Devotional for August 2

In the Shadow of Your Wings Will I Take My Refuge

57 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth. Psalm 57:1-5 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Time is a finite resource with an unknown portion given to each of us. The opportune moment to do the right thing will always be right NOW. Take a look at the state of this world in the light of the Scriptures and it is not hard to see that we are currently living in the last days. Though it may seem to be far off, let each of us be found faithfully waiting for the return of the Lord. Remember just as the flood came in the days of Noah, so our Lord Jesus Christ has promised to come suddenly and when least expected. Closer today than it was yesterday. Let us be ready.

Question

How shall we stand before such a holy God?

Answer

Only by grace, which works by faith (Scripture). The fear of the Lord is the acknowledgement that there is only one safe way of standing before God (Scripture), and trembling is carefulness to order both the inner and outer conversations correctly (Scripture). Without fear and trembling, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Scripture). Let us watch (Scripture), work (Scripture), and enter into His courts with praise and thanksgiving (Scripture).

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

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.