faith

Devotional for September 14

September 14, 2023September 14, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

True Safety Comes From Abiding in the Lord

1 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. Psalm 91:1-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Those who don’t like to squat seldom practice it, and those who lack patience have never developed it. The squat is a skill that must be practiced, and patience is a fruit that must be developed. Some get the opportunity to practice the squat, but all are given many opportunities to grow in patience. Why do you get angry at life’s little inconveniences and the people God sends your way to try your patience? Learn to deal with them, because you already know that working against resistance is necessary for muscles to grow stronger. It is equally true that suffering various trials and temptations provide the necessary resistance for strengthening faith and patience.

Question

Should we desire to be holy?

Answer

Holiness is to share in the divine nature (Scripture). A drop from the ocean has the same nature as the ocean (Scripture). It is just different in weight and magnitude (Scripture). So too must the branch take on the same essential nature as the vine (Scripture). Oh yes, desire to be holy (Scripture). The command to be holy is not grievous to anyone with eyes to see that it is far better to exchange all our filthy rags for godly riches (Scripture).

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

Grant me, O Lord, to trust in you with all my heart; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

faith

Devotional for September 13

September 13, 2023September 13, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Recount the Praiseworthy Deeds of the Lord

1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
9 The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.
10 They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;
11 And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them. Psalm 78:1-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Only the humble heart can be exalted. The heart lifted up in pride can only be casted down. Don’t despise small beginnings. Victory starts with planning and preparation long before the battle begins. Better to have no opportunity, than it is to have an opportunity and not be ready for it. Don’t shrink away from the necessary challenges of life God puts before you. For without being subject to high temperature and pressure, every diamond remains just a lump of carbon. God will never allow you to suffer more than you can bare. Never will He leave you and never will He forsake you. We are made strong to glorify God, not to glorify self. Blessed are the doers of the Word. Be filled with hope and faith in God. Live continually in love, joy, and peace through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Ask and know that God is more willing to give this most precious gift than we are willing to receive Him.

Question

How close is God to us?

Answer

God is not far from every one of us (Scripture). It’s just that like Adam we vainly chose to hide behind the bushes of this physical world (Scripture). God sent His only Begotten Son to bridge the gap (Scripture). Now there is only one degree of separation between God and us (Scripture). That tiny one degree that remains requires our response to the love of God by willingly inclining our heart toward God (Scripture). The heart is the gaze of the soul (Scripture). Just as the whole body follows where the eyes lead, so too does the soul follow that which the heart is inclined towards (Scripture). Draw near to God and He will draw near to you, is both a command and a promise (Scripture).

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

faith

Devotional for September 12

September 12, 2023September 12, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Your Love Is Before My Eyes

2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.
6 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord:
7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. Psalm 26:2-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

How precious is the word of God written in the Holy Bible! By it we come to know the only true God and ourselves. The Bible is a book for all time because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Bible is relevant for our modern times because people are the same wherever they have gone since the Garden of Eden. To know God and to know self makes the double abiding of God in us and us in God possible. Here is a written essential piece of knowledge for wisdom: we love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Abba, Father! And when He, the Holy Spirit comes, He will make your Bible a new book to you. Then will we be able to join that great cloud of witness in shouting glory to God Most High through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Question

Is modern man superior to his ancient ancestors?

Answer

Physically, people today tend to be weaker (Scripture). Mentally, we are only more sophisticated and distracted (Scripture). Spiritually, we are just as lost and gone astray as are all who have ever come from the womb…with Jesus Christ being the one exception (Scripture). Both the cause and the cure has, and always will, remain the same until the end of time (Scripture).

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

faith

Devotional for September 11

September 11, 2023September 11, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

I Will Sing

1 Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
2 Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.
3 Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.
4 For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.
5 This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.
6 I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots.
7 Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.
8 Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;
9 There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.
10 I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. Psalm 81:1-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Never let your heart be kindled with desire for any woman not your own, nor elevated by any drug, nor seduced by the luxury of riches or the self-satisfaction of pride. To do so is to feed the sinful nature of the flesh. And the flesh kills all those who indulge it. Addiction is but the slave-like bondage to something that promotes death. An addiction is a hidden idol of the heart. All who call on the name of the Lord can be sure it is the will of God that we be free of all such sins. So pray, have faith in God, and let your faith be strengthen by each trial that God permits in your life. In hearing the Word, we receive the necessary knowledge. In believing the Word, we mix that knowledge with faith. This is not of the external world of which the flesh is a part, this is of our inner being reborn so that the whole life may be conformed to the imagine of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Believe with complete confidence that it is the will of God for you to walk in the Spirit. Choose life and turn from all that leads to death. Do this and the grace of God will provide the power to demolish any sinful strongholds in your life. Stand firm in faith, and the truth of Christ Jesus shall make you free.

Question

How do we come to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?

Answer

First, we must come to understand the matter of fact knowledge about the Savior (Scripture). Second, we must believe the good reports of the many eye witnesses (Scripture). Third, all relationships grow as time is spent together (Scripture). Spend much time cultivating the presence of God through inner worship according to the pattern of the kingdom of God (Scripture). A personal relationship with Christ comes with our deepening experience of the presence of God as we go about daily living, and not just by acquiring knowledge of and believing the Scriptures alone (Scripture).

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

faith

Devotional for September 10

September 10, 2023September 10, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Earth Is the Lord’s

1 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Psalm 24:1-6 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Thought is the gatekeeper of the heart. Therefore, it is important to consider whether each of our thoughts are right or wrong. Wrong thoughts are like unwanted visitors. You can’t really control who knocks on your door, but you don’t have to invite them in, give them a frosty beverage, and make them comfortable in your favorite chair. Never entertain wrong thoughts. They only multiply when you do that. They call all their degenerate friends and the next thing you know they are throwing a wild party at the expense of your peace and happiness. Be on guard. Examine each thought for its conformity to the Word of God. Let go of each inconsistent thought, not by struggling against it, but by refocusing your thoughts and setting your mind right again with the practice of the presence of God. Remember God, and God will keep you in perfect peace.

Question

What is the practice of the presence of God?

Answer

According to Brother Lawrence, who wrote the small classic book with the same title, it is the practice of thinking about God as often as possible throughout each day (Scripture). Look for times of silence and activities that require less than 100 percent of you mental faculties to meditate on the Word of God (Scripture). Biblical meditation on Scripture means to think deeply about, to ponder, to pause like the worker bee over a most precious flower to extract as much nourishment as possible from the nectar within (Scripture). It has been said of old that an idle mind is the workshop of the devil, today it is even more true for the mind saturated with ceaseless modern entertainments (Scripture). Meditating on the Scriptures naturally leads to entering into the presence of God with praise and thanksgiving (Scripture).

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

faith

Devotional for September 9

September 9, 2023September 9, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

God is Faithful and True

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

To make the most of whatever we are given takes the exact same thing from each of us whether we’ve been given much or little. It takes dedication, hard work, and a one hundred percent commitment to God. We all won’t reach the same level, but we can all know the joy that comes from being all we were created to be. It is not the greatness of the work that gives it value in the eyes of the Lord. It is the love and intentions of the heart in which the child acts that is most pleasing in the eyes of any loving father. Do all things with love, be it little or great, and this will glorify God.

Question

What does it mean to follow Christ?

Answer

To follow Jesus Christ means to follow His example (Scripture). He came to serve, not to be served (Scripture). In so doing, He always did what glorified the Father (Scripture). Following Christ means to think like Jesus (Scripture), to obey His commands (Scripture), and to desire what He desired (Scripture). Jesus our heavenly pattern is indeed perfect (Scripture). Impossible for us to enter His kingdom in our own strength (Scripture). We are to do all things through Christ (Scripture).

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

Daily Writing Prompt · Uncategorized

As Commonly Used

September 8, 2023September 10, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Daily writing prompt

If you had to give up one word that you use regularly, what would it be?

View all responses

The word “mine” as commonly used to denote ownership, requires an attitude adjustment to conform to the Word of God. (Galatians 5:26; Corinthians 4:7; Acts 17:28; Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Peter 2:9)

faith

Devotional for September 8

September 8, 2023September 8, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Lord God Almighty Will Sustain Me

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. Psalm 51:10-19 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

God is forever faithful. He will take you where He has created you to be in His perfect timing. Your part is not to worry about when or how. Your part is to trust in God, keep your hand on the plow, shoulder to the wheel, and continue the good fight of the faith. To wait on the Lord means to remain in the ready state of the prepared heart, which is filled with love, faith, and hope in God. Ask God to fully prepare your heart, abide in the Heavenly Vine, and God will bring forth His fruit in you at just the right time.

Question

What is the rest of God?

Answer

In the rest of God, there is fullness of Christ in the spirit (Scripture), which comes from the full assurance of understanding (Scripture), and results in peace and joy (Scripture). You must first believe that God loves you before you can come to know that you love God (Scripture). You bring you and God will bring the rest (Scripture).

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

faith

Devotional for September 7

September 7, 2023September 7, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Hear, O My People

1 The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.
14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
16 But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?
17 Seeing thou hatest instruction, and casteth my words behind thee.
18 When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.
19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.
20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.
21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.
22 Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.
23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. Psalm 50:1,14-23 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The first thing to do after being relieved of a big headache is to stop hitting yourself in the head with the hammer that caused the headache. It sounds a little silly, yet those of us who have suffered from an addiction know how hard it is to stop inflicting yourself with a bad habit. The grace of God is more than sufficient for breaking every addiction though. Our Lord Jesus Christ suffered death on the Cross to free us from all such bondage to sin. The beginning of deliverance is to confess our own powerlessness and in humility call out to God for mercy. Pray and depend on God to enable you to stop. It may not be easy, but we can be sure it is the will of God to destroy all the works of the devil. Take the discomfort that comes with quitting what you know you should. Hold on and be quick to get back up on the wagon after every fall. Have faith in God and He shall set you free. O Lord, save us from the delusion of our own self-sufficiency.

Question

What is the biblical principle of the measure?

Answer

The measure given will determine the measure received (Scripture). Give none of self and none of Christ will be received (Scripture). To give some of self will mean receiving only some of Christ (Scripture). Give all of self and receive all of Christ (Scripture). Give zero trust to self and receive complete trust in God (Scripture). So, bind the sacrifice to the altar, the fire will fall, and the rain will come (Scripture).

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

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all people, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

faith

Devotional for September 6

September 6, 2023September 6, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Teach Me Your Paths, O Lord

1 Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
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. Psalm 25:1-9 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Catch on fire and let all that is contrary to the knowledge of God burn away. Plan “A” is typically seen in the foolishness of youth with the determination to live life just as one’s heart desires, but that leads only to death. God has a plan “B” for anyone willing to choose it. If you want good health, soundness of mind, and righteousness, you have to seek Him who has promised you a new heart. Surrender all to the Lord Jesus Christ. Once you give yourself to God and become His property, take nothing of your offering back. Deny self, pick up your cross daily, and follow the Lord. Exercise your discernment to distinguish between good and evil thoughts within. With spiritual maturity we learn to stand at the ready holding on to what is good and immediately casting down every evil thought. This is at the center of a life that glorifies our God.

Question

Is there such a thing as divine health?

Answer

Youth comes with a certain innocence which doesn’t recognize that health of the body and soul comes from God (Scripture). Correct thinking requires the nourishment provided by the pure spiritual milk of the Word and sanctification by the Spirit (Scripture). Make the best choices for your health that you can (Scripture), and leave time and chance to the God who works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Scripture). Be specific with your supplications to God for your health needs (Scripture).