Devotional for May 19

The Secret of the Lord

4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.
5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
6 Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord.
8 Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
12 What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Psalm 25:4-14 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Understanding the permanency of God and His word is necessary if we are to grow up into our salvation. God alone is the Rock, the only true sovereign. No matter how long everything else lasts, it is only temporary in comparison to the Most High who lives and reigns forever. Have faith in God, and not the temporal things of this world. Wait on the Lord and put your hope in His word. Guard your heart and walk in His ways. The younger we are when we learn to partake of the grace given to enable us to participate in the divine nature, the sooner we escape the self-inflicted suffering that results from habitual sins. Everything that does not come from faith is sin. Sin promises pleasure, ease, and enjoyment, but in the end only brings pain, suffering, and death. Like the compounding interest of money that either works for you or against you, good habits over time will increase wealth and strength while sinful habits will leave you broke and busted. Put off the old man and walk in the Spirit. Practice the wisdom revealed in the word of God. Repent and cast down all that is contrary. Receive the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and grow healthy, wealthy, and strong.

Question

How often do we need to confess our sin and repent?

Answer

There is the initial repentance that places us on the narrow path that leads to eternal life (Acts 17:16-31), and then we must learn to maintain the course and stay on the path (James 4:1-7). Sometimes we may stumble and fall only being able to recognize the danger afterward (Proverbs 27:12; Romans 8:26-27). This is way it is so important that the conscience be kept clear (Acts 24:16). The Holy Spirit will use our conscience to convict of sin to lead us to confession and repentant (John 16:7-11; Romans 2:4).  The enemy will shoot flaming darts of condemnation to spark guilt and discouragement (Ephesians 6:16; 1John 3:20-21, 1:9, Romans 8:1) . Be quick to wash your hands as often and as soon as you find them dirty (James 4:8-10). Draw close to God and be determined not to return to the mud ever again (Ephesians 6:10; Hebrews 7:25-26; Romans 6:1-2; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Jude 1:17-25).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.