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Devotional:
“Only ye shall not go very far away.”
Exodus 8:28
This is a crafty word from the lip of the arch-tyrant Pharaoh. If the poor bondaged Israelites must needs go out of Egypt, then he bargains with them that it shall not be very far away; not too far for them to escape the terror of his arms, and the observation of his spies. After the same fashion, the world loves not the non-conformity of nonconformity, or the dissidence of dissent; it would have us be more charitable and not carry matters with too severe a hand. Death to the world, and burial with Christ, are experiences which carnal minds treat with ridicule, and hence the ordinance which sets them forth is almost universally neglected, and even condemned. Worldly wisdom recommends the path of compromise, and talks of “moderation.” According to this carnal policy, purity is admitted to be very desirable, but we are warned against being too precise; truth is of course to be followed, but error is not to be severely denounced. “Yes,” says the world, “be spiritually minded by all means, but do not deny yourself a little gay society, an occasional ball, and a Christmas visit to a theatre. What’s the good of crying down a thing when it is so fashionable, and everybody does it?” Multitudes of professors yield to this cunning advice, to their own eternal ruin. If we would follow the Lord wholly, we must go right away into the wilderness of separation, and leave the Egypt of the carnal world behind us. We must leave its maxims, its pleasures, and its religion too, and go far away to the place where the Lord calls his sanctified ones. When the town is on fire, our house cannot be too far from the flames. When the plague is abroad, a man cannot be too far from its haunts. The further from a viper the better, and the further from worldly conformity the better. To all true believers let the trumpet-call be sounded, “Come ye out from among them, be ye separate.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
As the sun rises on this new day, we come before You with hearts open and minds ready to receive Your guidance. We reflect on the words from Exodus 8:28, recognizing the cunning tactics of the enemy who seeks to keep us bound to worldly ways and carnal compromises. Today, we ask for Your strength and wisdom to fully separate ourselves from the influences of this world and to follow You wholeheartedly.
Lord, we acknowledge that the world often pressures us to conform, to blend in, and to compromise our values. It tempts us with moderation and tells us not to be too severe in our pursuit of holiness. But we know that You have called us to be set apart, to live lives that reflect Your purity and truth without wavering. Help us to resist the lure of worldly wisdom and to stand firm in our faith.
We pray for the courage to leave behind the maxims, pleasures, and false religions of this world. Let us not be swayed by the opinions and practices that are fashionable but contrary to Your Word. Instead, grant us the discernment to see through the deceptions and to choose the path of righteousness, even if it leads us into the wilderness of separation.
Lord, we understand that spiritual mindedness requires more than occasional acts of devotion. It demands a life fully surrendered to You, a life that shuns the superficial joys of society’s approval in favor of Your eternal truth. Help us to be diligent in our pursuit of holiness, to be uncompromising in our adherence to Your commandments, and to be bold in denouncing error and embracing Your truth.
As we go about our day, let us carry with us the trumpet-call to “Come out from among them and be separate.” May our lives be a testimony of Your transformative power and may we draw others to Your light by our example. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, empowering us to live in a manner worthy of our calling and to glorify You in all that we do.
Father, we ask for Your protection and guidance as we navigate a world filled with temptations and distractions. Keep us far from the flames of sin and the haunts of spiritual plagues. Let us find refuge in Your presence, where we are safe from the snares of the enemy.
We dedicate this day to You, seeking Your will and Your way in every decision and action. May our lives be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You, our Lord and Savior.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
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