The Lord Upholds All
8 Arise, O Lord, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
10 For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.
11 The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.
13 For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. Psalm 132:8-13 (KJV)
The Morning Exhortation
We may only be able to lift 10 pounds at the start, then progress to 20, and after that maybe 30 or 40. Strength is built in stages over a period of time. Spiritual strength is no different. First comes the lion, then the bear, and then the giant (1 Samuel 17:33-37). God allows only what we are able to handle at any given moment. Practice remembering this fact when you are tempted to do what you know you should not do, or not do what you know you should. God allows just the right amount of spiritual resistance you need to build more spiritual strength. Have faith in God and be willing to endure the inner work. Don’t seek for relief, excuses, or sedatives. This is what the Bible calls “quit ye like men” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). Distractions a plenty you will find in this modern world. Stay focused. It is far better to step up, drive on like a good soldier, and pray for the needed grace of God to patiently endure. He will strengthen you. Arise and let us go forward.
Today’s Bible Reading
Genesis 32; Mark 3
Esther 8; Romans 3
The Prayer Appointed for This Week
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer