July 25

I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that Day. 2 Timothy 1:12.

We have not as yet attained the goal. There may be a long journey between our conversion and our final entrance upon our eternal heritage. Shall we reach it? May not our enemies prevent us from doing so? Is not Satan, that roaring lion, offering innumerable obstructions? Must we not overcome the manifold temptations of the world and the deceitfulness of our own sinful heart? Shall we endure unto the end? Shall we persevere in the faith?

Let us not make this present life our all. Being truly wise by the grace of God, let us more and more sever the ties of worldliness that bind us fast. Though in the world, let us not be of the world. Let us do our duty well on earth, but let us set our affections on things above. In these all our hopes should be centered. Let us look forward to that glorious hope. "Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our hope without wavering; for He is faithful that promised." He, the Lord, is faithful. We must confess that we have been unfaithful stewards. But God is faithful. And because He is faithful, He is not only the Author, but also the Finisher of our faith: Because He is faithful, He has not only begun the good work in us, but will also perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. He surely was in earnest about it when He came into the world to seek that which is lost. And He was in great earnest when He suffered and died for us on the cross. He also was in earnest when He called us through the Gospel and through faith made us the children of God. And now He intends to keep us in the true faith until the end. Therefore do not doubt that by God's grace you will reach the goal. God has promised that He will not leave you nor forsake you.

Prayer.

O Lord God, according to Thy mercy, we beseech thee, preserve us from all harm, graciously hold Thy hand over us, and mercifully deliver us from all danger and temptation. O Lord

God, be merciful unto us and forgive our sins for Jesus' sake. Help us, or we shall perish! And when our last hour has come, grant us Christian patience, keep us in true faith, and give us the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls. Lord, be Thou with us, forsake us not! Remove all fear as to our perseverance in faith and the attainment of salvation. Amen.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand, All other ground is sinking sand.