Morning, November 20 Go To Evening Reading “O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul.” —Lamentations 3:58 Observe how positively the prophet speaks. He does not say, “I hope, I trust, I sometimes think, that God hath pleaded the causes of my soul,” but he speaks of it as a matter of fact not to be disputed. “Thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul.” Let us, by the aid of the gracious Comforter, shake off those doubts and fears which so much mar our peace and comfort. Be this our prayer, that we may have done with the harsh croaking voice of surmise and suspicion and may be able to speak with the clear, melodious voice of full assurance. Notice how gratefully the prophet says, ascribing all the glory to God alone! You perceive there is not a word concerning himself or his own pleadings. He doth not ascribe his deliverance in any measure to any man, much less to his own merit, but it is “ thou ”—“O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my l
Day 3 - Tuesday | Daily Devotions | Morning and Evening: Daily Reading | Connect the Testaments | My Utmost for His Highest | Thoughts for the Quiet Hour |
Morning, November 19 Go To Evening Reading “Avoid foolish questions.” —Titus 3:9 Our days are few and are far better spent in doing good than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. The old schoolmen did a world of mischief by incessant discussion of subjects of no practical significance; our Churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore, the discussion no more promotes knowledge than love, and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field. Questions upon points wherein Scripture is silent, upon mysteries which belong to doubtful interpretation, God alone, upon prophecies of d and upon mere modes of observing human ceremonials, are all foolish, and wise men avoid them. Our business is neither to ask nor answer silly questions but to avoid them altogether. Suppose we observe the apostle’s precept (Titus 3:8) to be careful t