Valley of Vision: The Cry of a Convicted Sinner

The Banner of Truth Trust ^ | 1975 | Arthur Bennett

[Gamecock]

Thou righteous and holy Sovereign,

In whose hand is my life and whose are all

my ways,

Keep me from fluttering about religion;

fix me firm in it,

for I am irresolute;

my decisions are smoke and vapour,

and I do not glorify thee,

or behave according to thy will;

Cut me not off before my thoughts grow

to responses,

and the budding of my soul into full flower,

for thou art forbearing and good,

patient and kind.

Save me from myself,

from the artifices and deceits of sin,

from the treachery of my perverse nature,

from denying thy charge against my offences,

from a life of continual rebellion against thee,

from wrong principles, views, and ends;

for I know that all my thoughts, affections,

desires and pursuits are alienated from thee.

I have acted as if I hated thee, although thou art

love itself;

have contrived to tempt thee to the uttermost,

to wear out thy patience;

have lived evilly in word and action.

Had I been a prince

I would long ago have crushed such a rebel;

Had I been a father

I would long since have rejected my child.

O, thou Father of my spirit,

thou King of my life,

cast me not into destruction,

drive me not from thy presence,

but wound my heart that it may be healed;

break it that thine own hand

may make it whole.

[Gamecock]

This prayer is taken from a collection of Puritan works titled "The Valley of Vision." First published in 1975 by Arthur Bennett, the book has been used by many Christians for prayer, as a devotional, or just plain reflection.

I plan to post one each day and hope that each of you will benefit from a brief glimpse into the mind of the Puritans. If you would like on or off of this ping list please let me know.

Please, no flaming, cussin' or wagering.

[Gamecock]

VoV Ping

If "Christ is all" to you, you are Christians; and I, for one, am ready to give you the right hand of brotherhood. I do not mind what place of worship you attend, or by what distinctive name you may call yourselves, we are brethren; and I think, therefore, that we should love one another. If, my friends, you cannot embrace all who love the Lord Jesus Christ, no matter to what denomination they may belong, and as belonging to the universal Church, you have not hearts large enough to go to heaven; because, if such be your contracted views, you cannot possibly say, "Christ is all."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon(1834-1892)

[Reborn]

EXCELLENT THREAD BUMP!

I love these so very much. Thank you for posting them each day!!!!

[ItsOurTimeNow]

Carnal, careless, and covetous
(William Plumer, "Vital Godliness: A Treatise
on Experimental and Practical Piety" 1864)


One must judge of his own state by the fruit he bears.
When our fruit is unto holiness, we know that the end
shall be everlasting life. Everyone who hopes that he is
converted to God, should examine himself and prove his
own fruit. In judging of piety, there is no substitute for
a holy life. We are Christ's disciples--if we do whatever
He commands us. We are the servants of the wicked
one--if we do the works of the flesh. We may boast of
discoveries, of raptures, and ecstasies--but all is in vain
if a consistent life is not the result. A godly life is the
infallible evidence of conversion.

Many professors of religion are carnal, careless,
and covetous. In them no change of life appears
to prove a change of heart. They are much like their
worldly neighbors, except that they attend church.
They are spots and blemishes in Christian feasts.
They are a grief and a shame to godly people. The
church has their names, but the world has their
hearts. The number of such is painfully large.

http://www.gracegems.org

[onedoug]

Somehow, I don't feel that beating up on one's self like this is the way. God knows all this. Rather, what kind of lives will we lead? God loves laughter too, I think.

[jer33 3]

bump

[Gamecock]

***Rather, what kind of lives will we lead?***

So we are saved by works?

[onedoug]

So we are saved by works?

"If I knew God I'd be Him."

Though I believe, yes. And that faith enhances all.

[Dahlseide]

Save me from myself,

Not so long ago I argued with myself concerning Romans "nothing can seperate ..."

I desperately counted on myself as being part of the nothing. I worried not a whit about anything outside myself - I was/am the problem; still am. But how good it is to have others express the same HOPE.

Not to quibble with one of my favorites but in this day and age we should caution ourselves that the name Jesus has essential doctrine behind it. This is similar to "God is One you do well" even the daemons believe and tremble.

So if the regenerate says versus the unregenerate the issue is the same. Has God done the work?

But of course it is God's work & I am not the judge concerning the salvation of others & that is what CHS meant.

[Dahlseide]

My sin - O the bliss of this glorious thought - My sin, not in part, but the whole, has been nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! O my soul!

Say it again & again & again

[ItsOurTimeNow]

More evidence of conversion - before I sang hymns and felt nothing. After regeneration, nearly every one strikes my heart and nearly brings me to tears. This one always does.

"Full atonement, can it be? Hallelujiah! What a savior!"