Daily Devotional
May 8
Thine Is My Heart: Devotional Readings from the Writings of John Calvin
by John Calvin (compiled by John H. Kromminga)Reproduced from the OPC Website
Bible Text:
We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. —Psalm 78:4
Devotional:
Although your piety, noble lady, is much better known by certain proofs in the country which you inhabit, you have made it known to us also, by the pledges you have confided to us. For in not hesitating to send your children far from you and into an almost unknown country, that they might better imbibe the pure doctrine of Christ, you have clearly shown how precious a virtuous and pious education is in your eyes: Lively indeed must that zeal be, which forces you to forget and divest yourself for a season of that softness of tender affection which is naturally implanted in the heart of mothers, till you see your sons imbued with the uncorrupted faith of Christ, when you shall welcome their return with a more joyful mind than if they had never been separated from your embraces and your sight.
For this holy desire is evangelical, and such as all good men should study to favor; and the pious discipline which flourishes in your house is no less worthy of praise; and would that all had at heart to make it a rule for their families, to cherish as it were a domestic church in their houses. It were also to be desired, especially while among you the state of affairs is so unsettled, that there were found not only more ladies, but men who should spread the light of a similar example.
But because, in the course of our lives, many obstacles occur which it would not be easy for us to surmount, I will pray the Lord that he may strengthen you to persevere, enrich you from day to day with the gifts of his Spirit, and in the meantime keep you in safety under his hand and protection. —Correspondence
John Calvin was the premier theologian of the Reformation, but also a pious and godly Christian pastor who endeavored throughout his life to point men and women to Christ. We are grateful to Reformation Heritage Books for permission to use John Calvin's Thine Is My Heart as our daily devotional for 2013 on the OPC Web site. You can currently obtain a printed copy of that book from Reformation Heritage Books.
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