For all the blessings, benefits, and benedictions of the Gospel, together with all its ‘yes and amens’ in Christ Jesus…
…all its liberties and affirmations…
… to *truly* know the rapture of our emancipation means self-surrender to the grace of ‘never’.
May the mercies of Christ lead us through this petition, and help us to get traction in pivoting away from being careless with our faith and laying hold of ‘so great salvation’1.
“O LORD, May I
never
fail to come to the knowledge of the truth,
never
rest in a system of doctrine, however scriptural, that does not bring or further salvation, or teach me to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, or help me to live soberly, righteously, godly;
never
rely on my own convictions and resolutions, but be strong in thee and in thy might;
never
cease to find thy grace sufficient in all my duties, trials, and conflicts;
never
forget to repair to thee in all my spiritual distresses and outward troubles, in all the dissatisfactions experienced in creature comforts;
never
fail to retreat to him who is full of grace and truth, the friend that loveth at all times, who is touched with feelings of my infirmities, and can do exceeding abundantly for me;
never
confine my religion to extraordinary occasions, but acknowledge thee in all my ways;
never
limit my devotions to particular seasons but be in thy fear all the day long;
never
be godly only on the sabbath or in thy house, but on every day abroad and at home;
never
make piety a dress but a habit,
not only a habit but a nature,
not only a nature but a life.
Do good to me by all thy dispensations, by all means of grace, by worship, prayers, praises,
And at last let me enter that world where is no temple, but only thy glory and the Lamb’s.”
– The Valley of Vision, The ‘Nevers’ of the Gospel
1Hebrews 2:3
You and Sandy have been on my mind a lot lately. Praying for God’s provision and care for you both. Always enjoy reading your blog!
Ah, my dear Beth – missing you on the other social media site :))) We are well and thriving in the Lord. It’s quiet mostly, which (in my mid-50s) is a most welcome change of pace!! Not sure when my sabbatical from FB ends but I’m glad you’ve visited with me over here in my “second home’!
I adore Hebrews. Love➡👣walk in the fear (acute, fresh, grasping awareness of His Presence and ALL that It affords) of my Father…The KING👑 each day, every moment!! Love this!💛📖🍂👏👏
All of us who know and love you (even digitally) can see you are a Hebrews saint. Like you, I fall in love with it all over again and again. To God be the praise in His superior Son!
Timothy and I enjoyed talking with you today. As soon as we were able to talk Wesley, my husband,Timothy said, ” Mom, tell Dad about Scott!” Thanks for being an encouragement to me and him today.
Oh Paula, I’m so sorry I just saw this. Totally forgot to moderate the comments here…😜…that was a God-appointed time for sure. Your story inspired the breath out of me! Say hi to Timothy for me!!! Hoping all our paths cross again!!