Devotional for February 10

The Lord Preserves All Those Who Love Him

18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
20 The Lord preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. Psalm 145:18-20 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Set me free, O God, from the bondage of my sins, and give me the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to me in your Son our Savior 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

Pray for a miracle when the circumstances call for it. At all other times, God may only be waiting for us to put in the work before the needed blessing is released. It’s easy to work hard when it feels good, but knowing only pleasure produces no fruit. The good fight of the Christian must be fought by holding firm in faith through good times and bad times alike. To leave off praying until one feels like it, is to walk by sight. To go to the gym only when one feels strong, is to walk by sight. To do what is right only when it doesn’t cause pain or hardship, is to walk by sight. To do or not to do anything based solely on how you feel or what you think, is to walk by sight. Make no mistake about it, to walk by faith is something that we have to choose to do hundreds of times each day. Let faith produce the patience and endurance necessary for waiting on the Lord. Troubles will come. Watch without worrying, because God our Father cares for you. Jesus Christ will come at the appointed time. It is not given to any of us to know when, but don’t let Him catch you with your work undone. Watch and be ever ready.

Today’s Question to Consider

What’s the difference between working to be saved, and working because we are saved?