Christian Martyr Lady Jane Grey defends her faith

Lady Jane Grey died for her faith when she refused to convert to the Catholic church.  She died under the reign of Mary, commonly known as Bloody Queen Mary.  She was 17 years old when beheaded at the Tower of London, and was the victim of the political intrigue of her parents and father-in-law.  For nine days she was queen of England until disposed of by Mary.  Lady Jane did not desire or seek the Crown and only acted in obedience to her parents.  

God’s use and judgment of wicked instruments

note: I have been reading through the book of Isaiah with the specific purpose of studying GOD’s holy character and Person.  As far as this particular devotional applies to the Christian, one needs to also read Hebrews 12 and understand God’s ways and means of chastising His children for the purpose of bringing forth the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

The rest of the Heavenly Footman

For those who would like to finish reading this little booklet by John Bunyan, I’ll let you do it through reading this PDF document.  I highly recommend finishing the reading of it for those who began.  It provides great encouragement to finish the race that is set before us.

The Heavenly Footman

The Heavenly Footman (Chapter 2, part 6)

THE SEVENTH DIRECTION.—In the next place, be not daunted, though thou meetest with ever so many discouragements in thy journey thither. That man that is resolved for heaven, if Satan cannot win him by flatteries, he will endeavor to weaken him by discouragements, saying, ‘Thou art a sinner,’ ‘thou hast broken God’s law,’ ‘thou art not elected,’ ‘thou comest too late,’ ‘the day of grace is past,’ ‘God doth not care for thee,’ ‘thy heart is naught,’ ‘thou art lazy,’ with a hundred other discouraging suggestions.

The Heavenly Footman (chapter 2, part 5)

THE SIXTH DIRECTION.—Take heed that you have not an ear open to every one that calleth after you, as you are in your journey. Men that run, you know, if any do call after them, saying, ‘I would speak with you,’ or, ‘Go not too fast, and you shall have my company with you,’—if they run for some great matter, they use to say, ‘Alas! I cannot stay, I am in haste; pray, talk not to me now; neither can I stay for you; I am running for a wager: if I win, I am made; if I lose, I am undone; and therefore hinder me not.’

The Heavenly Footman (Chap. 2, part 4)

THE FOURTH DIRECTION.

—Beware of by-paths. Take heed thou dost not turn into those lanes which lead out of the way. There are crooked paths, paths in which men go astray, paths that lead to death and damnation; but take heed of all those. Some of them are dangerous because of practice, some because of opinion; but mind them not. Mind the path before thee; look right before thee; turn neither to the right hand nor to the left, but let thine eyes look right on, even right before thee.

The Heavenly Footman (Ch. 2, pt 3)

THE THIRD DIRECTION.—Not only thus, but, in the next place, thou must strip thyself of those things that may hang upon thee, to the hindering of thee in the way to the kingdom of heaven: as covetousness, pride, lust, or whatever else thy heart may be inclining unto, which may hinder thee in this heavenly race.

The Heavenly Footman (Ch 2, pt 2)

THE SECOND DIRECTION.—As thou shouldst get into the way, so thou shouldst also be much in studying and musing on the way. You know men that would be expert in any thing, are usually much in studying of that thing; and so likewise is it with those that quickly grow expert in any thing. This therefore thou shouldst do.

The Heavenly Footman (chapter 2, pt 1)

CHAPTER II.

DIRECTIONS FOR THIS HEAVENLY COURSE.

Question. “But how should a poor soul do, so to run?” For this very thing is that which afflicteth me sore, (as you say,) to think that I may run and yet fall short. Methinks to fall short at last, Oh! it fears me greatly! Pray, tell me, therefore, how I should run.’

Heavenly Footman – Chapter 1 (pt 2)

(continued…)

But before I go any farther, let me explain the Nature and Reasons of this Running.

As to its NATURE, this running is called,