Meandering - Practicing Godliness [Jerry Bridges & Jonathan Goforth]

/ NMBC/

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works…” Titus 2:7

Speaker and author, Jerry Bridges, who wrote more than a dozen books, including his well known, The Pursuit of Holiness, graduated into the nearer presence of his Lord and Saviour on March 6, 2016. He was a long time staff member, as well, of that most helpful ministry, The Navigators.

Jerry Bridges said, in his book, The Fruitful Life: The Overflow of God's Love Through You, “Every day that we're not practicing godliness we're being conformed to the world of ungodliness around us.”

His legacy of biblically saturated books have, and continue to, nurture me in my spiritual formation. Upon hearing of his faithfully finishing his race here on earth as a minister of the gospel, I felt a deep sense of appreciation to God for this servant’s inspiring example of a lifelong pursuit of godliness.  

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 

I am grateful for the many, many wonderful Jesus-loving servants who model a life of good works to the glory of God and the benefit of his people. As someone has said, “Don’t fret so much that your kids don’t listen to you, but be much afraid that they watch you.” It’s true. We all learn so much from what we see in others.

Speaking of inspiring examples of faithfulness, some have asked me to send out Jonathan Goforth’s Rules for Daily Living that were discovered written on the inside cover of his bible. They are a good source of wisdom. Here they are:

Jonathan Goforth’s Rules for Daily Living

  1. Seek to give much -- expect nothing in return.
  2. Put the very best construction on the actions of others.
  3. Never let a day pass without at least a quarter of an hour spent in Bible study.
  4. Never omit daily morning and evening devotions.
  5. In all things seek to know God's Will and when known obey at any cost.
  6. Seek to cultivate a quiet prayerful spirit.
  7. Seek each day to do or say something to lead the lost to Christ.

Thanks for meandering along with me,
Pastor Daniel

PS - Don’t forget about the Meandering Photo Search. The theme for March (due the 22nd) is Joy.