Forever FAITH

September 23, 2022
Morning
"Accepted in the beloved." — Eph 1:6
What a state of privilege! It includes our justification before God, but the term "acceptance" in the Greek means more than that. It signifies that we are the objects of divine complacence, nay, even of divine delight. How marvellous that we, worms, mortals, sinners, should be the objects of divine love! But it is only "in the beloved." Some Christians seem to be accepted in their own experience, at least, that is their apprehension. When their spirit is lively, and their hopes bright, they think God accepts them, for they feel so high, so heavenly-minded, so drawn above the earth! But when their souls cleave to the dust, they are the victims of the fear that they are no longer accepted. If they could but see that all their high joys do not exalt them, and all their low despondencies do not really depress them in their Father's sight, but that they stand accepted in One who never alters, in One who is always the beloved of God, always perfect, always without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, how much happier they would be, and how much more they would honour the Saviour!

REV. DON ROSEY

The Lord says, “Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them.” - Psalm 91:14-15

One time several years ago I was fascinated by a scene happening on a lake.

A large pontoon boat circled slowly around a small sailboat that was bobbing on the waters of the lake.

The larger boat slowly danced over the waves yet stayed within a short distance of the small boat that held two children. The little sailboat turned and changed course with the wind, while the larger boat remained a safe distance away yet close enough to rescue the young boaters if it became necessary.

After considerable circling and maneuvering on the water, both craft headed for the dock in front of a nearby dock. A smiling youth expertly steered the little sailboat toward shore. He and his sister jumped confidently toward the grassy bank as the larger boat chugged to a stop close by.

I had witnessed a lesson in boating and also a lesson in living.

God watches over us just as the parents in that boat watched over their children. God stays close by as we change course – always there, watching and waiting to come to us if the waters become too choppy, the winds too strong.

When we put our trust in God’s presence and acknowledge the saving grace of God’s direction, we too can smile as we steer safely toward home..

"The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out." — Lev 6:13
Keep the altar of private prayer burning. This is the very life of all piety. The sanctuary and family altars borrow their fires here, therefore let this burn well. Secret devotion is the very essence, evidence, and barometer, of vital and experimental religion.
Burn here the fat of your sacrifices. Let your closet seasons be, if possible, regular, frequent, and undisturbed. Effectual prayer availeth much.

Written by Rev. Don Rosie