Psalm of the Day: Psalm 113:1-9
Wisdom of the Day: Job 31:29-40
Scripture Reading: Luke 9:7-11
Let us see the importance to Christians of occasional privacy and retirement. We are told, that when the apostles returned from their first ministerial work, our Lord "took them and went aside privately into a desert place." We cannot doubt that this was done with a deep meaning. It was meant to teach the great lesson that those who do public work for the souls of others, must be careful to make time for being alone with God.
The lesson is one which many Christians would do well to remember. Occasional retirement, self-inquiry, meditation, and secret communion with God are absolutely essential to spiritual health. The Christian who neglects them is in great danger of a fall. To be always preaching, teaching, speaking, writing, working, resting, or seeking entertainment often leads to troubling consequences.
We must make time occasionally for sitting down and calmly looking within, and examining how matters stand between our own selves and Christ. The omission of the practice is the true cause of many a backsliding which shocks the Church, and gives occasion to the world to blaspheme.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me to seek a private relationship with you.
Action Plan: Consider how much time you spend with God in prayer, meditation, Bible reading, and prayer. What other activities do you do in life that exceed these? How do you need to change?
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
