Rejoice and Be Glad

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord:
20 This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter.
21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
23 This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:19-24 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

Doing what we already know to be right is more important than gaining more and more unused knowledge. First seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness Everything else that is needful will be added after that. Walk by faith not by sight. Don’t give up though the pace seems slow, and never complain. Complaining doesn’t make what is bad any better, it only makes what little good there be any situation seem even less so. It is far better to find one thing to be thankful for than it is to heap up great stinky piles of gripes and complaints. The Bible shows us the way to be content under any and all circumstances. We are to praise and thank the Lord for His loving kindness when things are going well. When things aren’t going well, we are to praise and thank the Lord for His faithfulness knowing that He will work all things together for good. Rest in the love of God, because He has promised never to leave nor forsake us. Trust, Pray, Expect, Praise, Receive, Rejoice and be Thankful. All this we know already. Now faith is consistently believing the gospel.

Today’s Question to Consider

What one thing, that you already know, if you start doing today will give you a 1% improvement over yesterday?

God Gives Power and Strength to His People

32 Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:
33 To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice.
34 Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.
35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God. Psalm 68:32-35 (KJV)

The Prayer for This Week

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

Here is wisdom: give up what you cannot keep to gain what you cannot lose. Giving up our selfishness is the only way to enter into the Kingdom of God. The Master has commanded us to deny self, pick up our cross, and follow Him. The only way to obey this is to stop living for our own self-interest. Our secular educational system from elementary to post-graduate is focused on strengthening self while ignoring God. The cardinal mind of the self-life is the enemy of our soul that the Bible calls the flesh. It is deadly because it cannot agree with the Word of God. When the flesh reins in the heart, the ultimate counsel of the cardinal mind is to always walk by sight. Allowing what you see in the mirror to discourage you is a perfect example of the type of persuasion born of the cardinal mind. If the reflection is pleasing on the other hand, the cardinal mind will with equal ease puff up the heart with pride. Who will free us from this body of death? Take your eyes off the pool searching for evidence of its stirring. Rather, fix your eyes on Jesus, and cast down every thought and imagination the cardinal mind offers that exalts itself above the Word of God. Be strong and courageous. With praise and thanksgiving, go to work with eager expectation based on the Word and not what you see. This is the walking by faith that the Holy Bible teaches us. The rule in the Kingdom is this: according to your faith will it be done unto you. Know without doubting that what is seen will surely catch up to our faith in due time. The safeguard against abusing the privilege to ask for whatsoever we want is in the motive. Asking for something to simply gratify self is to tempt God. 

Today’s Question to Consider

Knowing that all the promises of God are “yes and yes” in Christ Jesus, what will you ask God for today?

The Lord My Strength

144 Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
2 My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.
3 Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
4 Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
5 Bow thy heavens, O Lord, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
6 Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.
7 Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children; Psalm 144:1-7 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

Put your hope in God alone. The peace of God which surpasses understanding comes from knowing that God is in control of everything great and small. From the tiniest hair on your head to the largest galaxy far-far away, God holds everything in His hand. Why does it seem incredible that Almighty God works everything according to His will? The present corruption of this world is passing away, and God has decreed that no good thing will He withhold from those who love Him. If easy times will do us good, then easy times we will have. If pain will do us good, then pain we shall have. Who are you little one, who dares to presume you have better knowledge of what is good than the all-knowing God? Acknowledge your limitations in every situation and give thanks unto God for His goodness. Our highest good and the will of God are one and the same. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, our Rock and our Redeemer, who has purchased us with His own blood. Jesus Christ is the good shepherd and will certainly take good care of you, me, and all His flock. 

Today’s Question to Consider

Many are the things that we do not know, that we do not have, that we cannot understand, and that we cannot do. What then, does God has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ mean? (see 1 Corinthians 1:22-31)

Praise 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)

Prayer Appointed for This Week

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

Obey and pray, then pray and work. Do everything with prayer and thanksgiving. Just as the newborn baby needs to be nourished for physical growth, so to the believer needs to be nourished with the pure spiritual milk of the Word of God to grow. Be it physical or spiritual, you’ve got to be nourished and be willing to grow. Always remember that faith in God must be tested, and that properly placed faith will never fail. Everybody wants to be blessed, but few people are willing to actually obey the Word of God and pray. Our Lord promised to give us His peace. Pray for it, be still and know that He is God. Allow the peace of God to be the normal default temperature setting of your heart. When this inner peace is disturbed, look for the cause and take appropriate action. Be quick to confess and forsake every sin. Be quick to forgive others. Be quick to make amends. Be quick to right any wrongs. Do these things and the peace of God that surpasses understanding will quickly return to you. 

Today’s Question to Consider

We are blessed so that we can bless others. What good work can you do today to bless someone?

Blessed Are Those Who Do What Is Right

106 Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise?
3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
4 Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;
5 That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance. Psalm 106:1-5 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

Diet and training are but course corrections made in faith. How easy it is to deceive ourselves if we do not observe the left and right limits set by the Word of Truth. What we love severs as our autopilot. Without the love of the Truth, we fall into the ditches of self-love and self-interest on the sides of the straight and narrow path that leads to life. Thank God the way is straight and narrow, so it is easy to follow and difficult to lose the way as long as we keep our eyes fixed straight ahead on Jesus. Let us not forget that to live is to have the love of God as our chief love. Let conscience confirm that Jesus Christ alone is to be enthroned in our heart as King, Ruler, and Lord! This is God’s will for all His children. Receive the adoption with a childlike faith, and wait with an eager expectation for the promise of the Father. The promise of God’s empowering presence has been given before the foundation of the world, and it will surely be manifested to all who seek Him by denying self, picking up their cross daily, and following Jesus Christ.

Today’s Question to Consider

Happiness depends on circumstances, but on what does the joy of the Lord depend?

Your Servant, Lord, Loves Your Word

137 You are righteous, Lord,
    and your laws are right.
138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
    they are fully trustworthy.
139 My zeal wears me out,
    for my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
    and your servant loves them.
141 Though I am lowly and despised,
    I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is everlasting
    and your law is true.
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
    but your commands give me delight.
144 Your statutes are always righteous;
    give me understanding that I may live. Psalm 119:137-144 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

Take care when cultivating your affections, because the gravity-like pull of any sin the heart is set upon can only be overcome by willpower for short periods of time. When willpower is exhausted, every course of action will move in the direction of the affections like a self-driving car heading home. Adversity and fatigue are the great tests of our faith. It is easy to have faith in God when all is going well, but do you still believe you have God’s favor when the circumstances of life become cloudy, dark, and tossed about by contrary winds? The storms of this life are meant to drive us deeper into the only safe harbor, which is Jesus Christ. The carnal mind walks by sight, trusting only in its own understanding, and relying on its own strength. The thoughts and actions of the carnal mind are dependent on the feelings that arise from circumstances. It is not to be so for the spiritually minded. We are to walk by faith, trusting in God, and our thoughts and actions are to be depended on truth regardless of any feelings that arise from circumstances. The Word of God is truth. This is our Rock. On Christ Jesus we can always depend, and now is the only acceptable time to do it. Sing songs of praise when you are happy, and pray until every cloud is chased away when you’re not.

Today’s Question to Consider

What is the best thing to do when you don’t feel like praying?

Let the Saving Power of the Lord Be Known

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)

he Prayer Appointed for This Week

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

The strongest foundations rest on the bedrock of truth. Overindulgence in fast food speeds to weakness. Healthy food provides the nutritious building blocks for increasing strength. In the same way, the thoughts we entertain in the mind either weaken or strengthen our faith. Put off the thinking patterns of the old man enslaved to sin, and practice the thoughts of the new man created in Christ Jesus to be holy. Transparency is a good guard to set against hypocrisy. Humble self and keep the fear of the Lord always before you, because nothing can be hidden from the eyes of the Lord. Mercy and grace be upon all those who ask God for a clean heart in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Receive it now by faith, and joyfully put off the old ways common to our former way of life. Now that we are cleansed by the blood of Jesus, like a man given new clothes, toss out all the old moth eaten soiled garments fit only for the fire. Be diligent about keeping the inside of the cup clean with obedience to Christ and the sin which defiles will not be able to cling to you inside or without.

Today’s Question to Consider

What are some of the things we can do throughout the day to remember our God?

“I Will Now Arise,” says the Lord

12 Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.
3 The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:
4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
5 For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.
6 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
7 Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
8 The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted. Psalm 12 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

It is impossible to live without trust. Only question is who or what we’re going to trust? Physical beauty and strength may fade, mental beauty and smarts can be lost, and cash flow often goes faster than it comes. Here is the knowledge and trust that saves from all vanity: JESUS CHRIST LIVES! And He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our attention represents the eyes of our spirit. When our spiritual eyes are fixed on Jesus, our default way of thinking will be conformed to His image. It is unwise to neglect the command to renew the mind with the Word. Like all the commands of God, they are given for our benefit. Truly His yoke is easy and His burden light. His commands are not burdensome, so make your calling and election sure. God is holy and heaven is a holy place. Therefore, let us by the grace of God be willing to be made fit for it. Choose the good part like Mary the sister of Martha. Sit at the feet of Jesus. Open your Bible and hear His word (Luke 10:38-42).  His every command is also a promise. All that He commands, He has promised to work in us to will and do (Philippians 2:13). All things are possible if we are willing to believe. The Almighty God of heaven and earth has spoken, and it is written in the Holy Book for our understanding.

Today’s Question to Consider

What does it mean to sup with the Lord (Revelation 3:20)?

No Harm Will Overtake You

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Psalm 91:8-13 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

Half-stepping in the Christian life, in eating right, or in working out consistently will hinder our ability to model the gospel to a world that so desperately needs to see it. Worry is for unbelievers and is a sure indication of not knowing God well enough. Keep your mind fixed on who God is. Worry will flee from you when you remain in His presence, and His peace which surpasses all understanding will protect your heart. A doubleminded man should expect none of this however. The heart of the doubleminded is tossed about by winds that sometimes blow hot and sometimes blow cold. Being wishy-washy creates a lukewarm commitment and an incomplete consecration to Jesus Christ. The full blessings are reserved for those who place their all on the alter before God and leave it there for all selfishness to be consumed by God’s holy fire. Do not be content with merely arranging and re-arranging the pieces of the sacrifice on the altar. Pray for fire from above! Believe and receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. He who promised is faithful, therefore He will surely do it.

Today’s Question to Consider

Choice, decision, will, or feelings, which of these is totally unnecessary in order to receive any blessing from the Lord?

In God We Trust

115 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?
3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.
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. Psalm 115:1-15 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

All confidence in wonder pills, breakthrough powders, premier programs, technological marvels, quick-fixes, short-cuts, and self-effort must be shaken. Only with a burning desire for truth is the dross removed from the gold. Convince yourself once and for all of the truth of the gospel: All the promises of God are yes in Christ Jesus. You have been set apart to love the Lord God with all your heart. And you know that no matter what happens, everything works out for good for those who love the Lord. Start with being content with what you have and where you are right now. Though things may be difficult for you right now, give all to God and do not take a backward step. Hold fast your faith while God fits you for greater works. Knowing that all God has foreordained concerning you will come to be. Because God is God, you shall be exactly as God wants you to be. It cannot be otherwise for a willing heart that trusts in God.

Today’s Question to Consider

Why does James 1:2 instruct us to consider the testing of our faith as pure joy?