Devotional for August 6

All the People See His Glory

97 The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Psalm 97:1-6, 11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Strength is the jewel of youth. By adding wisdom, strength is fastened into a crown of honor for the mature. In the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord, the opportunity has been given for exchanging one’s own strength for divine strength, and for exchanging the prideful chains of the self-life for the shining wings of righteousness. Seek happiness and it will flee from you. Seek righteousness first just as the word of God commands, and happiness will be added to you. As a preliminary step, the Master bids you to count the cost. A total surrender of your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ is a non-negotiable requirement. This will be hard for flesh and impossible for the carnal mind to accept, but once done most everyone wishes they had chosen to do it sooner. Humble yourself therefore, under the mighty hand of God. He will make you perfect, which means to establish, strengthen, and settle you for all good works in due time.

Question

How can we be sure in a world full of increasing uncertainty?

Answer

The full assurance of faith comes from believing the testimonies that Jesus Christ has risen (Scripture). When it comes to the Holy Bible, believing only some of the gospel while denying other parts always produces a wavering faith (Scripture). Faithful in little, faithful in much, as well as every little stroke and every incredible revelation of the Word of God is truth from beginning to end (Scripture). Complete assurance follows complete belief (Scripture). Taste it and you will see (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.