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Daily Devotionals
John Gossner's Treasury
But let a man examine himself. 1 Corinthians 11:28. Let every man prove his own work. Galatians 6:4. I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure In uprightness. 1 Chronicles 29:17.
To neglect daily self-examination results in much injury and misfortune to the pious. If we do not constantly watch ourselves with a searching eye, we do not know ourselves nor our depravity. The heart feels no want, and without want no need of prayer, no incentive to humility. It is not bowed down and does not pray, at least not earnestly and importunately. Many evil inclinations steal into the heart and take a seat in the heart. We speak words without power; we glory in grace without using it, without being chastised by it and without denying worldly lusts and living ’’soberly, righteously and godly" (Titus 2:12). Present yourself often before the all-seeing eye just as you are, and say from the depths of your soul, "Lord, all my desire is before Thee; and my groaning is not hid from Thee. " (Psalms 38:9). Examine yourself; otherwise the Lord will try you and chastise you with a heavy rod. Let the eyes that penetrate all things, as flames of fire, often look into the hidden recesses of your heart. Do not be afraid; whatsoever you reveal unto Him will not harm you; but whatsoever you hide from Him, and from yourself, will become an insidious poison and will at last be fuel to the fire that shall burn you; for impenitence always results in severe judgment. Upright souls are healed, comforted, cleansed, strengthened and blessed by the Lord. Be upright lest you would be judged.
My soul lies humbled in the dust.
And owns Thy dreadful sentence just;
Look down, O Lord, with pitying eye.
And save the soul condemned to die.
