Happy Are Those Who Delight In the Word the Lord

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.
13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalm 119:9-16 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Choose your friends wisely. All doers of dirty deeds done in the darkness will forever fear the light of discovery. Saying that everyone else is doing it will never make what is wrong something right. Even in the light, the lure of material gain can be blinding. Money does seem to be the answer for everything in the natural, which is the external world perishing all around us. If the inner man trusts in money however, it only draws him to the things of earth and away from the living God. Have faith in God. Watch and pray to guard the affections of your heart. God will certainly keep you.  Choose to believe that He will do just as His word promises. Be quick to dismiss what you see and feel as the mere temporary things that they are. Physical realities determined by our natural senses change as fast as the wind and weather. Put your trust in the word of God instead. What God has said, that will always stand. 

Question

What are the fiery darts of the wicked?

Answer

These fiery darts are interpretive stories created in our imagination assigning meaning to what we experience in everyday life that cause only fear, uncertainty, and doubt (Scripture). First step requires light to recognize the source of all our self-talk that is contrary to the word of God (Scripture). The heart must be guarded against these fiery darts because unchecked they breed only dead flies (Scripture). 

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know my necessities before I ask and my ignorance in asking: Have compassion on my weakness, and mercifully give me those things which for my unworthiness I dare not, and for my blindness I cannot ask; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Trust In the Lord

37 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
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. Psalm 37:1-7, 23-24 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

A lot of the slick advertisements these days make promises of all sorts of benefits for only a little time, money, and effort. The common marketing message is that life can be improved without having to turn from a lifestyle that only leads to physical disease and spiritual suicide. They claim all one needs to do is buy this new breakthrough pill/program/product, and problems will melt away like mythical lemon drops above storybook chimney tops. Yet there is nothing new under the sun. There are only different versions of what has already been. The best that worldly wisdom can do is to make a person pretty and rich in this temporarily while leaving them totally unfit for eternity. Let those who have ears to hear incline their heart to the wisdom of the Lord Our Righteousness. Believe the Word that properly prepares us to live now in this world so as to be prepared to enter into eternity in the next. Stand firm in faith or you will not stand at all. To be salt and light in this perishing world, act out your faith with appropriate words and deeds. 

Question

What is the most precious resource on earth?

Answer

Time is the most precious resource we are given as each tick of the clock passes through our fingers only once and then it is gone forever (Scripture). We are not our own, therefore our time is not our own (Scripture). Youth is wasted on the young primally because in vanities they waste so much time acting as if they will be young forever (Scripture). Sowing wild oats only brings suffering and pain (Scripture). O Lord, teach us to number our days (Scripture), and work in us to make our calling and election sure (Scripture). 

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know my necessities before I ask and my ignorance in asking: Have compassion on my weakness, and mercifully give me those things which for my unworthiness I dare not, and for my blindness I cannot ask; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Willing Obedience Brings Great Reward

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Look at the lifestyle of the middle-aged and it is easy to predict their future quality of life should the Lord allow them to live to be old and gray. Another thing just as certain — (no matter who you are, what titles you have won, or how much money you have) – there is no value in material gain without knowing Jesus Christ. Faith in God and prayer in accordance with the Word is far more effective than diet, physical exercise, performance enhancing drugs, and any other combination of things based solely on the elementary principles of this world. The truth of God is the solid rock of eternity. Physical realities are merely the shifting sands of now. As we learn to depend upon the truth of God rather than our physical senses, only then do we become free. Build your life on the truth of Jesus Christ and blessings for self and others will follow.

Question

Why is the love of money the root of all evil?

Answer

Holding the reins of the heart is what we set our love upon (Scripture). This is why we are commanded to love the Lord our God with all our heart (Scripture). If we set our affections upon money instead, it will always be like a scorching fire and there will never be enough no matter how much we get (Scripture). Money can buy ease and comfort for the body, but not peace and salvation for the soul (Scripture). Setting money up as the secret idol of the heart is like a sharp stick that pierces the hand that leans on it (Scripture). Through both poverty and riches, dark nights and bright days, God can always be relied upon for His faithfulness and lovingkindness (Scripture). Trust in, relying on, and adhering to God is infinitely better than lots of money (Scripture).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know my necessities before I ask and my ignorance in asking: Have compassion on my weakness, and mercifully give me those things which for my unworthiness I dare not, and for my blindness I cannot ask; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

This Is the Day the Lord Has Made

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord:
20 This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter.
21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
23 This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:19-24 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

To be born again means to be fully alive. Just as we can be here in America and at the same time be present in Thailand with a video chat, so too do we inhabit this physical world while simultaneously being seated spiritually with Christ in the Kingdom of God. The vain dream of the natural man is being able to just sit around all day counting his money without a problem in the world. While being alive spiritually means come rain or come shine, we have learned to trust the Lord. Faith allows us to either be the hammer or the anvil as God commands. And we know and depend on the grace of God to lovingly care for us always. Let His peace rule in the heart. He is the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth, and He is more than willing to provide for all the needs of His children. Nothing is impossible for God and no good thing does He withhold from those who love Him. Take your eyes off the visible and enter His courts with praise and thanksgiving. Sow with tears if need be. God will wipe away every tear and bring you in with a bountiful harvest.

Question

Why obey God?

Answer

Obeying God is the only real proof that we know God (Scripture). To know God is to love God (Scripture), and to love God is to obey God (Scripture). God is absolutely good (Scripture). God is love (1 John 4:7). Every normal human parent will make sure that everything is as good for a beloved child as possible according to the parent’s knowledge, ability, and resources (Scripture). God is far better than the best of human parents could ever be (Scripture). God has perfect knowledge of the past, present, and future (Scripture). God has unlimited ability to speak and create just as easily as we can speak and blink (Scripture). There is no such thing as scarcity for God, as He has unlimited resources far beyond what we can imagine or think (Scripture). God is also just and a consuming fire (Scripture). We either come to see the light of the gospel and participate in God’s great program for salvation (Scripture) or we remain in darkness condemned to be cast away forever (Scripture). Woe to those who refuse the carrot of God’s grace (Scripture), and thereby choose the stick of eternal damnation (Scripture). 

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know my necessities before I ask and my ignorance in asking: Have compassion on my weakness, and mercifully give me those things which for my unworthiness I dare not, and for my blindness I cannot ask; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Bearing Fruit In Old Age

12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
15 To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. Psalm 92:12-15 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Stuck in a rut or living the dream? One thing is certain. Regardless of your current situation, it is likely that someone somewhere in this world is suffering with more difficulties and in greater pain than you. Somewhere someone would love to be in your shoes. Complaining, grumbling, and fault-finding only serve to blind us. When the mind is occupied with these things, it becomes difficult to see any of the good around us and effectively blocks the way into the rest of God. It is in thanksgiving rather than complaining, praise rather than grumbling, and prayer rather than fault-finding which leads to the promised rest in the Lord. All circumstances are temporary and God is in control of all. When you know that God is faithful, all difficulties can joyfully be accepted as an opportunity to exercise faith in God. You will see the glory of God if you are willing to believe. God has promised it.

Question

Does physical appearance matter?

Answer

Not for its own sake (Scripture), but all healthy things are beautiful (Scripture). Being obsessed with the appearance of self is a vain idolatry that only makes one more unhappy with it every passing year and new wrinkle (Scripture). Appearance is an important minor that is easy to care for once we focus on the major, which is the development of the beatific vision of a Christ-like character of the soul (Scripture). Rightly ordered, all things are done for the glory of God (Scripture).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know my necessities before I ask and my ignorance in asking: Have compassion on my weakness, and mercifully give me those things which for my unworthiness I dare not, and for my blindness I cannot ask; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord Shall Reign Forever

5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God:
6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:
7 Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners:
8 The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous:
9 The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
10 The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 146:5-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Focusing on the unwanted symptoms rather than focusing on the God that heals you only hinders the prayer of faith. Here is the Great Physician’s prescription for all of mankind’s ills of body, soul, and spirit: be born again, ask according to the will of God, believe that you receive what you ask for, and answer every doubting thought with “this is the time to trust the Lord.” Not every fig tree will wither away immediately. Just as every cut flower appears to still be alive for a time after it is severed, even though it is essentially dead the moment it is cut. Despite still having the appearance of life it is dead, so too may of our symptoms continue for a time even though we have been essentially healed after prayer. Having to see some type of immediate manifestation before believing a prayer is heard and answered, is like the seed falling on the ground by the way side. The birds will swoop down quickly and steal the seed away. Faith doesn’t stand on the relief of symptoms, nor on the improvement of circumstances. Faith stands on looking to God, and not what the eyes can see. There is but one thing needful in this life, and He is merciful, full of compassion, and gracious. Jesus Christ is our heavenly vine. We are His branches. In Him do we have life. To abide in Him, we gladly turn from seeking to live anywhere else. Abiding in Him is our proper home. Yay Lord…in Thee I will abide.

Question

What is the soul?

Answer

The soul is the part of man created in the Divine image (Scripture). The soul is to the spirit what blood is to the body (Scripture). Love is the blood of the soul (Scripture). Love comes from God to us in the form of grace and mercy (Scripture). In turn, God’s grace and mercy works on and through us to other people (Scripture). Just as the health of the body can be determined by the blood, so can the health of the soul be determined by its love (Scripture). Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Scripture).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know my necessities before I ask and my ignorance in asking: Have compassion on my weakness, and mercifully give me those things which for my unworthiness I dare not, and for my blindness I cannot ask; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

My Soul is Content

63 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. Psalm 63:1-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Pride is a deadly poison that must be refused. Pride is at the root of the covetousness that causes wars among us. If self is set up as an idol, there will be no end to those who line up to offer an offense and wound one’s pride. Pride seeks to strike back for every offence and will make turning the other cheek impossible. The humble soul has no need to defend self and is quick to let go of anger. How then to be humble? Turn to the Lord and admit the lack of strength to humble self. This is God’s work. Our work is to depend on the Lord to do the work in us. Ask and receive the blessing now by faith. Eagerly expect the seed to be manifested according to our faith: first the blade, then the ear, and then the full corn in the ear. And rest assured that all that is God’s will shall be done in God’s perfect timing. Set your will to cooperate.

Question

How can we live the beatitudes?

Answer

First must come the clear vision of the qualities of those belonging to the Kingdom of Heaven (Scripture). Second, we must realize how far below the standard of God we miss the mark (Scripture). Third, our intentions must be set to obtain the vision (Scripture), and our attention must be given to the God appointed means of grace (Scripture). Thank God for His word that teaches us to deny self and its appetites so that we may participate in His divine nature (Scripture). 

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know my necessities before I ask and my ignorance in asking: Have compassion on my weakness, and mercifully give me those things which for my unworthiness I dare not, and for my blindness I cannot ask; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Excellent is the Name of the Lord in All the Earth

3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Psalm 8:3-9 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

A stiff neck will be broken. If you want to eat, earn your keep. If you want to be the boss, pay the cost. If you want to be mature, do what needs to be done without having to be told to do it. If you want to play, get your work done first. If you want to achieve, you have to believe. If you want to win, you have to finish what you begin. In all this, remember the Lord. Accept both success and failure as coming from the hand of your loving heavenly Father. Learn from failure, let success increase your humility, and always trust God. Understand that it is God who gives you both the desire and ability to do His will. Doing the will of God is health to the bones and refreshment to the thirsty soul. Fix your eyes on our Lord Jesus Christ, diligently attend to the Word in order to do it, receive the precious promises of the Word right now, and stand firm in the faith. Do all these things by the grace of God given through Jesus Christ to the glory of God. 

Question

What is the double blessing?

Answer

The double blessing is Christ in you and you in Christ (Scripture).  The double blessing enables us to live the higher life of spiritual righteousness (Scripture), and keep the body under (Scripture). We are inhabitants of two worlds simultaneously (Scripture). First God created our physical body giving us being in the physical world, then our spirit giving us being in the spiritual world, and lastly our soul that is capable of affecting both (Scripture). The major functions of the soul are the will, cognition, and emotional regulation (Scripture). Emotions arise from the touchstones of each of these two worlds: feelings arise from the physical senses of our body and thoughts (Scripture), while affections arise from within our spirit and thoughts (Scripture). The necessary prelude to the double blessing is the God given spiritual rebirth and a clean heart (Scripture).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

O Lord, receive the prayers of your servant who calls upon you, and grant that I may know and understand what things I ought to do, and that I also may have the grace and power to faithfully accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Maker of Heaven and Earth is Our Help

1 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say;
2 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
3 Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
6 Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:1-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

When those who love you, cut you deeply with careless remarks. When those who hate you, viciously wound you with kisses. Forgive them both. Not for their sake, but forgive them for your own sake. The unforgiving heart, regardless of how valid the reason, poisons the soul that refuses to let go of the hurt. It’s like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die. Better to be poor in spirt with forgiveness in the heart, then is a mighty man who can slay 600 men with only a sharp stick. The only way to do as the Lord commands and forgive others, is to realize our inability to do so without first receiving His mercy. Take it to the Cross and it there. Those who falsely believe that they have been hurt so badly that forgiving the hurt is impossible, have not yet been brought to a full understanding of our need for the Lord Jesus Christ to be our all in all. Christ is Jehovah Rapha our divine Physician and Healer of broken hearts. Let His peace rule in your heart and you will find rest for your soul. 

Question

What is the fear of man?

Answer

Peer-pressure, people-pleasing, and people-avoiding (commonly called shyness) all result from the fear of man, which is essentially a fear of judgment and rejection by others (Scripture). It is a dangerous world, and being kicked out of the tribe decreases our chances of survival out there all alone (Scripture). The Christian is never alone though (Scripture). The snare that comes from the fear of man is desiring to please others more than pleasing God (Scripture). Faith wins over each temptation to fear man by fighting with the fear of the Lord (Scripture).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

O Lord, receive the prayers of your servant who calls upon you, and grant that I may know and understand what things I ought to do, and that I also may have the grace and power to faithfully accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Strong in the Presence of the Lord

15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.
16 In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
17 For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted. Psalm 89:15-17 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Believe the gospel, repent and take the precious from the vile. The fear of the Lord is a precious gift. Without the fear of the Lord: in the place of reverence, there will be mockery; instead of thanksgiving, there will be pride; and instead of praise, there will be scorn. Without the fear of the Lord there will be much pain, suffering, weeping, and gnashing of teeth. The fear of the Lord functions as the guard rails of eternal life, which keeps us from falling off into the ditches on the left and right sides on the narrow way. Be quick to turn from all that is incompatible with the holiness of God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of the blessings that come from wisdom. Know that we are called to rest in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of our heavenly Father, and the comforting fellowship of the Holy Spirit. We enter into that rest by faith made stronger each day by the consistent exercise of trusting in God.

Question

Who are you?

Answer

A man of God (Scripture). Without knowing who we are, life will often beat us up and have us running around like a chicken with its head cut off bruised, bleeding, and stripped down to the bone (Scripture). When we forget who we are, it is easy to be tossed and buffeted by the winds of discouragement (Scripture). Happy is he who takes eyes off self and circumstances (Scripture). Look to Jesus and rest at all times in the comfort that comes from being a humble child trusting in the love of our heavenly Father (Scripture).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

O Lord, receive the prayers of your servant who calls upon you, and grant that I may know and understand what things I ought to do, and that I also may have the grace and power to faithfully accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.