A Devotional for such a time as this: - from: Wilberforce, W., & Belmonte, K. (2006). 365 Days with Wilberforce (p. 12). Leominster, UK: Day One Publications. _____________ ‘His thoughts, and words, and actions’ ‘Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.’ Psalm 19:14 SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Colossians 3:8–17 On the first promulgation of Christianity, it is true, some of her early converts seem to have been in danger of so far mistaking the genius of the new religion, as to imagine, that in future they were to be discharged from an active attendance on their secular affairs. But the apostle most pointedly guarded them against so gross an error, and expressly and repeatedly enjoined them to perform the particular duties of their several stations with increased alacrity and fidelity, that they might thereby do credit to their Christian profession. This he did, at the same time that he prescribed to them that predominant love of God and of Christ, that heavenly-mindedness, that comparative indifference to the things of this world, that earnest endeavour after growth in grace, and perfection in holiness, which have already been stated as the essential characteristics of real Christianity. It cannot therefore be supposed by any who allow to the apostle even the claim of a consistent instructor, much less by any who admit his divine authority, that these latter precepts are incompatible with the former. Let it be remembered, that the grand characteristic mark of the true Christian is his desiring to please God in all his thoughts, and words, and actions; to take the revealed word to be the rule of his belief and practice; to ‘let his light shine before men’; and in all things to adorn the doctrine which he professes. No calling is proscribed, no pursuit is forbidden, no science or art is prohibited, no pleasure is disallowed, provided it be such as can be reconciled with this principle. FOR MEDITATION: The apostle Paul wrote memorably of the ways in which athletes compete. ‘Know ye not,’ he asked, ‘that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain’ (1 Corinthians 9:24). Not everyone can be an athlete, but each of us can earnestly ask for God’s help daily as we seek to honour him in our life’s calling. Seeking his wisdom and his strength, we can run our ‘race’ as we ought to. REFERENCE: A Practical View of Christianity (1797) - via Logos 6 #devotionalforsuchatimeasthis #christjesus #theword #studyscripture #god #biblestudy #bible #jesus #faith #dailydevotions #devotional #holyspirit #vineofchristministries
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 03:20:25 +0000
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