Devotional for February 21

Praise the Lord for His Goodness

23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
24 These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.
25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.
28 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
31 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. Psalm 107:23-32 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

We all want to be happy and loved. Therefore, the common theme of advertisements are the use of sexy, cool, and happy looking people to influence us to buy things we really don’t need. We are all susceptible, but youth are especially prone to be reckless behaviors, because the foolishness of sin is easily overlooked when its consequences are delayed and death seems so far away. Believe the truth of the gospel if you want to be free. There is no need to become super muscular, flawlessly beautiful, filthy rich, or anything else to be happy and loved. Great is the love God has for us. There is no way back for the fallen angels, but Jesus’ death on the Cross is proof of the extent of God’s love for us. (Ecclesiastes 8:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; 2 Peter 2:3-6; John 3:14-17)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 4; Luke 7

Job 21; 1 Corinthians 8

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept my prayers; and because in my weakness I can do nothing good without you, give me the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments I may please you in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer