This morning, as I often do, I read two of the prayers from The Valley of Vision, edited by Arthur Bennett. I’ve found these prayers help focus my thoughts on the most important issues in life: the greatness of my sin, the sovereignty of God, the saving work of Christ, the needs of the world, and my eternal destination. The first prayer this morning was “The ‘Nevers’ of the Gospel.” The commitments the author expressed offered a wise perspective as we enter a new year.
For my own understanding, I’ve divided the prayer into three sections. I call the first, “Using Truth Rightly.” It has to do with never seeking to know God’s Word in a way that doesn’t affect my life. Biblical knowledge, doctrine, and theology are all vital to my life. But unless my heart changes as a result, I’m only becoming deceived. I’ve updated the language to make it easier to read.
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;
Read the whole thing, here.
2 comments:
we are on the same wavelength, buddy! Bob has such insight. i only wish i could make it out to the worship conference this summer. what a blessing that would be. the only problem is that i am pretty much alone at my church as far as gospel centered, content driven song choices goes. i just got through with meetings with my pastor and my praise team and everyone is so concerned with style and look and feel. God help us! i recently got Ron Man's book PROCLAMATION AND PRAISE: HEBREWS 2:12 AND THE CHRISTOLOGY OF WORSHIP and I am thinking about teaching it through to my team. thanks to Chip at WQOTW for that little gem of a book.
Corey, my heart goes out to you. But don't grow weary in well doing... and your emphasis on God-glorifying, Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered gathered worship is certainly well-doing.
Is there any chance you could make it to the conference? I'm trying to work it out. That'd be great to be able to meet up there, huh?
Let me know.
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