The Acceptable Time is Now

12 They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.
13 But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.
14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.
15 Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.
16 Hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.
17 And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.
18 Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies. Psalm 69:12-18 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept my prayers; and because in my weakness I can do nothing good without you, give me the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments I may please you in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

The effect of most poisons are dose dependent. A little may be tolerated without much harm, but too much is often fatal. Just because it tastes good doesn’t mean it’s not poison. Just because it looks good, doesn’t mean it is harmless. Therefore, wisdom requires us to be quick to limit, restrict, and unplug regularly. Limit the amount of what is pleasing to the taste, but void of any nutritional value for the body. Restrict the programed cool, sexy, and glamorous by turning off the TV, or little by little it will conform your affections after the things of this world. Unplug and get fresh air from the constant stream of information feed to you by an the Internet driven by billions of tiny bits of collected personal data designed to manipulate and influence you. These are but a few examples of our necessary outside work though. Inside the cup must also be made and kept clean. That is to say, we need sanctification by the Holy Spirit in our inmost being where our will, thoughts, and affections live. We have been cleansed at the new birth, but to stay cleansed requires turning from our former sinful ways. A steadfast spirit comes from renewing the mind with the word of God constantly. God is gracious. He knows all of our weaknesses. Cry out to Him in prayer and faith. Now is the acceptable time. True freedom is the ability to choose what is right. Not just doing what is right in the eyes of the world, but also living what is right within the hidden inner parts of the soul. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Let this be the loudest and most frequent message you allow yourself to hear in this world. Be blessed and fare thee well.

Question

How does belief in Jesus Christ change us?

Answer

From the inside-out.

The Lord Has Ordained a Blessing

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. Psalm 133 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept my prayers; and because in my weakness I can do nothing good without you, give me the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments I may please you in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

Let us move onward to who we are in our Lord Jesus Christ. Know that He who has begun a good work in you will also see it to completion. The God of all hope and patience will certainly fill you with all joy and peace in believing. Abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit and pray for guidance when standing before any fork in the road. No one is surprised by the blind man who drives himself over a cleft. Get out of the driver seat and trust God. Only by faith do we understand what cannot be understood otherwise. God is the source of all blessings small and great. All His spiritual blessings flow into our life by grace through the golden pipe of our obedience to His will. Obedience is the conductor and the sin of unbelief only hinders the flow of grace. Give the grace of God its free flow. Hold fast what is good and shun even the appearance of evil. Let us break down all that hinders grace by trusting God and having a willingness to do the work set before us. 

Question

How do we increase our joy and peace in believing?

Answer

By asking the Holy Spirit to show us any unbelief we harbor in the heart. If nothing is pressed upon our soul, then believe there is nothing. If after such a prayer though, we become aware of any hinderance, take immediately action. Repent. Then choose to rejoice in the hope of the gospel, which is a confident expectation of all the promised blessings of righteousness in Christ Jesus. Thus believing, our joy and peace will be made full. 

Whomever Is Wise Will Ponder These Things

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 107:33-43 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Set me free, O God, from the bondage of my sins, and give me the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to me in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

To fight is a determined act of the will to resist what stands in opposition. The good fight of faith is an inner battle requiring the will to hold firm the decision to believe God. Since it is impossible to please God without faith and whatsoever is not of faith is sin, unbelief is a chief sin we must be willing to fight against. Happy is the one who trusts God to grant the victory. Happiness is impossible when our hearts condemn what our head and hands allow though. Who wants to be fit, yet lives in a lazy boy recliner binge watching streaming episodes of nonsense? Who wants to be lean, yet gulps down sugar by the pound and the bucket? Unhappy is the one whose desires and actions are thus divided. Purify your heart and make God your one desire. Seek God and know that complete satisfaction is found only in Jesus Christ, without the need for special conditions or anything else added. The only thing we need to feel good at any moment is to remember that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost comes only by faith in the blood of Christ Jesus. Know the Scriptures, understand the power of God, and He will quicken your faith. Be willing to fight the good fight of faith, and God will make you strong. 

Today’s Question to Consider

When is the acceptable time? (read Hebrews 11:1 slowly)

The Lord Preserves All Those Who Love Him

18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
20 The Lord preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. Psalm 145:18-20 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Set me free, O God, from the bondage of my sins, and give me the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to me in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

Pray for a miracle when the circumstances call for it. At all other times, God may only be waiting for us to put in the work before the needed blessing is released. It’s easy to work hard when it feels good, but knowing only pleasure produces no fruit. The good fight of the Christian must be fought by holding firm in faith through good times and bad times alike. To leave off praying until one feels like it, is to walk by sight. To go to the gym only when one feels strong, is to walk by sight. To do what is right only when it doesn’t cause pain or hardship, is to walk by sight. To do or not to do anything based solely on how you feel or what you think, is to walk by sight. Make no mistake about it, to walk by faith is something that we have to choose to do hundreds of times each day. Let faith produce the patience and endurance necessary for waiting on the Lord. Troubles will come. Watch without worrying, because God our Father cares for you. Jesus Christ will come at the appointed time. It is not given to any of us to know when, but don’t let Him catch you with your work undone. Watch and be ever ready.

Today’s Question to Consider

What’s the difference between working to be saved, and working because we are saved?

How Majestic is the Name of the Lord

8 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Psalm 8 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Set me free, O God, from the bondage of my sins, and give me the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to me in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

Fear not to work harder than others, or to have to wait longer than most for the fruitful harvest. How far, how high, and when are much less important than living by faith continuously. The saying “pray until you pray” essential means the only way to learn how pray is by doing it. The one who is too busy to pray is like the man in such a hurry that he thinks he doesn’t have the time to stop for fuel when his car is low on gas. Such a one should not be surprised when he is left stranded near the ditch by the side of the narrow way. Run not after worldly wealth and honors like those who do not know God. There is no profit in heaping up treasure in this world. Fix your heart on the things of God. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ. By conforming to Christ in this world, we are made fit for paradise in the next. Such is the will of God for all believers. O Lord, be thou exalted, and let everything that has breath praise thy holy name.

Today’s Question to Consider

If God be for us, who can stand against us?

Who is Like You, O God?

19 Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
20 Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
22 I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
24 My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt. Psalm 71:19-24 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Set me free, O God, from the bondage of my sins, and give me the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to me in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

To know the body leads to health. To know self leads to wisdom. To know God leads to life. These three fit together like hand, liner, and glove. But who can keep the body under, who can dethrone self, and who can enter into the light of life? Only those who respond appropriately to the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Being born again is merely the beginning of the path of this upward call, and the crucified life is but the middle. Press on brothers and sisters. By the grace of God, let us press on. 

Today’s Question to Consider

Why is grace so amazing?

Dwell in the Shelter of the Most High

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.
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 91:3-7, 14-16 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Set me free, O God, from the bondage of my sins, and give me the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to me in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

Working for physical beauty alone is like watering cut flowers. Though death may be delayed, there is no lasting life without having roots growing in the love of God. Pursing personal holiness for the love of God is to cultivate an inner beauty that will last forever. Don’t be short sighted. Look past the temporal things of this world and focus on the eternal life set before you. Then will denying self and living the crucified life in Christ Jesus become a joy. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and know His peace which surpasses understanding.

Today’s Question to Consider

This world is full of many ways that seem right, and more are invented every single day. Surrounded as we are with so much volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, how are we to know the right way to go?

Like a Weened Child

1 Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
2 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.
3 Let Israel hope in the Lord from henceforth and for ever. Psalm 131 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Set me free, O God, from the bondage of my sins, and give me the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to me in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

Roll with the punches and keep moving into the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Unhappy is the ungrateful heart that only wants more, gets it, and then turns to whine for better still. You can be happier in the next five minutes if you will just look around and thank God for some of what He has already given you. The unruly child never learns that contentment with godliness is great gain. The fear of the Lord is so little to be found among most people, so they busy themselves chasing only after things that perish. Why worry and fret over lying vanities that only last a moment? Remember our eternal destination and hold firmly to the narrow way. 

Today’s Question to Consider

Is there anything you’ve been complaining about that is actually a blessing for which you should be thankful?

I will Give Attention to Your Ways, O Lord

9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.
13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalm 119:9-16 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Set me free, O God, from the bondage of my sins, and give me the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to me in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

God is able to provide abundantly more than we could ever need from little or nothing at all. Even though the rate of change in this world is increasing day by day, becoming more and more uncertain, blessed is the one who builds his house on the Rock. Blessed is the one who is not conformed to this world. The one who minds the things of the Spirit and does not forget his God. Joyfully give up what you cannot keep to gain what you cannot lose. God has demonstrated His love for us by sending Jesus to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Since God is for us, Christ will surely be revealed in us if we believe and desire it with all our heart. He has promised, therefore it cannot be otherwise. Eye has not seen and mind cannot imagine what God has prepared for those who love Him. A very long life in this world is infinitely shorter than eternity. Even if we are called to spend 120 years suffering for the Lord in this life, it would still be just a finite pain for an eternal gain. 

Today’s Question to Consider

How do we nurture the seed sown amongst the thorns?

Restore Us, O Lord God of Hosts

80 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up thy strength, and come and save us.
3 Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
17 Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.
18 So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.
19 Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. Psalm 80:1-3, 17-19 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Exhortation

The conscience confirms the rightness of obedience to God. The inner tempter seeks to steal many small victories though. Allow the enemy no foothold. The regenerated conscience provides good counsel for willing decisions to turn from the sinful ways of this world, and to put on ways of the new man created to be holy in Christ Jesus. If you say in simple child-like faith, “I have put off the old man and I put on the new,” it will be done for you. Pray in faith. Understand this is the way. Conscience confirms it. Mentally we must choose it. Now set the will to obey God by faith. God is good seems an understatement. Perhaps that’s why the Master has said that God alone is good. All power and might are in His hand. He strengthens all who are determined to do His will in the way He has prescribed it to be done. Know that God is….regardless of how things look or how we feel at any given moment. Know this is true as surely as you know that 1 + 1 = 2. It then becomes a reality for us to consider it all joy when our faith is tested. Faith is often tested in fogs of doubt and clouds of unknowing. Faith is also tested in difficulties and heavy burdens. Faith thus tried is more precious than gold that has been refined seven times in the fire. Though it all, God waits for us to cultivate our dependence on Him. It is only when we are weak in ourselves, that God makes us strong in Him. Don’t wait to see if it is so. Sight always follows the testing of faith, and never precedes it. From beginning to end, from faith to faith, all good things are to the praise of the grace of God. Air to breathe and food to eat, every creature needs the rest of creation. If we are to know peace, however, we need more. We need faith to know Christ and this truth shall set us free.

Today’s Question to Consider

What does it take to make faith in God easy?