Chapter 256—Points Out the Way
That the Lord thy God my shew us the way wherein we may walk, and
the thing that we may do.
Jeremiah 42:3
.
To dwell upon the beauty, goodness, mercy, and love of Jesus is
strengthening to the mental and moral powers, and while the mind is kept
trained to do the works of Christ, to be obedient children, you will habitually
inquire, Is this the way of the Lord? Will Jesus be pleased to have me do
this? ...
Many need to make a decided change in the tenor of their thoughts and
actions, if they would please Jesus. We can seldom see our sins in the
grievous light that God can. Many have habituated themselves to pursue a
course of sin, and their hearts harden, under the influence of the power of
Satan....
But when in the strength and grace of God they place their minds
against the temptations of Satan, their minds are made clear, their hearts and
consciences by being influenced by the Spirit of God are made sensitive, and
then sin appears as it is—exceedingly sinful.
Every act of obedience to Christ, every act of self-denial for His sake,
every trial well endured, every victory gained over temptation, is a step in the
march to the glory of final victory. If we take Christ for our guide, He will
lead us safely. The veriest sinner need not miss his way. Not one trembling
seeker need fail of walking in pure and holy light. Though the path is so
narrow, so holy that sin cannot be tolerated therein, yet access has been
secured for all, and not one doubting, trembling soul need say, “God cares
nought for me”....
And all the way up the steep road leading to eternal life are well-springs
of joy to refresh the weary. Those who walk in wisdom’s ways are, even in
tribulation, exceeding joyful; for He whom their soul loveth, walks, invisible,
beside them. At each upward step they discern more distinctly the touch
of His hand; at every step brighter gleamings of glory from the Unseen fall
upon their path; and their songs of praise, reaching ever a higher note, ascend
to join the songs of angels before the throne. “The path of the righteous
365