Devotional for October 17

O God, Who Is Like You?

19 Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
20 Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
22 I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
24 My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt. Psalm 71:19-24 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

God with us means that all must go well concerning us. As a father loves and cares for his child, so our God loves and cares for us. Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. This is such a wonderful revelation of the double blessing of those in Christ Jesus. Choosing to obey God in all things out of reverence and respect for Him as the ultimate good and loving Father, which the Bible calls simply “the fear of the Lord,” is not at all burdensome. Those who don’t choose the fear of the Lord in this life will have no choice but to be afraid of Him on judgment day. As the days past, the love of many in this world is growing colder and colder just as the holy Scriptures have revealed would happen in the last days. Because judgment is delayed, these cold hearts are fully set to do evil. Without Christ, the everlasting Rock, it is easy to be sweep over the cliff by the mainstream of this world and dragged into the deep abyss below. So, draw from the over abundant well of the grace of God as needed. Keep yourself in the love of God. Put on truth. Resolve to stand firm in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Live and walk in the Spirit by faith.

Today’s Bible Reading

1 Thessalonians 3

Psalm 106

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

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession 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.