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.

Standing Before God

24 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Psalm 24:1-6 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Many are called. Few are chosen. The chosen are those who faithfully pursue their calling from beginning to end. Any worthwhile goal is hard in the beginning, tough in the middle, and sweet in the end. We are not called to do what we can do with our natural strength alone. The wise understand this and do not turn back when the seed is still germinating unseen beneath the ground, nor stop watering just because there is no discernable growth in the young tender plant. Depending on the grace of God is the most excellent way of living. Much more joy is to be found in having faith in God then in obtaining all other possible lifetime achievements apart from His grace. Blessed is the one who comes to know that it is only by grace that we can stand before the living God, the almighty maker of heaven and earth.

Question

What is the difference between a job and a calling?

Answer

A job is work done only for money and material benefits (Luke 12:15-21; Psalm 49:18-20; Psalm 62:10-12). A calling is work done for God (John 6:27-30; Revelation 17:14; Matthew 22:14; Isaiah 7:9-14). Believe and go to work (Psalm 55:22; Philippians 2: 13-16; 1 Peter 5:10-11).

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.

Your Word Gives Me Peace

49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.
53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law.
56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts. Psalm 119:49-56 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

It can be hard to maintain your chilly in a world full of people who are like pots ready to boil over. Turn all, hear the good news….Jesus Christ our Lord lives, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Faith in God is the secret ingredient for peace in this life. Cast your worries upon the Lord because He cares for you, and He will keep you in perfect peace. What is it that ails you? Pray and ask for whatever it is that mercy must do for you. Utterly refuse to doubt the goodness of God, and according to your faith will it be done to you. This is the rule and the only limit. 

Question

How do we find peace in this crazy mixed up world?

Answer

Firstly, think it not strange that you are ill at ease when out and about in this sinful world (Jeremiah 4:14; 1 Peter 4:12-19; Hebrews 13:5-14). Secondly, let the disturbing of your inner peace be the que to re-focus your thoughts on being strong in the Lord and the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10; Ephesians 6:16-17; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Philippians 3:7-10; 2 Chronicles 20:15). And thirdly, remember the key to perfect peace is to fix your mind on God (Hebrews 12:1-2; Isaiah 26:3; Hebrews 13:20-21).

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.

Ye are Blessed of the Lord

9 O Israel, trust thou in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.
11 Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.
12 The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
13 He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great.
14 The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children.
15 Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth.
16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
17 The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.
18 But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord. Psalm 115:9-18 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

A better tomorrow is paid for with today’s activities. The past doesn’t determine the future, it merely sets the current conditions. Redeem the time. Profitable work can only be done today, in the now. No one should try to work all the time, neither should all our free time be used only for play. Mental and physical batteries will need re-charging from time to time. A nap is better at doing this than are many other mindless activities like watching TV or scrolling through endless social media streams. Rest when you must, but afterward do not allow yourself to be idle. Lazy rests when it is not tired. When you step into a pile of lazy, be quick to scrape it off. It is much more profitable to spend a few minutes taking care of a necessary mundane task while singing praises to the Lord in your heart, than it is to sit around doing nothing. It is not for us to know when Jesus Christ will come again, but don’t let Him catch you with your work undone.  

Question

What is the sacrifice of praise?

Answer

When Ziglag is burned, when we are tired and weary, or whenever the tide of our feelings drops to the low watermark, only then can we offer the sacrifice of praise by encouraging ourselves in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:1-6; Psalm 42:5-11). The goodness of the Lord is like the mid-day sun, it doesn’t stop shinning just because the sky becomes cloudy, the wind starts blowing and down comes the rain (Exodus 17:1-7; Hebrews 3:7-19). It is easy to praise when all is bright, but sending up praise and thanksgiving in the mist of heaviness gives even more glory to God (Psalm 92:1-2; Hebrews 13:15; Matthew 5:45; Ephesians 3:14-21). 

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.

God Is Our Guide Forever

1 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
9 We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
10 According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
11 Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:1, 9-14 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Miracles, signs, and wonders are not enough to make a believer. The Israelites who perished in the wilderness are proof of this truth for all who are humble enough to acknowledge that we who live today are no better than them. It is by faith that we obtain a good report just as all the saints that came before us did. The secret of a good report is in maintaining the belief that He who has promised is faithful despite what the eyes may see or heart may feel is true based off our own understanding. God has shown us His love and faithfulness in many ways too numerous to count. The greatest proof of God’s love was sending His only begotten Son to die for us on the Cross. By faith our Lord Jesus Christ now dwells in our hearts. By faith we are taken up into the love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Wait on the Lord with the faith you have now, and more shall be given to you. Wait on the Lord with the eager expectation that He will reveal the fullness of Christ in you. By faith seek until you find, knock until it is opened, and ask until you receive. He who promised is the only one who is forever faithful. Wait on the Lord until the assurance of faith comes from God as a witness within your soul. It will surely come when God determines it is the proper time. Then you shall know as surely as you know the back of your hand that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord. It is good to praise the Lord for His lovingkindness in the morning and His faithfulness every night! Rejoice now and look forward to testifying of the complete salvation that is found only in Christ Jesus.

Question

There are many persuasive voices in this world pointing out this way and that. How can we know the true way?

Answer

God has made the way simple and plain (1 John 1:9-10; John 3:19-21; John 14:1-9), narrow and straight (Hebrews 11:24-27; Romans 1:20-23; Acts 17:16-33; 1 Corinthians 14:10-12). Those who listen to the queen of idolatries will be lost (Revelation 2:18-29; Galatians 6:7; Isaiah 3:9-11; Psalm 32:9), and those who listen to the witness of the good reports that point out the true way, will find it (Hebrews 11:4, 11; Romans 15:4; Psalm 119:9; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 5:6-11).

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

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Heritage of the Righteous

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.
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
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. Psalm 37:23-29, 34-39 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

God has worms for every bird, but there comes the time when each little eaglet must grow up and leave the nest. The baby in the natural world that fails to grow would be considered strange and abnormal. So too should the Christiaan, which fails to grow up and thrive in his salvation, is to be considered strange and abnormal. The baby bird only has to open its mouth, but we are not to stay spiritual babies forever. The rule in the kingdom of God is this: if a man will not work, neither shall he eat. And if a man does not eat, he will not grow. Drink deeply from the pure spiritual milk of the word of God, store its truth in your heart, and grow. For this is God’s will for all of us whom He has called to eternal life in Christ Jesus.

Question

If all is by faith, what place has works?

Answer

It is only by faith in Jesus Christ that we are made righteous (1Corinthians 1:30-31). From first to last, all is of the grace of God (Deuteronomy 32:11; Psalm 81:10; Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 17:3; Acts 4:12). It is equally true that the righteous in Christ Jesus do good works because they are righteous (2 Corinthians 5:14-21). Not to earn righteousness (2 Corinthians 3: 5-6; Ephesians 2:8-9), but to show forth the fruits of righteousness (Matthew 3:8-10; Galatians 5:19-23; Mark 4:20). The full assurance of faith produces good works done with fear and trembling (Hebrews 19:24; James 2:14-18; Philippians 2:12-16). When we are fully sanctified by the Spirit and truth (2 Thessalonians 2:13), then will the words of our mouth and the mediations of our heart be pleasing to God (Isaiah 40:31; 1 Peter 2:2; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 19:14). Thus, having been made fully mature in Christ Jesus (James 1:3-4), all we are and do will glorify God (Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 3:20-21). 

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Truly My Soul Finds Rest in God Alone

62 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.
4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:1-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

To live out the gospel in the world, we must first be diligent about allowing the gospel to live within us. Weak thoughts don’t build strong bodies, nor do wrong thoughts produce right actions. From the Lord comes wisdom, strength, and every good gift. Hear us when we cry O Lord, for apart from thee we have no good thing. Accept the perfect love of our heavenly Father with child-like trust. Without the love of God in our hearts, we are weighed in the balances and found to be less than nothing. Sin cannot be overcome by self-will. Sin can only be conquered with the Cross. By faith we are dead to sin and made alive to God through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Times of testing must come, yet God is. Learn to rest in this unchangeable fact. In the mist of everything, always and forever, God is all knowing, all powerful, and all good. And He does not change. Be still and know that our God reigns.

Question

What are we to do if we don’t feel like a sweet psalmist of Israel?

Answer

Feelings are like the tide in that they both are sometimes high and sometimes low. Our hope must not be anchored to the good feelings of high tide, or else our hope will also fall with the bad feelings of low tide. Rather than what we feel or see, we are commanded to anchor our hope steadfastly to faith in God (Mark 11:22; Hebrews 10:38; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13). Good feelings are sure to come, but they should never be made necessary for faith (1 Peter 1:7). Tough times and bad feelings are sure to come as well (James 1:2-4). We are to bear them without complaining (Philippians 2:14-16). Understand, and let the seas roar however they will (Hebrews 11:1-3, 6). High tide, low tide, it matters not (2 Corinthians 5:7).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Bless the Lord, O My Soul

15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21 Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22 Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul. Psalm 103:15-22 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Since we come to feel in accordance with the thoughts that dominate our minds, we must diligently choose what thoughts we accept and what we are to reject in order to obey the command of God to guard our heart. Perfect peace is promised to those whose minds dwell on God. Delight in meditating upon His word. Lifting up your heart to God with a little remembrance and adoration throughout the day is like precious ointment upon the head with the soothing hope of salvation that runs down to sustain the breastplate of faith and love. Give all to Jesus Christ and take no part back. Know that after having done this, any persuasion to do for self comes not from the one who has called you to salvation. Ask God to establish you as a called, chosen, and faithful disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ. Believe that you are as soon as you have requested this in prayer, because He has promised it. Now come what may, stand firm by refusing every thought that doubts it. 

Question

What does it mean to meditate on the Word?

Answer

To think, to ponder, to consider so that we may learn to apply (Psalm 119:101; Psalm 1). The more we do this, the more we are transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). If we neglect meditating on the Word (Proverbs 10:5), the vacuum will be filled with all the things that God hates by the distractions and entertainments of our modern world (Proverbs 6:16-19). Turn off the TV, put down the smart phone, and instead choose one or two verses of Scripture to savor (Genesis 24:63; Psalm 46:10, 57:5). This is how God fulfills the new covenant by putting His law into the mind and writing them on the heart (Hebrews 8:7-12). The more we practice meditating on the Word, the more vanities lose  their power to appeal (Psalm 119:103, 9, 99). Persist and take no backward step (Luke 11:5-13). There will come a day when your heart will say with great joy, “my Lord and my God” (John 20:26-31; Philippians 2:13, 1 Peter 5:10-11).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

God is All Knowing, All Powerful, and All Good

139 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:1-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Exercise the grace of faith by waiting on the Lord with eager expectation for His fulfillment of His precious promises. Hunger and thirst to have Christ live in your heart. Stop wrestling with the Lord and go to work resisting the devil by faith putting on the whole armor of God. Lift up your heart to the Lord and seek the light of His countenance in all things. Then ask God for what you need. He will knock flat the walls that hinder you, cleanse your heart and mind from destructive thoughts, and be your strength and shield. Ask, and let the thoughts of your mind, the words of your mouth, and the meditation of your heart be pleasing to God. Ask, and believe that He will fulfill your request because of His righteous character revealed in your heart, which produces in you the obedience of faith to His everlasting Word. We may sometimes lack comfort and ease, but the one who has the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit already has the highest possible good there ever has been, is now, and will ever be.

Question

What is strength?

Answer

Strength is the ability to do and re-do as necessary (Isaiah 40:30-31). Rely on your own strength, and the Lord has warned us that it must eventually fail (Proverbs 24:10; Matthew 7:24-29; Proverbs 20:27-29, 18:14). Rely on your own strength, and that is all you will have (Isaiah 50:10-11). Deny self, pick up your cross, and follow Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:25). Do not be like the horse or mule that have no understanding (Psalm 32:8-9). Make the joy of the Lord your strength (Philippians 3:13-15) and do all for the glory of God (Nehemiah 8:10; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer