TODAY SATURDAY JUNE 14 IS GLOBAL OUTREACH DAY
Please look at the following website to inform your prayers:-
www.globaloutreachday.com
I hope you have found the 30 days of ‘Light the Fire Again’ to be helpful.
Click on this link to see webversion of hardcopy:-
http://peter.prescott.ws/footnotes/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Light-The-Fire-Again-1.pdf
If you would like to purchase hardcopies of this devotional, then please send requests by email to andrew.taylor7@cantab.net
Cost is £3 per copy + postage. ( I will be on holiday for 2 weeks, from Tuesday 17 June so there may be a delay in reply)
Over the past 30 days approximately 35-38 people have usually been accessing these devotionals daily . Some people may have just been reading the devotionals on the life of Wesley. The intention has been that these devotionals would inspire prayer for revival AND ideally morning and evening reading and praying of the psalms IN A GROUP. The Christian faith is essentially corporate rather than individual in nature and there has been no one book of scripture more helpful devotionally in all the ages of the church than the book of psalms.
For those eager to grow in their discipleship of the Lord Jesus Christ while a member of a community of people reading and praying the psalms, while praying for revival, a 20 unit discipleship course will hopefully be posted, on this website starting in the autumn, inspired by both Benedicts rule and also inspired by key teachings on the Youth With A Mission Discipleship Training School curriculum. ( Summary of this 20 unit discipleship course below)
Jesus tells us to bring old treasure out of the store house as well as new treasure ( Matthew 13:52)
Alternatively if you do not feel this would be beneficial - please press unsubscribe.
Benedict’s Rule
Benedictine spirituality is distinctive because it was the spirituality that the Lord used to evangelize Europe. At the time that Benedict died his rule was one of the many rules for monastic life, but within two hundred years, Benedict ‘had become the patriarch of western monasticism and the Rule was the most influential in the Latin church’ Benedictine monastic life had a huge influence on every country in Europe during the Middle Ages, and half of the cathedrals in England were under Benedictine rule. Cranmer skillfully shortened the Benedictine monastic offices into the two Anglican prayer book offices, namely Matins and Evensong. Mark Noll argues that Benedict’s rule was one of the key turning points in the history of western civilization. It is now over 1500 years since Benedict wrote his rule which is still adhered to in Benedictine monasteries in the UK today ; it was the basis for the evangelization of Europe, and it has strongly informed institutional Christianity across the world.
The Youth with a Mission Discipleship Training School
Youth with A Mission is a Charismatic evangelical international interdenominational mission agency that was founded by Loren Cunningham in December 1960. The aim of Youth with a Mission (YWAM) is to know God and to make Him known. YWAM is essentially a modern-day monastic movement. Loren Cunningham’s original intention in establishing the Discipleship Training School was to focus on Christian character and missions, while living together in community. YWAM currently operates in over 1000 locations and there are over 15,000 staff, in over 149 countries.
Tentative summary of forthcoming 20 unit discipleship course.
‘LISTEN MY SON’
INTRODUCTION
‘And so we intend to establish a school for the Lord’s service…' Benedict’s rule –Prologue
This is a 20 unit discipleship course designed to be used alongside a community of praying people eager to grow in their discipleship of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1.) KNOWING GOD THE FATHER
‘Listen my son to the masters instructions, and take them to heart they are the instructions of a loving father…’ Benedict’s rule - Prologue
2.) THE INVITATION TO FOLLOW CHRIST
‘It is to you, that my words are addressed, if you are ready to take up the powerful and glorious weapons of obedience, renouncing your own will with the intention of fighting for the true king Christ the Lord…. Now at last we must wake up, as scripture rouses us to do when it says “Now is the time for us to rise from sleep” Romans 13:11’ Benedict’s rule - Prologue
3.) LISTENING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
‘Let us open our eyes to the divine light and listen carefully to what the divine voice tells us to do when it cries out each day, ‘If you hear his voice today, do not harden your hearts.’ Ps 95 7-8, and also ‘He who has ears to hear, let him listen to what the spirit says to the churches’ Rev 2:7; see also Matt 11:15’ Benedict’s rule -Prologue
4.) THE FEAR OF GOD
‘And what does he say? Come to me, my children and listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.’ Psalm 34:11 Benedict’s rule - Prologue
5.) SEEKING GOD FIRST
‘First of all, ‘love the Lord God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength’, then love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matt 22:37,39; Mark 12:30-31, Luke 10:27 Benedict’s Rule - Ch 4
6.) SEEKING GOD IN COMMUNITY: STABILITY
‘The workshop where we diligently work at all these tasks is the enclosure of the monastery, in the stability of the community’ Benedict’s Rule - Ch 4
7.) SEEKING GOD IN COMMUNITY: CONVERSION OF YOUR WAY OF LIFE
‘The one who is to be received ….must promise stability, conversion of his way of life and obedience before God and his saints’ Benedict’s Rule - Ch 58
8.) SEEKING GOD IN COMMUNITY: OBEDIENCE
‘‘The first step towards humility is unhesitating obedience, which comes naturally to all who hold Christ dearer than anything else….’ Benedict’s Rule Ch 4
9.) THE WORD OF GOD
‘As we make progress in our way of life and in faith, as our heart expands with the inexpressible sweetness of love, we shall run along the path of God’s commandments…’ Benedict’s rule -Prologue
10.) PRAYER
‘If we wish to ask a favour of a powerful person, we would not dare to do so except with humility and respect. Is it not all the more important for us to pray to the Lord, the God of all, with the utmost humility and purity of devotion Benedict’s Rule Ch 20
11.) THE HOLY SPIRIT
‘As we make progress in our way of life and in faith, as our heart expands with the inexpressible sweetness of love, we shall run along the path of God’s commandments…’ Benedict’s rule -Prologue
12.) SPIRITUAL GIFTS
‘Each person has his own gift from God – one person has one kind of gift and the next person has a different one.’
1 Corinthians 7:7 Benedict’s Rule Ch 40
13.) HUMILITY AND A TEACHABLE HEART
‘The first step towards humility is unhesitating obedience, which comes naturally to all who hold Christ dearer than anything else.’ Benedict’s rule Ch 5
14.) SERVANTHOOD
Holy Scripture calls us brothers, saying, ‘Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.’ Benedict’s Rule - Ch 7
15.) RELATIONSHIPS
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37,39, Mark 12:30-31, Luke 10:27 Benedict’s Rule - Ch 4
16.) GENEROSITY
‘God loves a cheerful giver’ 2 Cor 9:7 Benedict’s Rule - Ch 5
17.) HOSPITALITY
‘All guests who arrive should be received as if they were Christ.’ Benedict’s Rule - Ch 53
18.) RESTRAINT OF SPEECH
‘Let us do as the prophet says: I will keep a watch over my ways so that I do not offend with my tongue….’
Benedict’s Rule - Ch 6
19.) THE LEADER AS A SHEPHERD
‘The shepherd will…. think carefully about the account he must give of himself.’ Benedict’s rule - Ch 2
20.) LIFESTYLE MODELLING
‘The …abbot should be chosen for his virtuous way of life and the wisdom of his teaching ….’ Benedict’s Rule - Ch 64
Friday, June 13, 2014
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
DAY 30
MORNING
PSALMS 144–146
Psalm 144:4 “Man is like a breath his days like a fleeting shadow.”
“Nothing left but a library of books, a clergyman’s gown and the Methodist Church”
Wesley travelled to Leatherhead in a two-horse chaise to what was his last preaching engagement at 7am on Wednesday 23 February, 1791. His health deteriorated afterwards and as he lay on his bed during his last moments on this earth, he once cried out in a remarkably strong voice, “The best of all is, God is with us!” he died at 10 o’clock on Wednesday, 2 March. Memorial services were held in numerous cities and villages across the British Isles.197
On his tombstone in Wesley’s Chapel on City Road, London, the inscription reads. “Rev John Wesley ... a man in learning and sincere piety scarcely inferior to any in zeal, ministerial labours and extensive usefulness superior perhaps to all men since the days of St Paul. Regardless of fatigue, personal danger and disgrace he went out into the highways and hedges calling sinners to repentance and publishing the Gospel of peace. He was the founder of the Methodist societies and the chief promoter and patron of the plan of itinerant preaching which extended to Great Britain and Ireland, the West Indies and America with unexampled success. He was born 17 June, 1703 and died 2 March, 1791, in sure and certain hope of eternal life through the atonement and mediation of a crucified Saviour. He was 65 years in the ministry and 52 an itinerant preacher. He lived to see, in these kingdoms only, about 300 itinerant and 1000 local preachers raised up in the midst of his own people and 80,000 persons in societies under his care. His name will be ever had in grateful remembrance by all who rejoice in the universal spread of the gospel of Christ.”198
Because of his charitable nature he died poor. It has been said that when John Wesley was carried to his grave, he left behind him “a good library of books, a well-worn clergyman’s gown and the Methodist Church”. He had lived up to those challenging words that he had often given to his itinerant preachers: “The church has nothing to do but save souls; therefore spend and be spent in this work.”
Prayer
Lord, you set John Wesley apart to be your vessel to see a national awakening unto revival in the 18th century. We thank you for our godly heritage and all that you did in the past, but we call out to you today, “Set your chosen vessels apart for a national awakening today. Do not let the candle go out. Let your Church in this land catch the vision to do nothing but save souls, TO SPEND AND BE SPENT for this work. Restore the Gospel to England ONCE AGAIN we pray!”
197 Pollock, J. Wesley: The Preacher, 257–260.
198 Wesley, J. Volume 5, 45
DAY 30
EVENING
PSALMS 147–150
Psalm 149:4 “He crowns the humble with salvation.”
Kingswood in One Short Year: 1739
In one short year, 1739, much had been done among the poor colliers of Kingswood. Wesley wrote in his Journal:
27 November 1739
Few persons have lived long in the west of England, who have not heard of the Colliers of Kingswood; people famous from the beginning hitherto, for neither fearing God nor regarding man: So ignorant of the things of God, that they seemed but one remove from the beasts that perish; and therefore utterly without desire of instruction, as well as without the means of it ... Many last winter used tauntingly to say of Mr Whitefield, “If he will convert Heathens, why does he not go to the Colliers of Kingswood? In spring he did so. And as there were thousands who resorted to no place of public worship, he went after them into their own wilderness, “to seek and save that which was lost”. When he was called away, others went into the highways and hedges to compel them to come. And by the grace of God, their labour was not in vain. The scene is already changed. Kingswood does not now as a year ago, resound with cursing and blasphemy. It is no more filled with drunkenness and uncleanness, and the idle diversions that naturally lead thereto. It is no longer full of wars and fightings, of clamour and bitterness, of wrath and envyings. Peace and love are there. Great numbers of the people are mild, gentle and easy to be intreated. They do not cry, neither strive and hardly is their voice heard in the streets.
Years later after Wesley’s death, one secular journal, and The Gentleman’s Magazine a secular magazine that had scorned Wesley, wrote:
“The great point in which his name and mission will be honoured is this: he directed his labours towards those who had no instructor, to the highways and hedges; to the miners in Cornwall and the colliers in Kingswood ... by the humane and active endeavours of him and his brother Charles, a sense of decency, morals and religion was introduced into the lowest classes of mankind; the ignorant were instructed; the wretched relieved; and the abandoned reclaimed. Though his taste was classic and his manners elegant, he sacrificed that society in which he was particularly calculated to shine; gave up those preferments, which his abilities must have obtained and devoted a long life in practising and enforcing the plainest duties. Instead of being ‘an ornament to literature’, he was a blessing to his fellow creatures; instead of ‘the genius of the age,’ he was the servant of God!”
Prayer
We thank you, Lord, for the huge legacy that John Wesley left, one that was recognised even by his enemies. As you “crowned the humble” Kingswood miners “with salvation” in one short year, the year of 1739, we cry out to you, Lord, DO IT AGAIN. Just as a fire was lit in this land 275 years ago, we pray DO IT AGAIN! Lord, do not let the fire go out! Light the fire AGAIN, we pray!
TOMORROW, SATURDAY JUNE 14 IS GLOBAL OUTREACH DAY
PLEASE LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE TO INFORM YOUR PRAYERS:-
www.globaloutreachday.com
199 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 1, 251–252.
200 Pollock, J. Wesley:The preacher, 261.
PSALMS 144–146
Psalm 144:4 “Man is like a breath his days like a fleeting shadow.”
“Nothing left but a library of books, a clergyman’s gown and the Methodist Church”
Wesley travelled to Leatherhead in a two-horse chaise to what was his last preaching engagement at 7am on Wednesday 23 February, 1791. His health deteriorated afterwards and as he lay on his bed during his last moments on this earth, he once cried out in a remarkably strong voice, “The best of all is, God is with us!” he died at 10 o’clock on Wednesday, 2 March. Memorial services were held in numerous cities and villages across the British Isles.197
On his tombstone in Wesley’s Chapel on City Road, London, the inscription reads. “Rev John Wesley ... a man in learning and sincere piety scarcely inferior to any in zeal, ministerial labours and extensive usefulness superior perhaps to all men since the days of St Paul. Regardless of fatigue, personal danger and disgrace he went out into the highways and hedges calling sinners to repentance and publishing the Gospel of peace. He was the founder of the Methodist societies and the chief promoter and patron of the plan of itinerant preaching which extended to Great Britain and Ireland, the West Indies and America with unexampled success. He was born 17 June, 1703 and died 2 March, 1791, in sure and certain hope of eternal life through the atonement and mediation of a crucified Saviour. He was 65 years in the ministry and 52 an itinerant preacher. He lived to see, in these kingdoms only, about 300 itinerant and 1000 local preachers raised up in the midst of his own people and 80,000 persons in societies under his care. His name will be ever had in grateful remembrance by all who rejoice in the universal spread of the gospel of Christ.”198
Because of his charitable nature he died poor. It has been said that when John Wesley was carried to his grave, he left behind him “a good library of books, a well-worn clergyman’s gown and the Methodist Church”. He had lived up to those challenging words that he had often given to his itinerant preachers: “The church has nothing to do but save souls; therefore spend and be spent in this work.”
Prayer
Lord, you set John Wesley apart to be your vessel to see a national awakening unto revival in the 18th century. We thank you for our godly heritage and all that you did in the past, but we call out to you today, “Set your chosen vessels apart for a national awakening today. Do not let the candle go out. Let your Church in this land catch the vision to do nothing but save souls, TO SPEND AND BE SPENT for this work. Restore the Gospel to England ONCE AGAIN we pray!”
197 Pollock, J. Wesley: The Preacher, 257–260.
198 Wesley, J. Volume 5, 45
DAY 30
EVENING
PSALMS 147–150
Psalm 149:4 “He crowns the humble with salvation.”
Kingswood in One Short Year: 1739
In one short year, 1739, much had been done among the poor colliers of Kingswood. Wesley wrote in his Journal:
27 November 1739
Few persons have lived long in the west of England, who have not heard of the Colliers of Kingswood; people famous from the beginning hitherto, for neither fearing God nor regarding man: So ignorant of the things of God, that they seemed but one remove from the beasts that perish; and therefore utterly without desire of instruction, as well as without the means of it ... Many last winter used tauntingly to say of Mr Whitefield, “If he will convert Heathens, why does he not go to the Colliers of Kingswood? In spring he did so. And as there were thousands who resorted to no place of public worship, he went after them into their own wilderness, “to seek and save that which was lost”. When he was called away, others went into the highways and hedges to compel them to come. And by the grace of God, their labour was not in vain. The scene is already changed. Kingswood does not now as a year ago, resound with cursing and blasphemy. It is no more filled with drunkenness and uncleanness, and the idle diversions that naturally lead thereto. It is no longer full of wars and fightings, of clamour and bitterness, of wrath and envyings. Peace and love are there. Great numbers of the people are mild, gentle and easy to be intreated. They do not cry, neither strive and hardly is their voice heard in the streets.
Years later after Wesley’s death, one secular journal, and The Gentleman’s Magazine a secular magazine that had scorned Wesley, wrote:
“The great point in which his name and mission will be honoured is this: he directed his labours towards those who had no instructor, to the highways and hedges; to the miners in Cornwall and the colliers in Kingswood ... by the humane and active endeavours of him and his brother Charles, a sense of decency, morals and religion was introduced into the lowest classes of mankind; the ignorant were instructed; the wretched relieved; and the abandoned reclaimed. Though his taste was classic and his manners elegant, he sacrificed that society in which he was particularly calculated to shine; gave up those preferments, which his abilities must have obtained and devoted a long life in practising and enforcing the plainest duties. Instead of being ‘an ornament to literature’, he was a blessing to his fellow creatures; instead of ‘the genius of the age,’ he was the servant of God!”
Prayer
We thank you, Lord, for the huge legacy that John Wesley left, one that was recognised even by his enemies. As you “crowned the humble” Kingswood miners “with salvation” in one short year, the year of 1739, we cry out to you, Lord, DO IT AGAIN. Just as a fire was lit in this land 275 years ago, we pray DO IT AGAIN! Lord, do not let the fire go out! Light the fire AGAIN, we pray!
TOMORROW, SATURDAY JUNE 14 IS GLOBAL OUTREACH DAY
PLEASE LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE TO INFORM YOUR PRAYERS:-
www.globaloutreachday.com
199 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 1, 251–252.
200 Pollock, J. Wesley:The preacher, 261.
DAY 29
MORNING
PSALMS 139–140
Psalm 139:9 “... if I settle on the far side of the sea.”
Another Wave to the Ends of the Earth
The Methodist Conference commissioned two lay preachers in 1769 to go to the American colonies. In a sense they would be doing nothing new, as they would be working like itinerant Methodist preachers in Britain. In 1789 another itinerant from the Midlands, Francis Asbury, volunteered and set sail for Philadelphia to join them.193
Asbury is credited for recruiting and organising a band of selfless and radical riders of whom the world was not worthy, that would change America’s future forever. This group of rough yet broken men would travel the frontiers of America for decades, taking the Gospel to the most remote places in America. In a time of American history where it was easier to stay in one place and live in the comfort of the few cities that existed, these men refused comfort and were driven by the ancient dream of Eden to see man and God live in intimate fellowship. They rode on. Over half of them died before reaching the age of 33 and their annual pay, if any, was around 50 dollars. “No family was too poor, no house too filthy, no town too remote, and no people too ignorant to receive the good news that life could be better.”
They did not do it for the love of money, fame nor an affinity towards human comfort. They were marked by the same determination as Asbury that every home in America would hear and believe the Gospel. When Asbury arrived in America there were a few hundred Methodist followers and a few dozen preachers, but by the time he died there were over 210,000 followers and over 4,000 preachers. America would never be the same because of these wild-eyed revivalists. Wesley was encouraged that the Gospel was spreading in America. Their vision was his vision that if Christians were to live out the Gospel and to live pure and holy lives the message of the Gospel would be irresistible to those that had not heard the Good News. Wesley wrote to Asbury: “ (The) God of love will then prepare his messengers and make a way into the polar regions, into the deep recesses of America and into the interior parts of Africa; yea into the heart of China and Japan, with countries adjoining to them. And ‘their sound’ will then ‘go forth into all lands, and their voice to the ends of the earth.’”194 Asbury and the early American circuit riders are the inspiration for a new youth movement of radical evangelists in the USA at present.195
Prayer
Lord, raise up a new breed of wild-eyed revivalists in our day. We thank you for Francis Asbury and the early Methodist circuit riders and we say, “Lord, do it again”! Unleash another wave of passionate young evangelists with neither love of money nor love of comfort but a passionate desire to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Do it again in our day we pray, Lord!
193 Pollock, J. Wesley: The preacher, 250–251.
194 Wesley. J. Letter to Asbury, 1788.
195 www.thecircuitrider.com/about-us/history
DAY 29
EVENING
PSALMS 141–143
Psalm 141:4 “Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil.”
Deliverance in Kingswood
Wesley wrote in his Journal:196
Tuesday 23 October, 1739
Returning in the evening I was exceedingly pressed to go back to a young woman in Kingswood ... I went. She was 19 or 20 years old, but it seems could not write or read. I found her on the bed, two or three persons holding her. It was a terrible sight. Anguish, horror and despair above all descriptions, appeared in her pale face. The thousand distortions of her whole body showed how the dogs of hell were gnawing her heart. The shrieks intermixed were scarce to be endured. But her stony eyes could not weep. She screamed out as soon as words could find their way, “I am damned, damned lost for ever. Six days ago you might have helped me but it is past. I am the devil’s now.” We interrupted her by calling upon God. On which she sunk down ... and another young woman began to roar as loud as she had done. My brother came in, it being about 9 o’clock. We continued in prayer until past eleven, when God in a moment spoke peace into the soul, first of the first tormented and then the other and they both joined in singing praise to him who had “stilled the enemy and the avenger.”
Saturday 27 October 1739
I was sent for to Kingswood again to one of those who been so ill before. A violent rain began ... when I was come I was quite cold and dead, and fitter for sleep than prayer. She burst out into a horrid laughter, and said “No power, no power, no faith, no faith. She is mine, her soul is mine, and I have and will not let her go.” We begged God to increase our faith. Meanwhile her pangs increased more and more; so that one would have imagined, by the violence of the throes her body must have been shattered to pieces. We betook ourselves to prayer again, and ceased not again, till she began about 6 o’clock with a clear voice, and a cheerful look, [to sing] “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.”
Prayer
Lord, we pray for those in our country who are trapped in sin, who do not know that there is a free gift of salvation that does not need to be earned, that has been paid for at a price. You are our Deliverer, who rescues us from all our troubles who saves us from all despair. Rescue, save us and deliver us from evil we pray.
196 Wesley. J. Works of John Wesley, Journal, Volume 1, 236, 237.
PSALMS 139–140
Psalm 139:9 “... if I settle on the far side of the sea.”
Another Wave to the Ends of the Earth
The Methodist Conference commissioned two lay preachers in 1769 to go to the American colonies. In a sense they would be doing nothing new, as they would be working like itinerant Methodist preachers in Britain. In 1789 another itinerant from the Midlands, Francis Asbury, volunteered and set sail for Philadelphia to join them.193
Asbury is credited for recruiting and organising a band of selfless and radical riders of whom the world was not worthy, that would change America’s future forever. This group of rough yet broken men would travel the frontiers of America for decades, taking the Gospel to the most remote places in America. In a time of American history where it was easier to stay in one place and live in the comfort of the few cities that existed, these men refused comfort and were driven by the ancient dream of Eden to see man and God live in intimate fellowship. They rode on. Over half of them died before reaching the age of 33 and their annual pay, if any, was around 50 dollars. “No family was too poor, no house too filthy, no town too remote, and no people too ignorant to receive the good news that life could be better.”
They did not do it for the love of money, fame nor an affinity towards human comfort. They were marked by the same determination as Asbury that every home in America would hear and believe the Gospel. When Asbury arrived in America there were a few hundred Methodist followers and a few dozen preachers, but by the time he died there were over 210,000 followers and over 4,000 preachers. America would never be the same because of these wild-eyed revivalists. Wesley was encouraged that the Gospel was spreading in America. Their vision was his vision that if Christians were to live out the Gospel and to live pure and holy lives the message of the Gospel would be irresistible to those that had not heard the Good News. Wesley wrote to Asbury: “ (The) God of love will then prepare his messengers and make a way into the polar regions, into the deep recesses of America and into the interior parts of Africa; yea into the heart of China and Japan, with countries adjoining to them. And ‘their sound’ will then ‘go forth into all lands, and their voice to the ends of the earth.’”194 Asbury and the early American circuit riders are the inspiration for a new youth movement of radical evangelists in the USA at present.195
Prayer
Lord, raise up a new breed of wild-eyed revivalists in our day. We thank you for Francis Asbury and the early Methodist circuit riders and we say, “Lord, do it again”! Unleash another wave of passionate young evangelists with neither love of money nor love of comfort but a passionate desire to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Do it again in our day we pray, Lord!
193 Pollock, J. Wesley: The preacher, 250–251.
194 Wesley. J. Letter to Asbury, 1788.
195 www.thecircuitrider.com/about-us/history
DAY 29
EVENING
PSALMS 141–143
Psalm 141:4 “Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil.”
Deliverance in Kingswood
Wesley wrote in his Journal:196
Tuesday 23 October, 1739
Returning in the evening I was exceedingly pressed to go back to a young woman in Kingswood ... I went. She was 19 or 20 years old, but it seems could not write or read. I found her on the bed, two or three persons holding her. It was a terrible sight. Anguish, horror and despair above all descriptions, appeared in her pale face. The thousand distortions of her whole body showed how the dogs of hell were gnawing her heart. The shrieks intermixed were scarce to be endured. But her stony eyes could not weep. She screamed out as soon as words could find their way, “I am damned, damned lost for ever. Six days ago you might have helped me but it is past. I am the devil’s now.” We interrupted her by calling upon God. On which she sunk down ... and another young woman began to roar as loud as she had done. My brother came in, it being about 9 o’clock. We continued in prayer until past eleven, when God in a moment spoke peace into the soul, first of the first tormented and then the other and they both joined in singing praise to him who had “stilled the enemy and the avenger.”
Saturday 27 October 1739
I was sent for to Kingswood again to one of those who been so ill before. A violent rain began ... when I was come I was quite cold and dead, and fitter for sleep than prayer. She burst out into a horrid laughter, and said “No power, no power, no faith, no faith. She is mine, her soul is mine, and I have and will not let her go.” We begged God to increase our faith. Meanwhile her pangs increased more and more; so that one would have imagined, by the violence of the throes her body must have been shattered to pieces. We betook ourselves to prayer again, and ceased not again, till she began about 6 o’clock with a clear voice, and a cheerful look, [to sing] “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.”
Prayer
Lord, we pray for those in our country who are trapped in sin, who do not know that there is a free gift of salvation that does not need to be earned, that has been paid for at a price. You are our Deliverer, who rescues us from all our troubles who saves us from all despair. Rescue, save us and deliver us from evil we pray.
196 Wesley. J. Works of John Wesley, Journal, Volume 1, 236, 237.
Monday, June 9, 2014
DAY 28
MORNING
PSALMS 132–135
Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.”
Wesley and Whitefield Reconciled
It became clear a few years after the Methodist revival had begun in 1841 that George Whitefield and John Wesley had differences of opinion on a number of matters. “Wesley knew that Whitefield would never put friendship before principle: he was immovable ... wherever his conscience was concerned. Both men were distressed. Whitefield probably showed it more openly, for as (Wesley said) ‘He had a heart susceptible of the most generous and the most tender friendship.’”184
“The heart of Wesley’s annoyance, however was that Whitefield had revealed a private matter. To underline his point that the drawing of a lot might be false guidance, Whitefield had told the public about Wesley’s lot at Deal in February 1738.”185
“All through the summer of 1741 they were estranged. Whitefield toured Scotland, where he preached to great audiences, was bullied by extreme Calvinists who were affronted he would not leave the Church of England. Wesley toured the Midlands, preached before the University of Oxford, and worked in London and Bristol. He made no move towards Whitefield.”186
“In November 17841 their seven-month breach was healed and affection returned, yet the close unity of the early days never was fully restored: the theological divisions which two centuries earlier had weakened the Reformation were dividing their minds though not their hearts, and each believed he was right. ‘I spent an agreeable hour with Mr Whitefield’ wrote Wesley in April 1742. ‘I believe he is sincere in all he says concerning his desire of joining hands with all that love the Lord Jesus Christ. But if (as some would persuade me) he is not, the loss is all on his side. I am just as I was: I go on my way, whether he goes with me or stays behind.’”187 “Together they could have done even more for Britain and America—Whitefield the incomparable preacher, Wesley the patient organizer. Instead the evangelical revival would flow in two channels, although leaders and friends would often support each other. Both Wesley and Whitefield sought a more formal unity from time to time, but their differences were not overcome.”188
At George Whitefield’s funeral, John Wesley gave the address and his final words were: “oh that thou wouldst cause the mantle of thy prophet, whom thou has taken up, now to fall upon us that remain! ‘Where is the Lord God of Elijah?’ Let his spirit rest upon these thy servants! show thou art the God that answerest by fire! Let the fire of thy love fall on every heart! And because we love thee, let us love one another with a ‘love stronger than death!’ Take away from us ‘all anger and wrath, and bitterness; all clamour and evil- speaking!’ Let thy spirit so rest upon us, that from this hour we may be ‘kind to each other, tenderhearted forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven us.’”189
Prayer
When brothers live together in unity you command a blessing, Lord. Show us where there is an offence in our hearts, Lord. If there is pride in my heart, show me, Lord, and give me the grace to repent and to forgive.
184 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 149
185 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 150 186 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 151
187 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 153.
188 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 153. 189 Wesley. J.Journal, Volume 6, 181–2
DAY 28
EVENING
PSALMS 136–138
Psalm 138:3 “You made me bold and stout-hearted.”
Cornwall Transformed
The West Country was testament to the change that Methodism had brought to the country. In his old age, the bishop of Exeter invited him to a meal at his palace. A previous bishop of Exeter had been violently opposed to Wesley and had written pamphlets denouncing him. This meeting was very different. After the meal was over the bishop said, “Mr. Wesley, I hope I may sit at your feet in the kingdom of heaven.” When Wesley was 86 he visited Cornwall for the last time. He wrote in his Journal:190 “The last time I was here, about forty years ago, I was taken prisoner by an immense mob, gaping and roaring like lions; but how is the tide turned. High and low now lined the street from one end of the town to the other, out of stark love and kindness, gaping and staring as if the king were going by. In the evening I preached on the smooth top of the hill, at a small distance for the sea to the largest congregation I have ever seen in Cornwall, except in or near Redruth ... God moved wonderfully on the hearts of the people, who all seemed to know the day of their visitation.” As Wesley left Cornwall on Friday August 28, 1789, he wrote, “So there is a fair prospect in Cornwall, from Launceston to Land’s End.”191
The final sermon that Wesley preached was in the open air at the age of 87. He was beneath an ash tree at Rye in Kent in a churchyard. Now his voice was very feeble “but his reverend countenance, especially his long white locks, formed a picture never to be forgotten.”192
Prayer
We pray for the turning of the tide in Britain. We pray that the Gospel would be restored to our land, ONCE AGAIN. Raise up bold and stout-hearted evangelists to preach the Gospel in the highways and byways, today. We pray for another day of visitation from you Lord—a “planting of the Lord for the display of your splendour.” Radically transform the morality of our nation from the grassroots up and change the spiritual landscape beyond recognition through the powerful proclamation of your word, with signs following.
190 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 4, 468.
191 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 4, 470.
192 Pollock, J. Wesley: the Preacher, 257.
PSALMS 132–135
Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.”
Wesley and Whitefield Reconciled
It became clear a few years after the Methodist revival had begun in 1841 that George Whitefield and John Wesley had differences of opinion on a number of matters. “Wesley knew that Whitefield would never put friendship before principle: he was immovable ... wherever his conscience was concerned. Both men were distressed. Whitefield probably showed it more openly, for as (Wesley said) ‘He had a heart susceptible of the most generous and the most tender friendship.’”184
“The heart of Wesley’s annoyance, however was that Whitefield had revealed a private matter. To underline his point that the drawing of a lot might be false guidance, Whitefield had told the public about Wesley’s lot at Deal in February 1738.”185
“All through the summer of 1741 they were estranged. Whitefield toured Scotland, where he preached to great audiences, was bullied by extreme Calvinists who were affronted he would not leave the Church of England. Wesley toured the Midlands, preached before the University of Oxford, and worked in London and Bristol. He made no move towards Whitefield.”186
“In November 17841 their seven-month breach was healed and affection returned, yet the close unity of the early days never was fully restored: the theological divisions which two centuries earlier had weakened the Reformation were dividing their minds though not their hearts, and each believed he was right. ‘I spent an agreeable hour with Mr Whitefield’ wrote Wesley in April 1742. ‘I believe he is sincere in all he says concerning his desire of joining hands with all that love the Lord Jesus Christ. But if (as some would persuade me) he is not, the loss is all on his side. I am just as I was: I go on my way, whether he goes with me or stays behind.’”187 “Together they could have done even more for Britain and America—Whitefield the incomparable preacher, Wesley the patient organizer. Instead the evangelical revival would flow in two channels, although leaders and friends would often support each other. Both Wesley and Whitefield sought a more formal unity from time to time, but their differences were not overcome.”188
At George Whitefield’s funeral, John Wesley gave the address and his final words were: “oh that thou wouldst cause the mantle of thy prophet, whom thou has taken up, now to fall upon us that remain! ‘Where is the Lord God of Elijah?’ Let his spirit rest upon these thy servants! show thou art the God that answerest by fire! Let the fire of thy love fall on every heart! And because we love thee, let us love one another with a ‘love stronger than death!’ Take away from us ‘all anger and wrath, and bitterness; all clamour and evil- speaking!’ Let thy spirit so rest upon us, that from this hour we may be ‘kind to each other, tenderhearted forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven us.’”189
Prayer
When brothers live together in unity you command a blessing, Lord. Show us where there is an offence in our hearts, Lord. If there is pride in my heart, show me, Lord, and give me the grace to repent and to forgive.
184 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 149
185 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 150 186 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 151
187 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 153.
188 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 153. 189 Wesley. J.Journal, Volume 6, 181–2
DAY 28
EVENING
PSALMS 136–138
Psalm 138:3 “You made me bold and stout-hearted.”
Cornwall Transformed
The West Country was testament to the change that Methodism had brought to the country. In his old age, the bishop of Exeter invited him to a meal at his palace. A previous bishop of Exeter had been violently opposed to Wesley and had written pamphlets denouncing him. This meeting was very different. After the meal was over the bishop said, “Mr. Wesley, I hope I may sit at your feet in the kingdom of heaven.” When Wesley was 86 he visited Cornwall for the last time. He wrote in his Journal:190 “The last time I was here, about forty years ago, I was taken prisoner by an immense mob, gaping and roaring like lions; but how is the tide turned. High and low now lined the street from one end of the town to the other, out of stark love and kindness, gaping and staring as if the king were going by. In the evening I preached on the smooth top of the hill, at a small distance for the sea to the largest congregation I have ever seen in Cornwall, except in or near Redruth ... God moved wonderfully on the hearts of the people, who all seemed to know the day of their visitation.” As Wesley left Cornwall on Friday August 28, 1789, he wrote, “So there is a fair prospect in Cornwall, from Launceston to Land’s End.”191
The final sermon that Wesley preached was in the open air at the age of 87. He was beneath an ash tree at Rye in Kent in a churchyard. Now his voice was very feeble “but his reverend countenance, especially his long white locks, formed a picture never to be forgotten.”192
Prayer
We pray for the turning of the tide in Britain. We pray that the Gospel would be restored to our land, ONCE AGAIN. Raise up bold and stout-hearted evangelists to preach the Gospel in the highways and byways, today. We pray for another day of visitation from you Lord—a “planting of the Lord for the display of your splendour.” Radically transform the morality of our nation from the grassroots up and change the spiritual landscape beyond recognition through the powerful proclamation of your word, with signs following.
190 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 4, 468.
191 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 4, 470.
192 Pollock, J. Wesley: the Preacher, 257.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
DAY 27
MORNING
PSALMS 120–125
Psalm 122:7 “I lift up my eyes to the hills; where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Kennington Common
From the Lord comes our help. He is our Saviour and Deliverer. The message that Wesley preached at Kennington in September was “believe in the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved.” In his Journal we read how the Lord granted peace and rest to the weary who cried to him to be saved:182
Monday 3 September 1739
Several persons who were then convinced of sin came to me to the next morning. One came also, who had been mourning long, and desired earnestly us to pray with her. We had scarce begun, when the enemy began to tear her so that she screamed out as in the pangs of death. But his time was short; for within a quarter of an hour she was full of the “peace that passes all understanding”.
Sunday 9 September 1739
I declared to about ten thousand in Moorfields what they must do to be saved. My mother went and with this about five others to Kennington where were supposed to be twenty thousand people. I again insisted on that foundation of all our hope “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved.”
Tuesday 18 September 1739
A young woman came to us at Islington, in such an agony as I have seldom seen. Her sorrow and fear were too big for utterance; so that after a few words, her strength as well as heart failing, she sunk down to the ground. Only her sighs and her groans showed she was yet alive. We cried out unto God in her behalf. We claimed the promises made to the weary and heavy-laden, and he did not cast out our prayer. She saw the Saviour as it were, crucified before her eyes. She laid hold on him by faith and her spirit revived.
Prayer
Lord, we look to you, we lift our eyes to you. You are the one from whom our help comes. May the Gospel go out to the poor in our nation once again. We pray that the thirsty would come to you and drink. May they believe on you, Lord Jesus, and be saved. We pray for today’s poor — the oppressed, the neglected, the elderly, the fatherless, the single parents and the lonely. Melt their hearts and revive them with your love today, we pray.
182 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 1, 225.
DAY 27
EVENING
PSALMS 126–131
Psalm 126:5 “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.”
Delivered From Distress
Wesley wrote in his Journal:
Thursday 27 September, 1739
I ... at six came to Turner’s Hall; which holds (about) two thousand persons. The press both within and without was very great. In the beginning of the expounding, there being a large vault beneath, the main beam which supported the floor broke. The floor immediately sunk, which occasioned much noise and confusion among the people. But two or three days before a man had filled the vault with hogsheads of tobacco. So that the floor after sinking a foot or two rested upon them and I went on without interruption.
Thursday 11 October 1739
One of these showed the agony of her soul by crying aloud to God for help, to the great offence of many, who eagerly “rebuked her that she should hold her peace.” She continued in great torment all night, finding no rest of either of soul or body. But while a few were praying for her in the morning, God delivered her out of her distress.
Wednesday 17 October 1739
The frost was sharper than before. However five or six hundred people stayed, while I explained the nature of that salvation which is through faith, yea faith alone. About noon I came to Usk, where I preached to a small company of poor people, on those words, “The Son of Man is come to save that which was lost.” One grey- headed man wept and trembled exceedingly. When I came to Ponty-Pool in the afternoon, being unable to procure any more convenient place, I stood in the street, and cried aloud to five or six hundred attentive hearers, to “believe in the Lord Jesus,” that they might “be saved.” In the evening I showed his willingness to save all who desire to come unto God through Him. Many were melted into tears. It may be that some will bring forth fruit with patience. 183
Prayer
Lord, teach us how to pray for revival to sweep our land, to sow in prayer that we might reap abundantly. May the word of God take root in receptive hearts and may many believe in the Lord Jesus Christ that they might be saved.
183 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 1, 225.
PSALMS 120–125
Psalm 122:7 “I lift up my eyes to the hills; where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Kennington Common
From the Lord comes our help. He is our Saviour and Deliverer. The message that Wesley preached at Kennington in September was “believe in the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved.” In his Journal we read how the Lord granted peace and rest to the weary who cried to him to be saved:182
Monday 3 September 1739
Several persons who were then convinced of sin came to me to the next morning. One came also, who had been mourning long, and desired earnestly us to pray with her. We had scarce begun, when the enemy began to tear her so that she screamed out as in the pangs of death. But his time was short; for within a quarter of an hour she was full of the “peace that passes all understanding”.
Sunday 9 September 1739
I declared to about ten thousand in Moorfields what they must do to be saved. My mother went and with this about five others to Kennington where were supposed to be twenty thousand people. I again insisted on that foundation of all our hope “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved.”
Tuesday 18 September 1739
A young woman came to us at Islington, in such an agony as I have seldom seen. Her sorrow and fear were too big for utterance; so that after a few words, her strength as well as heart failing, she sunk down to the ground. Only her sighs and her groans showed she was yet alive. We cried out unto God in her behalf. We claimed the promises made to the weary and heavy-laden, and he did not cast out our prayer. She saw the Saviour as it were, crucified before her eyes. She laid hold on him by faith and her spirit revived.
Prayer
Lord, we look to you, we lift our eyes to you. You are the one from whom our help comes. May the Gospel go out to the poor in our nation once again. We pray that the thirsty would come to you and drink. May they believe on you, Lord Jesus, and be saved. We pray for today’s poor — the oppressed, the neglected, the elderly, the fatherless, the single parents and the lonely. Melt their hearts and revive them with your love today, we pray.
182 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 1, 225.
DAY 27
EVENING
PSALMS 126–131
Psalm 126:5 “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.”
Delivered From Distress
Wesley wrote in his Journal:
Thursday 27 September, 1739
I ... at six came to Turner’s Hall; which holds (about) two thousand persons. The press both within and without was very great. In the beginning of the expounding, there being a large vault beneath, the main beam which supported the floor broke. The floor immediately sunk, which occasioned much noise and confusion among the people. But two or three days before a man had filled the vault with hogsheads of tobacco. So that the floor after sinking a foot or two rested upon them and I went on without interruption.
Thursday 11 October 1739
One of these showed the agony of her soul by crying aloud to God for help, to the great offence of many, who eagerly “rebuked her that she should hold her peace.” She continued in great torment all night, finding no rest of either of soul or body. But while a few were praying for her in the morning, God delivered her out of her distress.
Wednesday 17 October 1739
The frost was sharper than before. However five or six hundred people stayed, while I explained the nature of that salvation which is through faith, yea faith alone. About noon I came to Usk, where I preached to a small company of poor people, on those words, “The Son of Man is come to save that which was lost.” One grey- headed man wept and trembled exceedingly. When I came to Ponty-Pool in the afternoon, being unable to procure any more convenient place, I stood in the street, and cried aloud to five or six hundred attentive hearers, to “believe in the Lord Jesus,” that they might “be saved.” In the evening I showed his willingness to save all who desire to come unto God through Him. Many were melted into tears. It may be that some will bring forth fruit with patience. 183
Prayer
Lord, teach us how to pray for revival to sweep our land, to sow in prayer that we might reap abundantly. May the word of God take root in receptive hearts and may many believe in the Lord Jesus Christ that they might be saved.
183 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 1, 225.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
DAY 26
MORNING
PSALM 119:105–144
Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet.”
Open-air evangelism unto the Nations
Throughout his lifetime, Wesley travelled up and down the British Isles by horse, by carriage and by foot. Open- air evangelism may have been unfamiliar to his contemporaries in the 18th century, and was resisted by the religious authorities of his day, but pedestrian evangelism in England had many precedents.179
There was no alternative but to preach ing in the open-air for the church originally. In England the church was probably planted through Roman soldiers but there would not have been many buildings. In the fifth century Ninian and Patrick and then in the sixth century Colomba would have preached in the open air. Paulinus and Aidan would have preached in the open in Northumbria when it was converted. In the 13th century the friars also used outdoor preaching, and itinerant preachers brought the truths of the Reformation to our land. They would go to wherever they might be heard and this was more often on the village green or by the road than in the local churches. George Fox and the Quakers used the same approach too. Wesley was in good company. Wesley followed a triangular path, from London to Bristol and to Newcastle, which also was his place of retreat and rest. He also travelled to Wales in 1739 and Scotland in 1751. As he began to travel all over the world, leading people to Christ was his sole desire. He wrote: “wherever I see one or a thousand men running into hell, be it in England, Ireland, or France yea, in Europe, Asia, Africa, or America, I will stop them if I can; as a minister of Christ, I will beseech them in his name to turn back and be reconciled to God. Were I to do otherwise, were I to let any soul drop into the pit, whom I might have saved from everlasting burnings, I am not satisfied God would accept my plea, ‘Lord, he was not of my parish.’”180
Prayer
We pray for our nation, that it would be reconciled to God. Thank you for the history of your word being preached in the open air across our country. Let your word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, as we continue to take the Gospel across the length and breadth of our land. Give us your heart for the lost, that we would have a greater urgency to share our faith, a greater fear of God and a greater desire to carry the flame of the Gospel wherever we go. Do not let the candle go out on our watch, Lord, let it burn even more brightly, we pray.
179 Skevington-Wood, A. The burning heart, 107, 108, 113.
180 Wesley, J. Letters, To John Smith, Vol 2, 137.
DAY 26
EVENING
PSALM 119:145–176
Psalm 119:166 “I wait for your salvation, O Lord.”
Salvation by Faith
Summary of sermon preached by John Wesley181
All the blessings which God has bestowed upon man are undeserved favour. I begin by asking so that we do not fall short of this grace, this undeserved favour ... what is this faith through which we are saved? My answer — IT IS NOT the faith of a heathen, IT IS NOT the faith of the devil and IT IS NOT the faith of the apostles when Christ was with them. Christian faith is NOT ONLY an assent to the whole gospel of Christ, BUT ALSO a full reliance on the blood of Christ to trust in the merits of his life, death and resurrection, as given for us and living in us — IT IS our salvation — a present salvation ... from sin ... from the guilt of all past sin ... and consequently you are saved from fear ... and from the power of sin ...
BUT YOU MAY OBJECT...Doesn’t preaching this “salvation by faith” lead men into pride? I answer, “we should be cautioned”, but it should not lead to pride, because salvation is a free undeserved gift of God.
BUT YOU SAY ... Doesn’t preaching this “salvation by faith” drive men to despair that they cannot be saved by all that he can do? I answer “yes” and “so it ought — despair of being saved by their own works, their own merits or righteousness.”
BUT YOU SAY ... isn’t preaching this “salvation by faith” an uncomfortable doctrine. I say “it is the only comfortable one”. Here is comfort high as heaven, stronger than death. What mercy this is for us all — yes for Zaccheus a public robber, yes for Mary Magdalene a common harlot.
I think I hear you say “... then I even I may hope for mercy”. And so you may afflicted one, whom none has comforted! God has not cast out your prayer. Never was this doctrine more in season than it is today. Nothing but this can prevent the immorality that has overspread the land like a flood. Can you empty the great deep drop by drop? You may get rid of particular sins, but the righteousness which is by faith will “stay” the proud waves of immorality. Nothing but this can stop the mouths of those that openly deny the Lord. Surely this is the case, salvation by faith is a strong and firm foundation of the Christian religion — these objections are completely unfounded — as you stand on this firm foundation though you be as weak and helpless as an infant, the strongman shall not be able to stand before you. You will prevail over him, and subdue him under your feet.
Prayer
Thank you that we have been saved by faith in you, Lord Jesus. We have been saved from the guilt of all past sin and we have been saved from fear and the power of sin. Come and build your house, Lord Jesus, and let this strong and firm foundation not be moved.
181 Wesley. J. Volume 5, 7–16
PSALM 119:105–144
Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet.”
Open-air evangelism unto the Nations
Throughout his lifetime, Wesley travelled up and down the British Isles by horse, by carriage and by foot. Open- air evangelism may have been unfamiliar to his contemporaries in the 18th century, and was resisted by the religious authorities of his day, but pedestrian evangelism in England had many precedents.179
There was no alternative but to preach ing in the open-air for the church originally. In England the church was probably planted through Roman soldiers but there would not have been many buildings. In the fifth century Ninian and Patrick and then in the sixth century Colomba would have preached in the open air. Paulinus and Aidan would have preached in the open in Northumbria when it was converted. In the 13th century the friars also used outdoor preaching, and itinerant preachers brought the truths of the Reformation to our land. They would go to wherever they might be heard and this was more often on the village green or by the road than in the local churches. George Fox and the Quakers used the same approach too. Wesley was in good company. Wesley followed a triangular path, from London to Bristol and to Newcastle, which also was his place of retreat and rest. He also travelled to Wales in 1739 and Scotland in 1751. As he began to travel all over the world, leading people to Christ was his sole desire. He wrote: “wherever I see one or a thousand men running into hell, be it in England, Ireland, or France yea, in Europe, Asia, Africa, or America, I will stop them if I can; as a minister of Christ, I will beseech them in his name to turn back and be reconciled to God. Were I to do otherwise, were I to let any soul drop into the pit, whom I might have saved from everlasting burnings, I am not satisfied God would accept my plea, ‘Lord, he was not of my parish.’”180
Prayer
We pray for our nation, that it would be reconciled to God. Thank you for the history of your word being preached in the open air across our country. Let your word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, as we continue to take the Gospel across the length and breadth of our land. Give us your heart for the lost, that we would have a greater urgency to share our faith, a greater fear of God and a greater desire to carry the flame of the Gospel wherever we go. Do not let the candle go out on our watch, Lord, let it burn even more brightly, we pray.
179 Skevington-Wood, A. The burning heart, 107, 108, 113.
180 Wesley, J. Letters, To John Smith, Vol 2, 137.
DAY 26
EVENING
PSALM 119:145–176
Psalm 119:166 “I wait for your salvation, O Lord.”
Salvation by Faith
Summary of sermon preached by John Wesley181
All the blessings which God has bestowed upon man are undeserved favour. I begin by asking so that we do not fall short of this grace, this undeserved favour ... what is this faith through which we are saved? My answer — IT IS NOT the faith of a heathen, IT IS NOT the faith of the devil and IT IS NOT the faith of the apostles when Christ was with them. Christian faith is NOT ONLY an assent to the whole gospel of Christ, BUT ALSO a full reliance on the blood of Christ to trust in the merits of his life, death and resurrection, as given for us and living in us — IT IS our salvation — a present salvation ... from sin ... from the guilt of all past sin ... and consequently you are saved from fear ... and from the power of sin ...
BUT YOU MAY OBJECT...Doesn’t preaching this “salvation by faith” lead men into pride? I answer, “we should be cautioned”, but it should not lead to pride, because salvation is a free undeserved gift of God.
BUT YOU SAY ... Doesn’t preaching this “salvation by faith” drive men to despair that they cannot be saved by all that he can do? I answer “yes” and “so it ought — despair of being saved by their own works, their own merits or righteousness.”
BUT YOU SAY ... isn’t preaching this “salvation by faith” an uncomfortable doctrine. I say “it is the only comfortable one”. Here is comfort high as heaven, stronger than death. What mercy this is for us all — yes for Zaccheus a public robber, yes for Mary Magdalene a common harlot.
I think I hear you say “... then I even I may hope for mercy”. And so you may afflicted one, whom none has comforted! God has not cast out your prayer. Never was this doctrine more in season than it is today. Nothing but this can prevent the immorality that has overspread the land like a flood. Can you empty the great deep drop by drop? You may get rid of particular sins, but the righteousness which is by faith will “stay” the proud waves of immorality. Nothing but this can stop the mouths of those that openly deny the Lord. Surely this is the case, salvation by faith is a strong and firm foundation of the Christian religion — these objections are completely unfounded — as you stand on this firm foundation though you be as weak and helpless as an infant, the strongman shall not be able to stand before you. You will prevail over him, and subdue him under your feet.
Prayer
Thank you that we have been saved by faith in you, Lord Jesus. We have been saved from the guilt of all past sin and we have been saved from fear and the power of sin. Come and build your house, Lord Jesus, and let this strong and firm foundation not be moved.
181 Wesley. J. Volume 5, 7–16
Friday, June 6, 2014
DAY 25
MORNING
PSALM 119:33–72
Psalm 119:54 “... wherever I lodge.”
Almost Perpetual Motion
Wesley’s biographer writes, “in order to fulfill his mission throughout the land, John Wesley had to resign himself to incessant travel. He became the great itinerant. For the sake of the gospel, he was prepared to lead a gypsy life. We have caught something of the energetic momentum of the man as we have dipped into his Journal. He was in almost perpetual motion.170 He writes later in his life that while in Oxford he had wondered, ‘how any busy man could be saved ... God taught me better by my own experience.’”171 In 1781, when he was very old, he wrote, “I must go on; for a dispensation of the gospel is committed to me; and woe is me if I preach not the gospel.”172 In 1777 he said, “I have travelled all roads by day and by night, for these forty years, and never was interrupted yet.”173 At one point he was nearly in a shipwreck, but was saved from disaster when travelling by sea to Guernsey. Throughout his 50 years of itinerant ministry he was preserved from serious accidents. He travelled with John Nelson for a short while. At one point at St Ives, while sleeping on the floor, Wesley was using Nelson’s coat as a pillow and Nelson was using Burkitt’s notes on the New Testament as his pillow. At 3am, one morning after suffering this hard bed for a fortnight, Wesley turned over, dug Nelson in the ribs and joked, “Brother Nelson, let us be of good cheer ... for the skin is off but on one side yet.”174
Duncan Wright tried to accompany Wesley, but it was too gruelling an experience. he could not keep up: “As the exercise was too much I gave it up.”175 In Wesley’s Journal there is an account of the perilous quicksands of the Solway Firth. This may have been too much for Duncan wright, but at this date Wright was just 30 years of age, while Wesley was 63.
Prayer
Thank you for the inspiration and example of our spiritual forefathers. Unleash a new wave of firebrands, of young zealots who have the energy, the perseverance and the tenacity to complete the dispensation of restoring the Gospel to England, to whomsoever they are sent, wherever you call them, whatever the cost.
170 This devotional is drawn from Skevington-Wood, A. The burning heart,115–124.
171 Wesley, J. To Miss March, 10 December 1777, 292.
172 Wesley, J. A Plain Account of Kingswood School, Vol XIII, 267.
173 Wesley, J. 16th December 1777, 177.
174 Telford, J. Wesley’s Veterans, Vol 3, 80–81.
175 Telford, J. Wesley’s Veterans, Vol 2, 39.
DAY 25
EVENING
PSALM 119:73–104
Psalm 119:74–75 “I have put my hope in your word. I know, O Lord, that your laws are righteous.”
Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption
Wesley was sure of his message and his message was rooted in the bible. He said, “My ground is the bible. Yes, I am a bible bigot. I follow it in all things.”176 His advice was “believe nothing they say, unless it is confirmed by plain passages of holy writ.”177 One sermon that Wesley frequently preached had the title ‘Christ our wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption’. He wrote in his Journal:178
Sunday 5 August 1739
Six persons at the New Room were deeply convinced of sin; three of whom were a little comforted by prayer but not yet convinced of righteousness. Having frequently been invited to Wells particularly by (one man) who begged me to make his house my home, on Thursday the ninth I went thither and wrote him word the night before; upon which he presently went to one of his friends, and desired a messenger might be sent to me, and beg me to turn back: “Otherwise,” said he, “we shall lose all our trade.” But this consideration did not weigh with him so that he invited me to his own house, and at 11, I preached in this ground on ‘Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption’ to about 2000 persons. Some of them mocked at first, whom I reproved before all; and those of them who stayed were more serious. Several spoke to me after, who were, for the present, much affected. O let it not pass away as the morning dew.
Tuesday 14 August 1739
I preach to Bradford to about 3000 on “one thing is needful”. Returning through Bath, I preached at a bridge to a small congregation, on “The just shall live by faith.” Three at the new-room, this evening, were cut to the heart.
Prayer
Lord, we pray that the foundation of the word of God would be firmly established like a rock in our lives, that we might be cut to the heart when we hear it, and that we would be a people who live by faith in you and your word. Help us to hear your word and put it into practice like that wise builder. Let the word of God be preached that you, Lord Jesus, are our “wisdom our righteousness, our sanctification and our redemption” so that your kingdom might come and your Church be built in our nation. Let your word be preached in power across our land once again.
176 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 3, 5 June 1766, 251.
177 Wesley, J. Sermons, Vol XXVII, The sermon on the Mount, 20.
178 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 1, 217,8.
PSALM 119:33–72
Psalm 119:54 “... wherever I lodge.”
Almost Perpetual Motion
Wesley’s biographer writes, “in order to fulfill his mission throughout the land, John Wesley had to resign himself to incessant travel. He became the great itinerant. For the sake of the gospel, he was prepared to lead a gypsy life. We have caught something of the energetic momentum of the man as we have dipped into his Journal. He was in almost perpetual motion.170 He writes later in his life that while in Oxford he had wondered, ‘how any busy man could be saved ... God taught me better by my own experience.’”171 In 1781, when he was very old, he wrote, “I must go on; for a dispensation of the gospel is committed to me; and woe is me if I preach not the gospel.”172 In 1777 he said, “I have travelled all roads by day and by night, for these forty years, and never was interrupted yet.”173 At one point he was nearly in a shipwreck, but was saved from disaster when travelling by sea to Guernsey. Throughout his 50 years of itinerant ministry he was preserved from serious accidents. He travelled with John Nelson for a short while. At one point at St Ives, while sleeping on the floor, Wesley was using Nelson’s coat as a pillow and Nelson was using Burkitt’s notes on the New Testament as his pillow. At 3am, one morning after suffering this hard bed for a fortnight, Wesley turned over, dug Nelson in the ribs and joked, “Brother Nelson, let us be of good cheer ... for the skin is off but on one side yet.”174
Duncan Wright tried to accompany Wesley, but it was too gruelling an experience. he could not keep up: “As the exercise was too much I gave it up.”175 In Wesley’s Journal there is an account of the perilous quicksands of the Solway Firth. This may have been too much for Duncan wright, but at this date Wright was just 30 years of age, while Wesley was 63.
Prayer
Thank you for the inspiration and example of our spiritual forefathers. Unleash a new wave of firebrands, of young zealots who have the energy, the perseverance and the tenacity to complete the dispensation of restoring the Gospel to England, to whomsoever they are sent, wherever you call them, whatever the cost.
170 This devotional is drawn from Skevington-Wood, A. The burning heart,115–124.
171 Wesley, J. To Miss March, 10 December 1777, 292.
172 Wesley, J. A Plain Account of Kingswood School, Vol XIII, 267.
173 Wesley, J. 16th December 1777, 177.
174 Telford, J. Wesley’s Veterans, Vol 3, 80–81.
175 Telford, J. Wesley’s Veterans, Vol 2, 39.
DAY 25
EVENING
PSALM 119:73–104
Psalm 119:74–75 “I have put my hope in your word. I know, O Lord, that your laws are righteous.”
Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption
Wesley was sure of his message and his message was rooted in the bible. He said, “My ground is the bible. Yes, I am a bible bigot. I follow it in all things.”176 His advice was “believe nothing they say, unless it is confirmed by plain passages of holy writ.”177 One sermon that Wesley frequently preached had the title ‘Christ our wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption’. He wrote in his Journal:178
Sunday 5 August 1739
Six persons at the New Room were deeply convinced of sin; three of whom were a little comforted by prayer but not yet convinced of righteousness. Having frequently been invited to Wells particularly by (one man) who begged me to make his house my home, on Thursday the ninth I went thither and wrote him word the night before; upon which he presently went to one of his friends, and desired a messenger might be sent to me, and beg me to turn back: “Otherwise,” said he, “we shall lose all our trade.” But this consideration did not weigh with him so that he invited me to his own house, and at 11, I preached in this ground on ‘Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption’ to about 2000 persons. Some of them mocked at first, whom I reproved before all; and those of them who stayed were more serious. Several spoke to me after, who were, for the present, much affected. O let it not pass away as the morning dew.
Tuesday 14 August 1739
I preach to Bradford to about 3000 on “one thing is needful”. Returning through Bath, I preached at a bridge to a small congregation, on “The just shall live by faith.” Three at the new-room, this evening, were cut to the heart.
Prayer
Lord, we pray that the foundation of the word of God would be firmly established like a rock in our lives, that we might be cut to the heart when we hear it, and that we would be a people who live by faith in you and your word. Help us to hear your word and put it into practice like that wise builder. Let the word of God be preached that you, Lord Jesus, are our “wisdom our righteousness, our sanctification and our redemption” so that your kingdom might come and your Church be built in our nation. Let your word be preached in power across our land once again.
176 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 3, 5 June 1766, 251.
177 Wesley, J. Sermons, Vol XXVII, The sermon on the Mount, 20.
178 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 1, 217,8.
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