faith

Devotional for May 22

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

In His Holy Name We Put Our Trust

31 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
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 31:1, 4, 18-21 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Don’t make mountains out of mole hills by worrying and complaining. Remember to be grateful for small blessings to breathe easier and make life sweeter. Perfect feelings would require complete knowledge. Since complete knowledge is not humanly possible, our feelings and perceptions are NOT reliable guides. This is why we are commanded to have faith in God and not to lean on our own limited understanding. Trust the all-knowing and almighty God. Complete knowledge and infinite power are the rod and staff of our Great Shepheard. Perfect peace is reserved for those who know and trust the God of all comfort. (Isaiah 26:3, 41:10; Matthew 6:25-34; Isaiah 50:10-11; Proverbs 3:5-8; Psalm 30:12; Jonah 2:8; Psalm 58:3, 73:23; Philippians 4:4-13; Matthew 28:18; John 14:21-27; Matthew 21:22-27; Psalm 136:1-3; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Philippians 2:14-15; Psalm 23; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 31; Psalms 75-76

Isaiah 23; 1 John 1

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep me, I pray, from all things that may hurt me, that I, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with a free heart those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for May 21

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Knowledge + Doing = Wisdom

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 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The more we have to do, the more things we have the opportunity to get done. The less we have to, the more time we tend to spend doing nothing. Sometimes the most obvious truths as plain as the nose on our faces, are the hardest ones to see. Lazy is resting before getting tired. Rest to re-charge, and don’t waste a single opportunity to glorify God. This is proper, right, and pleasing to both God and our own souls. The circle of grace is not complete until we glorify God with thanksgiving and praise. Like a strong man rejoicing to run his race, we are built for this. (Psalm 107:1; Luke 19:10; John 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 13:11-12; James 1:22-25; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:16-21; James 2:19; Revelation 12:1-12; Hebrews 2:3; Revelation 5:9-10; Isaiah 21:5; Ephesians 2:10, 6:10-12; Romans 8:28-39; 1 Timothy 6:3-15; 1 Peter 5:6-9; 2 Peter 3:18)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 30; Psalms 74

Isaiah 22; 2 Peter 3

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for May 20

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Let the Name of the Lord Be Praised

113 Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.
2 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.
3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised.
4 The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
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 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Patience is a virtue, and persistence is a must. Together these two are the wonder twins of achievement. No matter where you look, the one who succeeds is the one who keeps working and refuses to quit. And this we can do by the grace of God. Just as the spirit must return to the God who has given it, so too is it proper for the grace of God to be returned to God with our gratitude and praise. Never look back at your former sinful way of life with fondness, least your heart be drawn back to the mud from which Christ has made you clean. Neither look with envy on the ungodly who seem to prosper in their sins, least the tempter use the opportunity as a snare to rob you of your joy and contentment. Consider the sure ends of both the wicked and the righteous. Willingly take Christ’s yoke of love upon you. Be a good branch and rest in the true Vine. Submit all your ways to the will of God and He will lead you. Our only requirement is to do the best we can with what we have and trust the results to God. God has promised to work all things together for good even when all seems lost. So, take comfort in knowing that in the end, He will make everything right. (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:3-11; Hebrews 3:8-19, 10:35-36, 11:1-6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; John 1:17; James 1:2-8, 4:6; 2 Timothy 1:7; John 14:31-15:16; Hebrews 4:16; Isaiah 42:8-10; Psalm 50:23; Revelation 3:20; John 6:63, 4:24; 1 Peter 5:6-11)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 29; Psalms 73

Isaiah 21; 2 Peter 2

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for May 19

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Secret of the Lord

4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.
5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
6 Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord.
8 Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
12 What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Psalm 25:4-14 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Working out six days and resting on the seventh is a good rhythm. Life and music both require rhythm or there will be many weeds and much noise.  Understanding the permanency of God and His word is necessary if we are to grow up into our salvation. God alone is the Rock, and the only true sovereign. No matter how long everything else lasts, it is only temporary in comparison to the Most High who lives and reigns forever. Have faith in God, and not the temporal things of this world. Wait on the Lord and put your hope in His word. Guard your heart and walk in His ways. The younger we are when we learn to partake of the grace given to enable us to participate in the divine nature, the sooner we escape the suffering that results from being an enemy against self and God. Put off the old man and walk in the Spirit. Practice the wisdom revealed in the word of God. Repent and cast down all that is contrary. Receive the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and grow healthy, wealthy, and strong. (Exodus 20:9-11; Colossians 3:2; Proverbs 23:5; 1 Corinthians 7:29-34; Matthew 6:19-34; Isaiah 50:10-11; Ecclesiastes 4:5; Psalm 1:1-3; Mark 12:30-31; Colossians 1:9-13; 1 Corinthians 15:45-47; Ephesians 4:21-24; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Romans 6:11-14; Galatians 5:7-8; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:4-14; Galatians 2:20; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; 1 Peter 4:10-11)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 28; Psalms 72

Isaiah 19-20; 2 Peter 1

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for May 18

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Pray and Work

31 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
 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.
22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
23 O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:1-3, 19-24 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Unless the Lord builds the body, the bodybuilder works in vain. What does it take to be special? Big arms? Six-pack abs? Gluteus to the maximus? To be pretty like her or rich like him? The truth is that none of these things makes a person special. We are all born into this world from a unique combination of Adam and Eve. We are different from all who came before us and different from all those who will come after us. We are born unique, and being the best possible you makes you a better you than anyone else ever could be. It doesn’t matter if your parents never planned to have you, because our Heavenly Father planned you before He created the world. Not even a sparrow falls to the ground by chance or accident. Since we are born to be the sons and daughters of God, we can be sure that we are worth much more than many sparrows in the eyes of God. So, go ahead and be special. Be all that God has created you to be. (Proverbs 16:33; Isaiah 41:9-10; Jeremiah 1:5; Ephesians 1:4-6; Hebrews 6:19; Matthew 10:29-31; Isaiah 2:22; John 3:27; Proverbs 16:3; 1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Peter 2:9; Proverbs 3:1-8; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Jonah 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Psalm 139:13-16; Philippians 2:12-16; Jude 1:17-25)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 27; Psalms 70-71

Isaiah 17-18; 1 Peter 5

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for May 17

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Hope in His Mercy

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

Correct form is more than going through the right motions. Learn the proper mental focus along with the right movement, then you will be ready to lift heavy. Correct form will produce the best results from both exercise and praying. Praying “in the name of Jesus” is more than adding those words at the end of a prayer. Praying in Jesus’ name is an attitude of heart and intent of mind produced by a life wholly given up to Him. (Hebrews 13:8; Matthew 4:23-5:12; John 4:19-24, 16:23-27; Hebrews 7:25; Luke 11:5-13; Hebrews 4:16; John 15:14-15; Luke 14:15-35; John 6:63; Psalm 40:8, 90:17; Genesis 45:27; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 4:22-24; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:4-9; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 26; Psalms 69

Isaiah 16; 1 Peter 4

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for May 16

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Lord is My Strength

9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.
10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them.
11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.
12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.
13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me.
14 The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.
16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. Psalm 118:9-16 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Don’t give up even though the pace seems slow. Feelings are but a feather tossed up and down by the wind. Some days will feel good with things moving along nicely. Other days will feel hard with things seeming to move slower than a turtle still asleep in his shell. Both states are completely normal. Rejoice with thanksgiving when things are going great, and offer the sacrifice of praise while continuing to work when things are tough. Pray and work. Regardless of how we feel, God is forever faithful. Ours is not to worry about how or when. Ours is simply to believe that He who has promised will perform all that He has promised. (Psalm 42:1-3, 55:6, 42:11, 50:23; James 1:5-8; Romans 1:16-17; Hebrews 10:38-39; James 5:13; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 8:32-39; 1 John 4:19; 1 Peter 4:12-19; Ephesians 5:15-20; Hebrews 10:23; Joshua 23:11; Matthew 5:6; Philippians 4:23) 

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 25; Psalms 68

Isaiah 15; 1 Peter 3

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for May 15

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

My Rock

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Psalm 27:3-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

It would be awesome to have a state of the art training facility like a professional athlete. It would be great to have the most expensive celebrity personal trainer money can buy. Still, there won’t be any gains if the training facility is not used. There will be little benefit if the trainer’s instructions aren’t followed. You can have a permanent membership to the gym, but you still have to consistently get in there. You can have a personal trainer, but you still must do what he tells you to do. Being in Christ is our permanent membership and we must choose to abide in Him. The Spirit of Christ is our personal trainer and we must be a doer of His word to grow in our salvation. Gains in godliness is profitable for this life and the next. Adding physical exercise to godliness enhances the effect of both. (Psalm 119:9-12; Proverbs 23:15-21; Joshua 1:8-9; 1 Corinthians 9:23-27; 1 Timothy 4:8; James 1:19-25; John 15:7; John 14:15-21; Genesis 45:21-28; Hebrews 12:1-3; Psalm 145:1-9; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 24; Psalms 66-67

Isaiah 14; 1 Peter 2

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for May 14

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Be Glad and Sing for Joy

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)

The Morning Exhortation

Just because you don’t have what you want right now should in no way cause your faith to wavier. You may not have it when you want it, but God can be depended upon to provide what you need when it is needed. Blessed is the one who is fully persuaded that God is willing and able to do all that He has promised. Blessed is the one who remembers that ultimately God is in control of everything. (Ecclesiastes 8:4; Proverbs 19:21; Isaiah 2:22; Jeremiah 14:22; Matthew 16:5-12; Galatians 3:3-9; Romans 4:16-21; Isaiah 41:17-20; Deuteronomy 8:2-4; Jeremiah 2:4-7; Psalm 50:15; Psalm 139:1-17; Ephesians 3:20; Mark 11:22-24; Matthew 7:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:13-21)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 23; Psalms 64-65

Isaiah 13; 1 Peter 1

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty Father who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give me grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that I may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer