Selected reading from Bogatzky’s devotional

Caution Against Self-Confidence

Dec 5, 2012

 Mine eyes are ever towards the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.  Psalm 25:15.  Happy is the man that feareth always.  Prov. 28:14. 

O how long can some enemies hide themselves with their nets before our eyes, and draw in all on a sudden.  It is unspeakable how cunning and powerful our enemies are; how they lie in wait everywhere, so that in all places, and at all times, we are surrounded with many cruel murderers of souls.  Blessed is he that keeps clear from self-confidence, and fearing always, says within himself, as soon as he awakes in the morning, Who knows what temptations I may meet with to-day?  perhaps when I arise, by the first step my feet may be entangled in dangerous snares and acts.  And, as self-confidence ever will be ashamed, and a firm confidence in the Lord never shall, Rom. 9:33, grant, O Lord, I beseech thee, that, distrusting myself, I may fully put my trust in thee, watching evermore in all things, and looking cautiously in all places about me, where there is any fear of danger.  Whatever I am about to do or to speak, let me first converse with thee by prayer; that, keeping always close to thee, I may be preserved against the power and craft of mine enemies, as in a strong hold; and confidently say, according to thy own pattern, given Psalm 16:8, “I have set the Lord before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”

 God is my portion and my joy,
His counsels are my light;
He gives me sweet advice by day,
And gentle hints by night.

 My eye would all her thoughts approve
To his all-seeing eye;
Nor death nor hell my hopes shall  move,
While such a friend is nigh.
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