the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
John Gossner's Treasury
It is good for me to draw near to God. Psalms 73:28. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 2 Corinthians 6:17. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. Luke 11:23.
God draws near to those only who draw near to Him. He who does not remain with Christ in the Spirit, scatters. He who does not gather all the thoughts, longings and actions of the heart, soul and body, and ever turn them toward Christ, is poured out as water and scattered as chaff before the wind. How can such a person possess and enjoy Christ? how can he be a partaker of Christ? Christ desires that the whole heart and being of man, all the faculties of the soul, be gathered and united to Him and in Him. He who is not thus with Christ and gathers with Him, is against Him and scatters, divides his strength and loses himself. The separation from the world, from wicked men, who hate God and the Word of God, who despise edification, prayer and devotion, and enjoy only vapid entertainments, news and pastimes, is an essential condition stipulated by the Lord God Himself both for preachers and hearers. Such separation has also the promise, when we steadfastly observe it, and do not join ourselves to the world and to wicked men, that it is more likely that they will join us and turn to that which is good (Jeremiah 15:19). If you do not allow yourself to be perverted by evil, then those who are evil will allow themselves to become converted by you. Be steadfast, so that the ungodly world rather becomes godly through you than you become ungodly through it.
He knows what tends to our well-being;
He knows just when to comfort us;
If we are faithful, ever fleeing
Deceitful lusts and wickedness.
He comes before we are aware.
And manifests His loving care.
