Devotional for January 20

In God We Trust

115 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?
3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.
9 O Israel, trust thou in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.
11 Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.
12 The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
13 He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great.
14 The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children.
15 Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth. Psalm 115:1-15 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

All confidence in wonder pills, breakthrough powders, premier programs, technological marvels, quick-fixes, short-cuts, and self-effort must be shaken. Only with a burning desire for truth is the dross removed from the gold. Convince yourself once and for all of the truth of the Scriptures: power belongs to God. You have been set apart to love the Lord God with all your heart. And you know that no matter what happens, everything works out for good for those who love the Lord. Start with being thankful with what you have and where you are right now. Though things may be difficult for you right now, give all to God and do not take a backward step. Hold fast your faith while God fits you for greater works. Know that all God has foreordained concerning you will come to be if you are willing to believe. Because God is God, you shall be exactly as God wants you to be. It cannot be otherwise for a willing heart that trusts in God.

Today’s Bible Reading

Genesis 21; Matthew 20

Nehemiah 10; Acts 20

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