On the Preparation Day

[Daily Devotional]

On the Preparation Day 

     Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Ex. 20:8.  

     [DIARY ENTRY.] Friday, Feb. 21, 1896. This day is preparation day.
We would come up to the Sabbath with our work closed up in proper shape
and not dragging into the Sabbath. We must commence in the morning to
look after every piece of clothing if we have neglected to do this
through the week, that our garments may be neat and orderly and comely
to appear in the place where God's people assemble to worship Him. . . .
Entering upon new business should be avoided, if possible, but endeavor
to close up the things already started that are half accomplished.
Prepare everything connected with the household matters so that there
shall be freedom from worries, and the mind be prepared to rest and to
meditate upon heavenly things.  

     There needs to be much more close investigation of the week past.
Review it and see if, as a branch of the living Vine, you have drawn
nourishment from the parent Vine to bear much fruit to the glory of God.
If there has been feverish excitement, if hasty words have been spoken,
if passion has been revealed, these have surely been the working on
Satan's side of the question. Clear the heart by confession. Sincerely
make everything right before the Sabbath. Examine your own selves,
whether ye be in the faith. We need to guard our own souls constantly,
lest we make a great profession but, like the flourishing fig tree
spreading its branches in pretentious foliage, reveal no precious fruit.
Christ is hungering to see and receive fruit. Leaves of profession
without fruit are to Christ just as worthless as those of the fig tree
which He cursed. . . .  

     The humble dependence upon God, the faith that takes Him at His
word and trusts Him at all times and under all circumstances, is the
wearing of the yoke of Christ. The Christian brings all his passions
under control to God. Then if the thoughts are brought into captivity to
Jesus Christ, there is a healthful growth in beauty and grace of
character.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 147