Daily Prayer for April 13, 2021: WSC 4 (6)
Q4 What is God?
God is a Spirit, (John 4:24) infinite, (Job 11:7–9) eternal, (Ps. 90:2) and unchangeable, (James 1:17) in his being, (Exod. 3:14) wisdom, (Ps. 147:5) power, (Rev. 4:8) holiness, (Rev. 15:4) justice, goodness, and truth. (Exod. 34:6–7)
Prayer: Our God, we praise you and thank you that you are a God who is all-powerful, able to do all your holy will in your world. Because of this clear truth of your Word, we can rely on you to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we can ask or think. You are the God who safely brought the church of old across the Red Sea. You are the God who brought the city of Jericho to its knees. You are the God who stopped the sun in its tracks. You are the God who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead. We thank you for these examples of your mighty power that encourage us to admire and behold your ability to do all things and do them well. Forgive us for failing to believe these things as we pray. Grant to us more grace to believe that you can do all that you desire to do, and what you do is for our good and your glory. We pray this in the name of the Savior. Amen.
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The Morning Devotional: Prov. 2:1; Ps. 119:11; Luke 8:15; James 1:25; WLC 160
The Morning Devotional for April 13, 2021:
The Preaching of God's Word, Part 12
My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you, (Prov. 2:1, ESV)
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you. (Ps. 119:11, ESV)
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. (Luke 8:15, ESV)
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (James 1:25, ESV)
WLC 160 What is required of those that hear the word preached?
It is required of those that hear the word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, (Prov. 8:34) preparation, (1 Pet. 2:1–2, Luke 8:18) and prayer; (Ps. 119:18, Eph. 6:18–19) examine what they hear by the scriptures; (Acts 17:11) receive the truth with faith, (Heb. 4:2) love, (2 Thess. 2:10) meekness, (James 1:21) and readiness of mind, (Acts 17:11) as the word of God; (1 Thess. 2:13) meditate, (Luke 9:44, Heb. 2:1) and confer of it; (Luke 24:14, Deut. 6:6–7) hide it in their hearts, (Prov. 2:1, Ps. 119:11) and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. (Luke 8:15, James 1:25)
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The Morning Devotional: Luke 9:44; Heb. 2:1; Luke 24:14; Deut. 6:6-7; WLC 160
The Morning Devotional for April 12, 2021
The Preaching of God's Word, Part 11
“Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” (Luke 9:44, ESV)
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. (Heb. 2:1, ESV)
and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. (Luke 24:14, ESV)
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. (Deut. 6:6-7, ESV)
WLC 160 What is required of those that hear the word preached?
It is required of those that hear the word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, (Prov. 8:34) preparation, (1 Pet. 2:1–2, Luke 8:18) and prayer; (Ps. 119:18, Eph. 6:18–19) examine what they hear by the scriptures; (Acts 17:11) receive the truth with faith, (Heb. 4:2) love, (2 Thess. 2:10) meekness, (James 1:21) and readiness of mind, (Acts 17:11) as the word of God; (1 Thess. 2:13) meditate, (Luke 9:44, Heb. 2:1) and confer of it; (Luke 24:14, Deut. 6:6–7) hide it in their hearts, (Prov. 2:1, Ps. 119:11) and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. (Luke 8:15, James 1:25)
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Daily Prayer for April 11, 2021
Prayer: Our God in heaven, we know that your Word tells us that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from your mouth. We are thankful that you have given us your Word to guide and direct us in a world that is antithetical to all you have commanded. We live in difficult and trying days -- days which see men promoting and trading evil as good and denouncing that which is good as evil and wicked. The voice of our culture is often discouraging to hear, and it frustrates even the godliest saint. Yet, we find in your Word a clear message from heaven that you offer hope and forgiveness to sinful people. That voice speaks calmly to restless sheep and offers the great hope of the new Heavens and the New Earth. Your Word speaks of an eternal rest to come for your people, a rest that will be ruled and reigned over by the king of Kings and lords, the very Prince of Peace himself. Though we wait for it with patience and expectation, we thank you that you have given us the Lord's Day when we come apart from the noise of our culture and gather with your people to hear from you. Please speak today! May we hear from heaven a clear voice of hope and love and favor that comes through your Son, our Lord, and Savior. We pray these things in his name. Amen.
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The Morning Devotional: Heb. 4:2; 2 Thess. 2:10; James 1:21; Acts 17:11; WLC 160
The Morning Devotional for April 9, 2021
The Preaching of God's Word, Part 10
For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.9Heb. 4:2, ESV)
For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.(2 Thess. 2:10, ESV)
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21, ESV)
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (Acts 17:11, ESV)
WLC 160 What is required of those that hear the word preached?
It is required of those that hear the word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, (Prov. 8:34) preparation, (1 Pet. 2:1–2, Luke 8:18) and prayer; (Ps. 119:18, Eph. 6:18–19) examine what they hear by the scriptures; (Acts 17:11) receive the truth with faith, (Heb. 4:2) love, (2 Thess. 2:10) meekness, (James 1:21) and readiness of mind, (Acts 17:11) as the word of God; (1 Thess. 2:13) meditate, (Luke 9:44, Heb. 2:1) and confer of it; (Luke 24:14, Deut. 6:6–7) hide it in their hearts, (Prov. 2:1, Ps. 119:11) and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. (Luke 8:15, James 1:25)
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The Morning Devotional: Ps. 119:18; Acts 17:11
The Morning Devotional for April 8, 2021
The Preaching of God's Word, Part 9
Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.(Psalm 119:18, ESV)
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (Acts 17:11, ESV)
WLC 160 What is required of those that hear the word preached?
It is required of those that hear the word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, (Prov. 8:34) preparation, (1 Pet. 2:1–2, Luke 8:18) and prayer; (Ps. 119:18, Eph. 6:18–19) examine what they hear by the scriptures; (Acts 17:11) receive the truth with faith, (Heb. 4:2) love, (2 Thess. 2:10) meekness, (James 1:21) and readiness of mind, (Acts 17:11) as the word of God; (1 Thess. 2:13) meditate, (Luke 9:44, Heb. 2:1) and confer of it; (Luke 24:14, Deut. 6:6–7) hide it in their hearts, (Prov. 2:1, Ps. 119:11) and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. (Luke 8:15, James 1:25)
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Daily Prayer for April 8, 2021: WSC 4 (5)
Q4 What is God?
God is a Spirit, (John 4:24) infinite, (Job 11:7–9) eternal, (Ps. 90:2) and unchangeable, (James 1:17) in his being, (Exod. 3:14) wisdom, (Ps. 147:5) power, (Rev. 4:8) holiness, (Rev. 15:4) justice, goodness, and truth. (Exod. 34:6–7)
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, you who are good and kind to your people, a God who is unlike the deaf idols of Israel, a God who hears and acts according to your perfect wisdom and knowledge. We thank you that you stand ready and able to help us with all of our needs. We bless your name because you have told us that you care for us. We are thankful that you have perfect wisdom and knowledge, that it is infinite and unchangeable. We thank you that you are pleased to grant it to your people as they ask for it. We know that your Word is full of wisdom, and you have been pleased to give us an entire book in which we can glean the never-changing precepts and principles of your own mind. Forgive us for too often acting on our own understanding instead of determining to seek your face and hear from you. Please help us, by your Spirit, to rely on your Word, which imparts perfect wisdom to us. We pray these things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Daily Prayer for April 7, 2021: WSC 4 (4)
Q4 What is God?
God is a Spirit, (John 4:24) infinite, (Job 11:7–9) eternal, (Ps. 90:2) and unchangeable, (James 1:17) in his being, (Exod. 3:14) wisdom, (Ps. 147:5) power, (Rev. 4:8) holiness, (Rev. 15:4) justice, goodness, and truth. (Exod. 34:6–7)
Prayer: Our God in heaven, the majestic and holy one, we thank you for the great privilege we have of coming to the alone sovereign of heaven and earth. We are grateful that you are a God who never changes. Like God, you cannot lie, and as such, your promises for us are true and reliable. There is great comfort in knowing that as you speak to your people through your Word, we can rely on it and depend on it because the one who spoke those words will not suddenly change and do something else. Therefore, as we pray, we pray to a God that hears and acts according to all he has said. Your unchangeable nature should move us to rest on your though there are many times when we fret and worry. Forgive us, Father. Help us remember that you have made promises to us, and you will accomplish all of them according to your holy purposes. We pray these things in the name of the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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The Morning Devotional: Prov. 8:34; 1 Pet. 2:1-2; Luke 8:18; WLC 160
The Morning Devotional for April 7, 2021
The Preaching of God's Word, Part 7
32 “And now, O sons, listen to me:
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
and do not neglect it.
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors. (Prov. 8:32-34, ESV)
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation (1 Pet. 2:1-2, ESV)
Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.” (Luke 8:18, ESV)
WLC 160 What is required of those that hear the word preached?
It is required of those that hear the word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, (Prov. 8:34) preparation, (1 Pet. 2:1–2, Luke 8:18) and prayer; (Ps. 119:18, Eph. 6:18–19) examine what they hear by the scriptures; (Acts 17:11) receive the truth with faith, (Heb. 4:2) love, (2 Thess. 2:10) meekness, (James 1:21) and readiness of mind, (Acts 17:11) as the word of God; (1 Thess. 2:13) meditate, (Luke 9:44, Heb. 2:1) and confer of it; (Luke 24:14, Deut. 6:6–7) hide it in their hearts, (Prov. 2:1, Ps. 119:11) and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. (Luke 8:15, James 1:25)
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Daily Prayer for April 6: WSC Q4 (3)
Q4 What is God?
God is a Spirit, (John 4:24) infinite, (Job 11:7–9) eternal, (Ps. 90:2) and unchangeable, (James 1:17) in his being, (Exod. 3:14) wisdom, (Ps. 147:5) power, (Rev. 4:8) holiness, (Rev. 15:4) justice, goodness, and truth. (Exod. 34:6–7)
Prayer: Our great and glorious God, we bless and praise your name today because you are the only true God, and there is no other. Your Word tells us what you are, and it reveals your nature to your creatures. We praise you for disclosing yourself to us though we are unworthy of your self-revelation. In your Word, we read of your infinite nature -- you are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Words fail to describe your infinitude adequately, and, as such, we struggle to explain it. You are from everlasting to everlasting, and your wisdom and power are without end. Because you are infinite, you know all things and hold all things in your hand. Therefore, we can trust you with every detail of our lives. Forgive us for forgetting about your infinite care and love for us. Forgive us for worrying about matters we cannot control. Grant to us a renewed understanding of your character and help us, by your Spirit, to lean wholly upon you. We pray these things with thanksgiving and confidence in our Great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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The Morning Devotional: 1 Cor. 9:19-22; Eph. 4:12; WLC 159
The Morning Devotional for April 6, 2021
The Preaching of God's Word, Part 7
to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (Eph. 4:12, ESV)
Q. 159. How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto?
A. They that are called to labor in the ministry of the word, are to preach sound doctrine, diligently, in season and out of season; plainly, not in the enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power; faithfully, making known the whole counsel of God; wisely, applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers; zealously, with fervent love to God and the souls of his people; sincerely, aiming at his glory, and their conversion, edification, and salvation.
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Daily Prayer for April 5, 2021
Q4 What is God?
God is a Spirit, (John 4:24) infinite, (Job 11:7–9) eternal, (Ps. 90:2) and unchangeable, (James 1:17) in his being, (Exod. 3:14) wisdom, (Ps. 147:5) power, (Rev. 4:8) holiness, (Rev. 15:4) justice, goodness, and truth. (Exod. 34:6–7)
Prayer: Our God in heaven: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it is a great wonder that you have determined to reveal yourself to helpless sinners. You have done so in creation. You have also done so clearly in your Word. You have declared that you are a Spirit and, therefore, it is a great sin to make any image or representation of you. Men, however, pervert your glory and all that you say about yourself by carving images and posting pictures that appear to depict you. The foolishness of our own hearts thinks that somehow we can capture your majesty, and we fall short each time. Forgive your church, O God, for such stupidity and violently breaking your command not to make any representation of the Godhead. Help us dwell on your beauty without these feeble aids and grant us a greater zeal to uphold your Word. We pray these things in the name of the Savior. Amen.
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