Bring Me to Your Holy Mountain 

3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 43:3-5 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The nearsighted hangout on the same street corners, talking the same folly year after year, chasing the same vain pleasures until the day they die. Delusion causes them to think they will be happier tomorrow when they haven’t learned the secret of being content today. You must come out from among them. It is impossible to soar with the eagles if you refuse to stop pecking around with the chickens. While straining and pressing forward to walk in your calling from God, pray for contentment regardless of any and every state you may come to in the present. He will never leave nor forsake us. By His grace, the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Question

Does an easy life mean we can float up to heaven on flowery beds of comfort?

Answer

Not at all (Hebrews 11:32-40). Easy for this life comes from believing the truth (Romans 10:16-17), and the simplicity of faith (Acts 17:16-34),  not comfort and ease (Proverbs 21:17; Ecclesiastes 4:6, 12:13-14).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep me both outwardly in my body and inwardly in my soul, that I may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

O God of Our Salvation 

1 Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.
2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.
3 Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.
4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
5 By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:
6 Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:
7 Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.
8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.
9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. Psalm 65:1-9 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Happiness comes from trusting the Lord for good works. Commit the preparation of your heart and the strengthening of your hands to the Lord. Set your mind on heavenly things. Press forward with a childlike faith to know the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Don’t anchor your consistency to feelings which change like the wind. The time will surely come when the wind is contrary. Be ready to put out the oars when necessary and go to work. The Lord is faithful and infinitely bigger than any difficulty that can ever come against us. There is great joy in walking in the truth of the Word. Be willing to love. Choose faith. Live in the light. Walk in the Spirit. This is the will of God for all called to be in Christ Jesus.

Question

How do we get His love (John 15:9-10), His peace (John 14:27), His faith (Galatians 2:20), and His joy (John 17:13)? 

Answer

Having His word abiding in us as we live in Him (John 15:1-11), and in time we will mature to bear His fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25). 

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep me both outwardly in my body and inwardly in my soul, that I may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Trust in the Lord 

13 For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
14 But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.
15 My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
16 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.
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. Psalm 31:13-16, 19-21 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

God speaks. The hour will come when all will hear. However, right now He has given us the choice to obey or ignore His voice. Some don’t hear God because they don’t believe He will speak to them. Others don’t hear God because they fear being thought of as crazy. Still others don’t hear from God because they don’t want to hear what He has to say to them. A personal word from God would likely be too hard to hear for the soul who doesn’t already love the written word of God. The written word of God is the seed that when sown in the heart is able to save the soul. The roots must first be strengthened, and then the leaves and buds come before the fruit. Even though much of the growth you won’t see, keep working for the eternal gains to which you have been called in Christ Jesus. We persevere in strength, courage, and the assurance of faith because Almighty God, who has commanded us to be so, is forever faithful.

Question

Why is trust in the Lord so important?

Answer

Because the wheat that doesn’t trust the Lord will never fall into the ground to be made fruitful. The soul that lacks trust in the Lord, will never consent to be sown (John 12: 20-26). 

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep me both outwardly in my body and inwardly in my soul, that I may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Who Is Like the Lord Our God 

5 Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high,
6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
8 That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 113:5-9 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Living physical forms without flaws are in a tasteless state void of the seasoning of time. Accept your flaws, imperfections, and wrinkles as given by God to create your individually unique flavor. You should know that what makes you beautiful has more to do with the inside than it does with your mere physical appearance. You are a one of a kind original made by the hands of God and set apart for His purpose. Turn from all the tail chasing vanities of the world. Physical flawlessness is not to be desired. Even the physical beauty of youth fads quickly if there is nothing more substantial underneath. As St. Augustine pointed out long ago, our hearts will always be restless until we find rest in God alone. Many are called by God, but only those who are willing to be obedient to His decrees are chosen. The Burger Cains of the world, who want to have it their way, are on the board path that leads to destruction. It is God that initiates, establishes, perfects, and maintains our love for Him from the first to the last on the narrow path. Our part is to submit to the Spirit of Christ within us, lift up our hearts and say, “Abba Father, Thy will be done.” Stop looking for meaning and purpose in any other place or thing, and you are sure to come to the knowledge of God and the fulness of joy in Christ Jesus.

Question

Don’t we have the right to choose how we live and the freedom to pursue whatever makes us happy?

Answer

Yes, but here is the truth the serpent hid from our first parents: Along with the knowledge of good and evil, comes the responsibility to choose the good. Along with this responsibility, comes accountability for whatsoever is chosen. There is no freedom without choice, no responsibility without accountability, and no changing of the law just because you don’t like it. 

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep me both outwardly in my body and inwardly in my soul, that I may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Sing Praises to God Our King

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

What do you do when you wake up feeling like an ugly duckling still in the shell? Remember that feelings are vain and faith creates reality, so get to pecking. That’s what to do. Just as the Israelites in the desert had to lift their gaze off the snake bites and onto the bronze serpent, so do we need to lift our gaze off what is troubling us and onto our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our all sufficient loving Savior, whose name is above every name, and in whose hands are all power and authority on earth and in heaven. Despite any feelings, regardless of the circumstances, we are commanded by the written word of God to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Pharaoh commanded the Israelites to make bricks even while denying them the materials they needed to obey his command. Be fully convinced of the truth that God is righteous and always abundantly supplies the means to accomplish what He commands of us. It doesn’t depend on your strength or your will power. That would be to fall into the trap of trying to do the work of God in the power of the flesh rather than in the power of the Spirit. Deny self if you would know the power of God. The flesh and the Spirit are not compatible. To hold onto one, you must choose to let go of the other. Though the enemy will try to convince you otherwise, it is so easy a child can do it. Only believe. “Have faith in God” is the one command that unlocks all the promises of God. 

Question

Money problems, family problems, health problems, and many more heavy and grievous burdens there are for us to bare in this world. How many of such burdens are Christians to struggle underneath?

Answer

Not a single one! Remember the command of our Lord Jesus Christ who beacons all who are weary under heavy burdens to come take His yoke upon you (Matthew 11:28-30). Give your burdens to Him and He will give you rest (1 Peter 5:6-10). We only need concern ourselves with doing the best we can with each present moment, and in faith release all future results to be determined by the Lord (Matthew 6:25-34). 

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep me both outwardly in my body and inwardly in my soul, that I may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

God Is the Restorer Of My Soul

1 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
2 Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
5 For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.
6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee. Psalm 71:1-6 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Complaining only helps the enemy of our soul to feed us discouragement. Submit to God and resist the devil. Be filled with the Spirit, the God of all comfort, and take courage. Remember our God rules. Blessings come in two forms: those that are inherently good and those that are inherently bad. Like any loving parent, God only permits what is best for us at any given moment. If good fortune and pleasure is best for us, than God is sure to grant it. If at any particular point pain and suffering is best for us however, God will allow it. Here is the Word for complete assurance in accepting the sweet and the bitter from the hand of God—God works all things together for good for those who love the Him (Romans 8:28). Move to praise and step up to thanksgiving.  Encouraged yourself in the Lord as  David did when everyone and all the world turned against him (see 1 Samuel 30). The words we speak to ourselves and others may not break bones, but they can cause hurt to the soul just the same as sticks and stones hurt the body. Our words can also be used like a healing balm or soothing ointment. Choose to be obedient to the Word of God. By the faith of Jesus Christ we can always praise, give thanks, and rejoice in the goodness of our God. Bearing this fruit in good times and bad glorifies our Father in heaven.

Question

Why do bad things sometimes happen to good people, and good things often happen to bad people?

Answer

All the world groans waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. In the meantime, the righteous may fall seven times, yet rise again each time. Not so with the wicked, shackled with sin, they fall and perish forever.

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring us again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

In the Roll of the Book It Is Written Concerning Me

6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. Psalm 40:6-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

God provides the willing heart with the grace to do all that He commands. He who did not spare His only Begotten Son, will surely grant the necessary mercy to all who ask for a heart that willingly loves Him. Let not your soul be troubled, neither let it be afraid. The Word of God is the ultimate power everywhere from everlasting to everlasting. By grace we are saved through faith. Believe first, and then keep the words of Jesus Christ until love brings the full assurance that comes from knowing God. Hope that is not rooted in our Lord Jesus Christ is vain. To wait on the Lord means to hold on by faith alone, through the weeping of the night, until He sends the joy that comes in the morning. Even in ordinary human relationships, it’s an easy thing to believe a promise when you know the one who has promised is trustworthy. The Triune God is infinitely more trustworthy than all the most honorable of men combined. Give no place to the devil by entertaining any doubts born out of so-called knowledge that  is contrary to sound biblical teaching. Rehearse often the lovingkindness of God towards us, be diligent to hold firm the hope of the glory of God to be revealed in us through Christ Jesus. Let the love of God dwell in your heart as you actively seek to grow in Christ to the full spiritual maturity predestined by God for you. How the heart burns within at just the thought of this. 

Question

What could have been the “one thing needful” ( see Luke 10:38-42) Jesus spoke about to Martha?

Answer

Some say this, some say that. But for those in Martha’s time, our time, and for all those yet to come…the simplicity that is in Christ must be maintained as a needful first principle (see 2 Corinthians 11:3).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring us again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Trust in 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

When all seems dark, when care is pressing you down, when the water rises to your neck, when you want to smile but you can only sigh, move to praise and step up to thanksgiving. Praise and thanksgiving cut through darkness and uplift the soul. Praising and giving thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness, regardless of our current circumstances, releases more of the grace of God to us. Such praise and gratitude comes from a true knowledge of God and self, not circumstances. The youngster thinks in his heart, “I will be strong and young forever,” but the wise are quick to admit, “it is better to fear the Lord than to rely on one’s own understanding and strength.”  To believe you have the right to do anything you please is to be a slave of sin. Just try to make it through one day without breaking any of the Ten Commandments in thought or deed, and you will come to understand just how impossible it is to obey God by the power of our on will alone. “It is not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord” (Zechariah 4:6). We must acknowledge our own inability before we will reach out for the Savior. Thirst for the living God, and know that only in Christ Jesus can true satisfaction be found.

Question

Is there a point where all becomes easy?

Answer

I believe there is…and I will be the first to let you know when I get there.

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring us again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Take Delight in the Lord

1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalm 37:1-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Absolutely wonderful is the hope set before us. We are children of Light called to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Abba Father. The little child relies on the care given by his or her parents. Likewise, we need to depend on the loving care of our heavenly Father. God is infinitely better than the best human parents could ever be. Humble yourself therefore, and cease to care what people who follow the course of this world think. Shun the evil twins of pride and pretense. Take no offense and you will be freed from the need to constantly defend yourself. The one who defends himself will only have himself for a defense. Trust in God. God is a defense and shield to all who trust in Him.

Question

The fruit is the ultimate expression of the character of the tree. What is the ultimate expression of the character of the person?

Answer

True character is revealed in how a person spends their money once the necessities are covered, and how they spend their free time once all their responsibilities are meet.

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring us again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Only You, Lord, Make Me Dwell in Safety

4 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3 But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.
4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. Psalm 4 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Killing yourself to get more out of life is a silly way to live. Take the fight to the finish. Run the race to exhaustion. Swim the sea to the shore. In training however, it’s better to take the words of former 8-time Mr. Olympia, Lee Haney: “Stimulate, not annihilate!” Wisdom and prudence are required for both physical gains and godly living. Wisdom teaches us the fear of the Lord, which is a motivating deep love and reverent awe of God that naturally causes the heart to abhor pride, arrogance, and all evil. Prudence instructs us to be diligent about forsaking all sin, or it will ensnare, hinder, and enslave us. Keep the dead flies of sin out of your ointment or else it will cause you to stinketh (sometimes the King James spelling is needed). Praise God for Christ Jesus! By His crucifixion, we too have died to sin. By His resurrection, we have a new life to live for God. Let striving in our your strength cease and take your rest in the grace of Christ alone. God is good today, all day, tomorrow, and forever. If you will believe, you definitely will see it.

Question

Why do we worry about this and that?

Answer

It is easy to worry when we look at the magnitude of our problems or the size of our adversaries when we are like grasshoppers by comparison. Flip the focus. All the giants in the world set against us are nothing in comparison to the infinite God who loves us.

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring us again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer