Devotional for October 18

Let the Righteous Be Joyful

1 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him.
5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:1-5 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

“Protect yourself at all times” is normally the final instruction the referee gives to each fighter just before the bell rings to begin the fight. From the opening bell in the first round, to the final bell in the last, each fighter remains on guard to defend and strike. The fighter who doesn’t ready himself for the battle is sure to lose. In a similar way, the gospel of peace prepares us to stand ready against the spiritual forces of wickedness all around us. Know that even the slightest bit of discouragement doesn’t come from Him who has called you. Don’t allow the things that are common to life in this fallen world to dismay you. Instead, we are commanded by the word of God to rejoice. The trying of our faith is as necessary as is the refining of gold is in order to purify it and bring out its natural brilliance. Let the trials of this life, and the temptations to doubt that they bring, increase your dependence and confidence in Almighty God. This is the divine order for making the path of the righteous shine brighter and brighter until the fullness the image of Christ shines forth. Believe this and learn to rejoice in the midst of every trial and temptation. Because God is, all must be well with the soul fully committed to Him. Let the redeem say so, go forth, and live it.

Today’s Bible Reading

1 Thessalonians 4

Psalm 107

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.