Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 27, 2017
A Word from John Wesley
Q. How are we to wait for this change?
A. Not in careless indifference, or indolent inactivity; but in vigorous, universal obedience, in a zealous keeping of all the commandments, in watchfulness and painfulness, in denying ourselves, and taking up our cross daily; as well as in earnest prayer and fasting, and a close attendance on all the ordinances of God. And if anyone dream of attaining it any other way (yea, or of keeping it when it is attained, when you have received it even in the largest measure), you deceive you own soul. It is true, we receive it by simple faith; but God does not, will not give that faith unless we seek it with all diligence, in the way which He ordained. (John Wesley, The Character of a Methodist, ¶19.)
A Hymn from Charles Wesley
1. There the rough mountains of the deep
Obey thy strong command;
Thy breath can raise the billows steep,
Or sink them to the sand.
2. Thy glories blaze all nature round,
And strike the wond’ring sight,
Through skies, and seas, and solid ground,
With terror and delight.
3. Infinite strength and equal skill
Shine through thy works abroad;
Our souls with vast amazement fill,
And speak the builder God!
4. But the mild glories of thy grace
Our softer passions move;
Pity divine in Jesu’s face
We see, adore, and love! (Collection-1781, #217:9-12)
Questions for Reflection:
- In John Wesley’s description of the character of a Methodist he states clearly that full salvation and Christian perfection is a gift from God, on the one hand, and that “God does not, will not give that faith unless we seek it with all diligence, in the way which He ordained.” What does this mean to you and for you?
- What is the meaning for us today when Charles Wesley guides us to sing of God’s relationship with creation and then in Jesus Christ?
- In your prayer time today, consider making time to gaze on Jesus face and then “see, adore, and love!”
O God, from your providing hand even the dissatisfied and grumbling receive what they need for their lives. Teach us your ways of justice and lead us to practice your generosity, so that we may live a life worthy of the gospel made known through your Son Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
The Wesley excerpts are from A Disciple’s Journal—2017: A Guide for Daily Prayer, Bible Reading, and Discipleship, by Steven W. Manskar. Copyright © 2017 Discipleship Resources, Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The prayer is reprinted with permission from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002, Consultation on Common Texts.
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