En Garde
No one would ever have been able to accuse Patrick of compromise. He was always on guard against the temptations of the flesh, as we read on pages 51 and 52 of Patrick: A Devotional History:                                      “And it is true,though I lack any skill, I’ve tried to doall that I could to guard myself in allmy […]
Submitting to the Spirit
Cowper on Paul on Preaching (16) Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2.15 Would I describe a preacher, such as Paul.Were he on earth, would hear, approve, and own,Paul should himself direct me. – William Cowper, The Task (1785) We […]
Word on Trial
Matthew 27: Crucified (1) Pray Psalm 38.13-16.But I, like a deaf man, do not hear;And I am like a mute who does not open his mouth.Thus I am like a man who does not hear,And in whose mouth is no response.For in You, O LORD, I hope;You will hear, O Lord my God.For I said, “Hear me, lest they rejoice over me,Lest, […]
Bodily Afflictions
Everyday Christianity: Testing (5) And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians 12.7 A thorny issueChristians have mixed views about the matter of bodily afflictions. […]