Devotional for August 15

May the Lord Strengthen You Out of Zion

20 The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions. Psalm 20:1-5 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Every hard packed area of the unbelieving heart can be broken up little by little. Have faith in God. Practice all the truth you receive from the word of God and never agree with the contrary thoughts suggested by the inner tempter. Such persuasion doesn’t come from the one who has died for you in order to reconcile you to God. Therefore, we are commanded to put on the full spiritual armor of God, and mediate on His word day and night. Be spiritually minded and reject the vanities of the materialistic worldview so prevalent during these last days. This world is filled with so much suffering and pain. Even still, the righteous have good reason for rejoicing through it all. For the tears of this life last only a moment when compared to the everlasting reward of eternal life in the presence of the Lord forever.

Question

What does it meant to be in Christ?

Answer

To be in Christ is to join the congregation of the righteous in both this physical world and the spiritual Kingdom of God (Scripture). To be in Christ means to have Christ dwelling in you (Scripture). Don’t look to feel it before your believe it (Scripture). Seeing and feeling are always lag indicators (Scripture). A basic principle of the Kingdom is that faith in God must always precede seeing and feeling (Scripture). First the blade, then the ear, and then the full corn in the ear (Scripture).

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

Grant to me, Lord. I pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that I, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.