65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. 68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. 69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. 70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. Psalm 119:65-72 (KJV)
The Morning Exhortation
Let us first take heed for our own souls, then God can use us to bless others. Pay close attention to your thoughts with constant diligence. Stand firm in your faith by rejecting all thoughts that are not consistent with trust in the name of the Lord. We are not to be overcome by evil, rather we are commanded to overcome evil with good. Therefore, pray, train, eat, sleep, and repeat. Hold to these basic fundaments like a farmer who doesn’t dig up the seeds that have been sown to see if they are growing. Let the word of God grow richly in your heart. Be not afraid, only believe and trust the Lord to bring forth the promised harvest in its due season.
Today’s Bible Reading
Genesis 34; Mark 5
Job 1; Romans 5
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. The Book of Common Prayer
8 Arise, O Lord, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength. 9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy. 10 For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed. 11 The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. 12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore. 13 For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. Psalm 132:8-13 (KJV)
The Morning Exhortation
We may only be able to lift 10 pounds at the start, then progress to 20, and after that maybe 30 or 40. Strength is built in stages over a period of time. Spiritual strength is no different. First comes the lion, then the bear, and then the giant (1 Samuel 17:33-37). God allows only what we are able to handle at any given moment. Practice remembering this fact when you are tempted to do what you know you should not do, or not do what you know you should. God allows just the right amount of spiritual resistance you need to build more spiritual strength. Have faith in God and be willing to endure the inner work. Don’t seek for relief, excuses, or sedatives. This is what the Bible calls “quit ye like men” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). Distractions a plenty you will find in this modern world. Stay focused. It is far better to step up, drive on like a good soldier, and pray for the needed grace of God to patiently endure. He will strengthen you. Arise and let us go forward.
Today’s Bible Reading
Genesis 32; Mark 3
Esther 8; Romans 3
The Prayer Appointed for This Week
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer
32 Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah: 33 To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice. 34 Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds. 35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God. Psalm 68:32-35 (KJV)
The Morning Exhortation
Here is wisdom: give up what you cannot keep to gain what you cannot lose. Giving up our selfishness is the only way to enter into the Kingdom of God. The Master has commanded us to deny self, pick up our cross, and follow Him. The only way to obey this is to stop living for our own self-interest. Our secular educational system from elementary to post-graduate is focused on strengthening self while ignoring God. This mindset that holds mankind to be paramount is actually the enemy of our soul, which the Bible calls the flesh. It is deadly because it cannot agree with the Word of God. When the flesh reins in the heart, its counsel is always to walk by sight. Allowing what you see in the mirror to discourage you is a perfect example of the type of persuasion born of the flesh. If the reflection is pleasing on the other hand, the flesh will puff up the heart with pride with equal ease. Who will free us from this body of death? Take your eyes off the proverbial pool searching for evidence of its stirring. Rather, fix your eyes on Jesus Christ, and cast down every thought and imagination that the flesh offers that exalts itself above the Word of God. Go to work with praise and thanksgiving. Cultivate an eager expectation based on the Word, and not on what you see. Know without doubting that what is seen will surely catch up to our faith at the proper time. This is the walking by faith that the Holy Bible teaches us. The rule in the Kingdom is this: according to your faith will it be done unto you. Be strong and courageous.
Today’s Bible Reading
Genesis 29; Matthew 28
Esther 5; Acts 28
The Prayer Appointed for This Week
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer
144 Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: 2 My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me. 3 Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! 4 Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away. 5 Bow thy heavens, O Lord, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke. 6 Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them. 7 Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children; Psalm 144:1-7 (KJV)
The Morning Exhortation
Put your hope in God alone. The peace of God which surpasses understanding comes from knowing that God is in control of everything from the greatest to the smallest. From the tiniest hair on your head to the largest galaxy far-far away, God holds everything in His hand. Why does it seem incredible that Almighty God works everything according to His will? God has decreed that no good thing will He withhold from those who love Him. If easy times will do us good, then easy times we shall have. If pain will do us good, then pain we shall have. Who are you little one, who dares to presume you have better knowledge of what is good than the all-knowing God? Humble yourself. Acknowledge your limitations in every situation and give thanks unto God for His goodness. Trust in God is the only remedy for every uncertainty in this life. Our highest good, and the will of God, are one and the same. Trust in our Rock and Redeemer with all your heart. He has purchased us with His own blood. Jesus Christ is the good shepherd and will certainly take good care of you, me, and all the rest of His flock. Let His peace be upon you.
Today’s Bible Reading
Genesis 28; Matthew 27
Esther 4; Acts 27
The Prayer Appointed for This Week
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer
137 You are righteous, Lord, and your laws are right. 138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. 139 My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. 140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. 141 Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. 143 Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight. 144 Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. Psalm 119:137-144 (KJV)
The Morning Exhortation
Adversity and fatigue are the great tests of our faith. It is easy to have faith in God when all is going well, but do you still believe you have God’s favor when the circumstances of life become cloudy, dark, and tossed about by contrary winds? The storms of this life are meant to drive us deeper into the only safe harbor, which is Jesus Christ. Physical reality is loud and always in our face. The temptations we must overcome are to walk by sight, trust in own limited understanding, and depend on our own strength. To be strong in faith, we must learn to walk in the Spirit, trusting in God, and choose our thoughts and actions based on conformity to the Word of God regardless of any feelings that arise from our current circumstances. The Word of God is Truth. This is our Rock. On Christ Jesus we can always depend, and now is the only acceptable time to do it. Sing songs of praise when you are happy, and pray until every cloud is chased away when you’re not.
Today’s Bible Reading
Genesis 25; Matthew 24
Esther 1; Acts 24
The Prayer Appointed for This Week
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer
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 strongest foundations rest on the bedrock of Truth. Overindulgence in fast food speeds to weakness. Healthy food provides the nutritious building blocks for increasing strength. In the same way, the thoughts we entertain in the mind either weaken or strengthen our faith. Put off the thinking patterns of the old man enslaved to sin, and practice the thoughts of the new man created in Christ Jesus to be holy. Transparency is a good guard to set against hypocrisy. Humble self. Keep the fear of the Lord always before you, because nothing can be hidden from the eyes of the Lord. Mercy and grace be upon all those who ask God for a clean heart in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Receive it now by faith, and joyfully put off the old ways common to our former way of life. Having thus been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, like a man given new clothes, toss out all the old moth eaten rags fit only for the fire. Be diligent about keeping the inside of the cup clean with thoughts that are obedience to Christ, and the sin that so easily defiles will not be able to cling to you inside or without.
Today’s Bible Reading
Genesis 24; Matthew 23
Nehemiah 13; Acts 23
The Prayer Appointed for This Week
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer
12 Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. 2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. 3 The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: 4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? 5 For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. 6 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. 8 The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted. Psalm 12 (KJV)
The Morning Exhortation
It is impossible to live without trust. Only question is who, or what, to trust? Physical beauty and strength may fade, mental beauty and smarts can be lost, and cash flow often goes faster than it comes. Here is the knowledge and trust that saves from all vanity: JESUS CHRIST LIVES! And He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God is perfectly consistent, and our consistent walking in the Spirit leads to godliness. Our attention represents the eyes of our spirit. When our spiritual eyes are fixed on Jesus, our default way of thinking will be conformed to His image. It is unwise to neglect the command to renew the mind with the Word. Like all the commands of God, they are given for our benefit. Truly His yoke is easy and His burden is light. His commands are not burdensome, so make your calling and election sure. Work out what God has worked in through your new birth. God is holy and Heaven is a holy place. Therefore, let us by the grace of God be willing to be made fit for it. Choose the good part like Mary the sister of Martha. Sit at the feet of Jesus. Open your Bible and hear His word (Luke 10:38-42). His every command is also a promise. All that He commands, He has promised to work in us to will and do (Philippians 2:13). All things are possible if we are willing to believe. The Almighty God of heaven and earth has spoken, and it is written in the Holy Book for our understanding.
Today’s Bible Reading
Genesis 23; Matthew 22
Nehemiah 12; Acts 22
The Prayer Appointed for This Week
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer
115 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. 2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? 3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. 4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. 5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: 6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: 7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. 8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them. 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. Psalm 115:1-15 (KJV)
The Morning Exhortation
All confidence in wonder pills, breakthrough powders, premier programs, technological marvels, quick-fixes, short-cuts, and self-effort must be shaken. Only with a burning desire for truth is the dross removed from the gold. Convince yourself once and for all of the truth of the Scriptures: power belongs to God. You have been set apart to love the Lord God with all your heart. And you know that no matter what happens, everything works out for good for those who love the Lord. Start with being thankful with what you have and where you are right now. Though things may be difficult for you right now, give all to God and do not take a backward step. Hold fast your faith while God fits you for greater works. Know that all God has foreordained concerning you will come to be if you are willing to believe. Because God is God, you shall be exactly as God wants you to be. It cannot be otherwise for a willing heart that trusts in God.
Today’s Bible Reading
Genesis 21; Matthew 20
Nehemiah 10; Acts 20
The Prayer Appointed for This Week
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer
106 Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise? 3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. 4 Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation; 5 That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance. 6 We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. 8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. 9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. 10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. 47 Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. 48 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 106:1-10, 47-48 (KJV)
The Morning Exhortation
Strength is not renewed by diet, exercise, and rest alone. Strength is also a spiritual fruit. Make the spiritual tree good and the fruit will be good as well. Do not be content with a secondhand knowledge of God. Taste and see that the Lord is good for yourself. Working out our salvation has to do with willfully practicing the change of heart God has created within us into our everyday life and way of living. This is the working out of what God has worked within. The greatest gains are made by standing firm in the face of the resistance provided by the wickedness of this fallen world. Faith grows strong with testing, with preservice, and with patience. Trust in God. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He asks each of us just as He did the blind men: “Do you believe I am able to do this?” We must first choose to believe that God is able, and then to acknowledge the fact that He is also willing to grant all that He has promised. The chief of our faculties is the will. The will must learn to hold faith in God as the default rule of the heart. It is natural for the emotions to respond automatically to what the eyes see, which will often leave us suspectable to evil thoughts from within. Still, being born again by the Spirit makes us free to exercise our will in order to keep the heart firm in faith. Assurance of the truth comes in time. The essence of the Gospel promise is this: come to the Lord just as you are, be transformed, and all things will become new. Trust the Lord. Be strong and courageous. The God who has commanded us is almighty and forever faithful. The promise “ask and you shall receive” belongs to those who choose to please God.
Today’s Bible Reading
Genesis 20; Matthew 19
Nehemiah 9; Acts 19
The Prayer Appointed for This Week
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer
33 Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. 2 Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. 3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. 4 For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. 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 33:1-4, 18-22 (KJV)
The Morning Exhortation
Whenever we make the decision to get fit, we must resist the temptation to look for shortcuts. Lasting fitness doesn’t happen in a few weeks, and working out doesn’t get easier in only a few days. Just consistently do the work and fruit will grow with faith and patience in due time. God has granted all spiritual blessings to those who are in Christ Jesus. It has already been granted. First seek the leading of the Spirit to know what you should ask. Learn what is pleasing to God. Be determined to do nothing, nor entertain any thoughts, that are contrary to the known will of God. Then ask God in faith, go to work, and at just the proper time you will receive. That order is important to understand. Get right with God first, ask in faith and what can be seen will always come after. Ask God and wait with an eager expectation of seeing your prayer’s fulfillment. God has promised, and there are no details too small, nothing too big, nor anything too hard for the Lord. No good thing will He withhold from those who love Him.
Today’s Bible Reading
Genesis 18; Matthew 17
Nehemiah 7; Acts 17
The Prayer Appointed for This Week
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer
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