Daily Devotional

We must keep close to the Word of God. There is danger in departing in the least from its instructions. We need its warnings and encouragement, its threatenings and its promises. We need the perfect example given only in the life and character of our Saviour. In order to stand fast in the truth we need to have a living, active faith in God and His Word. Without such faith it is impossible to please God; for "whatsoever is not of faith is sin." The faith that is required is not a mere assent to doctrines; it is the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Humility, meekness, and obedience are not faith, but they are the effects, or fruits, of faith. Implicit trust in God's power to save, and its effect on the life and character, do not come in a moment. These heavenly graces are acquired by the experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right, the people of God seal their destiny.

Do not be afraid to trust God. Rely upon His sure promise, "Ask, and ye shall receive." Do not let go of the promise, even though you do not see an immediate answer to your prayers. God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Man is erring, and although his petitions may be sent up from an honest heart, he does not always ask for the things that are good for him or that will glorify God. When this is so, our wise and good Father hears our prayers, and answers, sometimes immediately; but he gives us the things that are for our good and his own glory. If we could look into his plan, we should clearly see that our prayers are answered in wisdom and love. And through the temptations and trials of life the promise will be fulfilled, "I will guide thee with mine eye."