January 11th

January 11th

Read: Lam. 3:21-26; Col. 1:9-12: James 1:26-27: 1 Thess. 5:16-24

I have played musical instruments most of my life–guitar, piano, cello–and often I have been called upon to play or sing in public. Because of that I know the value of practicing to do the job to the best of my ability and to be pleasing to the hearers.

The word ‘practice’ also implies a lifetime’s application to one activity, such as a doctor’s practice. In another sense the word means custom, such as, “It is my practice to wash dishes after each meal.” All three meanings may be applied to the Christian life: to practice it in order to please God, to make it my lifetime application, and to make it my custom. Practicing should be the believer’s activity.

PRACTICING

To wait in patience quietly,
To hope when all seems lost,
To joy in each adversity,
To trust when tempest tossed,
Recalling how God’s faithfulness
And mercies do not fail,
Remembering His tenderness,
How His love doth prevail–
These bring us deep tranquility.
Such practices bring peace.
He leads to full maturity.
At His voice all storms cease.

Prayer: Dear Lord, make my life pleasing unto You as I work at practicing Your principles in it.