Ye are Blessed of the Lord

9 O Israel, trust thou in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.
11 Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.
12 The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
13 He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great.
14 The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children.
15 Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth.
16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
17 The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.
18 But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord. Psalm 115:9-18 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

A better tomorrow is paid for with today’s activities. The past doesn’t determine the future, it merely sets the current conditions. Redeem the time. Profitable work can only be done today, in the now. No one should try to work all the time, neither should all our free time be used only for play. Mental and physical batteries will need re-charging from time to time. A nap is better at doing this than are many other mindless activities like watching TV or scrolling through endless social media streams. Rest when you must, but afterward do not allow yourself to be idle. Lazy rests when it is not tired. When you step into a pile of lazy, be quick to scrape it off. It is much more profitable to spend a few minutes taking care of a necessary mundane task while singing praises to the Lord in your heart, than it is to sit around doing nothing. It is not for us to know when Jesus Christ will come again, but don’t let Him catch you with your work undone.  

Question

What is the sacrifice of praise?

Answer

When Ziglag is burned, when we are tired and weary, or whenever the tide of our feelings drops to the low watermark, only then can we offer the sacrifice of praise by encouraging ourselves in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:1-6; Psalm 42:5-11). The goodness of the Lord is like the mid-day sun, it doesn’t stop shinning just because the sky becomes cloudy, the wind starts blowing and down comes the rain (Exodus 17:1-7; Hebrews 3:7-19). It is easy to praise when all is bright, but sending up praise and thanksgiving in the mist of heaviness gives even more glory to God (Psalm 92:1-2; Hebrews 13:15; Matthew 5:45; Ephesians 3:14-21). 

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.

God Is Our Guide Forever

1 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
9 We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
10 According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
11 Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:1, 9-14 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Miracles, signs, and wonders are not enough to make a believer. The Israelites who perished in the wilderness are proof of this truth for all who are humble enough to acknowledge that we who live today are no better than them. It is by faith that we obtain a good report just as all the saints that came before us did. The secret of a good report is in maintaining the belief that He who has promised is faithful despite what the eyes may see or heart may feel is true based off our own understanding. God has shown us His love and faithfulness in many ways too numerous to count. The greatest proof of God’s love was sending His only begotten Son to die for us on the Cross. By faith our Lord Jesus Christ now dwells in our hearts. By faith we are taken up into the love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Wait on the Lord with the faith you have now, and more shall be given to you. Wait on the Lord with the eager expectation that He will reveal the fullness of Christ in you. By faith seek until you find, knock until it is opened, and ask until you receive. He who promised is the only one who is forever faithful. Wait on the Lord until the assurance of faith comes from God as a witness within your soul. It will surely come when God determines it is the proper time. Then you shall know as surely as you know the back of your hand that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord. It is good to praise the Lord for His lovingkindness in the morning and His faithfulness every night! Rejoice now and look forward to testifying of the complete salvation that is found only in Christ Jesus.

Question

There are many persuasive voices in this world pointing out this way and that. How can we know the true way?

Answer

God has made the way simple and plain (1 John 1:9-10; John 3:19-21; John 14:1-9), narrow and straight (Hebrews 11:24-27; Romans 1:20-23; Acts 17:16-33; 1 Corinthians 14:10-12). Those who listen to the queen of idolatries will be lost (Revelation 2:18-29; Galatians 6:7; Isaiah 3:9-11; Psalm 32:9), and those who listen to the witness of the good reports that point out the true way, will find it (Hebrews 11:4, 11; Romans 15:4; Psalm 119:9; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 5:6-11).

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

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Heritage of the Righteous

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. Psalm 37:23-29, 34-39 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

God has worms for every bird, but there comes the time when each little eaglet must grow up and leave the nest. The baby in the natural world that fails to grow would be considered strange and abnormal. So too should the Christiaan, which fails to grow up and thrive in his salvation, is to be considered strange and abnormal. The baby bird only has to open its mouth, but we are not to stay spiritual babies forever. The rule in the kingdom of God is this: if a man will not work, neither shall he eat. And if a man does not eat, he will not grow. Drink deeply from the pure spiritual milk of the word of God, store its truth in your heart, and grow. For this is God’s will for all of us whom He has called to eternal life in Christ Jesus.

Question

If all is by faith, what place has works?

Answer

It is only by faith in Jesus Christ that we are made righteous (1Corinthians 1:30-31). From first to last, all is of the grace of God (Deuteronomy 32:11; Psalm 81:10; Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 17:3; Acts 4:12). It is equally true that the righteous in Christ Jesus do good works because they are righteous (2 Corinthians 5:14-21). Not to earn righteousness (2 Corinthians 3: 5-6; Ephesians 2:8-9), but to show forth the fruits of righteousness (Matthew 3:8-10; Galatians 5:19-23; Mark 4:20). The full assurance of faith produces good works done with fear and trembling (Hebrews 19:24; James 2:14-18; Philippians 2:12-16). When we are fully sanctified by the Spirit and truth (2 Thessalonians 2:13), then will the words of our mouth and the mediations of our heart be pleasing to God (Isaiah 40:31; 1 Peter 2:2; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 19:14). Thus, having been made fully mature in Christ Jesus (James 1:3-4), all we are and do will glorify God (Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 3:20-21). 

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Truly My Soul Finds Rest in God Alone

62 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.
4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:1-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

To live out the gospel in the world, we must first be diligent about allowing the gospel to live within us. Weak thoughts don’t build strong bodies, nor do wrong thoughts produce right actions. From the Lord comes wisdom, strength, and every good gift. Hear us when we cry O Lord, for apart from thee we have no good thing. Accept the perfect love of our heavenly Father with child-like trust. Without the love of God in our hearts, we are weighed in the balances and found to be less than nothing. Sin cannot be overcome by self-will. Sin can only be conquered with the Cross. By faith we are dead to sin and made alive to God through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Times of testing must come, yet God is. Learn to rest in this unchangeable fact. In the mist of everything, always and forever, God is all knowing, all powerful, and all good. And He does not change. Be still and know that our God reigns.

Question

What are we to do if we don’t feel like a sweet psalmist of Israel?

Answer

Feelings are like the tide in that they both are sometimes high and sometimes low. Our hope must not be anchored to the good feelings of high tide, or else our hope will also fall with the bad feelings of low tide. Rather than what we feel or see, we are commanded to anchor our hope steadfastly to faith in God (Mark 11:22; Hebrews 10:38; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13). Good feelings are sure to come, but they should never be made necessary for faith (1 Peter 1:7). Tough times and bad feelings are sure to come as well (James 1:2-4). We are to bear them without complaining (Philippians 2:14-16). Understand, and let the seas roar however they will (Hebrews 11:1-3, 6). High tide, low tide, it matters not (2 Corinthians 5:7).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Bless the Lord, O My Soul

15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21 Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22 Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul. Psalm 103:15-22 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Since we come to feel in accordance with the thoughts that dominate our minds, we must diligently choose what thoughts we accept and what we are to reject in order to obey the command of God to guard our heart. Perfect peace is promised to those whose minds dwell on God. Delight in meditating upon His word. Lifting up your heart to God with a little remembrance and adoration throughout the day is like precious ointment upon the head with the soothing hope of salvation that runs down to sustain the breastplate of faith and love. Give all to Jesus Christ and take no part back. Know that after having done this, any persuasion to do for self comes not from the one who has called you to salvation. Ask God to establish you as a called, chosen, and faithful disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ. Believe that you are as soon as you have requested this in prayer, because He has promised it. Now come what may, stand firm by refusing every thought that doubts it. 

Question

What does it mean to meditate on the Word?

Answer

To think, to ponder, to consider so that we may learn to apply (Psalm 119:101; Psalm 1). The more we do this, the more we are transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). If we neglect meditating on the Word (Proverbs 10:5), the vacuum will be filled with all the things that God hates by the distractions and entertainments of our modern world (Proverbs 6:16-19). Turn off the TV, put down the smart phone, and instead choose one or two verses of Scripture to savor (Genesis 24:63; Psalm 46:10, 57:5). This is how God fulfills the new covenant by putting His law into the mind and writing them on the heart (Hebrews 8:7-12). The more we practice meditating on the Word, the more vanities lose  their power to appeal (Psalm 119:103, 9, 99). Persist and take no backward step (Luke 11:5-13). There will come a day when your heart will say with great joy, “my Lord and my God” (John 20:26-31; Philippians 2:13, 1 Peter 5:10-11).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

God is All Knowing, All Powerful, and All Good

139 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:1-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Exercise the grace of faith by waiting on the Lord with eager expectation for His fulfillment of His precious promises. Hunger and thirst to have Christ live in your heart. Stop wrestling with the Lord and go to work resisting the devil by faith putting on the whole armor of God. Lift up your heart to the Lord and seek the light of His countenance in all things. Then ask God for what you need. He will knock flat the walls that hinder you, cleanse your heart and mind from destructive thoughts, and be your strength and shield. Ask, and let the thoughts of your mind, the words of your mouth, and the meditation of your heart be pleasing to God. Ask, and believe that He will fulfill your request because of His righteous character revealed in your heart, which produces in you the obedience of faith to His everlasting Word. We may sometimes lack comfort and ease, but the one who has the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit already has the highest possible good there ever has been, is now, and will ever be.

Question

What is strength?

Answer

Strength is the ability to do and re-do as necessary (Isaiah 40:30-31). Rely on your own strength, and the Lord has warned us that it must eventually fail (Proverbs 24:10; Matthew 7:24-29; Proverbs 20:27-29, 18:14). Rely on your own strength, and that is all you will have (Isaiah 50:10-11). Deny self, pick up your cross, and follow Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:25). Do not be like the horse or mule that have no understanding (Psalm 32:8-9). Make the joy of the Lord your strength (Philippians 3:13-15) and do all for the glory of God (Nehemiah 8:10; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Yearning For God

1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:1-3, 9-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Receive the gospel and believe the good news, all you who desire to know God. Understand that the will of God for us and our highest good are one and the same. Do not be conformed to this world, rather we are to renew the mind by saturating it with the Word of God. Whatever thoughts we allow to dominate our mind will shape the affections of your heart. Those who worry a lot will be fearful. Those who constantly dwell on the concerns of this world will never be happy, but those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. Delight to do God’s will and even when you appear not to win, you will never lose. Therefore, cast not away your confidence in the amour God has provided for you. Remember the eternal faithfulness of God Almighty! The worst that God allows us to suffer is only temporary, and He shapes all things ultimately for our good. In this knowledge take comfort and joy, our God reigns now and forever more!

Question

How do we find the narrow path that leads to eternal life?

Answer

Those who insist on doing whatever they want, who believe they have the right to live anyway they see fit, and are determined to seek their own happiness, will not turn to God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Psalm 10). Do not be doubleminded (James 1:5-8). If God has granted you repentance, move forward on the narrow path and take no backward step with any of those worthless things that only lead to destruction (Colossians 3:1-10; 2 Peter 1:3-11). To seek righteousness according to God is wisdom, and to turn from evil is proof of a good understanding (Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 50:16-22; Job 28:28; Proverbs 22:3; Matthew 7:13-14; Psalm 111:10).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

Safety of the Abiding Presence of the Lord

91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalm 91 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Truth will set you free while falsehood only enslaves, kills, steals, and destroys. Truth with a capital “T” cannot be determined by how we feel or what we see. We come to know Truth by believing the revealed Word of God. Feelings and circumstances are pleasant when they support Truth, but they are as unreliable as shifting sand when they are contrary to Truth. To be in Christ is to be in Truth. All persuasion to doubt the veracity of the Word of God doesn’t come from God. The Truth of God never changes, therefore it can be trusted come rain and shine, morning and night, now and forever. Faith that stands on the Truth of God will never fail, because He who has said so is faithful and true. Place your faith in God alone, because He alone is worthy of it. In Christ we are made whole by grace. By living the Truth of God our strength is renewed day by day. Believe the Truth and it will shall set you free. 

Question

What is the difference between a pretty face and a beautiful continence?

Answer

A pretty face has to do with physical characteristics while a beautiful continence has more to do with facial expression than physical characteristics. A pretty face is the hardware while a beautiful continence is software. A pretty face is the television set while a beautiful continence is the program being broadcasted. A pretty face is given or not given by God. A beautiful continence is the adornment of the soul (1 Peter 3:1-4). Our continence is like a GPS of the soul that displays our spiritual temperature and the state of our mind (Isaiah 3:9-11). Your habitual way of thinking and feeling will always show as your default facing expressions for all the world to see (Galatians 6:7-8). The more you pray and mediate on Word of God the more beautiful your continence will become (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; Romans 12:1-2; Luke 9:29). Let your light so shine that all who see your face may glorify your Father in heaven (Psalm 43:5; Ecclesiastes 8:1; Matthew 5:14-16).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

I thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered me from the dominion of sin and death and brought me into the kingdom of your Son; and I pray that, as by his death he has recalled me to life, so by his love he may raise me to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

The Love of the Lord Is Everlasting

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.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. Psalm 103:13-18 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The illusion of youth is that youth will last forever. It is has been said of old that youth is wasted on the young because they waste so much time in the vain pursuit of pleasure. Most people consider themselves blessed if they survive the foolishness of youth with only a few scars and some small pieces of unwanted emotional baggage. It’s only when we realize how short life actually is that having fun becomes much less important than the wellbeing of our soul. The pattern for the well-being of the human soul has been given to us in the Holy Bible. We must start with the Alpha (God) and consider our end when our soul returns to the Omega (God). The means is just as important as the ends for determining whether or not our lives are pleasing to the God. Let your every intention be to glorify God. Let your motive be the love of God, and your means be to conform to His word. The littleness or greatness of our work in the eyes of other people doesn’t matter. Doing the will of God from the right motive and the right means gives even the mundane and routine things of life an eternal value of great worth.

Question

Why is inner peace so hard to find in those of us who live in this modern world?

Answer

It is because the love of many has grown cold (Matthew 24:12) and we are constantly bombarded with evil reports at every turn–at home, at work, when we go out, when we come in, and all day long on the smart phone glued to our hands (Numbers 13:30-14:2). An evil report is simply the relaying of predictions or perceptions of circumstances, events, and happenings without acknowledging the infinite greatness of Almighty God (Revelation 1:8; Hebrews 4:9-13; Psalm 10:4; Psalm 42:5; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Peter 5:6-10). There can never be rest for the heart that refuses to come to the knowledge of the God of Peace (Hebrews 4:1-7; Psalm 24:7-10; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 3: 16-18).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that I, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer

The Lord Almighty Is With Us

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Psalm 46:1-7 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Life is but an empty soap bubble waiting to burst without God dwelling in the heart. Physical appearance in its best state is but a fleeting vanity fair. Hitch your hope to that wagon, and time will cause you to suffer a million tiny deaths before you die. Looking good is great, but without good health it profits nothing. A good looking corpse is as dead as an ugly one. The skillful hands of a plastic surgeon may enhance the illusion, but such vanity never leads to lasting happiness. It is pride that causes us to exaggerate the importance of looking good. It is envy and pride that causes us to compare ourselves with others and to feel bad when we judge them better than ourselves. Christ Jesus died on the Cross so we could be free from the bondage and burden of all such errors of the heart like envy, pride, and pretense. The wisdom of humility is offered to us when we are placed into a right relationship with God. Fix your eyes on Jesus and turn from vanity and evil. By faith working through love, comes a sure hope in God. Faith, love, and hope filling the heart sets the fear of the Lord before our eyes as a protective boundary to help guard us along the way. And these are the signs of those who love the Lord: they obey His commandments and they bear the fruits of the Spirit.

Question

How do we obtain to such spiritual heights promised in the Gospel?

Answer

Striving must cease (Psalm 39:4-7). If we could do it ourselves, we won’t need a savior (Matthew 19:23-26). Pride is the great hardening agent of the unbelieving heart (Hebrews 3:7-19). Hear the promise of the spiritual gift we all need: Seek to know God (Jeremiah 29:11-13; Proverbs 23:26; Psalm 27:8), give Him your heart (Psalm 32:9; Proverbs 3:4-8), and He will surely make Himself known to you (Ephesians 2:1-5; John 14:21-22; Revelation 3:19-22; Luke 12:32).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that I, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer