Devotional for July 13

God Is Our Only Dependable Refuge

21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works. Psalm 73:21-28 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Muscular faith is based on the gospel truth of Jesus Christ.  It is necessary for faith to be frequently exercised in all things without the need of pleasant feelings always providing support. Just as lifting heavy bars and plates builds bodily strength, a strong muscular faith in God requires the frequent practice of lifting heavy feelings and right thoughts. (John 8:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Galatians 5:1, 2:16-21; Ephesians 4:17-32; James 2:26; James 1:2-8; Colossians 2:19-23; Romans 14:1-2; Hebrews 12:1-2; Romans 14:16-23; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:1-6, 6:1-6; 1 John 1:5-10; Hebrews 5:14, 6:12; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, 10:31; 1 Peter 5:6-11).