DRAWING NEAR
June 12
Persevering in the Word
"One who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty,
and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an
effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does"
(James 1:25).
The phrase "and abides by it" in James 1:25 demands our close
attention. "Abide" translates a Greek word that means "to stay
beside," "remain," or "continue." The idea is that a doer of the Word
continually and habitually gazes into God's perfect law. In other
words, he is a persevering learner.
When you have that level of commitment to the Word, you will be an
effectual doer--one who is in union with God's will and seeks to obey
it above all else. As you do, God will bless you. That doesn't
necessarily mean you'll be successful in the eyes of the world, but
your priorities and perspectives will be right and the Lord will
honor what you do.
This verse is a call to carefully examine yourself in light of God's
standards. That's not a popular thing in our society because many
people have an aversion to serious spiritual thought and self
-examination. I believe that's why Christian television, music, and
other forms of entertainment are so popular. Escaping reality through
entertainment is far more appealing to most people than gazing into
the mirror of God's Word and having their spiritual flaws and
blemishes exposed. But if you desire to be like Christ, you must see
yourself for what you are and make any needed corrections. To do
that, you must continually examine your life in the light of
Scripture.
Can you imagine what the church would be if every Christian did that?
Can you imagine the changes in your own life if you did it more
consistently? Only the Holy Spirit can enable you to be a doer of the
Word. So yield to His leading through prayer and confession as you
continue to study and apply God's Word.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Whenever you study Scripture, ask the Spirit to illuminate your mind
and heart, and to use the Word to transform you more and more into
the image of Christ.
For Further Study:
Read Colossians 3:16-17, noting what Paul says about responding to
the Word.
Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
Colossians 3:16-17
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.
In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.
If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
you to the list(s) of your choice.
You can hear John MacArthur daily via the Internet by visiting:
http://www2.oneplace.com/Ministries/Grace_to_You/
and
http://www.gty.org.uk/
You may email John MacArthur in care of Grace to You at:
letters@gty.org
NOTE for those of you reading via newsgroups: If you wish to reach
me, please contact me via e-mail for quickest results.
In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase@wowway.com
STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
http://www.gty.org/Gospel
http://www.gty.org/
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There is a living God. He has spoken in His word. He means just what he says, and will do all that He has promised. - Hudson Taylor
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