The mariner's chart as
he sails the sea of life!
The BIBLE is a book which calls not so
much for the exertion of our intellect--
as it does for the exercise of our affections,
conscience and will. GOD has given HIS
Word to us not for our entertainment,
but for our education--
to make known what HE
requires from us.
It is to be . . .
the traveler's guide as he journeys
through the maze of this world, and
the mariner's chart as he sails
the sea of life.
Therefore, whenever we open the BIBLE,
the all-important consideration for each
of us to keep before him is:
"What is here for me today?
What bearing does the passage
now before me have upon my
present case and circumstances--
what warning, what encouragement,
what information? What instruction is there . . .
to direct me in the management of my business,
to guide me in the ordering of my domestic
and social affairs,
to promote a closer walking with GOD?"
I should see myself addressed
in every precept--
and included in every promise.
But it is greatly to be feared that,
through failure to appropriate GOD'S Word
unto our own case and circumstances--
there is much Bible reading and study which
is of little or no real benefit to the soul.
Nothing else will . . .
secure us from the pollutions of this world,
deliver from the temptations of satan, and
be so effectual a preservative from sin--
as the Word of GOD received into our affections.
none of his steps shall slide"
(Psalm 37:31)
can only be said of the one who has
made personal appropriation of the Word,
and is able to say with the Psalmist,
that I might not sin against YOU" (119:11).
Just so long as the Word is . . .
actually working in us,
influencing us in a practical way,
loved and revered by us,
and stirs the conscience--
are we kept from falling into open sin!
And only as we personally go out
and daily gather our portion of manna,
and feed upon the same--
will there be strength provided
for the performing of duty and
the bringing forth of fruit to
the glory of GOD.
~ ~ ~ ~
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