Devotional for February 3

Afterwards the Lord Will Take Me Into Glory

21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works. Psalm 73:21-28 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

Persistence is the pain that brings the gains. Many things may get you where you want to go, but only if you are willing to keep working even though the pace seems slow. Practice the art of contentment by trusting God. God alone is the Rock. Feelings are unreliable. The emotional faculty of the brain exists to create meaning of present circumstance. Feelings are just the brain’s best guest, which is limited to our physical sensastions and what has been learned from our past experiences. Feelings are sometimes right and sometimes wrong. Therefore, trust God, rely on His word, and take no counsel from contradictory thoughts and feelings. Many things may work, but thank God there is only one straight gate and narrow way that leads to eternal life. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. This is the most essential knowledge for every human being on the planet. We have everything when we know this. Without this knowledge, even if a soul has the very best of everything life in this world has to offer, in the end it will amount to less than nothing. Hear this: pray and work. Let feelings be what they may.

Today’s Question to Consider

The discipline necessary to get things done…is it a feeling or a choice?