faith

Devotional for August 16

August 16, 2023August 16, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

He Has Declared His Word

12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.
13 For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.
14 He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.
15 He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.
16 He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.
17 He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?
18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.
19 He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.
20 He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 147:12-21 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The masses in the mainstream are like obstinate children continuously feeding on poison, making them sicker and sickerm all the while refusing the cure. Pride makes us easy prey for all kinds of deception. The deceitfulness of riches seduces and destroys many who idolize the power of the money. More money is NOT the answer. Money is a bandage at best that only covers surface wounds and distracts the mind from pain. It does nothing to heal the real problem of unrighteousness in soul. For just such a reason, Christ came to save us from our bondage to sin. Throw off the worldly wisdom that refuses to give God the glory due His name. Humble yourself and cry out for the blessing of hunger and thirst for righteousness. Depend on the Lord to make you strong and courageous. Set your mind and affections on the things above and all these worldly things currently set against you, whatsoever they may be, will certainly pass away. Be full of hope and good cheer, because the day of our ultimate salvation is closer today than it was yesterday.

Question

How can we cast our cares upon the Lord?

Answer

Know that God works all things together for good for those who love Him (Scripture). Be specific in prayer and direct your thoughts (Scripture). Go to work and demonstrate your faith in God by trusting Him to bring about the desired outcome (Scripture). Doubts and feelings to test your faith are sure to come (Scripture). Take them all back to the Lord by acknowledging that all outcomes depend on God alone (Scripture). Peace in the eye of every storm is keeping the mind fixed on God (Scripture).

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

Grant to me, Lord. I pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that I, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

faith

Devotional for August 15

August 15, 2023August 15, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

May the Lord Strengthen You Out of Zion

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)

The Morning Exhortation

Every hard packed area of the unbelieving heart can be broken up little by little. Have faith in God. Practice all the truth you receive from the word of God and never agree with the contrary thoughts suggested by the inner tempter. Such persuasion doesn’t come from the one who has died for you in order to reconcile you to God. Therefore, we are commanded to put on the full spiritual armor of God, and mediate on His word day and night. Be spiritually minded and reject the vanities of the materialistic worldview so prevalent during these last days. This world is filled with so much suffering and pain. Even still, the righteous have good reason for rejoicing through it all. For the tears of this life last only a moment when compared to the everlasting reward of eternal life in the presence of the Lord forever.

Question

What does it meant to be in Christ?

Answer

To be in Christ is to join the congregation of the righteous in both this physical world and the spiritual Kingdom of God (Scripture). To be in Christ means to have Christ dwelling in you (Scripture). Don’t look to feel it before your believe it (Scripture). Seeing and feeling are always lag indicators (Scripture). A basic principle of the Kingdom is that faith in God must always precede seeing and feeling (Scripture). First the blade, then the ear, and then the full corn in the ear (Scripture).

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

faith

Devotional for August 14

August 14, 2023August 14, 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. Psalm 78:1-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Knowledge of the will of God is a divinely given map showing us where to go and where not to go, but alone knowledge is not power. Power comes from the application of knowledge. There can be no application without knowledge and it is equally true there will be no power without application. Blessings follow the proper application of the Word of God to all the heart, body, mind, soul, and spirit. Be determined to do all the will of God and depend on the grace of God to enable you to get it done. We can consistently be a doer of the Word by faith. Be diligent in guarding the heart against deceiving self in this matter.

Question

What is the purpose of life?

Answer

The purpose of life is to glorify God (Scripture). It is the one thing that we can do now that we will also be doing in heaven (Scripture). Wisdom is knowing that our highest good and the will of God are one and the same (Scripture). To do the will of God, whether it be an archangel or a lowly man, is to glorify God (Scripture).

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

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon all your faithful people your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; 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 August 13

August 13, 2023August 13, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Proclaim with Me the Greatness of the Lord

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.
8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:1-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Fear, uncertainty, and doubt are the adult versions of the school playground bullies of the world. They won’t be satisfied with just your lunch money, little by little they will take more and more until you are left shaking with each change of the wind. There are many things in this life that seek to defeat us without having to go to battle. Screwtape doctrines using psychological trickery designed to create fear and worry are transmitted constantly throughout the digital spaces of our modern world. To be strong and courageous it is necessary to accept our weakness and depend totally on the strength of the Lord. Fight the good fight of faith by holding tight onto the truth as revealed in the word of God. Trust in the Lord. Our hope is in His salvation, and on His grace we can always depend. Victory and power is in the name of Jesus Christ, now and forever more!

Question

Is there more than just prosperity on earth and eternal life in heaven?

Answer

The Holy Bible promises much more than prosperity and eternal life (Scripture). That we come to know the fullness of Christ, this is the will of God for each of His children (Scripture). What can be shaken must be shaken if we are to truly learn what can never be moved (Scripture). All that is sin is destined to be burned in the fire (Scripture). Our heavenly Father draws us to Christ by faith (Scripture), and it is by the same faith that we receive more grace (Scripture). The measure that we hold back is the measure by which we are limited (Scripture). All of self for all of Jesus (Scripture), total of lesser things for the total of that which is greater (Scripture), everything old for everything new (Scripture).

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

Daily Writing Prompt

Never Leave Home Without It

August 12, 2023August 26, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Daily writing prompt

What is the most important thing to carry with you all the time?

View all responses

Better than an unlimited charge card, far better than the smartest of phones, and more powerful than any speeding bullet is the Word of God. Carry it in your heart and nobody can ever take it from you. Think about it as often as you can, and you will never forgot it or leave it behind. See John 15:1-11

faith

Devotional for August 12

August 12, 2023August 12, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Who Can Ascend the Hill of the Lord?

24 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

Darkness and light are like fear and faith in that when one comes the other must go. Blessed are those who have not seen a burning bush, nor a light brighter than the noonday sun, and still believe. It isn’t falling off the wagon that causes all the havoc, it’s the not getting back on after falling off. “Oh well, blown my diet anyway…another slice of pizza isn’t going to matter.” Or, “Had a couple of drinks already, one more won’t hurt.” Or, “Missed a couple of workouts this week, might as well just wait and start up again next week.” Such harmful rationalizations suggested by the inner tempter are endless. Falling doesn’t have to lead to disaster, as long as you remember that you don’t climb out of a pit by digging the hole deeper. The conscience must be keep both tender and clear in order for the goodness of the Lord to lead us to repentance. If not, the conscience is easily hardened against any sin we allow or permit by hiding, covering, or excusing it. When the Spirit moves the conscience to reprove you, be quick to call on the name of Jesus Christ for mercy rather than go on wallowing in the filth and condemnation of those who slide deeper and deeper toward the bottomless pit. Ask the Lord to cleanse your heart, your mind, and your hands. Such a request is pleasing to the Lord and He is always faithful and willing to do all that He has promised. We can be confident that such a prayer uttered sincerely will be granted.

Question

What is a good technique for learning to lead public prayer?

Answer

First: Acknowledge the infinite greatness of Almighty God (Scripture). Second; Petition the Lord by using the word of God pertaining to the specific needed grace (Scripture). Third: Give thanks for the expected blessing (Scripture).

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

Daily Writing Prompt

Bread of Life

August 11, 2023August 26, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Daily writing prompt

What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?

View all responses

The one desire for my blog is that the soul who is hungry for what they know not, may come each day and be filled with the true bread of life from the Father’s table (John 6:32-35).

faith

Devotional for August 11

August 11, 2023August 11, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Grant Me the Joy of Your Presence

5 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:5-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Life is a hill. Break free from the masses at the bottom who walk in the stubbornness of their own heart and are thereby chained with complacency. Mediocracy craves the waking sleep of entertainment, amusement, and distraction. While excellence is only found by those with attentive ears, who are eager to learn, and whose are hands put to purposeful work. Listen and hear, “Climb my people, climb!”

Question

What are ears to hear and eyes to see?

Answer

Ears that don’t hear and eyes that don’t see only judge and defend (Scripture). The deaf and blind say in their heart “I have the right to determine what is right and wrong for myself” (Scripture). The blood of Abel still speaks to us all about how it is always better to do what is right according to God rather than according to our own deceitful heart (Scripture). Ears that hear and eyes that see seek to learn and apply what God has said is righteousness (Scripture). The referent exaltation of God with a corresponding distrust of one’s own heart is the beginning of wisdom (Scripture). Ears that hear and eyes that see are those who demonstrate a good understanding by being doers of the word (Scripture).

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

faith

Devotional for August 10

August 10, 2023August 10, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Show Me the Way I Should Go

143 Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
4 Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.
7 Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Psalm 143:1-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

We struggle against the darkness of a world-wide culture of death that seeks to enslave us all with fear, uncertainty, and doubt. As a remedy, the world only offers lies and vanities. Freedom comes when you no longer desire to be like the popular of this world, and are totally liberated from the human hamster wheel known in America as “keeping up with the Joneses.” Those who don’t come to know Jesus Christ will find themselves going round and round chasing the same vanities as the rest of the world day after day, and year after year. Let it not be so with us, brothers and sisters. Let us look up, and live in the joyful expectation of the hope that the Lord has placed within us.

Question

How does faith grow stronger?

Answer

Faith increases in proportion to our willingness to tolerate the testing of it (Scripture). When we understand the conditional requirements of faith (Scripture), then we can actually praise God even in the face of the fatigue and discomfort that so often accompanies the buffeting feelings and circumstances that test our faith (Scripture). 1st condition: Faith is given to us so that we can fulfill our great commission to serve as ambassadors, stewards, and teachers of Jesus Christ (Scripture). Second condition: Faith must be properly placed: adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting in Almighty God (Scripture). Third condition: Load and fire, that is to first pray and then command in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Scripture).

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

faith

Devotional for August 9

August 9, 2023August 9, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

O Lord, My God, You Are Very Great

16 The trees of the Lord are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;
17 Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house.
18 The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.
19 He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.
20 Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.
21 The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.
22 The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.
23 Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.
24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
25 So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.
26 There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.
27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
28 That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.
29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.
31 The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works. Psalm 104:16-31 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Some ask: “Can’t I just take a pill, have my stomach stapled, or get this belly fat sucked out of me?” Such people want to gain the fruit without working for the harvest. They want the well-being without having to turn to the lifestyle that produces it. They want the ends without the God appointed means of grace. This is the way of Cain. He sought to worship God as his own heart desired, and not the way that God commanded. Woe to the clay that rebels in such a way against the Potter. Wise is the one who chooses the God ordained narrow path that leads to eternal life. The tempestuous winds of this world will often buffet us, but blessed be our Rock. Know for certain that abiding in our Lord Jesus Christ is our guarantee of a safe haven amidst every storm. Come out from every other place. By faith abide in Christ alone.

Question

What is prayer?

Answer

Prayer is an attitude and a privilege (Scripture). Whereby we can stir up the gift of God, which is the Holy Spirit (Scripture), and mentally ascend into the realm of the third heaven to actually FaceTime with the living God (Scripture). No soldier is properly equipped without a means of communication with his commander (Scripture). Prayer is the push-to-talk radio of the soldier of Jesus Christ (Scripture). A parked car cannot be steered, neither can the Christian Soldier by led unless he is walking in the Spirit (Scripture). And finally, prayer is the humbling of self under the mighty hand of God (Scripture).