Devotional for September 29

Safety in Christ 

91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Psalm 91:1-13 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Physical exercise was of little benefit in days long past when life itself required so much more physical activity just to survive. Working to provide protection from wild beasts while hunting for food and finding shelter, were more than enough exercise for the largest part of human history. Life in the 21st century however, has now made physical exercise essential. We have become so sedentary that we can no longer ignore physical exercise and remain healthy as we get older. Spiritual development is certainly of much greater importance, but wisdom demands that we do not neglect physical exercise. Let us honor our God by making our physical exercise a spiritual practice as well, and not as an end in itself as those with little knowledge of God make it. The good news of the gospel is that our eternal inheritance in heaven has been purchased for us by the blood of Jesus Christ our Savior, as well as the sanctification of our spirit, soul, and body here on earth in this life. Not by our efforts, but by God’s grace are we saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost. 

Today’s Bible Reading

1 Kings 1

Galatians 5

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

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant me the fullness of your grace, that I, running to obtain your promises, may become a partaker of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.