Walking with God

1. O for a closer walk with God,
A calm and heavenly frame;
A light to shine upon the road
That leads me to the Lamb.

2. Where is the blessedness I knew
When first I saw the Lord?
Where is the soul-refreshing view
Of Jesus and his word?

3. What peaceful hours I then enjoyed,
How sweet their memory still!
But now I find an aching void
The world can never fill.

4. Return, O holy Dove! return,
Sweet messenger of rest!
I hate the sins that made thee mourn,
And drove thee from my breast.

5. The dearest idol I have known,
Whate’er that idol be;
Help me to tear it from thy throne,
And worship only thee.

6. So shall my walk be close with God,
Calm and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.

W. COWPER

Running the Race

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

Here we have a master of illustration drawing spiritual lessons from the sporting arena of the Greek games. Whether it was the foot race, or the chariot race Paul had in mind is not clear, but either one will do. One thing is certain: a race must have a starting line. The Christian race must begin by trusting Jesus Christ, who is “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). As the runner must come to the starting line, so we must come to Christ and start for heaven at the cross. A good start is necessary; otherwise the race may be lost at the beginning. Like good athletes, we must maintain a steady pace and run with patience, for the Christian race is a marathon, not a sprint.

Many runners are content to think that they are as good as others. Some are even content with just being in the race, but the zealous Christian is devoted to “the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” This means that he will divest himself of every hindering thing. He will not be distracted by the successes or failures of the past. The things that are behind must be set aside, and the things that are before must take their place. It is necessary to renounce sin and it is essential to lay aside doubtful things which are encumbrances to the race.

We must keep our eyes on the finishing line, which again is Christ. How wonderful it will be at the end of the course to receive the eternal prize from His nail-pierced hands and to hear Him say, “Well done.”

Run the straight race through God’s good grace,

Lift up thine eyes, and seek His face;

Life with its way before us lies,

Christ is the path, and Christ the prize.

Rev. David Creane

Eagles Wings, Daily Devotional Meditations

Treasures in heaven are laid up only

as treasures on earth are laid down.

Anonymous