The Secret of the Lord

4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.
5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
6 Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord.
8 Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
12 What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Psalm 25:4-14 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Understanding the permanency of God and His word is necessary if we are to grow up into our salvation. God alone is the Rock, the only true sovereign. No matter how long everything else lasts, it is only temporary in comparison to the Most High who lives and reigns forever. Have faith in God, and not the temporal things of this world. Wait on the Lord and put your hope in His word. Guard your heart and walk in His ways. The younger we are when we learn to partake of the grace given to enable us to participate in the divine nature, the sooner we escape the self-inflicted suffering that results from habitual sins. Everything that does not come from faith is sin. Sin promises pleasure, ease, and enjoyment, but in the end only brings pain, suffering, and death. Like the compounding interest of money that either works for you or against you, good habits over time will increase wealth and strength while sinful habits will leave you broke and busted. Put off the old man and walk in the Spirit. Practice the wisdom revealed in the word of God. Repent and cast down all that is contrary. Receive the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and grow healthy, wealthy, and strong.

Question

How often do we need to confess our sin and repent?

Answer

There is the initial repentance that places us on the narrow path that leads to eternal life (Acts 17:16-31), and then we must learn to maintain the course and stay on the path (James 4:1-7). Sometimes we may stumble and fall only being able to recognize the danger afterward (Proverbs 27:12; Romans 8:26-27). This is way it is so important that the conscience be kept clear (Acts 24:16). The Holy Spirit will use our conscience to convict of sin to lead us to confession and repentant (John 16:7-11; Romans 2:4).  The enemy will shoot flaming darts of condemnation to spark guilt and discouragement (Ephesians 6:16; 1John 3:20-21, 1:9, Romans 8:1) . Be quick to wash your hands as often and as soon as you find them dirty (James 4:8-10). Draw close to God and be determined not to return to the mud ever again (Ephesians 6:10; Hebrews 7:25-26; Romans 6:1-2; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Jude 1:17-25).

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

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Don’t Just Look…See

31 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
 19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the Lord: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
23 O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:1-3, 19-24 (KJV)
KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Unless the Lord builds the body, the bodybuilder works in vain. Training just to improve physical appearance only puffs up with pride. That would be the equivalent of having a sports car body with a lawnmower size engine in the soul. Like a child left to himself, each of us has the potential to be the chief of all sinners if not for the grace of God. Restrictive circumstance and lack of opportunity are the only things that hinder the masses of people on the broad road that leads  to destruction. Being like a horse or mule with no understanding, circumstance and opportunity function like a bit and bridle preventing them from being worse than the otherwise would be. This too is a type of grace from God. The knowledge of sin came through the law, but saving grace is given to us through Jesus Christ. By the blood of Christ are we cleansed from all unrighteousness. Rest, inner peace, freedom from worry, and sweet sleep are among the promises of God to all those who love Him. God has no “too hard to do” category. He is waiting for you to ask BIG and believe consistently. A doubting thought or a faithless feeling are only doorways to unbelief. It isn’t until we step through the door by entertaining the doubting thought or agreeing with the faithless feeling that we enter into the temptation. Do not come  to the Lord with a Christmas list of desired toys to be used for your pleasures though. Set your mind on the things above. Let your first prayer be for a renewed mind so that you can understand God’s will. Real freedom means being free of wrong desires through sanctification by the Spirit and truth. This is where true life begins.

Question

What does it mean to be converted?

Answer

Living in sin is often compared to blindness in the Bible (Proverbs 4:19; Matthew 7:13-14; Matthew 13:15; Romans 6:23). To be converted we must first come to acknowledge, confess, and forsake our sin (John 9:39-41; 1 John 1:8-10; Acts 2:37-39; Romans 6:12-22). We must first come with a childlike attitude willing to believe (Matthew 18:1-3), only then are we able to use our will to be conformed to the Word (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 12:1-2). The spiritual conversion this causes is passing from death in Adam into eternal life in Christ (John 7:37-38; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22; Revelation 22:21).

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

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Our Soul Waits for the Lord

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 33:13-22 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Beginning faith may be little, but it is enough to hold on to the light you have right now until God bestows the gift of faith that brings the full assurance that comes from knowing by personal experience what at first can only be believed. Wait on the Lord. Only the Holy Spirit knows when a soul is ready to be clothed with power from on high. Stop trying to do the work of the Holy Spirit. Stop trying to do things your way, and in your own natural strength. Our activity must be enabled by the God’s power. Every jagged stone of self-reliance must be removed and forsaken to make smooth the way of the Lord. Humble yourself, accept the power that comes from God, wait for the blessing with eager expectation, and this shall be done for you. Throw off every sinful thing that hinders, and ask God in faith for the grace you need. He is our faithful Father, and will provide all to those who submit themselves to His righteousness and His timing.

Question

Does waiting on the Lord mean that we have nothing more to do?

Answer

Waiting on the Lord is to be at peace, while doing nothing is to be asleep (Proverbs 26:14; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Ephesians 5:14; Matthew 5:6; Luke 11:11-13; Matthew 6:33). Waiting on the Lord means to live ready (Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14; Psalm 68:28). Our weakness is the perfect receptor site for the power of Christ (Philippians 3:4-10; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Philippians 4:13). To believe means to refuse to look back, think back, or act back (Luke 17:32; Luke 8:13-14, 12:32; 2 Peter 1:3-11; Hebrews 10:38). The stronger the connecting bond between our weakness and the power of God becomes, the more love compels us to do  (Matthew 5:14; Philippians 2:13; 1 Peter 4:10-11).

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

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord is My Strength

9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.
10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them.
11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.
12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.
13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me.
14 The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.
16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. Psalm 118:9-16 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Choose wisely what you will love. We will be rewarded in this life and beyond accordingly. The Bible states that the love of money is the root of all evil. Better to have a little bread with peace, than a mountain of gold with a constant fearful looking over the shoulder. Love money and it will never love you back. It promises to be the answer for everything, but at its best it is just a covering not a cure. Money provides no saving health for the soul. Better to be strengthen by grace rather than by money, strong drink, or pharmaceuticals. We are made strong and courageous when we get right with God and ask Him to make us so. Have faith in God. He has promised grace to strengthen the inner man of all who come to Christ Jesus. The love of God is the only real harbor of safety that brings long-term peace and wellbeing. 

Question

How do we stay strong as we age?

Answer

The foundation for strengthening the outer man includes weight training, nutrition, and lifestyle (3 John 2; Deuteronomy 33:25; Philippians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 4:4-5). We are more than physical though, the inner man must also be strengthen with wisdom, or we rot from within (Matthew 23:25-27; 1 Timothy 4:8; Proverbs 24:5; Psalm 1:4-6; Ephesians 3:14-21).

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

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

He Shall Keep Me Safe

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Psalm 27:3-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Great is our God, and incredible are His precious promises to all who will believe. We are commanded to ask, seek, and knock. Trust God. Fix your heart with the belief that the Holy Bible is just what it claims to be: the written word of God Almighty. Resist everything that would stir up an evil heart of unbelief within you. Exercise the beginning faith you have by putting away childish things and daily working to see a harvest from the grace of God given to you. Faith in the word of God is the root and feelings are the fruit. Tend to the root and right feelings are sure to come in due time. Our Lord Jesus Christ is faithful and He will finish and perfect your faith. Continue in prayer and don’t give up. When He determines the time is right, you will come to the knowledge of the Lord that surpasses understanding, which is far above all doubts. Then will you enter into the rest of God. Feelings will quite naturally rise and fall like the tide on the sea shore. However, the low water mark of the living water within you will be perfect peace, and the high water mark is as unlimited as the love of God. Love flows freely into joy. Joy comes from glorifying God with gratitude and praise. Now show forth your joy in the Lord to everyone you meet. Look for opportunities to tell them the wonderful difference that knowing Jesus Christ has made in your life. Seek to snatch as many from the fire as will receive the gospel. For all who are willing to hear, receiving one sincere testimony about the goodness of the Lord is like getting kissed on the lips with honey.

Question

How can we be sure we are safe?

Answer

We come to be sure of our salvation only by going all in (Matthew 16:24-26; 2 Peter 1:10-11; Philippians 3:15; Galatians 2:20), and not looking back (Luke 9:61-62; Luke 17:32-33; Genesis 19:15-26). We have assurance by binding our sacrifice to the horns of the altar (Psalm 116:17, 118:27; Hebrews 6:19; Isaiah 12), and keeping it there until the fire of God falls to complete the transaction (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:4-13; 1 Kings 18:30-39; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

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

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Let the Nations Be Glad and Sing for Joy

67 God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.
2 That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him. Psalm 67 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The relief of a simple headache and the resurrection of the dead are both done with equal ease by God. No miracle should ever be thought of as too great for God, and no sin should ever be thought of as permissible for us because it is so small. A miracle is a miracle and a sin is a sin. It is God’s will that we have power from on high, but we must believe God. Truly, there is but one thing needful. Let all be done for the love of God. Fast just for the health benefits, and that is all you will receive. Instead, let the purpose of your fasting be to draw you closer to the true Vine, and our heavenly Vinedresser will prune the spirit, soul, and body just as the fire burned away the rot, fungi, and bugs from the bush before Moses. To abide in the Vine, put away what is foolish and practice all the good you know. It is not head knowledge that saves. It is the heart knowledge that comes from having the gospel of Jesus Christ living within that saves the soul. Be determined to be a doer of the word purely for the love for God.

Question

How do we come to know the Lord Jesus Christ?

Answer

The same way we come to know any person (John 14:8-9; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; James 1:22-25). We learn their likes and dislikes (Proverbs 6:16-23; Galatians 5:19-25). We learn what is important and unimportant to them (John 12:27-32; Mark 8:31-36; John 6:63). We see the content of their character and the quality of their intentions by their conduct (Luke 7:19-23). We come to recognize their voice by its tone and timbre (Matthew 13:16-17; John 10:24-32). In time, we are able to know how they think (John 17:14-21; Jeremiah 29:11-13; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16), and how they are likely to respond in any given situation (John 8:25-29; Matthew 10:24-26; 1 Peter 3:17-18; Matthew 28:18-20).

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

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

God Is King of All the Earth

47 O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
2 For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
3 He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
4 He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
5 God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted. Psalm 47 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Faith is doing your part while trusting God to do His part. Those who live to do well for themselves often say, “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” While those who live to glorify God know for sure, “when God is in it, there is always a way.” Faith must move first, then God moves in answer to faith. As surely as the day follows the night, faith must wait until Christ, the bright morning star, arises in the heart. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the one and only way. He is the Rock that the builders rejected and is now the chief cornerstone. Not happy with the life you’re reaping? If that be the case, it is time to change the thoughts you’ve been sowing. The unwise perish by refusing to humble themselves and admit that God’s way is far better than their own. Right motives will sometimes bring pain, but wrong motives never bring any lasting profit. The righteous will live by faith, and faith must refuse to doubt the Word of God.

Question

What is our part and what is God’s part?

Answer

Our part is to give God first place (1 Corinthians 9:25; Psalm 49:18; Colossians 2:23; Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 3:5-7; Psalm 1:1-4, 10:4). God’s part is to work all things together for good (Psalm 103:13-17; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 3:20-21).

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

Almighty Father who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give me grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that I may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Wise Will Ponder These Things

31 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;
34 A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;
37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.
38 He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
39 Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
40 He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
41 Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.
42 The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
43 Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. Psalm 107:31-43 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Honor your elders whether you think they deserve it or not. Realize that they have been your age before, but you are not guaranteed to ever reach their age. Be wise and learn from them, because even a broken clock is right two times a day. Understand that we all suffer from the same human weaknesses. Feeling good about oneself for God’s blessings is a deadly snare of the enemy. The sinful hook of pride is always baited with sweet sugar plum like feelings. Be quick to repent, and stand guard against falling into the temptation of stealing glory rightfully due to God. Let your light shine, but not so you feel good about yourself, nor to gain the applause of men and admiration of women. Let your light so shine that when others see it, they will glorify your Father in heaven. Let us be thankful and glorify His name. Even a couple of loaves of bread and a few small fish when given fully into the hands of the Lord is made more than enough to do all of the will of God. We, the branches, must remain in the heavenly Vine. This is one of the first principles of the victorious Christian life. 

Question

Does wisdom automatically come with age?

Answer

No, wisdom doesn’t come automatically with age (Ecclesiastes 4:13). Wisdom is found only by those who activity seek her (Proverbs 8:1-17, 9:12; Isaiah 40:28-31). Wisdom is widely associated with the old because of the length of time spent seeking and the seasoning of practical experience from applying (Proverbs 1:1-19, 9:10, 20:29, 23:22; Ephesians 6:2-3; 1 Timothy 6:12-16).

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

Almighty Father who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give me grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that I may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Redeemed By the Lord’s Mercies

103 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
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 103:1-14 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Commitment is a key ingredient for consistency. It takes commitment, not motivation, to get you up out of bed early every morning to praise God, read His word, and workout whether you feel like it or not. Saul, the first king of Israel, provides a good example of a weak commitment that shows itself as soon as his obedience to God became an inconvenience. He was impatient and unwilling to walk by faith. He was rebellious like a stubborn horse or mule. Without the sure mercies of David, there would be many of us just like Saul, who would never be fit for the kingdom of God. Being fit for eternal life is to be led by the Spirit, to trust in God with a firmly fixed belief in His word, and to wait on the Lord for all that is needful. Consistently trusting God in good times as well as bad times honors Him greatly. He alone is worthy of such trust, and He will strengthen you so that you are able to endure whatever He allows to come near you.

Question

What must mercy do for us?

Answer

Mercy must end all of the wrong affections of our heat (Hebrews 3:8-10; Psalm 119:9-12; Matthew 16:24; Psalm 40:8). The heart is the key to living a victorious Christian life that pleases God (1 John 1:9-10; Proverbs 23:26; Romans 8:33-39). “Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might” is both a command and a promise (Ephesians 6:10; Proverbs 4:23). He who did not spare His only begotten Son, but gave Him up for all of us, will certainly save us from the inner corruption produced by wrong desires of the heart (James 1:21; 2 Peter 1:4; Romans 8:31-32; Hebrews 7:25). We can be sure that if we ask for it, the zeal of the Lord will perform it in us (Ezekiel 36:26; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 2:13; Isaiah 9:6-7; 2 Peter 3:17-18).

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

Almighty Father who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give me grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that I may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sing the Glory of Our God

66 Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:
2 Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.
3 Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.
4 All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.
5 Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.
6 He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.
7 He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
9 Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Psalm 66:1-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

True riches can only be held by right desires. He that is content in Christ Jesus right now, will also be content if he gain many things or lose them all. Addition and subtraction both count in the spiritual life as well as the material life. Little progress comes from going to the gym to get stronger when you are unwilling to let go of the bad habits outside of the gym that only feed weakness. Likewise, going to the Cross for forgiveness without accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Master of the whole life hinders the progress of the soul. Jesus Christ is the precious Pearl of Great Price (Matthey 13:45-46). Let the one who can accept this testimony, go and throw away all those worthless things that would cling to the heart. Let our hearts be strengthen by the grace of God, and may we will magnify His name together forever.  

Question

What are true riches?

Answer

Love, peace, and joy are among the best of the riches of this life (Galatians 5:19-23). No amount of money, physical accomplishments, or material possessions will make up for the absence of love, peace, and joy (Psalm 39:6; 2 Timothy 3:1-7). Money, fame, and fortune can be made to hide the lack, but to believe they have power to keep the soul is to deceive oneself (Psalm 33:16-17; Proverbs 23:5; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Having such things isn’t good or bad, it is why you want them and what you do with them that makes it so (Luke 16:10-13; James 4:1-4). Never forget the Westminster Shorter Catechism rightly states that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (Revelation 3:11-13, 4:1-11, 7:9-12). Here is where true riches for this life and eternity are to be found (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 21:7-8, 22:17-21).

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

Almighty Father who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give me grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that I may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.