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Devotional for March 2

March 2, 2024 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

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Devotional for March 1

March 1, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Lord Strengthen

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

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Devotional for February 28

February 28, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Whosoever Does These Things Will Never Be Shaken

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.
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 111:1-4, 7-9 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

There is little to fear from knowing too much, but there are many strips stored up for practicing too little of what is known. The worldly persuasion of our day is full of godless communications from education, news, entertainment, social media, and daily conversations. The counsel of worldly wisdom is to trust only what can be seen with its pillars being science, money, and self. To rely on any of these things rather than on the living God is to trust in an arm of flesh. With strong muscles and a brand new brain, it’s easy for the young to trust the popular messages of the world. Blessed are the ones who wake up and turn from the bait of vanities offered by this world. We are taken captive like fish on a hook without the knowledge of God. The older we get the more happiness eludes us when we are without God. It is vain to look for answers on how to live this present life anywhere else. All power belongs to God. God never fails, but we limit God by the little trust we place in Him. A little trust and we get a little salvation. Trust God completely and we are saved to the uttermost. If we want to enter by the straight gate that leads to enteral life, we must learn to live out the motto written on all US currency…IN GOD WE TRUST. (Proverbs 3:5-8; Matthew 7:13-14; Psalm 50:16-23; Hebrews 13:8, 7:25; 1 Timothy 6:15-21)

Today’s Bible Reading

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

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Devotional for February 27

February 27, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Holding on to Truth Makes Strong

The Morning Exhortation

Know for certain that once you choose to make faith in God the rule for your life, every persuasive thought to doubt does NOT come from the one who has called you. Don’t think this strange. Both physical and spiritual strength are developed by training with resistance. Even the highly favored and extremely talented among us must be willing to suffer the discomfort of time under tension if they are to become fully developed. We have been given the gift of eternal life and freedom from the bondage of sin by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Having been translated into the Kingdom of God by Christ, we no longer have to slavishly obey the evil desires of the flesh. We are now free to choose to obey God. Free to choose to keep in step with the Holy Spirit. Dearly beloved of the Father, know that you are among the elect of God. The devil causes only the elect to doubt the truth of their calling. Resist him by standing firm in faith. There is a sure victory awaiting all who are willing to fight the good fight of faith. This too is by grace, to the glory of God, whose mercy endures forever.

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 10; Luke 13

Job 28; 1 Corinthians 14

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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Devotional for February 26

February 26, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

My Help Comes From the Lord

121 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. Psalm 121 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Spontaneous thoughts may be spiritual. The human spirit can be influenced by both good and evil. A flaming arrow shot from the shadows is a predictable tactic of the enemy of our soul. By suggesting one wrong thought, feelings are ignited that cause a cascade of similar thoughts that lead the mind away from God. The enemy knows that as long as he remains hidden he will not be resisted. Be on guard and watch over your inner dialog. Do not cast away your confidence in God, for He will never fail you. Rather cast away the faithless thoughts the enemy slings your way. Submit to God and live victorious. (Luke 9:53-55; Proverbs 20:27; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Ephesians 616; James 4:7; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Peter 5:6-11)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 9; Luke 12

Job 27; 1 Corinthians 13

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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Devotional for February 25

February 25, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

God Listens to My Prayer

16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
17 I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
19 But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. Psalm 66:16-20 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Thinking right is always the next step along the beach of righteousness. Vain thoughts are often the cause of stumbling. Ignoring the aliment is the same as refusing the treatment. Consider a mature faith to be like a sea-washed lighthouse, anchored on the Rock, firmly withstanding the ebb and flow of life. The tides of life change from high to low, going in and going out. This will sometimes cause training, diet, wellbeing, and even the best laid plans to be fractured. This is common to all, but refuse to allow what you can’t do right now to stop you from doing what you can. Remember that even a few loaves and a couple of small fish are enough to feed a multitude with God. The grace of God is more than sufficient for all things, but be sure you are not just seeking to do your own will and asking God to supply His power just to help you get your own thing done. Deny self, pick up your cross daily, and follow Jesus. Pray to the Lord of the harvest to conform your will to His, and then go to work with gusto to glorify our God.

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 8; Luke 11

Job 25-26; 1 Corinthians 12

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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Devotional for February 23

February 23, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Show Us, O Lord, the Light of Your Countenance

80 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up thy strength, and come and save us.
3 Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. Psalm 80:1-3 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

A championship physique is balanced. The exercise you avoid because you don’t like it points to your weakness. Prioritize your weak body parts, or your strong ones will create your greatest weakness. Over reliance on that which is dominate weakens the whole. And if your greatest strength fills you with self-reliance and pride, rather than thanksgiving and praise, it will become your greatest hinderance.

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 6; Luke 9

Job 23; 1 Corinthians 10

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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Devotional for February 22

February 22, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Happy Are the People of Whom This Is So

9 I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.
10 It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.
11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:
12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:
13 That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets:
14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.
15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord. Psalm 144:9-15 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The one who wants to build big guns, steal buns, and a flat gut is wise to first seek to build a healthy lifestyle. By focusing on good health, the big guns, steel buns, and a flat gut will come quicker and last longer. The truth found in the Scriptures is crystal clear that all such things are not what make life worth living though. We are to first seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and then everything needful will be added. (Proverbs 24:5; Luke 12:15; Matthew 6:28-33; 1 Timothy 4:8; Matthew 23:23)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 5; Luke 8

Job 22; 1 Corinthians 9

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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Devotional for February 21

February 21, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Praise the Lord for His Goodness

23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
24 These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.
25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.
28 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
31 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. Psalm 107:23-32 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

We all want to be happy and loved. Therefore, the common theme of advertisements are the use of sexy, cool, and happy looking people to influence us to buy things we really don’t need. We are all susceptible, but youth are especially prone to be reckless behaviors, because the foolishness of sin is easily overlooked when its consequences are delayed and death seems so far away. Believe the truth of the gospel if you want to be free. There is no need to become super muscular, flawlessly beautiful, filthy rich, or anything else to be happy and loved. Great is the love God has for us. There is no way back for the fallen angels, but Jesus’ death on the Cross is proof of the extent of God’s love for us. (Ecclesiastes 8:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; 2 Peter 2:3-6; John 3:14-17)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 4; Luke 7

Job 21; 1 Corinthians 8

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept my prayers; and because in my weakness I can do nothing good without you, give me the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments I may please you in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for February 20

February 20, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

I Will

5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 116:5-9 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Some days will be nice and easy, others will be rough and tough. Push hard when you feel strong, ease up when you don’t. Rest when you must, but never quit doing what is right whether you feel like it or not. Doing what is right is always a matter of faith, never feeling. Feelings result from sight, but faith results from willful obedience to the word of God. Hold to the narrow path that leads to eternal life. The selfish pursuit of happiness leads only to moral decay and much suffering. There is no lasting happiness apart from the pursuit of the Lord and His righteousness. Let us be diligent to do what pleases God, and happiness will follow. Happiness is a fruit found on the branch rooted in the love of God, as are the other fruits of the Spirit such as contentment, gratitude, and peace. Even the elementary principles of this world affirm this teaching of Jesus Christ our Lord: good fruit comes only from a good tree. Not that we can make ourselves good by our own efforts. This impossible work has to be done for us by God and requires our consent and submission. Pray and God grant us the grace to do our part. (Matthew 6:31-33, 12:33-35; John 15:1-11)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 3; Luke 6

Job 20; 1 Corinthians 7