The Pilgrim Path---Proverbs 25: 11 

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

FITLY SPOKEN…

Rarely will we have to be the last word in defense of orthodoxy---the final testimony on behalf of truth---the final link in the chain of righteousness. Even if we were to have such an honored position---we are to maintain it with dignity and a sense of grace and magnanimity. A story I always appreciated about Abraham Lincoln was this one: He could get down right infuriated with individuals. He would go to his desk---even as President of the United States and write them a letter. His standard practice: he never sent the letter. He got the angst and venom out---he “saw” it on paper, then he thought, “I’m not sending that letter.” He would simply fold his thunderbolt note--- and put it in his desk drawer. Good idea.

Has it occurred to you that some things might be better left unsaid---or completely “over-hauled” considering what the Fruit of the Spirit dictates in Galatians 5: 16 – 26? Take a look-- for a refresher course. I have certainly needed the correction provided within those hallowed paths. Instead of giving people the “heat of perdition,” we should do our best with the Holy Spirit’s power--- to bring more of Heaven into situations. LORD knows--- we need more of HIM. Plus, the Followers of the LORD Jesus Christ must be known as agents of Gospel Good and Mercy. In an era of enhanced verbal assault and mean speech---we must be “for” the LORD Jesus everywhere (that includes the Church). Please empower us Spirit of grace and supplication---so we may bring genuine encouragement and renewal to “life-starved” people around us.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18: 21

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12: 18

“For Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.” First Peter 3: 10 – 12

From John Duncan: My neighbor’s good is my good…love makes it so.

HYMN

Let my hands perform his bidding, let my feet run in his ways;

Let my eyes see Jesus only, let my lips speak forth his praise.

Worldlings prize their gems of beauty, cling to gilded toys of dust,

Boast of wealth and fame and pleasure; only Jesus will I trust.

Mary D. James, 1889

PRAYER

Deliver me from being carnally minded, which is death; and make me spiritually minded, since that is life and peace (Romans 8: 6).

And may I, while I pass through this world, walk by faith and not by sight (II Cor. 5: 7) and be strong in faith, giving glory to God (Romans 4: 20).

May your grace teach me to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly (Titus 2: 11—12).

Teach me by the influence of your blessed Spirit, to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12: 30).

May I yield myself to you, as alive from the dead (Rom. 6: 13) and present my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable in your sight, which is my most reasonable service (Rom. 12: 1)! Amen.

Rev. Philip Doddridge

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason