faith

Devotional for April 21

April 21, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Abundance Even in Days of Famine

10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.
18 The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. Psalm 37:10-19 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Everyone is as fit as they really want to be. The proof is in what they do, not what they say. A person will be just as fit as they believe they can become. Belief sets the limit by determining the level of commitment. Commitment and trust develop consistency and perseverance, which in turn develops patience. Patience and due time brings the mature fruit to harvest. This is the way of both fitness and faith alike. We will be just as close to Jesus Christ as we want to be, as we believe is possible, and as long as we are willing to keep our right hand in His. Truth rings true in both the physical and spiritual realms for all who are willing to hear it. Blessed are all who have a love for truth. (Everyone is as fit as they really want to be. The proof is in what they do, not what they say. A person will be just as fit as they believe they can become. Belief sets the limit by determining the level of commitment. Commitment and trust develop consistency and perseverance, which in turn develops patience. Patience and due time brings the mature fruit to harvest. This is the way of both fitness and faith alike. We will be just as close to Jesus Christ as we want to be, as we believe is possible, and as long as we are willing to keep our right hand in His. Truth rings true in both the physical and spiritual realms for all who are willing to hear it. Blessed are all who have a love for truth. (James 1:2-8, Matthew 6:33; John 4:7-14, 14:21-23; Romans 13:24; Philippians 2:5; Psalm 40:8, 30:12; Luke 11L22-13; John 4:19-24; Hebrews 13:5-9; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-17; Galatians 5:16; Philippians 2:15-16; Matthew 28:18-20)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 25; Psalms 32

Ecclesiastes 8; 2 Timothy 4

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and everlasting God, grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for April 20

April 20, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Forgiveness

13 The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Psalm 33:13-19 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Be quick to let go of anger and emotional pain. Remember that vengeance belongs to the Lord. Forgiving those who have hurt you can be harder to endure than even the toughest of workouts. It is futile to try to forgive a serious wrong committed against you in your own strength. Turn to our Lord, who has commanded us to forgive. All that God has commanded, He will also enable us to do. The God of all comfort will grant the needed change of heart in answer to the prayer that sincerely seeks to obey His will. This we can be sure, because God has been revealed to be Faithful and True. Just as you want the Lord to remember his mercy and not your sins, discipline your own thoughts about whomever has hurt you. Trusting in the Lord is a healing balm that never fails. Repent and confess to the Lord that you can’t forgive on your own. Sincerely ask the Lord to enable you to forgive the offender, then persist in the exercise of giving them forgiveness in your thoughts, and you will be able to let the hurt go in due time. Do this for your sake, especially when the offender is undeserving of forgiveness. The burden will be released, the wrong will lose its sting, and the peace of God will rule your heart. (Proverbs 22:24-25; Matthew 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:26-27; Revelation 19:9-16; Psalm 29:11; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 12:20; Isaiah 55:11; Isaiah 55:7; Psalm 28:6-9; 1 Peter 5:7; Romans 12:19-20; Luke 6:32-36; Galatians 3:26-28; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Philippians 2:13; Matthew 11:28-30; John 14:27; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Philippians 4:23)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 24; Psalms 31

Ecclesiastes 7; 2 Timothy 3

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Daily Writing Prompt

Good Fruit

April 19, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Daily writing prompt

Jot down the first thing that comes to your mind.

View all responses

Iron sharpens iron. Eagles don’t wallow in the mud, and pigs don’t fly. (Proverbs 27:17; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Matthew 7:19-20)

faith

Devotional for April 19

April 19, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Eyes of the Lord

The Morning Exhortation

According to the 80/20 rule, roughly 80% of the harvest comes from 20% of the seed sown. Diet is the sowing of the 20% that determines the 80% of the body composition harvest, and exercise is the 20% that yields the 80% of physical performance. Eating only what tastes delicious for every meal is counter-productive for all who would be lean. On the other side, those who only workout when they feel like it will lack the consistency necessary to make steady improvement from year to year. Pray for the ability to sow the vital 20% of what you know you need to do, and trust God for the bountiful harvest. Wait on the Lord and take counsel from faith. The wishy-washy take counsel from their feelings, which change like the wind. Diet and exercise are but the means. Body composition and physical performance are the ends. Pray for the means, and trust God for the ends. (Mark 4:3-29; Hosea 10:12; Galatians 6:7; Luke 9:61-62; Psalm 90:12-17; James 1:5-6; Psalm 27:17; Jonah 2:8; Hebrews 4:16; Ephesians 3:20-21)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 23; Psalms 30

Ecclesiastes 6; 2 Timothy 2

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

faith

Devotional for April 18

April 18, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Purpose

138 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. Psalm 138 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Late to bed, late to rise, thus the morning routine is sometimes disrupted. Life happens. Getting upset about it won’t help. It’s better to flow around it like water. Adjust, compensate, let go of the “can’t do” created by current events, and get busy with what can be done with the present circumstances. Live by faith, depend on grace, and the peace of God will sustain you. (Isaiah 53:1-5; Luke 4:16-21; Isaiah 43:2, 19-21; John 20:27-31; Hebrews 11:3-6; John 20:22, 14:27; Philippians 4: 1-7; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 22; Psalms 28-29

Ecclesiastes 5; 2 Timothy 1

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

faith

Devotional for April 17

April 17, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Proclaim His Righteousness

1 The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.
3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.
4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.
5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. Psalm 50:1-6 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Thinking of quitting? It happens to us all from time to time. Take a deep breath. Inhale slowly, and exhale even slower. Be still, and remember your God. Life is full of a multitude of twists, turns, and people that can frustrate, vex, and stress us out. All these things ultimately work for good for those who love the Lord. This is because God is good, all knowing, all powerful, and always in control. So, all that God permits us to experience is a part of our individual divine curriculum designed to increase our godliness and patience. Rather than praying for relief, pray for the strength to endure. God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted or afflicted with more than you can handle. Praise Him for His wonderful goodness, remember these things, and patiently endure. (Ecclesiastes 1:14; Mark 8:36; 1 Corinthians 13:11-13; Psalm 23:1-4; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 62:11; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Romans 8:28; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Galatians 6:9; James 1:2-4; Nehemiah 8:10; Proverbs 24:10; 1 Corinthians 10:13-14; Psalm 92:1-2; Hebrews 10:36; Matthew 28:18; 2 Timothy 2:3; 1 Peter 5:8-11)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 21; Psalms 26-27

Ecclesiastes 4; 1 Timothy 6

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

faith

Devotional for April 16

April 16, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Rest In These Days of Trouble

9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?
11 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law;
13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
14 For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
15 But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it. Psalm 94:9-15 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Unload the junk in the trunk that is slowing you down if you want to go faster. The best way to overcome dead weight is to cut it loose and get rid of it. Throw out the old ways that hinder and take hold of eternal life. Don’t delay. If you are waiting for someone to hand you a trophy for sleeping, you are dreaming. Wake up and go to work. Rest when you must, because only the lazy rest without being tired. (Isaiah 50:10-11, 5:18-20; James 4:8; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Proverbs 26:14; Ecclesiastes 7:2-6; 1 Peter 3:12; Hebrews 12:1-2; Ephesians 5:1-20; john 13:17)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 20; Psalms 25

Ecclesiastes 3; 1 Timothy 5

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

faith

Devotional for April 15

April 15, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Living in the Eye of the Storm

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. Psalm 37:23-31(KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Never take the easy way out. Mental toughness comes from being able to get “hard to do things” done. Always remember: when things get as hard as they can get, from that point on they can only get easier. Learn to endure. Mental toughness is a fruit that grows from prevailing prayer. Prevailing prayer is not about continually asking. It is more about continually believing that after you’ve prayed you will receive it. Once it is in the mail you don’t have to keep asking for it to be sent. Be joyful like Abraham. Praise God and be thankful while you wait to receive it. (Proverbs 1:10-19; Proverbs 10:2-5; Luke 9:61-62; Hebrews 11:8; Romans 4:20-25; Genesis 32:24-28; 1 Kings 18:41-46; James 5:13-18; Matthew 7:7-8, 21:22; Hebrews 11:11; Mark 11:24; Isaiah 53:1; Mark 9:23)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 19; Psalms 23-24

Ecclesiastes 2; 1 Timothy 4

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

faith

Devotional for April 14

April 14, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Abide in the Word

15 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. Psalm 15 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Life is a journey sometimes filled with clouds of unknowing and storms of doubt. Fear them not, because God is faithful. Pray for the love of the truth and such times of testing will result in the experiential knowledge of the truth, which are necessary to strengthen belief. (John 18:37-38; Luke 13:23-24; 2 Timothy 3:7; John 17:11, 14-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-17; John 16:33; James 1:2-4; Proverbs 3:5-8; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Proverbs 17:3, 1:23, :11-12, 16:3; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Jude 1:24-25)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 18; Psalms 22

Ecclesiastes 1; 1 Timothy 3

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread; Open the eyes of my faith, that I may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for April 13

April 13, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Blessed Are All Those Who Run to the Lord

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 2:6-12(KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

It is easy for the things of this world to consume too much of our attention. Struggling to keep our heads above water seems like the norm for many of us. We rush around putting out one fire after another, chasing our own tails, and fighting over cheese in a world that is becoming more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous every day. Who will save us from ourselves? There is but one who can speak to the condition of every weary soul, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Many today only trust in money, but the believer needs to remember the name of the Lord. Jesus Christ is our Ever-Present God. Jesus Christ is our Peace and Well-being. Jesus Christ is our chief Shepherd and Protector. Jesus Christ is our Provider and Source. Jesus Christ is our Unchangeable Absolute, Victor and Triumphant Warrior King. Jesus Christ is our Eternal Righteous Redeemer. Jesus Christ is our Healer, Divine Health and Strength. It is good to praise the Almighty Power of the Lord for our sake. Giving God the glory due his name adds nothing to God, but it sure does provide an anchor for our soul. (Ephesians 1:3-12; Matthew 6:24; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Romans 8:1-5; Hebrews 6:17-19, 13:8; Psalm 21:13, 23:1-6, 20:7-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:16).

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 17; Psalms 20-21

Proverbs 31; 1 Timothy 2