faith

Devotional for December 8

Bruce Coleman2 Comments

The Lord Upholds the Righteous

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.
12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous. Psalm 37:10-17 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

The only true set back is to quit. Everything else, distractions, detours, and obstacles are common to every journey. Being able to give thanks and praise to God locates you spiritually, as surely as longitude and latitude pin points your location physically. Those who find no gratitude in the past are often tempted to lose hope for the future. Learn to live in the will and not in the emotions. Take no counsel from your faithless feelings that would rage like an unruly little child. Such flaming darts take advantage of difficult external circumstances, internal aches of the body, or mental fatigue of the mind. We do well to remember the command of our Lord to possess our soul in patience, and wait on the Lord to calm the seas without and the unruly child within. Temporary circumstances, aches, and fatigue in no way alter the truth of God. Sing praises to God when the winds are favorable, and pull out the oars and row, row, row with praises to God when they’re not. Disruptions caused by the unexpected are to be expected. The destination is only reached by making adjustments whenever needed to stay on course. Be steady and always pray for the needed grace to remain in the center of God’s will.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 8; 3 John 1

Habakkuk 3; Luke 22

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory now and for ever. Amen. 

faith

Devotional for December 7

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

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.
18 But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord. Psalm 115:9-16; 18 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

Eternal life starts on this side of eternity. Continue to exercise the body without neglecting to work out your salvation. Faith and unbelief are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Both can coexist in the same heart even though they oppose one another. Faith makes all things possible. Unbelief is the ally of the enemy who only wants to kill, steal, and destroy. Set the will to hold on to faith and guard the heart against unbelief. Faith is like spiritual muscle. Saturating the mind with the written Word and persevering through testing, are to faith what protein and weight training are to muscle. God has already provided you with both faith and muscle. Development of both, either, or neither is your choice. No one else can workout for you. There is no need to get more until you have worked what you already have been given to a high degree of perfection. Only you can chose to believe the truth for you.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 7; 2 John 1

Habakkuk 2; Luke 21

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, give all of us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. 

faith

Devotional for December 6

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

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. Psalm 37:1-7 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

Deciding who you are going to trust is important, because we all must trust something, someone, or self. Blessed are all those who trust in the Lord because the grace of God is the only true power for lasting change. Seek you first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is the one sure path to peace, happiness, health, and eternal life.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 6:12-42; 1 John 5

Habakkuk 1; Luke 20

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, give all of us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. 

faith

Devotional for December 5

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

My Soul Thirsts 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?
4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Psalm 42:1-7 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

The world would have you believe a happy meal consists of a burger, shake, and fries. The truth, however, is there is no lasting happiness without the knowledge of God, the Bread of Life, and the Living Water. God is love, Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life, and the indwelling Holy Spirit is the Living Water. When the Bible says that God dwells within us and we dwell in Him, we are to believe it. We are to accept it as fact by faith alone. Not based on what we think, feel, or see, but simply because the Word of God says it is so. To do otherwise is unbelief and amounts to tying up the truth and hiding it away in a napkin. Jesus is the chief cornerstone laid in Zion. Blessed is the one who believes in Him. If you want to reach your high heavenly calling, cut loose the unbelief that drags you down, and trust in the Lord Jesus with your whole heart. Dare to believe the gospel and your heart will be strengthen by grace.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 5-6:11; 1 John 4

Nahum 3; Luke 19

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, give all of us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. 

faith

Devotional for December 4

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Send Out Your Light and Your Truth

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)

Morning Exhortation

Regardless of your current need, grab hold of a promise from God to meet it. Knowing the character of God provides the necessary reason upon which to base our expectation of the fulfillment of all the promises of the written Word of God. Continue therein, without giving in to the temptation to doubt, and the full assurance of faith will come. God is faithful and true. Therefore, His word is faithful and true. A paper check only has value when there is a bank that stands behind it, when the account number is valid, and it carries an authorized signature. How much more reliable is our Heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Saving faith cashes the checks and receives the promises. Unbelief does not comprehend the value of the promissory notes of God and never bothers to take them to the bank, stand in line, and cash them. Blessed is he who trusts in the Lord with all his heart, and is able to praise God for what he has asked for in prayer even before seeing it. Such a faith produces prayers that avail much.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 3-4; 1 John 3

Nahum 2; Luke 18

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, give all of us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. 

Uncategorized

Nothing

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
What is one thing you would change about yourself?
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There are lots of things about me that I would like to improve, but I’m not smart enough to say for sure that if I could change something about me what else would be changed as a result. it would be better or worse. This is the wisdom behind the Chinese proverb about the butterfly effect. I am far from perfect, but I do have a burning desire to be better. This has been a constant source of motivation for me since my teens. Life is lived on the sharp point of contentment without falling off to the left or the right from being distracted, sedated, or seduced by the status quo.

(Isaiah 45:8-10; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 3:12-14; 1 Peter 5:6-11)

faith

Devotional for December 3

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Holy and Awesome is His Name!

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. Psalm 111:2-9 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

The foundations of life are made strong by holding tightly to the Rock of Truth with the free choice of our will. Just like Jacob, faith does not come from striving to obtain it, faith comes when striving ceases and is then received by simply holding on in absolute belief of the Truth. This is the whole secret to winning the good fight of faith that overcomes the world. Faith is the antidote to fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Stop listening to the counsel of your fears, take your eyes off the objects that cause uncertainty and doubt. Instead, focus on the Word implanted in your soul through which Jesus saves now and forever.

God is good. Our good works add nothing to God, but God uses our good works to bless us as well as others. There is great joy in being a co-worker with God to provide blessings to others. Be humble, fight the good fight of faith, never quit, and focus on getting today’s work done. Sitting around getting down, because you don’t yet have the fruit is to fall into the trap of the enemy. Concentrate instead on nourishing the roots, vigorously pulling up all weeds, and carefully cultivating the fruit. The harvest will come in its due season. This is the divinely ordained natural order of things. Accept it. Smile, give thanks for the harvest to come, and go to work. And when life becomes overwhelming, as it sometimes does, know the way to overcome is to always hold firm to our Rock, and stay in our place of absolute safety under the wings of the Most High. With a heart full of the love of God, may all we do glorify Him!

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 2; 1 John 2

Nahum 1; Luke 17

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, give all of us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. 

Daily Writing Prompt

Before the World Turns

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
Are you more of a night or morning person?
View all responses

The world starts to wake up shortly after the sun raises, and I have learned to love getting out ahead of it. Investing the first 10% of the day on things like study, prayer, and exercise works because there are few distractions in the early morn before the worries and the cares of the day start to pile up.

I haven’t always been a morning person. In fact, I was the complete opposite when I was younger. The less I had to do in the morning, the later I would stay up at night drinking and partying like a rock star. Every weekend back then I got to bed at about the same time I normally wake up now. It was a gradually process over many months that set me to getting up before the birds start singing.

Don’t try to flip from living at night to the living in the morning all at once. Do it gradually. Start by going to bed just 30 minutes earlier and wake up 30 minutes earlier than you do currently. Stick to the routine and it will become easy in a few months. After that you can make another 30 minute adjustment if you choose. Make wise use of the quiet time and things will improve.

(Mark 1:35; 1 Corinthians 9:23-25; Psalm 63:1, 27:8)

faith

Devotional for December 2

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Tremble at the Presence of the Lord

1 When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language;
2 Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion.
3 The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs.
5 What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back?
6 Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs?
7 Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob;
8 Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters. Psalm 114 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

Good feelings are like sugar. Sweet feelings are pleasing to the palate of the soul, but not essential. Right thoughts, on the other hand, provide the essential nutrients absolutely necessary for a soul to thrive. If the will is set firmly in faith to believe the truth, fullness of joy will come to the believer sooner or later. Some seem to be sweep up into the third heaven almost immediately, while others seem to linger in the lowlands for many months and years. If the promised joy is currently missing, do NOT take a backward step. God means to bless you in His perfect timing. Continue to fan the flame of love until God fully sets your heart on fire. This is the testimony we have from countless saints who came before us. Faith in God alone is enough to always be content. Pray first. The grace of God is abundantly more than sufficient for every need. Everyone born again has accepted the grace of God for salvation. The second touch of Christ is learning to continue in His grace. Jesus Christ our Lord is the vine, we are the branches, and God our Father is the gardener. Grace is the precious sap that flows from our heavenly vine causing us to produce and bare much fruit. How much is up to God. One thing for sure, He is able to cause you to bloom wherever He has planted you.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 1; 1 John 1

Micah 7; Luke 16

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, give all of us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. 

faith

Devotional for December 1

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Never Be Shaken

1 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. Psalm 15 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

How easy it is to accept an excuse, to blame others, or to credit your unfortunate circumstances for holding you back. Such thoughts and feelings are fiery darts from the wicked one aimed at igniting unbelief in the believer’s heart. Life hits all of us with different blows. Some harder than others, but the same thing is required of us all. You get knocked down, you get back up. Not by relying on your own strength, but by depending on the grace of Almighty God. God allows such testing, not to vex our souls, but to provide the stimulus necessary to bring forth our growth in grace.

Today’s Bible Reading

1 Chronicles 29; 2 Peter 3

Micah 6; Luke 15

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, give all of us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.