Tag Archives: the LORD

My Fortress

16 Monday May 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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You are my mighty rock, my fortress, my protector, the rock where I am safe, my shield, my powerful weapon, and my place of shelter (Psalm 18:2, CEV).

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Mount Fuji — The LORD is our Fortress — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is the word fortress.

There are two kinds of strength, passive strength and aggressive strength. A fortress represents a form of passive strength. A fortress is defensive in nature. Its purpose is to project strength by deterring and if necessary repelling attacks from an external enemy.

Today’s verse from the Psalms is all about how the LORD acts as our strong fortress.

You are my mighty rock, my fortress, my protector, the rock where I am safe, my shield, my powerful weapon, and my place of shelter (Psalm 18:2, CEV).

But why do we need a fortress? The answer is obvious. We have an active enemy who is determined to destroy us. Jesus said, “A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.  I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep” (John 10:10-11).

The Lord Jesus is our fortress and protector against the enemy of our souls. I am safe when I am found in Him.

Response: LORD God, I thank you for Jesus, my shepherd and protector. I am safe when I find shelter within the walls of your fortress. You gave up your life to keep me safe. Praise be to your name. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you active or passive when you take shelter in the Lord?

Victory for the Humble

12 Thursday May 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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The LORD is pleased with his people, and he gives victory to those who are humble (Psalm 149:4, CEV).

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Sunset shores — photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

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

Do you hang on to promises? A promise of help from a friend can give you hope in the midst of dark days.

Today’s verse from the Psalms is a promise from the LORD.

The LORD is pleased with his people, and he gives victory to those who are humble (Psalm 149:4, CEV).

Like many promises, this promise from the LORD is not open-ended. It has certain limitations. It is limited to the people of God—His children born of the Spirit. The second limiting factor is humility. The humble can claim this promise as their own. The proud need not apply.

Are you a humble child of God? Then hold on, victory will come. You have solid grounds for hope. The LORD will be true to His promises.

Response: LORD God, thank you for your promise of help and victory for the humble. Help me to maintain a posture of humility before you. I am your child by faith. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you hang on to God’s promises? Has He come through for you?

You Put Down the Proud

10 Tuesday May 2016

Posted by in Psalms

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You rescue the humble, but you put down all who are proud (Psalm 18:27, CEV).

Donald Adam bridge

Assiniboine River bridge at sunset — photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

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

It would seem that God is not fond of human pride. If you respect the LORD, you will hate evil. I hate pride and conceit and deceitful lies (Proverbs 8:13). In fact, pride may be humanities greatest sin. The proud heart has no need for God—no room for God—no desire for God. But the LORD cares for the humble and He hears their prayers.

David declares:

You rescue the humble, but you put down all who are proud (Psalm 18:27, CEV).

When I become too proud, God has a way of reminding me that I am not all together wonderful. The world does not revolve around me. It revolves around the Creator of all things. He is at the center—not me, and He is worthy of all praise. He is the Lord of all things.

It is the LORD who puts down one and exalts another. I need to keep in mind that He favors the humble. How about you?

Response: LORD God, in my relationship with you, I need humility like a fish needs water. Remind me that there is no place for human pride in the household of God. Amen.

Your Turn: Why do you think God shows His favor to the humble? 

Leading the Humble

09 Monday May 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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You lead humble people to do what is right and to stay on your path (Psalm 25:9, CEV).

D Adam bridge Across Assiniboine

Bridge across the Assiniboine River — photo courtesy of Donald Adam

Reflection

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

It’s difficult, if not impossible to lead the proud. The proud refuse to be led because they know the way, and their way is always right in their own eyes. Unfortunately, Christians can be just as guilty of pride as the most unrepentant sinner. But James reminds us of an essential truth, “God opposes everyone who is proud, but he is kind to everyone who is humble” (James 4:6)

In the Psalms, David reminds us that God can only lead those who are humble.

You lead humble people to do what is right and to stay on your path (Psalm 25:9, CEV).

Are you willing to be led by the Lord? David became the leader/king of Israel, but he was not too proud to be led by the LORD. Doing right and staying on God’s path for our lives does not come naturally to the human soul. It requires humility and a listening ear.

Response: LORD God, grant me a humble heart. I can easily stray from your path. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you. Help me to hear your voice daily. Amen.

Your Turn: Does humility come easily for you? How do you overcome pride?

You, LORD, are my Shepherd

04 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need (Psalm 23:1, CEV).

Kingfisher Bay Retreat Centre 2

Quiet waters at Kingfisher Bay Retreat Centre — photo courtesy of Ruth Waring

Reflection

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

The most endearing thought in all the scriptures may well be the thought of the LORD’s precious care for the sheep of His pasture. The Good Shepherd supplies all our needs. When we are in His care there is no need for worry.

David, the shepherd king, makes this bold declaration:

You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need (Psalm 23:1, CEV).

Our needs for food, clothing, shelter and loving companionship are constant. They are ever present with us. At some point I’ll be hungry today, and though I will eat well, tomorrow, I’ll be hungry again.

The only thing more constant than our neediness is our Shepherd’s ample provision. What wonderful assurance we can draw from Jesus’ care! He will supply all we need.

Response: LORD God, help me to live in the calm assurance that you are my provider. You have provided abundantly in the past and will continue your care into the future. Thank you. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you under the Good Shepherd’s care? Are you resting in His provision?

Like Sheep with our Shepherd

02 Monday May 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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We are like sheep with you as our shepherd, and all generations will hear us praise you (Psalm 79:13, CEV).

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Violets in green pastures — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

Often when people think of the Psalms, their thoughts immediately turn to images of David, the young harpist, on the green hills of Judea surrounded by his flock of sheep. It’s a beautiful idyllic image that is frequently combined with these words, “The LORD is my shepherd.”

That idyllic image stirs our hearts because of our deep longing for peace—the shalom of God pronounced over our lives.

We are like sheep with you as our shepherd, and all generations will hear us praise you (Psalm 79:13, CEV).

We want to know and fully experience the peace of God in our lives. Of course that peace and enduring love only come through companionship with the shepherd—Jesus, the Good Shepherd. But following Him means setting aside our own agenda and walking in the path that He has chosen for us.

He is our shepherd when we allow Him to lead.

Response: LORD God, I want your shalom—your blessed peace to fill my life. Give me ears that are quick to hear and follow the Shepherd’s voice. I want to be your constant  companion. Amen.

Your Turn: Are there times when you find it difficult to hear or follow the shepherd’s voice? 

Shout Triumphantly!

29 Friday Apr 2016

Posted by in Friday's Focus, Psalms

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Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth! Be happy! Rejoice out loud! Sing your praises!(Psalm 98:4, CEV).

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Streaming sunshine sings its praises — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

Who brings victory over death, hell and the grave? His name is Jesus. Who leads people in triumph over temptation, sin and addiction? His name is Jesus. Who defeated the devil and the hordes of hell? His name is Jesus!

Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth! Be happy! Rejoice out loud! Sing your praises!(Psalm 98:4, CEV).

We have ten thousand reasons to thank and praise the LORD. Let’s not be shy about letting Him know that we love Him. We appreciate His marvelous creation. We rejoice in our redemption through Jesus shed blood. We are amazed that He would personally choose us and welcome us into His family.

What a wonderful God! He loves even me!

Response: LORD God, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. You send your undeserved love and grace streaming into my life. I praise you with uplifted hands. Amen.

Your Turn: Has the LORD brought joy and victory into your life? Do you praise Him even in difficult times?

Your Name is near

26 Tuesday Apr 2016

Posted by in Psalm 75, Psalms

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Reading:                                       Psalm 75

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A psalm of Asaph. A song.

We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near;
people tell of your wonderful deeds.

You say, “I choose the appointed time;
it is I who judge with equity.
When the earth and all its people quake,
it is I who hold its pillars firm.
To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.
Do not lift your horns against heaven;
do not speak so defiantly.’”

No one from the east or the west
or from the desert can exalt themselves.
It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.
In the hand of the Lord is a cup
full of foaming wine mixed with spices;
he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth
drink it down to its very dregs.

As for me, I will declare this forever;
I will sing praise to the God of Jacob,
who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,
but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up” (NIV).

Reflection

I find the opening verse of this psalm to be very thought-provoking. Let’s take a moment to consider it: We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds.

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In Praise of His Name — photo by David Kitz

Ask yourself how many, “Oh my G*ds!” do you hear in a day? How many “OMGs” do you see posted on Facebook? I dare say quite a few. Are these exclamations expressed in praise to God? Of course not. They are meaningless expressions of surprise—or are they?

They are meaningless expressions to those that believe this command from the LORD is a meaningless expression. “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name” (Exodus 20:7, NIV).

The Common English Bible translates this command with these words, “Do not use the LORD your God’s name as if it were of no significance; the LORD won’t forgive anyone who uses his name that way” (Exodus 20:7, CEB).

God’s commands are not meaningless expressions. There is power in the name of the LORD. Perhaps we need this reminder. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.

Response: LORD God, I want to treat your Name with the respect and honor it deserves. Please forgive me if I have misused your name in any way. I pray in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: Why do you think the LORD makes a big deal about His name? Why is it important?

A Bad Bet for Victory

25 Monday Apr 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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A warhorse is a bad bet for victory;
    it can’t save despite its great strength.
But look here: the LORD’s eyes watch all who honor him,
    all who wait for his faithful love (Psalm 33:17-18, CEV).

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River Marsh in Early Spring — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

There is something very puzzling, very uncertain, about victory. Victory doesn’t always go to the strongest man, the largest army, or the fastest runner. Sometimes victory goes to the least expected; it goes to the underdog.

Today’s verse from the Psalms draws attention to the uncertainty of victory.

A warhorse is a bad bet for victory; it can’t save despite its great strength.
But look here: the LORD’s eyes watch all who honor him, all who wait for his faithful love (Psalm 33:17-18, CEV).

Victory does not come solely from man’s ingenuity, talent or strength. Ultimately, victory comes from the LORD. The outcome of every race, every battle, every sporting event is determined by the LORD. He foreknew the outcome before there was time. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.

My only response to such an awesome God is to honor Him, to yield my will and my very life to Him.

Response: LORD God, I wait for your faithful love. My personal struggles and victories are known to you. Your eyes are always on me. Help me to live responsibly in that knowledge. Amen.

Your Turn: Is it a comfort or a constraint to know that God is watching you?

Forgetting and Remembering

21 Thursday Apr 2016

Posted by in Psalms, Thursday's Thought

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Forget each wrong I did when I was young. Show how truly kind you are and remember me (Psalm 25:7, CEV).

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Treed Flood Plain, Ottawa River — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

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

How can God forget? He knows everything. He knows everything I have done and everything I will do, before it has even entered my mind. The petition prayed here in Psalm 25 must be doomed to fail.

Forget each wrong I did when I was young. Show how truly kind you are and remember me (Psalm 25:7, CEV).

Strange as it may seem God can be forgetful. When we repent of our sins, He chooses to forget that those sins ever happened. But don’t take my word on this topic. The prophet Jeremiah declares this word from the LORD, “I will forgive their sins and forget the evil things they have done” (Jeremiah 31:34, CEV).

That’s an amazing promise. If God can forget our sins, maybe we should do the same. We should not allow the guilt of them torment us any longer. Our sins are forgiven and forgotten when we confess them to our gracious heavenly Father.

Response: LORD God, I am so glad that you choose to remember me and forget my sins. You love like no one else can. Thank you for the forgiveness that is available because of the shed blood of Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you spend too much time remembering sins that the Lord has forgiven and forgotten?