9 In that day they will say,
“Surely this is our God;we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the Lord, we trusted in him;
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:9 (NIV)
"Accustom yourself
gradually to carry prayer into all your daily occupations. Speak, move,
work, in peace, as if you were in prayer, as indeed you ought to be. Do
everything without excitement, by the spirit of grace. As soon as you
perceive your natural impetuosity gliding in, retire quietly within, where
is the kingdom of God. Listen to the leadings of grace, then say and do
nothing but what the Holy Spirit shall put in your heart. You will find
that you will become more tranquil, that your words will be fewer and more
effectual, and that, with less effort, you will accomplish more good."
FRANÇOIS DE LA MOTHE FÉNELON. (1651-1715, French Roman Catholic Bishop)*
"As soon as you perceive your natural impetuosity gliding in, retire quietly within, where is the kingdom of God." How many times do we refuse to head off our sinful nature when we first feel its tug? Before we ever repeat that bit of gossip, we have a fleeting reminder we should not open our mouths. Before we click that web site, God sends a spiritual warning. Before we allow an argument to escalate with our spouse, He convicts us. Why, so often, do Christians refuse to "retire quietly within"?
For a Christian "within" is where our strength lies. "Within" is our Moral Compass. "Within" is our Strength. "Within" is the Kingdom of God.
At the first hint of temptation, turn within. When we that fleeting thought starts to take root, turn within. Before we allow tempers or desires to take control, turn within. If Christ is our Lord and Savior, the kingdom of God lies within. Turn within.
*Daily Strength for Daily Needs---February 10
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html
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