A Devotional for such a time as this: - from: Wilberforce, W., - TopicsExpress

A Devotional for such a time as this: - from: Wilberforce, W., & Belmonte, K. (2006). 365 Days with Wilberforce (p. 192). Leominster, UK: Day One Publications. ________________ ‘The unmerited goodness of God’ ‘For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.’ Ephesians 2:8 SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Ephesians 2:1–10 In the sacred volume we are throughout reminded that we are originally the creatures of God’s formation, and continual dependents on his bounty. There too we learn the painful lesson of man’s degradation and unworthiness. We learn that humiliation and contrition are the tempers of mind best suited to our fallen condition, and most acceptable in the sight of our Creator. We learn that these it should be our habitual care to cherish and cultivate; studiously maintaining a continual sense that we are altogether indebted to the unmerited goodness of God. FOR MEDITATION: We are continual dependents on God’s bounty. This was well understood by the writer Philip Doddridge, whose writings greatly influenced Wilberforce. Speaking of our dependence upon God’s bounty, Doddridge wrote: ‘Reflect on the light and heat which the sun everywhere dispenses; on the air which surrounds all our globe; on the right temperature on which the life of the whole human race depends, and that of all the inferior creatures which dwell on the earth. Think on the suitable and plentiful provisions made for man and beast; the grass, the grain, the variety of fruits, and herbs, and flowers; everything that nourishes us, every thing that delights us, and say whether it does not speak plainly and loudly that our Almighty Maker is near, and that he is careful for us, and kind to us. God is present, present with you at this moment; even God your creator and preserver, God the creator and preserver of the whole visible and invisible world.’ REFERENCE: A Practical View of Christianity (1797) - via Logos 5 #devotionalforsuchatimeasthis #christjesus #vineofchristministries #theword #studyscripture #god #biblestudy #bible #jesus #faith #dailydevotions #devotional