January 29th
Read: 1 Peter 5:8-9; 1 Timothy 6:10; Mt. 6:24; 1 Cor. 3:16-17; Prov. 31:1-6
ADMONITIONS
Ah child, be wary as you go,
As you your walk begin,
For Sin lurks near each path, you know,
And tries to enter in.
That gay deceiver’s not so gay
When you look underneath;
He waits the wandering soul to slay
With sharpened claws and teeth.
The glittering gold that fills the road
Within your easy reach
Will soon become a loathsome load;
‘Twill fasten as a leech.
Though worldly pleasures it may bring
Whenever you want to play,
You’ll soon be wanting ‘one more thing’
And greed will then hold sway.
The ‘sweet release’ that’s promised you
Amidst the poppy field
Will but your covering undo
As inhibitions yield,
‘Til its caress becomes a clutch
And you would struggle free,
‘Til what was once a pleasant touch
Becomes foul perfidy.
When you feel thirst, Sin’s drink will slake
Then, as an adder, bite.
Its cloying power your health will take
And o’er you cast a blight
Until your friends begin to leave
Lest they should see your shame,
Until your family starts to grieve
Because you’ve soiled your name.
Ah child, be wary as you go,
But do not walk in fear.
When Sin would draw you to His woe,
Remember Christ is near.
He walks with you along your way
When once you let Him in.
His love for you will e’er hold sway
Against the wiles of sin.
His love brings joy; His grace brings peace,
Yet should you slip and fall,
His sweet forgiveness brings release
If you confess it all.
The simple life you live with Him
Grows brighter every day
‘Til worldly pleasures fade and dim
To die in yesterday.
Prayer: Dear Father, help me not to heed the world, the flesh, or the devil when they present me with their wares. Keep me focused on You and Your Word. Help me to resist Satan that he might flee from me.