faith

Devotional for March 17

March 17, 2024March 17, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

May We Always Remember

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: Psalm 78:1-7 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Just as gains in physical strength must be supported by how life is lived in between workouts, gains in godliness and contentment need to be supported by continuing our worship of God outside of church services. We were created to worship God all day every day, not just one or two days a week. Practice the presence of God. Let your favorite songs of praise be the default melody of your heart. Magnify the Lord in your thoughts and speech. Be doers of the word with the joy of praising and adoring our God. His goodness and mercy will surely follow you every morning and take you through every night. (Matthew 21:42; John 7:38; Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 9:7; Philippians 2:13; Nehemiah 8:10; Acts 4:9-13; 1 Corinthians 3:5-17; Philippians 4:4-8; Psalm 92:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 28; John 7

Proverbs 4; Galatians 3

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant me the fullness of your grace, that I, running to obtain your promises, may become a partaker of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, 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 March 16

March 16, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Your Word Is a Light Upon My Path

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word.
108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end. Psalm 119:105-112 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Fitness enhances quality of life. Take care how you build your earthbound house of fitness though. Dig down pass the shaky ground of vanity. Don’t put it together with the mortar of self-obsession. You may succeed in building a beautiful house with such, but it will be cold and lonely inside. The bedrock on which to build fitness is good health, not vanity. Work for it and return all the glory to God. We are the temple of the living God, and our true treasure of incomprehensible worth is God dwelling within us. (Luke 17:12-21, 11:27-28; Colossians 1:26-27, 3:2; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Matthew 6:31-33; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Luke 14:15; Revelation 4:10-11, 5:1-12, 22:8-21)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 27; John 6

Proverbs 3; Galatians 2

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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Devotional for March 15

March 15, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Blessed Be the Lord, the God of Our Salvation

7 O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:
8 The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.
10 Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.
17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.
18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.
19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
20 He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death. Psalm 68:7-10, 17-20 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The power of a laser comes from a single point of focus. The hungry cat that runs into the middle of the heard and gets distracted by every darting beast, is likely to remain hungry. Multitasking is for amateurs. To reach the heights of whatever mountain you want to climb requires the ability to focus. Use some horse sense, put on your blinders, and go to work. Distraction is a favorite tactic of the enemy to get you focused on what you see, and thereby upset the divine order of faith first then feelings. To remain firm, our thoughts must be continually refocused on faith in God rather than on what we see, what we imagine, and how we feel. To allow your thoughts to be tossed about by faithless feelings based on current circumstances, is to build on shifting sand. Stand firm in faith by depending on wisdom, the word of God, and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let feelings be what they may. Make no requirement that feelings always be good and you will be free. (Hebrews 11:1-6; Matthew 7:24-29; Luke 9:61-62; Hebrews 10:38-39; John 8:31-32; James 1: 2-8; 2 Corinthians 11:2-3; Galatians 5:7-8; James 1:12-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; 1 Peter 5:6-11)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 26; John 5

Proverbs 2; Galatians 1

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

faith

Devotional for March 14

March 14, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Teach Us To Number Our Days

1 Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
3 Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.
4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
11 Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.
12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:1-4, 10-12 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Only God knows the end from the beginning, and sometimes it’s hard for us to see even the next step. Simply start with the determination to push through difficulties, and resolve to stick with it to the end. Sooner or later we all come to a point where we must stop wrestling for control of what we can’t control, and simply hold on in faith. This is how Jacob prevailed, and this is how we overcome the world. (1 John 5:4; Mark 11:22; Proverbs 3:5-8; Ecclesiastes 11:6; Proverbs 3:27; Galatians 6:7; Genesis 32:24-31; John 4:6-30, 39-42; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 25; John 4

Proverbs1; 2 Corinthians 13

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 13

March 13, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Open Your Mouth Wide, and God Will Fill It

8 Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;
9 There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.
10 I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. Psalm 81:8-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

When the fire for fitness gets hot enough, it will burn away the lesser desires for things like eating lots of sugar, drinking too much alcohol, and living a life of leisure. Lasting change happens when the desire for God is fanned into a purifying flame of the heart. Catch fire and let the old unprofitable desires burn away. (Isaiah 55:7; Mark 12:28-30; 2 Timothy 1:6-7; Proverbs 16:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13; Matthew 11:25-30)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 24; John 3

Job 42; 2 Corinthians 12

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

faith

Devotional for March 12

March 12, 2024 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

faith

Devotional for March 11

March 11, 2024 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

faith

Devotional for March 10

March 10, 2024 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

faith

Devotional for March 9

March 9, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Lord Never Forsake His Faithful Ones

28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.
33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Psalm 37:28-33 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Impatience only makes waiting harder to bear. There is an appointed time for everything. Learn to be content in all circumstances. Remember the God of Peace will never leave nor forsake you. Feelings ebb, and feelings flow, like the high and low tides of the sea. Hope in God is the sure anchor to the everlasting Rock who is perfect in love, power, and majesty forever. Ask for what you need in prayer and trust your heavenly Father who has lovingly promised to care for you. Submit to God and resist the inner tempter. Work in faith and reject doubt. Depend on grace and deny self. Earnestly expect God to do great things and He will. Now go and exercise these, your convictions, and you will soon see the fruits of so doing. (Galatians 6:7-9; Hebrews 6:11-20; Proverbs 23:26-27, 3:5-8; Psalm 1; Proverbs 16:3)

Today’s Bible Reading

Exodus 20; Luke 23

Job 38; 2 Corinthians 8

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

faith

Devotional for March 8

March 8, 2024 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