faith

Devotional for May 27

May 27, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Rejoice in His Works!

31 The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.
32 He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.
33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.
35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 104:31-35 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Expect to be tested. Remember what you have been taught. Choose faith over feelings every time. Put your hope in the Lord. He will never leave nor forsake you. Lean not on your own understanding. Trust your God. Fix your gaze on the Lord and He will guide you. Remember all that you have been taught and rejoice. Victory is ours! We are more than conquerors, and this fact is clearly stated in the Scriptures in the present tense. Regardless of our current temporary circumstances and feelings, the love and faithfulness of God never changes. (Matthew 4:1-11; John 15:20; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 8:21; Proverbs 3:5-6; Hebrews 12:1-2; Proverbs 1:7; Isaiah 50:10; Psalm 32:9, 42:5-8; Jonah 2:8; Proverbs 3:7-8; Isaiah 30:21; Romans 1:16-17; 1 Peter 4:12; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 5:8-10; James 1:2-4; Hebrews 13:5-6; Romans 8:31-39; Hebrews 13:8; 1 Peter 5:11)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 36; Psalms 80

Isaiah 28; 2 John 1

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep me, I pray, from all things that may hurt me, that I, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with a free heart those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for May 26

May 26, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

No Evil Will Conquer

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. Psalm 91:8-13 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Make mind and muscle the best of training partners. When the mind becomes preoccupied with worrying about the desired results of training, or a seemingly lack of progress, put the horse back in front of the cart by focusing on the proper execution of the work in the present moment. Always remember that feelings aren’t facts, that physical sensations are subjective, and that the devil is a liar. Know the word of God, reckon it to be true, think and act according. (1 Corinthians 2:12; Ecclesiastes 2:24-26; Matthew 6:25-34; Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 50:10-11; Proverbs 3:5-8; Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 42:5; Jonah 2; Psalm 94:19; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Psalm 1; John 8:44; Hebrews 10:38-39; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 8:28-32; Revelation 22:10-15; Hebrews 10:36; James 1:4; Revelation 22:16-21)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 35; Psalms 79

Isaiah 27; 1 John 5

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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Devotional for May 23

May 23, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Unfailing Love of the Lord is With Us

31 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the Lord: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. Psalm 31:1, 4, 18-21 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Physical beauty, strong muscles, and a wallet fat with money are not bad things until we set our desire for them ahead of our desire for the things of the Spirit. Seek first to know God and then you will be less susceptible to the deceitfulness of all such riches. Make your chief aim to know the living God and He has promised to add to you everything else you may need. (Matthew 6:27-33; Mark 4:2-20; Matthew 23:25-28; Matthew 5:27-28; Isaiah 29:13; John 4:23; Proverbs 6:20-26; 1 Timothy 6:3-11; Romans 6:21; Matthew 11:28-30; Luke 9:23; Matthew 10:39; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; Matthew 24:45-51; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 5:14-15; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Colossians 3:2; Proverbs 23:4-8; 2 Peter 3:17-18)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 32; Psalms 77

Isaiah 24; 1 John 2

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

faith

Devotional for May 22

May 22, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

In His Holy Name We Put Our Trust

The Morning Exhortation

Don’t make mountains out of mole hills by worrying and complaining. Remember to be grateful for small blessings to breathe easier and make life sweeter. Perfect feelings would require complete knowledge. Since complete knowledge is not humanly possible, our feelings and perceptions are NOT reliable guides. This is why we are commanded to have faith in God and not to lean on our own limited understanding. Trust the all-knowing and almighty God. Complete knowledge and infinite power are the rod and staff of our Great Shepheard. Perfect peace is reserved for those who know and trust the God of all comfort. (Isaiah 26:3, 41:10; Matthew 6:25-34; Isaiah 50:10-11; Proverbs 3:5-8; Psalm 30:12; Jonah 2:8; Psalm 58:3, 73:23; Philippians 4:4-13; Matthew 28:18; John 14:21-27; Matthew 21:22-27; Psalm 136:1-3; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Philippians 2:14-15; Psalm 23; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 31; Psalms 75-76

Isaiah 23; 1 John 1

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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Devotional for May 21

May 21, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Knowledge + Doing = Wisdom

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

The Morning Exhortation

The more we have to do, the more things we have the opportunity to get done. The less we have to, the more time we tend to spend doing nothing. Sometimes the most obvious truths as plain as the nose on our faces, are the hardest ones to see. Lazy is resting before getting tired. Rest to re-charge, and don’t waste a single opportunity to glorify God. This is proper, right, and pleasing to both God and our own souls. The circle of grace is not complete until we glorify God with thanksgiving and praise. Like a strong man rejoicing to run his race, we are built for this. (Psalm 107:1; Luke 19:10; John 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 13:11-12; James 1:22-25; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:16-21; James 2:19; Revelation 12:1-12; Hebrews 2:3; Revelation 5:9-10; Isaiah 21:5; Ephesians 2:10, 6:10-12; Romans 8:28-39; 1 Timothy 6:3-15; 1 Peter 5:6-9; 2 Peter 3:18)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 30; Psalms 74

Isaiah 22; 2 Peter 3

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for May 19

May 19, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Secret of the Lord

4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.
5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
6 Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord.
8 Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
12 What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Psalm 25:4-14 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Working out six days and resting on the seventh is a good rhythm. Life and music both require rhythm or there will be many weeds and much noise. Understanding the permanency of God and His word is necessary if we are to grow up into our salvation. God alone is the Rock, and the only true sovereign. No matter how long everything else lasts, it is only temporary in comparison to the Most High who lives and reigns forever. Have faith in God, and not the temporal things of this world. Wait on the Lord and put your hope in His word. Guard your heart and walk in His ways. The younger we are when we learn to partake of the grace given to enable us to participate in the divine nature, the sooner we escape the suffering that results from being an enemy against self and God. Put off the old man and walk in the Spirit. Practice the wisdom revealed in the word of God. Repent and cast down all that is contrary. Receive the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and grow healthy, wealthy, and strong. (Exodus 20:9-11; Colossians 3:2; Proverbs 23:5; 1 Corinthians 7:29-34; Matthew 6:19-34; Isaiah 50:10-11; Ecclesiastes 4:5; Psalm 1:1-3; Mark 12:30-31; Colossians 1:9-13; 1 Corinthians 15:45-47; Ephesians 4:21-24; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Romans 6:11-14; Galatians 5:7-8; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:4-14; Galatians 2:20; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; 1 Peter 4:10-11)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 28; Psalms 72

Isaiah 19-20; 2 Peter 1

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

faith

Devotional for May 17

May 17, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Hope in His Mercy

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

The Morning Exhortation

Correct form is more than going through the right motions. Learn the proper mental focus along with the right movement, then you will be ready to lift heavy. Correct form will produce the best results from both exercise and praying. Praying “in the name of Jesus” is more than adding those words at the end of a prayer. Praying in Jesus’ name is an attitude of heart and intent of mind produced by a life wholly given up to Him. (Hebrews 13:8; Matthew 4:23-5:12; John 4:19-24, 16:23-27; Hebrews 7:25; Luke 11:5-13; Hebrews 4:16; John 15:14-15; Luke 14:15-35; John 6:63; Psalm 40:8, 90:17; Genesis 45:27; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 4:22-24; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:4-9; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 26; Psalms 69

Isaiah 16; 1 Peter 4

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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Devotional for May 16

May 16, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Lord is My Strength

9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.
10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them.
11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.
12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.
13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me.
14 The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.
16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. Psalm 118:9-16 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Don’t give up even though the pace seems slow. Feelings are but a feather tossed up and down by the wind. Some days will feel good with things moving along nicely. Other days will feel hard with things seeming to move slower than a turtle still asleep in his shell. Both states are completely normal. Rejoice with thanksgiving when things are going great, and offer the sacrifice of praise while continuing to work when things are tough. Pray and work. Regardless of how we feel, God is forever faithful. Ours is not to worry about how or when. Ours is simply to believe that He who has promised will perform all that He has promised. (Psalm 42:1-3, 55:6, 42:11, 50:23; James 1:5-8; Romans 1:16-17; Hebrews 10:38-39; James 5:13; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 8:32-39; 1 John 4:19; 1 Peter 4:12-19; Ephesians 5:15-20; Hebrews 10:23; Joshua 23:11; Matthew 5:6; Philippians 4:23)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 25; Psalms 68

Isaiah 15; 1 Peter 3

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

faith

Devotional for May 14

May 14, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

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

Just because you don’t have what you want right now should in no way cause your faith to wavier. You may not have it when you want it, but God can be depended upon to provide what you need when it is needed. Blessed is the one who is fully persuaded that God is willing and able to do all that He has promised. Blessed is the one who remembers that ultimately God is in control of everything. (Ecclesiastes 8:4; Proverbs 19:21; Isaiah 2:22; Jeremiah 14:22; Matthew 16:5-12; Galatians 3:3-9; Romans 4:16-21; Isaiah 41:17-20; Deuteronomy 8:2-4; Jeremiah 2:4-7; Psalm 50:15; Psalm 139:1-17; Ephesians 3:20; Mark 11:22-24; Matthew 7:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:13-21)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 23; Psalms 64-65

Isaiah 13; 1 Peter 1

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for May 11

May 11, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Redeemed!

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

Fitness comes from practicing good nutrition, adequate exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. The knowledge that faith comes from hearing the Word of God is just as basic. Hearing consists in reckoning, that is acknowledging and adhering to, the three essential components of the Word: 1) facts to be believed; 2) commands to be obeyed; and 3) promises to be enjoyed. Those who go to the Bible to determine if they are going to believe it, seldom hear a word of it. Going to the Holy Bible to see what you are to believe is to open your ears to hear. Willingly obeying the commands of God is the understanding of the Word that is the proof of having heard it. It is common for a parent to say to a misbehaving child, “Did you hear what I said?” In the same way the higher meaning of hearing has little to do with receiving the audible sound, and everything to do with understanding what was said. The third component of hearing is enjoying the precious promises. Just as the cart comes after the horses, enjoying the promises follows believing the facts and obeying the commands. He who has promised is good, faithful, and true. All that causes us to doubt is of the enemy that comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. Open our ears to hear Lord, and our mouth to sing your praises. (Proverbs 27:19, 22; Psalm 69:22; 1 Corinthians 6:13; Luke 19:34; Proverbs 27:23; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; James 1:4-6; Galatians 5:6-9; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Mark 4:9; Romans 10:17; James 1:21; Romans 6:11; Proverbs 2722; Psalm 40:6-8; Revelation 22:7-21)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 20; Psalms 58-59

Isaiah 9:8-10:4; James 3