faith

Devotional for August 29

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

I Will Keep Your Statutes 

1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Psalm 119:1-9 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

To be disciplined with the big things in life, like your health and fitness, practice being disciplined with little things. For example, you will find it much easier to consistently make it to the gym in the morning when you are able to do something as simple as to always make your bed after getting out of it. Discipline is a habit that is built with such routine and seemingly unimportant tasks. It is a wise master-builder who thanks God for this knowledge. It would take an eternity to properly praise God for the all grace bestowed upon us by the Lord Jesus Christ. Among the blessings we are granted through His sacrifice on the Cross, is our freedom and ability to now choose to be obedient to God. The higher the degree of our inner conformity to Christ we come to know, the more we see how important the heart preparation of the gospel is for the salvation of our souls. Trust in God is the preparation of the heart that makes all other blessings possible. What the Lord has said, that has He done and that will He do. As God says, so does God do, always and without fail. This makes God and His word worthy of complete trust. The lips of the wise will praise Him, and the heart of the redeemed will trust in God forevermore.

Question

What to do when feeling blue?

Answer

Recognize the source (Scripture). Examine your thoughts (Scripture). Reverse the downward spirals of thought by focusing on biblical truths rather than future possibilities, current perspective, or past interpretations of events (Scripture). Practice casting with both hands: casting your cares upon the Lord with one, and casting down imaginations that exalt themselves above Almighty God on the other (Scripture). Repeat until you break out into genuine worship and praise, then the blues will run from you (Scripture). Better to be small on earth and great in heaven (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.

Daily Writing Prompt

It’s Easy to See

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite time of day?
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Dawn is an everyday miracle that most choose not to see. My favorite time of day by far is the early morning. Our elders have showed us that those who do not rise up early to seek God before the cares of the day start pressing in, will seldom have time to find God at any other time of the day. Adopting the ancient practice of seeking God in the quiet of the morning has transformed everything about me. (Psalm 19, 27:28; 63:1; Mark 1:35; 2 Peter 1:16-21; 2 Corinthians 13:13-14)

faith

Devotional for August 28

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Sweeter Than Honey 

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

To be fit and live long is good, but to be fit for as long as you live is a much better goal. Sleep is essential for health and fitness. A habitual lack of sleep is an ugly chicken that comes home to roost somewhere around the age of 40. You can only get away with burning the candle at both ends for so long. Sleep is anabolic! You don’t grow in the gym, you grow in your sleep. So, you’re busting your hump in the gym, and that’s good. You’re eating more nutrient dense foods, and that’s great. Now don’t shoot yourself in the foot by staying up late at night doing absolutely nothing of importance. Little good happens past 9 pm anyway. Make it a habit to be in bed early, sleep 8 hours, and then be early to rise. Prioritize sleep. The importance of sleep for health and fitness is hard to overemphasize, and above this know for certain that all is vanity without God. How unfortunate it would be to live a physically healthy and fit long life without knowing God. People who can sleep like babies all their life, but do not know God, are like the beasts that perish. 

Question

What is the difference between little and great faith?

Answer

Little faith is a diseased state in the Christian caused by sin and it is easily recognized by the symptoms of fear, worry, and doubt (Scripture). Great faith is a state of spiritual health in the Christian and is easily recognized by the assurance of faith caused by the knowledge of God and tenacity (Scripture). Start with affirming your love that seeks to please God, then confess and repent from littleness of faith (Scripture). 

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

Almighty God, who has given your only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin and an example by his godly life: For the sake of your Son,  I most thankfully receive your forgiveness of all my offenses; and grant me the grace to serve you in newness of life to the glory of your Name; through the same your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

faith

Devotional for August 27

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Beginning of Wisdom 

10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
11 Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.
12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
13 Return, O Lord, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.
14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.
16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.
17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Psalm 90:10-17 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

If every time you walk by the doughnut shop you give in to the temptation to eat some of the baked sugary goo, stop walking by the doughnut shop!  Prudence demands that we learn to avoid temptation whenever possible, and Wisdom demands that we resist temptation by standing firm in faith whenever it is not possible to avoid it. Believe the Word of Truth. By the grace of God, you will be what be what God has called you to be. Let the Word abide in you richly so that you may be sanctified. Pray for this and He will work it in you. He has been patiently waiting for your prayers, and after prayer wait patiently for His blessing. The assurance of faith comes from trusting in the faithfulness of God. 

Question

Why is it so hard to get started with anything new?

Answer

The status quo, not matter how unprofitable, is so familiar and comfortable that it becomes harder and harder to put forth the effort necessary to change the longer it is maintained (Scripture). The double call of the gospel is come just as you are (Scripture), and be willing to change once you’ve come (Scripture). Do it now, because to wait for tomorrow is to risk missing the last boat (Scripture). Expect to be totally transformed by the power of God (Scripture).

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

Almighty God, who has given your only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin and an example by his godly life: For the sake of your Son,  I most thankfully receive your forgiveness of all my offenses; and grant me the grace to serve you in newness of life to the glory of your Name; through the same your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Daily Writing Prompt

Hope is…

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
Tell us about the last thing you got excited about.
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Having purpose gives life meaning, and opportunity that leads to fulfillment of purpose excites me more than anything else. Most people miss opportunity because it often looks like hard work covered in the dirt and dust of problems and difficulties. Opportunity causes excitement because it is like miracle grow for hope (Jeremiah 29:11-13; Romans 15:13).

faith

Devotional for August 26

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom 

34 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. Psalm 34:1-7, 11-14 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The kingdom principle of sowing and reaping takes time. The harvest comes in its due season. So, climb when you can. Tie a knot and hold on when you can’t move up. Soar with the eagles when the opportunity presents itself, and practice falling with style whenever it doesn’t. Abide in the Lord. It is not what we think we can do, it’s what we trust the Lord to do that sets the limit of our faith. Our sufficiency is of God. Often it requires facing the fear, refusing to doubt, taking the pain, and forgiving the hurt. At times it will mean getting knocked down, skinned up, and then bouncing back again. The Scriptures tell us even though the righteous get knocked down seven times, he will get back up again. Trust in the promised mercy of the Lord, brush yourself off, and start again whenever you must. Consider not the slowness of the process, or the difficulty of the way. To do so is to walk by sight. Rather put your whole trust in God Almighty alone, this is walking by faith. It is so vital to learn the lesson of the vine and the branch. The spirit of “can-do-nothing-without-Christ Jesus” rests on infallible truth. He is our Rock on which we can always depend in season and out, now and late, forever and ever. So, deny self, submit to God, and resist the devil. Sowing and reaping has been ordained by God. The harvest will surely come.

Question

What’s wrong with talking behind someone’s back?

Answer

Bad mouthing, tale biting, complaining, grumbling, murmuring, gossiping, and the like are the sending forth of invisible little birds that carry only negative vibes (Scripture). Peace is sown by those who are at peace (Scripture). To bless our neighbors with both thoughts and deeds is to remain salty, and this is the will of God for each of His children (Scripture).

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

Almighty God, who has given your only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin and an example by his godly life: For the sake of your Son,  I most thankfully receive your forgiveness of all my offenses; and grant me the grace to serve you in newness of life to the glory of your Name; through the same your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

faith

Devotional for August 25

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Keep Me as the Apple of Your Eye 

6 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
9 From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about. Psalm 17:6-9 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Muscle is forged in the fire of the will. When it gets uncomfortable and you’re not sure if you can go on, that’s when you have to reach down deep and toss another log of desire into the furnace of your will. To take the discomfort and push through the doubt, you have to have a burning desire to get it done. Physical development seems difficult in the beginning, but with persistence it gets easier over time. Physical and spiritual development are the same in that God is the source of both. Spiritual development starts with the grace of God giving us ears to hear. Spiritual hearing first of all takes being exposed to the word of truth. Lots of people have the truth of Bible knowledge and profess that they believe it is true, but this is of no value to them unless it is acted on in faith. Faith is required to get from believing what the Bible promises to actually knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. Knowing about Jesus Christ is a prerequisite, belief is the way, faith is the means, and having a personal relationship with Him is the glorious end. Do NOT stop short. 

Question

Why are we so quick to kill the messenger?

Answer

That which is hard and difficult to take often causes a knee jerk reaction that smites the bearer of news we don’t want to hear (Scripture). More often than not, at the first sign of pain we reach for a pain killer rather than listening to what the pain is saying (Scripture). All pain is not the same (Scripture). Some painful messages should be tolerated (Scripture). Other types of pain require immediate relief (Scripture). Distinguishing between the different meanings of pain is a learned skill that cultivates beauty of body, soul, and spirit (Scripture).

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

Almighty God, who has given your only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin and an example by his godly life: For the sake of your Son,  I most thankfully receive your forgiveness of all my offenses; and grant me the grace to serve you in newness of life to the glory of your Name; through the same your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

faith

Devotional for August 24

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Lord Shall Keep You

121 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. Psalm 121 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Strength doesn’t come from a can, Popeye. Do you think the muscle fairy is just going to leave you 18-inch guns under your pillow? Such lying vanities are cartoon fairy tales when told to children and advertising hype when marketed to adults. There are no shortcuts. Muscle is a full-grown pit bull and you gotta wrassle’em if you want that bone. The “why” is far more important than obtaining any goals however. If you do it to please self, it is sin. If you do it as part of your reasonable service to please the Lord, it is righteousness. Bodybuilding, physical exercise, and diet are not good or bad in themselves, but it is the intent of the heart in doing them that makes it so. Turn from seeking to please self in order to fight the good fight of the faith. Rejoice with unceasing prayer. Prayer is spiritual exercise for faith and practice of the presence of God. Either prayer will end sinning or sinning will end prayer. From everlasting to everlasting, the Lord God Almighty is! So continue to pray to Him, and prayer will win the day.

Question

How can we pray unceasingly?

Answer

To pray unceasingly is to cultivate a continuous awareness of God that comes with the deliberate practice of focusing our attention on God (Scripture). This requires eliminating worldly distractions when possible, as about 90% of the time the mind simply wanders about focusing on whatever wind that passes by (Scripture). The motive for exercise and diet is of paramount importance for building muscle, so too is the motive for focusing attention and directing our thoughts upward toward God essential for praying unceasingly (Scripture). 

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

Almighty God, who has given your only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin and an example by his godly life: For the sake of your Son,  I most thankfully receive your forgiveness of all my offenses; and grant me the grace to serve you in newness of life to the glory of your Name; through the same your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Daily Writing Prompt

Sooner or Later

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
What motivates you?
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As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been driven by this feeling that I am not yet what I will be. I have been planted by streams of water by the grace of God. I have many green leaves, lots of tender blossoms, and much fruit on the vine. It is the love of God that compels me to continually work for the harvest (Psalm 1:1-3, 92:12-15; Ephesians 2:10; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:23; Philippians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Hosea 14:8; Isaiah 61:3; Jude 1:24-26)