Devotional for June 9

The Awe Due to Our Creator

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
13 The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
22 Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee. Psalm 33:12-22 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Dare to believe the gospel. You are called to be salt and light on the inside so that you may do the will of God and radiate His goodness on the earth. Salt purifies, preserves, and protects. Light manifests, edifies, and shields. So, set your affections on the things that are above. Be watchful over your thoughts and deeds in order to keep your conscience tender and clear. Be quick to cast off, put away, and turn away from everything that doesn’t conform to the Word of God. Meditate on the Holy Scriptures all day long and rely on the power of God always. This will keep you on the narrow path with inner peace and great joy.

Question

What are the disciplines of a spiritual athlete?

Answer

A Spiritual athlete will spend months and years in preparation much the same as a professional sports athlete, but for a different purpose altogether (1 Corinthians 9:25). They are careful about what they eat, they are exact with their training, they study to perfect their craft, and they are diligent to reframe from any habits that would reduce their performance (Colossians 2:23). The disciplines of the sports athlete are fueled by the desire to win a title, trophy, or the honor and applause of men (John 5:44). The disciplines of a spiritual athlete are fueled by the love of God (2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 6:12-14; Ecclesiastes 10:17; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 2:13), and the desire to glorify God as does all of creation (Psalm 19:1-5; Revelations 4:4-11; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

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.