"Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel" (Eph. 6:18�19).

Posted : 14 Oct, 2011 05:54 AM

Devotional



The two blessings which Paul craved through the prayers of his flock were words and boldness.



He knew that only he who made man's mouth could open his lips to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ. As great as his natural endowments were, as rich and varied as his intellectual acquirements were, still he felt their inadequacy when working alone. We should never fail to distinguish between the natural eloquence of man and the holy utterance which the Spirit gives. Paul had splendid gifts and commanding powers of elocution. But what were they? He needed more. He asked for more.



Dear reader, if the ministry of reconciliation comes to your soul with any power or sweetness, remember whose it is. Give the glory not to man, but to God. Be very jealous for the honor of the Spirit in the ministry of the word. It is "spirit and life" to you only as he gives utterance to him who speaks. It is mournful to observe to what extent the idolatry of human talent and eloquence is carried, and how little glory is given to the Holy Spirit in the gospel ministry.



But there was yet another ministerial qualification which Paul sought. He desired to be unshackled from the fear of man�"opening my mouth boldly."



Had we heard him utter this request, we might have been constrained to reply, "Do you desire boldness? You are the most courageous and intrepid of all the apostles. You fear no man!"



Ah! we forget that when God stirs up the heart of a believer deeply to feel his need, and earnestly to desire any particular grace of the Spirit, that grace will be the distinguishing trait of his Christian character. The very possession and exercise of a grace strengthens the desire for its increase. The more we have of Christ, the more we desire of Christ. The heart is never satiated.



Do we see a man earnest and importunate in prayer for faith? Faith will be his distinguishing grace. Do we see another wrestling with God for deep views of the evil of sin? That man will be marked for his humble walk with God. Is it love that he desires? His will be a loving spirit. Be sure of this�the more you know of the value and the sweetness of any single grace of the Spirit, the more ardently will your heart be led out after an increase of that grace.



The reason why our desires for grace are so faint, may be traced to the small measure of grace that we already possess. The very feebleness of the desire proves the deficiency of the supply. As all holy desire springs from grace, so the deeper the grace, the more fervent will be the desire. May our Lord rouse us from our slothful seeking of him upon our beds.

by Octavius Winslow, 1856 (edited for

today's reader by Larry E. Wilson, 2010)





We have not known thee as we ought,

nor learned thy wisdom, grace, and power;

the things of earth have filled our thought,

and trifles of the passing hour.

Lord, give us light thy truth to see,

and make us wise in knowing thee.



We have not feared thee as we ought,

nor bowed beneath thine awful eye,

nor guarded deed and word and thought,

remembering that God was nigh.

Lord, give us faith to know thee near,

and grant the grace of holy fear.



We have not loved thee as we ought,

nor cared that we are loved by thee;

thy presence we have coldly sought,

and feebly longed thy face to see.

Lord, give a pure and loving heart

to feel and know the love thou art.



We have not served thee as we ought;

alas! the duties left undone,

the work with little fervor wrought,

the battles lost or scarcely won!

Lord, give the zeal, and give the might,

for thee to toil, for thee to fight.



When shall we know thee as we ought,

and fear and love and serve aright?

When shall we, out of trial brought,

be perfect in the land of light?

Lord, may we day by day prepare

to see thy face and serve thee there.



(Thomas Benson Pollock, 1889)

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