faith

Devotional for June 19

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Planted in the House of the Lord

92 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:
2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,
3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.
4 For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
15 To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Even the tiniest small thing is more than enough for multitudes with God, and a mega overabundance of all things cannot satisfy even a few without God. All things work with God, and nothing works without God. Things are just tools in the hand of God. To whom do you think should be given the glory? The tool or the hand that wields it? A banana is a poor choice to drive a nail. Pray for a proper tool, expect God to provide it, and start looking for a hammer. He who has promised is faithful. Therefore, you can thank and praise God for the tool even before He puts it in your hand. This is how our elders earned a good report. (Hebrews 11:1-2; John 6:3 -13; Acts 14:8-18; Habakkuk 1:5-16; Psalm 17:13; Psalm 10:4; Isaiah 10:15; Ecclesiastes 7:13-14; Psalm 75:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2; Psalm 144:12-15; Nehemiah 9:4-21; Palm 92:1-2; Psalm 104:10-15; James 1:5-8; Philippians 4:19-20)

faith

Devotional for June 18

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "God has promised to lead us if we will just stop grabbing at the wheel and keep our right hand in His."

Trust the Lord, O My Soul

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.
40 And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. Psalm 37:34-42 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Who’s in charge of your life? The default belief on this side of the garden of Eden is that self is in charge. Amazing when you consider that most people can’t even bring themselves to make their bed when they get out of it each morning after have made the decision to do so. “That’s because I changed my mind,” they will say. And the river of denial flows on and on. One thing you learn pretty early on in the military is that two people cannot be in charge at the same time. They end up stepping on each other and pulling the team apart. The same is true for each of us individually. The Holy Spirit and self can’t both be in charge of your life. Since we are limited in both knowledge and ability, doesn’t it make more sense to choose the leadership of Almighty God? God has promised to lead us if we will just stop grabbing at the wheel and keep our right hand in His. (Isaiah 41:10, 13; Psalm 32:8-11; Matthew 11:28-30; Matthew 6:24; Mark 3:25; Psalm 81:10-12; Amos 2:11-12; Matthew 16:24-25; Romans 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; Jude 1:19-25)

faith

Devotional for June 17

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Trust in the Name of the Lord Our God

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 33:16-31 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Words without wisdom are worthless, thoughts without faith are deceitful, and actions without love are vain. Sooner or later every believer will reach a point where he or she must take a leap of faith. God will bring you to a point where the only choice is to either shrink back in unbelief, or push ahead and stretch past the present limits of your tiny belief muscles. Do not think this strange. Do not think you are unique. Even our Lord Jesus Christ was tested in the wilderness. Let our mutual faith be an encouragement to each other. Practice the faith as you have been taught and let go of fear. Rely on the love God has for us. God is faithful. He will not allow us to be tested beyond our ability to endure. (Proverbs 14:7; James 3:13-18; Proverbs 2:6-9; Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Peter 4:12-13; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Romans 1:11-12; Luke 8:4-15; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 4:16-19; 1 Peter 5:7-11)

faith

Devotional for June 16

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Omnipotence and Omniscience of the Lord Comforts Me

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Balance is easy to take for granted when young. Better to create the habit of training to maintain balance from youth rather than waiting to start training to regain it once it has been lost. The untrained aged among us are constantly in fear of falling down and breaking a hip. The secret of balance is avoiding the extremes. If you are at an extreme, and you get pushed further in that direction, you will surely fall. If you are somewhere in the middle however, you can get pushed in either direction and still maintain your balance. Balance is ease throughout the range of motion between extremes. Temperance is mental balance. Overindulgence in pleasure, food, comfort and ease is so common these days that any citizen of Sodom and Gomorrah would feel right at home in the world today. To keep the body and its fleshly desires under control, the Lord has commanded us to deny self. Denying self means to practice stopping short of being completely full. One slice of pizza tastes good, but it unwise for anyone to eat half the pie at one sitting. Stop while you still want more. Denying self is a safe guard allowing us to partake of what is good without losing our balance and falling into the ditch of overindulgence. (Jude 1:17-19; Psalm 69:22; Jude 1:20-21; Matthew 16:24; Titus 2:11-12; Philippians 4:4-13; Romans 13:14; 2 Timothy 1:7; Galatians 5:16; 1 Corinthians 9:23-27; Revelation 22:21)

faith

Devotional for June 15

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: Nothing is greater than God.

The Fear of the Lord Is Pure and Enduring Forever

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

God is great. God is good. Praise Him morning, noon, and night. Don’t worry about today, nor be afraid of what may come tomorrow. Nothing is greater than God. Stop trying to dictate to the Lord the terms and the form of the blessings you receive. Remember the Lord your God is perfect, and that He loves you so much that He sent His son to die for you. He knows what you need before you ask. The moral government of God requires that we have the freedom to choose what is right and reject what is wrong. Both good and bad choices have consequences, therefore not everything that happens is good. Sometimes bad things happen to good people because of the bad choices of other people. God is all powerful though, and He has promised that all things will work together for the good of those who love Him. Know for certain that every good gift is from above, and that God will nullify every snake bite and poison pill that would harm those who are called according to His purpose. Trust God with your whole heart and the Scriptures say that He will show Himself strong on your behalf. He will keep you in perfect peace. Dare to believe the gospel until the revelation of Christ reigns supreme in your heart. (Psalm 147:1, 92:1-2, 18:1-3, 23:4, 78:5-11, 78:41; Jeremiah 45:5; Galatians 3:13-14, 5:19-26; Proverbs 23:4; Galatians 6:7; Romans 8:28; James 1:17; Matthew 6:25-34; Numbers 21:5-9; John 3:14-21; Acts 17:22-31; Matthew 13:17; Acts 26:27; 2 Peter 1:19; Ephesians 3:14-21)

faith

Devotional for June 14

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Incline My Heart to Your Testimonies, O Lord

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. Psalm 119:33-40 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Remember God when your physical appearance improves as you consistently workout and eat better. Prosperity presents hidden dangers that we must guard the heart against. The natural inclinations of having plenty to eat, an abundance of luxuries, and lots of ease is to be overcome with slothfulness and puffed up with pride. Never forget that it is God who has enabled you to eat well, given you the desire work hard, and He alone is the source of all growth. From God come the gains. Hold fast to the Word of life. Cast down every imagination that is contrary to faith in God. This is the way to fight for your trust in God. Let His staff and His rod comfort you. Hold on until you know that God is guiding you with His eye. Hold on until you know His voice. Hold on until God renews your youth like the eagle. The abundant life comes to us only by the grace of God. It is through Jesus Christ that we have the sure mercies of David to the praise of His holy name. Worship God, and know for certain that all power and all glory belongs to God (Luke 12:16-21; Proverbs 6:16-19; Psalm 75:4-7; Proverbs 27:21; Psalm 10:4; Isaiah 55:3; Revelation 3:13-22; Galatians 4:19; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Hebrews 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Psalm 23:4; Proverbs 3:5-8; Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-16; James 4:4-10; 1 Peter 5:7-10; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

faith

Devotional for June 13

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Thy Testimonies Are Very Sure

93 The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.
2 Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.
3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.
4 The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.
5 Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever. Psalm 93 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

We may not all be born with the same advantages, but what does that have to do with being the best you that you can be? Being born beautiful, smart, and rich is less important than what you do with your gifts, talents, and financial resources. The word of God is truth. Faith and trust grow together. The word of God is the only reliable anchor of the soul. Faith comes by hearing the word. Faith grows as trust and commitment increase. We are saved by grace through faith, not by works. When self-righteousness takes root in the heart, sin will be crouching at the door ready to lay waste. Thank God Almighty that He has made the gate straight and the way narrow. We are not left orphans having to figure things out and find our own way. Love the truth and the truth shall set you free. Trust the Lord with all your heart. Deny self and abide in the Heavenly Vine. Pick up your cross and take His yoke upon you. Follow the Lord Jesus Christ our Redeemer.  Do all the will of God as you know it until kingdom come. (Luke 16:19-31; Isaiah 53:1; John 17:17; John 8:31-34; Genesis 4:6-10; 1 John 3:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Jeremiah 17:7-8; John 15:16; Matthew 7:13-14; Luke 9:23-25; Philippians 3:7-10; Matthew 11:28-30; Galatians 3:11; John 14:18-27; Philippians 2:13; Hebrews 11:32-40; Psalm 40:8; Philippians 4:8-13; Ephesians 3:14-21)

faith

Devotional for June 12

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Great is Our God

104 Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.
2 Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:
3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:
4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:
24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
25 So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.
26 There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.
27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
28 That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.
29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.
31 The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.
32 He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.
33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.
35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 104:1-4, 24-35 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

There is no such thing as a muscle fairy. The only thing you will get from putting an iron plate under your pillow at night is a headache in the morning. We have a God that graciously provides us with all things, including the ability to work. There are no short cuts. Putting in the work is not supposed to be easy, and what comes fast often goes just as fast. Work is a gift from God to be received with thankfulness and executed in faithfulness. Honest work is not to be refused, nor is it to be done half-heartedly with murmuring, grumbling, and complaining. There is honor in all honest work done well. Set your heart on hearing our Lord Jesus Christ say to you, “well done my faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master.” He will strengthen you and make you firm. Trust God always. Flee idolatry! Not just sticks and stones, but anything that is exalted above God is a false idol. Some worship strong muscles, others put their faith in science. There be many who make money their idol and food their god. Purify our hearts, O Lord. That we may know and worship Thee the only true God. Jesus Christ our Lord lives! Let the whole earth be full of His glory. Dare to believe the gospel and grieve not the Holy Spirit. (Exodus 32:1-7; Jeremiah 8:9; Psalm 115:4-8; Romans 1:16-32; Psalm 69:22; Proverbs 30:20; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Proverbs 10:5; Matthew 25:14-30; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13; Philippians 2:14-16; Hebrews 10:36; 1 Corinthians 10:1-14; Matthew 6:24; Revelation 2:18-29; 1 John 5:20-21)

faith

Devotional for June 11

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Lord be Magnified

8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. Psalm 40:8,16 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Good health is strength, and death is the final form of weakness. Total health inside and out enhances life. While sin causes only weakness, sickness, suffering, and death. God has given each of us the responsibility to choose what is right. Because He holds us accountable for our choices, we must also have the freedom to choose as we will. Since we are held responsible to choose the good, accountable for the choice, and are free to choose as we will, choose strength and life. Diligently guard your heart. The eyes and ears are the gateways to the soul. Good judgment requires evaluating all according to its conformity to the knowledge of Christ. Cast down all that is contrary. And this we will do by the grace of God. What pleases the indwelling Holy Spirit is that we have faith. Know for certain therefore, when we are right with God everything that causes us to doubt is from the enemy. What pleases the devil is unbelief in the heart of a believer. Resist the devil standing firm in faith and he will flee from you. Is there something God has placed in your heart to do? What if you actually believed you could do it? Pray for it, and then get busy working for it until it is achieved. Faith works by love, because it is never difficult to do what you do for love. (Proverbs 2:1-7; Job 17:9, 24:5; Revelation 2:1-7, 3:14-22; Deuteronomy 30:19; Mark 12:30, 11:22; Galatians 5:6; Psalm 119:33-38; Isaiah 11:1-5, 26:4; Romans 6:23; Galatians 6:7; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Luke 6:40; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Psalm 147:7-11, 135:19-20; Proverbs 3:5-8; 2 Peter 1:3-11; 1 Peter 5:6-11)

faith

Devotional for June 10

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Stand on the Facts of the Lord

111 Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:1-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Knowing which feelings to accept and which feelings to reject is an invaluable skill. The wheat must be separated from the chaff. The grass must be fertilized and the weeds pulled up by the roots. The silver must be passed through the fire to eliminate the dross. So too must the right pains be accepted and the wrong pleasures rejected. Those who are thus training in the practice of discerning right from wrong will grow healthy, wealthy, wise, and strong. (Psalm 119:9-16; Luke 8:4-15; Hosea 10:12; Proverbs 25:4-5; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; 1 Corinthians 10:23; Proverbs 14:9-16; Romans 3:13-18; Philippians 3:19; Romans 14:17-23; John 7:24; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Mark 4:26-29; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Jude 1:17-25)