faith

Devotional for September 17

September 17, 2023September 17, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

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.

faith

Devotional for September 16

September 16, 2023September 16, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Excellency of Dwelling Together in Unity

133 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. Psalm 133 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Not everybody who steps into the gym will become, or even wants to become, a bodybuilding champion. The beautiful thing is that everyone who lifts weights consistently will receive benefits. In the same way, don’t think only full-time ministers are called to serve the Lord. The most basic way for every believer to serve the Lord is by doing the small everyday things for God that we used to do only for ourselves. We, the elect of God, are called to such devotion. As one reads this, the inner tempter will likely whisper: “How do you know you are among the elect of God?” This is a favorite tactic of the serpent first recorded in the book of Genesis when he asked Eve about the fruit in the garden. There is no need to entertain such thoughts, nor to doubt the fact of your election. It is already been settled before the foundation of the world. If you have chosen to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He came into the world to save us, you are called by God. Only those who refuse to believe the gospel leave their calling by God still in doubt. Cast down every thought, no matter how small, that is contrary to the word of God, and you will give the enemy no place to stand. Resist the inner tempter by keeping your faith in God firm, and the peace of God that surpasses understanding will rule in your heart.

Question

How can we stop judging others?

Answer

Catch, hold and cast away (Scripture). Load, fire and reload (Scripture). Sitting as a judge comparing others with self is a deadly cup of hemlock (Scripture). The royal law is to look at others only as being equally worthy of love (Scripture). Expressing love is the opposite of passing judgment (Scripture). Bless in thought first, then in deed (Scripture).

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

faith

Devotional for September 15

September 15, 2023September 15, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Majestic Is the Name of the Lord

8 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Psalm 8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Can you do what they say can’t be done? Are you even good enough to do what others have already done? It is all up to you and at the same time it totally depends on the will of God. Only by grace are we able to grasp both of these facts simultaneously, which enables us to live in the light at the balance point of the truth. The full revelation of the Holy Bible is absolutely essential. All power belongs to God and apart from Him we can do nothing. It is also written that as a man sows so shall he reap and we are accountable to God for our actions. These facts don’t contradict each other with the one being true and the other false. Rather, they are different sides of the truth. Coins in US currency have a head on one side and the other side is known as the tail. The tail is no less a part of the coin because it is not the head, and the head alone is just one side of the coin. In like manner, “we can do nothing without God” and “we are responsible for our every action” are but different sides of the truth. God feeds every animal. Still, every big cat knows that not every chase will end in a kill. The cat who says: “wow, those wildebeest are too fast, so I’ll just wait until God sends one walking into my den,” will surely starve to death. Recognize the fear of failure is like a big cat that won’t hunt. Better to drop dead while in the heat of the chase, than it is to be found among the faithless cats starving in the dark of their own cave. Step out in faith after prayer, diligently ordering your steps according to the word of truth. Run the course the Lord has set before you in love. Acknowledge that from Him, through Him, and for Him are all things. We are all called in Christ Jesus to know this, to do this, to help others to see this, and thereby all will come to glorify His name.

Question

What is the will of God?

Answer

The will of God is the power and authority that governs everything known and unknown (Scripture). We humans are created lower than the angels, but like angels we are moral beings having been given the freedom to choose between right and wrong (Scripture). To live contrary to the will of God, is to be spiritually cut off from our divine power source (Scripture). Without being reconciled to God, we live in a low power mode having physical life only until even that is taken away (Scripture). Blessed are those who understand (Scripture). Far from being something we should run from, instead we should be eagerly running toward the will of God with all our might (Scripture). The will of God is in effect the keys to the kingdom of heaven (Scripture).

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

faith

Devotional for September 14

September 14, 2023September 14, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

True Safety Comes From Abiding in the Lord

1 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. Psalm 91:1-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Those who don’t like to squat seldom practice it, and those who lack patience have never developed it. The squat is a skill that must be practiced, and patience is a fruit that must be developed. Some get the opportunity to practice the squat, but all are given many opportunities to grow in patience. Why do you get angry at life’s little inconveniences and the people God sends your way to try your patience? Learn to deal with them, because you already know that working against resistance is necessary for muscles to grow stronger. It is equally true that suffering various trials and temptations provide the necessary resistance for strengthening faith and patience.

Question

Should we desire to be holy?

Answer

Holiness is to share in the divine nature (Scripture). A drop from the ocean has the same nature as the ocean (Scripture). It is just different in weight and magnitude (Scripture). So too must the branch take on the same essential nature as the vine (Scripture). Oh yes, desire to be holy (Scripture). The command to be holy is not grievous to anyone with eyes to see that it is far better to exchange all our filthy rags for godly riches (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.

faith

Devotional for September 13

September 13, 2023September 13, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Recount the Praiseworthy Deeds of the Lord

1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
9 The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.
10 They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;
11 And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them. Psalm 78:1-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Only the humble heart can be exalted. The heart lifted up in pride can only be casted down. Don’t despise small beginnings. Victory starts with planning and preparation long before the battle begins. Better to have no opportunity, than it is to have an opportunity and not be ready for it. Don’t shrink away from the necessary challenges of life God puts before you. For without being subject to high temperature and pressure, every diamond remains just a lump of carbon. God will never allow you to suffer more than you can bare. Never will He leave you and never will He forsake you. We are made strong to glorify God, not to glorify self. Blessed are the doers of the Word. Be filled with hope and faith in God. Live continually in love, joy, and peace through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Ask and know that God is more willing to give this most precious gift than we are willing to receive Him.

Question

How close is God to us?

Answer

God is not far from every one of us (Scripture). It’s just that like Adam we vainly chose to hide behind the bushes of this physical world (Scripture). God sent His only Begotten Son to bridge the gap (Scripture). Now there is only one degree of separation between God and us (Scripture). That tiny one degree that remains requires our response to the love of God by willingly inclining our heart toward God (Scripture). The heart is the gaze of the soul (Scripture). Just as the whole body follows where the eyes lead, so too does the soul follow that which the heart is inclined towards (Scripture). Draw near to God and He will draw near to you, is both a command and a promise (Scripture).

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

faith

Devotional for September 12

September 12, 2023September 12, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Your Love Is Before My Eyes

2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.
6 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord:
7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. Psalm 26:2-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

How precious is the word of God written in the Holy Bible! By it we come to know the only true God and ourselves. The Bible is a book for all time because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Bible is relevant for our modern times because people are the same wherever they have gone since the Garden of Eden. To know God and to know self makes the double abiding of God in us and us in God possible. Here is a written essential piece of knowledge for wisdom: we love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Abba, Father! And when He, the Holy Spirit comes, He will make your Bible a new book to you. Then will we be able to join that great cloud of witness in shouting glory to God Most High through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Question

Is modern man superior to his ancient ancestors?

Answer

Physically, people today tend to be weaker (Scripture). Mentally, we are only more sophisticated and distracted (Scripture). Spiritually, we are just as lost and gone astray as are all who have ever come from the womb…with Jesus Christ being the one exception (Scripture). Both the cause and the cure has, and always will, remain the same until the end of time (Scripture).

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

faith

Devotional for September 11

September 11, 2023September 11, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

I Will Sing

1 Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
2 Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.
3 Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.
4 For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.
5 This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.
6 I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots.
7 Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.
8 Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;
9 There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.
10 I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. Psalm 81:1-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Never let your heart be kindled with desire for any woman not your own, nor elevated by any drug, nor seduced by the luxury of riches or the self-satisfaction of pride. To do so is to feed the sinful nature of the flesh. And the flesh kills all those who indulge it. Addiction is but the slave-like bondage to something that promotes death. An addiction is a hidden idol of the heart. All who call on the name of the Lord can be sure it is the will of God that we be free of all such sins. So pray, have faith in God, and let your faith be strengthen by each trial that God permits in your life. In hearing the Word, we receive the necessary knowledge. In believing the Word, we mix that knowledge with faith. This is not of the external world of which the flesh is a part, this is of our inner being reborn so that the whole life may be conformed to the imagine of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Believe with complete confidence that it is the will of God for you to walk in the Spirit. Choose life and turn from all that leads to death. Do this and the grace of God will provide the power to demolish any sinful strongholds in your life. Stand firm in faith, and the truth of Christ Jesus shall make you free.

Question

How do we come to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?

Answer

First, we must come to understand the matter of fact knowledge about the Savior (Scripture). Second, we must believe the good reports of the many eye witnesses (Scripture). Third, all relationships grow as time is spent together (Scripture). Spend much time cultivating the presence of God through inner worship according to the pattern of the kingdom of God (Scripture). A personal relationship with Christ comes with our deepening experience of the presence of God as we go about daily living, and not just by acquiring knowledge of and believing the Scriptures alone (Scripture).

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

faith

Devotional for September 10

September 10, 2023September 10, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

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

faith

Devotional for September 9

September 9, 2023September 9, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

God is Faithful and True

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

To make the most of whatever we are given takes the exact same thing from each of us whether we’ve been given much or little. It takes dedication, hard work, and a one hundred percent commitment to God. We all won’t reach the same level, but we can all know the joy that comes from being all we were created to be. It is not the greatness of the work that gives it value in the eyes of the Lord. It is the love and intentions of the heart in which the child acts that is most pleasing in the eyes of any loving father. Do all things with love, be it little or great, and this will glorify God.

Question

What does it mean to follow Christ?

Answer

To follow Jesus Christ means to follow His example (Scripture). He came to serve, not to be served (Scripture). In so doing, He always did what glorified the Father (Scripture). Following Christ means to think like Jesus (Scripture), to obey His commands (Scripture), and to desire what He desired (Scripture). Jesus our heavenly pattern is indeed perfect (Scripture). Impossible for us to enter His kingdom in our own strength (Scripture). We are to do all things through Christ (Scripture).

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

Daily Writing Prompt · Uncategorized

As Commonly Used

September 8, 2023September 10, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Daily writing prompt

If you had to give up one word that you use regularly, what would it be?

View all responses

The word “mine” as commonly used to denote ownership, requires an attitude adjustment to conform to the Word of God. (Galatians 5:26; Corinthians 4:7; Acts 17:28; Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Peter 2:9)