Devotional for September 17

Pray for Forgiveness, Protection, and Guidance

25 Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.
5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
6 Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord.
8 Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
12 What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
15 Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles. Psalm 25 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Physical fitness is no indication of spiritual fitness. Pursuing holiness, however, will enable both inner and outer fitness. Stop seeking the power to do this from the worthless remedies of the world. Acknowledge the Most High in all things and allow your heart to be filled with gratitude. God grants this needed grace only to the humble in heart. Beware of worry or anxiety, which is often just a slimy film that hides pride and unbelief in the heart. Who do you think you are when you can’t even make one hair white or black? Sure you can dye it, but you only deceive yourself if you believe that changes anything other than the surface, and even that for only a short period of time. Such deception is no different than the digital smoke and mirrors of any Hollywood blockbuster. The Word admonishes us that since we cannot do something as simple as control one single hair, neither should we worry about our lack of control of greater things. Repent for taking heed to the flaming darts of the enemy shot at the heart from unseen places that are disguised as your own thoughts. Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. Acknowledge the power of the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse away all the slime of unrighteousness and break up the hard packed ground of pride and unbelief. Pick up your cross, knowing that NOW is the time to trust God completely. Peace will come after having done this, and joy will follow.

Question

What is the secret of the Lord?

Answer

The secret of the Lord is the ability to see Him who is invisible (Scripture). Acknowledging the infinite greatness of Almighty God is a prerequisite (Scripture), knowing God is the result (Scripture), and prayer is the way (Scripture). To the fighter in training for the good fight of the faith (Scripture), prayer is the training camp that ensures the victory (Scripture).

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

O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule my heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.