The Lord Will Perfect That Which Concerns Me 

138  I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4 All the Kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. Psalm 138 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Take no counsel from your fears. Consider what direction your feelings are flowing, and be quick to swim against the current when faith demands it. You cannot stop the birds from flying over your head, but allow no bird of doubt to build a nest filled with uncertainty in your heart. Chase these ugly birds of prey away by the light of the sword of the Spirit. You are the workmanship of God created in Christ Jesus to do good works. The Word of God is light, teaching us how to live a life pleasing to God. And God will enable us to do His will if we are willing. Hold firm to the truth that all members of the body of Christ are called to holiness. Submit to the Spirit and walk in accordance with the Word of God. Be blessed, and may God use you to pour His blessings on others. 

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Samuel 24

Galatians 4

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

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant me the fullness of your grace, that I, running to obtain your promises, may become a partaker of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Life is Short 

1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.
3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
4 Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.
5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish. Psalm 39:1-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

It takes years of toil in obscurity to become an overnight success. Let no one deceive you. A continuous buildup of weak thoughts will in time make a person weak physically, mentally, and spiritually. Weakening thoughts come packaged with the entertaining of fear, uncertainty, and doubt. The further we allow the mind to wander from faithful thoughts, the more worry and vexation of soul we tend to experienced. Cast down weak thoughts contrary to faith in God as soon as you become aware of them. Take your thoughts off your feelings, off your circumstances, off the world. Maintain your focus on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Self and all other things change, but Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will strengthen you for all that you need to do. So look up to where your strength comes from, dig deep, and get done what needs to be done. Make no mistake about it. Faith is the spiritual muscle necessary for developing physical strength, mental toughness, and the godliness we desire.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Samuel 23

Galatians 3

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

Grant that I, Lord, may not be anxious about earthly things, but love things heavenly; and even now, while I am placed among things that are passing away, hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

I Will Confess My Transgressions 

3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.
4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.
5 I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. Psalm 32:3-7 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

In the mist of every difficultly, remember God. When things seem the absolute toughest, that is the opportune time to choose to trust God. Cast your cares upon Him, and take none of them back. Never complain. Instead, praise God for His goodness and find something for which you can be thankful for. Be patient, be real, train hard, love much, pray continuously, give thanks always, and sing praises to the Lord whether you feel like it or not. Do all this and God will cause the rising tides to turn away from you, and the mountains that stand against you to move.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Samuel 22

Galatians 2

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

Grant that I, Lord, may not be anxious about earthly things, but love things heavenly; and even now, while I am placed among things that are passing away, hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

We are Crowned with Thy Goodness 

4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
5 By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:
6 Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:
7 Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.
8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.
9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.
10 Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.
11 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.
12 They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.
13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.
 Psalm 65:4-13 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Under privileged, under class, underdogs, late bloomers, underachievers, and all those who have been counted out in this life, rejoice! Know that from such came nearly all the highly favored ones of the Almighty God. So let us fully put away the things of our former life when we walked in the ways of this world seeking to please self rather than please God. Deny self or deny God. It is one or the other. A matter of degree with leaning to one more, and the other less. Who can live to please self without becoming intoxicated by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life? And those with frustrated efforts to please self will never be at peace. Come now, humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and be at rest. Those who hold on to the self-denying key to the straight gate in thought, word, and deed, will be blessed with inner peace and happiness. We have been freed by the precious blood of Christ. Press forward into the upward call of God. Our part is to attend to the wings of the soul, which are simplicity of intention and purity of affection toward God. He has provide us with His precious promises and the Spirit so that we may participate in His divine nature to the glory and praise of His name. God is forever faithful, and He will cause us to mount up with wings as eagles.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Samuel 21

Galatians 1

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

Grant that I, Lord, may not be anxious about earthly things, but love things heavenly; and even now, while I am placed among things that are passing away, hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

O Lord, Revive Us 

8 I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.
10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps. Psalm 85:8-13 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The “garbage in, garbage out” maxim holds true in the gym as well as it does in software. Consider you may not need to do more than what you are doing right now. You may just need to do what you’re doing better. One does not become mature in Christ all at once, yet no one becomes mature without a daily focus on walking in the Spirit. Let the old way of thinking, living, and existing in the flesh die. Joyfully deny self by thinking, living, and thriving as a new creation in Christ Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. Receive all the precious promises for living the new life of godliness by faith. All that causes thoughts to the contrary are not from God. Consider it a joy to resist such thoughts and feelings. Stand firm in the faith. Pray earnestly. Meditate on the word of God daily, and you will be transformed by the renewing of your mind. It is certainly God’s will for every believer in Jesus Christ to graduate into the light of Romans 8. It is not about struggling to do what is right. Godliness becomes easy once you truly believe that the work is finished. Then comes the joy of the new life in the Spirit.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Samuel 20

2 Corinthians 13

Ezekiel 27

Psalm 75-76 

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

Grant that I, Lord, may not be anxious about earthly things, but love things heavenly; and even now, while I am placed among things that are passing away, hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Great is Our God

147 Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
2 The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.
3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
6 The Lord lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
7 Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:
8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.
9 He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.
10 He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
11 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion. Psalm 147:1-12 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The unexamined heart is easily deceived. Always be willing to consider that you may be wrong. The heart harden with pride will seldom be able to admit any personal wrong. Pride is so natural to our fallen nature that it is often unrecognized if it is not actively guarded against. Having unrecognized pride is to be blindfolded walking toward a cliff. The one necessary counter for eliminating pride is gratitude. Humility comes from a heart full of gratitude. It’s only hard to be humble when you believe you have no one other than yourself to thank. The more you come to know God, the more you will love God. The more you love God, the more grateful you will become. In the mist of day -to- day life, think of God’s love as often as you can. Pause and count some of the multitude of His blessings that He has already given you. Let your heart be full of gratitude and your mouth full of praise. Do this and you will find, just as it is written in the Scriptures, it is good and pleasing to praise the Lord.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Samuel 19

2 Corinthians 12

Ezekiel 26

Psalm 74 

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

Grant that I, Lord, may not be anxious about earthly things, but love things heavenly; and even now, while I am placed among things that are passing away, hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

There is Life in the Way of the 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

There is no need to be concerned with genetics. Skid row is full of people with all kinds of talents and skills without the attitude, effort, and patience it takes to fully develop them. Only God knows what the world has missed out on because of a lack of willingness. Don’t use the fact that it comes easier for someone else as an excuse for you not putting in the work required to do what you need to do. Start with the inside. Work out that which Christ Jesus has worked in you. Depend on the grace of God to enable you to cultivate what is good, and turn from what is not. The love of God compels us to pursue righteousness, because just as the Westminster Shorter Catechism states, our chief end is to glorify God. The appointed means is our wholehearted cooperation with the Holy Spirit in order to accomplish His good and perfect will. Every command of God comes packaged with the promised that He will enable us to do all that He requires. All have the need for patience. God is forever faithful and His timing is absolutely perfect. Set your heart therefore, to do His will and you can be sure it shall be done. Though it seem to tarry, wait on the Lord. All that have waited on the Lord have never been disappointed.

Today’s Bible Reading

2 Samuel 18

2 Corinthians 11

Ezekiel 25

Psalm 73 

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

Grant that I, Lord, may not be anxious about earthly things, but love things heavenly; and even now, while I am placed among things that are passing away, hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.