Devotional for May 1

Yearning For God

1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:1-3, 9-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Receive the gospel and believe the good news, all you who desire to know God. Understand that the will of God for us and our highest good are one and the same. Do not be conformed to this world, rather we are to renew the mind by saturating it with the Word of God. Whatever thoughts we allow to dominate our mind will shape the affections of your heart. Those who worry a lot will be fearful. Those who constantly dwell on the concerns of this world will never be happy, but those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. Delight to do God’s will and even when you appear not to win, you will never lose. Therefore, cast not away your confidence in the amour God has provided for you. Remember the eternal faithfulness of God Almighty! The worst that God allows us to suffer is only temporary, and He shapes all things ultimately for our good. In this knowledge take comfort and joy, our God reigns now and forever more!

Question

How do we find the narrow path that leads to eternal life?

Answer

Those who insist on doing whatever they want, who believe they have the right to live anyway they see fit, and are determined to seek their own happiness, will not turn to God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Psalm 10). Do not be doubleminded (James 1:5-8). If God has granted you repentance, move forward on the narrow path and take no backward step with any of those worthless things that only lead to destruction (Colossians 3:1-10; 2 Peter 1:3-11). To seek righteousness according to God is wisdom, and to turn from evil is proof of a good understanding (Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 50:16-22; Job 28:28; Proverbs 22:3; Matthew 7:13-14; Psalm 111:10).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer