In the Light of the Living

10 In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word.
11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.
13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living? Psalm 56:10-13 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

It does no good to be born with world-class speed if you don’t develop it. In the same way, simply being born again is not enough. We must be willing to make our election sure by growing up into our salvation. Not from a compulsion to obey the rules, but voluntarily as love must be. We love because God first loved us. God proved His love for us by giving His only begotten Son to die for us when were lost in sin. Come to Christ just as you are, but don’t stay that way. The baby Christian can be slapped about by strong winds and easily deceived by the candy-coated poisons of this world. Our God is the God of all comfort, but a Christian who keeps one foot in the world and one foot in Christ will find much discomfort. Maturity comes from learning to stand firm in faith by believing the Word of God. Happiness comes from a childlike faith that reads “God is love” and then simply believes and affirms the truth through all the ups and downs of current circumstances. His yoke is truly easy when we maintain a total dependence on God for everything. Jesus Christ is the Captain of our soul. No captain can ferry a passenger across the sea if that passenger refuses to let go of the shore and get completely on board the ship. Let go of the land of unbelief and take your assigned place fully on the ark of Christ with the only acceptable boarding pass of simple child-like faith. Christ won our eternal salvation for us with His humility and dependence on God the Father, and in like manner it is by our child-like humility and dependence on God that we grow up in our salvation.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Kings 17; Titus 3

Hosea 10; Psalm 129-131

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

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, I may purify myself as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, I may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Daily Remember the Goodness of the Lord

103 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103:1-5 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

Let no one deceive himself by saying, “if only I saw a burning bush, or a blinding light brighter than the noonday sun, then I too would be wholly devoted to God.” The Bible record shows otherwise. God led the Israelites out of Egypt by the hand of Moses. They all saw the mighty power of God. They all experienced His presence with them in a cloud by day and a fiery pillar by night. Those who perished in the wilderness heard God speak from a quaking mountain filled with smoke and fire, yet still they were unfaithful to Him. And let us not forget Judas Iscariot, who was one of the 12 that lived and walked with Jesus for three years. Judas still betrayed Him even after seeing all the miraculous signs and wonders performed by Jesus. Clearly the decision to believe or not to believe doesn’t depend on seeing miraculous manifestations of the power of God. Those who will not believe the Holy Scriptures are not likely to be persuaded by the manifested power of God either. Choose the fear of the Lord now and be glad at His coming. The day of the Lord draws near. On that day there will no longer be a choice. Every knee shall bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. On that day the bridge of mercy will be withdrawn just like in the days of Noah. Then it will be too late for the unbelievers. Better to be born with little and choose the fear of the Lord, than to be born with much and live without the fear of God. We must all stand before the judgement seat of Christ and give account for what we have chosen to do with what we are given in this life. Remember Lot’s wife.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Kings 16; Titus 2

Hosea 9; Psalm 126-128

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

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, I may purify myself as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, I may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Everlasting Strength

4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.
7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.
10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:4-10 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

Strength is built as the technique is practiced over time. Faith, just like our muscles, must be tested or proved under resistance to grow strong. Bodily exercise builds physical strength just as exercising the gift of faith builds spiritual convictions. Here is the understanding that leads to unshakable spiritual convictions: things are not true because they are written in the Bible, things are written in the Bible because they are known to be true. This is an enormously important difference. When the Bible states that God is good, it is merely stating a known fact worthy of all acceptation. Therefore, we can believe and trust it as surely as any other known fact. Know without a doubt that all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ have been given faith at least the size of a mustard seed. The only question is whether or not we are willing to plant our faith firmly in God so that we fully grow up into our salvation.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Kings 15; Titus 1

Hosea 8; Psalm 123-125

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

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, I may purify myself as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, I may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

The Lord Strengthen You

20 The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions. Psalm 20:1-5 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

God will make a way where there is no way for all who are called according to His purpose. Big achievers are big dreamers, but only if the sleeper awakes and takes the first step in faith. The second and third steps are always easier, but unless the first step is taken the next steps will remain forever out of reach. Sometimes it seems that life is like a platform connected to a maze of stairways that go off in every direction to where we are not always able to clearly see. Therefore, the first step must be chosen with great care. Make the first step obedience to the written word of God, and your next step will surely be in the right direction.  

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Kings 14; 2 Timothy 4

Hosea 7; Psalm 120-122

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

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, I may purify myself as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, I may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Willingly Choose to Live a Blameless Life

1 I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.
2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. Psalm 101:1-5 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

Being clean both inside and out is pleasing to God. Don’t just sit there with crumbs on your face feeling sorry for yourself. Self-pity is pride’s ugly twin sister. Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. Get right with God and guard your heart. Call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ with sincere repentance and turn from all that is wrong. Courageously depend on God alone and He will make you strong. Confront the problem. Fight the good fight of faith. Trust God and win!

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Kings 13; 2 Timothy 3

Hosea 5-6; Psalm 119:145-176

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

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that I may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Storm Be Still

23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
24 These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.
25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.
28 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
31 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. Psalm 107:23-32 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

Free time is better than money. You can spend it chasing entertainment and pleasure, or you can invest it in education and the practice of discipline. The former costs and the latter pays. The compounding interest of the choice reveals the folly or the wisdom of each choice with the passing of time. No one should be working all the time, but consider the importance, the privilege, and the benefits of discipline. Saturating the mind with the word of God and prayer are chief among disciplines. Righteousness is bestowed on us through the merits of Jesus Christ alone. The fruits of a godly lifestyle though, require our willingness to practice the disciplines (God appointed means of grace) that increase our love for God. Be faithful. Know that we are called to this. To walk in the Spirit, we must be in agreement with the Word in all things. And the Holy Spirit will guide and enable all who choose to hold on tightly to the narrow path that leads to life. We do not prevail by struggling against the Word. We prevail in this life by agreeing with the Word, conforming to it, and being transformed by it. Blessings flow from our efforts performed in willing cooperation with the Spirit.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Kings 11-12; 2 Timothy 2

Hosea 3-4; Psalm 119:121-144

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

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that I may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Wonderful Works

4 Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5 Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Psalm 40:4-5 (KJV)

Morning Exhortation

Wonderful is the knowledge that nothing is too big or too small for God. God is good. He knows all, can do all, can manage all, and has proved His love for us by sending Jesus Christ to redeem us. All things are upheld by His tender mercies. Suffering in this fallen world is a fact of life. Some indulge every appetite and later suffer for having done so. Others choose to deny self and later reap good health because of it. All suffer and go down to the grave. This is undisputable, but the suffering we choose determines how we get there and what happens after we get there. Life is lived daily at the crossroads of choice. We choose our way with a multitude of small choices made each day. Often the choice is between a path that is difficult or easy, right or wrong, for self or for God. All of us have a holy calling given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Predestined by God, yet still we must choose it. Let not the difficulty or slowness of the way deter you. Our God is trustworthy. The afflictions of this life are promised to be next to nothing compared to the riches of the life to come for all who come to God through Jesus Christ. Be of good cheer. Our ultimate salvation is nearer today than it was yesterday.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Timothy 1

Psalm 119:97-120

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

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that I may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.