January 19th
Read: Mark 8:14-21; Psalm 40:8; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; Isa. 44:20, Isa. 57:15 and Psalm 119:25,37
ARE YOU, THEN, DEAD?
Are you, then, dead? Have you no eyes
To see the glory of the skies?
To see the people in their needs?
To see that mustard grows from seed?
Are you, then, dead? Have you no ears
To hear the robin as he cheers?
To hear the weeping and the sighs?
To hear the truth when it applies?
Are you, then, dead?
Has memory
Become so blended with life’s sea
That you cannot, in fact, recall
God’s miracles, both great and small?
Are you, then, dead?
Has clouded mind
Become so dim that sin doth bind?
Is truth so faint and far away
That any lie can lead astray?
Are you, then, dead?
Is heart so hard?
Has it built up such callous guard
That stubbornness can now deflect
The Spirit’s tries to resurrect?
Are you, then, dead?
Has leaven spread,
Corrupting what was taintless bread?
Has sin now taken full control
Of this, your once-persuaded soul?
Would you now live?
Let Christ forgive.
His sweet assurance He will give.
Would you let sinful pleasures dim?
Just yield up all your life to Him.
Would you now serve? I
f you’ll not swerve,
He’ll cut the sin-connected nerve
That cries for satisfaction’s fill;
His sweet impulse will bend your will.
Prayer: Father, show me my backslidden ways and soften my hardened heart. Revive me that I may see You and hear You and remember Your miracles done on my behalf.