Whosoever Does These Things Will Never Be Shaken

111 Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. Psalm 111:1-4, 7-9 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, our Father, Thou Searcher of human hearts, help us to draw near to Thee in sincerity and truth. May our religion be filled with gladness and may our worship of Thee be natural. Strengthen and increase our admiration for honest dealing and clean thinking, and suffer not our hatred of hypocrisy and pretense ever to diminish. Encourage us in our endeavor to live above the common level of life. Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. based on the West Point Cadet Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

There is little to fear from knowing too much, but there are many strips stored up for practicing too little of what is known. The worldly persuasion of our day is full of godless communications from education, news, entertainment, social media, and daily conversations. The counsel of worldly wisdom is to trust only what can be seen with its pillars being science, money, and self. To rely on any of these things rather than on the living God is to trust in an arm of flesh. With strong muscles and a brand new brain, it’s easy for the young to trust the popular messages of the world. Blessed are the ones who wake up and turn from the bait of vanities offered by this world before they get hooked. The young are taken captive like fish on a hook without the knowledge of God, and the older they get the more happiness eludes them. All power belongs to God. It is vain to look for answers on how to live this present life anywhere else. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone. God never fails, but we limit God by the little trust we place in Him. A little trust and we get a little salvation. Trust God completely and we are saved to the uttermost. If we want to enter by the straight gate that leads to enteral life, we must learn to trust in God wholeheartedly. 

Question

We are called to be salt in this world. How doe salt lose its saltiness?

Answer

Rather than seasoning and cleansing what it is added to, it becomes conformed to all that is around it instead, then it has lost its saltiness.

The Fear of the Lord Is the Beginning of Wisdom

111 Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. Psalm 111:1-4, 7-9 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, our Father, Thou Searcher of human hearts, help us to draw near to Thee in sincerity and truth. May our religion be filled with gladness and may our worship of Thee be natural. Strengthen and increase our admiration for honest dealing and clean thinking, and suffer not our hatred of hypocrisy and pretense ever to diminish. Encourage us in our endeavor to live above the common level of life. Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. based on the West Point Cadet Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

Know for certain that once you choose to make faith in God the rule for your life, every persuasive thought and feeling to doubt does NOT come from the one who has called you. Don’t think this strange. Both physical and spiritual strength are developed by training with resistance. Even the highly favored and extremely talented among us must be willing to suffer the discomfort of time under tension if they are to become fully developed. We have been given the gift of eternal life and freedom from the bondage of sin by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Having been translated into the Kingdom of God by Christ, we no longer have to slavishly obey the evil desires of the flesh. We are now free to choose to obey God. Free to choose to keep in step with the Holy Spirit. Dearly beloved of the Father, know that you are among the elect of God. The devil causes only the elect to doubt the truth of their calling. Resist him by standing firm in faith. There is a sure victory awaiting all who are willing to fight the good fight of faith. This too is by grace, to the glory of God, whose mercy endures forever.

Question

What do we mean by fear of the Lord?

Answer

An act of worship inspired by love, which creates a willingness to do what is pleasing to God out of respect and reverence for Him.

My Help Comes From the Lord

121 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. Psalm 121 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, our Father, Thou Searcher of human hearts, help us to draw near to Thee in sincerity and truth. May our religion be filled with gladness and may our worship of Thee be natural. Strengthen and increase our admiration for honest dealing and clean thinking, and suffer not our hatred of hypocrisy and pretense ever to diminish. Encourage us in our endeavor to live above the common level of life. Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. based on the West Point Cadet Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

Spontaneous thoughts arise from our spirit. Our spiritual faculties can be influenced by both good and evil. Love thinks no evil, neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. A flaming arrow shot from the shadows is a predictable tactic of the enemy. By suggesting one wrong thought, feelings are ignited that cause a cascade of similar thoughts and feelings that lead the mind away from God. The enemy knows that as long as he remains hidden he will not be resisted. Why do we fret when things don’t work out? Why trust in our own feeble plans and remember not the power of our God? The Bible tells us to consider it all joy when tempted with these flaming darts designed to kill, steal, and destroy. Learning to diligently resist these thousands of little things with patience develops spiritual maturity. Keep your faith in God Almighty. Do not cast away your confidence in the Word, for it will never fail. Rather cast away the faithless thoughts and imaginings the enemy slings your way. God has promised not to allow you to be tested with more than you can resist. So instead of fretting, praise God! Instead of getting upset, rejoice! Stand firm in the faith that God works all things for your good and darkness will have to flee. God has predestined us to know the truth of this liberty that is in Christ Jesus. Glory be to God Most High! Fight the good fight of faith and let the whole earth praise His holy name.

Question

Which thoughts are we to resist and cast down?

Answer

Every one that does not originate from love or smells of rotten fruit.

God Listens to My Prayer

16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
17 I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
19 But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. Psalm 66:16-20 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing; Send your Holy Spirit and pour into my heart your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

Thinking right is always the next step along the beach of righteousness. Vain thoughts are often the cause of stumbling. Ignoring the aliment is the same as refusing the treatment. Consider a mature faith to be like a sea-washed lighthouse, anchored on the Rock, and thereby firmly withstanding the ebb and flow of life. The tides of life change from high to low, going in and going out. This will sometimes cause training, diet, wellbeing, and best of plans to be fractured in the process. This too will pass, but refuse to allow what you can’t do right now to stop you from doing what you can. Remember that even a few loaves and a couple of small fish are enough to feed a multitude with God. The grace of God is more than sufficient for all things, but be sure you are not just seeking to do your own will and asking God to supply His power just to help you get your own thing done. Deny self, pick up your cross daily, and follow Jesus. Pray to the Lord of the harvest to conform your will to His, and then go to work with gusto to glorify our God. 

Question

What is success in life?

Answer

Traveling through this world in such a manner as to be well prepared to enter into eternal life in the next.

Joyful Are the People Whose Strength Is in You

4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.
7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.
10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:4-10 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing; Send your Holy Spirit and pour into my heart your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

Our God reigns! Every knee shall bow and every mouth shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. All things are in the hand of God. The axe cuts down the tree, but the axe is secondary to the hand that wields it. Watch and pray. Why get angry because of the rude person in your way? God uses such small things to train us to be able to maintain His peace. And if you only do good when others can see, you limit your reward to the applause of men. Receiving praise from people may be sweet to the ears, but pleasing God is far more satisfying. Refuse to react to the unedifying feelings of the flesh. Let go of the lesser desires of the cardinal mind in order to obtain the more abundant life in Christ Jesus. Press on toward the upward call of God, which is to know our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a part of the glorious ministry of the Holy Spirit to the saints. It is more than having knowledge about Him, it is rather to know Him through lived experience. This happens the same way we get to know any other person, and that is by spending time in His presence and listening to His voice. This is the promise of the Gospel of Christ. There are five steps filled with faith and intention for appropriating this one needful blessing: 1) we must first have the knowledge that it is the will of God for us; 2) we must long for it to be so for us; 3) we will have it to be so for us; 4) ask the Lord to make it so; and 5) Wait for the settled inner conviction that it is so. Do not force step 5. It is important not to claim it until the witness of the Spirit gives the assurance that the grace has been bestowed. Rather than claim it prematurely, give thanks and look for it with an eager expectation of the manifestation of the faithfulness of God. Watch and give glory to God. Though it tarry, wait for it. It will surely come.

Question

Now that you know how, the only question is when?

Answer

This too the Scriptures have answered abundantly. Wait on the Lord, trust His perfect timing.

Show Us, O Lord, the Light of Your Countenance

80 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up thy strength, and come and save us.
3 Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. Psalm 80:1-3 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing; Send your Holy Spirit and pour into my heart your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

God alone is sovereign. This means that God alone is in control. With just one email, just one phone call, or just one text message, God can completely change your life. Nothing is beyond the control of the Most High. Therefore, remember the love of your heavenly Father always. Because He first loved us, we can love Him. We are adopted as sons of the Most High, taken up, and seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. As dearly loved sons, strive to now think, desire, and do what is pleasing to Him. We love and obey Him because we know it is His will. By faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, we do enter into the grace needed to do all that pleases Him. 

Question

How do we get rid of worry?

Answer

When we open the door to trust in God, worry is forced out the window.

Happy Are the People of Whom This Is So

9 I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.
10 It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.
11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:
12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:
13 That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets:
14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.
15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord. Psalm 144:9-15 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing; Send your Holy Spirit and pour into my heart your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

If the eye be the window of the soul, it is important to realize the dual nature of a window. Not only does a window allow things that are within to be seen from without, but a window can also allow things that are without to come within. Standing guard at the window of the soul is essential for keeping the heart pure. Sexual desire has its proper place within the God ordained institution of marriage. Ironically, tossing off the God given boundaries in the name of freedom only leads to bondage. Lust is a fire that enslaves all who pursue sexual gratification outside of marriage, and it burns whosoever it touches when it weaves its chains of all sorts of gradually increasing perversions. The heart of a man is a ready kindle box. It takes only a lingering gaze and  a few covetous thoughts to set lust burning in a man’s heart. Remember that God is our chief source of joy and satisfaction. Read that last sentence again. It is that important. Whether a pure heart is worth denying the momentary pleasure of giving into the animal urge to tantalize the eyes, every man must learn for himself. If there be no glory for God in a thing, there is only harm in it for us. How much more so is the sin that begins with a moment of selfish sensual pleasure and always ends with hindered prayers, guilt, and separation from spouse and God. Therefore, the man that would be godly needs to be diligent. At the first sign of sexual delight in any other woman than your wife, be quick to make your eyes turn away. Turning away from what the world considers harmless eye candy and innocent flirting, is to respect your wife and honor God. It is the guarding of the very wellspring of your life. 

Question

How are we to thrive in a world that has become like Sodom and Gomorrah before it was destroyed? 

Answer

Only be standing on guard with the readiness to instantly do what is right that, which comes from knowing and practicing the gospel of peace.

Exalt Him in the Assembly of the People

23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
24 These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.
25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.
28 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
31 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. Psalm 107:23-32 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing; Send your Holy Spirit and pour into my heart your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

Faith always agrees with God. There is no need to become more muscular, beautiful, rich, or anything else to be loved. Advertisers will use slick, sexy, and cool adverts to implant the subliminal belief that if only you buy this or that you will get more love and happiness. Behind this deception are principalities propagating the present darkness of this world by seeking to keep the masses from seeing the glorious light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Believe the truth of the gospel and be free. Great is the love of God. Jesus’ death on the Cross is proof of the extent of God’s love for us. Turn from all darkness and embrace the light. The young are often reckless, because the foolishness of sin is easily overlooked when its consequences are delayed and death seems so far away. Wake up from childish sugar plum dreams. Realize life is but a breath, and our next exhale could be the last. Where there are parents who love their child, all must go right for the child up to the parents’ ability. Since our heavenly Father is omnipotent and benevolent, we can be sure that all things will work out for good for the child of God. Have faith in the everlasting love of God. 

Question

Why do we worry?

Answer

Because it is so easy to lose focus and get distracted by the boisterous wind and wild waves all around us.

I Will Walk in the Presence of the Lord

5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 116:5-9 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing; Send your Holy Spirit and pour into my heart your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

Some days will be nice and easy, others will be rough and tough. Push hard when you feel strong, ease up when you don’t. Rest when you must, but never quit doing what is right whether you feel like it or not. Doing what is right is always a matter of faith, never feeling. Feelings belong to sight, but obedience to the commands of God are done by faith. Hold to the narrow path that leads to eternal life. The selfish pursuit of happiness leads only to moral decay and much suffering. Let us seek the Lord and His righteousness instead. Let us be diligent in the pursuit of holiness to please Him, and happiness will follow. Happiness is a fruit along with contentment, gratitude, and peace produced by a tree rooted in the love of God. Even the elementary principles of this world affirm this teaching of Jesus Christ our Lord: good fruit comes only from a good tree. Not that we can make ourselves good by our own efforts. This impossible work has to be done for us by God and requires our consent and submission. Pray for the grace to do your part.

Question

What can you do when you are being crushed by worrisome thoughts and overwhelming circumstances?

Answer

Fall down on your knees under them and cry out to God for strength to fight.

The Lord Takes Pleasure in His People

1 Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
4 For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Psalm 149:1-5 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing; Send your Holy Spirit and pour into my heart your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

The spiritual disciple of joy requires contentment and gratitude. God is not nearly as concerned about you being kept comfortable as He is about you being made holy. This is because without holiness we cannot participate in the divine nature. The temperature outside may be dropping. You may be cold, hungry, and sore. Be thankful and happily go to work anyway. Be comforted by the knowledge that even one small step in the right direction is never taken in vain. Doing the will of God, though it may sometimes be hard work, is always profitable when it is proceeded by prayer. Seldom can we see the way far ahead clearly, but that’s okay. It is enough to be able to see the next right step, and then to take it in faith. Make sure whatever you do is to please God rather than to please self or someone else. Do this, and you can be sure that your steps, no matter how big or small, will always be to the glory of God. Only those who lose their life for the Lord’s sake ever find it.

Question

How do we make the joy of the Lord our strength?

Answer

Know that God loves you, that He will never leave nor forsake you. That He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Because God is, nothing else is needed. Therefore, we can be content and grateful regardless of the circumstances.