Devotional for September 3

He Has Shown His People the Power of His Works  

2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. Psalm 111:2-9 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Discouragement happens when we allow our focus on things to become too strong, and our focus on God to become too weak. When we become too focused on the difficulties of our present circumstances, or the traumas in our past, the result is often too much concern about what might be in the future. The past doesn’t determine the future. It merely sets the conditions. Focus your mind in the right direction. Remember the love and power of your God and King. He knows all, can do all, and has showered us with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. He is infinite in goodness, forever faithful, always true, and He loves us. There is nothing too big or too small for God. He alone is worthy of all praise! Be still and stand in awe of Him. When light comes, darkness must flee. When the gaze of the soul is focused on God, so too will the darkness of discouragement flee the light of His countenance.

Question

How to get a second chance and a fresh start?

Answer

The Lord Jesus Christ is the God of second chances and new beginnings (Scripture). With sincere repentance, the Lord saves us from the wages of sin (Scripture). However, the consequences of our evil acts will often remain to be dealt with (Scripture). The mercy of God doesn’t mean we can do as we please and expect God to clean up the mess (Scripture). God is Faithful and True (Scripture). Turn to God with your whole heart and all things will become new (Scripture).

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

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all people, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.