Remember the Wonderful Works of the Lord

105 O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.
4 Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore.
5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
Psalm 105:1-5 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

We can transform the physical body with diet and exercise. While our whole life can be transformed by the Word of God and faith. The Word of God, which consists of the very thoughts and verbal expressions of God, is the source of unlimited power. The practice of continually thinking God’s thoughts after Him is life transforming. Prayer is our connection to God. Faith is like the powering on of a television or other appliance. The ON/OFF button enables the device to perform as designed. Faith in God is our ON setting, while unbelief is the OFF mode that hinders the flow of grace. One key to effective prayer is to never pray for anything unless you believe God will do it. Believe first, then pray. Faith comes quickest by hearing yourself speak the Word, and unbelief begins as the mind entertains doubt. A doubting thought taken captive and casted down by faith causes no harm. So, doubt your doubts. Hold fast your confession of faith, and let the grace of God have its full flow. (Proverbs 12:10; 1 Timothy 4:8; Romans 12:1-18; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 John 4:10; John 3:16-17; James 1:21; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Hebrews 4:12; Hebrews 11:1-6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; John 17:17; 1 John 5:4-8; 2 Peter 1:3-11; Hebrews 10:19-23; 1 Peter 5:6-11)

God is Good

107 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.
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, 42-43 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Faith comes by hearing. Time and attention given to the Word of God tunes the ears to hear opportunity knocking. Every opportunity to doubt is also an opportunity to exercise faith. Remember the command to consider the fiery darts that attack your faith as pure joy. This is easy to do when you first remember the faithfulness of Him who has promised that through perseverance, you will be made strong and complete. The temptation to complain about our current circumstances is one such fiery dart that often goes unnoticed. The Holy Bible tells us that even something as routine as eating and drinking, and as constant as the flow of our thoughts and attitudes should all be consistent with faith in God. Fix the eyes on Jesus Christ and rejoice! He has won this victory for us. Jesus Christ our Lord, the captain of our salvation, is completely faithful, trustworthy, reliable, and all powerful. Christ is our source of everlasting strength. (Isaiah 26:4; Revelation 3:22; Ephesians 1:1-21; Revelation 3:20; Ezekiel 36:26; John 14:18-26; Hebrews 10:15-17; Galatians 4:19; John 1:12-17; Hebrews 4:2; Hebrews 11:1-6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15; John 8:31-32; Hebrews 12:1-3; James 1:21-25; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Ephesians 3:14-21)

The Glory of the Lord Endures Forever

13 He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.
20 Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.
21 The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.
22 The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.
23 Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.
24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches
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. Psalm 104:1-2, 13-15, 19-24, 31-34 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

We will see little gains from working out if we don’t eat. It takes sufficient protein and adequate time under tension for growing bigger muscles. Likewise, we also need spiritual nutrition and times of testing to increase our faith. The Word of God is spiritual protein and hearing the Word is like weight training. All who come to God through Jesus Christ have faith at least the size of a mustard seed. O ye of little faith, why stay that way? Faith comes by hearing, therefore be quick to speak the Word of God in your thoughts and in your ears. See the wind and the waves with rejoicing. The eyes are easily deceived and feelings are often just lying vanities. Praise and thanksgiving are active expressions of trust in God. Hold fast the confession of your faith and He will bring you through all in perfect peace. (Romans 10:17; Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Joshua 1:8-9; John 8:31-32; Matthew 14:22-31; Mark 11:22-24; 1 Peter 2:2; James 1:2-4; Psalm 42:5; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 3:15; Hebrews 10:23; Isaiah 26:3; 2 Timothy 2:15, 4:1-5, 2:24-25; Jude 1:17-25)

Grace for Joyful Living

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

God never has a need for a plan B at any time. Get quiet and listen. Hear the Lord speak to your soul “Do you believe I can do this? According to your faith be it done unto you.” God works everything out for good for those who love Him. So, be at peace even when your best laid plans fall apart. Nothing surprises God. Absolutely everything is in the hands of God, from the largest galaxy far, far, away, down to the smallest unknown of quantum mechanics, and everything in between. He can completely change your situation in an instant. Trust in His love for you. Is not steel hardened in the fire? Is not a diamond formed under pressure? Does not muscle require resistance to become stronger? Likewise is faith developed…in the fire, under pressure, and with resistance. Trust God our Father. He alone is truly good and infinitely better than the very best of human fathers ever could be. Pray for what you need with the full assurance that comes from knowing that by asking we receive, by seeking we find, and by knocking the door is opened. And if it is delayed, wait for it. Remember the faithfulness of God with thanksgiving even before seeing the requested blessing. Praise Him for His goodness and chase away every fearful and doubting thought. Always ask according to the will of God and the needed grace will come. (Matthew 7:7-11; Mark 9:14-27; Matthew 17:19-21, 9:27-29; Ephesians 1:15-21; Zechariah 3:1-7; Ephesians 2:8-22; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24; Ephesians 6:10-19; Proverbs 18:21; Matthew 15:15-19; Proverbs 4:18-27; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; 1 Peter 3:3-4, 4:11)

Delight in The Lord

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. Psalm 104:31-35 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The beneficial effects of fitness are the fruit of a fit lifestyle. Understand that fitness is a direction, not a destination. To be sure, the fit look different and perform better than the unfit. These things are effects, not causes. Lifestyle is the root from which all the effects of fitness grow. When you consistently walk like the fit and talk like the fit, you will be fit. It’s the picking up of your cross daily that provides the conditions that make you so. Learn to depend on the grace of God. It is always a struggle to change in our own strength. Ask God for His promised grace for the desire and the power to do. It will be done according to His will and your faith. (3 John 1:2; Galatians 6:6-9; Galatians 5:16-25; 1 Peter 3:3-4; Luke 9:23-25; Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:1-6; Proverbs 4:23; Hebrews 10:38; Hebrews 4:9-13; Matthew 9:27-29; 1 John 5:14-15; Ephesians 2:10; Hebrews 4:16; Revelation 22:21)

What do you think?

Can one go too far in the Christian life?

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