Devotional for August 27

The Beginning of Wisdom 

10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
11 Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.
12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
13 Return, O Lord, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.
14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.
16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.
17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Psalm 90:10-17 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

If every time you walk by the doughnut shop you give in to the temptation to eat some of the baked sugary goo, stop walking by the doughnut shop!  Prudence demands that we learn to avoid temptation whenever possible, and Wisdom demands that we resist temptation by standing firm in faith whenever it is not possible to avoid it. Believe the Word of Truth. By the grace of God, you will be what be what God has called you to be. Let the Word abide in you richly so that you may be sanctified. Pray for this and He will work it in you. He has been patiently waiting for your prayers, and after prayer wait patiently for His blessing. The assurance of faith comes from trusting in the faithfulness of God. 

Question

Why is it so hard to get started with anything new?

Answer

The status quo, not matter how unprofitable, is so familiar and comfortable that it becomes harder and harder to put forth the effort necessary to change the longer it is maintained (Scripture). The double call of the gospel is come just as you are (Scripture), and be willing to change once you’ve come (Scripture). Do it now, because to wait for tomorrow is to risk missing the last boat (Scripture). Expect to be totally transformed by the power of God (Scripture).

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

Almighty God, who has given your only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin and an example by his godly life: For the sake of your Son,  I most thankfully receive your forgiveness of all my offenses; and grant me the grace to serve you in newness of life to the glory of your Name; through the same your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.