August 14

Receive, with meekness, the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.—James 1:21.

DO I come to God's word with freedom from prejudice and preconceived opinions, willing to be taught, and earnestly desiring to know just what God teaches and commands? Feeling my ignorance, do I come to it for instruction and guidance, believing it all to be profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness, that through grace I may be perfect, thoroughly furnished for all good works? Do I assent to all its truths: consent to all its laws; and always receive it in a submissive, humble, teachable spirit?

If you come to God's word in the spirit he requires, you will give up many preconceived opinions and fondly cherished notions of your own, and unlearn much that you have hitherto learned. If you come with a childlike, humble, prayerful spirit, God will teach you with wisdom from above, and you will find his word a lamp to your feet, and a light to your path.

When the blessed volume I peruse, And o'er its sacred pages muse, Oh, then, thy precious word fulfill, And while I seek to learn thy will, Draw near, in answer to my prayer, And, gracious Saviour, meet me there!