Day lilies — photo by David Kitz
Come to Worship
31 Sunday Jul 2016
Posted in Psalms, Sunday's Psalm
Tag Archives: the LORD
He Chose David
29 Friday Jul 2016
Tags
David, David's heart, God, God's choice, Heart, integrity, Psalm, the LORD
Reading: Psalm 78
Verses 65-72
Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
as a warrior wakes from the stupor of wine.
He beat back his enemies;
he put them to everlasting shame.
Then he rejected the tents of Joseph,
he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim;
but he chose the tribe of Judah,
Mount Zion, which he loved.
He built his sanctuary like the heights,
like the earth that he established forever.
He chose David his servant
and took him from the sheep pens;
from tending the sheep he brought him
to be the shepherd of his people Jacob,
of Israel his inheritance.
And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
with skillful hands he led them (NIV).
Reflection
Up to this point Psalm 78 has catalogued a long list of Israel’s transgressions. They have been a stubborn and rebellious people who have been unfaithful to the LORD. They have been unfaithful despite His mercy and the miracles He has performed on their behalf. Now this final portion of the psalm represents a turning point in the history of the nation.
Lanark Highlands, ON — photo courtesy of Lyle Johnson
Once again, the LORD intervened in the affairs of Israel. He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance.
God chose a man; He chose a leader. Often the LORD chooses the most unlikely candidates for leadership. He did not go to the palace; He went to the sheep pen. He overlooked Jonathan, the courageous royal son of Saul, and instead He called out David, the youngest son of Jesse—a man after God’s own heart.
What does God consider when He looks for a leader? When selecting the next king, the prophet Samuel was told, “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). The LORD is not looking for physical strength or a handsome face, but he is looking for integrity of heart.
That should give hope to every one of us. I cannot change my stature or significantly alter my appearance, but through repentance and faith I can change the condition of my heart.
Response: LORD God, I want a heart of integrity—a heart that is pleasing to you. Help me to become an instrument that you will use for your good purpose in this strife-torn world. Amen.
Your Turn: Can we change our hearts or is that God’s job? What role do we play?
Wonder Worker
27 Wednesday Jul 2016
Posted in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms
I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart and tell about the wonders you have worked (Psalm 9:1, CEV).
Moonlight on Lake Ontario — photo courtesy of Eric E. Wright
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is wonders.
Has God worked wonders in your life? God certainly has worked wonders when we consider the glories of creation. But has God worked wonders for you personally. Has He answered your prayers in marvelous or miraculous ways?
David, who wrote this psalm, certainly had many good reasons to praise the LORD. Notice his exuberant call to worship:
I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart and tell about the wonders you have worked (Psalm 9:1, CEV).
God was with the shepherd boy David as he slew a lion and a bear. Later God was with him as he took down the fearsome giant Goliath. Then David went on to win battle after battle against the Philistines. As David stepped forward in faith, the LORD was working wonders on his behalf.
On a personal level we can’t fully know the wonders of God until we take steps of faith—risky steps of faith. Jesus invited Peter to step out of a boat and onto the stormy waters of the Sea of Galilee. Peter experienced the wonders of God as he took those few hesitant steps. Will we dare to do the same if Jesus calls us?
Response: LORD God, give me faith to see you as you are—a wonder worker. You have done and continue to great and marvelous things. Help me to hear your voice and follow you. Amen.
Your Turn: Has the Lord worked a wonder in your life?
The only God
20 Wednesday Jul 2016
Posted in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms
Tags
You are the LORD’s people!
So celebrate and praise the only God (Psalm 97:12, CEV).
Celebrate God’s goodness — photo courtesy of Donald Adam
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is celebration.
One of our greatest needs is a need for belonging. We need to belong to something or someone. For many, family is the primary source for fulfilling that need. But people also join churches, service clubs and a whole host of worthwhile organizations. On the negative side of the equation, criminal gangs prey on outcasts because of their innate need to belong.
God placed within in us this desire to belong. His desire is that we come to the realization that we belong to Him. He made us and redeemed us. Today’s verse from the Psalms reflects this truth:
You are the LORD’s people! So celebrate and praise the only God (Psalm 97:12, CEV).
Jesus taught us that first and foremost God is not our enemy or our judge. He is our loving heavenly Father. He wants us to be part of His great human family. He loves and cares for us more deeply than any human parent could. So take some time right now to celebrate and praise the only God, who loves you with an everlasting love.
Response: LORD God, thank you for loving me and welcoming me into your family. Heavenly Father, I love you. I belong to you; I am yours. I celebrate your goodness. Amen.
Your Turn: To whom do you belong? Do you belong to the LORD?
Your Saving Power
19 Tuesday Jul 2016
Posted in Psalms, Tuesday's Truth
Tags
advertising industry, celebrate, celebration, God, Jesus, Safeway, salvation, the LORD, worshipers
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).
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?
A Lifetime of Celebration!
18 Monday Jul 2016
Posted in Monday Meditation, Psalms
Tags
celebrate, celebration, eternal life, God, kindness, resurrection, the LORD
Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime. At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate (Psalm 30:5, CEV).
Joy comes in the morning — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is celebration.
Last evening I got a call from my sister informing me that my aunt had passed away. Aunt Lizzy lived to the grand old age of 104. Right to the end, she was full wit and wisdom. She was always ready with a warm smile for all who greeted her. She lived a remarkable life—a life that was immersed in the kindness of God.
Today’s verse from the Psalms reflects on the kindness of the LORD.
Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime. At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate (Psalm 30:5, CEV).
There is the strong hint of eternity in this verse. After a lifetime spent experiencing God’s kindness, there comes the dark night of death, but when morning comes we will celebrate our resurrection in the presence of Jesus. That is the great hope of every believer. Though we may suffer for a season, we will celebrate for eternity.
Response: LORD God, I thank you for the godly men and women, who have gone to glory ahead of me. Thanks for the glorious hope of resurrection and eternal celebration with you. Amen.
Your Turn: Would you like to live to 104 or beyond? Can we fully comprehend everlasting life?
If you love me
17 Sunday Jul 2016
Posted in Psalms, Sunday's Psalm
Tags
Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC — 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.”
(Psalm 91:14, CEV)
Your Fortress
16 Saturday Jul 2016
Posted in Psalms, Saturday's Psalm
Mackenzie King Estate, Gatineau Park, QC — photo by David Kitz
The LORD Most High
is your fortress.
Run to him for safety,
and no terrible disasters
will strike you
or your home.
(Psalm 91:9-10, CEV)
God Struck the Rock
14 Thursday Jul 2016
Posted in Psalms, Thursday's Thought
“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).
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 in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms
Tags
David, pleasing God, Remic Rapids Park, Rock, the LORD, thoughts, words
Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock and my protector (Psalm 19:14, CEV).
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?
