Devotional for March 28

Trust in the Lord

13 For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
14 But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.
15 My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
16 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.
19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the Lord: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. Psalm 31:13-16, 19-21 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Healing balm in the hand is useless as long as the mind is preoccupated with dis-ease producing thoughts. We all have to learn to deal with doubts, worries, fears, negativity, lust, pride, and plenty of other such unprofitable thoughts. This is where all error of the heart begins. Unchecked unprofitable thoughts breed only unwanted emotions and unprofitable behaviors. Stop the downward spiritual by rejecting all such thoughts as soon as you become aware of them. Cast down and reject faithless thoughts and imaginations. Do NOT accept such thoughts by allowing them to run amuck and pull on the heart strings as they please. Such thoughts are NOT inspired by God. Refocus on right things by meditating of the Word of God. If the same unwanted thoughts keep returning and you can no longer continue the fight, admit your helplessness. Awaken the Lord. Pray and ask for the grace to be still. He is merciful and He will quiet the storm for you. (Psalm 10:4; 58:3; Matthew 12:43-45; Hebrews 3:10; Isaiah 55:7; Mark 4:37-41; Isaiah 50:10-11; Psalm 81:10-14, Hebrews 4:12, 11:3; Psalm 1:1-3; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Hebrews 11:6; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:8-9)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 39; John 18

Proverbs 15; Philippians 2

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring us again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer