Tag: prayer

faith

Devotional for May 17

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Hope in His Mercy

13 The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
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 33:13-22 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Correct form is more than going through the right motions. Learn the proper mental focus along with the right movement, then you will be ready to lift heavy. Correct form will produce the best results from both exercise and praying. Praying “in the name of Jesus” is more than adding those words at the end of a prayer. Praying in Jesus’ name is an attitude of heart and intent of mind produced by a life wholly given up to Him. (Hebrews 13:8; Matthew 4:23-5:12; John 4:19-24, 16:23-27; Hebrews 7:25; Luke 11:5-13; Hebrews 4:16; John 15:14-15; Luke 14:15-35; John 6:63; Psalm 40:8, 90:17; Genesis 45:27; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 4:22-24; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:4-9; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 26; Psalms 69

Isaiah 16; 1 Peter 4

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve; and, as you have called me to your service, make me worthy of your calling; 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 April 27

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

To Praise Delights the Soul

84 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God.
4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.
7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.
10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Psalm 84 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

You get knocked down, you get back up. Circumstances are temporary. Even a long life of 120 years is a mere grain of sand on the beach of eternity. Whether you ultimately thrive and bloom, or shrivel and die, depends greatly on the condition of your soul. Love is everlasting. The kingdom of God is like driving a car. Easy to take for granted until we lose the ability to drive or the way to enter. There are those who say they hate to drive just as there are those who say they hate to exercise or be told what to do. How easy it is to forget that there are great multitudes of people who are not blessed with the ability to drive, exercise, or enter in through the straight gate. Living according to what you know to be true will not always be easy and fun. That’s okay. It is better to suffer under the work than to be counted among the multitude of ease-seekers that know the right thing to do, yet cannot bring themselves to actually do it. The only guaranteed remedy for “I should to this” or “I should stop doing that” is prayer and faith. (Proverbs 24:13-16; Psalm 1:5-6; Matthew 13:1-23, 25:1-13, 24:35-39; Romans 6:1-14; James 4:5-10; James 5:14-16, 1:2-4, 5:17-18; Romans 6:15-23; Proverbs 25:28; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 4; Psalms 38

Song of Solomon 2; Hebrews 2

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that I, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

faith

Devotional for April 20

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Forgiveness

13 The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
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. Psalm 33:13-19 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Be quick to let go of anger and emotional pain. Remember that vengeance belongs to the Lord. Forgiving those who have hurt you can be harder to endure than even the toughest of workouts. It is futile to try to forgive a serious wrong committed against you in your own strength. Turn to our Lord, who has commanded us to forgive. All that God has commanded, He will also enable us to do. The God of all comfort will grant the needed change of heart in answer to the prayer that sincerely seeks to obey His will. This we can be sure, because God has been revealed to be Faithful and True. Just as you want the Lord to remember his mercy and not your sins, discipline your own thoughts about whomever has hurt you. Trusting in the Lord is a healing balm that never fails. Repent and confess to the Lord that you can’t forgive on your own. Sincerely ask the Lord to enable you to forgive the offender, then persist in the exercise of giving them forgiveness in your thoughts, and you will be able to let the hurt go in due time. Do this for your sake, especially when the offender is undeserving of forgiveness. The burden will be released, the wrong will lose its sting, and the peace of God will rule your heart. (Proverbs 22:24-25; Matthew 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:26-27; Revelation 19:9-16; Psalm 29:11; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 12:20; Isaiah 55:11; Isaiah 55:7; Psalm 28:6-9; 1 Peter 5:7; Romans 12:19-20; Luke 6:32-36; Galatians 3:26-28; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Philippians 2:13; Matthew 11:28-30; John 14:27; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Philippians 4:23) 

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 24; Psalms 31

Ecclesiastes 7; 2 Timothy 3

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and everlasting God, grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our 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 April 19

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Eyes of the Lord

13 The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
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 33:13-22 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

According to the 80/20 rule, roughly 80% of the harvest comes from 20% of the seed sown. Diet is the sowing of the 20% that determines the 80% of the body composition harvest, and exercise is the 20% that yields the 80% of physical performance. Eating only what tastes delicious for every meal is counter-productive for all who would be lean. On the other side, those who only workout when they feel like it will lack the consistency necessary to make steady improvement from year to year. Pray for the ability to sow the vital 20% of what you know you need to do, and trust God for the bountiful harvest. Wait on the Lord and take counsel from faith. The wishy-washy take counsel from their feelings, which change like the wind. Diet and exercise are but the means. Body composition and physical performance are the ends. Pray for the means, and trust God for the ends. (Mark 4:3-29; Hosea 10:12; Galatians 6:7; Luke 9:61-62; Psalm 90:12-17; James 1:5-6; Psalm 27:17; Jonah 2:8; Hebrews 4:16; Ephesians 3:20-21)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 23; Psalms 30

Ecclesiastes 6; 2 Timothy 2

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and everlasting God, grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our 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 April 18

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Purpose

138 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. Psalm 138 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Late to bed, late to rise, thus the morning routine is sometimes disrupted. Life happens. Getting upset about it won’t help. It’s better to flow around it like water. Adjust, compensate, let go of the “can’t do” created by current events, and get busy with what can be done with the present circumstances. Live by faith, depend on grace, and the peace of God will sustain you. (Isaiah 53:1-5; Luke 4:16-21; Isaiah 43:2, 19-21; John 20:27-31; Hebrews 11:3-6; John 20:22, 14:27; Philippians 4: 1-7; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 22; Psalms 28-29

Ecclesiastes 5; 2 Timothy 1

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and everlasting God, grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our 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 April 17

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Proclaim His Righteousness

1 The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.
3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.
4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.
5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. Psalm 50:1-6 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Thinking of quitting? It happens to us all from time to time. Take a deep breath. Inhale slowly, and exhale even slower. Be still, and remember your God. Life is full of a multitude of twists, turns, and people that can frustrate, vex, and stress us out. All these things ultimately work for good for those who love the Lord. This is because God is good, all knowing, all powerful, and always in control. So, all that God permits us to experience is a part of our individual divine curriculum designed to increase our godliness and patience. Rather than praying for relief, pray for the strength to endure. God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted or afflicted with more than you can handle. Praise Him for His wonderful goodness, remember these things, and patiently endure. (Ecclesiastes 1:14; Mark 8:36; 1 Corinthians 13:11-13; Psalm 23:1-4; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 62:11; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Romans 8:28; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Galatians 6:9; James 1:2-4; Nehemiah 8:10; Proverbs 24:10; 1 Corinthians 10:13-14; Psalm 92:1-2; Hebrews 10:36; Matthew 28:18; 2 Timothy 2:3; 1 Peter 5:8-11)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 21; Psalms 26-27

Ecclesiastes 4; 1 Timothy 6

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and everlasting God, grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our 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 April 15

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Living in the Eye of the Storm

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
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. Psalm 37:23-31(KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Never take the easy way out. Mental toughness comes from being able to get “hard to do things” done. Always remember: when things get as hard as they can get, from that point on they can only get easier. Learn to endure. Mental toughness is a fruit that grows from prevailing prayer. Prevailing prayer is not about continually asking. It is more about continually believing that after you’ve prayed you will receive it. Once it is in the mail you don’t have to keep asking for it to be sent. Be joyful like Abraham. Praise God and be thankful while you wait to receive it. (Proverbs 1:10-19; Proverbs 10:2-5; Luke 9:61-62; Hebrews 11:8; Romans 4:20-25; Genesis 32:24-28; 1 Kings 18:41-46; James 5:13-18; Matthew 7:7-8, 21:22; Hebrews 11:11; Mark 11:24; Isaiah 53:1; Mark 9:23) 

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 19; Psalms 23-24

Ecclesiastes 2; 1 Timothy 4

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty and everlasting God, grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our 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 April 10

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Lord is a Shield

1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. Psalm 3:1-5 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Building muscle and developing character both take time. Choosing shortcuts only slows the process. Don’t be so quick to reach for the easy way out just because things are currently hard. Hard times may linger, but tough people are those who develop the discipline it takes to endure. What comes without discipline never lasts. The sooner we learn that there is no lasting satisfaction for the pursuit of happiness apart from God the better. The preparation of the gospel of peace is for developing discipline, wisdom, righteousness, patience, and fitness for every good work. Such is the straight and narrow way that leads to eternal life. (Proverbs 20:21, 24:30-34; Luke 8:17; Hebrews 12:1-17; James 1:5-6; Matthew 7:7-14; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14; Ephesians 6:15; Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 6:1-12; 2 Timothy 2:15; Jude 1:17-25)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 14; Psalms 17

Proverbs 28; 2 Thessalonians 2

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread; Open the eyes of my faith, that I may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for April 7

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Be Filled With the Joy of the Lord

3 Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.
4 For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.
5 This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.
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 81:3-5, 8-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Why do you do what you do? Find meaning or you will get little satisfaction. The things you do to benefit yourself are good, but the things you do to benefit others are worth double. It is not those who know what is right that shall be saved. Only those who know what is right and do it are so blessed. Believe the gospel and pray for the grace needed to live it. (Ecclesiastes 5:15-16; Matthew 11:28-30, 16:21-27; Luke 10:25-37; Proverbs 11:25, 18:24; Revelation 3:20; Mark 9:41; Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 2:13-15; Colossians 1:25-29; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 10; Psalms 11-12

Proverbs 25; 1 Thessalonians 4

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give me this bread, that he may live in me, and I in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

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Devotional for April 6

Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

For God Alone My Soul Waits

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

Diet and exercise are but means to an end. Pray for the means, have faith in God, and patiently endure while putting in the work. This is the solution for 99% of all problems. The remaining 1% will require a miracle outside of the elementary principles of the world. Miracles are meant to be the exceptions, not the general rule. Be it diet and exercise, a piece of wood thrown into the water, a bronze serpent raised on a pole, or a bandage laced with figs, have faith in God the source of all power. Everything else is just the means. (Psalm 14:2; Habakkuk 1:15-2:4; Psalm 62:11; Mark 11:22-24; Hebrews 10:35-39; Proverbs 23:23-26; Hebrews 1:1-3, 11:1-6; Galatians 4:9; Mark 10:24; Psalm 9:9-11; Exodus 15:22-26; Numbers 21:4-9; 2 Kings 20:1-7; Psalm 90:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Psalm 44:1-8)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 9; Psalms 10

Proverbs 24; 1 Thessalonians 3

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give me this bread, that he may live in me, and I in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer