You will show the right path to all who worship you. They will have plenty, and then their children will receive the land (Psalm 25:12-13, CEV).

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Tulip beds, Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

Are you waiting for your inheritance? Actually, as sons and daughters of the King, we have an eternal inheritance that will be coming our way. We have a promised land that is ours to possess. Today’s verse from the Psalms is a direct promise from the LORD:

You will show the right path to all who worship you. They will have plenty, and then their children will receive the land (Psalm 25:12-13, CEV).

Old Testament Israel was promised a land flowing with milk and honey—a rich inheritance. But there are conditions attached to receiving the promises of God. Israel did not simply waltz in and possess the land they were promised. They had to fight for it. Yes, the LORD fought with them, but in return He expected their love, obedience and worship.

The same principles apply to believers today. The LORD will show the right path to all who worship Him. The LORD may show us the right path, but we must be willing to take it—to walk down that path—His chosen path for our lives.

Response: LORD God, show me the right path. I worship you with my whole heart. Give me a willing heart to enter into your promises that come through a life of love, faith and humble obedience. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you entering into your inheritance? 

Not Strength and Weapons

06 Wednesday Jul 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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Their strength and weapons were not what won the land and gave them victory! You loved them and fought with your powerful arm and your shining glory (Psalm 44:3, CEV).

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Daffodil path, Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

What is the secret to victory in war? In modern warfare often the answer boils down to superior weapons. Superior weapons are the product of superior technology, so whoever has the best technology can be assured of victory. Right?

Don’t count on it. In the final years of the Second World War, Germany had developed fighter jets that were far superior to the turboprops the allies were flying. Similarly, German guided missiles were raining destruction down onto London. But despite these superior weapons, Germany lost the war.

Apparently, according to today’s verse from the Psalms, when it comes to war, God has the final say on who wins.

Their strength and weapons were not what won the land and gave them victory! You loved them and fought with your powerful arm and your shining glory (Psalm 44:3, CEV).

The secret to victory in war is knowing who is on your side. If the LORD is on your side, the path to victory is certain. The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name (Exodus 15:3, NIV).

Response: LORD God, in the spiritual warfare that I face daily, I desperately need you on my side. You are my strength against powerful spiritual enemies. But with you my victory is assured. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you enlisted the Lord to fight for you or are you fighting with him?

Your Heart’s Desire

04 Monday Jul 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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Trust the LORD and live right!
    The land will be yours, and you will be safe.
Do what the LORD wants,
    and he will give you your heart’s desire (Psalm 37:3-4, CEV).

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Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

Are you thankful for the land in which you live? I certainly am. On almost every measurement of prosperity, security, freedom and human development, Canada ranks at the top among the nations of the world. We have a great deal to be thankful for.

But to whom should we be giving thanks? Yes, we can be thankful for those who have gone before us, who built this great land through hard work and sacrifice. They forged partnerships with welcoming hearts that brought the prosperity and success that we now enjoy.

But ultimately, our freedom, security and prosperity come from the LORD. Today’s verse from the Psalms reminds us of this truth.

Trust the LORD and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe. Do what the LORD wants, and he will give you your heart’s desire (Psalm 37:3-4, CEV).

Ancient Israel enjoyed freedom and security when the people of the land trusted in God and lived right. The ways of LORD have not changed. If we want to continue to enjoy His blessings, we need to do what He wants and not merely pursue our selfish desires.

Response: LORD God, I thank you for my home and native land. Help the people of this great land turn their hearts toward you. God keep our land glorious and free. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you thankful for the land in which you live?