If we can fight well in the closet, we shall walk happily with
God in all His ways. We should begin our every day's journey
with _Him_: and, comparing need with supply, shall we not take
pleasure in infirmities and necessities? because Christ will
thereby take occasion to magnify His grace, and to lead us to
springs of consolation in Himself.
Evil speaking has place in the heart before it escapes the lip.
Happy they who never hang upon the creature's favour they who
expect everything from God and nothing from man will have no
disappointment.
To be a true witness for Jesus I must be much in His company,
hear His voice, and observe His ways. How can we know the character
of one with whom we have but little intercourse?
Humility helps us to know our pride; and if we would have the
"rest" that is for the lowly, we must tread under foot our pride.
(Matt. 11:29.)
Those temptations which prove the most defiling are oft-times
the least painful.
When God's will rules in us, and overrules our will, we shall
then indeed, but not till then, know the pleasures of _having
our will_. (1 John 3:22; 5:14.15.)
The Christian's path in the world is obedience to Christ; following
Him, suffering for His sake. When we take part with the world
to put it in order, and to make the crooked straight, we, as
it were, take off our robes of heavenly priesthood to act as
citizens of earth.
We ought so to walk before the world, that the evil eye, looking
for a blot, may find none. The people of the world are keen judges
of what a child of God should be.
Did the children of God walk worthy of God, they would no more
seek worldly honours and glories than a king's son in his princely
apparel would stitch thereon a beggar's rags.
"Bless them that curse you" (Matt. 5:44). The deed of grace is
to be done at the moment of receiving the injury. When the curse
proceeds from the mouth of the enemy, let the blessing proceed
from yours. Remember the words, "Father, forgive them," "Lord,
lay not this sin to their charge." (Lu. 23:34; Acts 7:60.)
There is light for the pilgrim's path, though there be not an
unclouded sky.
If a man's heart were filled with Christ and His coming in glory,
would it not be seen in all his ways,- whether in the family,
the church, or the world?
To be spiritually-minded is "life and peace" to ourselves: but
how profitable to others also! That utterance and knowledge may
be used aright, he that has them must walk with God.
Let Christ be with you wherever you go, and let it be known that
His presence is with you.
Take good heed to your walk: God will care for your good name.
God has great ends to answer by leaving His children in the world;
even that they may be living witnesses for Him whom they love
-- the unseen Lord Jesus. We should be ever giving thanks for
such an office; and for our continuance on earth, that we may
fulfil it.
Let us be pilgrims, not by constraint, but by loving choice.