Devotional for September 10

The Earth Is the Lord’s

1 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Psalm 24:1-6 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Thought is the gatekeeper of the heart. Therefore, it is important to consider whether each of our thoughts are right or wrong. Wrong thoughts are like unwanted visitors. You can’t really control who knocks on your door, but you don’t have to invite them in, give them a frosty beverage, and make them comfortable in your favorite chair. Never entertain wrong thoughts. They only multiply when you do that. They call all their degenerate friends and the next thing you know they are throwing a wild party at the expense of your peace and happiness. Be on guard. Examine each thought for its conformity to the Word of God. Let go of each inconsistent thought, not by struggling against it, but by refocusing your thoughts and setting your mind right again with the practice of the presence of God. Remember God, and God will keep you in perfect peace.

Question

What is the practice of the presence of God?

Answer

According to Brother Lawrence, who wrote the small classic book with the same title, it is the practice of thinking about God as often as possible throughout each day (Scripture). Look for times of silence and activities that require less than 100 percent of you mental faculties to meditate on the Word of God (Scripture). Biblical meditation on Scripture means to think deeply about, to ponder, to pause like the worker bee over a most precious flower to extract as much nourishment as possible from the nectar within (Scripture). It has been said of old that an idle mind is the workshop of the devil, today it is even more true for the mind saturated with ceaseless modern entertainments (Scripture). Meditating on the Scriptures naturally leads to entering into the presence of God with praise and thanksgiving (Scripture).

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

Grant me, O Lord, to trust in you with all my heart; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.