Tag: faith

faith

Devotional for July 2

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "Every overnight success comes out of obscurity after years of sweat and toil."

Lift Up Your Heads

1 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. Psalm 24 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Every overnight success comes out of obscurity after years of sweat and toil. Great achievements take years of hard work, often while being ignored, rejected, and unappreciated. Better to expect a reward tomorrow from doing much work today, than it it to expect a reward today after having done only the bare minimum yesterday. (Proverbs 9:1; 1 Peter 2:1-3; 1 Corinthians 3:1-11; James 1:21; Isaiah 28:9-10; Galatians 6:7-9; Zechariah 4:10; Habakkuk 2:1-3, 2:4; Luke 8:11; Psalm 126:6; James 5:7;  Psalm 27:14; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13; Psalm 30:11-12, 103:1, 89:52)

faith

Devotional for July 1

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "Get out there and fight the good fight."

God the Rock of My Salvation

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

The horse trapped in the starting gate will never win the race no matter how fast it can run. Without actually running the race, there is no possibility of wining. Get out there and fight the good fight. Cut the cords, remove the blocks, turn loose the brakes, and run the course set before you with joy! (Proverbs 20:4, 22:13, 30:20; 2 Corinthians 6:17; Joshua 1:8-9; Hebrews 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:7; James 3:3; Psalm 32:9-11, 1:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-30, 6:10-18; Hebrews 10:35-39; James 4:7; Romans 8:28-39; Ephesians 3:14-21)

faith

Devotional for June 29

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "Love will call you to it."

Saved in This Life for the Next

1 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. Psalm 91:1-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Looking and feeling good is great, but holy thoughts and righteous deeds are essential. Learn to enjoy what it takes. Make the accomplishment of the daily work your goal, and the abiding presence of the Lord your reward. Do this and motivation will never be a problem for you. Jesus said we are to stop worrying about tomorrow. This doesn’t mean don’t plan. Planning ahead is smart and we are to use all the wisdom God has given us. It’s just enough to deal with the today’s happenings without the additional burden of being overly concerned with the possible problems of the future. God has commanded us to be strong and courageous. Have faith in God to be strong, and trust in the Word to be courageous. Love will call you to it. (Psalm 49:20; Genesis 4:7; Galatians 5:9; Revelation 21:7-8; Genesis 15:9-11; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Romans 6:3-11; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 3:8-19, 10:35-36; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14;Romans 15:13; 1 Peter 5:6-10; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

faith

Devotional for June 27

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "Anything that causes doubt in the promises of God is a lie of the devil."

Let the Lord Be Magnified

9 And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation.
10 All my bones shall say, Lord, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?
27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long. Psalm 35:9-10, 27-28 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

We can have total assurance that our prayers will be answered. This assurance is based on one fact: The promise of “ask for whatsoever you want” is for all those who are totally devoted to doing the will of Christ Jesus. It is not for those who are still enslaved by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. To ask for something to satisfy a covetous desire is to ask amiss. However, when our prayers are for what is needful in our labor for the bread which does not perish, you can have perfect assurance it will be granted. Anything that causes doubt in the promises of God is a lie of the devil. When faith grabs hold of this fact, we grow up in our salvation. (James 4:1-3; 1 John 2:15-17; Mark 14:1-9; 2 Corinthians 2:15-17; 1 John 5:14-15; 2 Timothy 2:1-7; Hebrews 10:15-23; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9; Jude 1:5-13; 1 John 2:26-27; John 15:1-11; Hebrews 12:12-29; Hebrews 12:1-2; Psalm 18:1; Mark 11:25; Luke 11:1-4; Matthew 7:9-11; Ephesians 3:14-21)

faith

Devotional for June 26

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "It is not the greatness of the work that pleases God. It's the spirit in which the work is done."

Rest in the Lord

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.
9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work. Psalm 62:5-12 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Everybody in the world is ready to be rich, beautiful, and famous. Anyone who asks God to fulfill any such selfish ambitions will be greatly disappointed. We are all ready to be superstars for Jesus, but not many of us ever consider humbling self to wash the feet of the saints. We only deceive ourselves when we use work for God as a cloak to hide the seeking of glory for self. It is not the greatness of the work that pleases God. It’s the spirit in which the work is done. Better a little with righteousness in all things, than great riches, flawless beauty, and billions of social media followers yet perish like the beasts. (Psalm 37:16; 49:16-20; James 4:1-4; 1 Peter 2:11-17; Mark 11:25; Psalm 66:16-20; Proverbs 24:27; Haggai 1:2-11; Luke 17:7-10; Philippians 2:3-4; John 6:27-29; Psalm 119:36; Matthew 13:45-46; Matthew 16:24-26; 1 Timothy 6:6-16)

faith

Devotional for June 25

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "Work and depend on God for the increase."

See This and Rejoice

1 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
8 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
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 107:1-3, 8-9, 42-43 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

God has promised fantastic things for those who believe, yet nothing more than He intends to fulfill. Every good promise is for all who believe. Seek to know God and not just to receive His gifts. Let the one who believes, pray. Let the one who prays, work and depend on God for the increase. Nothing is too big for prayer, because nothing is too big for God. Nothing is impossible to the one who believes, because nothing is impossible for God. Do NOT be like the horse or mule without understanding. Let the believer pray and work for the glory of God. (2 Peter 1:-11; Mark 9:23; Luke 1:37; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:16-17; Psalm 32:8-11; Mark 11:22-24; Matthew 6:28-33; James 5:17; Psalm 90:17; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 4:12; Ephesians 6:5-8; Luke 12:42-46; Ecclesiastes 10: 18; Ecclesiastes 5:18-19; 1 Peter 4:10-11)

faith

Devotional for June 23

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Lord is the Stronghold of My Life

27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. Psalm 27:1-4 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Faith is reckoning the divine truth of the Word of God as being more important than the tangible truth of what can be seen and felt. Where the two contradict, faith will always prevail as it is based on the highest form of unchangeable truth. The tangible, transient truths of this world will always come in line with divine truth sooner or later. The Word of God gives faith a sure rock to take hold, and faith provides the substance in which hope grows. Blessed is the one who takes hold with a mustard seed size faith in God. Jesus Christ is the Word and the Word is God. Be strong and live in this light. Be cleansed by the washing of the Word of all deceit, pride, and pretense. Be free to be what you portray and to practice what you preach. Mix a little faith with the Word and the amazing grace of God will set you free to the glory of His name. (Hebrews 11:1-6; John 1:1-18; John 8:31-36; John 15:1-20; 1 John 1:5-10; Isaiah 53:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 4:2; John 6:28; Mark 11:22-24; John 6:63; Revelation 22:14-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

faith

Devotional for June 20

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment
Quote by Bruce Coleman: "Jesus Christ is our Rock that can never be shaken."

Set Your Hope in God

78 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God. Psalm 78:1-8 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

We carry the concerns of life etched on our faces and clinging to our waist, hips, and thighs. Many of us carry as much as 20, 30, 40 or more pounds of excess weigh that a healthy body was never meant to carry. Health is more than the absence of disease. Good health also requires peace in the soul. The pursuit of fitness strengthens the body, and by pursuit of God we come to know peace in the soul. The body should by strengthen by diet/exercise to extend youthfulness, and there is no reason to fear getting older when your heart is strengthen by the grace of Jesus Christ. Love the Lord with your whole heart and be blessed whether young or old, whether full or empty, come rain or shine. Jesus Christ is our Rock that can never be shaken. (1 Samuel 12:16-25; Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 12:1-2, 13:14; Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 6:16; Romans 8:1-8; Psalm 90:17; Matthew 5:3-9; 1 Timothy 4:8; Romans 1:17, 8:28; Psalm 103:1-5; John 11:33-44; Hebrews 13:8; John 14:27; Revelation 22:21)

faith

Devotional for June 19

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Planted in the House of the Lord

92 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:
2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,
3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.
4 For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
15 To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Even the tiniest small thing is more than enough for multitudes with God, and a mega overabundance of all things cannot satisfy even a few without God. All things work with God, and nothing works without God. Things are just tools in the hand of God. To whom do you think should be given the glory? The tool or the hand that wields it? A banana is a poor choice to drive a nail. Pray for a proper tool, expect God to provide it, and start looking for a hammer. He who has promised is faithful. Therefore, you can thank and praise God for the tool even before He puts it in your hand. This is how our elders earned a good report. (Hebrews 11:1-2; John 6:3 -13; Acts 14:8-18; Habakkuk 1:5-16; Psalm 17:13; Psalm 10:4; Isaiah 10:15; Ecclesiastes 7:13-14; Psalm 75:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2; Psalm 144:12-15; Nehemiah 9:4-21; Palm 92:1-2; Psalm 104:10-15; James 1:5-8; Philippians 4:19-20)

faith

Devotional for June 17

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Trust in the Name of the Lord Our God

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 33:16-31 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Words without wisdom are worthless, thoughts without faith are deceitful, and actions without love are vain. Sooner or later every believer will reach a point where he or she must take a leap of faith. God will bring you to a point where the only choice is to either shrink back in unbelief, or push ahead and stretch past the present limits of your tiny belief muscles. Do not think this strange. Do not think you are unique. Even our Lord Jesus Christ was tested in the wilderness. Let our mutual faith be an encouragement to each other. Practice the faith as you have been taught and let go of fear. Rely on the love God has for us. God is faithful. He will not allow us to be tested beyond our ability to endure. (Proverbs 14:7; James 3:13-18; Proverbs 2:6-9; Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Peter 4:12-13; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Romans 1:11-12; Luke 8:4-15; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 4:16-19; 1 Peter 5:7-11)