Your Sanctification Is Not Just A Private Matter

October 2, 2012 by Christina

Many people think sanctification is only a personal matter between themselves and God. This is not true. Every decision that we make, public or private, has implications that go beyond the immediate. You see, true fellowship with Christ is what makes for right relationship with others. When we neglect or abandon our spiritual responsibilities, we are not the only ones who will feel it. Other people will inevitably suffer too. This is especially true when we live in covenant community. When we tremble at God’s Word and esteem Him more than the passing pleasures of this world — when we flee darkness and chose instead to walk in light and truth — the glory of God, not selfish gain, becomes the goal. This bears a tremendous influence on our ability to pray for and love others sincerely. In the following Puritan prayer, we feel the heart cry of a saint panting for holiness. It is the deepest yearning of every Christian to be kept from temptation and sin. But beyond this longing is the godly recognition that the well-being of others is directly related to our sanctification. The souls who have been providentially placed in our lives – at home, at church, in our community, in the workplace have been entrusted to our care by Almighty God. Are we being faithful stewards by diligently keeping our hearts? We do not live in a vacuum. Other people are wrapped up with us and therefore their lives will be effected by how aggressive we are when it comes to killing sin and pursuing holiness. Sanctification is not just a private matter. May God, by His grace, cause us to repent and mourn over those who have suffered because of our lack of diligence. May we say ‘No’ to ungodliness and instead live self-controlled, godly, and upright lives (Titus 2:1). It matters.

“Help me to hate and forsake every false way
to be attentive to my condition and character,
to bridle my tongue,
to keep my heart with all diligence,
to watch and pray against temptation,
to mortify sin,
to be concerned for the salvation of others.
O God, I cannot endure to see the destruction
of my kindred.
Let those that are united to me in tender ties
be precious in thy sight and devoted to thy glory.
Sanctify and prosper my domestic devotion,
instruction, discipline, example,
that my house may be a nursery for heaven,
my church the garden of the Lord,
enriched with trees of righteousness of
thy planting, for thy glory …”

The Valley of Vision, “The Family”, pages 208-209

Morning Prayer

March 7, 2012 by Christina

It is still dark here in NYC. The sun has not yet emerged and aside from the whirling sirens of the occasional fire truck or police car, I am content in the stillness of early morning in Brooklyn. Did I mention the car alarms? 😉 I hesitated to post this Puritan prayer from The Valley of Vision. Lately I’ve had nagging thoughts that Heavenly Springs was becoming a clearinghouse for recycled material. But the truth is: “Does anyone ever grow tiered of hearing the Puritans?” I think not.

The Puritans knew a thing or two about heart corruptions. Like the apostle Paul, they rightly perceived that in this unredeemed flesh “lies no good thing.” Though the devil and the world each have a hand in beguiling us, the real problem is not outside, it’s inside. Let us not be deceived. James said, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” The origin of every evil and temptation is the human heart. But the Puritans apprehended something else, too. The One with the power to save us from sin is also the One who keeps us from sin. The honesty of this Puritan prayer will stir the weakest soul to faith.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy. Psalms 130:1-2

A brand new day awaits. May the heart of this prayer be yours, just as it is mine.

“Compassionate Lord, Thy mercies have brought me to the dawn of another day. Vain will be its gift unless I grow in grace, increase in knowledge, ripen for spiritual harvest. Let me this day know Thee as Thou art, love Thee supremely, serve Thee wholly, admire Thee fully. Through grace let my will respond to Thee, knowing that power to obey is not in me, but that Thy free love alone enables me to serve Thee. Here then is my empty heart, overflow it with Thy choicest gifts; here is my blind understanding, chase away its mists of ignorance.

O ever watchful Shepherd, lead, guide, tend me this day; without Thy restraining rod I err and stray. Hedge up my path lest I wander into unwholesome pleasure, and drink its poisonous streams; direct my feet that I be not entangled in Satan’s secret snares, nor fall into his hidden traps. Defend me from assailing foes, from evil circumstances, from myself. My adversaries are part and parcel of my nature; they cling to me as my very skin; I cannot escape their contact. In my rising up and sitting down they barnacle me; they entice with constant baits; my enemy is within the citadel. Come with almighty power and cast him out, pierce him to death, and abolish in me every particle of carnal life this day.”

May God keep you strong today and by His grace, may we walk by the Spirit and not the flesh.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6

An open passage that leads to better country

October 9, 2011 by Christina

To those who find themselves, according to God’s good providence, deep in the wilderness way, may you find rest in the blessing of His presence.

“Help me to see that although I am in the wilderness
it is not all briars and barrenness.
I have bread from heaven, streams from the rock,
light by day, fire by night,
thy dwelling place and thy mercy seat.
I am sometimes discouraged by the way,
but though winding and trying it is safe
and short;
Death dismays me, but my great high priest
stands in its waters,
and will open me a passage,
and beyond is better country.

Valley of Vision, Shortcomings, page 155.

“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8