the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
John Gossner's Treasury
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go. Psalms 32:8. I taught Ephraim also to go (as a little child). Hosea 11:3. Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me. For thy name’s sake lead me and guide me. Psalms 27:11; Psalms 25:5; Psalms 31:3.
Who, without a guide, could find the way to the hidden and unknown Fatherland, which he had never seen? Our own guidance would lead us astray. The guidance of men is not altogether to be rejected, but we can not fully depend upon it. A wise, pious and experienced servant of God can show you the way and guide you, but if you remain with him, you do not come to the Lord; and if, notwithstanding all the counsel and guidance of good men, you do not have the Lord Himself as your leader and inward guide; if you do not hold Him fast and conscientiously follow Him, you cannot reach the goal. Besides, the Lord is so good and gracious that He offers to you His guidance, and gives you the glorious promises (Psalms 32:8; Hosea 2:3), that He will teach you in the way which you shall go; will guide you with His eye; will take you by the hand and lead you so that you may walk securely. Will you not grasp this loving and steady hand? Will you not look into those eyes that so kindly would lead you? But how am I to understand the look of His eyes? you ask. He looks at you from within, not from without. If your eye be clear, honest and without guile; if it see not double if you willingly enter into your heart and learn to consult with God in prayer you shall learn to understand His answer and His guidance; you shall feel His hand and experience that which He promises. His eye shall guide as effectively, and His hand shall lay hold of you as powerfully and lead you as a father leads, lifts and carries his child, without ever losing sight of it or letting it slip out of his hand. But this special guidance demands also a special faithfulness as to your inner life; a watchful eye, a heart collected and ever turned to the Lord. Otherwise you overlook the guidance of His eyes and perceive not His leading hand.
Meekly may my soul receive
All Thy Spirit hath revealed.
Thou hast spoken; I believe.
Though the prophecy were sealed.
