Devotional for April 10

The Lord is a Shield About Me 

1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. Psalm 3:1-5 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

There is a high place where the spiritual life become easier (Matthew 22:36-39). The cruising altitude of a commercial aircraft is a good earthly example. Typical cruising altitude is 35,000 feet above sea level where the thinner air produces less resistance and turbulence. That means cruising altitude requires less fuel and provides a smoother ride. The cruising altitude for the spiritual life has been identified by the Westminster Shorter Catechism as the chief end of man. According to the saints at Westminster, the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (Revelation 4:4-11; Psalm 147:1). Obtaining to this chief end of man now in this life is to live at a spiritual cruising altitude. It requires much speed, power, and fuel for a plane to break through the lower altitudes as every frequent flier knows. So too does it require much faith, love, and hope to rise spiritually (Proverbs 26:10-12; Proverbs 23:4; John 6:27-35). We must set our hearts on the desire to endure until we reach the higher life (Titus 2:11-12; James 5:7). Spiritual cruising altitude only comes after rising up from the low lands and traveling through the mist covered valleys filled with trials, temptations, and tribulations (2 Timothy 3:12; Revelation 2:10). See to it that you don’t give up before you get there (Hebrews 10:36-40). Simply abide in our heavenly Vine (Matthew 11:28-30) and God will sanctify you completely (1 Peter 5:6-10).

Question

How do we rise spiritually?

Answer

Be kind and helpful (1 Thessalonians 5: 14-15) keeping the fear of God always before our eyes because it is never hard to do what we love (Numbers 21:5-9; John 3:14-16; Hebrews 12:1-3). Joyfully pray for God to sanctify and keep your whole spirit, soul, and body blameless for this life and forever (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; 1 Peter 5:11).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread; Open the eyes of my faith, that I may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer