Each Day

We must divide the day and keep a daily watch.
In the morning awake with God before the world or the flesh thrust in. Think of all that may happen that day, of all the dangers and troubles; and think about what armour we will need. Then recognize that whatever happens, all will be for our good. Before anything else, let God have the first fruits of our time and our hearts; let him have the first of the day by prayer.
Then set upon the day with this resolution, to do nothing that may offend God or a good conscience, and to regard no iniquity in our hearts, but to pass the day under the shadow of the wings of the Almighty. Be sure to carry a heavenly mind in earthly business to serve God better and fear him more; for nothing happens in life but a gracious heart may draw out something from it to make their heart more Christlike. Daily think, 'God has put me in this place and so I will do this work.' Be watchful, especially in prosperity. The Lord commanded his people, 'take heed when you are in the good land that flows with milk and honey, that you forget not the Lord your God' (Deut. 4:9; 31:20). Be watchful when alone, for every person does not use privacy well. In solitude be watchful because the devil is still busy. Be watchful over who we choose as companions, choosing those who we may either do good to or receive good from; for one is to strengthen the other, as stones in an arch. 'Stir up one another and exhort one another' (Heb. 3:13; 10:24).
At the end of each day, go over all that was done that day. As God did when he created the world, at the end of each day he viewed all that he had done. Let us not allow our bodies to rest until our consciences are peaceful in our salvation.
Let us be sure to watch and renew our resolutions each day.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Christian's Watch, Works, vol. 7, pp. 303-04
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.