Devotional for November 18

Take Refuge

1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,
3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Psalm 2 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

It is far better to trust Almighty God than it is to rely on self with all its spiritual blind spots. Seeing is the proof of sight just as believing is the proof of faith. One may have sight, but nothing will be seen if the eyes are shut and refuse to look. Faith is likewise made ineffective if we choose to close our heart and not steadfastly believe the Holy Book God has given us. Trust God or trust yourself. To wavier between trusting God and leaning on your own understanding just doesn’t work. Such wavering faith in God will produce a wavering experience. This back and forth middle ground is sinking sand. Dare to believe! Not a little here and a little there, but believe all the time, come what testing may, and your faith will be made strong. The Word of God is trustworthy, because in God there is no shadow, He does not change, and He does not lie. Waiting on God with eager expectation for the fulfillment of His promises develops patience and endurance, so that the man of God is thoroughly equipped to do every good work. God is forever faithful. Thus, we can say with complete confidence: according to the Word of God will it be, to the glory of His name.

Today’s Bible Reading

1 Chronicles 9-10; Hebrews 12

Amos 6; Luke 1:39-80

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

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant me so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that I may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.