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Devotional for April 25

April 25, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Trust Anchors the Soul

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 33:18-22 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Change doesn’t come from remaining the same. To improve behavior, thoughts must be improved. To improve body composition, diet must be improved. To improve performance, training must be improved. Improvement by its very nature requires positive change. For all who want a better way to live, the good news of Jesus Christ has remained unchanged for over 2,000 years. Come as you are, but don’t try to stay as you are. (Hebrews 13:8; Luke 4:16-21; Matthew 11:28-30; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Luke 9:23-24; 2 Timothy 3:13; Matthew 12:43-45; Romans 6; Matthew 22:2-14; Revelation 3:14-22; Ephesians 4:22-30; Psalm 32:9; Proverbs 3:5-8; Matthew 7:7-13; Jude 24-25)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 2; Psalms 36

Ecclesiastes 12; Philemon 1

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

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Devotional for April 24

April 24, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Blessings for All

115 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?
3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.
9 O Israel, trust thou in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.
11 Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.
12 The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
13 He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great. Psalm 115:1-13 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Keep working out and don’t be overly concerned about when you will see the results. Sometimes physical changes seems to happen gradually like a dawning day, and other times a personal best is surpassed suddenly like a clap of thunder out of a clear blue sky. Recognize the importance of the physical body to the spiritual life. The body is meant to be an instrument of righteousness rather than a stumbling block. Once the journey on the narrow path has begun, let go and never look back with desire for the old unhealthy ways. It’s not given to us to know all that today or tomorrow will bring. Time and chance happens to everyone, and these are completely out of our control. Still, there is reason for hope for those who love the Lord. Time and chance are both completely under the dominion of God. There really is no need to worry about anything if you will only believe the gospel. The will of God is our highest good. It will happen when all is ready, when the proper season has come, when the time is right, and when the dues have been paid in full. (Proverbs 27:1; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 9:10-11; Psalm 147:5-11; Hebrews 6:19-20; Romans 8:28; Matthew 6:25-34; Proverbs 4:18; Acts 1:7; Psalm 27:14; James 5:7-11; Mark 11:22-25; Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 6:1-3; Philippians 2:13; 1 Peter 5:11)

Today’s Bible Reading

Numbers 1; Psalms 35

Ecclesiastes 11; Titus 3

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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Devotional for April 22

April 22, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

114 When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language;
2 Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion.
3 The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs.
5 What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back?
6 Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs?
7 Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob;
8 Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters. Psalm 114 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Wisdom is better than money, money is better than strong muscles, and each of these are far better together than they are alone. It takes wisdom to understand that getting more of the good things in life without developing good character only leads to more problems, more sorrows, and more broken relationships. Character is molded by what we behold as most important. We conform to what we love. Unredeemed we are like dead fish living for the lust of the eyes, which is the default setting from childhood in this fallen world. Only a live fish can swim upstream against the evil currents of the world. Therefore, new life is the first requirement for all lasting good. (Psalm 4:2, 58:3; Proverbs 30:20; Psalm 34:21; Ecclesiastes 8:11; James 1:21; 2 Timothy 2:15-16; Proverbs 3:4-9; Ecclesiastes 7:12; John 3:1-17; 1 John 2:16; John 10:8-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Peter 1:2-11; Hebrews 12:1-2; Romans 12:1-2; 9; Psalm 30:10-12; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 26; Psalms 33

Ecclesiastes 9; Titus 1

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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Devotional for April 20

April 20, 2024 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 17

April 17, 2024 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

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Devotional for April 16

April 16, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Rest In These Days of Trouble

9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?
11 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law;
13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
14 For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
15 But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it. Psalm 94:9-15 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Unload the junk in the trunk that is slowing you down if you want to go faster. The best way to overcome dead weight is to cut it loose and get rid of it. Throw out the old ways that hinder and take hold of eternal life. Don’t delay. If you are waiting for someone to hand you a trophy for sleeping, you are dreaming. Wake up and go to work. Rest when you must, because only the lazy rest without being tired. (Isaiah 50:10-11, 5:18-20; James 4:8; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Proverbs 26:14; Ecclesiastes 7:2-6; 1 Peter 3:12; Hebrews 12:1-2; Ephesians 5:1-20; john 13:17)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 20; Psalms 25

Ecclesiastes 3; 1 Timothy 5

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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Devotional for April 14

April 14, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Abide in the Word

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

Life is a journey sometimes filled with clouds of unknowing and storms of doubt. Fear them not, because God is faithful. Pray for the love of the truth and such times of testing will result in the experiential knowledge of the truth, which are necessary to strengthen belief. (John 18:37-38; Luke 13:23-24; 2 Timothy 3:7; John 17:11, 14-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-17; John 16:33; James 1:2-4; Proverbs 3:5-8; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Proverbs 17:3, 1:23, :11-12, 16:3; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Jude 1:24-25)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 18; Psalms 22

Ecclesiastes 1; 1 Timothy 3

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 13

April 13, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Blessed Are All Those Who Run to the Lord

6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Psalm 2:6-12(KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

It is easy for the things of this world to consume too much of our attention. Struggling to keep our heads above water seems like the norm for many of us. We rush around putting out one fire after another, chasing our own tails, and fighting over cheese in a world that is becoming more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous every day. Who will save us from ourselves? There is but one who can speak to the condition of every weary soul, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Many today only trust in money, but the believer needs to remember the name of the Lord. Jesus Christ is our Ever-Present God. Jesus Christ is our Peace and Well-being. Jesus Christ is our chief Shepherd and Protector. Jesus Christ is our Provider and Source. Jesus Christ is our Unchangeable Absolute, Victor and Triumphant Warrior King. Jesus Christ is our Eternal Righteous Redeemer. Jesus Christ is our Healer, Divine Health and Strength. It is good to praise the Almighty Power of the Lord for our sake. Giving God the glory due his name adds nothing to God, but it sure does provide an anchor for our soul. (Ephesians 1:3-12; Matthew 6:24; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Romans 8:1-5; Hebrews 6:17-19, 13:8; Psalm 21:13, 23:1-6, 20:7-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:16).

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 17; Psalms 20-21

Proverbs 31; 1 Timothy 2

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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Devotional for April 12

April 12, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

Praise Our God

5 Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.
7 He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
9 Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Psalm 66:5, 7-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The fire of youth is a marvelous thing. It can be wasted chasing after good times, or it can be invested striving after good works. What we are left with when youth is gone depends largely upon how we chose to spend it. (1 Peter 2:2; James 1:21; 1 Corinthians 13:11; Ecclesiastes 11:10; Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 2:1-10; James 1:2-4; Hebrews 6:1-3; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; Psalm 16:6-8)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 16; Psalms 19

Proverbs 30; 1 Timothy 1

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

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Devotional for April 11

April 11, 2024 Bruce ColemanLeave a comment

The Soul Longs for the Lord

1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:1-7,11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Focus on doing what you can with what you have, and what you can’t do or don’t have, will become less and less important. Good enough executed right now is better than perfection executed too late. Procrastination gives birth to a complacency well known to miss every opportune moment. Don’t despise small beginnings and slow progress as long as you are moving forward in the right direction. One small step of faith taken today and tomorrow consistently will over time change everything. (Hebrews 13:9; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Matthew 7:15-20; Galatians 6:7; Isaiah 32:6; Psalm 17:11-15; Zechariah 4:10; 2 Chronicles 16:9; James 4:1-10; 2 Chronicles 7:14; 2 Peter 1:2-9; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 2 Peter 3:17-18)

Today’s Bible Reading

Leviticus 15; Psalms 18

Proverbs 29; 2 Thessalonians 3