faith

Devotional for May 6

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

God Is Our Guide Forever

1 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
9 We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
10 According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
11 Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:1, 9-14 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Miracles, signs, and wonders are not enough to make a believer. The Israelites who perished in the wilderness are proof of this truth for all who are humble enough to acknowledge that we who live today are no better. It is by faith that we obtain a good report just as all the saints that came before us. The secret of a good report is in maintaining the belief that He who has promised is faithful despite what the eyes may see or heart may feel is true based off our own limited understanding. God has shown us His love and faithfulness in many ways too numerous to count. The greatest proof of God’s love was sending His only begotten Son to die for us on the Cross. By faith our Lord Jesus Christ now dwells in our hearts. By faith we are taken up into the love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Wait on the Lord with the faith you have now, and more shall be given to you. Wait on the Lord with the eager expectation that He will reveal the fullness of Christ in you. By faith seek until you find, knock until it is opened, and ask until you receive. He who promised is the only one who is forever faithful. Wait on the Lord until the assurance of faith comes from God as a witness within your soul. It will surely come when God determines it is the proper time. Then you shall know as surely as you know the back of your hand that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord. It is good to praise the Lord for His lovingkindness in the morning and His faithfulness every night! Rejoice now, and look forward to testifying of your complete salvation in Christ Jesus. (Isaiah 53:1-6; John 12:37; John 1:13-17; Hebrews 11:1-6; Psalm 27:14; Hebrews 11:32-40; Colossians 3:16; Psalm 92:1-2; Philippians 4:23)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 14; Psalms 50

Isaiah 3-4; Hebrews 11

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for May 5

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Privileges to Enjoy

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
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. Psalm 37:23-29, 34-39 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The mother eagle stirs up the nest and makes it uncomfortable for the young ones to motive them to take to the sky. God has worms for every bird, but there comes the time when each little eaglet must grow up and leave the nest. The baby in the natural world that fails to grow would be considered strange and abnormal. So too the believer that fails to grow up in his or her salvation should be considered strange and abnormal. The baby bird only has to open its mouth, but we are not to stay spiritual babies forever. The rule in the kingdom of God is this: if a man will not work, neither shall he eat. And if a man does not eat, he will not grow. Drink deeply from the pure spiritual milk of the word of God, store its truth in your heart, and grow. For this is God’s will for all of us called to eternal life in Christ Jesus. (Proverbs 29:15, 3:11-18; 1 Peter 2:2-10; 1 John 4:13-19; 2 Timothy 1:7; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Isaiah 40:28-31; Judges 13:24-25; Mark 4:26-29; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; James 5:7-8; Hebrews 12:1-13; James 1:22-25; Hebrews 10:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Romans 8:35-39; Ephesians 1:15-23; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 12-13; Psalms 49

Isaiah 2; Hebrews 10

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for May 4

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Truly My Soul Finds Rest in God Alone

62 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.
4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:1-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Weak thoughts don’t build strong bodies, nor do wrong thoughts produce right actions. Times of testing must come, still there is God. Learn to rest in this unchangeable fact. In the mist of everything, always and forever, God is all knowing, all powerful, and all good. And He does not change. Be still and know that our God reigns. (2 Peter 1:1-13; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Philippians 3:2-10; Galatians 4:1-9; Galatians 5:1-9; James 4:7-10; John 3:15-17; Mark 11:27-33; Joshua 1:8-9; Habakkuk 3:17-19; Psalm 27:4; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:17-20)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 11; Psalms 48

Isaiah 1; Hebrews 9

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for May 3

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Bless 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)

The Morning Exhortation

It usually takes years of unhealthy living to make us fat and sick. The process can be just as slow in reverse. A flash of lightening with a clap of thunder comes quick, goes quick, and doesn’t happen very often. While the rising sun dawns and gets brighter and brighter until it reaches high noon most every day. It is much slower, lasts much longer, and happens all the time. The purpose of many of the commands of God written in the Holy Bible are to keep us moving toward spiritual maturity and away from disease. How much time it takes to get there is not nearly as important as consistently moving in the right direction. Our part is to fix our eyes on Jesus and guard the heart. God’s part is everything, because apart from God we can do nothing. Complete understanding is not necessary. Belief is enough to keep us moving toward good health. We get there when we get there. (Ecclesiastes 10:1; Proverbs 19:1-2; Proverbs 4:10-27; Hebrews 10:26-29; Isaiah 56:9-12; 1 Timothy 6:11; John 6:27; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; Psalm 73:1-20; 3 John 1:2; Proverbs 3:5-8; Hebrews 12:1-2; John 15:5; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Timothy 6:12-16)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 10; Psalms 46-47

Song of Solomon 8; Hebrews 8

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for May 2

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

God is All Knowing, All Powerful, and All Good

139 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:1-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

When the cares of this life are pressing you down, use the saints’ favorite home remedy for relief. Force yourself to count your blessings. When gratitude turns into thanksgiving and praise to the Lord, the rain will have ceased and the clouds will part. We may sometimes lack comfort and ease, but the one who has the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit already has the highest possible good there ever has been, is now, and ever will be. (Isaiah 51:12-13, 41:9-10; 2 Peter 1:3; Ecclesiastes 8:4; Psalm 42:5-6; Romans 8:32-39; Hebrews 13:15-16; Psalm 100:4, 147:1; Ephesians 6:10-18; Psalm 136:1-3; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 9; Psalms 45

Song of Solomon 7; Hebrews 7

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for May 1

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Yearning For God

1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:1-3, 9-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Invisible chains are the hardest chains of all to break. True freedom is the ability to say “no” to what is wrong and to say “yes” to what is right. Something is right or wrong depending on its relationship to the truth. Regardless of what some would have us believe, we are not capable of determining truth without some unchangeable standard. Thank God for His word. The Holy Bible is the unchanging truth of God consisting of three pillars: facts to be believed, commands to be obeyed, and promises to be enjoyed. It took nothing less than the death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross to free us to do these three things. Fee at last, free at last, receive the gospel and be free at last! (Romans 1:16-32; Isaiah 50:10-11; Matthew 12:38-45; John 10:8-10; John 8:31-32; Matthew 16:24-25; Romans 6:9-23; Galatians 6:14; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Timothy 6:3-21)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 8; Psalms 44

Song of Solomon 6; Hebrews 6

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for April 30

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Safety of the Abiding Presence of the Lord

91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
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.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalm 91 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Truth will set you free while falsehood only enslaves, kills, steals, and destroys. Truth with a capital “T” cannot be determined by how we feel or what we see. We come to know Truth by believing the revealed Word of God. Feelings and circumstances are pleasant when they support Truth, but they are as unreliable as shifting sand when they are contrary to Truth. To be in Christ, is to be in Truth. All persuasion to doubt the veracity of the Word of God doesn’t come from God. The Truth of God never changes. Therefore, it can be trusted come rain or shine, morning or night, now and forever. Do what is right according to the Truth and you never have to fear the consequences that come from doing wrong. Punishment for doing wrong is quite natural. Even still,  rejoice if you suffer for doing good. Great is the reward for all who commit the keeping of their soul to the Lord. (Psalm 119:9; Romans 3:3-9; John 17:17; John 8:30-34; Psalm 34:12; John 15:1-8; Ecclesiastes 8:11-12; 1 Peter 4:12-16; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:19-20; 1 Peter 3:13-14; Psalm 50:7-23; Proverbs 16:1-5; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Proverbs 29:25; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18; 1 Peter 4:17-19; Romans 8:28; Psalm 41:11-13)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 7; Psalms 42-43

Song of Solomon 5; Hebrews 5

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for April 29

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Lord Almighty Is With Us

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Psalm 46:1-7 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

There are two sides to the faith and fitness coin: things to do and things to stop doing. Both are generally well known having been written about, taught, and preached in churches and gyms for many years now. Having come to Christ and turned from our former sinful ways, the call is to go on to Christian perfection. The ministry of the Holy Spirit has one ultimate purpose for every believer, and that is to make us like Jesus. This requires our wholehearted corporation. To bear the fruit of the Spirit we must get rid of the small foxes that ruin the grapes. These small foxes are the little things that impede our progress toward the mark of our high calling in Christ Jesus. Listen to any professional athlete and you will hear and see the importance of tending to the little things that must be done as well as those little things that should not done. Our heavenly prize certainly deserves more dedication than any earthly award that is here today and gone tomorrow. (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10; Mark 4:19; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Proverbs 23:1-3; Psalm 69:22; Song of Solomon 2:15; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Galatians 4:9; Philippians 3:7-15; Hebrews 5:11-14; Hebrews 6:1-3; 1 Peter 5:6-11)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 6; Psalms 40-41

Song of Solomon 4; Hebrews 4

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer