Devotional for June 5

The Wonderful Lovingkindness of the Lord

107 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
38 He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
39 Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
40 He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
41 Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.
42 The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
43 Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. Psalm 107:1-3, 38-43 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

One can choose to deny the truth, yet it will still remain the truth. Deceit is the favorite tactic of the wicked to enslave, because by the truth we are set free. The Word of God is truth and sharper than any two-edged sword. On one side of the sword of the Spirit is a precept or command, and on the other side is the grace imparting the power to do it. Every opportunity to doubt is also an opportunity to exercise faith. Remember the command to consider the fiery darts that attack your faith as pure joy. This is easy to do when you first remember the faithfulness of Him who has promised that through perseverance, you will be made strong and complete. The temptation to complain about our current circumstances is one such fiery dart that often goes unnoticed. The Holy Bible tells us that even something as routine as eating and drinking, and as constant as the flow of our thoughts and attitudes should all be consistent with faith in God. Fix the eyes of your faith on Jesus Christ and rejoice! He has won this victory for us. Jesus Christ our Lord, the captain of our salvation, is completely faithful, trustworthy, reliable, and all powerful.  

Question

What is doctrine?

Answer

Doctrine consists of the principles for godly living derived from the specific commands, promises, historical events, testimonies, and prayers recorded in the Scriptures that agree with the whole of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This is what makes the Holy Bible a timeless treasure and the most necessary book of all time (Isaiah 7:15; Proverbs 3:7-8; Psalm 119:103-104, 9-16). By it do we know to choose the good (Job 23:12), and see the light on the path of the narrow way to the straight gate (Isaiah 35:3-8; John 14:5-6). The tree of knowledge was the “what” that led to the curse (Genesis 3:1-19). The Bible explains the “how” of our salvation (Acts 17:16-34; John 4:19-24; 2 Timothy 2:15-26; Jude 1:16-25).

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

Holy Father, creator and sustaining wisdom of all that is, both in heaven and on earth, take from me those thoughts, actions and objects that are hurtful. Give me instead those things that are profitable for me and all who seek rightly to praise you. I ask this grace in the company of all believers and through the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is, with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.