“We shall not adjust our Bible to the age; but before we have done with it, by God’s grace, we shall adjust the age to the Bible.”
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A New Year’s Address
January 1, 2019 
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A New Year’s Address
James Smith, New Park Street Church, London, 1849
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!” Hebrews 13:8Everything around us is changing and fast passing away! Nothing appears settled or secure! The old year has fled and has told its tale; a new year begins today and will introduce mercies and trials, comforts and distresses, darkness and light. Who can tell what is folded up in the bosom of this year?
Could we look through the coming hours, days, weeks, and months of this year; could we count the head-aches and the heart-acheswhich await us; the disappointments we shall meet, the vexations we shall experience, the distresses we must pass through—our hearts would perhaps be wrung with anguish, and our minds be clouded with gloom! But these are wisely concealed from our view, and whatever may be our anticipations or forebodings, the Lord meets us on the threshold of this year and assures us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!” This is our encouragement, beloved friends.
God himself in pity and compassion gives us this sweet, cheering, and animating assurance. Could Jesus change, then we might sink into gloom, despondency, and despair! Creatures may change, and do change for the worse instead of the better—but Jesus is the same. It is impossible that he should be better—for he is altogether perfect. And being perfect—he can never change for the worse. He embodies everything that is amiable, glorious, and inviting in deity; and everything that is excellent, admirable, and sweet in humanity. He blends the attributes of God—and the perfections of man in his sacred character. He is at once our Brother—and our God; our Maker—and our Fellow; our Lord—and our Husband. O admirable mystery! O encouraging connection! O delightful truth!
Brethren, what have the Lord’s people found Jesus to be in bygone days? That, all that—is Jesus NOW. Yes, this new year’s morning he has all that love, kindness, tenderness, pity, compassion, verity, and majesty—which his people in every age have proved him to possess. He who sympathized with the widow of Nain, who had compassion on the hungry multitude, and wept with the sisters of departed Lazarus—is just the same now—as then. He has the same nature, the same heart, and the same fellow feeling.
True we have not the same visible expressions of his tenderness and pity—but they are nevertheless real; he is the same today as he was yesterday, and will be the same forever. We have the same Jesus to deal with—as had the Syrophenician woman, the adulteress at Jacob’s well, or the thief upon the cross. He is deeply interested in our welfare, lovingly concerned to do us good, and ready to help us in every time of trouble.
His ear is at every believer’s heart—listening to the voice of his sighs, groans, and desires.
His eye is observant of the Christian’s goings, and marks every step he takes.
His hand is stretched out to help him in every time of trial, or circumstance of difficulty.
His affections yearn over him with indescribable affection and pity in every affliction or trouble.
He loves us dearly.
He knows our frame.
He considers our circumstances.
He pities our weaknesses.
He watches our movements.
He orders our steps.
He instructs our minds.
He subdues our sins.
He frustrates our enemies.
He will never for one moment leave us, nor on any account forsake us!
No, he will never turn away from doing of us good—but will rejoice over us to do us good with his whole heart, and with his whole soul. Jesus is the same. He is one with us, has suffered like us, and knows by experience what our temptations, trials, and distresses are! He is no stranger to a troubled heart, a pained body, or the distress occasioned by the loss of the divine presence, he has passed through the whole. Therefore my poor, tried, tempted, and distressed brother, or sister in the Lord, learn to look to Jesus—as Jesus—as one touched with the feeling of your infirmities. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are!”
We are apt to think the Lord changes—when his dispensations change. But no! The change of his dispensations proceeds from the immutability of his purpose respecting us, and his love to us. He is determined to bless us indeed, and this being the case—he must empty us from vessel to vessel, and change his dealings according to the state of our hearts, our enemies, or our temptations. Our immutable Jesus always pursues one steady course, and has one gracious design towards us—all must work to produce our sanctification, and eternal salvation.
The Lord Jesus will not indulge us—when indulgence will harm us. He will only correct us—when correction will do us good. His infinite wisdom devises our way, and inconceivable love directs our steps. Creatures, providences, experiences may change—but Jesus is the same!
His heart is as tender,
His eye is as penetrating,
His ear is as attentive,
His arm is as powerful,
His presence is as near,
His name is as sweet,
His blood is as efficacious,
His righteousness is as glorious,
His promises are as certain,
His oath is as sure,
His throne is as accessible,
His love is as great,
His concern for us is as deep,
His intercession is as prevalent
—as it ever was! And will be so through every week, day, hour—yes, minute of the present year! May we always keep this in remembrance!Beloved, you must trust no one, depend on no one, look to no source either for peace, comfort, or supply, through this year—but Jesus! He is willing and waiting to supply all your needs, according to his glorious riches! Soul needs, body needs, family needs, church needs; needs in sickness, needs in health; needs at home, needs abroad; needs while living, needs when dying—Jesus can, will, yes wishes to supply them all.
He will keep his seat on the throne of grace throughout the whole of the year! You will never find him absent for any one moment, or so engaged—that he cannot attend to you. He will always be pleased to see you come, and will at all times consider your case. But you must go to him first—be sure you remember this, for he has a jealous eye!
You must go to him alone,
you must go to him for all,
you must go to him frequently,
you must go to him perseveringly,
and as sure as his name is Jesus—you shall not go in vain!I proclaim to you in my Master’s name, that he has everything you can need for body or soul—for time or eternity! And as his herald I cry, “Ho! everyone who thirsts, and whenever you thirst—come to the waters, come buy and eat! Yes, come, buy wine and milk—without money and without cost!”
I have a complaint against some—that they have not come often enough; and against others—that they have gone to some other market! But let me interrogate you a little:
Did ever my Master frown you away?
Did you ever find him lacking in kindness, pity, or love?
Did you ever need any blessing which was not to be found in his fullness, or to be had at his throne?
Did you ever do better, or so well anywhere else?
You must all to a man say, No! Why then do you forsake the fountain of living waters? Why do you wander upon every mountain and hill—and forget your true resting place? Jesus addresses you through me, and says, “O my people, what have I done unto you? Wherein have I wearied you? Testify against me!”None have come too frequent; no—nor ever will. Come, then, and receive, and so glorify Jesus.
But I must draw to a conclusion, there are seven things I wish you may all more fully EXPERIENCE this year:
His Spirit working in your hearts,
His blood speaking in your consciences,
His power subduing your corruptions,
His blessing resting upon your souls,
His presence cheering your way,
His righteousness covering your sins,
His peace keeping your hearts and minds.There are seven things I wish you may know it is your privilege to HAVE this year:
a name in his book,
a sight of his covenant,
a tear in his bottle,
a place in his heart,
a title to his fullness,
a right to his promises, and
an interest in his prayers.There are seven things I wish you may DO this year:
weep at his cross,
wrestle at his throne,
cleave to his truth,
walk in his ways,
aim at his honor,
comfort his people, and
spread his fame in every direction.There are seven things which I wish you may ENJOY this year:
the light of his countenance,
the power of his love,
the hope of his calling,
the blessings of his chosen,
contentment under all dispensations,
liberty in performing his commands,
and victory over every foe.There are seven things from which I hope you may be PRESERVED from, this year:
a hard heart,
a seared conscience,
a Laodicean state,
a proud look,
an unforgiving spirit,
an envious eye, and
from distrusting God.And now, brethren, Jesus can give all that I wish you to experience, to know, to enjoy! And he can preserve you from all I wish you to be kept from. But he says, “I will be inquired of, by the house of Israel, to do it for them.” You must ask, seek, knock, plead, wrestle, and agonize at his throne—for he loves a determined, importunate, perservering beggar; as is evident from Luke 11:1-14; 18:1-9.
“May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
The devil’s chessboard!
December 31, 2018 0 Comments
The devil’s chessboard!
(Charles Spurgeon, “Flowers from a Puritan’s Garden” 1883)
“So that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes!” 2 Corinthians 2:11
“Be watchful; the world is the devil’s chessboard! You can hardly move backward or forward, but he is ready to attack you with some temptation!”
Those who play at the game of chess know that great caution is needed. Your opponent is working toward a design of which you know nothing; and while you imagine that you are doing exceedingly well, he is entrapping you!
The game of life, as against Satan, is one in which . . .
his maneuvers and artifice,
his long practice and stratagems,
his superior skill and deceptiveness,
and his unscrupulous schemes–
give him an immense advantage over our poor self-conceited folly!
Lord, help us! You know our adversary; be pleased to deliver us out of his hand.
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes!” Ephesians 6:11
Nothing more than the common consent of fools!
December 29, 2018 1 Comment
Nothing more than the common consent of fools!
(Charles Spurgeon)
Any kind of fad which rules the hour, draws a mad crowd after it. No matter how absurd or ridiculous the mania, the worshipers of fashion cry: “These are your gods!” Yes, Satan is marvelously well obeyed by his servants!
Yet many of you church people look around on society–to follow its customs and fashions.
You watch the general current–and then float upon it.
You study the popular breeze–and shift your sails to suit it.
You ask: “Is it fashionable?”
If it is fashionable, then you must do it.
Fashion is the law of multitudes–but it is nothing more than the common consent of fools!
To follow the fashions and customs of the times, is to be an enemy of God.
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?
Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world, becomes an enemy of God!” James 4:4
🎄 The Glorious Incarnation: God With Us
December 25, 2018 2 Comments
If we could condense all the truths of Christmas into only three words, these would be the words: “God with us.” We tend to focus our attention at Christmas on the infancy of Christ. The greater truth of the holiday is His deity. More astonishing than a baby in the manger is the truth that this promised baby is the omnipotent Creator of the heavens and the earth!
John MacArthur
A head full of froth!
December 23, 2018 0 Comments
A head full of froth!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“I hate vain thoughts–but I love Your law!” Psalm 119:113
Many of you know more about your magazines and novels–than what God has written in His holy Word!
Many of you will read a novel from the beginning to the end, and what have you got? A head full of froth when you are done! But you cannot read the Bible–that solid, lasting, substantial, and satisfying food goes uneaten, locked up in the cupboard of neglect–while anything that man writes, a best-seller of the day–you greedily devour!
“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things!” Psalm 119:37
All that we need drops from His palm!
December 22, 2018 0 Comments
All that we need drops from His palm!
(James Smith, “The Evening Sacrifice; Or, A Help to Devotion” 1859)
“The eyes of all look to You–and You give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand, and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” Psalm 145:15-16
All our supplies come from God, therefore our dependence should be on Him, and our expectations from Him. Creatures act towards us in kindness and sympathy–according to His direction.
The eyes of all creation are upon the Lord, and all the tribes of His creatures are fed by His hand. How much more, then, should His children look to Him, seek from Him, and expect to be supplied by Him!
Whatever God does–He does wisely and seasonably; and whatever He gives–is in season. When our needs are felt, and our cry is heard–then our supply is certain. It is but for God to open His hand–and all that we need drops from His palm! When God’s hand opens–our desires will soon be satisfied. Every temporal mercy, every spiritual gift, and all the supplies needed by our souls–lie in the hand of God for us. He loves for us to fix our eyes on Him, to lift up our voice to Him, and seek every blessing from Him.
Merciful Lord, You have fed us this day. Your loving heart and open hand have supplied all our needs. We gratefully acknowledge Your wondrous goodness, and bless You for Your suitable supplies. And now, O Lord, close up the day with us in mercy–give us a sense of Your forgiving love, and faith in Your protecting care. Help us to cast every care on You, and to fall asleep tonight as on a parent’s bosom. Let Your peace pervade us, and inspire us with strong confidence in Your providential protection.
“Behold, as the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress–so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till He shows us His mercy.” Psalm 123:2
The Great Physician and His patients!
December 21, 2018 0 Comments
The Great Physician and His patients!
(George Everard, “The Great Physician and His Patients” 1874)
“Those who are well have no need of a Physician, but those who are sick.” Luke 5:31
Our Great Physician possesses the most perfect skill to discern the peculiar needs of each case. He sees the working of all this sinand corruption and hardness of heart–and He can counteract it all by His all-sufficient grace. Before you have spoken a word, when you kneel down and cast yourself upon His mercy–He is prepared to forgive and save. Christ knows beforehand all that you are, and cannot fail to support His tempted or afflicted child.
In Christ there is not only Divine wisdom to discern every case of spiritual disease–but He also has Divine power completely to effect a cure. When He was upon earth, none were sent away unhealed. The blind and the lame, the deaf and the dumb, the palsied and the lepers, those possessed with demons and the dead–all alike were healed immediately by the touch of Jesus. “The whole multitude sought to touch Him–for virtue went out of Him, and healed them ALL.”
Thus completely and surely does Jesus restore all who come to Him. He can . . .
open the eyes long closed in the night of ignorance,
strengthen those who have yet had no power to walk in God’s ways,
unstop the ear long deaf to the sweet voice of the Gospel,
teach the prayerless lips to plead with God,
remove the paralysis of a careless indifference,
cleanse souls from the leprosy of debasing lusts,
cast out the evil spirits of envy, and hatred and unbelief,
save men from the fever of covetousness, and every evil temper.
His power, when on earth, reached to the very worst cases of disease! The man full of leprosy, and the woman whom other physicians had tried in vain to cure–both came, and others just as hopeless, and all were alike healed. Yes, and I see Jesus day by day saving such as man might reckon beyond the reach of His saving arm.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit!
December 20, 2018 1 Comment
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit!
(Thomas Charles, “The Operations of the Holy Spirit” 1838)
“Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16
“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30
See how great is the sin of grieving the Spirit.
We grieve Him, when we take little or no notice of His amazing condescension and love–in coming freely and willingly to be our Comforter and Sanctifier.
We grieve Him, when we make no returns of love to Him–by bringing forth in a holy walk and conduct, the fruits of the Spirit.
We grieve Him, when by careless neglect and unwatchfulness, we fall into those habits and courses which He abhors.
He is grieved, because He loves us and has our happiness much at heart–for to promote our holiness and happiness is the object of His indwelling us. When we put obstructions in His way, and we promote our own misery–how is the Spirit of love grieved!
Let us therefore, above all things, attend to His motions, and beware of a barren and unfruitful profession of religion, and of defiling by secret indulgences–the temple and habitation of the Spirit.
Shall we grieve Him who dwells with us as our Comforter? How unworthy–how base a conduct! Shall we, who have tasted that the Lord is gracious–by our negligence, sin and folly, grieve Him who has come on purpose to comfort us?
Shall we grieve Him, without whom we cannot live, cannot think one good thought, nor breathe one good desire!
Shall we grieve Him, whose presence in the soul is Heaven, and whose absence is a Hell of corruption, darkness, and misery!
Is it possible that we should make such base returns for such love, and be such enemies to our own happiness!
Alas! what is man! In what dust and ashes ought even the best of us to lie down before Him!
Shall we not rather take notice of His love and His kindness, and thankfully receive all our comforts from His hands, and observe His love and grace in every refreshing thought put into our minds?
Yes, shall we not carefully watch and promote all His strivings and motions within us, and cheerfully comply with them, however self-denying and contrary to flesh and blood?
When He convinces of sin–let us set our hearts mightily against it. When He speaks comfort–let us hear Him as the Lord our Comforter, making known the riches of love and grace to our souls.
An excessive anxiety about the innocent things of this life
December 19, 2018 0 Comments
An excessive anxiety about the innocent things of this life
(J.C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Luke” 1858)
“Be on your guard, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the cares of life–or that day will come on you unexpectedly like a trap!” Luke 21:34-35
The exhortation before us should teach us the great importance of an unworldly heart. The “cares of this life” are placed side by side with carousing and drunkenness.
Excess in eating and drinking, is not the only excess which injures the soul. There is an excessive anxiety about the innocent things of this life–which is just as ruinous to our spiritual prosperity, and just as poisonous to the soul.
Never, never let us forget–that we may make spiritual shipwreck on lawful things–as really and truly as on open vices! Happy is he who has learned to hold the things of this world with a loose hand, and to believe that seeking first the kingdom of God, “all other things shall be added to him!” Matthew 6:33
A glance into heavenly bliss!
December 17, 2018 0 Comments
A glance into heavenly bliss!
(“Solitude Sweetened” by James Meikle, 1730-1799)
All at once I find myself in an unbounded flood of bliss, a spacious sea of glory–lost in wonder amidst ineffable delights, and transported with the raptures of seraphic harmony! While all His saints rejoice in His excellent glory–what ardor glows in every soul, and what rapture swells in every song! O the wondrous displays of His perfections–the manifestations of His goodness–the outlettings of His love!
Here we received out of His fullness–grace upon grace. and glory upon glory.
Our heavenly possession is worthy of our liberal Giver. We have . . .
a kingdom which cannot be moved,
an undefiled inheritance, which does not fade away,
a city with foundations, whose builder and maker is God,
garments of glory,
a crown of righteousness,
the tree of life to feed upon,
the fountain of life to drink of,
the garden of God to walk in,
life above the reach of death,
health secured from sickness,
eternal pleasure without pain!
Our bodies are immortal,
our souls are immaculate,
our senses are sanctified,
our conceptions are spiritualized,
our faculties are enlarged, and
our whole soul is glorious!
Our past bliss is with us in the sweet remembrance,
our present bliss enchants us in the enjoyment, and
our future bliss is present with us in the full assurance of our eternal felicity.
Thus we are forever blessed to the highest degree. We are . . .
above all fear,
beyond anxiety and doubt,
and fixed above all change!
Our service is sincere,
our adorations are ardent,
our knowledge is profound and satisfying.
Rapture rushes in at every part!
Our eyes are ravished with seeing the King in His beauty;
our ears are ravished with hearing the songs of the inner temple;
our nostrils are ravished with the fragrance of the Rose of Sharon, the plant of renown;
our feet are ravished with standing in His holy place;
our hands are ravished with handling of the word of life; and
our mouths are ravished with the wine of our Beloved, which goes down sweetly–causing our souls to shout aloud, and our lips to sing and never cease.
Our experience of His fullness, our vision of His perfections and glory–constitute our most exalted bliss, and are the heaven of heavens!
O what torrents of eternal love teem from the glorious throne into our souls!
O the pleasure that is in His presence!
O the exuberant rivers of joy that flow at His right hand!
O love! never to be forgotten–which has brought me safely through so many winding labyrinths and crooked paths, in sight of so many enemies–in spite of . . .
a tempting devil,
the accusations of my sins,
the rebellion of my lusts,
the carnality of my affections, and
the weakness of all my graces–
to dwell at last forever in heavenly bliss!
O eternity! Once the comfort of our longing expectations–now the transport of our enlarged souls! For we are . . .
forever with the Lord,
beholding His unclouded face,
wearing His divine name,
drinking at the streams of His pleasures,
eating of His hidden manna,
sitting beneath the Tree of Life,
basking under the beams of the Sun of Righteousness,
singing hallelujahs to Him who loved us, who washed us from our sins in His blood, and brought us here to be with Him forever!
O state of complete happiness and consummate bliss!
We fritter away days, weeks, months!
December 16, 2018 2 Comments
We fritter away days, weeks, months!
(J.R. Miller, “The Sacredness of Opportunity“)
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16
“Gather up the fragments that are left over. Let nothing be wasted!” John 6:12
“Time is short!” 1 Corinthians 7:29
Time is made up of golden minutes–not one of which we should allow to be wasted! The Master said that for every idle word that men speak–they must give account. This can be no less true of idle minutes or hours.
Most of us live as if we had a thousand years to stay here in this world! We loiter away the golden hours of our little days–as if the days were never to end! We do not see how swiftly the sun is whirling toward his setting, while our work is but half done, our task perhaps scarcely begun!
We fritter away days, weeks, months–not noticing how our one little opportunity of living in this world is being worn off, as the sea eats away a crumbling bank until its last shred is gone! We set slight value on time, forgetting that we have only a hand-breadth of it–and then comes eternity!
Many of us fail to appreciate the value of ‘single days’. “A day is too short a space,” we say, “that it cannot make much difference if one, just one, is wasted–or idled away!” Yet the days are links in a chain, and if one link is broken–the chain is broken. In God’s plan for our life–each little day has its own load of duty.
How these lost days shame us–as they turn their reproachful eyes upon us, out of the irrevocable past!
Many people are wasteful of time. They fail to realize its value. They appear to have time in such abundance–that they dream it can never end. They do not know that a day lost–may mean misfortune or failure for them sometime in the future. They do not know that squandered hours, minutes spent in idleness–may cost them the true success of their life, bringing failure or disaster!
They should not make the mistake of imagining they have so much time–that they can afford to let days or hours or even minutes be wasted. They cannot afford to lose one golden minute of any day. We do not know what momentous issues, affecting all our future–are involved in any quietest hour of any common-place day. There is ‘a time for everything’–but the time is short, and when it is gone, and the thing is not done–it never can be done!
What you make of your life–you must make in a few years at the most; for the human span is short–and any day may be your last one! Every day that passes–leaves life’s margin a little less for each of us. Our allotment of time is ever shortening!
There are a great many things it is not worth our while to do. Some of us spend our days in poor trivialities which bless no one, and which will add no lustre to our crown.
Therefore, waste no opportunity! Squander no moment! There is just time enough for you to live your life well–if you spend every moment of it in earnest, faithful duty. One hour lost–will leave a flaw. A life thus lived in unbroken diligence and faithfulness, will have no regrets when the end comes.
A high esteem of yourself?
December 15, 2018 0 Comments
A high esteem of yourself?
(Charles Spurgeon)
A high esteem of yourself?
You are not a mature Christian, if you have a high esteem of yourself.
He who boasts in himself is but a babe in Christ–if indeed he is in Christ at all.
Young Christians may think much of themselves.
Growing Christians think themselves nothing.
Mature Christians know that they are less than nothing.
The more holy we are, the more we mourn our infirmities, and the humbler is our estimate of ourselves.
“Though I am nothing.” 2 Corinthians 12:11
“Although I am less than the least of all God’s people . . .” Ephesians 3:8
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1:15
Wonderful was the grace that taught the once proud Pharisee thus to speak!
Pride may be set down as “the sin” of human nature.
The demon of pride was born with us–and it will not die one hour before us!
We are never so much in danger of being proud–as when we think we are humble.
There is no sin into which the heart of man so easily falls as pride–and yet there is no more vice which is more frequently, more emphatically, and more eloquently condemned in Scripture.
We are all proud. Pride can hide under a beggar’s rags–as well as under a minister’s robes. Pride is a weed that will grow on a dunghill–as well as in a palace garden; but it ought never to be allowed to grow in the heart of a Christian!
No matter how dear you are to God–if pride is harbored in your heart, He will whip it out of you!
Among the wonders in Heaven, shall be these three
December 14, 2018 0 Comments
Among the wonders in Heaven, shall be these three
(Charles Spurgeon)
Among the wonders in Heaven, shall be these three:
The first wonder is that we shall see so many there, whom we did not expect to see.
The second is that we shall miss so many there, whom we did expect to see.
But the third wonder will be the greatest wonder of all–to see ourselves there!
And can it be, that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?
Tis mercy all, immense and free
For O my God, it found out me!
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, should die for me?
He who believes shall be saved, be his sins ever so many
December 13, 2018 0 Comments
He who believes shall be saved, be his sins ever so many
(Charles Spurgeon)
“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life!
He who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him!” John 3:36
He who believes shall be saved, be his sins ever so many.
He who does not believe shall be damned, be his sins ever so few.
There is no sin which can damn the one who sincerely believes.
There is absolutely nothing which can save the one who does not believe.
“The only way to be saved is by faith in Christ. Apart from faith in Him–no one, anywhere, at any time, in any culture, at any period in history, at any age, is saved.”
We find that they are empty bubbles!
December 12, 2018 0 Comments
We find that they are empty bubbles!
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world!” 1 John 2:15-16
The possession of the whole world and all that it contains, will never make a person happy. Its pleasures are false and deceptive! Its riches, rank, and honors, have no power to satisfy the heart! So long as we have not got them–they glitter, sparkle, and seem desirable. The moment we have them–we find that they are empty bubbles, and cannot make us feel content!
And, worst of all, when we possess this world’s good things to the utmost bound of our desire–we cannot keep them! Deathcomes in and separates us from all our property forever! Naked we came upon earth, and naked we go forth–and of all our possessions, we can carry nothing with us.
Such is the world, which occupies the whole attention of thousands!
Such is the world, for the sake of which millions are every year destroying their souls!
“This world is fading away, along with everything that people crave!” 1 John 2:17
Morality without Christ
December 11, 2018 0 Comments
Morality without Christ
(Charles Spurgeon)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3
You moral and upright people without Christ–you are as surely lost as the despicable reprobate!
You chaste and respectable people without Christ–you will be as surely damned as the vile prostitute who walks the streets at midnight!
“Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish!” Luke 13:3
That very church which the world likes best!
December 10, 2018 0 Comments
That very church which the world likes best!
“As God has said: I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people. Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:16-18
That very church which the world likes best, is sure to be the church which God abhors most!
“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud . . . lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God–having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them!” 2 Timothy 3:2-5
“We have learned to live with unholiness in our churches, and have come to look upon it as the natural and expected thing. It is scarcely possible in most places to get anyone to attend a church meeting, where the only attraction is God. One can only conclude that God’s professed children are bored with Him, for they must be wooed to church with a stick of striped candy, in the form of religious movies, games and entertainments.” Tozer
This is the greatest sight you will ever see!
December 9, 2018 0 Comments
This is the greatest sight you will ever see!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“God made Him who had no sin, to be sin for us–so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus has borne the penalty of sin on behalf of His people.
Behold the wonder!
There He hangs upon the cross!
This is the greatest sight you will ever see!
Son of God and Son of Man–there He hangs, bearing unutterable pains, the just for the unjust, to bring us to God.
Oh, the glory of that sight!
The innocent One, punished!
The Holy One, condemned!
The ever-blessed One, made a curse!
The infinitely glorious One, put to a shameful sin-atoning death!
The worst days I have ever had!
December 8, 2018 0 Comments
The worst days I have ever had!
(Charles Spurgeon)
The Lord gets His best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction.
Great hearts can only be made by great troubles.
The spade of trouble digs the reservoir of comfort deeper, and makes more room for consolation.
The Lord’s mercy often rides to the door of our heart, upon the black horse of affliction!
I bear my witness that the worst days I have ever had, have turned out to be my best days! And when God has seemed most unfriendly to me, He has then been most kind. If there is anything in this world for which I would bless Him more than for anything else, it is for pain and affliction. I am sure that in these things, the richest tenderest love has been manifested to me.
Our Father’s wagons rumble most heavily, when they are bringing us the richest freight of the bullion of His grace.
Love letters from Heaven, are often sent in black-edged envelopes.
The cloud that is black with horror, is big with mercy. Fear not the storm, it brings healing in its wings!
When Jesus is with you in the vessel, the tempest only hastens the ship to its desired haven.
Great in mercy!
December 7, 2018 1 Comment
Great in mercy!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“For as the heavens are high above the earth–so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him!” Psalm 103:11
His mercy is so great, that it forgives great sins to great sinners after great lengths of time–and then gives great favors and great privileges, and raises us up to great enjoyments in the great Heaven of the great God!
“The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy!” Psalm 145:8
Often with his lips, and always by his life!
December 6, 2018 0 Comments
Often with his lips, and always by his life!
(George Everard, “An Ordination Sermon” 1883)
“Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
A faithful minister must preach often with his lips, and always by his life.
Preach a crucified Savior, out of crucified hearts!
The remedy of all our miseries!
December 5, 2018 0 Comments
The remedy of all our miseries!
(Stephen Charnock)
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men–the man Christ Jesus!” 1 Timothy 2:5
God, apart from Christ, is an angry, offended Sovereign.
Unless we behold God in and through Christ, the only Mediator–the terrors of His Majesty would overwhelm us.
Because of our sins–we dare not approach the Father, except in Christ.
We first fasten our eyes upon Christ, then upon the Father.
If Christ does not bear our guilt and reconcile us unto God, we must surely perish everlastingly!
Before any man can think . . .
to stand before the face of God’s justice,
be admitted to the secret chamber of God’s mercy,
or partake of the riches of His grace–
he must look to one the Mediator, Christ Jesus.
Let us look upon a crucified Christ, as the remedy of all our miseries.
His cross has procured our crown.
His passion has expiated our transgressions.
His death has disarmed the law.
His blood has washed our sinful souls, spotless.
His death is . . .
the destruction of our enemies,
the spring of our happiness, and
the eternal testimony of divine love!
The most eloquent mouths that ever spoke!
December 4, 2018 0 Comments
The most eloquent mouths that ever spoke!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“Behold, I saw a Lamb looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne!” Revelation 5:6
Why should our exalted Savior appear in Heaven with His wounds? The wounds of Jesus are . . .
His glories,
His jewels,
His sacred ornaments!
To the eye of the believer, Jesus is more than beautiful because He is “white and ruddy” Song of Solomon 5:10. He is white with innocence, and ruddy with His own blood.
We see Him as the ‘Lily’ of matchless purity–and as the ‘Rose’ encrimsoned with His own blood.
Christ never was so matchless as when He hung on the cross! There we behold all His beauties in perfection.
The wounds of Jesus are far more beautiful than all the splendor and pomp of kings.
Jesus appears as the slain Lamb who sought our souls and redeemed them by His complete atonement.
His wounds are the trophies of His love and of His victory.
He has redeemed for Himself a great multitude which no one can number–His scars are the memorials of the fight.
If there were not an audible word, those wounds are the mouths which speak of His love!
The most eloquent mouths that ever spoke, are the wounds of Christ!
Listen! Listen!
Every blood-drop says, “Pardon!”
Every wound says, “Life, eternal life!”
“In a loud voice they sang: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain–to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Revelation 5:12
I hate buttermilk!
December 3, 2018 0 Comments
I hate buttermilk!
One Sunday morning at a small southern church, the new pastor called on one of his older deacons to lead in the opening prayer. The deacon stood up, bowed his head and said, “Lord, I hate buttermilk.” The pastor opened one eye and wondered where this was going.
The deacon continued, “Lord, I hate lard.” Now the pastor was totally perplexed.
The deacon continued, “Lord, I ain’t too crazy about plain flour. But after You mix ’em all together and bake ’em in a hot oven, I just love biscuits. Lord, help us to realize when life gets hard, when things come up that we don’t like, whenever we don’t understand what You are doing–that we need to wait and see what You are making. After You get through mixing and baking, it’ll be something even better than biscuits. Amen.”
“Jesus replied: You do not understand now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7
“Help me, O Lord, to make a blessed use of all the disappointments and calamities of life, in such a way that they may unite my heart more closely with You. Cause my disappointments to separate my affections from worldly things, and inspire my soul with more vigor in the pursuit of true happiness. Amen.” Susanna Wesley (1669-1742), mother of John and Charles Wesley and 17 other children.
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
The door of the Word can only opened with the key of diligence!
December 2, 2018 2 Comments
The door of the Word can only opened with the key of diligence!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“Search the Scriptures!” John 5:39
The Greek word here rendered “search” signifies a strict, close, diligent, thorough search–such as men make when they are seeking gold. We must not rest content with having given a superficial reading to a chapter or two, but with the candle of the Spirit, we must deliberately seek out the spiritual essence of the Word. Holy Scripture requires searching–much of it can only be learned by careful study. There is milk for babes, but also meat for strong men.
No man who merely skims the book of God, can profit from it. We must dig and mine, until we obtain the hidden treasure. The door of the Word can only opened with the key of diligence! The Scriptures warrant searching. They are the writings of God–we dare to treat them with levity. He who despises them–despises the God who wrote them. God forbid that any of us should leave our Bibles to become swift witnesses against us in the great day of account. The Word of God will repay searching. Scripture grows upon the student. It is full of wonders!
The Scriptures reveal Jesus: “These very Scriptures speak about Me!” No more powerful motive can be urged upon Bible readers than this: He who finds Jesus finds life, Heaven, all things. Happy is he who, searching his Bible, discovers his Savior!
“My son, if you accept My words and store up My commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure–then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5
Painted pageantry to go to Hell in!
December 1, 2018 0 Comments
Painted pageantry to go to Hell in!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
Many people think that, when we preach salvation, we mean salvation from going to Hell. We do mean that, but we mean a great deal more.
We preach salvation from sin. We say that Christ is able to save a man; and we mean by that, that He is able to save him from sin and to make him holy–to make him into a new man.
No person has any right to say, “I am saved,” while he continues in sin as he did before. How can you be saved from sin, while you are living in it?
You will always know whether you are delivered from the guilt and condemnation of sin, by answering this question: “Am I delivered from the love of sin?”
It is faith that saves us–not works. But that faith which saves us, always produces works.
Does the world satisfy you? Then you have your reward and portion in this life. Make much of it–for you shall know no other joy!
If your religion does not make you holy–it will damn you! It is simply painted pageantry to go to Hell in!
If you have lived like the wicked–then you will die like the wicked, and be damned like the wicked!
If you admit a pig into your parlor among your friends
November 30, 2018 0 Comments
If you admit a pig into your parlor among your friends
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful–but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life!” Revelation 21:27
If we do not exactly know the particulars of what Heaven is–then we know to a certainty what it is not. We are sure that it is not like earth–there are no ale-houses, gambling parlors, or theaters there.
How then could those whose hearts are set upon these things–possibly be happy even in Heaven, where they would be separated forever from all that they love? Heaven must be a Hell to an unhumbled, unsanctified sinner–even if he could be admitted there. The company, the employments, the enjoyments–are of the same kind with what he despised on earth. If you admit a pig into your parlor among your friends–he would find no pleasure there. He would rather be in the sty, or wallowing in the mire in a ditch!
Well, such were some of us–yes, such were all of us once! And you, my dear friends, though you were not vile profligates like me–you were carelessly swimming down the stream of the world, and, when upon the edge of the whirlpool which would have eternally swallowed you up–He snatched you with a strong hand, set your feet upon a rock, established your goings, and has put a new song in your mouth!
“By the grace of God I am what I am!” 1 Corinthians 15:10
Give the devil and sin an inch!
November 29, 2018 1 Comment
Give the devil and sin an inch!
(Ralph Venning, “The Plague of Plagues!” 1669)
Beware of such sins as the world calls little sins! They say: “What harm is there in an innocent lie?” Alas, what a contradiction this is! Can a lie be innocent? One says, “Oh, it is only a trick of youth!” Yes, but it is such a trick as may cost you going to Hell! Another “deceives his neighbor and says: I am only joking!” Proverbs 26:19. Yes, but he who sins in jest or makes a jest of sin–may be damned in earnest!
Consider that no sin against a great God, can be strictly a little sin–though compared with a greater one, it may be. But however little it is–to account it so, makes it greater.
The nature of the greater sin is in the least sin. A spark of fire, or a drop of poison–have the nature of much more sin.
God has severely punished sins that have been looked upon as little sins, indeed, some of them well-meant sins–as when Uzzah took hold of the Ark when the cart shook (2 Samuel 6:6,7). When men only looked into the Ark–it cost them dearly! “The LORD killed seventy men from Beth-shemesh because they looked into the Ark of the LORD!” (1 Samuel 6:19). Gathering a few sticks on the Sabbath was severely punished! (Numbers 15:32-36).
These seem to be small matters–but in sin, we must not consider so much what is forbidden–as why it is forbidden, and whoforbids it.
Besides, a little sin makes way for a greater sin–just as a little boy-thief entering a house, makes way for a man-thief to enter.
It is hard to sin once and only once–to commit one little sin and only one. Give the devil and sin an inch–and they will take a mile! Vain babbling increases to more ungodliness. A little leak in a ship, may by degrees fill it with water and sink it. The Devil does not much care by what sins we go to Hell, whether small–or great; whether by religious formality–or open immorality.
If a man makes no conscience of little sins, to which the temptations can be only little–then how little conscience is he likely to make of great sins, to which there are greater temptations?
If Judas betrays his Lord for thirty pieces of silver–then what would he not do for more?
Beware then of little sins!
Look at that cold creeping worm!
November 28, 2018 0 Comments
Look at that cold creeping worm!
(Thomas Guthrie, 1803-1873)
Look at that cold creeping worm! The playful child shudders from its touch!
Yet in a few weeks, and with merry laugh and flying feet, that same child over flowery meadow, is hunting an insect that never lights upon the ground–but flitting in painted beauty from flower to flower–drinks nectar from their cups, and sleeps the summer night away in the bosom of their perfumes.
If that is the same boy–this is also the same creature. The change most wonderful!
Yet this is but a dull, earthly emblem of the divine transformation wrought on those who are converted by God!
Fallen though he is, man is capable of undergoing a more wondrous change than the insect when, no longer a worm, no longer crawling on the ground, no longer feeding on garbage–it leaves its shell to spend its happy days in sport, flitting from flower to flower; its food their sweet juices, and its bed their tender leaves.
The spiritual change which we call conversion, is not a mere reform. It is a mighty revolution–a revolution greater than the tomes of secular history. Conversion changes the heart, the habits, and the eternal destiny of an immortal being!
Conversion does not bestow new faculties. Yet our affections, our temperament, our will, and our judgment–partake of this great and holy change. Thus, the understanding is enlightened; the will is renewed; and our whole temperament is sweetened and sanctified by the Spirit of God.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone–the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Seeing that we deserve nothing–we should be content with, and thankful for anything!
November 27, 2018 0 Comments
Seeing that we deserve nothing–we should be content with, and thankful for anything!
(Ralph Venning, “The Plague of Plagues!” 1669)
It has been every man’s lot to come into and go out of this world naked–to show that he has no right to anything, but lives on the alms of God’s charity and grace. All that we have or hold between our birth and death–is the mere gift of God.
God might choose whether He would allow us anything or not; and when He has given–He may take back again, and none of us has cause to say anything but what Job said: “Naked I came into the world–and naked I shall return. The Lord has given–and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!” Job 1:21
All that we have, our food and clothing and belongings–are only lent to us. Therefore, seeing that we deserve nothing–we should be content with, and thankful for anything.
“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” 1 Timothy 6:7-8
Moral and spiritual parasites!
November 26, 2018 0 Comments
Moral and spiritual parasites!
(Frederick Marsh)
There are moral and spiritual parasites which throttle, kill, injure, or retard the growth of the spiritual life!
1. The parasite of sloth will hinder the grace of watchfulness–as it did the five virgins. Matthew 25:5
2. The parasite of worldliness will kill the grace of devotion–as it did in Demas. 2 Timothy 4:10
3. The parasite of pride will devastate the grace of humility–as it did with the Devil. 1 Timothy 3:6
4. The parasite of unbelief will keep down the grace of faith–as is seen in the children of Israel. Hebrews 3:17-19
5. The parasite of self-importance will kill the grace of self-denial–as is stated of Diotrephes. 3 John 9
6. The parasite of avarice will stifle the grace of reality–as is evidenced in Achan. Joshua 7:21
7. The parasite of covetousness will strangle the grace of generosity–as is manifest in Balaam. 2 Peter 2:15
Death–to the righteous and the wicked
November 25, 2018 0 Comments
Death–to the righteous and the wicked
(George Lawson, “A Practical Exposition of the Book of Proverbs” 1821)
“The wicked will be cut off from the land–and the unfaithful will be torn from it.” Proverbs 2:22
Must not the righteous leave the earth too?
Yes! But the earth is a very different thing to the righteous, and to the wicked.
To the righteous–this world is a place of preparation or Heaven.
To the wicked–this world is all the Heaven they will ever have.
Death is a kind messenger sent to the righteous by their heavenly Father–calling them to the possession of their eternal inheritance!
To the wicked, death is a messenger of wrath–summoning them to the abodes of misery!
Death is the beginning of happiness to God’s people.
Death is the final conclusion of all that the wicked counted their happiness.
To the righteous–death is a translation to a glorious eternity!
To the wicked–death is everlasting destruction and woe!
“If only they were wise and would understand this–and discern what their end will be!” Deuteronomy 32:29
“So teach us to number our days–that we may gain a heart of wisdom!” Psalm 90:12
For me!
November 24, 2018 0 Comments
For me!
“The Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!” Galatians 2:20
Is Jesus precious to my heart?
Is He the object of my supreme admiration and delight?
Does He have my warmest affection?
Do I love Jesus above all?
I must light the torch of my affection for Christ–at the altar of Calvary. I must go there, and learn and believe what the love of Jesus is to me–the vastness of that love–the self–sacrifice of that love–how that love of Jesus . . .
labored for me,
and wept for me,
and bled for me,
and suffered for me,
and died for me!
Can I stand before this love–this love . . .
so precious,
so great,
so enduring,
so self-consuming,
so changeless–and know that . . .
His sin-atoning sacrifice was for me,
His cross was for me,
His agony was for me,
His scorn and insult was for me,
His death was for me–
and feel no sensibility, no emotion, no love to Jesus? Impossible!
Do not be cast down, then, in vain regrets that your love to Christ is so frigid, so fickle, so dubious. Go and muse upon the reality and the greatness of the Savior’s love to you–and if love can inspire love–while you muse, the fire will burn, and your soul shall be all in flame with love to Jesus!
As the tree falls–so must it lie!
November 23, 2018 0 Comments
As the tree falls–so must it lie!
(J. R. Miller, “Devotional Hours with the Bible” 1909)
“Let him who does wrong–continue to do wrong; let him who is vile–continue to be vile” Revelation 22:11
The character with which men reach the final judgment–will be their permanent character forever. The man who lives in sin unto the end–is making his own destiny. Habits of sin–make the whole life sinful. It is this that gives such solemnity to life. The seeds of our future eternity–lie in our present.
Sow a thought–and you will reap an act;
sow an act–and you will reap a habit;
sow a habit–and you will reap a character;
sow character–and you will reap a destiny!
Everyone goes to his own place–that is, the place for which he is fitted by his life on the earth. He who has always sinned here on earth–will continue to sin forever. Eternal death–is simply eternal sin, along with the punishments and consequences thereof. The punishment of the wicked will not be an arbitrary punishment–but the natural result of their own choices and acts in this life.
As the tree falls–so must it lie;
As the man lives–so must he die!
As a man dies–such must he be;
All through the ages of eternity!
It makes a great difference, therefore, how we live in this world. There is an false impression in some people’s minds, that they can live in sin all their days, and then by a few tears of penitence and a cry for mercy in a dying hour–can change all the course of their life and spend eternity in Heaven. This verse does not favor such a view. The future life–is but the harvest of this present life.
Men will be judged by their deeds. The New Testament everywhere teaches the same solemn truth. This does not mean that salvation is by works. We are saved by grace–but grace changes the life and makes us holy.
“To die is gain”–only to those who can sincerely say, “To me, to live is Christ!”
Pains, infirmities, loss of sleep, the failure of sight and hearing!
November 22, 2018 0 Comments
Pains, infirmities, loss of sleep, the failure of sight and hearing!
(Letters of John Newton)
“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” Psalm 71:9
I am drawing nearer and nearer to the season which the Psalmist either expected or felt. Many reasons teach the aged believer the need of this prayer. As his graces are still imperfect–so his powers are feelingly upon the decline. It was but little he could do at his best–and now less and less!
He feels other props and comforts dropping off apace. When he was young, he had warm spirits and pleasing prospects; but now, what a change of the friends in which he once delighted! In some he has found inconstancy–they have forsaken and forgotten him; and others have been successively taken away by death. They have fallen like the leaves in autumn–and now he stands almost a naked trunk. If any yet remain, he is expecting to lose them likewise–unless he is first taken from them.
Old age abates, and gradually destroys the relish of such earthly comforts as might be otherwise enjoyed. Pains, infirmities, loss of sleep, the failure of sight and hearing, and all the senses–are harbingers, like Job’s messengers arriving in close succession, to tell him that death is upon his progress, and is not far away!
If youth has no security against death–then old age has no possibility of escaping the grim monster. But though friends fail, cisterns burst, gourds wither, strength declines, and death advances–if God does not forsake me–then all is well.
“Even to your old age and gray hairs–I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you!” Isaiah 46:4
Flinging gold coins and diamonds into the sea!
November 21, 2018 0 Comments
Flinging gold coins and diamonds into the sea!
(J.R. Miller, 1898)
“Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise–making the most of your time!” Ephesians 5:15-16
If you saw a man standing by the shore, and flinging gold coins and diamonds into the sea–you would say that he was insane. Yet God sees many people continually doing something very like this. Not gold and precious stones, do they this throw away–but minutes, hours, days, weeks, and years of time–possessions which are of greater worth than any gems of earth!
If we knew the intrinsic value of time–we would not allow a moment of it ever to be wasted!
It is said that in the mints, where gold is coined, that the sweepings of the floors are gathered and passed through the fire, and that in the course of a year large amounts of gold are saved from the mere dust of the precious gold which flies from it as it passes through the various processes of minting.
In the same way, what vast values would be saved if there were some way of gathering up all the little fragments of the days and hours–the golden dust of time, which people let drop amid the wastes!
Then think how much most of us would really add to the length of our life, if we had learned to use every hour and moment. We talk seriously of the brevity of life. We are often heard complaining about the shortness of the days, wishing they had many more hours in them. Probably the majority of people waste one-half of their time, and have made only one-half as much of their life as they might have done–if they had only used their time with wise economy, and had not squandered any of it.
There are many ways of wasting time. Many people waste a great deal of time in little fragments–five minutes here, ten minutes there, half an hour today, and an hour tomorrow. Those who understand the true value of time, and have learned the secret of using it, always have something worth while to fill up all the little interstices. They have a good book to read when they find a few minutes to spare; or on any occasion of delay.
Time is also well spent, in which we get a beautiful thought, an important fact or a suggestion of a lesson into our mind. Or the fragments of time may be filled with little acts of helpfulness or kindness. It is one of the finest secrets of life, to know how to redeem the minutes from waste, and to make them bearers of blessing, of cheer, of encouragement, of good, to others. Then the whole world is sweeter, because of every kindness done or good word spoken.
Much time is wasted in useless activities–in doing things which are not worth while. There are things which are not regarded as sins–but which are of no value to anyone, and bring no benefit to him who spends his time in doing them.
There is a great deal of reading that is not worth while. You go through book after book, and from all the pages you do not get one enriching thought, one helpful inspiration, or one impulse toward a holier life. All you have at the end of a year of such reading, is only a confused memory of exciting sensations, unwholesome incidents, and unreal experiences. You would better have spent the time in sleep or in sheer idleness, than in going through such worthless books!
There is altogether too much of such reading done. There are good novels, great works of fiction, which teach splendid lessons, which show magnificent character and noble conduct, which inspire their readers to truer, holier living. But there are novels which give unworthy and unwholesome thoughts of life, which leave in the mind of readers a residuum of unholy thoughts, false ideals, the trail of the serpent. Then there are novels which, if they are not positively evil in their spirit and tendency–are inane, senseless, with nothing in them to make any one truer, holier, or sweeter-spirited.
A great deal of the popular reading of our day is but a waste of time, if not worse! If instead of it people would read only that which is worth while–how much richer they would be at the end of their life!
No problem that comes before us is more important than this–what to do with time. In youth, we learn how to live. The habits we form then, will go with us to the end of our days. If we learn then the value of moments, and form the habit of giving every minute something worthy to do–we shall have found a secret of successful living.
“Teach us to number our days aright–that we may gain a heart of wisdom!” Psalm 90:12
The suffering Christian!
November 20, 2018 0 Comments
The suffering Christian!
(Francis Bourdillon, “Affliction, Light and Short!” 1864)
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment–is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we do not look at the things which are seen–but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary–but the things which are not seen are eternal!” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Few people will call their present affliction light–and few are disposed to call it short. For while it lasts, it seems hard to bear–and a time of suffering generally appears long. Yet the apostle Paul writes thus about his affliction: “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment.”
Paul’s afflictions were not, in themselves, light–few men have gone through more hardships and trials than he did. Nor were they, in themselves, short–for wherever he went he found them; they continued, more or less, to the end of his life.
It was only when he compared his present affliction with the glory that was so soon to follow–that it seemed to him light and short. Then he could say, “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment.”
We must always try to look at our afflictions in this way. If we look at them alone–they will be enough to overwhelm us! But if we think also, and even more, of the eternal rest and happiness and glory which lie ahead of us–then our view of our present afflictions will be greatly changed.
“True,” we shall feel, “true, my sorrows are many; my sickness is sore; my pain is great; long have I lain upon a bed of suffering. Yet before me lies a home of perfect rest, where pain and sickness and sorrow cannot come. My Savior has promised it to me and has gone before to prepare it for me. In a little while, I shall be there!”
With thoughts such as these, the suffering Christian should comfort himself–and thus weigh present affliction against future glory. For what are all things here below, but short? Joys and sorrows, health and sickness, affliction and prosperity–all the things that pain and that please, “the things which are seen”–all these things are but for a time.
Whereas “the things which are not seen are eternal.” What we hope for, what Christ has purchased for us and gone before to prepare for us–that is forever! Our pains and sorrows will soon end–but our pleasures will never end! Our affliction is but for a little while–but our comforts, our Savior’s presence, our Heavenly home, will be ours always!
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away–yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day!” 2 Corinthians 4:16
The sheep do not choose their own pasture!
November 19, 2018 0 Comments
The sheep do not choose their own pasture!
(Francis Bourdillon, “Bedside Readings” 1864)
“He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:2
“He makes me lie down in green pastures.” That is, He supplies the needs of our souls. He . . .
gives us the food of the Word of God,
strengthens us with His grace, and
makes us to find our rest in Him.
“He leads me beside the still waters.” That is, He . . .
refreshes us when we are weary,
revives our hearts by His promises,
cheers us by His presence,
gives us His Holy Spirit, and
enables us to rejoice in His salvation.
Amidst all our trials and troubles–He comforts us and gives us fresh hope.
Some may say, “Why should I have trouble at all? Why does the good Shepherd send me anything besides comfort and pleasure? Why am I poor or sad or sick?”
The sheep do not choose their own pasture–the shepherd chooses for them. In the same way, the disciple does not choose his own lot in life–it is appointed for him. His Shepherd knows best what is good for him. The best is not always what is the most pleasant at the moment–but what is most profitable in the end.
Our Shepherd sometimes leads us through what seem to us dry and stony places–but they lead to the Heavenly pastures! And even along the way, He feeds us and comforts us with all a shepherd’s care. Never is our Shepherd nearer to us, than when we are in need or danger.
“My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish–ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!” John 10:27-28
Here–put your troubles here!
November 18, 2018 0 Comments
Here–put your troubles here!
“Cast your burden on the Lord–and He will sustain you.” Psalm 55:22
Cast your troubles where you have cast your sins. You have cast your sins onto Jesus–cast your troubles there also!
As soon as the trouble comes, quick, the first thing–tell it to your heavenly Father! Remember, that the longer you take telling your trouble to God–the more your peace will be impaired. The longer the frost lasts–the more likely the ponds will be frozen.
Oh! It is a happy way of smoothing sorrow, when we can cast our burden upon the Lord. Oh, you agitated Christians, do not dishonor your religion by always wearing a ‘frown of concern’. Come, cast your burden upon the Lord.
I see you staggering beneath a weight which He would not feel.
What seems a crushing burden to you–would be nothing but a bit of dust to Him!
See! The Almighty bends His shoulders, and He says: “Here–put your troubles here!“
“Cast all your cares upon Him–because He cares about you!” 1 Peter 5:7
Made for frivolities?
November 17, 2018 0 Comments
Made for frivolities?
(Charles Spurgeon, “The One Thing Needful”)
Were you made only to be a machine for digging holes, laying bricks, or cutting out pieces of wood? Were you created only to stand at a counter and measure or weigh out goods? Do you think your God made you for that and that only?
Is this the chief end of man–to earn so many dollars a week, and try to make ends meet?
Is that all immortal men were made for?
As a man with a soul, capable of thought and judgment–and not a mere animal like a dog, nor a machine like a steam engine; can you stand up and look at yourself, and say, “I believe I am perfectly fulfilling my destiny”?
God has made man that he may glorify him–and whatever else man accomplishes, if he attains not to this end, his life is a disastrous failure!
Others are lovers of pleasure. They are merry as the birds, their life is as the flight of a butterfly, which lightly floats from flower to flower, according to its own sweet will.
It cannot be that an immortal spirit was made for frivolities–spending all its time on the playthings of the world.
So great a thing as an immortal soul could not have been made by God–with no higher object than to spend itself upon trifles as light as air.
Oh, pause a while, you careless, godless one! There is something more than the fool’s laugh. All things are not a comedy. Death and Heaven and Hell are serious–and should not life be?
The charms of music, the merriment of the mirthful assembly, the beauties of art, and the delights of banqueting–there must be something more for you than these. Something more must be required of you than that you should waste your precious time from morn to night upon nothing but to please yourself!
The very first letter in the alphabet of Christianity!
November 16, 2018 0 Comments
The very first letter in the alphabet of Christianity!
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 5:3
The Lord Jesus calls those blessed, who are poor in spirit. He means the humble, and lowly-minded, and self-abased. He means those who are deeply convinced of their own sinfulness in God’s sight. These are those who are not “wise in their own eyes and holy in their own sight.” They are not “rich and increased with goods.” They do not imagine that they need nothing. They regard themselves as “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Blessed are all such! Humility is the very first letter in the alphabet of Christianity! We must begin low, if we would build high.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
The Lord Jesus calls those blessed, who mourn. He means those who sorrow for sin, and grieve daily over their own short-comings. These are they who trouble themselves more about sin than about anything on earth. The remembrance of it is grievous to them. The burden of it is intolerable. Blessed are all such! “The sacrifices of God are a broken and contrite spirit.” One day they shall weep no more! “They shall be comforted.”
Let us learn how entirely contrary are the principles of Christ–to the principles of the world. It is vain to deny it. They are almost diametrically opposed! The very characters which the Lord Jesus praises–the world despises. The very pride, and thoughtlessness, and high tempers, and worldliness, and selfishness, and formality, and unlovingness, which abound everywhere–the Lord Jesus condemns!
Let us learn how unhappily different is the teaching of Christ from the practice of many professing Christians. Where shall we find men and women among those who go to churches and chapels, who are striving to live up to the pattern we have read of today? Alas! there is much reason to fear, that many baptized people are utterly ignorant of what the New Testament contains!
Above all let us learn how holy and spiritual-minded all believers should be. They should never aim at any standard lower than that of the Beatitudes. Christianity is eminently a practical religion. Sound doctrine is its root and foundation–but holy living should always be its fruit. And if we would know what holy living is, let us often think who they are that Jesus calls “blessed.”
I am in eternity–and you are on the brink!
November 15, 2018 0 Comments
I am in eternity–and you are on the brink!
(James Smith, “A Solemn Admonition” 1859)
Passing through a country graveyard the other day, an inscription on a head-stone struck my eye. The stone was by the side of the path, where everyone could see it, and it was placed there in memory of a young man who died at the age of seventeen. It was–
“Reader, one moment,
Stop, and think:
That I am in eternity!
And you are on the brink!”
In eternity! A young man, only seventeen years of age, in eternity!
In a fixed, a changeless, an eternal state!
In Heaven–or in Hell!
Saved with an everlasting salvation–or damned forever!
If it should be the latter–what a fearful supposition! And yet many have gone to Hell–before they have been seventeen years of age!
“I am in eternity–and you are on the brink!” Yes, though you may be young, apparently healthy, full of life and vigor–you are on the brink of eternity! A slight accident, or a few days illness–and you are in eternity! What a solemn thought!
What will eternity be to you?
Where will you be in eternity?
Are your sins pardoned?
Are you reconciled to God by the death of His Son?
Are you sanctified by the Holy Spirit–and thus made fit for Heaven?
If not, remember that in Hell, there is . . .
no gospel,
no means of grace,
no way of escape from the wrath of God!
Once there–and your doom is fixed forever!
Think, O think . . .
Of the dreadful consequences of dying in your sins!
Of going down to the grave in an unconverted state!
Of dying under the curse of God!
“Behold, now is the accepted time!
Behold, now is the day of salvation!”
This, and nothing but this, is true Christianity!
November 14, 2018 1 Comment
This, and nothing but this, is true Christianity!
(Edward Griffin, 1770-1837)
“You do not belong to yourself–for God bought you with a high price!” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
All that you are and have–are His. You owe Him your whole selves!
The Lord Jesus Christ, who created you and redeemed you from eternal damnation–is your Proprietor, Master, and King.
Whom else then should you serve?
To whom else should you devote your lives?
Whose interest should you rather seek?
“For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself. For if we live–we live for the Lord; or if we die–we die for the Lord. Therefore whether we live or die–we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:7-8
Our religion is exactly in proportion as we cease to live for ourselves–and live for God alone. We have just as much religion–as we have of self-denial. The only evidence of attachment to Him on which we can rely–is that we make it our design and care to promote His glory and the accomplishment of His benevolent purposes, not now and then, but in the general tenor of our lives.
To live for God, is to regard His will as the rule and ground of our conduct, and His glory as our supreme object. Not merely one day in a week–but in our general course to act from a reference to His authority.
To live for God, is to choose our calling, to pursue our business, to frame our habits, to regulate our actions from hour to hour–from a regard to His will and honor.
To live for God, is to feel and act as those who are not at liberty to live to themselves, but have their work daily assigned them by a heavenly Master.
To live for God, is to live under a sense that we are not our own–not our own masters, not our own proprietors, not at our own disposal.
To live for God, is to live as though our time, talents, influence, property, and all that we are and have–are God’s.
To live for God, is to hold everything in readiness to use for Him, or resign all things to Him as He shall direct.
To live for God, is to to be submissive under afflictions, and willing to be at His disposal in all our trials.
To live for God, is to to be ready to deny ourselves for Him in every way which His Word or Providence may point out.
To live for God, is to desire life chiefly that we may serve Him.
To live for God, is to make Him the center in which all the lines of our life shall meet.
To live for God, is to make it the business of our lives to please Him and not ourselves.
The very core of all true religion, is not to live for ourselves–but for God; not to consider ourselves our own–but the property and the servants of the Lord Jesus Christ; not to feel as though we are set up in the world to work for ourselves, to spend the most of our time in pursuing what is termed our innocent gratifications–but to hold our time, powers, influence, and property as talents entrusted to us to be used for Christ–keeping our eye on His Word to learn His will, and aiming habitually to please and honor Him.
This, and nothing but this, is true Christianity! Whatever our creed is–if this is not our character–then all our religion is vain!
“So we make it our goal to please Him–whether we are at home in the body or away from it!” 2 Corinthians 5:9
The best evidence of Christianity!
November 13, 2018 0 Comments
The best evidence of Christianity!
(Frederick Marsh)
Jesus is the chief among ten thousand–the altogether lovely One!
Christ is the Chiefest–or better than the best.
His love is unknowable! Ephesians 3:19
His riches are unsearchable! Ephesians 3:18
His joy is unspeakable! 1 Peter 1:8
His ways are untrackable! Romans 11:33
His grace is inexhaustible! 2 Corinthians 9:8
His peace is unfathomable! Philippians 4:7
And He Himself is unsurpassable! Exodus 15:11
His character was beautiful with holiness in every detail. Hebrews 7:26
His love was pure and faithful in all its affection. John 13:1
His service was true and beneficent in all its workings. Acts 10:38
His words were tender and true in all their utterances. John 7:45
His life was consistent in every department. Mark 7:37
His aim was single and concentrated in glorifying God. John 17:4
His mission was to benefit all who would trust Him, in dying a death which they deserved. 2 Corinthians 8:9
Christ is Christianity–and the best evidence of Christianity is Christ!
“Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend!” Song of Songs 5:16
Of all sins, it is the most secret, subtle and insinuating!
November 12, 2018 2 Comments
Of all sins, it is the most secret, subtle and insinuating!
(Edward Payson, 1783-1827)
“In his pride, the wicked does not seek Him. In all his thoughts, there is no room for God.” Psalm 10:4
The pride of the wicked is the principal reason why they will not seek after the knowledge of God.
In the first place, pride renders God a disagreeable object of contemplation to the wicked–and a knowledge of Him as undesirable. Pride consists in an unduly exalted opinion of one’s self. It is, therefore, impatient of a rival, hates a superior, and cannot endure a master. In proportion as it prevails in the heart–pride makes us wish . . .
to see nothing above us,
to acknowledge no law but our own wills,
to follow no rule but our own inclinations.
Thus it led Satan to rebel against his Creator–and our first parents to desire to be as gods.
Since such are the effects of pride, it is evident that nothing can be more painful to a proud heart than the thoughts of such a being as God–one who is infinitely powerful, just, and holy–who can neither be resisted, deceived, nor deluded–who disposes, according to His own sovereign pleasure, of all creatures and events–and who, in an especial manner, hates pride, and is determined to abase and punish it. Such a Being, pride can contemplate only with feelings of dread, aversion, and abhorrence. It must look upon God as its natural enemy–the great Enemy whom it has to fear.
The knowledge of God directly tends to bring this infinite, irresistible, irreconcilable Enemy full to the view of the proud man. It teaches him that he has a superior, a master . . .
from whose authority he cannot escape,
whose power he cannot resist,
and whose will he must obey–
or be crushed before Him, and be rendered miserable forever! It shows him what he hates to see–that, in despite of his opposition . . .
God’s counsel shall stand,
He will do all His pleasure, and
that He is infinitely above them.
These truths torture the proud unhumbled hearts of the wicked, and hence they hate the Scriptures which teach these truths. On the contrary, they wish to remain ignorant of such a Being, and to banish all thoughts of Him from their minds. With this view, they neglect, pervert, or explain away those passages of Scripture which describe God’s true character, and endeavor to believe that He is altogether such a one as themselves.
How foolish, how absurd, how ruinous, how blindly destructive of its own self–does pride appear! By attempting to soar–it only plunges itself in the mire! While endeavoring to erect for itself a throne–it undermines the ground on which it stands, and digs its own grave!
Pride plunged Satan from Heaven into Hell; it banished our first parents from paradise; and it will, in a similar manner, ruin all who indulge in it. Pride . . .
keeps us in ignorance of God,
shuts us out from His favor,
prevents us from resembling Him, and
deprives us in this world, of all the honor and happiness which communion with Him would confer.
And in the next world, unless previously hated, repented of, and renounced–pride will bar the door of Heaven forever against us, and close the gates of Hell upon us!
O then, my friends, beware, above all things–beware of pride! Beware, lest you indulge it imperceptibly, for of all sins–it is the most secret, subtle and insinuating!
WHY?
November 11, 2018 0 Comments
WHY?
“Do not love the world or anything in the world.” 1 John 2:15
WHY?
1. Because the gain of it, is the loss of the soul–Matthew 16:25-26.
2. Because its friendship is enmity to God–James 4:4.
3. Because it did not know Christ–John 1:10; 17:25.
4. Because it hates Christ–John 7:7; 15:18.
5. Because the Holy Spirit has forbidden us–1 John 2:15.
6. Because Christ did not pray for it–John 17:9.
7. Because Christ’s people do not belong to it–John 17:16.
8. Because its Prince is Satan–John 13:31; 16:11.
9. Because Christ’s kingdom is not of it–John 18:36.
10. Because its wisdom is foolishness–1 Corinthians 1:20.
11. Because Christ does not belong to it–John 8:23.
12. Because it is condemned–1 Corinthians 11:32.
13. Because it is passing away–1 Corinthians 7:31.
14. Because it slew Christ–James 5:6; Matthew 21:39.
15. Because it is crucified to us–Galatians 6:14.
16. Because we are crucified to it–Galatians 6:14.
17. Because it is the seat of wickedness–2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 5:19.
18. Because its god is the evil one–2 Corinthians 4:4.
If Christ has our love–then He has our ALL!
November 10, 2018 0 Comments
If Christ has our love–then He has our ALL!
(Thomas Doolittle, “Love to Christ Necessary to Escape the Curse at His Coming!” 1693)
“If any man does not love the Lord Jesus Christ–he shall be accursed!” 1 Corinthians 16:22
If Christ has our love–then He has our ALL! Christ never has our all from us–until He has our love. Love withholds nothing from Christ, when it is sincerely set upon Him.
Then He shall have our time,
and He shall have our service,
and He shall have the use of all our abilities, and gifts, and graces!
Yes, then He shall have our estates and our very lives–when He calls for them.
As when God loves any of us–He will withhold nothing from us that is good for us; no, not even His own only begotten Son! Romans 8:32
And when Christ loves us, then He gives all unto us:
His merits to justify us,
His Spirit to sanctify us,
His grace to adorn us,
His glory to crown us!
Just so, when any of us love Christ sincerely, we lay all down at His feet, and give up all to be at His command and service! “And they did not love their lives unto the death!” Revelation 12:11
Love gives the character to a man, according as the object is, which he superlatively loves.
As is the love–such is the man. As is the love–such might you boldly call the man.
If he is a lover of honor–then he is an ambitious man.
If he is a lover of pleasure–then he is a voluptuous man.
If he chiefly loves the world–then he is he is a covetous man.
If he loves holiness–then he is he is a pious man.
If he loves the things above–then he is a heavenly-minded man.
If he loves Christ with a predominant love–then he is a Christian man!
“The upright love You!” Song of Songs 1:4
Nothing worse can happen to a Church!
November 9, 2018 2 Comments
Nothing worse can happen to a Church!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world–but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2
Someone was asking, the other day, how it was that the church, nowadays, was not so separate from the world as it used to be. One who heard the question suggested that, possibly, the world had grown better; but another more truly said that, probably, the church had grown worse.
There are some, in these apostate days, who think that the church cannot do better than to come down to the world to learn her ways, follow her maxims, and acquire her “culture.” In fact, the notion is that the world is to be conquered by our conformity to it. This is as contrary to Scripture as the light is to the darkness!
Brethren, beloved in the Lord, you may depend upon it that nothing worse can happen to a Church, than to be conformed unto this world! Write “Ichabod!” upon her walls, then–for the sentence of destruction has gone out against her.
It will be an ill day for the church and the world when the proposed amalgamation shall be complete, and the sons of God and the daughters of men shall be as one–then shall another deluge of wrath be ushered in!
“Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17-18
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