For Lord’s Day, August 11, 2013
(Image Source: versaday.com)

Dear Saints,

One of our brothers from the East who (with his family) worshiped with us earlier this year while in San Diego on business recently shared this quote:

“The reason why people complain so much of difficulty in duty is because their hearts are not prepared. . . . Make preparation for holy duties and you shall have success in holy duties.”

This quote is from a sermon by the Puritan preacher, Jeremiah Burroughs,  “On The Importance of Preparing for Worship”.  Certainly, these words should provide you with encouragement to properly prepare for Sabbath worship tomorrow that you not only glorify God, but enjoy Him together.  But I also encourage you to think about the quote as it relates to holy living for Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit throughout the week, with this Scripture in view:

… exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. (1 Timothy 4:7-9).

No athlete goes onto the field without having been practicing and exercising both in mind and body. Or, if he does, his coach doesn’t let him back on the field until his habits change (so that his playing improves).  Similarly, we should not expect to excel in holy duties and be used mightily by Jesus Christ if we spend little time preparing for these duties in and for Him.  But the opposite also is true.  We should expect to excel in holy duties and be used mightily by Jesus Christ as we prepare our bodies and souls for them in the power of the Holy Spirit.

So how will you spend your Sabbath eve? And how will you spend your Sabbath?  And how will you spend your week? The answer will be seen in what preparation you are presently making. As you consider these questions, remember that you and your time is not your own (Galatians 2:20).  And remember also that holy things are the most happy things for Christians (John 10:10).

As was preached here recently, Be Prepared.

Semper Reformanda,

Pastor Grant