Reverence and Awe

» Today's reading at Blue Letter Bible

MORNING
"Take heed lest you fall" is a sober admonition and we are prone to consider what we must "do" to keep from falling. We are likely to consider whatever our conscience brings to mind that could lead to a fall and we can be flooded with guilt and even despair that it's impossible!

That is until we read the verse that follows, 1 Cor 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you but such is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." I am so thankful that in spite of my attempts at righteousness which is as filthy rags, God loves me and will keep me from falling by His Grace through Jesus Christ, my Lord! "He alone is able "to keep me from stumbling and to present me blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy."

EVENING
Reading this devotional reminds me of the many challenges faced by Christian in John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. "Dirty world; staying alert; there is a robber at every turn of the road; temptation in every mercy; a snare in every joy; and if you ever reach heaven it will be a miracle of divine grace to be ascribed entirely to the Father's power." Christian and his companions faced each and every one of these obstacles and only after many trials and tribulations did they reach the celestial city. My wife's life verse from the book of John, spoken by Jesus says "In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Like Christian, every day we are to put on the full armor of God that we can stand against the assaults of Satan. We are to be on our guard, pray without ceasing, fix our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith and press on until we too arrive at the celestial city. "May the Holy Spirit guide us in all our ways, so they shall always please the Lord."

Labels: Devotional, Morning and Evening, Spurgeon