The Eyes of the Lord areUpon Us

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

The whole world has become like Sodom and Gomorrah in chasing after vain pleasure and ignoring God (Genesis 19:4-11, 14-16, 24-26). Let the saints be set to prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-8). Workout and eat for strength, but know it is God who grants the growth (Hebrews 13:9). Therefore, to God belongs the glory (Ecclesiastes 3:10-15). It takes wisdom to understand that even our lifting and our eating is made possible only by the grace of God (Psalm 104:14-15, 18:28-36). Reverence and awe is due the God of our salvation (Isaiah 53:1; Exodus 15:11-21). Those who are far from our Lord Jesus Christ will perish (Matthew 7:21-23), but the love of God is the door of grace opened to those who love Him (John 10:27-28).

Question

What hinders us from hearing the voice of the Lord?

Answer

Three things hinder the promise/command in verse 27 above:

1. Fear of Man: “My sheep hear my voice” — what will people say if this becomes true of me? Such fear is a hidden cloak for selfish pride (John 5:44). Repent (1 John 1:9), accept your weakness, affirm your reliance on the Lord, and He will make you strong  (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; 2 Timothy 1:7). Just because some people who hear voices are clinically crazy, doesn’t mean that we should shy away from such a life changing opportunity to know our Lord (Luke 11:11-13).
2. Incomplete faith: “I know them” – for two people to get to know each other, the two must spend time together (John 14:9). To say you know someone, means that you can describe his or her character, that you know their likes and dislikes, that you can reasonability predict what they will and will not do. God has given us His golden record by which we may come to know Him in the same way. It’s called the Holy Bible (2 Peter 1:16-21). Become like a child who completely trusts his loving parent (Matthew 18:1-4), and ask (Luke 11:9-10).
3. Incomplete sanctification: “they follow me” – the will of the Father and obedience to Christ are one and the same (John 14:21). Faith is the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1-3) and willing obedience to God is evidence of our love for Him (John 14:22-24; Hebrews 13:12-14, 20-25).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and everlasting God, grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

The Lord Will Fulfill His Purpose For Me

138 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. Psalm 138 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The Lord is risen (Matthew 28:1-8)! God has made known to us the ways of life and filled us full of joy in His presence (2 Peter 1:3-13; Proverbs 2:3-6). Don’t waste your time and money chasing after magic beans (Proverbs 13:11). Eyes on the prize, shoulder to the wheel, hands on the plow, and work for the harvest (Matthew 9:35-38; John 6:28-29). Count your blessings by starting with what you have been taking for granted (Psalm 115:1). Consider to glorify God as the purpose of your multitude of blessings (Psalm 50:23). To do otherwise would be to steal the glory rightful due to the Lord (Isaiah 42:8-10; 1 Corinthians 4:7, 3:6-7). God forbid that we be like the unprofitable servant (Matthew 25:14-30), or an unfaithful steward, for the day will surely come when we will be called to account for our stewardship of all that God has given us in this life (Luke 16:1-2, 10-12). Life has no higher bliss than to do God’s will and glorify Him forever (Revelation 4:8-11). In the space of as little as 100 years, all besides will be proven to be plain vanity (Psalm 90:12; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Bless the Lord while it is today (Hebrews 13:15), and may all things praise His holy name (Psalm 115:1, 96:9-11,103:19-22, 107:2-8, 118:24).

Question

What’s love got to do with it?

Answer

Only this: that love cannot be forced, or it is no longer love (Matthew 23:37). Love has to be a free choice (Leviticus 19:5; Matthew 22:1-14). We get only this life to get it right (Psalm 32:9). The choice we make here on earth will be the same one we carry into eternity (Revelation 22:11-12, 17, 20-21).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and everlasting God, grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

The Heavens Proclaim His Righteousness

1 The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.
3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.
4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.
5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. Psalm 50:1-6 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Thinking of quitting? It happens to us all from time to time. Take a deep breath. Inhale slowly, and exhale even slower. Be still and remember your God (Psalm 46:10). Life is full of a multitude of things, events, and people that frustrate and vex us (Ecclesiastes 1:14-15; 1 Corinthians 13:10-13) , but what God permits for us is ordained as part of our curriculum designed to increase our godliness and patience (Psalm 62:11; Matthew 28:18; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 1 Peter 5:6-9; Galatians 6:9; Matthew 28:19-20). Now take this command: “Forward…March!” Rather than praying for relief, pray for the strength to endure (James 1:2-4; Nehemiah 8:10; Proverbs 24:10). God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted or afflicted with more than you can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13-14). Praise Him for His wonderful goodness and endure (Psalm 92:1-2; Hebrews 10:36; 1 Peter 5:10-11).

Question

If God be for us, who or what can stand against us?

Answer

Absolutely nothing, no one, no way (Romans 8:31-39; John 6:27-29; Ephesians 3:14-21)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and everlasting God, grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Rest In These Days of Trouble

9  He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?
11 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law;
13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
14 For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
15 But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it. Psalm 94:9-15 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Sacrifice a little free time to maintain your body or you will eventually be forced to spend all your wealth trying to re-gain some of your heath (Proverbs 6:6-11). Good health is desirable, but not our chief aim (Romans 8:6). The abundant life comes from doing the will of God (John 10:10, 8:29, 13:15; Matthew 7:21-23), and depends more on love and having the indwelling Spirit of Christ than on anything else (John 6:48-51). Physical strength, beautiful form, and worldly wealth without Jesus Christ will never ever be nearly enough (John 14:6; Psalm 22:29). No matter how great our physical attributes and possessions may be, without Christ all is vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:10). With Christ, on the other hand, even a little is more than enough (John 6:8-14). Having eternal life by the mercy of God means the best is yet to come (1 Corinthians 2:9). Lift up you heart and the King of Glory will come in (Revelation 3:20; Psalm 24:7-10).

Question

How do we obtain the fullness of life in Christ?

Answer

Everything in the spiritual life in Christ is by faith (Romans 1:16-17). To wait on the Lord is to keep believing based on the knowledge of God (Malachi 3:1; Habakkuk 2:3; Psalm 27:14; 1 Peter 1:3-11). To wait on seeing or feeling before believing, disconnects our faith from its power source (Hebrews 11:6). Unbelief is the great spiritual non-conductor (Exodus 17:7; Hebrews 3:7-19; Matthew 17:19-20). Allowing even intermittent doubting creates a wave of the sea-like experience of being tossed back and forth by the wind (James 1:5-6). Make the decision (James 1:8; Joshua 24:15), pray for deliverance (Mark 9:23-24), and joyfully reckon it done (Philippians 4:4-7; Mark 11:23-24). Be clear about this, only faith can overcome unbelief (Hebrews 11:33-40; Colossians 1:26-27).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and everlasting God, grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

The Lord Keeps Us Safe Forever

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.
30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. Psalm 37:23-31 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

No longer do we workout to please self (John 6:63). The physical exercise we now do (1 Corinthians 6:13; Luke 19:31), we do for the love of God (1 Timothy 4:8). We workout in order to honor and please the living God who loves us (1 Corinthians 10:30-31). The motive is everything (1 Corinthians 13:1-7). Nothing is hidden that shall not be revealed (Luke 12:2-3), and that which is good has no fear of being known (Hebrews 4:12-13; John 3:19-21). The hypocritic does one thing to be seen by others, yet in secret does quite another (Matthew 23:14). Such people have no fear of God before their eyes (Psalm 50:17-23), therefore they only wax worse and worse (Matthew 24: 12). Come out from among them (1 Corinthians 15:33-34; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18), depart from the foolish who steadfastly oppose themselves (Proverbs 14:7). Flee hypocrisy (Luke 12:1) and guard your heart against having an evil eye that is quick to condemn others (Matthew 7:1-5). Everybody makes mistakes (James 3:2). Correct mistakes whenever you have the power to do so, minimize the damage when you can’t, and be ready to avoid making the same mistakes in the future (Luke 19:1-9). In essence, the Lord Jesus Christ our master has taught us to be quick to repent, quick to forgive from the heart, and steadfastly move forward in hope, faith, and love (1 Peter 3:10-12; Proverbs 28:13, 24:16). 

Question

Why do some think that nice guys finish last?

Answer

Only the short-sighted whose portion is in this world believe this (Psalm 17:10-15). They think it is smart to lie, cheat, and steal to get ahead (Philippians 3:18-19; 1 Timothy 6:6-7). Playing by the rules will sometimes mean you don’t win the perishable prize, but justice will surely have it’s day (Psalm 82:8; Matthew 19:30; Revelation 22:12-21).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread; Open the eyes of my faith, that I may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Abide on the Holy Hill of the Lord

15 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. Psalm 15 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Vanity of vanities (Ecclesiastes 1:2) is the pursuit of happiness apart from the pursuit of God (Psalm 119:9; Philippians 3:7-15).  It is normal to want a long life filled with good health and much happiness (Jeremiah 17:7-8). It’s just that without being built on truth (Isaiah 28:9-10), there can be no lasting happiness (Psalm 49:11-12). Things and circumstances can make one happy (Ecclesiastes 10:19), but without the removal of the evil desires of the heart (Matthew 15:19), happiness wilts as surely as any cut flower (Matthew 13:6). The key to lasting happiness is trusting the Lord (Proverbs 16:20). Not living to do our own thing (Proverbs 14:12-13), for that is the broad way that leads only to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). Rather live to do the will of God and thereby overcome the evil of this present age by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (James 1:21). 

Question

Why does a happy life take more than lots of money, being pretty, or having a big butt and strong muscles?

Answer

No matter how nice the external things of this life are that we possess, sooner or later the true character of the heart will rise to totally eclipse all (Proverbs 9:13-18; Proverbs 30:20; Proverbs 6:25; Proverbs 23:1-8; Proverbs 4:13-27).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread; Open the eyes of my faith, that I may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Bless Are All Those Who Run to the Lord

2 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,
3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Psalm 2 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

It is easy for the things of this world to consume too much of our attention (Matthew 6:30-34). Struggling to keep our heads above water seems like the normal life for many of us. We rush around putting out one fire after another, chasing our own tails, and racing other rats in a world that is becoming more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous every day (2 Timothy 3:1-7). Who will save us from ourselves? There is but one who can speak to condition of the weary soul (Romans 7:24), and that is the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; Matthew 11:27-30; Romans 8:1-5). Christ conquers all through love (Romans 5:2-8). It is through faith and patience that we take hold of all of the promises of God (Galatians 6:9). No issue that stands against us could ever be bigger than God (Job 1:9-10; Isaiah 59:19). This is why if Jesus Christ sets you free, you are free indeed (John 8:31-36). Being born again has made us free to participate in the divine nature by living His word from our hearts, in our thoughts, and with our deeds (2 Peter 1:3-11). We do not seek God just for His gifts and blessings (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Our love for God causes us to want to please Him, and this is possible only because He first loved us (1 John 4:19; Isaiah 52:7). Our God reigns! Be eager to follow what is good and there shall be nothing to harm you (1 Peter 4:15-19).

Question

How do we come to love Jesus Christ when we cannot see Him?

Answer

The same way we come to love anyone we can see (Psalm 27:8). Spend time in the Holy Bible to get to know Him—what He is like—what He likes and dislikes (Romans 10:1-11). Take His word into prayer and listen for His voice (John 10:27-28). Decide you want to love Him and offer Him your heart (Proverbs 23:26; Psalm 18:1-3; James 5:7-8). You can be sure that He has been patiently waiting for you to do this (Hebrews 6:7-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; Matthew 22:36-38). 

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread; Open the eyes of my faith, that I may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Bless Our God, O Peoples

5 Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.
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 66:5, 7-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Believe the gospel and step out onto it in faith (2 Corinthians 4:18). Salvation through Jesus Christ is a spiritual transaction with God (Colossians 1:9-17). There are some who testify of having supernatural feelings, sensations, and sights, but these are NOT what make spiritual transactions with God real. Spiritual transactions are real when they are based on the word of God and signed by our faith (Hebrews 11:1-3). God has given us His word as a testimony of what is true eternal reality (John 17:17; Psalm 29:1-4; Matthew 5:18). What God has said is more real than the hand in front of your face (Ecclesiastes 8:4). Some will say, “if God would only speak to me from a burning bush (Exodus 3:1-6), or hit me with a great light brighter than the sun (Acts 9:3-7), then I would believe.” Sure you would, but then there would be no place for faith (Hebrews 11:6). Everything that can be seen or felt doesn’t require any faith. Believing what you cannot see or feel does require faith, and the Bible clearly states that everything in the spiritual life is to be by faith from first to last (Romans 1:17). Be it to be saved, or sanctified, or filled with the Spirit, you must absolutely NOT wait to feel it before you believe it to be true for you (2 Corinthians 5:7). Ask in faith and reckon it done without waiting for confirmation from what you see or feel (Jonah 2). The working out of our own salvation comes from entering into the rest of God by faith (Philippians 2:12, Hebrews 4:9-12). When you are courageous enough to get out of the boat to walk on the water (Matthew 14:28-29), fix your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 11:24-27), and not the wind nor the waves (Matthew 14:30-32). He who called you is faithful (Revelation 19:11). Have faith in God and abide in His word (Psalm 92:1-2). Trust the Lord, submit all your ways to Him (Proverbs 3:5-7), reckon it done (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), and He will keep you in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).

Question

How do we receive the promises of God?

Answer

Three steps:

1. Get right with God (1 John 1:9-10).
2. Ask with right motives (James 4:1-4; Romans 12:1-2; James 4:7-10).
3. Reckon it done before seeing or feeling (1 John 5:14-15) and fight the good fight of faith (James 1:2-5; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Hebrews 10:36; 1 Peter 1:6-7).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread; Open the eyes of my faith, that I may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

My Soul Longs for You, O Lord 

1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:1-7, 11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Focus on doing what you can with what you have, and what you can’t do or don’t have will become less and less important (Proverbs 20:4; Ecclesiastes 11:4; 1 Samuel 14:6-7) Great is our God! There are second chances with our God, but it is foolish to take the grace of God in vain (Proverbs 27:11-12; Romans 2:4-11). Be wise (2 Corinthians 5:10). Time to get rid of everything that hinders (Colossians 3:1-3). The love and faithfulness of God will certainly establish each of us in Christ Jesus if we willingly choose it (Philippians 2:13). Our Lord Jesus Christ lives (John 20:24-31), and blessed be our Rock (Hebrews 13:8). Let the God of our salvation be exalted and all that is within us praise His holy name (Psalm 103:1-5). Truly, to know our Lord Jesus Christ is what is best in life (Philippians 3:7-14). To receive the Spirt of Christ is so essential that God has made it a command, not a suggestion (John 20:19-22). Let no one deceive you: if you ask, you will receive (Matthew 7:7-8). This you must believe or forsake your own mercy by inadvertently calling God a liar (Luke 11:11-13). 

Question

How can we have a beautiful life?

Answer

A beautiful life requires one thing, and that’s a beautiful heart (Proverbs 27:19; Proverbs 12:10; 1 Samuel 16:6-7; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Peter 3:3-4). A beautiful heart requires love, faith, and hope (Romans 5:1-5). The life in Christ Jesus has all these things and more (1 Corinthians 1:20-31).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread; Open the eyes of my faith, that I may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

The Lord is a Shield About Me 

1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. Psalm 3:1-5 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

There is a high place where the spiritual life become easier (Matthew 22:36-39). The cruising altitude of a commercial aircraft is a good earthly example. Typical cruising altitude is 35,000 feet above sea level where the thinner air produces less resistance and turbulence. That means cruising altitude requires less fuel and provides a smoother ride. The cruising altitude for the spiritual life has been identified by the Westminster Shorter Catechism as the chief end of man. According to the saints at Westminster, the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (Revelation 4:4-11; Psalm 147:1). Obtaining to this chief end of man now in this life is to live at a spiritual cruising altitude. It requires much speed, power, and fuel for a plane to break through the lower altitudes as every frequent flier knows. So too does it require much faith, love, and hope to rise spiritually (Proverbs 26:10-12; Proverbs 23:4; John 6:27-35). We must set our hearts on the desire to endure until we reach the higher life (Titus 2:11-12; James 5:7). Spiritual cruising altitude only comes after rising up from the low lands and traveling through the mist covered valleys filled with trials, temptations, and tribulations (2 Timothy 3:12; Revelation 2:10). See to it that you don’t give up before you get there (Hebrews 10:36-40). Simply abide in our heavenly Vine (Matthew 11:28-30) and God will sanctify you completely (1 Peter 5:6-10).

Question

How do we rise spiritually?

Answer

Be kind and helpful (1 Thessalonians 5: 14-15) keeping the fear of God always before our eyes because it is never hard to do what we love (Numbers 21:5-9; John 3:14-16; Hebrews 12:1-3). Joyfully pray for God to sanctify and keep your whole spirit, soul, and body blameless for this life and forever (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; 1 Peter 5:11).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread; Open the eyes of my faith, that I may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer