Devotional for August 11

Grant Me the Joy of Your Presence 

5 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:5-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Life is a hill. Break free from the masses at the bottom who walk in the stubbornness of their own heart and are thereby chained with complacency. Mediocracy craves the waking sleep of entertainment, amusement, and distraction. While excellence is only found by those with attentive ears, who are eager to learn, and whose are hands put to purposeful work. Listen and hear, “Climb my people, climb!” 

Question

What are ears to hear and eyes to see?

Answer

Ears that don’t hear and eyes that don’t see only judge and defend (Scripture). The deaf and blind say in their heart “I have the right to determine what is right and wrong for myself” (Scripture). The blood of Abel still speaks to us all about how it is always better to do what is right according to God rather than according to our own deceitful heart (Scripture). Ears that hear and eyes that see seek to learn and apply what God has said is righteousness (Scripture). The referent exaltation of God with a corresponding distrust of one’s own heart is the beginning of wisdom (Scripture). Ears that hear and eyes that see are those who demonstrate a good understanding by being doers of the word (Scripture). 

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

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon all your faithful people your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.