BLESSED ARE THEY WHO KEEP MY WAYS

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 22

 

Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children:

 for blessed are they that keep my ways. 

-Proverbs 8:32

 
The Lord’s ways are various, but they all lead to glory, honour, immortality, and eternal life.
 
There is the way of salvation—or the way to be delivered from the guilt, power, and consequences of sin.
 
The way of peace—or the way to obtain, enjoy, and maintain peace of conscience.
 
The way of holiness—in which we acquire and increase it.
 
The way of truth—or the way to learn, experience, and practice it, by which we recommend our religion, and benefit our fellow man.
 
There is no entering upon, or walking in either of these ways but by faith.
 
We are saved by grace through faith. By faith we have peace with God.
 
Purifying their hearts by faith.
 
The truth of God must be believed, or it will never be practically known.
 
Faith worketh by love. Here is the commendation, “that keep my ways.”
 
They keep the eye on them, the heart toward them, and the feet in them.
 
They keep them with care—with fear—with constancy.
 
Such are blessed.
 
For they perceive correctly—they choose rightly—they walk safely—they live happily—they progress gradually—they proceed honourably—and they end gloriously.
 

Prone to stray and start aside,

Saviour! keep me near thy side.

Make me walk in all thy ways,

Teach me to show forth thy praise.

 
James Smith