Fidelity #1

...reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

1 Timothy, 4:7-16, www.solascriptura.com

Father, You tell us to reject tales and fables and to exercise our mind in a way that brings us into Your presence. Your word says that exercise of the body profits a little and that exercise of our mind toward godliness profits us in a most complete way. Father, we want to "stay in shape" and You proclaim that as good, but You warn us that if that is our physical goal, absent a more encompassing spiritual goal, then we have a priority problem.

You also tell us to enjoy our youth, being vital, while being full of the Holy Spirit seeking to serve You. Father, let our joy and enthusiasm for life bring us to the center of Your will for our life. Bless us as we seek to draw nearer to You. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Fidelity #2

...if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

... we know that ... there is no other God but one.

For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

1 Corinthians 8:2-6, www.solascriptura.com

Father, We know nothing of what we will yet know. We see things dimly now that You will yet fully reveal. Help us O'God to gain better and better insight from Your Holy word.

You have just told us that if we love You, we are known by You. It is You alone we worship. Keep us from valuing anything or anyone more than our relationship with You. You are the constant, unchanging Presence and Jesus, You alone are our judge and our Redeemer. Strengthen our fidelity to You. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Fidelity #3

I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus who dwells in us. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

2 Timothy 1:12-14, www.solascriptura.com

Father, not only is this verse from a wonderful old song, but it is a statement of truth. You will help us keep the faith to which we have committed. You will help us see that our commitment is a response to Your commitment. We never walk alone. In thy Son's Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Fidelity #4

... if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.

2 Peter 2:20-21

Father, You have taught us that fidelity counts, both in our relationships with others and in our relationship with You. Help us to understand how serious a matter this is. Let us make no vow to You or to others that we are not able to keep.

We know, prior to being saved by Your grace, that we were sinners and that You provided, through Jesus, forgiveness of our sins and provided for our cleansing.

Teach us O'God not to return to infidelity. We have been there and we know how it would disappoint You if we were to return there again. Empower us to serve and to love, we pray. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Fidelity #5

...no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring can yield both salt water and fresh. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

James 3:8-13, www.solascriptura.com

Father, We know that to be faithful to You, we should not be inconsistent in our approach to others. You have taught us that all people are created in Your image.

Help us look upon people as Your potential servants, some of whom are called early in life and some later. Help us to be an encourager, not saying in one breath that we love You and in the next speak disparagingly of men. Give us the gift of fidelity, one in which our love for You isn't mixed with unloving actions towards others. We pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell