Be Strong

34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
40 And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. Psalm 37:34-42 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

There is a big difference between a weight that strengthens and a burden that crushes. As God’s ambassadors on earth, anything contrary to the character or image of God in us is sin. Sin is a burden that crushes, binds, and suffocates. It is not a matter that can be overcome by any amount of human strength. We are happy to please those we love. Happy is the one who loves God and seeks to please God with every intention, every desire, and every act. Impossible for anyone to do without being born again by the Spirit. If this were not true, God never would have sent His Son to die for us. What pleases God and our greatest good are one and the same. In Jesus Christ alone do we have eternal life. Everything apart from Jesus is just a false hope. Keep yourself in the love of God. Take His yoke upon you and do not run out from under it. It will be your protective covering during the heat of the day and your guiding light against the darkness of the night. Having been released from under the burden of sin by Jesus Christ, let us not turn again to the folly of the ungodly of this world who do not know the only true God. He who has called us is holy, faithful, and true. We are saved by the grace of Jesus Christ and He will also keep us until our full adoption into His glorious kingdom. Happy are those who are willing and never lose sight of eternal life.

Question

What is worship?

Answer

Worship is the love of the creature in response to the love of the Creator (1 John 4:19). The hypocrite or the mocker will speak what is right in a wrong spirit (Psalm 1:1; Matthew 24:45-51). While a deceiver will speak both what is wrong and with a wrong spirit (Proverbs 23:6-8). But to speak what is right in a spirit of love is the proper worship of God (John 4:5-26). Only the weak can be made strong (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). So, let the weak with this knowledge say, “I am strong” (Joel 3:10). “And now O Lord, having made me strong for thyself, command thou me so that thy will may be done” (Psalm 18:1-3, 80:14-15, 40:8; Jude 1:24-25).

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

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace each of us may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and fore ever. Amen.

Trust in the Name of the Lord Our God

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.
20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
22 Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee. Psalm 33:16-31 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Every pessimistic person I’ve ever met has called themselves a realist. There are two sides to every coin. If all you see is a problem, flip it over. Elevate your gaze. Trust the everlasting Rock, or the house will forever be just one shift of the sands beneath away from a great fall. Anyone who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God has at least the necessary size faith of a mustard seed. Whatever the question, trust in God is the ultimate answer. Blessed are all those who are willing to patiently trust the Lord. This becomes much easier to do as we learn the peace and rest that comes from the double abiding: Christ in you and you in Christ. Commit to trusting God with your whole heart and your faith in God will grow. 

Question

What is the substance of faith?

Answer

Faith is the substance of hope (Hebrews 11:1). While speaking and singing praise to the Lord is the substance of faith (Psalm 92:1-2; Hebrews 11:6; Ephesians 5:17-20; Proverbs 24:5; Psalm 50:23, 100:4). It was in the perfecting of his praise that the faith of the sweet psalmist of Israel grew strong enough to slay the biggest baddest giant in the land (1 Samuel 17:33-36). How long David had been practicing on his harp singing and praising God while tending the sheep the Bible doesn’t say (1 Samuel 16:14-23), but the result was such a confident faith in God that ran to cut the head off the giant without even having a sword in his hand (1 Samuel 17:40-51). Praise stirs up or activates the miracle working power of even a mustard seed size faith (Matthew 17:19-20; 2 Timothy 1: 6-7), so that it breaks forth into full flame and grows to be a mighty tree of righteousness (Psalm 29:1-9, 104:4; Isaiah 61:3; 1 Peter 5:6-11).  

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

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration I may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

The Omnipotence and Omniscience of the Lord Comforts Me

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 23:1-6 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

He who is made strong by God must first learn to rejoice in his own weakness with fear and trembling. Give us a wise heart, Lord, that we may understand. Denying self has two parts. The first is the turning away from the self-gratifying desires of the flesh, and the second is the less considered need to deny the self-reliance that comes forth so easily from our own natural strength. All power belongs to God. To claim that our own hand has done this or that is to steal glory due only to God. We must abide fully in Christ to bear the fruits of the Spirit. Understanding the fact that apart from Christ we can do nothing is a source of great joy. The “abide in Me’ is both a command and a promise. With the command of Jesus to “rise and take up your bed,” the lame man jumped up with joy and carried away his bed. Our God is not like Pharaoh, who commanded the Hebrews to make bricks without giving them straw. Whatever our God commands, He graciously gives the power and the means to perform. Hear then the Spirit of Christ speaking directly to your soul “be still and abide in Me.” Receive the Word, pray for grace, and you can be sure He will enable it.

Question

What is faith?

Answer

Faith is a rock on which to set our sure hope in God (Hebrews 11:1-6). Faith is something the will chooses to do now (Romans 1:16-17). Not because of what we see or feel (2 Corinthians 5:7), rather because of the hope that is set before us (Mark 11:22-24; Luke 11:27-28; Romans 10:17; 1 Peter 3:15; 2 Corinthians 1:20-22). Faith works only because He who stands behind the promise that it will work is forever faithful and true (Matthew 7:7-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Revelation 19:9-16; Matthew 7:24-29). Faith is the trumpet blown by the authority of the King of Kings that calls forth the power of Almighty God (Jeremiah 32:27; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14; Habakkuk 2: 1-2; 1 Corinthians 14:8; Hebrews 10:35-39; Matthew 28:18-20).

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

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration I may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

The Fear of the Lord Is Pure and Enduring Forever

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

God is great. God is good. Praise Him morning, noon, and night. Don’t worry about today, nor be afraid of what may come tomorrow. Nothing is greater than God. Stop trying to dictate to the Lord the terms and the form of the blessings you receive. Remember the Lord your God is perfect, and that He loves you so much that He sent His son to die for you. He knows what you need before you ask. The moral government of God requires that we have the freedom to choose what is right and reject what is wrong. Both good and bad choices have consequences, therefore not everything that happens is good. Sometimes bad things happen to good people because of the bad choices of other people. God is all powerful though, and He has promised that all things will work together for the good of those who love Him. Know for certain that every good gift is from above, and that God will nullify every snake bite and poison pill that would harm those who are called according to His purpose. Trust God with your whole heart and the Scriptures say that He will show Himself strong on your behalf. He will keep you in perfect peace. Dare to believe the gospel until you know it experientially, then fight to hold on to it to the very end.

Question

What is the fear of the Lord?

Answer

It is a healthy type of fear based off of the highest form of respect rather than being afraid or scared (Hebrews 12:18-29). Big waves command respect and demand conformity to the principles of their nature (Job 38:1-2, 41:1-10; Ecclesiastes 7:16-19; Isaiah 33:13-16; Jeremiah 15:19). A surfer who loses the fear of the big waves will sooner or later be afraid, scared, and left broken on the bottom beneath the waves (Nahum 1:6-8; Philippians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 2: 13-15; Matthew 13:47-50). Thus, the fear of the Lord is a highly desirable safeguard (Proverbs 7:1-5; Genesis 39:7-9; Proverbs 9:10, 3:6-8, 27:12; Psalm 106:47-48).

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

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration I may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Incline My Heart to Your Testimonies, O Lord

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. Psalm 119:33-40 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Remember the Lord your God when your physical appearance improves as you consistently workout and eat better. This will present a new danger you must guard against. Guard your heart against the natural inclinations of this fallen world, or the bitter roots of pride will easily spring up. Never forget that it is God who has enabled you to eat well, given you the desire and ability to work hard, and He alone is the source of all growth. Take hold of the precious promises of God. Raise the shield of faith to extinguish every fiery dart that would kindle unbelief. This is the way to fight for your trust in God. Let His staff and His rod comfort you. Hold on until you know that God is guiding you with His eye. Hold on until you know His voice. Hold on until God renews your youth like the eagle. The abundant life comes to us only by the grace of God. It is through Jesus Christ that we have the sure mercies of David to the praise of His holy name. Worship God, and know for certain that only our God is truly worthy of glory.

Question

What shall we do in light of the gospel?

Answer

First, realize that the opposite of a profound truth, is often another profound truth (2 Thessalonians 3:10; James 1:2-8; Hebrews 3:7-14). Just because we can do nothing without Christ doesn’t mean we have nothing to do (John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 3:5-17). God cleanses (James 4:8; 1 John 1:9). Still, we must choose NOT to return to wallowing in the mud (2 Peter 2:9-22). Christ came to teach us the ways of the God (Matthew 11:16-30). When we deny self until the cross has done its work (Luke 9:23-24), then we come to know through lived experience the ease of His yoke, the lightness of His burden, and the sweetness of His rest (Luke 4:16-21; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Isaiah 61:3; Psalm 118:19-29; Matthew 28:18-20).

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

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration I may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Your Testimonies Are Very Sure

93 The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.
2 Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.
3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.
4 The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.
5 Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever. Psalm 93 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

We may not all be born with the same advantages, but what does that have to do with being the best you that you can be? What you do with your gifts, talents, and financial resources is much more important than how good or large they may be. The word of God is truth. Faith and trust grow together. The word of God is the only reliable anchor of the soul. Faith comes by hearing the word. Faith grows when trust and commitment increase. We are saved by grace through faith, not by works. When self-righteousness takes root the heart, sin will be crouching at the door ready to lay waste. Thank God Almighty that He has made the gate straight and the way narrow. We are not left orphans having to figure things out and find our own way. Love the truth and the truth shall set you free. Trust the Lord with all your heart. Deny self and abide in the Heavenly Vine. Pick up your cross and take His yoke upon you. Follow the Lord Jesus Christ our Redeemer.  Do all the will of God as you know it until kingdom come.

Question

How do we hear the word of God?

Answer

The written word of God is the record of the spoken word of God given to us so that we can participate in the divine nature (Hebrews 11:1-3; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Luke 16:19-31). To hear the word of God we must first be attentive, then believe it,  and finally be determined to apply it (Psalm 1:1-2; Proverbs 3:5-8; James 1:22-25).  Knowing God means understanding that the word of God comes with His unfailing guarantee (Isaiah 55:6-11; Job 28:28; Proverbs 9:10-12), that we are adopted into the family of God as obedient children by faith which works by love (Matthew 22:1-14, 7:13-14; 1 John 3:1-3; 1 John 1:9; Galatians 5:6), and that all the promises of God are “yes, yes” in Christ Jesus (John 17:3; 2 Corinthians 1: 18-24; Romans 10:16-17; Luke 8:18). The evidence of having heard the word of God is a changed heart and life (Ezekiel 36:24-27; Psalm 18:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; 2 Peter 1:5-11; 3:17-18).

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

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration I may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

May the Glory of the Lord Endure Forever

104 Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.
2 Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:
3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:
4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:
24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
25 So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.
26 There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.
27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
28 That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.
29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.
31 The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.
32 He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.
33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.
35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 104:1-4, 24-35 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

There is no such thing as a muscle fairy. The only thing you will get from putting an iron plate under your pillow at night is a headache in the morning. We have a God that graciously provides us with all things, including the ability to work. There are no short cuts. Putting in the work is not supposed to be easy, and what comes fast often goes just as fast. Work is a gift from God to be received with thankfulness and executed in faithfulness. Honest work is not to be refused, nor is it to be done half-heartedly with murmuring, grumbling, and complaining. There is honor in all honest work done well. Set your heart on hearing our Lord Jesus Christ saying to you, “well done my faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master.” He will strengthen you and make you firm. Trust God always. Flee idolatry! Not just sticks and stones, but anything that is exalted above God is a false idol. Some worship strong muscles, others put their faith in science, and there be many who make money their idol and food their god. Purify our hearts, O Lord. That we may know and worship Thee the only true God. Jesus Christ our Lord lives! Let the whole earth be full of His glory. Dare to believe the gospel and grieve not the Holy Spirit.

Question

When is the most important time to praise the Lord?

Answer

It is extremely important to praise the Lord when we don’t feel like it (1 Samuel 30:6; Psalm 42:5). It is easy to praise the Lord when everything is going well, we have had plenty to eat, are pain free, and have slept well (Matthew 13:20-22; Mark 9:49-50). Just as it is easy to workout when you feel like working out, but consistency demands that we must be willing to workout sometimes even when we don’t feel like it (Philippians 4:4-8). Consistent workouts condition the body and consistent praise conditions the soul (James 5:13; Ephesians 5:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Jonah may have been able to shorten his three days in the belly of the fish had he remembered to call on the Lord sooner (Psalm 116:17; Jonah 2). The sacrifice of praise is offered based off of choosing faith in God over the council of contrary facts based off of the current temporary circumstances, which are what Jonah called “lying vanities” when compared to the knowledge of God (Mark 11:22-24; Hebrews 13:15, 11:6; Jonah 2:8; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 10:35-36). Fear not, because the Lord means to bless you (Luke 12:32-34; Revelation 2:8-11; Philemon1:25).

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

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration I may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Great Is the Lord

8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.
10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.
15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. Psalm 40:8-11, 14-16 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Diligently guard your heart. The eyes and ears are the gateways to the soul. Good judgment requires evaluating all according to its conformity to the knowledge of Christ. Cast down all that is contrary. And this we will do, by grace through faith, which is the gift of God. What pleases the indwelling Holy Spirit is that we have faith. Know for certain therefore, when we are right with God everything that causes us to doubt is from the enemy. What pleases the devil is unbelief in the heart of a believer. Resist the devil standing firm in faith and he will flee from you. Is there something God has placed in your heart to do? What if you actually believed you could do it? What if you worked for it and prayed for it until it was achieved? The former needs hope. The later takes faith that works by love, because it is never difficult to do what you love. These three virtues of hope, faith, and love are God’s gift to His redeemed children in Christ Jesus. They are not to be spent on the selfish desires of the flesh. They are given so that we may participate in His divine nature, fulfill our God given purpose, and glorify His name forever.

Question

Why is it so important that we choose to do God’s will?

Answer

Because God is good (Psalm 107:1; 1 John 1:5). Jesus came to make known the love of the Father (John 3:16; Philippians 2:13). If a good earthly father wants and gives his child only what is good for the child, how much more so is it true that the all-knowing, all-powerful God who loves each of His children wants and gives them only what is good for them (Psalm 84:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Sometimes giving comfort, sometimes allowing pain, but all together working for their good (Romans 8:28). The will of God and our highest good are one and the same (Psalm 34:8; Jeremiah 29:11; James 1:17; 1 Joh 4:16). Believe the good news (John 13:17; Matthew 7:24-29). Choose to do the will of God by conforming to the Word of God within (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 6:17; 2 Corinthians 10:5-6; Hebrews 4:12), and living it without in this fallen world (Matthew 5:13-16). Obedience to the Word of God is not just right (Proverbs 24:27; Hebrews 13:9-16), but it is a pleasure (1 John 5:3, 4:7-10), a privilege (John 8:31-36; John 15:11), and a sheer delight (Psalm 40:8; Ephesians 3:14-21).

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

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration I may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Stand on the Facts of the Lord

111 Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
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.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:1-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The hamster wheel of the rat in the race is an endless striving after the things of this world. It is only by way of the Cross are we set free. Therefore, let the righteous cease all striving for the sake of self and enter into the rest of God. Pick up your cross and follow Jesus in total dependence upon God in order to die to self and live for God. Start by acknowledging the presence of God with you. Remember that feelings are unreliable sensors for spiritual realities. Good feelings are great, but they can be misleading. Nobody likes bad feelings, but they don’t necessarily mean there is a spiritual problem. Standing on your faith and not your feelings, be they good or bad, is a foundational biblical teaching. We must fight to hold on to our faith in the grace bestowed upon us by the blood of Jesus Christ. We must fight to hold on to our faith in the Father’s love. We must fight to hold on to our faith in the fellowship of the Holy Ghost. Make no mistake about it. This fight is as real as any Mixed Martial Arts in a cage fight with far more important consequences than any physical fight. Our opponent is huge being many weight classes above us, but as soon as we put our right hand into the hand of Jesus Christ he is quick to flee away from us. It is a fight without human spectators that requires both holding on and giving up to win it. Give your problems, concerns, fears, and worries about today and tomorrow to the Lord. Fall down before God and give them up. Unburden your heart and be at ease soldier. Remember the Lord your God is the Maker of heaven and earth and He reigns over all. Pray, go to work, wait on the Lord, and repeat. The victory is sure.

Question

How do we walk holding on to the Lord with our right hand?

Answer

Firstly, by acknowledging that God is (Hebrews 11:6), and lifting up our thoughts to Him in all matters big and small (Isaiah 26:1-4; Psalm 10:4). Our right hand is our will, and holiness is when we intentionally give up our will, affections, and motives in exchange for Christ’s will, affections, and motives (Isaiah 41:10-13; Romans 6:1-13). This is what it means to die to self and live for God (Matthew 16:24-26). Impossible for the carnal mind to grasp the benefit of this (1 Corinthians 2:14), but for the child of God it is the gift of righteousness that comes from being in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:30). Without doing this we are like a bucket of bolts, but properly connected to the power source we become a useful vehicle fit for the Master’s use (Ephesians 4:22-24; 2 Timothy 2:19-22; Psalm 19:5). Making the connection is one thing, maintaining it is another (Genesis 19:15-16, 26). To stand in faith means to stand on the facts of the spiritual realities revealed in the Holy Bible (Proverbs 19:21). Drink deep of the pure spiritual milk so that you may grow up in your salvation (1 Peter 2:2), able to feed on the true spiritual meat (1 Corinthians 3:1; Hebrews 5:12-14; John 6:63, 25-59; Revelation 1:1-6).

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

Holy Father, creator and sustaining wisdom of all that is, both in heaven and on earth, take from me those thoughts, actions and objects that are hurtful. Give me instead those things that are profitable for me and all who seek rightly to praise you. I ask this grace in the company of all believers and through the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is, with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

The Awe Due to Our Creator

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
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.
20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
22 Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee. Psalm 33:12-22 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Dare to believe the gospel. You are called to be salt and light on the inside so that you may do the will of God and radiate His goodness on the earth. Salt purifies, preserves, and protects. Light manifests, edifies, and shields. So, set your affections on the things that are above. Be watchful over your thoughts and deeds in order to keep your conscience tender and clear. Be quick to cast off, put away, and turn away from everything that doesn’t conform to the Word of God. Meditate on the Holy Scriptures all day long and rely on the power of God always. This will keep you on the narrow path with inner peace and great joy.

Question

What are the disciplines of a spiritual athlete?

Answer

A Spiritual athlete will spend months and years in preparation much the same as a professional sports athlete, but for a different purpose altogether (1 Corinthians 9:25). They are careful about what they eat, they are exact with their training, they study to perfect their craft, and they are diligent to reframe from any habits that would reduce their performance (Colossians 2:23). The disciplines of the sports athlete are fueled by the desire to win a title, trophy, or the honor and applause of men (John 5:44). The disciplines of a spiritual athlete are fueled by the love of God (2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 6:12-14; Ecclesiastes 10:17; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 2:13), and the desire to glorify God as does all of creation (Psalm 19:1-5; Revelations 4:4-11; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

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

Holy Father, creator and sustaining wisdom of all that is, both in heaven and on earth, take from me those thoughts, actions and objects that are hurtful. Give me instead those things that are profitable for me and all who seek rightly to praise you. I ask this grace in the company of all believers and through the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is, with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.