Ed Walsh
Puritan Board Senior
Greetings beloved of the Lord, (Oh how He loves us)
I make it my practice not to give advice very often or without much forethought. For the Christian, what really is advice but telling somebody what you think God's will for them is. But I am making an exception today.
I have a brief word of advice for you. A matter I have struggled with and, by the grace of God, gotten some victory over. It has to do with how we think, and particularly how we pray. Consider this familiar verse.
In all that you do, whether it is study, raising a family, praying for a loved one, or meditating on God, resist all temptation to think about or be curious about the secret will of God.
Is it the will of God to save my spouse? According to the revealed will of God, it most certainly is. For it is written, "God commands all men to repent." (Acts 17:30) When you consider the things that are coming upon this world and are tempted to fear, remember that "all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) When you pray, "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven," do not think like the ten spies that brought a bad report of the land. (Numbers 13&14) Instead, remember the last words of our risen Lord before his ascension to the right hand of God.
I could give many more examples of how to discipline our thoughts and prayers, but I'm sure you can all take it from here. Always be on your guard about what you think because it is written, "as a man thinketh in his heart so is he." (Proverbs 23:7)
God bless you all,
Ed Walsh
I make it my practice not to give advice very often or without much forethought. For the Christian, what really is advice but telling somebody what you think God's will for them is. But I am making an exception today.
I have a brief word of advice for you. A matter I have struggled with and, by the grace of God, gotten some victory over. It has to do with how we think, and particularly how we pray. Consider this familiar verse.
Deuteronomy 29:29 KJV
The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
In all that you do, whether it is study, raising a family, praying for a loved one, or meditating on God, resist all temptation to think about or be curious about the secret will of God.
Is it the will of God to save my spouse? According to the revealed will of God, it most certainly is. For it is written, "God commands all men to repent." (Acts 17:30) When you consider the things that are coming upon this world and are tempted to fear, remember that "all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) When you pray, "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven," do not think like the ten spies that brought a bad report of the land. (Numbers 13&14) Instead, remember the last words of our risen Lord before his ascension to the right hand of God.
Matthew 28:18-20 KJV
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
I could give many more examples of how to discipline our thoughts and prayers, but I'm sure you can all take it from here. Always be on your guard about what you think because it is written, "as a man thinketh in his heart so is he." (Proverbs 23:7)
God bless you all,
Ed Walsh