Devotional for July 26

Willing Obedience Brings Great Reward

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Look at the lifestyle of the middle-aged and it is easy to predict their future quality of life should the Lord allow them to live to be old and gray. Another thing just as certain — (no matter who you are, what titles you have won, or how much money you have) – there is no value in material gain without knowing Jesus Christ. Faith in God and prayer in accordance with the Word is far more effective than diet, physical exercise, performance enhancing drugs, and any other combination of things based solely on the elementary principles of this world. The truth of God is the solid rock of eternity. Physical realities are merely the shifting sands of now. As we learn to depend upon the truth of God rather than our physical senses, only then do we become free. Build your life on the truth of Jesus Christ and blessings for self and others will follow.

Question

Why is the love of money the root of all evil?

Answer

Holding the reins of the heart is what we set our love upon (Scripture). This is why we are commanded to love the Lord our God with all our heart (Scripture). If we set our affections upon money instead, it will always be like a scorching fire and there will never be enough no matter how much we get (Scripture). Money can buy ease and comfort for the body, but not peace and salvation for the soul (Scripture). Setting money up as the secret idol of the heart is like a sharp stick that pierces the hand that leans on it (Scripture). Through both poverty and riches, dark nights and bright days, God can always be relied upon for His faithfulness and lovingkindness (Scripture). Trust in, relying on, and adhering to God is infinitely better than lots of money (Scripture).

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

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know my necessities before I ask and my ignorance in asking: Have compassion on my weakness, and mercifully give me those things which for my unworthiness I dare not, and for my blindness I cannot ask; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.