Category: faith

faith

Devotional for November 7

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Quote by Bruce Coleman: "Strong in faith is the one who holds on to the knowledge of God without letting it slip."

Not Like the World Gives

7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
8 Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:7-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

It’s easy for most any breeze to bring us peace when our belly is full, our body is pain-free, and the sun is shining. Peace based only on favorable circumstances goes as soon as things become less favorable. Christians doesn’t have to be slaves to vacillating circumstances or disagreeable people though. There is nothing left to chance for the Christian. All that happens to us has been ordained by God. The Bible doesn’t say that everything that happens to us will be good, or that we will be able to see God’s purpose behind whatever bad he allows. What the Bible does say is that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord. Remember this always. Strong in faith is the one who holds on to the knowledge of God without letting it slip. His peace he has given us, which is not like the peace the world gives. His peace is based on the knowledge of the love and power of God. Let nothing disturb you. (Numbers 6:24-26; Philippians 4:7; John 14:27; Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 42:5; Romans 8:28; Hebrews 2:1; Ephesians 6:15; Proverbs 3:5; Jonah 2:8; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6-11)

faith

Devotional for November 5

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "A love of ease is the enemy of a mature soul."

Pre-Soak

2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. Psalm 111:2-9 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Growing up takes time. No one gets to the top of the mountain without going through a few valleys. Muscles get stronger by training them with resistance. Flavor is enhanced in the marinate. The better the pre-wash soak, the cleaner the clothes. A love of ease is the enemy of a mature soul. A love of pain is the fool’s delight. Wisdom is found in the balance. Don’t rush the process. Don’t linger in the valleys. Get plenty of good reps. Be salt and light. Soak for as long as God requires. To know God, is to trust God. To trust God, is to have a weened soul that glorifies God equally come rain or shine. (Isaiah 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; Hebrews 12:1-13; 1 Peter 1:3-23; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:11-13; Isaiah 26:4; Proverbs 3:5-8; Proverbs 16:3; Psalm 131; Philemon 1:25)

faith

Devotional for November 3

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "When you see the choice clearly, you will wonder why it took you so long to reach for it."

Opportunity Cost

9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes. Psalm 119:9-12 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Every choice in this life has a cost. The “you can’t have your cake and eat it too” proverb is a good example. Once the cake is eaten, it is gone forever. Therefore, one cost of eating the cake is the lost opportunity to keep it. The salvation of the Lord is a free gift, but the Master has commanded us to first count the cost. We would think it strange for a man clothed in old dirty rags to refuse a free wardrobe of new clean clothes. Or even worse to say “yes” to the new clean clothes, yet insist on keeping his old dirty underwear. The old life, right down to the dirty undergarments, must go if we are to have the new life in Christ Jesus. When you see the choice clearly, you will wonder why it took you so long to reach for it. (Psalms 1; Deuteronomy 30:19; Matthew 6:19-24, 16:24-26; Luke 12:15-32; Zechariah 3:1-5; Romans 8:31-39; Luke 14:28-35; Matthew 7:24-29, 28:18-20; Ephesians 3:14-21)

faith

Devotional for November 1

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "Always begin with what, not if."

Know the Lord

20 The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions. Psalm 20:1-5 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Faith comes by hearing the Word. The most fortunate among us will believe immediately after hearing the gospel. Least fortunate are those who only believe after seeing the nail pierced hands of the Lord. The vast majority of the believers under the Bell Curve though, will only believe when they see the effect faith has had on the life of other believers. For this reason, everyone who knows the Lord is called to be salt and light. That is to say, by the effect faith has on how we live in this world, we are to be an example to believers and non-believers alike. Go to the Holy Book to know God. Always begin with what, not if. When you come to know the living God, it is a pure pleasure to live true to His character. (Hebrews 11:1-6; Romans 10:17; Matthew 4:1-11, 16:1-4, 13:12-16; John 14:8-9; Daniel 11:32; John 20:24-29; Matthew 5:13-16; Revelation 12:9-11; Romans 14:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; Romans 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:1-8, 1:12; Revelation 22:17-21)

faith

Devotional for October 31

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "Strong muscles without spiritual strength is like a toothless dog that can’t hunt."

My Keeper

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Strong muscles without spiritual strength is like a toothless dog that can’t hunt. Be strong in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to have both a bark and a bite. The goal is to be whole in spirit, soul, and body. Depend on the grace of God to make you so. He who has promised is faithful. (Hosea 6:1-6; Genesis 4:3-9; Proverbs 18:24; John 15:15-16, 26-27; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Timothy 2:1, 1:7; Philippians 2:13; Hebrews 10:23, 11:4; Proverbs 2:6-8; Ephesians 6:10; Jude 1:17-26)

faith

Devotional for October 29

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "Faith is hearing the Word of God and reckoning it to be true."

The Blessing

4 Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5 Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Psalm 40:4-5 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Faith is hearing the Word of God and reckoning it to be true. Reckoning is a mathematical accounting that requires no particular feelings or special circumstances. Just as 1+1=2 whether you feel good about it or not, whether the sun is shining or not, so too is the Word of God true regardless of how you feel or what you see. Acting in accordance with the Word is the substance of the hope set before us. Do you want the blessing of Abraham? Believe the gospel and you have it. Put on the gift of righteousness. Focus on inner peace and victory over sin. God will send the joy the old saints testify about according to His own perfect timing. (Genesis 12:1-3; Ephesians 1:11; Galatians 3:10-14; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 13:12, 5:1-8, 6:11; Psalm 32:1-2; Hebrews 11:1-6; Romans 10:17; Psalm 119:103-107, 97:11; Jude 24-25)

faith

Devotional for October 27

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman:"Pray, work, and give thanks."

Do You Believe?

20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
21 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing. Psalm 107:20-22 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Before you bring any petition to God in prayer, answer the Lord’s question:  “Do you believe I am able to do this?” From faith to faith do we hear both the question and the answer. God must do all, from the new birth to full spiritual maturity in Christ, and only faith can receive it. Our responsibility is to pray like 100% of the results depends on God, as well as to work like 100% of the work depends on our willingness to get it done. Both parts of this confession are equally true. God alone brings the results of our prayer and work. Therefore, to God alone belongs the glory. Pray, work, and give thanks. He will certainly make of you all that He created you to be. (Matthew 5:6; Psalm 107:9; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; Daniel 12:1-3; Philippians 3:8-10; Romans 1:17; Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24; Matthew 9:28; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Psalm 115:1; Ephesians 3:14-21)

faith

Devotional for October 25

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "Build on the unchangeable truth."

Trust the Lord

117 O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 117 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Life is a poka-yoke so easy a child can do it. God, in His infinite wisdom, hasn’t created a million different ways, but only one way. Nor does that one way require a Samson-like strength to do it, but it is easily obtainable by all who are willing. Such is the goodness of God toward us that the way is straight, and the key to obtain this everlasting life is faith in Jesus Christ. Build on the unchangeable truth. (Matthew 7:13-27; Hebrews 13:8; Matthew 23:37, 11:28-30, 18:3; Isaiah 55:1-3; John 7:37-38; John 17:3; Mark 4:26-29; Galatians 6:9; Revelation 22:17; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

faith

Devotional for October 23

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "As long as we strive in our own strength, we frustrate the grace of God."

Grace Must Do All

10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. Psalm 103:10-14 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

With our loving heavenly Father so willing to bless us, what is it that hinders? Regardless of what is upfront and in our face right now, all that hinders can be reduced down to just one thing. As long as we strive in our own strength, we frustrate the grace of God. We struggle, we fight, and we wrestle as long as a spirit of “can-do” is alive in us. It seems a paradox, but it’s not. More like opposite ends of the same truth. When the grace of God does all, we can do all things. Stop wrestling, Jacob, and just hold on to the Word. It is God who works in you both to will and to do what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. (Jeremiah 18:1-6; Genesis 32:24-32; Hebrews 11:21; Proverbs 3:5-8; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 2:13, 4:13; Psalm 23:4; 1 Timothy 1:17)

faith

Devotional for October 21

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "The answer to both when and how requires trust in God."

In Christ Alone

112 Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112:1-7 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

God is pleased when we ask the hard thing. Ask for the double portion. The answer to both when and how requires trust in God. Cheerfully do your mundane chores. Learn to excel in ordinary things while waiting on the Lord. Remember the wonderful works of the Lord in the past, hope in the glory of the Lord to come, and joyful commit all your ways to Him in the present. To know such peace, make Jesus Christ your all and all, your Alpha and Omega. (2 Kings 2:9-15; Matthew 7:7-8; John 15:8-16, 17:19-23; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Daniel 6:19-23; Revelation 1:4-8; Psalm 24:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17; Revelation 22:21)