Incline My Heart to Your Testimonies, O 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

Remember the Lord your God when your physical appearance improves as you consistently workout and eat better. This will present a new danger you must guard against. Guard your heart against the natural inclinations of this fallen world, or the bitter roots of pride will easily spring up. Never forget that it is God who has enabled you to eat well, given you the desire and ability to work hard, and He alone is the source of all growth. Take hold of the precious promises of God. Raise the shield of faith to extinguish every fiery dart that would kindle unbelief. This is the way to fight for your trust in God. Let His staff and His rod comfort you. Hold on until you know that God is guiding you with His eye. Hold on until you know His voice. Hold on until God renews your youth like the eagle. The abundant life comes to us only by the grace of God. It is through Jesus Christ that we have the sure mercies of David to the praise of His holy name. Worship God, and know for certain that only our God is truly worthy of glory.

Question

What shall we do in light of the gospel?

Answer

First, realize that the opposite of a profound truth, is often another profound truth (2 Thessalonians 3:10; James 1:2-8; Hebrews 3:7-14). Just because we can do nothing without Christ doesn’t mean we have nothing to do (John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 3:5-17). God cleanses (James 4:8; 1 John 1:9). Still, we must choose NOT to return to wallowing in the mud (2 Peter 2:9-22). Christ came to teach us the ways of the God (Matthew 11:16-30). When we deny self until the cross has done its work (Luke 9:23-24), then we come to know through lived experience the ease of His yoke, the lightness of His burden, and the sweetness of His rest (Luke 4:16-21; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Isaiah 61:3; Psalm 118:19-29; Matthew 28:18-20).

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

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration I may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Your Testimonies Are Very Sure

93 The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.
2 Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.
3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.
4 The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.
5 Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever. Psalm 93 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

We may not all be born with the same advantages, but what does that have to do with being the best you that you can be? What you do with your gifts, talents, and financial resources is much more important than how good or large they may be. The word of God is truth. Faith and trust grow together. The word of God is the only reliable anchor of the soul. Faith comes by hearing the word. Faith grows when trust and commitment increase. We are saved by grace through faith, not by works. When self-righteousness takes root the heart, sin will be crouching at the door ready to lay waste. Thank God Almighty that He has made the gate straight and the way narrow. We are not left orphans having to figure things out and find our own way. Love the truth and the truth shall set you free. Trust the Lord with all your heart. Deny self and abide in the Heavenly Vine. Pick up your cross and take His yoke upon you. Follow the Lord Jesus Christ our Redeemer.  Do all the will of God as you know it until kingdom come.

Question

How do we hear the word of God?

Answer

The written word of God is the record of the spoken word of God given to us so that we can participate in the divine nature (Hebrews 11:1-3; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Luke 16:19-31). To hear the word of God we must first be attentive, then believe it,  and finally be determined to apply it (Psalm 1:1-2; Proverbs 3:5-8; James 1:22-25).  Knowing God means understanding that the word of God comes with His unfailing guarantee (Isaiah 55:6-11; Job 28:28; Proverbs 9:10-12), that we are adopted into the family of God as obedient children by faith which works by love (Matthew 22:1-14, 7:13-14; 1 John 3:1-3; 1 John 1:9; Galatians 5:6), and that all the promises of God are “yes, yes” in Christ Jesus (John 17:3; 2 Corinthians 1: 18-24; Romans 10:16-17; Luke 8:18). The evidence of having heard the word of God is a changed heart and life (Ezekiel 36:24-27; Psalm 18:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; 2 Peter 1:5-11; 3:17-18).

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

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration I may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

May the Glory of the Lord Endure Forever

104 Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.
2 Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:
3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:
4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:
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.
32 He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.
33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.
35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 104:1-4, 24-35 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

There is no such thing as a muscle fairy. The only thing you will get from putting an iron plate under your pillow at night is a headache in the morning. We have a God that graciously provides us with all things, including the ability to work. There are no short cuts. Putting in the work is not supposed to be easy, and what comes fast often goes just as fast. Work is a gift from God to be received with thankfulness and executed in faithfulness. Honest work is not to be refused, nor is it to be done half-heartedly with murmuring, grumbling, and complaining. There is honor in all honest work done well. Set your heart on hearing our Lord Jesus Christ saying to you, “well done my faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master.” He will strengthen you and make you firm. Trust God always. Flee idolatry! Not just sticks and stones, but anything that is exalted above God is a false idol. Some worship strong muscles, others put their faith in science, and there be many who make money their idol and food their god. Purify our hearts, O Lord. That we may know and worship Thee the only true God. Jesus Christ our Lord lives! Let the whole earth be full of His glory. Dare to believe the gospel and grieve not the Holy Spirit.

Question

When is the most important time to praise the Lord?

Answer

It is extremely important to praise the Lord when we don’t feel like it (1 Samuel 30:6; Psalm 42:5). It is easy to praise the Lord when everything is going well, we have had plenty to eat, are pain free, and have slept well (Matthew 13:20-22; Mark 9:49-50). Just as it is easy to workout when you feel like working out, but consistency demands that we must be willing to workout sometimes even when we don’t feel like it (Philippians 4:4-8). Consistent workouts condition the body and consistent praise conditions the soul (James 5:13; Ephesians 5:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Jonah may have been able to shorten his three days in the belly of the fish had he remembered to call on the Lord sooner (Psalm 116:17; Jonah 2). The sacrifice of praise is offered based off of choosing faith in God over the council of contrary facts based off of the current temporary circumstances, which are what Jonah called “lying vanities” when compared to the knowledge of God (Mark 11:22-24; Hebrews 13:15, 11:6; Jonah 2:8; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 10:35-36). Fear not, because the Lord means to bless you (Luke 12:32-34; Revelation 2:8-11; Philemon1:25).

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

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration I may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Great Is the Lord

8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.
10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.
15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. Psalm 40:8-11, 14-16 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Diligently guard your heart. The eyes and ears are the gateways to the soul. Good judgment requires evaluating all according to its conformity to the knowledge of Christ. Cast down all that is contrary. And this we will do, by grace through faith, which is the gift of God. What pleases the indwelling Holy Spirit is that we have faith. Know for certain therefore, when we are right with God everything that causes us to doubt is from the enemy. What pleases the devil is unbelief in the heart of a believer. Resist the devil standing firm in faith and he will flee from you. Is there something God has placed in your heart to do? What if you actually believed you could do it? What if you worked for it and prayed for it until it was achieved? The former needs hope. The later takes faith that works by love, because it is never difficult to do what you love. These three virtues of hope, faith, and love are God’s gift to His redeemed children in Christ Jesus. They are not to be spent on the selfish desires of the flesh. They are given so that we may participate in His divine nature, fulfill our God given purpose, and glorify His name forever.

Question

Why is it so important that we choose to do God’s will?

Answer

Because God is good (Psalm 107:1; 1 John 1:5). Jesus came to make known the love of the Father (John 3:16; Philippians 2:13). If a good earthly father wants and gives his child only what is good for the child, how much more so is it true that the all-knowing, all-powerful God who loves each of His children wants and gives them only what is good for them (Psalm 84:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Sometimes giving comfort, sometimes allowing pain, but all together working for their good (Romans 8:28). The will of God and our highest good are one and the same (Psalm 34:8; Jeremiah 29:11; James 1:17; 1 Joh 4:16). Believe the good news (John 13:17; Matthew 7:24-29). Choose to do the will of God by conforming to the Word of God within (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 6:17; 2 Corinthians 10:5-6; Hebrews 4:12), and living it without in this fallen world (Matthew 5:13-16). Obedience to the Word of God is not just right (Proverbs 24:27; Hebrews 13:9-16), but it is a pleasure (1 John 5:3, 4:7-10), a privilege (John 8:31-36; John 15:11), and a sheer delight (Psalm 40:8; Ephesians 3:14-21).

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

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration I may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Stand on the Facts of the Lord

111 Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:1-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The hamster wheel of the rat in the race is an endless striving after the things of this world. It is only by way of the Cross are we set free. Therefore, let the righteous cease all striving for the sake of self and enter into the rest of God. Pick up your cross and follow Jesus in total dependence upon God in order to die to self and live for God. Start by acknowledging the presence of God with you. Remember that feelings are unreliable sensors for spiritual realities. Good feelings are great, but they can be misleading. Nobody likes bad feelings, but they don’t necessarily mean there is a spiritual problem. Standing on your faith and not your feelings, be they good or bad, is a foundational biblical teaching. We must fight to hold on to our faith in the grace bestowed upon us by the blood of Jesus Christ. We must fight to hold on to our faith in the Father’s love. We must fight to hold on to our faith in the fellowship of the Holy Ghost. Make no mistake about it. This fight is as real as any Mixed Martial Arts in a cage fight with far more important consequences than any physical fight. Our opponent is huge being many weight classes above us, but as soon as we put our right hand into the hand of Jesus Christ he is quick to flee away from us. It is a fight without human spectators that requires both holding on and giving up to win it. Give your problems, concerns, fears, and worries about today and tomorrow to the Lord. Fall down before God and give them up. Unburden your heart and be at ease soldier. Remember the Lord your God is the Maker of heaven and earth and He reigns over all. Pray, go to work, wait on the Lord, and repeat. The victory is sure.

Question

How do we walk holding on to the Lord with our right hand?

Answer

Firstly, by acknowledging that God is (Hebrews 11:6), and lifting up our thoughts to Him in all matters big and small (Isaiah 26:1-4; Psalm 10:4). Our right hand is our will, and holiness is when we intentionally give up our will, affections, and motives in exchange for Christ’s will, affections, and motives (Isaiah 41:10-13; Romans 6:1-13). This is what it means to die to self and live for God (Matthew 16:24-26). Impossible for the carnal mind to grasp the benefit of this (1 Corinthians 2:14), but for the child of God it is the gift of righteousness that comes from being in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:30). Without doing this we are like a bucket of bolts, but properly connected to the power source we become a useful vehicle fit for the Master’s use (Ephesians 4:22-24; 2 Timothy 2:19-22; Psalm 19:5). Making the connection is one thing, maintaining it is another (Genesis 19:15-16, 26). To stand in faith means to stand on the facts of the spiritual realities revealed in the Holy Bible (Proverbs 19:21). Drink deep of the pure spiritual milk so that you may grow up in your salvation (1 Peter 2:2), able to feed on the true spiritual meat (1 Corinthians 3:1; Hebrews 5:12-14; John 6:63, 25-59; Revelation 1:1-6).

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

Holy Father, creator and sustaining wisdom of all that is, both in heaven and on earth, take from me those thoughts, actions and objects that are hurtful. Give me instead those things that are profitable for me and all who seek rightly to praise you. I ask this grace in the company of all believers and through the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is, with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

The Awe Due to Our Creator

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
13 The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
22 Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee. Psalm 33:12-22 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Dare to believe the gospel. You are called to be salt and light on the inside so that you may do the will of God and radiate His goodness on the earth. Salt purifies, preserves, and protects. Light manifests, edifies, and shields. So, set your affections on the things that are above. Be watchful over your thoughts and deeds in order to keep your conscience tender and clear. Be quick to cast off, put away, and turn away from everything that doesn’t conform to the Word of God. Meditate on the Holy Scriptures all day long and rely on the power of God always. This will keep you on the narrow path with inner peace and great joy.

Question

What are the disciplines of a spiritual athlete?

Answer

A Spiritual athlete will spend months and years in preparation much the same as a professional sports athlete, but for a different purpose altogether (1 Corinthians 9:25). They are careful about what they eat, they are exact with their training, they study to perfect their craft, and they are diligent to reframe from any habits that would reduce their performance (Colossians 2:23). The disciplines of the sports athlete are fueled by the desire to win a title, trophy, or the honor and applause of men (John 5:44). The disciplines of a spiritual athlete are fueled by the love of God (2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 6:12-14; Ecclesiastes 10:17; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 2:13), and the desire to glorify God as does all of creation (Psalm 19:1-5; Revelations 4:4-11; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

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

Holy Father, creator and sustaining wisdom of all that is, both in heaven and on earth, take from me those thoughts, actions and objects that are hurtful. Give me instead those things that are profitable for me and all who seek rightly to praise you. I ask this grace in the company of all believers and through the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is, with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Exalt the Lord

5 Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.
7 He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.
8 Thou answeredst them, O Lord our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.
9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy. Psalm 99:5-9 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The abundant life is for those in Christ Jesus who are made sons of God planted in the house of the Lord. While scarcity dictates life for the natural man who is cut off from God, the source from whom all blessings flow. Always remember the almighty power of God and His infinite love and goodness toward us. Everyone called to glorify God has found it hard at the beginning, tough going in the middle, full of many difficulties to the very end, and filled with joy through it all. The greater the struggle the more valuable the reward. Accept this, because it will be no different with you and me. Pray, work, and trust the Lord. Those who wait on the Lord in hopeful expectation of the fulfillment of His word will never be put to shame.

Question

Are we to pursue holiness in this lifetime?

Answer

Yes, yes, and yes (1 Peter 1:15-16; Jude 1:21-23). To be born again and fail to pursue holiness is to live in a perpetual back and forth of sometimes walking with the Spirit and other times falling back again into the sinful nature of the flesh (Romans 7:16-24; Galatians 5:17). To not pursue holiness gives the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:27-29), allows the flesh to remain in the heart uncrucified (Romans 8:13), and defiles the conscience producing a wavering faith (1 Timothy 4:1-4; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; James 1:8). To walk in the Spirit is to participate in the divine nature by faith, which is holiness (1 John 3:1-3; 2 Peter 1:2-11; Hebrews 12:14). Jesus Christ is able to save us from the curse and bondage of sin (Hebrews 7:25), and the end of this present life will bring no change of heart (Revelation 22:11). By faith having been made kings and priests (1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 11:6), let us willingly accept the gift of a clean heart (1 John 1:9), and having been sealed by the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), hold firmly to the priestly motto “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” (Revelation 7:1-3; Exodus 28:36; Ephesians 1:12-14; Ephesians 3:14-21).

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

Holy Father, creator and sustaining wisdom of all that is, both in heaven and on earth, take from me those thoughts, actions and objects that are hurtful. Give me instead those things that are profitable for me and all who seek rightly to praise you. I ask this grace in the company of all believers and through the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is, with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Praise God For His Everlasting Lovingkindness

105 O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.
4 Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore.
5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.
7 He is the Lord our God: his judgments are in all the earth. Psalm 105:1-7 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Self-help is no help at all. Unbroken belief is a hallmark of the spiritually fit. Fight the good fight of faith and enforce the victory over anything that would spark unbelief in the heart. Be diligent. It is so easy to become distracted by our current circumstances, and thereby take our eyes off Jesus Christ. Without constantly reminding ourselves of the truth of His word and promises, we are likely to forget them at just the times when we need to abide in Him the most. Worry can sometimes seem like a 2,000 pound gorilla jumping up and down on your back. Only by the grace of Jesus Christ are we more than conquerors, and that takes faith which works by love. Take it to Lord in prayer and be confident in His ability as the Good Shepherd to care for you. Dare to believe always.

Question

How do we fight the good fight and resist the devil?

Answer

Not all spiritual influences are of God (1 John 4:1). Any that would inspire fear, worry, uncertainty, or doubt rather than exalt Jesus Christ is not of God (1 John 4:2-5; 2 Timothy 1:7). Saturate your mind with the Word of God (Ephesians 6:12), then it will be easy to identify what imaginations, plausible reasonings, and everything else that needs to be rejected by re-calling the Word of truth (2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Hebrews 10:38). The only time the good fight of the faith can be won is when we have to completely rely on faith in God in the face of the tempter ‘s enticements to distract us with what we see and how we feel (1 Peter 5:6-7; James 1:2-4). Thoroughly soaking the mind with the Word of God as a daily habit is necessary for us to grow beyond having to be led around by bit and bridle like a spiritual baby (1 Peter 2:1-2; Psalm 32:8-11; Proverbs 3:4-8). Do not pray to avoid these times of testing (Romans 8:22; Luke 22:31-32). Temptations to engage in wrong thinking are the very stepping stones on the narrow pathway of all the saints (1 Peter 1:3-7; James 1:12-13; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 5:8-10). Victory is assured as long as we are willing to fight (Romans 8:35-39). Stand fast in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). And with each battle won (Nehemiah 8:10), faith will grow stronger bringing sheaves of increasing joy with it (Psalm 126:6; Isaiah 61:3; Psalm 89:52). 

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

Holy Father, creator and sustaining wisdom of all that is, both in heaven and on earth, take from me those thoughts, actions and objects that are hurtful. Give me instead those things that are profitable for me and all who seek rightly to praise you. I ask this grace in the company of all believers and through the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is, with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Remember the Wonderful Works of the Lord

105 O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.
4 Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore.
5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.
7 He is the Lord our God: his judgments are in all the earth. Psalm 105:1-7 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The practice of continually thinking God’s thoughts after Him is life transforming. The Holy Bible is full of the very thoughts of God, yet most of the world is set against the wisdom of God. If we are not watchful, conforming to this world will happen to us little by little just as any uncultivated field is eventually overgrown with weeds. We hardly notice our acceptance of the values of this world and the fleshly thoughts/affections/deeds they inspire. We must learn to actively reject the corrupt influence in our minds from the worldly view with its perverse affections displayed larger than life on giant movie screens, in magazines, on television, and within popular music. These modern day messages of Sodom and Gomorrah are also continually steamed through our personal digital media devices. Dead flies in the perfume bottle will it case it to stink. Let no habits reeking like dead flies remain in you. You are the temple of the living God. Let your heart be a shrine filled with His love, and your mind the watchman. Let us be well practiced in sounding the alarm and taking captive every thought to the obedience of Christ Jesus. To have a willing heart that chooses to obey is our part. God’s part is to provide the love, the grace, and the power to enable our full obedience. God is faithful. Our total dependence on Him is both a privilege and a necessity. His every precept comes with His promise of enabling power so that we may obey. This understanding grasped by faith brings assurance and joy.

Question

What is waiting on the Lord?

Answer

Waiting on the Lord is not a passive or inactive state of idleness (Proverbs 24:30-34). On the contrary, waiting on the Lord is the ready state that comes from the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). He who sits in the shade with his shoes off will not win any race (Proverbs 26:13-14). However, the believer who puts on his shoes, gets on the starting line, and awaits the command to go is guaranteed to win the crown (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 John 3:3). Waiting on the Lord is preparing oneself to be ready to run as soon as God makes it known to them that He has commanded them to go (Proverbs 16:3). Wait on the Lord and the command to go will surely come (Romans 10:14-15; Luke 24:49; John 20:22; Psalm 27:14; Malachi 3:1; Revelation 7:9-12).

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

Holy Father, creator and sustaining wisdom of all that is, both in heaven and on earth, take from me those thoughts, actions and objects that are hurtful. Give me instead those things that are profitable for me and all who seek rightly to praise you. I ask this grace in the company of all believers and through the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is, with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

The Wonderful Lovingkindness of the Lord

107 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
38 He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
39 Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
40 He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
41 Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.
42 The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
43 Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. Psalm 107:1-3, 38-43 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

One can choose to deny the truth, yet it will still remain the truth. Deceit is the favorite tactic of the wicked to enslave, because by the truth we are set free. The Word of God is truth and sharper than any two-edged sword. On one side of the sword of the Spirit is a precept or command, and on the other side is the grace imparting the power to do it. Every opportunity to doubt is also an opportunity to exercise faith. Remember the command to consider the fiery darts that attack your faith as pure joy. This is easy to do when you first remember the faithfulness of Him who has promised that through perseverance, you will be made strong and complete. The temptation to complain about our current circumstances is one such fiery dart that often goes unnoticed. The Holy Bible tells us that even something as routine as eating and drinking, and as constant as the flow of our thoughts and attitudes should all be consistent with faith in God. Fix the eyes of your faith on Jesus Christ and rejoice! He has won this victory for us. Jesus Christ our Lord, the captain of our salvation, is completely faithful, trustworthy, reliable, and all powerful.  

Question

What is doctrine?

Answer

Doctrine consists of the principles for godly living derived from the specific commands, promises, historical events, testimonies, and prayers recorded in the Scriptures that agree with the whole of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This is what makes the Holy Bible a timeless treasure and the most necessary book of all time (Isaiah 7:15; Proverbs 3:7-8; Psalm 119:103-104, 9-16). By it do we know to choose the good (Job 23:12), and see the light on the path of the narrow way to the straight gate (Isaiah 35:3-8; John 14:5-6). The tree of knowledge was the “what” that led to the curse (Genesis 3:1-19). The Bible explains the “how” of our salvation (Acts 17:16-34; John 4:19-24; 2 Timothy 2:15-26; Jude 1:16-25).

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

Holy Father, creator and sustaining wisdom of all that is, both in heaven and on earth, take from me those thoughts, actions and objects that are hurtful. Give me instead those things that are profitable for me and all who seek rightly to praise you. I ask this grace in the company of all believers and through the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is, with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.