Tag: christianity

faith

Devotional for March 12

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Great Are the Works of the Lord

111 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. Psalm 111:2-9 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The path of love and faithfulness always leads to God. The peace this world gives depends on the favorable winds of circumstance. It may last only a season and can be lost in an instant. Very different is the perfect peace our Lord Jesus Christ displayed throughout the four gospels. He was never worried, never bothered, never flustered, and never hurried. “My peace,” said Jesus, “I leave with you.” His perfect peace is such a precious gift in this world filled with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. The peace of God requires simplicity, not favorable circumstances. Just as multi-tasking is an enemy of excellence, so multi-concerning about many things all at once is an enemy of inner peace. Let the hurricanes, earthquakes, and firestorms pass you by. Listen and obey. The ears of the spirit function by faith. Listen for that small quiet voice saying, “be still and know that I am God.” Be still and know that God is with you. (Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27; Psalm 46:10, 57:5, 94:19, 23:1-6; Philippians 4:4-9)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 23; John 2

Job 41; 2 Corinthians 11

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant that I, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear my cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for March 11

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

God is My Strength and Portion Forever

73 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works. Psalm 73:1-3, 21-28 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Patience sometimes requires the eyes to be taken off the desired results and re-focused on the proper execution of the process. Stand firm. Let not the passing rain dampen your feelings. Life would be extremely boring if we knew all the details from beginning to end. It is enough to have the sure hope of everything working out for good for those who love the Lord. He who called you is faithful, and He will complete the new creation He began in you when you were born again. God will surely make of you a fully mature Christian soldier. Be attentive and take these commands: Submit all to God and resist the devil; Watch and Pray. (Ephesians 2:1-10; Philippians 2:13; Hebrews 11:6; Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 2:3-7; James 4:7; Mark 13:31-37)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 22; John 1

Job 40; 2 Corinthians 10

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant that I, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear my cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for March 10

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Everlasting Character

15 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. Psalm 15 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Live according to the word of God, and you will be fit for both this life and the next. We are made sufficient for this only by the blood of Jesus Christ. By His grace, we are redeemed from this perishing world. Never quit pursuing the good that God has placed in your heart to do. He is the one who enables us to keep our hand on the plow working for His harvest. This is our privilege and pleasure. Keep your affections set on God, and come what may, all will be well with the soul that is close to the Lord. His love and mercy endure forever. (Revelation 12:9-12; Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 9:61-62; Hebrews 10:39; Colossians 3:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-14; Romans 8:28; Psalm 136:1)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 21; Luke 24

Job 39; 2 Corinthians 9

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant that I, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear my cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for March 8

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Lord Is My Shepherd

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

There is but one key to life. One essential for every circumstance. One needful thing for today and tomorrow. It can’t be purchased with money, nor can it be borrowed from another. Indeed, there is only one way to get this key. The one needful thing in this life is to know Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Even 1000 years is less than a minute when compared to eternity. Therefore, His promises are everlasting rock. (Luke 10:38-42; 1 Corinthians 10:1-14; Hebrews 4:2; Psalm 90:2; John 17:3; 2 Corinthians 13:14) 

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 19; Luke 22

Job 37; 2 Corinthians 7

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant that I, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear my cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for March 7

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Eyes of the Lord are on the Faithful

6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord. Psalm 101:6-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Everyone would like to sail through life and right into heaven under a sunny sky and a favorable breeze. Not likely to happen that way though. Stormy weather afflicts every soul at one point or another as a consequence of life in this fallen world. The storms of life are meant to drive us into the only safe harbor, which is Jesus Christ. Don’t expect life to be easy, but do expect hard work to be rewarded. Don’t expect to win every fight, but do expect to win the war. Don’t expect to be honored. It is enough to be worthy of respect. Consistency is getting it done even when you don’t feel like doing it. To build anything on feelings alone, is to build on shifting sand. Sooner or later the good feelings will go, and then down comes the house not tempered with the mortar of consistency. (Ecclesiastes 10:1; Isaiah 7:9; James 1:5-8; Matthew 7:24-28; Mark 9:23; Proverbs 3:5-8; Hebrews 11:6)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 18; Luke 21

Job 36; 2 Corinthians 6

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant that I, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear my cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for March 5

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Be Fruitful

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Stagger not at the promises of God through unbelief. The start of true happiness begins here in this life and will be fully manifested in paradise forever. Be whole. Chickens are divided into parts for frying, but godliness is for the whole spirit, soul, and body. Physical perfection with lameness of spirit is to be a cut flower without the ability to sustain life. And to neglect care of the body, as some are taught, is to tempt God. Our physical bodies seem to be insignificant when compared to our soul, however, the physical body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. The body is the primary resource God has given us for His service in this life. Live for the day when you will hear the Lord say, “well done faithful steward, enter into the joy of your Master.” (Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Proverbs 30:20; 1 Corinthians 6:13, 19-20; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 2:10)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 16; Luke 19

Job 34; 2 Corinthians 4

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant that I, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear my cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for March 4

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Strength of the Faithful

16 Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.
2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;
3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
5 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. Psalm 16:1-9 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

True strength comes from within. The strong heart is established by grace and guarded by faith. Faith always counsels what is best and increases strength. A favorite tactic of the inner tempter is to get us to focus on what causes fear, worry, and doubt instead of the Word of Life that sustains faith in God. When faith is left unattended, it can be plucked off like feathers off a bird, and then blown about and tossed with the wind. If you choose faith, consider the decision settled forever. Never look back, and faith will never fail you. Focus on the Word and let fear starve to death. Let the love of the Word be a purifying fire in your heart. The lukewarm of heart, not really awake, not really dreaming, breeds only murmuring, suffering, and unhappiness. The way of the burning heart on the other hand, is like a champion rejoicing to run a difficult race. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to be champions of anything. It is God who has made us, who heals us, sustains us, and leads us. To Him be the glory and power forever. (John 1:1-4, 14-17; John 15:4-9; Revelation 3:14-22)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 15; Luke 18

Job 33; 2 Corinthians 3

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant that I, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear my cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for March 2

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Walk in the Light

1 The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions.
6 Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
9 Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call. Psalm 20 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

John the Baptist did no miracles. Not even one. His face did not shine like Moses, he was not super strong like Samson, he didn’t call down fire from heaven like Elijah, he didn’t heal anyone like Paul, nor did he raise the dead like Peter. Still, Jesus readily acknowledged that John the Baptist was the greatest prophet the world has ever seen. Why? The only thing in the biblical record that made John unique was that he was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb. We too are promised the indwelling Holy Spirit, but we must believe He is granted to us as soon as we ask. Don’t wait until you see or feel it before you believe it. It is a faithless generation that requires a sign and it is just as certain that none shall be given to them. Get the iron of your expectation red hot with prayers of thanksgiving and praise. Don’t depend on feelings before you will believe that you have the Spirit. Depend on the truth of the word of God and refuse to doubt it. Get busy extinguishing all the fiery darts of the wicked one with the shield of faith. Believe first, and stand firm in faith. God has promised to confirm, settle, and establish you. First believe, sometime after you will surely know it. (Luke 1:13-17; Luke 7:24-28; Acts 2:37-40; Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 16:4; 1 Corinthians 1:22-24; John 14:15-18; Revelation 22:20)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 13; Luke 16

Job 31; 2 Corinthians 1

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant that I, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear my cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for March 1

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Lord Strengthen

1 The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions.
6 Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
9 Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call. Psalm 20 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

It is so easy these days to spend hours glued to the tube, thrilled at the cinema, or gaming until the cows come home. Our money flows towards satisfying our desires stimulated by what captivates our attention most often. There is no profit in giving up our money for things we don’t need, nor wasting our time doing things that amount to bubbles gone with the wind. Worst of all though, is being conformed to the likes, dislikes, and standards of this fallen world. You avoid most junk food, and that is good. Be even more careful about what you feed your mind. You are free to choose whatever entertainment the world offers, but know there are some things that leave you worst off for having seen and heard them. Watch yourself while you are watching TV, listening to music, or scrolling through social media. All so called entertainments that draw the soul away from God are better to be scrapped off into the garbage rather than given free rein in the mind.  It takes a conscious choice and diligence if the mind is to properly guard the heart. Let only what is of faith, hope, and love remain. Against such things there is no law. Pray in the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, and live in the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10, 12:31; Proverbs 4:23, 3:3-4; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 112:22-51; Luke 15

Job 30; 1 Corinthians 16

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant that I, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear my cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for February 29

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Blessed Ones

1 Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.
8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. Psalm 112:1-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Leap year is a great reminder of the mutability of time. When undergoing a surgery, the anesthesiologist can transport a patient hours into the future without the patient ever having a sense of the passage of even a single minute. This is a common everyday thing for mere mortals in our present day. How much easier do you suppose it to be for Almighty God, in whom time began and will end, to take us in an instant from the moment of our death to kneeing in front of the judgment seat of Christ? Just as in the day that God secured Noah in the ark, whichever comes first our death or the second coming of Christ, both represent the closing of the door of salvation. The Holy Bible urges us to flee from the wrath of God to come. 

The Word of the Lord is like pure gold refined in the fire. Consider the greatness of the promise of fellowship with the Maker of all creation! By faith we hear His voice and open the door. We would think it rude to invite a guess into our home and once inside to ignore him or her. Most would also consider it to be unacceptable to invite a holy man to dinner and then to speak only of vanities and profanities when seated at the table. Because these things be so, may we be more attentive to the presence of the Spirit of Christ within us. Store up His word in your heart and you will learn to recognize His voice the same way you recognize the voice of any other person familiar to you: by the tone, content, and character of what is spoken. In the same way, the Holy Spirit teaches us to have ears to hear the voice of God. Speak Lord in accordance to your Word, for your servant is listening. (2 Corinthians 5:20, 5:10; Matthew 24:37-39; Exodus 5:2; John 14:23; John 10:27-28; Revelation 3:20; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Repeat yesterday’s:

Exodus 11-12:21; Luke 14

Job 29; 1 Corinthians 15

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing; Send your Holy Spirit and pour into my heart your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer