Devotional for February 13

The Acceptable Time is Now

12 They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.
13 But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.
14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.
15 Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.
16 Hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.
17 And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.
18 Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies. Psalm 69:12-18 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept my prayers; and because in my weakness I can do nothing good without you, give me the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments I may please you in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

The effect of most poisons are dose dependent. A little may be tolerated without much harm, but too much is often fatal. Just because it tastes good doesn’t mean it’s not poison. Just because it looks good, doesn’t mean it is harmless. Therefore, wisdom requires us to be quick to limit, restrict, and unplug regularly. Limit the amount of what is pleasing to the taste, but void of any nutritional value for the body. Restrict the programed cool, sexy, and glamorous by turning off the TV, or little by little it will conform your affections after the things of this world. Unplug and get fresh air from the constant stream of information feed to you by an the Internet driven by billions of tiny bits of collected personal data designed to manipulate and influence you. These are but a few examples of our necessary outside work though. Inside the cup must also be made and kept clean. That is to say, we need sanctification by the Holy Spirit in our inmost being where our will, thoughts, and affections live. We have been cleansed at the new birth, but to stay cleansed requires turning from our former sinful ways. A steadfast spirit comes from renewing the mind with the word of God constantly. God is gracious. He knows all of our weaknesses. Cry out to Him in prayer and faith. Now is the acceptable time. True freedom is the ability to choose what is right. Not just doing what is right in the eyes of the world, but also living what is right within the hidden inner parts of the soul. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Let this be the loudest and most frequent message you allow yourself to hear in this world. Be blessed and fare thee well.

Question

How does belief in Jesus Christ change us?

Answer

From the inside-out.