DIVINE GUIDANCE (Arthur W. Pink) It is well for those who are sensible of their own weakness and fallibility, and of the difficulties with which they are surrounded in life, that the Lord has promised to guide His people with His eye, and to cause them to hear a word behind them, saying, This is the way, walk in it, when they are in danger of turning aside either to the right hand or to the left. For this purpose He has given us the written Word to be a lamp to our feet; and encouraged us to pray for the teaching of His Holy Spirit, that we may rightly understand and apply it. It is, however, too often seen, that many widely deviate from the path of duty, and commit gross and perplexing mistakes, while they profess a sincere desire to know the will of God, and think they have His warrant and authority. This must certainly be owing to misapplication of the rule by which they judge, since the rule itself is infallible, and the promise sure. The Scriptures cannot deceive us if rightly understood; but they may, if perverted, prove the occasion of confirming us in a mistake. The Holy Spirit cannot mislead those who are under His influence; but we may supposes that we are so, when we are not. ____________________________________________ In general, He guides and directs His people by affording them, in answer to prayer, the light of His Holy Spirit, which enables them to understand and to live the Scriptures. The Word of God is not to be used as a lottery, nor is it designed to instruct us by shreds and scraps, which, detached from their proper places, have no determined import; but it is to furnish us with just principles, right apprehensions, to regulate our judgments and affections, and thereby to influence and regulate our conduct. Those who study the Scriptures in a humble dependence upon Divine teaching, are convinced of their own weakness, are taught to make a true estimate of everything around them, are gradually formed into a spirit of submission to the will of God, discover the nature and duties of their several situations and relations in life, and the snares and temptations to which they are exposed. The Word of God dwelling richly in them is a preservative from error, a light to their feet, and a spring of strength and consolation. _____________________________________________ He will not leave us in ignorance of His will concerning us. But if we are accustomed to gratify self and only turn unto God for help in times of difficulty and emergency, then we must not be surprised if He mocks us, and allows us to reap the fruits of our own folly. Our business is to walk in obedient subjection to Christ, and His sure promise is he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness (John 8:12). [to read this writing in full, click below] gracegems.org/Pink/divine_guidance.htm ____________________________________________ God must always be sought for Himself — never as a means toward something else. Whoever seeks God as a means toward desired selfish ends, will not find God. The mighty God, the maker of heaven and earth, will not be one of many treasures, not even the chief of all treasures. He will be all in all — or He will be nothing. God will not be used. Truth that is not experienced — is no better than error, and may be fully as dangerous! The scribes who sat in Moses seat, were not the victims of error; they were the victims of their failure to experience what they taught. The Scriptures declare, Abram fell on his face as the Lord talked with him (Genesis 17:3). Abraham was reverent and submissive. Probably there is no better picture anywhere in the Bible of the right place for mankind — and the right place for God. God was on His throne speaking — and Abraham was on his face listening! (A.W. Tozer)
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 11:01:20 +0000
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