February 17, 2019 
1 Comment
Unless our study of Scripture . . .
“He who says he abides in Him, ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” 1 John 2:6
Unless our study of Scripture is conforming us, both inwardly and outwardly, to the image of Christ–it profits us not!
“Leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21
February 13, 2019 0 Comments
Your daughter is dead!
(J.C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Luke” 1858)
“While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. ‘Your daughter is dead!‘ he said.” Luke 8:49
Let us notice in this verse–how universal is the dominion which death holds over mankind. We see death coming to a rich man’s house, and tearing from him the desire of his eyes with a stroke!
Such tidings as these, are the bitterest cups which we have to drink in this world. Nothing cuts so deeply into man’s heart–as to part with beloved ones, and lay them in the grave. Few griefs are so crushing and heavy–as the grief of a parent over the death of an only child.
Death is indeed a cruel enemy! He makes no distinction in his attacks. He comes to the rich man’s mansion–as well as to the poor man’s cottage. He does not spare the young, the strong, and the beautiful–any more than the old, the infirm, and the grey-haired. Not all the gold of Australia, nor all the skill of doctors–can keep the hand of death from our bodies, in the day of his power. When the appointed hour comes, and God permits him to smite–then our worldly schemes must be broken off, and our darlings must be taken away and buried out of our sight.
These thoughts are melancholy, and few like to hear of them. The subject of death is one that men shut their eyes at, and refuse to look at. “All men think all men mortal, but themselves!” But why should we treat this great reality in this way? Why should we not rather look the subject of death in the face, in order that when our turn comes–we may be prepared to die?
Death will come to our houses, whether we like it or not. Death will take each of us away–despite our dislike to hearing about it. Surely it is the part of a wise man to get ready for this great change.
Why should we not be ready? There is one who can deliver us from the fear of death. Christ has overcome death, and “brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” He who believes on Him, has everlasting life. Though he dies–yet shall he live.
Let us believe in the Lord Jesus–and then death will lose his sting. We shall then be able to say with Paul, “To me, to die is gain!”Philippians 1:21
February 12, 2019 3 Comments
Think of all the hard things there are in your life
(Susannah Spurgeon, “Words of Cheer and Comfort for Sick and Sorrowful Souls!” 1898)
“Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You!” Jeremiah 32:17
“Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:26-27
Dear reader, your difficulties and trials may not be similar to those of “the weeping prophet”–but they are very real, and seemingly insurmountable to you. It is a fact that, of yourself, you can neither overcome nor endure them. So I want to remind you that the Lord’s hand is not shortened–that what was true of His power in Jeremiah’s time, is as certainly true today. Whatever present hardship may press upon you, or whatever burden may be weighing you down–you, yes, you may look up to Him with confident faith, and say, “There is nothing too hard for You!”
Oh, the blessed peace which such an assurance brings! I do not know what your particular sorrow or hardship may be–but I do know that, whatever its nature–cruel, or bitter, or hopeless–it is as “nothing” to Him! He is able to deliver you–as easily as you can call upon Him for support and help.
Now, dear friend, think of all the hard things there are in your life:
poor circumstances,
difficult duties,
grievous pains,
sore struggles,
bitter disappointments,
harsh words,
sinful thoughts,
a hard heart of your own,
a hard heart in others.
Gather all these, and many more together, and pile them one on another until you have one great mountain of afflictions–and your God still calmly asks the question: “Is there anything too hard for Me?”
When our hearts are weary of life’s cares and crosses, when our courage flags because of our helplessness, and we cry out with the patriarch, “All these things are against me!”–then what a support and stronghold is the fact that our God has all power in heaven and on earth! There is nothing too mighty for Him to manage–there is nothing too insignificant to escape His notice!Jeremiah’s faith . . .
sees no obstacles,
stumbles at no hindrances,
faints under no burden,
shrinks from no responsibilities
–because he realizes the sublime Omnipotence of God, and fortifies himself by calling to remembrance His “outstretched arm” in the creation of the heavens and the earth. Cannot we do likewise?
I took up a book in a leisure moment the other day, opened it carelessly, and this is what I read: “It is a scientifically proved fact, that this great globe on which we live, spins around on its axis at the rate of a thousand miles an hour, and propels through space in its orbit at a speed immensely greater!”
The thought of this, seemed almost to take away my breath! Was I calmly and constantly living in the swirl of such a stupendous miracle as this? Then surely I could say, “Ah, Lord God! there is nothing too hard for You! My little troubles and afflictions–howsmall they must be to You! Yet with what tender compassion, do You stoop from guiding the worlds in their courses–to support and comfort the hearts of those who fear You!”
Never let us give up in despair, while we have such a God to trust in. If there is a great mountain of sorrow or difficulty in your way, dear friend–do not be cast down by the darkness of its shadow. Your God can either make a way for you through it–or He can guide you around it–or, just as easily, He can carry you right over it! There is nothing too hard for Him! Expect Him to make the crooked things straight, and to bring the high things low. And while you keep humbly at His feet, He will work wondrously, and you shall see His salvation!
February 11, 2019 0 Comments
No sin can be little!
(John Bunyan)
No sin can be little, because it is committed against the great God of heaven and earth.
To commit little sins–the sinner must find a little god!
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace!” Ephesians 1:7
“The blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
February 10, 2019 0 Comments
February 9, 2019 0 Comments
The sword of God’s truth!
(Arthur Pink, “Faithfulness”)
“Their speech is filled with flattery.” Psalm 5:9
This is the identifying mark of the “hireling,” the false pastor. He aims at pleasing his hearers, making them feel satisfied with themselves, ever patting them on the back.
“But he who has My Word–let him speak My Word faithfully” (Jeremiah 23:28)–no matter how unpalatable it may be to the flesh, how much of a weariness to those who wish to have their ears tickled with novelties, or how loud the outcry against it is!
Ministerial faithfulness includes . . .
loyalty to his Master,
devotion to His interests,
steadfast adherence to the preaching of His Word,
dispensing the truth unto those whose souls are committed to Him,
not mixing it with his speculations, much less substituting false doctrine.
A far higher motive than the pleasing of his hearers must actuate and regulate ministerial service.
Faithful preaching will render the minister unpopular, and will empty churches–not fill them!
“Then you will know the truth–and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Souls are caught fast in the meshes of Satan’s lies–and nothing but the sword of God’s truth can cut them free!
“A faithful man–who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6). Why is this? Because it is the part of fallen human nature to take the line of least resistance, and choose the path easiest to the flesh. But remember, my reader, whoever you are, that, “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord–but those who deal faithfully are His delight.” (Proverbs 12:22)
“Be faithful unto death–and I will give you a crown of life!” (Revelation 2:10)
February 8, 2019 0 Comments
Wise counsel for Preachers
The year was 1768. A twenty-eight year old preacher by the name of Augustus Toplady, who wrote many of our best hymns, including “Rock of Ages”, spent the afternoon in London with Mr. Brewer–an older, veteran Gospel preacher, whom he greatly admired and from whom he learned much. This is what Mr. Brewer said to the young Toplady, as Toplady later recorded in his diary:
“I cannot conclude without reminding you, my young brother, of some things that may be of use to you in the course of your ministry:
1. Preach Christ crucified, and dwell chiefly on the blessings resulting from His righteousness, atonement, and intercession.
2. Avoid all needless controversies in the pulpit–except it be when your subject necessarily requires it; or when the truths of God are likely to suffer by your silence.
3. When you ascend the pulpit, leave your learning behind you. Endeavor to preach more to the hearts of your people–than to their heads.
4. Do not affect too much oratory. Seek rather to profit your hearers–than to be admired by them.”
Christian ministers would do well to print out these four simple principles, tuck them in their Bibles, are refer to them every time they preach!
January 18, 2019 1 Comment
How kind and merciful Christ is to dull and slow believers
(J.C. Ryle)
“Then He said to Thomas: Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” John 20:27
We should mark in this verse, how kind and merciful Christ is to dull and slow believers. Nowhere, perhaps, in all the four Gospels, do we find this part of our Lord’s character so beautifully illustrated as in the story before our eyes.
It is hard to imagine anything more tiresome and provoking than the conduct of Thomas, when even the testimony of ten faithful brethren had no effect on him, and he doggedly declared, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side–I will not believe!” John 20:25
But it is impossible to imagine anything more patient and compassionate, than our Lord’s treatment of this weak disciple. He does not reject him, or dismiss him, or excommunicate him. He comes again at the end of a week, and apparently for the special benefit of Thomas. He deals with him according to his weakness, like a gentle nurse dealing with a froward child, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side.” If nothing but the plainest, coarsest, most material evidence could satisfy him–even that evidence was supplied. Surely this was a love that surpasses knowledge, and a patience that passes understanding.
A passage of Scripture like this, we need not doubt, was written for the special comfort of all true believers. The Holy Spirit knew well that the dull, and the slow, and the stupid, and the doubting–are by far the commonest type of disciples in this evil world. The Holy Spirit has taken care to supply abundant evidence that Jesus is rich in patience as well as compassion, and that He bears with the infirmities of all His people.
Let us take care that we drink into our Lord’s spirit, and copy His example. Let us never set down men as godless, because their faith is feeble and their love is cold. Let us remember the case of Thomas–and be very compassionate and of tender mercy.
Our Lord has . . .
many weak children in His family,
many dull pupils in His school,
many raw soldiers in His army,
many lame sheep in His flock.
Yet He bears with them all, and casts none away.
Happy is that Christian who has learned to deal likewise with his brethren. There are many in the Church, who, like Thomas, are dull and slow–but for all that, like Thomas, are real and true believers.
January 15, 2019 0 Comments
Home, sweet home! There is no place like home!
(James Smith, “Rills from the Rock of Ages”, 1860)
“These all died in faith . . . they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” Hebrews 11:13
The day of life with them is ended. Its duties are ended. Its responsibilities are past. Its hours are fled away.
What a trying day some of them had! How stormy. How sultry. How often overcast. How gloomy. But it is now past–and past forever! The toils of the wilderness are over! They had much to afflict and pain them . . .
a difficult and dangerous journey,
a long wearisome march,
many a heavy cross to carry,
many a stubborn foe to face,
many a painful doubt,
numerous gloomy fears.
But now the wilderness is all behind them! The afflictions of the pilgrimage are terminated. Those sufferings were sharp, and some of them continued long. Many of them were endured in secret, without sympathy and without relief. They were soul sorrows, agony of mind–as well as sharp pains of body. But however multiplied, however severe, however protracted those sorrows–they are past and gone, never, never to return!
The sweetest repose is now enjoyed. The poor tabernacle has been taken down, and is laid in a quiet resting-place until the resurrection morning. The soul is gone to be with Jesus. It has traveled through the rough path of life–and is now in God’s presence, where there is fullness of joy, and pleasures for evermore!
As Christians, we are going to the same place. The graves will soon be ready for our bodies–and the mansions of glory for our souls. We are going home! Home to our Father’s house! Home where our hearts have long been. Home where all our prayers will be answered, and all our best desires will be gratified. “Home, sweet home! There is no place like home!” Especially our home! Aparadise without a tempting serpent! A paradise where all are holy, all are safe, all are happy. Those pure and perpetual joys, which are at God’s right hand, await us! We taste them now and are delighted with a sip–but there we shall soon drink full draughts of eternal glory, eternal joy, and eternal blessedness!
Amidst present toils and trials, dangers and distresses–when wearied, way-worn, and tempted to fret–remember that you will soon be HOME! Think, think, O my soul, of an eternity of enjoyment–when the sufferings of time are ended!
“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away!” Revelation 21:3-4
(Please forward this uplifting post to all of your Christian friends who are going through times of affliction.)
January 14, 2019 1 Comment
What are you doing with your time?
(J.R. Miller)
“Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of the time” Ephesians 5:15-16
Our days, as God gives them to us–are like beautiful summer fields.
The hours are like trees with their rich fruit, or vines with their blossoms of purple clusters.
The minutes are like blooming flowers, or stalks of wheat with their golden grains.
Oh the endless, blessed possibilities of our days and hours and minutes–as they come to us from God’s hands!
But what did you do with yesterday? How does the little acre of that one day look to you now?
What are you doing with your time? Every moment God gives you, has in it a possibility of beauty or usefulness–as well as something to be accounted for.
Are you using your time for God?
“Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life!” Psalm 39:4
Jeremy Taylor: “God has given to man a short time here upon earth, and yet upon this short time eternity depends!”
Ryle: “No time is so well spent in every day–as that which we spend upon our knees.”
Spurgeon: “Time is short. Eternity is long. It is only reasonable that this short life be lived in the light of eternity!”
“So teach us to number our days–that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
January 13, 2019 1 Comment
Better to rot in prison!
(J.R. Miller, “Practical Lessons from the Story of Joseph“)
“How can I do this great wickedness–and sin against God!” Genesis 39:9
“After hearing his wife’s story, Potiphar was furious! He took Joseph and threw him into the prison!” Genesis 39:19-20
Sometimes it costs very dearly to be true to God. Joseph lay now in a dungeon. But his loss through doing right, was nothing in comparison with what he would have lost–had he done the wickedness to which he was tempted. His prison gloom, deep as it was–was as noonday, compared with what would have been the darkness of his soul under the blight of evil, and the bitterness of remorse. The chains that hung upon him in his dungeon, were but like feathers–in comparison with the heavy chains which would have bound his soul, had he yielded to the temptation. Though in a prison, his feet hurt by the fetters–he was a free man because his conscience was free and his heart was pure!
No fear of consequences should ever drive us to do a wrong thing.
It is better to suffer any loss, any cost, any sacrifice–than be eaten up by remorse!
Better be hurled down from a high place for doing right–than win worldly honor by doing wrong.
Better lose our right hand–than lose our purity of soul.
Better to rot in prison–than to sin against God!
It was the prayer of a young queen, which she wrote with a diamond point on her castle window, “Keep me pure–make others great.” That is the lesson of Joseph’s victory over temptation: dishonor, loss, dungeon, death–anything before sin!
January 12, 2019 0 Comments
Prepare to meet the monster!
This young lady had been confined to a bed of severe suffering for one year. At last her soul was ripened for glory. The time came that she must die, and her death-bed was a scene of triumph. Christ was very precious to her, and His love was wonderfully manifested to her soul. She often exclaimed, “My Beloved is mine, and I am His.”
The following are among her last words:
To her distant brother she thus dictated a letter: “Dear brother, I know not whether I shall meet you again on earth; but I hope to meet you in Heaven, where we shall be forever singing the praises of God; where the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, shall feed us, and lead us unto living fountains of waters, and where God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes.”
To her father, who said to her, “I fear I must lose you.” She replied, “Your loss will be my gain! I have a building from God, a house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” And again when he said, “I think you will fall asleep in Jesus;” she responded, “It will be a happy change!”
She exclaimed in a transport of joy, “Oh! I would not give up Christ for all the world!”
Her earthly course being nearly finished, she opened her eyes, which were soon to be closed in death, and in the language of strong, unshaken faith, exclaimed with Job, “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!”
Her faith remained firm unto the end, and her hope and confidence unshaken to the last. Her sky was clear and serene, her mind calm and composed–and thus she fell asleep in Jesus and entered into the joy of her Lord.
A few days before this young lady died, she requested the following lines to be read at her funeral.
To my young companions:
“My youthful mates, both small and great,
Stand here, and you shall see,
An awful sight, which is a type
Of what you soon will be!
“I used to appear once fresh and fair
Among the youthful crowd;
But now behold me dead and cold,
Wrapped in a sable shroud!
“My cheeks once red, like roses spread,
My sparkling eyes so gay;
But now you see how ’tis with me,
A lifeless lump of clay!
“When you are dressed in all your best,
In ‘fashion’ so complete,
You soon must be, as you see me,
Wrapped in a shrouding sheet!
“Ah, youth beware, and do prepare
To meet the monster, death!
For he may come when you are young,
And steal away your breath!
“When you unto your frolics go,
Remember what I say;
In short time, though in your prime,
You may be called away!
“Now I am gone, I can’t return;
No more of me you’ll see;
But it is true that all of you,
Must shortly follow me!
“When you unto my grave do go,
That gloomy place to see,
I say to you who stand and view,
Prepare to follow me!”
What an awful thing it is to die without salvation by Christ, without a saving interest in him; and yet millions live without God, and without hope in the world. And millions more die in the same awful condition, and plunge into a dark and miserable eternity!
“Let me die like the righteous–let my life end like theirs!” Numbers 23:10
January 11, 2019 1 Comment
The Christian is not a good man
(Martyn Lloyd Jones)
The Christian is not a good man.
He is a vile wretch who has been save by the grace of God!
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“When we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son” Romans 5:10
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst!” 1 Timothy 1:15
January 10, 2019 0 Comments
A beloved child–watched over, cared for, supplied and defended!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“The Lord takes pleasure in His people!” Psalm 149:4
How comprehensive is the love of Jesus! There is no part of His people’s interests that He does not consider; and there is nothing that concerns their welfare, which is not important to Him. Not merely does He think of you, believer, as an immortal being–but as a mortal being, also. Do not deny it or doubt it: “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.” “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in His way.” Believer, rest assured that the heart of Jesus cares about your common affairs.
The breadth of His tender love is such that you may resort to Him in all matters; for as a father pities his children, so does He pity you. Oh, what a heart is His–which comprehends all the diverse and innumerable concerns of all His redeemed people!
Do you think that you can measure the love of Christ? Think of what His love has brought you–justification, adoption, sanctification and eternal life! The riches of His goodness are unsearchable–you shall never be able to count them out or even conceive of them all. Oh, the breadth of the love of Christ! You are no desolate wanderer, but a beloved child–watched over, cared for, supplied and defended by your Lord!
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book!” Psalm 56:8
January 9, 2019 0 Comments
They are all gone!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“If you, O Lord, should keep a record of our sins–Lord, who could stand before You?” Psalm 130:3
“I–yes, I alone–will blot out your sins for My own sake, and will never remember them again!” Isaiah 43:25
“You will tread our sins underfoot, and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea!” Micah 7:19
All our transgressions are swept away at once, carried off as by a flood! They are so completely removed from us–that no guilty trace of them remains! They are all gone!
Oh, believers, think of this, for it is no little thing.
Sins against a holy God,
sins against His loving Son,
sins against the Gospel–as well as against the Law,
sins against man–as well as against God,
sins of the body–as well as sins of the mind,
sins as numerous as the sands on the seashore, and as great as the sea itself
–all, all are removed from us–as far as the east is from the west!
All this evil was rolled into one great mass and laid upon Jesus! Having borne it all, He has made an end of it forever. When the Lord forgave us, He forgave us the whole debt. He did not take the bill and say, “I strike out this item, and that item”–but the pen went through it all: Paid in full!
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth–so great is His faithful love toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west–so far has He removed our transgressions from us!” Psalm 103:11-12
“My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!”
Horatio Spafford
January 8, 2019 0 Comments
Oh! look before you, and see where it leads!
(Samuel Davies, “Saints Saved with Difficulty; and the Certain Perdition of the Wicked”)
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it!” Matthew 7:13-14
This, my friends, and this alone–is the way of salvation. Is this the way in which you are walking? Or is it the smooth, easy downward road to destruction? You may slide along that without exertion or difficulty, like a dead fish floating with the stream; but oh! look before you, and see where it leads!
Most people . . .
form some easy system of religion,
from their own vain imaginations,
suited to their depraved taste,
indulgent to their sloth and carnality,
and favorable to their lusts–
and this they call ‘Christianity’!
But this is not the religion of the Bible! This is not the way to life laid out by God in His Word–but it is the smooth downward road to destruction!
January 6, 2019 1 Comment
Not one grain too much!
(Henry Ward Beecher, 1813-1887)
“Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” Hebrews 12:7
Affliction comes to us all:
not to make us sad–but sober;
not to make us sorry–but to make us wise;
not to impoverish us–but to enrich us!
We are always in the furnace–or on the anvil.
By trials, God is shaping us for nobler things.
Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things!
No physician ever weighed out medicine to his patients with half so much care and exactness, as God weighs out every trial to His children. Not one grain too much, does He ever permit to be put in the scale!
The troubles and worries of life may be as stumbling blocks in our way–or we may make them stepping-stones to a nobler character and to Heaven.
“Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:10-11
January 5, 2019 0 Comments
Its tones fall like soothing music on the quivering heart!
(J.R. Miller)
“His disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it–and went and told Jesus.” Matthew 14:12
When one dies in our home, and our hearts are breaking–we should go and tell Jesus. It will do us good to tell Him.
We may not care to tell our trouble to any human friend. Some sorrows are too sacred to be unveiled to any eyes.
But we need never shrink from telling Jesus. He can understand our grief, for He knows all human pain; not alone as God–but as man, for He experienced all sorrow. He will treat our sorrow, too, with most delicate gentleness.
The very words which others speak to comfort us–often fall with crude impact upon our bruised heart and give fresh pain. The gentlest touch of a human hand, often hurts where it is meant to help. But the voice of Jesus is so gentle that its tones fall like soothing music on the quivering heart, and the hand of Jesus is so skillful that its touch gives healing.
We need never fear to tell Jesus of our sorrow. He is the truest Comforter, and the wisest Healer of hurt hearts.
January 4, 2019 1 Comment
Worse than Hell!
(Thomas Watson, “Religion Our True Interest”)
Sin is the only evil thing–it is the evil of evils!
Sin is the poison which the old serpent spat into our virgin nature!
In sin there is both pollution and enmity. Sin is compared to a “thick cloud” (Isaiah 44:22), which not only hides the light of God’s face–but brings down showers of His wrath!
Sin is worse than all evils. There is more evil in a drop of sin–than in a sea of affliction!
Sin is the cause of all evil. Out of this viperous womb of sin, come “evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.”
Sin is the quintessence of evil.
Sin puts a sting into death (1 Corinthians 15:56).
Sin is worse than Hell! Hell is a burden only to the sinner–but sin is a burden to God! Amos 2:13
January 2, 2019 0 Comments
A New Year’s Resolution
(Matthew Henry)
“My times are in Your hand!” Psalm 31:15
Firmly believing that my times are in God’s hand, I here submit myself and all my affairs for the ensuing year, to the wise and gracious disposal of God’s divine providence. Whether God appoints for me . . . .
health or sickness,
peace or trouble,
comforts or crosses,
life or death–
may His holy will be done!
All my time, strength, and service, I devote to the honor of the Lord Jesus–and even my common actions. It is my earnest expectation, hope, and desire, my constant aim and endeavor–that Jesus Christ may be magnified in me.
In everything I have to do–my entire dependence is upon Jesus Christ for strength. And whatever I do in word or deed, I desire to do all in His name, to make Him my Alpha and Omega. I have all from Him–and I would use all for Him.
If this should prove a year of affliction, a sorrowful year to me–I will fetch all my supports and comforts from the Lord Jesus and stay myself upon Him, His everlasting consolations, and the good hope I have in Him through grace.
And if it should be my dying year–then my times are in the hand of the Lord Jesus. And with a humble reliance upon His mediation, I would venture into the eternal world looking for the blessed hope. Dying as well as living–Jesus Christ will, I trust, be gain and advantage to me.
Oh, that the grace of God may be sufficient for me, to keep me always a humble sense of my own unworthiness, weakness, folly, and infirmity–together with a humble dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ for both righteousness and strength.
~ ~ ~ ~
“Remember that your life is short, your duties are many, your assistance is great, and your reward is sure. Therefore faint not, persevere in ways of holiness–and Heaven shall make amends for all!” Thomas Brooks
January 1, 2019 0 Comments
“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.”
January 1, 2019 0 Comments
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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!
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
November 7, 2018 0 Comments
Eloquent prayers
If the eloquence of our prayers mattered to God, then eloquence would be more valuable than grace–but it is not so.
Some of us may be able to express ourselves very fluently from the force of natural abilities–but it should always be an anxious question to us, whether our prayer is a prayer which God will receive.
We often pray best when we stammer and stutter–and we often pray worst when words flow articulately one after another! God is not moved by eloquent prayers–they are but empty noise to Him. He is only moved by sincere emotions which dwell in the innermost heart.
For a man to bend his knees and utter the hypocritical language of affection to God which he never feels in his heart–is little short of blaspheming God! We must have very light thoughts of God, when we try to deceive Him with such prayers as these!
I often say my prayers
But do I ever pray?
And do the wishes of my heart
Go with the words I say?I may as well kneel down
And worship gods of stone,
As offer to the living God
A prayer of words alone.For words without the heart
The Lord will never hear;
Nor will He to those lips attend
Whose prayers are not sincere.
John Burton, 1803-1877
October 11, 2018 0 Comments
I am a pilgrim in the world, but at home in my God!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God!” Psalm 90:1-2
The Christian knows no change with regard to God.
He himself may be rich today–and poor tomorrow,
he may be sickly today–and well tomorrow,
he may be in happiness today–tomorrow he may be distressed;
but there is never any change with regard to his relationship to God.
If He loved me yesterday–then He loves me today. My unmoving mansion of rest, is my blessed Lord.
Let prospects be ruined,
let hopes be blasted,
let joy be withered,
let mildews destroy everything–
I have lost nothing of what I have in God. He is “my strong habitation where unto I can continually resort.” I am a pilgrim in the world, but at home in my God. In the earth I wander, but in God I dwell in a quiet habitation.
“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength!” Habakkuk 3:17-19
September 8, 2018 0 Comments
The family disease!
(J.C. Ryle)
“He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves, that they were righteous.” Luke 18:9
The sin which our Lord here denounces, is “self-righteousness.”
We are all naturally self-righteous. It is the family disease of all the children of Adam. From the highest to the lowest–we think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. We secretly flatter ourselves that we are not as bad as some, and that we have something to merit the favor of God.
We forget the plain testimony of Scripture:
“Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.”
“What is man, that he could be pure; or one born of woman, that he could be righteous?”
“There is no one righteous, not even one!”
The true cure for self-righteousness, is self-knowledge. Once let the eyes of our understanding be opened by the Spirit–and we shall talk no more of our own goodness. Once let us see what sin there is in our own hearts, and what the holy law of God requires–and self-conceit will die. We shall lay our hand on our mouths, and cry with the leper, “Unclean, unclean!” Leviticus 13:45
“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32
“Christ died for the ungodly!” Romans 5:6
September 7, 2018 0 Comments
We would be forever contented with the garlic and flesh-pots of Egypt!
(Thomas Case, “The Rod and the Word, A Treatise on Afflictions” 1653)
One lesson which God teaches us in the school of affliction, is how to prize and long for Heaven. In our prosperity, “when we wash our steps in butter, and the rock pours us out rivers of oil” (Job 29:6)–we could sit down with the present world, and say, “It is good for us to be here; let us build dwellings here.”
While life is sweet–then death is bitter.
Heaven itself is no enticement–while the world gives us her alluring baits.
But when poverty and imprisonment, reproach and persecution, sickness and sore diseases–pinch and vex our hearts with a variety of afflictions–then we are not so fond of the creature, and are pleased to parley with death, and take Heaven into our consideration.
God by putting us into the school of affliction, takes off our hearts by degrees from this present world, and makes us look homeward. Being burdened, we groan–and with the dove we return to the ark, when the world is sinking round about us.
We would be forever contented with the garlic and flesh-pots of Egypt–if God did not set cruel taskmasters over us to double our burdens. And when God thus lessens our esteem of the world–He reveals to us the excellency of heavenly comforts, and draws out the desires of the soul to Himself:
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” Psalm 42:1-2
“Even so, come Lord Jesus!” Revelation 22:20
Afflictions make Heaven appear as Heaven indeed!
To the weary, Heaven is rest;
to the banished, it is home;
to the scorned and reproached, it is glory;
to the captive, it is liberty;
to the soldier, it is victory;
to the hungry, it is hidden manna;
to the thirsty, it is the fountain of life;
to the grieved, it is fullness of joy; and
to the mourner, it is pleasures forevermore.
In a word, to those who have lain upon the dunghill of affliction, and walked in holiness–Heaven is the throne on which they shall sit and reign with Christ forever and ever!
September 5, 2018 0 Comments
Rich in meditation–rich in grace!
(Thomas Case, “The Rod and the Word, A Treatise on Afflictions” 1653)
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2
Take heed of feeding your heart’s corruption with thoughts of the sweetness that is in sin.
Take heed also, of starving grace by withdrawing from it suitable nourishment.
Meditate much upon . . .
the sinfulness of sin,
the vanity of the creature,
the fullness of Christ,
the exquisiteness of His sufferings,
the finality of the judgment,
the torments of Hell,
the joys of Heaven,
the infinite perfections of the divine nature,
and the solemnity of eternity!
Rich in meditation–rich in grace!
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8
September 4, 2018 1 Comment
They hope that they shall not have two Hells!
(Thomas Case, “The Rod and the Word, A Treatise on Afflictions” 1653)
Because men suffer in this world–they assume they shall be freed from sufferings in the world to come.
Because they have a Hell here–they imagine that they shall escape Hell hereafter.
They hope that they shall not have two Hells!
Poor, deluded soul! You may and must have two Hells. Cain, and Judas, and millions of reprobate men and women, have two Hells–one in this life, in torments of body–and another in the life to come, in unquenchable fire.
You may have a prison on earth–and a dungeon in Hell.
You may now lack a crumb of bread–and hereafter lack a drop of water.
You may now be the reproach of men–and hereafter the scorn of God Himself.
Affliction alone is not enough to evidence a man to be a saved man. Blows may sooner break the neck, than the heart! Afflictions are in themselves, the fruit of divine wrath–and therefore cannot possibly of themselves make the least argument of God’s love to the soul.
God forbid that a man should take that for his security from Hell–which may be but the foretaste of Hell! Present afflictions, may be the pledge of endless misery.
In many cases it is to be feared that the cup of affliction, is a vial of wrath–and that the plagues of this life, are but some drops of that coming storm of fire and brimstone, wherein impenitent sinners shall be scorched and tormented forever!
September 3, 2018 0 Comments
His discipline is sharp–but the end is sweet!
(Thomas Case, “The Rod and the Word, A Treatise on Afflictions” 1653)
“No chastening seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11
“Whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:6
God will rather fetch blood–than lose one of His sons!
See and admire the wisdom, power and goodness of God–who can make His people better by their sufferings!
Behold, I show you a gospel mystery! God can . . .
extract gold, out of clay;
draw the richest wine, out of gall and wormwood;
turn the greatest misery of the body, into the greatest good of the soul;
turn the chastening itself, into a blessing;
make the withered rod of affliction, to bud into a harvest of righteousness and peace!
The almond tree is said to be made fruitful by driving nails into it, thereby letting out a noxious gum which hinders its fruitfulness. In the same way, God never intends more good to his children, than when He seems to deal most severely with them! His discipline is sharp–but the end is sweet!
O that the children of God in affliction, or entering upon sufferings–would sit down and dwell upon the fruit and advantage which God knows how to bring out of all their sorrows.
“Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” Job 5:17
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your Word.” Psalm 119:67
“It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn Your decrees.” Psalm 119:71
August 10, 2018 0 Comments
At the cross!
(Charles Spurgeon)
The cross, that deepest revelation of the glory of God–is the great weapon which breaks down the heart’s defenses! It is especially the love of Jesus shown in the cross, which turns and transforms the hearts of sinners.
In the horrifying torture and crucifixion of Jesus, we see the highest proof of the highest love. His bleeding, makes our hearts bleed. His shame, makes us ashamed. In the cross we see the divine disgust at sin, which makes sin appalling in our eyes as well. But further, through the cross we see a love so unfathomable, that it pierces our apathy and overwhelms our desires for earthly trinkets.
At the cross . . .
our pride and sinfulness are mortified,
our self-deifying efforts are destroyed,
our wandering hearts are exposed,
the beauty of Christ in His humility and holiness are held before us,
and the glory of God shines brightest in all its transforming power.
The atoning work of Jesus is the great gun of our battery. The cross is the mighty battering-ram with which to break in pieces the bronze gates of human prejudices and the iron bars of sinful obstinacy!
August 2, 2018 1 Comment
Clear views of Christ’s priestly office and intercession
(J.C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Luke” 1858)
“But I have prayed for you Simon, that your faith may not fail.” Luke 22:32
We see in this verse–one great secret of a believer’s perseverance in the faith.
It was owing to Christ’s intercession–that Peter did not entirely fall away.
The continued existence of grace in a believer’s heart, is a great standing miracle. His enemies are so mighty–and his strength is so small; the world is so full of snares–and his heart is so weak; that it seems at first sight impossible for him to reach Heaven.
The passage before us explains his safety. He has a mighty Friend at the right hand of God, who ever lives to make intercession for him. There is a watchful Advocate, who is daily pleading for him–seeing all his daily necessities, and obtaining daily supplies of mercy and grace for his soul. His grace never altogether dies–because Christ always lives to intercede for him! (Hebrews 7:25.)
If we are true Christians, we shall find it essential to our comfort in religion–to have clear views of Christ’s priestly office and intercession. Christ lives–and therefore our faith shall not fail. Let us beware of regarding Jesus only as one who died for us. Let us never forget that He is alive for evermore. Paul bids us to especially remember that He is risen again, and is at the right hand of God, and also makes intercession for us. Romans 8:34
The work that He does for His people, is not yet over. He is still appearing in the presence of God for them, and doing for their souls, what He did for Peter. His present life for them–is just as important as His death on the cross eighteen hundred years ago! Christ lives–and therefore true Christians “shall live also.”
July 31, 2018 0 Comments
The greatest sinner that you know!
(William Law, “A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life“)
“This is a true saying, and worthy of all acceptance: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’–and I am the worst of them all.” 1 Timothy 1:15
You may truly look upon yourself to be the greatest sinner that you know in the world. For though you may know many people to be guilty of some gross sins with which you cannot charge yourself–yet you may justly condemn yourself as the greatest sinner that you know, because you know more of the folly of your own heart, than you do of other people’s hearts. You can charge yourself with various sins, that only you know of yourself, and cannot be sure that others are guilty of them.
So that as you know more of the folly, the degradation, the pride, the deceitfulness and vileness of your own heart, than you do of any one’s else–so you have just reason to consider yourself as the greatest sinner that you know; because you know more of the greatness of your own sins, than you do of other people’s sins.
God Almighty knows greater sinners than you are; because He sees and knows the circumstances of all men’s sins. But your own heart, if it is faithful to you, can discover no guilt so great as your own.
Perhaps that person who appears so odious in your eyes, would have been much better than you are–had he been altogether in your circumstances, and received all the same favors and graces from God that you have. And therefore the greatest sinner that you know, must be yourself.
This is a very humbling thought.
A serious and frequent reflection upon this will mightily tend to . . .
humble us in our own eyes,
make us very sensible of the greatness of our own guilt,
and very tender in censuring and condemning other people.
July 30, 2018 1 Comment
This alone is the vexed soul’s refuge!
(Horatius Bonar, 1808-1889)
“In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge!” Colossians 2:3
The one true resting-place where doubt and weariness, the stings of a pricking conscience, and the longings of an unsatisfied soul would all be quieted–is Christ Himself!
Not the church, but Christ.
Not doctrine, but Christ.
Not religious forms and ceremonies, but Christ.
Christ the God-man . . .
giving His life for ours,
sealing the everlasting covenant, and
making peace for us through the blood of His cross!
Christ the divine storehouse of all light and truth, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge!
Christ the infinite vessel–the enlightener, the teacher, the quickener, the comforter–so that out of His fullness we may receive grace upon grace.
This, this alone is the vexed soul’s refuge, its rock to build on, its home to abide in–until the great tempter is bound and every conflict ended in victory.
July 23, 2018 0 Comments
The chain of redeeming love now holds them!
(Henry Law)
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect!” 1 Peter 1:18-19
Your time is redeemed–use it as a consecrated talent in His cause.
Your minds are redeemed–employ them to learn His truth, and to meditate on His ways.
Your eyes are redeemed–let them not look on vanity; close them on all sights of folly and evil.
Your feet are redeemed–let them trample on the world and climb the upward hill of Zion and bear you onward in the mark of Christian zeal.
Your tongues are redeemed–let them only sound His praise, and testify of His love, and call sinners to His cross.
Your hearts are redeemed–let them love Him wholly, and have no place for rivals.
A redeemed flock should live in redemption’s pastures. The Redeemer’s freedmen should evidence, that they are called to holy liberty, and that their holy liberty is holy service. The chain of sin is broken–and the chain of redeeming love now holds them!
July 21, 2018 0 Comments
Let us abhor the very idea of play-acting and mask-wearing in our Christianity!
(J.C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Luke” 1858)
Let us observe how abominable hypocrisy is in the eyes of Christ. We are told that in the presence of all the people, Jesus said unto His disciples, “Beware of the teachers of the law! They like to walk around in flowing robes–and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses–and pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public.” Luke 20:46-47
This was a bold and remarkable warning. It was a public denunciation, we must remember, of men who were the recognized teachers of the Jewish people.
No sin seems to be regarded by Christ as more wicked, than hypocrisy. None certainly drew forth from His lips such frequent, strong and withering condemnation, during the whole course of His ministry.
He was ever full of mercy and compassion for the chief of sinners. “Fury was not in Him” when He saw Zacchaeus; the penitent thief; Matthew the tax-collector; Saul the persecutor; and the sinful woman in Simon’s house.
But when He saw Scribes and Pharisees wearing a mere cloak of religion, and pretending to great outward sanctity, while their hearts were full of wickedness–His righteous soul seems to have been full of indignation. Eight times in one chapter (Matthew 23) we find Him saying, “Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees! You hypocrites!”
Whatever else we are in religion–let us be true. However feeble our faith, and hope, and love, and obedience may be–let us see to it that they are real, genuine, and sincere. Let us abhor the very idea of play-acting and mask-wearing in our Christianity. At any rate, let us be genuine.
The hypocrite will have the lowest place in Hell! “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the damnation of Hell?” Matthew 23:33
July 20, 2018 1 Comment
The conflagration of the world!
(Samuel Davies, “The Universal Judgment!“)
“The present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. The day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare!” 2 Peter 3:7, 10
The present state is but the infancy of the world. All the events of time, even those which make such great noise to us, and determine the fate of kingdoms—are but as the trivial games of little children. But if we look forward and trace events to maturity, we meet with vast, significant and majestic events! To one of those scenes I would direct your attention this day; I mean the solemn, tremendous, and glorious scene of the universal judgment!
You have sometimes seen a stately building in ruins; come now, and view the ruins of a demolished world! Come now, and view the whole universe severely laboring and agonizing in her last convulsions, and her well-ordered system dissolved!
You have heard of earthquakes here and there which have laid huge cities in ruins; come now, and feel the tremors and convulsions of the whole globe, which blend cities and countries, oceans and continents, mountains, plains and valleys—in one giant heap!
You have a thousand times beheld the moon walking in brightness, and the sun shining in its strength; come now, look and see the sun turned into darkness, and the moon into blood!
It is our lot to live in an age of war, blood, and slaughter; an age in which our attention is engaged by the dubious fate of kingdoms. Draw off your thoughts from these trifling objects for an hour, and fix them on more solemn and vital objects. Come view this dread scene!
“The world alarmed, both earth and heaven o’erthrown,
And gasping nature’s last tremendous groan;
Death’s ancient scepter broke, the teeming tomb,
The Righteous Judge, and man’s eternal doom!”
Let us now enter upon the majestic scene! But alas! what images shall I use to represent it? Nothing that we have ever seen, nothing that we have ever heard, nothing that has ever happened on the stage of time—can furnish us with proper illustrations. All here is low and groveling—when compared with the grand phenomena of that day!
We are so accustomed to trifling earthly objects, that it is impossible that we should ever raise our thoughts to a suitable pitch of elevation. But before long, we shall be amazed spectators of these majestic wonders—and our eyes and our ears will be our instructors!
But it is now necessary we should have such ideas of them—as may affect our hearts, and prepare us for them. Let us therefore present to our view, those representations which divine revelation—our only guide in this case—give us . . .
of the person of the Judge, and the manner of His appearance;
of the resurrection of the dead, and the transformation of the living;
of the universal gathering of all men before the supreme tribunal;
of their separation to the right and left hand of the Judge, according to their characters;
of the judicial process itself;
of the decisive sentence;
of its execution,
and of the conflagration of the world!
July 19, 2018 1 Comment
You will soon end your tedious, tiresome journey!
(James Smith, “The Believer’s Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble” 1842)
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth!” Hebrews 11:13
Every believer is a pilgrim. He is traveling to his Father’s house! He is presently a stranger in a strange land, surrounded by temptations, trials, and foes. His journey lies through a great and terrible wilderness. Therefore he must not expect a very smooth path, or many comfortable accommodations. He will have much to grieve and distress him. His heart will be often burdened with grief, and filled with sorrow — tears are common to the Christian. He feels the unsuitableness of the things of time to his spirit, profession, and aim. And therefore he confesses, “I am a stranger and a pilgrim — as all my fathers were!” Psalm 39:12
Weariness and painfulness are his portion now — but a rest remains for him! It is a glorious rest. It embraces and includes all that the believer has prayed for — or can desire!
It waits for him at the end of his journey,
it was prepared for him from the foundation of the world,
it is now promised to him in the faithful word, and
it will be bestowed upon him when he has fought the good fight, and finished his course.
Everything at present may appear gloomy and distressing; but ahead of you, believer, everything is glorious, magnificent, and blessed! Press on then — fight the good fight of faith. Travel on in the strength of Jesus! You are going home — and you have a glorious home to go to!
The minute after you have entered your rest — you will forget all the fatigue, all the dangers, and all the difficulties of the way! You will perhaps be filled with wonder, that you should ever have allowed such trifles to vex you, or such little trials to discourage you — with such a glorious end before you.
Fellow-pilgrim, expect trouble — but also expect mercy to help you in time of need! Expect to feel your circumstances to be trying — but also expect your Savior’s strength to be perfected in your weakness! You will soon end your tedious, tiresome journey — and enter into the joy of your Lord!
Never forget you are now a pilgrim — a stranger — only a sojourner here in this poor world. Here you have no continuing city — but you seek for one to come.
Nothing can make this poor world your rest — it will always be a wilderness to you. Be content then, to wait until you get home! There you shall enjoy — and always enjoy, all your desires! There will not be one unfulfilled want, wish, or desire there! All will be satisfied — all will be full. In a little while — you will see the portal of your Father’s house, and hear Him say, “Come in, you who are blessed of the Lord, tarry no longer outside! Come, dwell forever with Me!”
July 18, 2018 1 Comment
In that hand which was once nailed to the cross for your redemption!
(James Smith, “The Believer’s Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble” 1842)
“The Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes every one He accepts as a son.” Hebrews 12:6
Afflicted Christian, you are perhaps tempted to think that God cannot love you — or He would not so deeply try you. But the reverse is the case — if He did not love you, He might perhaps refuse to try you. But because He loves you, and is a Father to you — therefore He corrects you.
All of the Lord’s children need correction! Many of them will not grow without very severe discipline — consequently your heavenly Father says, “I will melt them, and try them.” “I will turn My hand upon you — and will purge away your dross.”
Look to the generations of old, and see if the Lord’s people in every age have not been an afflicted people. Look at Job, at the prophets, at Lazarus; God tenderly loved them — and yet how severely He tried them. He has commanded an earthly parent to chasten his son, and not to let his soul spare for his crying — and by this rule He also proceeds. He chastens us — that He may not destroy us. There is infinite mercy in your present trial — as dreadful as it may appear to you. There was an absolute necessity for it — for He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve His redeemed children.
He takes pleasure in the spiritual prosperity of His people — and therefore He uses means to promote it. He has received you as a son, and He is now . . .
using His paternal authority;
manifesting His infinite wisdom;
fulfilling His gracious covenant;
making good His precious promises;
and displaying His unutterable love!
Every one who is . . .
adopted into His family;
quickened by His grace;
and united to Jesus —
is made to pass under the rod, and prove the truth of the Scripture which says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous — but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
He chastens you, not for His own pleasure or gratification, but for your profit — that you might be a partaker of His holiness. What a gracious design is this — every way worthy of God. It affords full proof of His infinite wisdom, care, and love!
Think within yourself:
I could not do without this affliction;
it is sent in love;
it is intended to do me good;
it is a proof that I am a child of God
— and you will then think rightly.
Do not despise the chastening of the Lord, by thinking that you could have done as well without it; or that there was no necessity for it. Depend upon it, you must either be . . .
pained — or ruined;
tried — or injured;
corrected — or lost.
Do not faint when the Lord rebukes you. He has promised you, that as your day is — so shall your strength be. He says to you, “Do not fear — for I am with you; do not be afraid — for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand!” Isaiah 41:10. Precious promise of a faithful God! He made it in love. He has not forgotten it — no, He intends to make it good. Yes, He is now making it good to you — as tried and afflicted as you are.
The rod which afflicts you, is in the hand of Jesus! In that hand which was once nailed to the cross for your redemption! In the hand of that Friend who loves at all times; and who is a Brother born for adversity. Will Jesus who suffered, bled, and died to redeem you — ever hurt you? Surely not! His heart is too tender! His love is too great! “He will not break the bruised reed — and He will not quench the smoking flax!” He will bind up the broken heart, and comfort the sorrowful spirit.
You say, “He is sorely trying me!” True — but He is only making you fit to partake of the inheritance of the saints in light. They are . . .
loving strokes,
valuable trials,
blessed afflictions!
As sharp they may be — short they must be.
Humble yourself then under the mighty hand of God;
mourn before Him;
surrender all to Him;
plead with Him;
justify Him — and . . .
the rod will soon fall from His hand,
the scourging will soon be over, and
peaceable fruits of righteousness will make their appearance.
Look up to your God, and say:
Submissive to Your will, my God,
I all to you resign;
I bow before Your chastening rod,
And mourn, but not repine!Why should my foolish heart complain,
When wisdom, truth, and love,
Direct the stroke, inflict the pain,
And point to joys above?How short are all my sufferings here!
How needful every cross!
Away then, my unbelieving fear,
Nor call my gain, my loss.
July 17, 2018 0 Comments
They must be burned into us with the hot iron of affliction!
“Before I was afflicted I went astray — but now I obey Your Word.” Psalm 119:67
“It was good for me to be afflicted — so that I might learn Your decrees.” Psalm 119:71
Most of the great truths of God have to be learned through trials! They must be burned into us with the hot iron of affliction, otherwise we shall not truly receive them.
“I know, O Lord, that Your laws are righteous — and in faithfulness You have afflicted me.” Psalm 119:75
“God disciplines us for our good — that we may share in His holiness!” Hebrews 12:10
July 16, 2018 0 Comments
What is man — that You are mindful of him?
(Hugh Brown, “Altogether Lovely!” 1897)
“What is man — that You are mindful of him?” Psalm 8:4
What is man?
Where did he come from?
Where does his pathway lead?
Man was once the crowning piece of God’s workmanship, made in His own image, and given dominion over the works of His hands!
Alas! We now only know man . . .
in his fallen state — not as God created him,
with the crown fallen from his head,
as a rebel against his Maker,
as the slave of sin,
as a willing subject of Satan,
in his weakness,
compassed with infirmity,
the prey of many diseases,
as “of few days, and full of trouble,”
as a bearer of burdens,
with a heritage of sorrow!
So fearfully and wonderfully is man made —
so great — and yet so little;
so noble — yet so base;
a feeble spark of life — yet having an eternal destiny!
We now only know man . . .
in his sinfulness,
with a “heart deceitful above all things — and desperately wicked,”
torn by conflicting passions,
in the vile bondage of iniquity,
sin reigning within and without,
proud,
arrogant,
self-seeking,
vain,
making the earth a habitation of cruelty!
For though sometimes in his youth, life may seem bright while he eagerly hunts after pleasure — how soon the flowers fade, the bubble bursts — and he is left with emptiness in his heart and learns by sad experience the truth of God’s Word: “Truly, every man at his best estate is altogether vanity!”
July 12, 2018 1 Comment
“How long will you love vanity?” Psalm 4:2
Vanity represents the light, changeable, carnal, and fading things of time. Upon these things, the natural heart is set; around them, the unsanctified affections gather. What a vanity it is to prefer . . .
human friendship — to divine friendship,
earthly riches — to Heavenly riches,
carnal honors — to spiritual honors, and
the pleasures of a day — to the joys of eternity!
Vanity appears in the intoxicating cup, the mirthful and costly attire, and trifling with God. Surely every worldly man walks in a vain show, like an actor on the stage — and displays the most consummate folly!
Reader! are you in love with vanity? Do you love that which leads from God, keeps Him out of the thoughts, and binds you down to earth? This is vanity! How long will you love it? You have been doing so for years — though warned, convinced, and having promised to reform. You are doing so now, though . . .
mortality is at work within you,
death is very near you,
Hell is open before you, and
eternity is within a step of you!
You love vanity, when you may . . .
obtain divine mercy,
enjoy peace with God,
receive sanctifying grace, and
walk in the way to Heaven.
“How long will you love vanity?” Until . . .
some sudden stroke takes you away;
or some affliction puts you beyond the reach of mercy;
or God’s Spirit ceases to strive with you;
or Satan fills your heart as he did the heart of Judas;
or God laughs at your calamity?
How long? God your Creator would ask you. “Why will you die?”
Will you carefully consider this question, and give the Lord an answer? Will you tell Him why you prefer . . .
eternal death — to eternal life,
sin — to holiness, and
Satan — to Himself?
“They who observe lying vanities, forsake their own mercy!” Jonah 2:8
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