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 103:10-14(KJV)
The Morning Exhortation
With our loving heavenly Father so willing to bless us, what is it that hinders? Regardless of what is upfront and in our face right now, all that hinders can be reduced down to just one thing. As long as we strive in our own strength, we frustrate the grace of God. We struggle, we fight, and we wrestle as long as a spirit of “can-do” is alive in us. It seems a paradox, but it’s not. More like opposite ends of the same truth. When the grace of God does all, we can do all things. Stop wrestling, Jacob, and just hold on to the Word. It is God who works in you both to will and to do what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. (Jeremiah 18:1-6; Genesis 32:24-32; Hebrews 11:21; Proverbs 3:5-8; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 2:13, 4:13; Psalm 23:4; 1 Timothy 1:17)
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. Psalm 111:2-9 (KJV)
Morning Exhortation
The foundations of life are made strong by holding tightly to the Rock of Truth with the free choice of our will. Just like Jacob, faith does not come from striving to obtain it, faith comes when striving ceases and is then received by simply holding on in absolute belief of the Truth. This is the whole secret to winning the good fight of faith that overcomes the world. Faith is the antidote to fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Stop listening to the counsel of your fears, take your eyes off the objects that cause uncertainty and doubt. Instead, focus on the Word implanted in your soul through which Jesus saves now and forever.
God is good. Our good works add nothing to God, but God uses our good works to bless us as well as others. There is great joy in being a co-worker with God to provide blessings to others. Be humble, fight the good fight of faith, never quit, and focus on getting today’s work done. Sitting around getting down, because you don’t yet have the fruit is to fall into the trap of the enemy. Concentrate instead on nourishing the roots, vigorously pulling up all weeds, and carefully cultivating the fruit. The harvest will come in its due season. This is the divinely ordained natural order of things. Accept it. Smile, give thanks for the harvest to come, and go to work. And when life becomes overwhelming, as it sometimes does, know the way to overcome is to always hold firm to our Rock, and stay in our place of absolute safety under the wings of the Most High. With a heart full of the love of God, may all we do glorify Him!
Today’s Bible Reading
2 Chronicles 2; 1 John 2
Nahum 1; Luke 17
The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer
Almighty God, give all of us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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