Devotional for October 26

Offer a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
21 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing. Psalm 107:20-22 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

Resist the urge to rush to the finish line like a jackrabbit be it a single workout or a lifelong goal. Start slowly and build momentum little by little all the way to the finish. This is the sure way of the tortoise that wins in the end. One does not reach spiritual maturity all at once. First the blade, then the ear, and then the full corn in the ear. Our heavenly Father is our husbandman giving the early and later rains to nourish the faith that brings forth His precious spiritual fruit in all who call upon the name of Jesus Christ. Great is the reward for the child who steadily holds to the narrow path that leads to eternal life. Hearing is more than the mechanical perception of sound. Hearing requires understanding what God has said, and then daring to believe His truth by conforming how we live. This is the type of hearing that increases faith. Just listening without hearing is of little profit. The ugly birds of prey are quick to snatch up the Word that falls upon the hard packed soil of the unbelieving heart. Chase those fowls away. Our God is mighty to save. We have His spoken word in the Holy Book by grace. Quicken us Lord to believe and live it.

Today’s Bible Reading

1 Timothy 4

Psalm 119:25-48

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

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in me the gifts of faith, hope, and love; and, that I may obtain what you promise, make me love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.