Devotional for June 14

Incline My Heart to Your Testimonies, O Lord

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. Psalm 119:33-40 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Remember the Lord your God when your physical appearance improves as you consistently workout and eat better. This will present a new danger you must guard against. Guard your heart against the natural inclinations of this fallen world, or the bitter roots of pride will easily spring up. Never forget that it is God who has enabled you to eat well, given you the desire and ability to work hard, and He alone is the source of all growth. Take hold of the precious promises of God. Raise the shield of faith to extinguish every fiery dart that would kindle unbelief. This is the way to fight for your trust in God. Let His staff and His rod comfort you. Hold on until you know that God is guiding you with His eye. Hold on until you know His voice. Hold on until God renews your youth like the eagle. The abundant life comes to us only by the grace of God. It is through Jesus Christ that we have the sure mercies of David to the praise of His holy name. Worship God, and know for certain that only our God is truly worthy of glory.

Question

What shall we do in light of the gospel?

Answer

First, realize that the opposite of a profound truth, is often another profound truth (2 Thessalonians 3:10; James 1:2-8; Hebrews 3:7-14). Just because we can do nothing without Christ doesn’t mean we have nothing to do (John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 3:5-17). God cleanses (James 4:8; 1 John 1:9). Still, we must choose NOT to return to wallowing in the mud (2 Peter 2:9-22). Christ came to teach us the ways of the God (Matthew 11:16-30). When we deny self until the cross has done its work (Luke 9:23-24), then we come to know through lived experience the ease of His yoke, the lightness of His burden, and the sweetness of His rest (Luke 4:16-21; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Isaiah 61:3; Psalm 118:19-29; Matthew 28:18-20).

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

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration I may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.