January 3rd
The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:25-26 (KJV)
It is profitable for Christians to be often calling to mind the very beginnings of grace with their souls. It was Paul’s accustomed manner, when tried for his life, to open before his judges the manner of his conversion: he would think of that day, and that hour, in which he first did meet with grace; for he found it supported him.
I can remember my fears and doubts, and sad months, with comfort; they are as the head of Goliath in my hand: there was nothing to David like Goliath’s sword; for the very sight and remembrance of that did preach forth God’s deliverance to him. Oh! the remembrance of my great sins, of my great temptations, and of my great fear of perishing for ever! They bring afresh into my mind, the remembrance of my great help, my great supports from heaven, and the great grace that God extended to such a wretch as I.
My dear children, call to mind the former days, and years of ancient times: remember also your songs in the night, and commune with your own hearts. Yea, look diligently, and leave no corner therein unsearched for that treasure hid, even the treasure of your first and second experience of the grace of God towards you. Remember also the word, the word, I say, upon which the Lord hath caused you to hope: if you have sinned against light, if you are drowned in despair, if you think God fights against you, or if heaven is hid from your eyes; remember it was thus with your father; but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
from John Bunyan’s Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners
The title is a reference to Psalm 27. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners is, I’m not going to lie, is a bit of a slog. But Bunyan’s knowledge of the bible is impressive, the cross references are nice, and, to be fair, very few writers from the 1600s have held up so well. Of course, his personal testimony is pretty much timeless too, and it’s nice to know that he wrote something other than The Pilgrim’s Progress.
…and No Doubt by Petra, on Youtube and Spotify respectively, because, really? try to find a song that goes with this.
Mum's devotional 