faith

Devotional for May 15

May 15, 2023May 15, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

He Shall Keep Me Safe

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Psalm 27:3-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Great is our God, and incredible are His precious promises to all who will believe. We are commanded to ask, seek, and knock. Trust God. Fix your heart with the belief that the Holy Bible is just what it claims to be: the written word of God Almighty. Resist everything that would stir up an evil heart of unbelief within you. Exercise the beginning faith you have by putting away childish things and daily working to see a harvest from the grace of God given to you. Faith in the word of God is the root and feelings are the fruit. Tend to the root and right feelings are sure to come in due time. Our Lord Jesus Christ is faithful and He will finish and perfect your faith. Continue in prayer and don’t give up. When He determines the time is right, you will come to the knowledge of the Lord that surpasses understanding, which is far above all doubts. Then will you enter into the rest of God. Feelings will quite naturally rise and fall like the tide on the sea shore. However, the low water mark of the living water within you will be perfect peace, and the high water mark is as unlimited as the love of God. Love flows freely into joy. Joy comes from glorifying God with gratitude and praise. Now show forth your joy in the Lord to everyone you meet. Look for opportunities to tell them the wonderful difference that knowing Jesus Christ has made in your life. Seek to snatch as many from the fire as will receive the gospel. For all who are willing to hear, receiving one sincere testimony about the goodness of the Lord is like getting kissed on the lips with honey.

Question

How can we be sure we are safe?

Answer

We come to be sure of our salvation only by going all in (Matthew 16:24-26; 2 Peter 1:10-11; Philippians 3:15; Galatians 2:20), and not looking back (Luke 9:61-62; Luke 17:32-33; Genesis 19:15-26). We have assurance by binding our sacrifice to the horns of the altar (Psalm 116:17, 118:27; Hebrews 6:19; Isaiah 12), and keeping it there until the fire of God falls to complete the transaction (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:4-13; 1 Kings 18:30-39; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

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

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; 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 May 14

May 14, 2023May 14, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Let the Nations Be Glad and Sing for Joy

67 God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.
2 That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him. Psalm 67 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The relief of a simple headache and the resurrection of the dead are both done with equal ease by God. No miracle should ever be thought of as too great for God, and no sin should ever be thought of as permissible for us because it is so small. A miracle is a miracle and a sin is a sin. It is God’s will that we have power from on high, but we must believe God. Truly, there is but one thing needful. Let all be done for the love of God. Fast just for the health benefits, and that is all you will receive. Instead, let the purpose of your fasting be to draw you closer to the true Vine, and our heavenly Vinedresser will prune the spirit, soul, and body just as the fire burned away the rot, fungi, and bugs from the bush before Moses. To abide in the Vine, put away what is foolish and practice all the good you know. It is not head knowledge that saves. It is the heart knowledge that comes from having the gospel of Jesus Christ living within that saves the soul. Be determined to be a doer of the word purely for the love for God.

Question

How do we come to know the Lord Jesus Christ?

Answer

The same way we come to know any person (John 14:8-9; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; James 1:22-25). We learn their likes and dislikes (Proverbs 6:16-23; Galatians 5:19-25). We learn what is important and unimportant to them (John 12:27-32; Mark 8:31-36; John 6:63). We see the content of their character and the quality of their intentions by their conduct (Luke 7:19-23). We come to recognize their voice by its tone and timbre (Matthew 13:16-17; John 10:24-32). In time, we are able to know how they think (John 17:14-21; Jeremiah 29:11-13; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16), and how they are likely to respond in any given situation (John 8:25-29; Matthew 10:24-26; 1 Peter 3:17-18; Matthew 28:18-20).

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

faith

Devotional for May 13

May 13, 2023May 13, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

God Is King of All the Earth

47 O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
2 For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
3 He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
4 He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
5 God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted. Psalm 47 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Faith is doing your part while trusting God to do His part. Those who live to do well for themselves often say, “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” While those who live to glorify God know for sure, “when God is in it, there is always a way.” Faith must move first, then God moves in answer to faith. As surely as the day follows the night, faith must wait until Christ, the bright morning star, arises in the heart. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the one and only way. He is the Rock that the builders rejected and is now the chief cornerstone. Not happy with the life you’re reaping? If that be the case, it is time to change the thoughts you’ve been sowing. The unwise perish by refusing to humble themselves and admit that God’s way is far better than their own. Right motives will sometimes bring pain, but wrong motives never bring any lasting profit. The righteous will live by faith, and faith must refuse to doubt the Word of God.

Question

What is our part and what is God’s part?

Answer

Our part is to give God first place (1 Corinthians 9:25; Psalm 49:18; Colossians 2:23; Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 3:5-7; Psalm 1:1-4, 10:4). God’s part is to work all things together for good (Psalm 103:13-17; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 3:20-21).

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

Almighty Father who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give me grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that I may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

fitness

Fish and Working out

May 12, 2023May 12, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Not sure when they upgraded to the artificial turf. Feels like a giant carpeted gym mat. Miss the good ole days when they had real grass, lots of dirt, and hidden piles of North Carolina fire ants to give you a little boost when grinding out the reps.

My big sister told me about one her of experiences in basic training that I’ve never forgotten even though this was about 30 or more years ago when she told me. She said that they lied to her in basic training. “They told me that things would get easier, but after three days things were still hard,” she said with a straight face. She always could brighten up my day with just a few words, and even now this memory still brings a smile to my face when I think about it. Three days is certainly enough time for fish to get smelly, but after three days of working out, it is still going to be hard.

So, I’ve repeated the same jog/walk workout for three days in a role now. I was sore in the legs, butt, lower back, and more from the very first workout. Still sore, but it is the good kind of soreness though. The kind that brings the gains, not the kind that signals you’re injured or stop before you get hurt. I would love to say that my savings from having once been a well conditioned runner has kicked in, but that’s not the case. Today’s workout wasn’t any easier or better than the previous two. I did consider taking an additional lap…so, maybe that is a little progress. By the way, I dismissed the additional lap idea almost as soon as it ran across my mind.

I am planning on changing things up tomorrow. Not smelly or hard, just time to hit some different angles.

The purpose of this blog is to encourage, inspire, and connect with other like-minded Christians. Subscribe with your email. Leave some comments pertaining to what is posted. I welcome your feedback. Praying that all who find this blog may be blessed by it.

faith

Devotional for May 12

May 12, 2023May 12, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Wise Will Ponder These Things

31 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;
34 A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;
37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.
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 107:31-43 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Honor your elders whether you think they deserve it or not. Realize that they have been your age before, but you are not guaranteed to ever reach their age. Be wise and learn from them, because even a broken clock is right two times a day. Understand that we all suffer from the same human weaknesses. Feeling good about oneself for God’s blessings is a deadly snare of the enemy. The sinful hook of pride is always baited with sweet sugar plum like feelings. Be quick to repent, and stand guard against falling into the temptation of stealing glory rightfully due to God. Let your light shine, but not so you feel good about yourself, nor to gain the applause of men and admiration of women. Let your light so shine that when others see it, they will glorify your Father in heaven. Let us be thankful and glorify His name. Even a couple of loaves of bread and a few small fish when given fully into the hands of the Lord is made more than enough to do all of the will of God. We, the branches, must remain in the heavenly Vine. This is one of the first principles of the victorious Christian life.

Question

Does wisdom automatically come with age?

Answer

No, wisdom doesn’t come automatically with age (Ecclesiastes 4:13). Wisdom is found only by those who activity seek her (Proverbs 8:1-17, 9:12; Isaiah 40:28-31). Wisdom is widely associated with the old because of the length of time spent seeking and the seasoning of practical experience from applying (Proverbs 1:1-19, 9:10, 20:29, 23:22; Ephesians 6:2-3; 1 Timothy 6:12-16).

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

faith

Devotional for May 11

May 11, 2023May 11, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Redeemed By the Lord’s Mercies

103 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. Psalm 103:1-14 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Commitment is a key ingredient for consistency. It takes commitment, not motivation, to get you up out of bed early every morning to praise God, read His word, and workout whether you feel like it or not. Saul, the first king of Israel, provides a good example of a weak commitment that shows itself as soon as his obedience to God became an inconvenience. He was impatient and unwilling to walk by faith. He was rebellious like a stubborn horse or mule. Without the sure mercies of David, there would be many of us just like Saul, who would never be fit for the kingdom of God. Being fit for eternal life is to be led by the Spirit, to trust in God with a firmly fixed belief in His word, and to wait on the Lord for all that is needful. Consistently trusting God in good times as well as bad times honors Him greatly. He alone is worthy of such trust, and He will strengthen you so that you are able to endure whatever He allows to come near you.

Question

What must mercy do for us?

Answer

Mercy must end all of the wrong affections of our heat (Hebrews 3:8-10; Psalm 119:9-12; Matthew 16:24; Psalm 40:8). The heart is the key to living a victorious Christian life that pleases God (1 John 1:9-10; Proverbs 23:26; Romans 8:33-39). “Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might” is both a command and a promise (Ephesians 6:10; Proverbs 4:23). He who did not spare His only begotten Son, but gave Him up for all of us, will certainly save us from the inner corruption produced by wrong desires of the heart (James 1:21; 2 Peter 1:4; Romans 8:31-32; Hebrews 7:25). We can be sure that if we ask for it, the zeal of the Lord will perform it in us (Ezekiel 36:26; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 2:13; Isaiah 9:6-7; 2 Peter 3:17-18).

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

fitness

Unshakable

May 10, 2023May 10, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Running around the track at Hendrick's Stadium — It’s been a long time since I’ve done this.

How long it’s been since I’ve run further than across the street, I really don’t remember. It’s been at least five years or more. I remember saying to myself “after I retire from the military I’m not going to run any more” because frankly, I was never that good at it. I was always in those special units were everyone seemed like they could run like deers all day long. It was always painful for me just to keep up. This is why I thought that went I finally got a choice of not running, I would drop out of running for good. That was over 13 years ago, and other than a few sprint sessions here and there, I had completely stopped running. I was okay with that, until a couple of years ago when I was no longer able to run because of my back. Just like the fox who couldn’t get the grapes, not being able to run sparked in me the desire to start running again. Still, I haven’t really been able to run for the past year and a half. In fact, my doctor would probably like to keep running on my prohibited list forever. I’m just not ready to raise a white flag and sit down in a rocking chair among the old toothless dogs on the porch just yet.

I came across some information from one of the popular longevity gurus about how VO2 max is one of the single best predictors of longevity. I first heard about VO2 max years ago when it was pretty much restricted to being tested in a lab with specialized equipment. That was long ago way back in the day. This guru also stated that today it was possible for VO2 max to be fairly well estimated with just the AppleWatch. So, I opened the Activity App on my phone and sure enough there was a VO2 max estimation. That was the good news. The not so good news is that my VO2 estimation was well below average for my age. So, adding to my fairly strong desire to start running, was now a fairly strong indicator that I needed to run.

Why running? Since VO2 max is essentially measuring aerobic endurance capacity, the best way I know to improve it is with the tried and tested military practice of running. I went to bed last night with the plan of getting back to running in the morning. I’m no spring chicken. Therefore, I planned on starting slow, easy, and gentle like. A short 2 miles around a quarter mile track alternating easy jogging with fast walking. Well, at least I thought it would be easy.

Today’s Workout Description

Date: 24 April 2023 | Start: 8:13 am EST | Finish: 8:30 am EST

It was a beautiful day, warm without being hot, and sunny without being overpowering. I started the first lap with an easy jog. I was probably just a little over the first 400 meters when I realized that running a mile even with breaking it up with a mile of walking was going to be far out of reach for me to do while keeping it in the easy category. I quickly decided to cut the original plan in half. Not that it was easy, but at least it wasn’t a max effort that would take me a week or so to recover from.

A far cry from the lean-mean-fighting machine I used to be when I was pushing myself to the max with every workout in this place. That seems like a small forever ago. I’m not upset about that though. Just before getting out of the car at the stadium, the thought about how God promised to shake everything that can be shaken so that only what cannot be shaken would remain came to mind (Hebrews 12:26-27). Somewhere between gasping for air and catching my breath, the meaning of this Scripture became clearer. Blessed is the one who God teaches not to lean on things that can be shaken. If we lean on our physical strength, don’t be surprised when we are made weak. If we trust in money, don’t be surprised when it all flies away. When we rely on our success, don’t be surprised when we suddenly fail. The epiphany is this: all that can be shaken must be shaken so that we learn to trust in only what cannot be shaken. Then and only then do we come to understand how weakness becomes strength for those who trust in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:12-13; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

It took me nearly 17 minutes to jog/run that one mile today. Not going to break any records anytime soon, but I do plan to repeat this little baby-step of a workout tomorrow.

faith

Devotional for May 10

May 10, 2023May 10, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Sing the Glory of Our God

66 Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:
2 Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.
3 Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.
4 All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.
5 Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.
6 He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.
7 He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
9 Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Psalm 66:1-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

True riches can only be held by right desires. He that is content in Christ Jesus right now, will also be content if he gain many things or lose them all. Addition and subtraction both count in the spiritual life as well as the material life. Little progress comes from going to the gym to get stronger when you are unwilling to let go of the bad habits outside of the gym that only feed weakness. Likewise, going to the Cross for forgiveness without accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Master of the whole life hinders the progress of the soul. Jesus Christ is the precious Pearl of Great Price (Matthey 13:45-46). Let the one who can accept this testimony, go and throw away all those worthless things that would cling to the heart. Let our hearts be strengthen by the grace of God, and may we will magnify His name together forever.

Question

What are true riches?

Answer

Love, peace, and joy are among the best of the riches of this life (Galatians 5:19-23). No amount of money, physical accomplishments, or material possessions will make up for the absence of love, peace, and joy (Psalm 39:6; 2 Timothy 3:1-7). Money, fame, and fortune can be made to hide the lack, but to believe they have power to keep the soul is to deceive oneself (Psalm 33:16-17; Proverbs 23:5; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Having such things isn’t good or bad, it is why you want them and what you do with them that makes it so (Luke 16:10-13; James 4:1-4). Never forget the Westminster Shorter Catechism rightly states that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (Revelation 3:11-13, 4:1-11, 7:9-12). Here is where true riches for this life and eternity are to be found (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 21:7-8, 22:17-21).

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

faith

Devotional for May 9

May 9, 2023May 9, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Standing Before God

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

Many are called. Few are chosen. The chosen are those who faithfully pursue their calling from beginning to end. Any worthwhile goal is hard in the beginning, tough in the middle, and sweet in the end. We are not called to do what we can do with our natural strength alone. The wise understand this and do not turn back when the seed is still germinating unseen beneath the ground, nor stop watering just because there is no discernable growth in the young tender plant. Depending on the grace of God is the most excellent way of living. Much more joy is to be found in having faith in God then in obtaining all other possible lifetime achievements apart from His grace. Blessed is the one who comes to know that it is only by grace that we can stand before the living God, the almighty maker of heaven and earth.

Question

What is the difference between a job and a calling?

Answer

A job is work done only for money and material benefits (Luke 12:15-21; Psalm 49:18-20; Psalm 62:10-12). A calling is work done for God (John 6:27-30; Revelation 17:14; Matthew 22:14; Isaiah 7:9-14). Believe and go to work (Psalm 55:22; Philippians 2: 13-16; 1 Peter 5:10-11).

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

faith

Devotional for May 8

May 8, 2023May 8, 2023 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Your Word Gives Me Peace

49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.
53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law.
56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts. Psalm 119:49-56 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

It can be hard to maintain your chilly in a world full of people who are like pots ready to boil over. Turn all, hear the good news….Jesus Christ our Lord lives, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Faith in God is the secret ingredient for peace in this life. Cast your worries upon the Lord because He cares for you, and He will keep you in perfect peace. What is it that ails you? Pray and ask for whatever it is that mercy must do for you. Utterly refuse to doubt the goodness of God, and according to your faith will it be done to you. This is the rule and the only limit.

Question

How do we find peace in this crazy mixed up world?

Answer

Firstly, think it not strange that you are ill at ease when out and about in this sinful world (Jeremiah 4:14; 1 Peter 4:12-19; Hebrews 13:5-14). Secondly, let the disturbing of your inner peace be the que to re-focus your thoughts on being strong in the Lord and the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10; Ephesians 6:16-17; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Philippians 3:7-10; 2 Chronicles 20:15). And thirdly, remember the key to perfect peace is to fix your mind on God (Hebrews 12:1-2; Isaiah 26:3; Hebrews 13:20-21).