Devotional for February 22

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.