Devotional for March 27

Who Is Like the Lord Our God 

5 Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high,
6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
8 That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 113:5-9 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Living physical forms without flaws are in a tasteless state void of the seasoning of time. Accept your flaws, imperfections, and wrinkles as given by God to create your individually unique flavor. You should know that what makes you beautiful has more to do with the inside than it does with your mere physical appearance. You are a one of a kind original made by the hands of God and set apart for His purpose. Turn from all the tail chasing vanities of the world. Physical flawlessness is not to be desired. Even the physical beauty of youth fads quickly if there is nothing more substantial underneath. As St. Augustine pointed out long ago, our hearts will always be restless until we find rest in God alone. Many are called by God, but only those who are willing to be obedient to His decrees are chosen. The Burger Cains of the world, who want to have it their way, are on the board path that leads to destruction. It is God that initiates, establishes, perfects, and maintains our love for Him from the first to the last on the narrow path. Our part is to submit to the Spirit of Christ within us, lift up our hearts and say, “Abba Father, Thy will be done.” Stop looking for meaning and purpose in any other place or thing, and you are sure to come to the knowledge of God and the fulness of joy in Christ Jesus.

Question

Don’t we have the right to choose how we live and the freedom to pursue whatever makes us happy?

Answer

Yes, but here is the truth the serpent hid from our first parents: Along with the knowledge of good and evil, comes the responsibility to choose the good. Along with this responsibility, comes accountability for whatsoever is chosen. There is no freedom without choice, no responsibility without accountability, and no changing of the law just because you don’t like it. 

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep me both outwardly in my body and inwardly in my soul, that I may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer