We shall not always live in this poor, dying, trying, suffering, sinful state!
(Letters of John Newton)
“Now I know in part–then I shall know fully.” Soon we shall see cause to number our sharpest trials, among our choicest mercies! Then we shall say, “He has done all things well.”
Our trials are but for a season. We shall not always live in this poor, dying, trying, suffering, sinful state! Yet a little while, and all our sorrows will be left below–and this poor earth will be exchanged for a glorious Heaven!
Our present troubles will soon be to us–as the remembrance of a dream when we awake!
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen–but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary–but what is unseen is eternal!” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
We shall not always live in this poor, dying, trying, suffering, sinful state!
An immense ocean of everlasting love!
An immense ocean of everlasting love!
(Letters of William Romaine, 1714-1795)
Dear friend,
May Jesus be yours–all that He is, and all that He has. Then you will be as rich as an archangel!
May He captivate you more with His infinite beauty and enable you to live more blessedly upon His infinite fullness, that He may keep His royal court in your soul!
The more you are acquainted with Him, the more you will grow in love to Him; for He is altogether lovely, an immense ocean of everlasting love! The loveliness of the whole world is but a drop compared to His immeasurable love. What must Heaven be, where His love is to be fully manifested and enjoyed forever! There we shall see Him! Oh, for that day!
But even along our pilgrim way, He walks with us and makes our hearts burn within us. These sweet foretastes of His love draw us on and whet our appetite for Heaven. A few more of these foretastes, and we shall get to the fountainhead and drink rivers of pleasure forevermore!
To His precious dear heart’s love, I commend you and yours, and am for His sake your friend and servant,
William Romaine
When she kisses you!
When she kisses you!
(Francis Quarles, 1592-1644)
Do you think, my soul, to be made happy by the smiles of the world–or unhappy by her frowns?
When she fawns upon you, she deludes you.
When she kisses you, she betrays you.
Like Jael, she brings the milk in a lordly dish, and bears a hammer in her deadly hand.
Trust not her flattery, O my soul–nor let her malice move you.
Her music is your enchantment, and her sweetness is your snare!
She is the highway to eternal death!
“Worldliness is the most thronged road to everlasting ruin!” J.A. James
“The spirit of the world is eating out the very heart and life of true godliness!” George Everard
“Refined worldliness is the present snare of the Church of God!” Horatius Bonar
“The world is a sea, where we are tossed upon the surging waves of sorrow, and often in danger of shipwreck! The world is a wilderness, full of fiery serpents!” Thomas Watson
Who shall have the glory–the worm or Jesus?
Who shall have the glory–the worm or Jesus?
(Letters of William Romaine, 1714-1795)
I received your letter, and think you overlook our ever adorable Jesus, in setting any value upon a poor, dirty worm such as myself.
If His grace raised this poor, dirty worm from a dunghill and set it upon a throne with His princes, who shall have the glory–the worm or Jesus? Shall any of His due praise be given to the worm? God forbid!
As vile and base as I am–yet He lets me approach Him and converse with Him freely.
He condescends to admit me into fellowship with Him; and He opens His treasures and says, “All these are yours. I bought them for you with the price of My blood, but I give them to you as a free gift!”
An infallible test!
An infallible test!
(Samuel Davies, “The Nature of Love to God and Christ, Opened and Enforced”)
“If anyone does not love the Lord–a curse be on him!” 1 Corinthians 16:22
If you truly love the Lord Jesus Christ–then you earnestly study and endeavor to please Him by a life of universal obedience. Love is always desirous to please the person beloved; and it will naturally lead to a conduct that is pleasing. This, then, you may be sure of, that if you truly love Jesus–then it is the labor of your life to please Him.
The only way to please Jesus, and the best test of your love to Him–is obedience to His commandments. This is made the decisive mark by Christ Himself: “If anyone loves Me–he will obey My teaching. He who does not love Me–will not obey My teaching.” John 14:23, 24
Jesus repeats this theme over and over in different forms: “Whoever has My commands and obeys them–he is the one who lovesMe,” verse 21. “If you love Me–you will obey what I command,” verse 15. “You are My friends–if you do what I command.” John 15:14. “This is love for God,” says John; that is, it is the surest evidence, and the natural, inseparable effect of our love to God, “that we obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:3; that is, they will not seem grievous to one who obeys them from the principle of sincere love.
Here, then, you who profess to love the Lord Jesus–here is an infallible test for your love! Do you make it the great aim of your life to keep His commandments? Do you honestly endeavor to perform every duty which He has required–and that because He has commanded it? And do you vigorously resist and struggle against every sin, however constitutional, however fashionable, however gainful–because He forbids it? And is the way of obedience pleasant to you? Would you choose this holy way to Heaven, rather than any other–if it were left to your choice?
Your not loving God–if it continues, will certainly lead you to Hell. You are fit for no other place! Where should the enemies of God be–but in an infernal prison? There is the same propriety in throwing you into Hell–as in shutting up madmen in bedlam, or rebels in a dungeon! Why, you are devilized already! You have the very temperament of devils! Enmity to God is the grand constituent of a devil–it is the worst ingredient in that infernal disposition; and this you have in your hearts, and, as it were, incorporated with your habitual temperament! And what do you think will become of you? Judge for yourselves–must you not be doomed to that everlasting fire, which was prepared for the devil and his angels–whom you resemble?
“If anyone does not love the Lord–a curse be on him!” 1 Corinthians 16:22
Wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, redemption
Wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, redemption
(Robert Traill)
“But from Him you are in Christ Jesus, who for us became:
wisdom from God,
as well as righteousness,
sanctification,
and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30
Wisdom outside of Christ–is damning folly!
Righteousness outside of Christ–is guilt and condemnation!
Sanctification outside of Christ–is filth and sin!
Redemption outside of Christ–is bondage and slavery!
If a man trusts to his own righteousness, he rejects Christ’s righteousness.
If he trusts to Christ’s righteousness, he rejects his own righteousness.
I know no true religion but Christianity.
I know no true Christianity but the doctrine of Christ:
of His divine person,
of His divine offices,
of His divine righteousness,
and of His divine Spirit.
I know no true ministers of Christ, but such as make it their business to commend Jesus Christ in His saving fullness of grace and glory, to the faith and love of men.
I know no true Christian, but one united to Christ by faith, and abiding in him by faith and love, unto the glorifying of the name of Jesus Christ, in the beauties of gospel-holiness.
Quicken our poor, cold, lifeless souls!
Quicken our poor, cold, lifeless souls!
(James Smith, “The Evening Sacrifice; Or, A Help to Devotion” 1859)
“My soul cleaves unto the dust–quicken me according to Your Word!” Psalm 119:25
What powerful attractions the present world has! How prone we are . . .
to sink down to its level,
to become attached to its customs,
and to cleave to its vanities!
Yet, at the best, it is but dust. There is nothing in the world to satisfy or suit an immortal mind.
Jesus died for us–to deliver us from this present evil world. The Holy Spirit urges us to rise above it, and offers us His divine and all-sufficient aid. He will not force, but only attract or draw. Alas! that we should . . .
slight His intimations,
disregard His exhortations,
and grieve His loving heart!
We are not of the world–and yet how worldly we are! We are born from above–but yet how earthly we remain! Our souls go out after things that are carnal, drossy, dusty, contemptible–to the neglect of things that are spiritual, pure, holy, and invaluable.
Heavenly Father, we confess our folly, we deplore our ingratitude, we condemn our conduct. We feel weak and feeble when we attempt to burst our bonds, and mount upwards to Your throne. O quicken, quicken us! By the power of Your Holy Spirit, and by bringing home Your inspired Word–quicken our poor, cold, lifeless souls!
Have You not promised to be as the dew unto Your people, coming down graciously, gradually, and gently upon them–in order to revive their graces, quicken their devotions, and cause them to grow up into Christ? O come down upon our dry and thirsty souls as the dew–or fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants.
Quicken us–and so will we mount up to Your throne, and do Your righteous will. Quicken us–and so Jesus will be precious to us, and the work of the Lord will be pleasant to us.
Where is there a more sinful spot to be found upon our guilty globe?
Where is there a more sinful spot to be found upon our guilty globe?
PLAY AUDIO! Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~
(Samuel Davies, “The Justice of God–and the Sins of Our Country” 1755)
“When disaster comes to a city–has not the LORD caused it?” Amos 3:6
It concerns us all to seriously reflect upon our own sins and the sins of our land, which have brought these calamities upon us.
We and our countrymen are sinners, aggravated sinners! God proclaims that we are such:
by His judgments now upon us,
by withering fields and scanty harvests,
by the sound of the trumpet and the alarm of war!
O my country, is not your wickedness great, and your iniquities infinite? Where is there a more sinful spot to be found upon our guilty globe? Pass over the land, take a survey of the inhabitants, inspect into their conduct–and what do you see? What do you hear?
You see the gigantic forms of vice bidding defiance to the God of Heaven–while true religion and virtue are forced to retire to avoid public contempt and insult!
You see herds of drunkards swilling down their cups, and drowning all morality within them!
You hear the swearer venting his fury against God–trifling with that Name which prostrate angels adore, and imprecating that damnation, under which the hardiest devil in Hell trembles and groans!
You see avarice hoarding up her useless treasures,
dishonest craft planning her schemes of unlawful gain,
and oppression unmercifully grinding the face of the poor!
You see prodigality squandering her stores!
You see luxury spreading her table!
You see vanity laughing aloud and dissolving in empty, unthinking mirth–regardless of God, of time and eternity!
You see sensuality wallowing in carnal pleasures, and aspiring, with perverted ambition–to sink as low as her four-footed brethren in the stalls!
You see cards more in use than the Bible;
the backgammon table more frequented than the table of the Lord;
novels and romances more read–than the history of the blessed Jesus!
You see trifling, and even evil diversions and amusements, become a gigantic business!
The outcome of a horse-race is more anxiously attended to–than the concerns of eternity!
And where these grosser forms of vice do not shock your senses–you often meet with the appearances of a more refined impiety, which is equally dangerous!
You hear the conversation of reasonable creatures, of candidates for eternity–engrossed by trifles, or vainly wasted on the affairs of time! These are their important subjects of conversation, even at the threshold of the house of God!
You see swarms of prayerless families all over our land! You see ignorant, wicked children, unrestrained and untaught by those to whom God and nature have entrusted their souls!
You see the holy religion of Jesus–abused, neglected, disobeyed, and dishonored by its professors!
You see crowds of professed believers, who are in reality, practical atheists!
These nominal Christians are really unholy heathens!
They are abandoned slaves of sin–who yet pretend to be the servants of the holy Jesus!
You see multitudes lying in a deep sleep in sin all around us! You see them eager in the pursuits of the vanities of time–but stupidly unconcerned about the important realities of the eternal world just before them! So few are concerned what shall become of them–when all their connections with earth and flesh must be broken, and they must take their flight into strange, unknown regions! So few lamenting their sins! So few crying for mercy and a new heart! So few flying to Jesus!
The only effectual reformer of the world!
The only effectual reformer of the world!
(Samuel Davies, “Serious Reflections on WAR” 1757)
“When He comes–He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment!” John 16:8
The Holy Spirit is the only effectual reformer of the world! If He is absent–
legislators may make laws against crime;
philosophers may reason against vice;
ministers may preach against sin;
conscience may remonstrate against evil;
the divine law may prescribe, and threaten Hell;
the gospel may invite, and allure to Heaven;
but all will be in vain!
The strongest arguments, the most melting entreaties, the most alarming denunciations from God and man, enforced with the highest authority, or the most compassionate tears–all will have no effect–all will not effectually reclaim one sinner, nor gain one sincere convert to righteousness!
Paul, Apollos, and Peter, with all their apostolic abilities, can do nothing, without the Holy Spirit. Paul may plant the seed–and Apollos may water it; but God alone can make it grow! “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything–but only God, who makes things grow!” 1 Corinthians 3:6, 7
Never will peace and harmony be established in this jangling world–until this Divine Agent takes the work in hand.
It is He alone, who can melt down the obstinate hearts of men into love and peace!
It is He alone, who can soften their rugged and savage tempers, and transform them into mutual benevolence!
It is He alone–who can quench those lusts that set the world on fire, and implant the opposite virtues and graces. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, are mentioned by Paul, as the fruit of the Spirit, because the Spirit alone is the author of them. And if these dispositions were predominant in the world–what a serene, calm, peaceful region would it be, undisturbed with the hurricanes of human passions!
Oh, how much do we need the influence of the blessed Spirit . . .
to break the heart of stone,
to enlighten the dark mind, and
to comfort the desponding soul!
The only system adapted to his case!
The only system adapted to his case!
(William Nicholson, “Pearls of Great Price!” 1855)
Viewing man as a fallen, sinful creature–the gospel is the only system adapted to his case!
The more he contemplates it, the more he perceives its precious adaptation to his dreadful state.
The gospel is . . .
light, for the darkness of his reason;
peace, for the tumult of his conscience;
joy, for the anguish of his mind;
hope, for the gloom of his despair.
Is he guilty? The gospel presents . . .
an all-sufficient Savior,
an all-atoning sacrifice,
and an all-forgiving God.
Is he impure? The gospel opens up for him a fountain for sin and for uncleanness–a hallowed flood supplied from the Redeemer’s cross, where the vilest sinner may wash from his heinous pollution.
Is he alienated from God–at an infinite distance from the only source of happiness and forgiveness? The gospel is a medium of approach, a way of access to the thrice holy God. Here the Alpine mountains of his guilt are leveled to the dust. Here the prodigal returns, is freely received, fully forgiven, elevated to a place in his heavenly Father’s family, and never lost from his heavenly Father’s heart.
Is he the victim of ignorance and error? Here he receives the lessons of a heavenly prophet–the Spirit of God becomes his kind instructor. Here the untutored savage is made wiser than the learned sage, “wise unto salvation!”
Does he feel himself the subject of passions that lead him continually astray from God?
The same Spirit becomes the inhabitant of his bosom . . .
to subdue his passions,
to curb his lusts,
to control his will, and
to sanctify the nature He has first renewed, and which shall finally be glorified with Christ.
In every point of view, the gospel meets his case!
Is he a sinner? The gospel offers pardon!
Is he a debtor? The gospel grants him full payment of his dept!
Is he a captive to sin and Satan? The gospel gives him liberty.
Is he fallen into utter depravity? It elevates him to God’s throne, and constitutes him “a king and a priest unto God.”
Is he thirsty? The gospel is a river of life.
Is he weary? It is a sweet repose.
Is he ignorant? The gospel is a divine instructor.
Is he spiritually diseased? It is immortal health and vigor to his soul.
Is he dying? The gospel is eternal life.
Yes, in the gospel . . .
the law is fulfilled,
justice is atoned, and
the divine perfections are harmonized in man’s redemption.
The cultivation of an insignificant life
The cultivation of an insignificant life
(J.H. Jowett)
It is possible to evade a multitude of trials by the cultivation of an insignificant life.
Only One Life!
Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart:
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last!Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgment seat.
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last!Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave.
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last!Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill,
living for self, or in His will.
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last!When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say:
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last!Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Your word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing You in my daily life.
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last!Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for You, and You alone,
Bringing You pleasure on Your throne.
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last!Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, “Your will be done!”
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all!”
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last!
Author unknown
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you.
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you
know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
My heart feels for you, my dear friend, in your deep, deep trial
My heart feels for you, my dear friend, in your deep, deep trial
“Letters of Mary Winslow” 1774-1854
My heart feels for you, my dear friend, in your deep, deep trial. This present world is a world of sadness; but when we think of that glorious world which is to come, into which sorrow never enters, and how soon we may be there–we may well “rejoice in tribulation.” Our “light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!”
In all your sorrows, pour out your heart to the Man of sorrows. He will bow down His ear and listen to all that you say. He will either remove or moderate your trial, or give you strength to bear it. Even this bitter draught He has given you to drink shall result both in your good and His glory.
Remember, not a sparrow falls upon the ground without His guidance, and that the very hairs of your head are all numbered. How much more has this trying event been ordered and arranged by Him who loves you! Infinite wisdom has appointed the whole! Never doubt that He loves you, when He most deeply afflicts.
May He lift up upon you the light of His countenance, drawing you nearer to Himself, that you may see what a tender, loving heart He has for you, and how deeply and tenderly and considerately He cares for you–as if there were not another poor sorrowful one to care for on the face of the whole earth!
“When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!” Isaiah 43:2-3
A worldly Christianity
A worldly Christianity
“Do not be conformed to this world.” Romans 12:2
Professor of the gospel! Guard against the world; it is your undoing! Watch against conformity to it . . .
in your dress,
in your mode of living,
in the education of your children,
in the principles, motives, and policy that govern you.
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit by . . .
any known inconsistency of conduct,
any sinful conformity to the world,
any inordinate pursuit of . . .
its wealth,
its honors,
its pleasures,
its friendships,
its great things.
Pray against the sin of covetousness, that canker-worm that feeds at the root of so many souls!
Pray against the love of dress, that sin that diverts the mind of so many professors from the simplicity of Christ, and takes the eye off from the true adornment!
Pray against a thirst for light and trifling reading, that strange and sinful inconsistency of so many, the certain tendency of which is to starve the life of God in the soul, to engender a distaste for spiritual nourishment for the Word of God, for holy meditation, and for Divine communion and fellowship.
Yes, pray against the spirit of worldly, sinful conformity in everything!
Reader! are you a professing Christian? Then guard against a worldly Christianity–a Christianity that wears a fair exterior, so far as it is composed of church attendance; but which excludes from it the cross of the meek and lowly Lamb of God–a Christianity which loves the world and the things of the world, “makes a fair show in the flesh,” speaks well of Christ–and yet betrays Him with a kiss.
Oh, awful state! Oh, fearful deception! Oh, fatal delusion!
The world is the sworn enemy of your Savior; let it not be your friend. No, come out of it and be separate!
Tomorrow comes, and they are in Hell!
Tomorrow comes, and they are in Hell!
(Samuel Davies, “The Objects, Grounds, and Evidences of the HOPE of the Righteous”)
“The wicked is driven away in his wickedness;
but the righteous has hope in his death.” Proverbs 14:32
“The wicked is driven away in his wickedness.”
That is, the wicked man dies–just as he lived.
He lived in wickedness, and in wickedness he dies.
His wickedness sticks fast upon him–when his earthly enjoyments, his friends, and all created comforts leave him forever.
The guilt of his wickedness lies heavy upon him–like a mountain of lead, ready to sink him into the depths of eternal misery!
And the principles of wickedness, which he indulged all his life, still live within him, even after the agonies of death; nay, they now arrive at a dreadful immortality, and produce an eternal Hell in his heart!
He leaves behind him not only all his earthly comforts–but all the little remains of goodness which he seemed to have, while under the restraints of divine grace; and he carries nothing but his wickedness along with him into eternity! With this dreadful attendant–his wickedness–he must stand before the tribunal of his holy Judge! To leave his earthly all behind him, and die in the agonies of dissolving nature–this is terrible. But to die in his wickedness–this is infinitely the most terrible of all!
He once flattered himself that though he lived in wickedness–that he would not die in it. He adopted many resolutions to amend, and forsake his wickedness toward the close of life, or upon a death-bed. But Oh! how sorely is he disappointed! After all his promising purposes and hopes, he died as he lived–in wickedness!
This is generally the fate of veterans in sin. They are resolving and re-resolving to reform all their lives; but after all, they die the same as they lived. They intend to prepare for death and eternity, but just not today. They have always something else to do today; and therefore they put off this work until tomorrow. Tomorrow comes, and instead of reforming, they die in their wickedness. Tomorrow comes, and they are in Hell!
“The wicked is driven away in his wickedness.”
He is driven away, in spite of all his reluctance.
Let him cling to life ever so strongly, yet he must go!
All his struggles are vain, and cannot add one moment to his life.
Indeed, the wicked have so little taste for Heaven, and are so much in love with this world–that if they leave it at all, they must be driven out of it–driven out of it, whether they want or not!
When they hope for Heaven, they do in reality consider it but a shift, or a refuge, when they can no longer live in this, their favorite world. They do not at all desire Heaven–in comparison with this world. They would live forever in this present world, if they could have their choice. But let them grasp ever so hard, they must let go their hold. They must be driven away, like chaff before a whirlwind–driven away into the regions of misery. Into the regions of misery, I say; for certainly the happiness of Heaven was never intended for such as are so averse to it; and who prefer this wretched world, with all its cares and sorrows–before Heaven itself!
“But the wicked will lose hope. They have no escape. Their hope becomes despair.” Job 11:20
“When the wicked die, their hopes all perish!” Proverbs 11:7
“The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath!” Proverbs 11:23
Who is regulating affairs on this earth today–God, or the Devil?
Who is regulating affairs on this earth today–God, or the Devil?
(Arthur Pink, “The Sovereignty of God”)
Who is regulating affairs on this earth today–God, or the Devil?
That God reigns supreme in Heaven, is generally conceded; but that He reigns supreme over this earth, is almost universally denied–if not directly, then indirectly. More and more men are relegating God to the background in their philosophizing and theorizing.
Take the material realm. Not only is it denied that God created everything, by personal and direct action–but few believe that He has any immediate concern in regulating the works of His own hands. Everything is supposed to be ordered according to the (impersonal and abstract) “laws of Nature”. Thus is the Creator banished from His own creation! Therefore we need not be surprised that men, in their degrading conceptions, exclude Him from the realm of human affairs.
Throughout Christendom, with an almost negligible exception, the theory is held that man is “a free agent”, and therefore, man is the master of his fortunes and the determiner of his destiny.
Who is regulating affairs on this earth today–God, or the Devil?
What do the Scriptures say? If we believe their plain and positive declarations, no room is left for uncertainty. They affirm, again and again . . .
that God is on the throne of His universe;
that the scepter is in His hands;
that He is directing all things “after the counsel of His own will”. Ephesians 1:11
The Scriptures affirm, not only that God created all things, but also that God is ruling and reigning over all the works of His hands. They affirm . . .
that God is the Almighty,
that His will is irreversible,
that He is absolute sovereign in every realm of all His vast dominions.
And surely it must be so. Only two alternatives are possible:
God must either rule–or be ruled;
God must either sway–or be swayed;
God must either accomplish His own will–or be thwarted by His creatures.
Accepting the fact that He is the “Most High God”, the only Potentate and King of kings, vested with perfect wisdom and illimitable power–the conclusion is irresistible, that He must be God in fact–as well as in name!
It is in view of what we have briefly referred to above, that we say, present-day conditions call loudly for a new examination and new presentation of God’s omnipotence, God’s sufficiency, and God’s sovereignty. From every pulpit in the land it needs to be thundered forth–that God still reigns! What is needed now, as never before, is a full, positive, constructive setting forth of the Godhood of God. Drastic diseases call for drastic remedies. We know of nothing which is more calculated to infuse spiritual vigor into our souls, than a scriptural apprehension of the full character of God!
“Our God is in Heaven! He does whatever He pleases!” Psalm 115:3
“The LORD does whatever pleases Him throughout all Heaven and earth, and on the seas and in their depths!” Psalm 135:6
“All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the powers of Heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: What have you done?” Daniel 4:35
“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns!” Revelation 19:6
What shadows we are–and what shadows we pursue!
What shadows we are–and what shadows we pursue!
(Octavius Winslow)
“We were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow!” Job 8:9
“He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.” Job 14:2
“What is your life? You are a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14
All is shadow here below!
The world is a shadow–and is passing away!
The creature is a shadow–and the loveliest and the fondest may be the first to die!
Health is a shadow–fading, and in a moment gone!
Wealth is a shadow–today upon the summit of affluence, tomorrow at its base, plunged into poverty and dependence!
Human friendships and creature affections are but shadows–sweet and pleasant while they last; but, with a worm feeding at the root of all created good, the sheltering gourd soon withers, exposing us to the sun’s burning heat by day, and to the frost’s cold chill by night!
Oh, yes! “Passing Away!” is indelibly inscribed upon everything here below!
Yet how slow we are to realize the solemn lesson: “What shadows we are–and what shadows we pursue!”
Unconverted reader, what is your life–but a vapor that passes away?
And what are your pursuits, but shadows–unreal, unsatisfying, evanescent?
Your rank, your wealth, your honors, your pleasures, are but phantoms which appear but for a little while, and then are lost in the deeper shadow of the grave, and the still deeper and longer shadow of eternity!
Oh, turn from these dreams and hallucinations, and, as a rational, accountable, immortal being, on your way to judgment–fix your mind upon your solemn, endless future! You are going to die! And, oh, when that dread hour comes, so real and appalling–how then will your past trifling life appear?
“As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” Psalm 103:15-16
“My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass.” Psalm 102:11
“Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow.” Psalm 144:4
“So teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
I am the object of God’s tender, paternal, and ceaseless care!
I am the object of God’s tender, paternal, and ceaseless care!
(“Comfort for the Desponding–Words to Soothe and Cheer Troubled Hearts!” 1864)
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you!” 1 Peter 5:7
The Christian’s life is very much made up of cares and comforts.
Cares spring from earth–comfort comes from Heaven.
Cares prove him a sinner–holy comforts prove him a saint.
Cares flow in from a variety of quarters–true comfort from only one quarter.
Cares come naturally–but comforts come supernaturally.
Cares must be cast on our God–or they will prove a burden too heavy for us. They will depress us, bewilder us, and make us wretched. But here is our comfort–we have always ONE to care for us, and the very One which of all others we would wish to do so, “The Lord cares for you!”
God cares for whom?
For you, who are born again by the Spirit.
For you, who are strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
For you, who are placed in humble circumstances, being numbered with the poor of this world.
For you, who are compassed about with so many cares, and who enjoy so few comforts.
For you, who are surprised at your many fiery trials, as though some strange thing had happened unto you.
For you, who are worried and harassed by Satan, who, as a roaring lion, goes about seeking whom he may devour.
For you, who are persecuted by the world, and hated by men for your Savior’s sake.
For you, to whom Christ is precious–as He is to every one who truly believes in Him.
God’s care extends to every Christian . . .
the young and the aged,
the weak and the strong,
the poor and the wealthy,
the doubting and the confident.
Believer, He cares for you!
Who is it that cares for us?
It is the Lord, the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, whose name is holy;
who is so great–that we have no adequate conception of His greatness;
who is so good–that it is impossible fully to set forth His goodness;
who is so glorious–that no sinner can see His face and live.
It is He . . .
who created all things with His word,
who governs all by His wisdom,
and upholds all by His power.
His resources are infinite,
His compassion is exquisite, and
His patience is astonishingly great.
He enters into all the circumstances of His redeemed people, is ever present with them, and rejoices over them to do them good.
The angels obey Him,
the seraphim adore Him,
and all creation glorifies Him!
But though He is so exalted, so holy, and so unspeakably great . . .
He cares for you–as vile as you are.
He cares for you–as sinful as you are.
He cares for you–as depressed and discouraged as you are.
He cares for you. He cares for you individually, and according to the circumstances in which you are placed.
What does He do?
He cares for you!
He thinks of you!
He watches over you!
He sympathizes with you!
He feels the deepest interest in you!
He ever seeks your welfare!
He infallibly secures your good!
Your misery touches His heart,
your needs lie open to His view,
and your cries enter into His ears!
He cares for you more than for the proudest monarch on his throne!
He cares for you–and His care is CONSTANT!
It is not fitful or occasional–but ever the same.
He cares for you–and His care is PATERNAL!
It is the care of a father for his child–the child whom he tenderly loves, and for whose welfare he feels the deepest concern.
He cares for you, and His care is PERPETUAL!
He will never care for you less than He does at present.
When old age weakens you,
when poverty pinches you,
when death appears just before you–
He will care for you as much as He does at this moment.
He cares for you–and His care is BENEFICIAL!
It prevents innumerable evils–and secures the greatest possible amount of good. His care is more advantageous than the care of the kindest father, though that father were monarch of the mightiest empire, and possessed unbounded wealth. The care of God is of more value than the care of all His creatures combined.
He cares for you–but His care is MYSTERIOUSLY EXERCISED!
It benefits us certainly–but secretly. It conceals itself behind the blessings it brings, and the evils it prevents.
He cares for you–and His care is SPECIAL!
It is not the care which He has for the beasts which perish, or the unbelieving sinners who die under His frown.
He cares for you–and His care is PARTICULAR.
It is care which extends to the very hairs of your heads, which, are all numbered–and to all the events and occurrences of your life, however minute or commonplace!
Beloved, here is our comfort. We may lose the care of an earthly relative or dear friend by death–but the Lord ever lives; and while He lives, He . . .
ever loves us,
thoroughly knows us, and
never ceases to care for us!
Here is the ground of our confidence for the future. We know not where we shall be, nor what we shall be–for we know not what a day may bring forth. But this we know, that God will care for us, and, caring for us–He will fulfill His precious promises to us.
If God cares for us, then . . .
let us cast all our cares upon Him;
let us live in daily fellowship with Him;
let us seek all our supplies from Him.
If God cares for us, then let us not dishonor Him by nursing our doubts, or encouraging our fears–but let us trust in Him at all times, for . . .
His love is true,
His care is constant, and
His knowledge is perfect.
We shall never be without a divine friend–however trying our circumstances may be. We shall never be without a divine guide–however perplexing or difficult our path may be. The care of God is more than the care of all the angelic hosts. If the care of God is not sufficient to preserve, supply, and satisfy us–then nothing is.
May the Lord help me to believe this precious truth, to realize it daily, and to pass through the present world under the impression, “I am the object of God’s tender, paternal, and ceaseless care!“
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never let the righteous fall!” Psalm 55:22
The man who has God for his portion!
The man who has God for his portion!
(James Smith, “Gleams of Grace” 1860)
“You are my portion, O LORD!” Psalm 119:57
If God is my portion, then I ought to be content without any other portion. He is . . .
enough in poverty,
enough in persecution,
enough in life,
enough in death,
enough for evermore!
If God gives me Himself–then it is more than as if He had given me the whole world, or ten thousand worlds like this! O how happy was the apostle Paul, who knowing God to be his portion could say, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in need!” Philippians 4:11-12
If God is my portion, I ought to be thankful. It is enough. There is no losing it. What dignity, what honor is conferred on the man who has God for his portion! I deserved to be stripped of everything, and to be turned out of God’s presence eternally penniless, wretched, and miserable. But instead of this, God in His free grace, in His infinite mercy–gives me . . .
a heavenly mansion,
a glorious city,
an eternal kingdom,
more, He gives me Himself!
God in all His glory, in all His grace–is mine!
If God is my portion, then I ought to be living upon Him. If I live upon anything outside of God–then I live upon what is finite, and will change. But if I live upon God, I live upon the infinite, and upon what is unchangeable. As a believer, I should live befitting the dignity of my lofty character, position, and prospects. The man of fortune ought not to live like the pauper. Just so, the Christian ought to live above other men.
If God is my portion, I ought to be making a proper use of it. I should set my portion over and against . . .
all my pains and privations,
all my griefs and grievances,
all my sadnesses and sorrows.
I should look above all my trials and troubles–and rejoice that throughout eternity, I shall have . . .
eternal ease–instead of pain,
eternal plenty–instead of privation,
eternal joy–instead of grief,
eternal gladness–instead of sadness,
and eternal bliss–instead of sorrow!
Beloved, is the Lord your portion? Are you living upon Him as such?
But if God is not your portion–then what is?
Where are your thoughts most?
Where do your affections center?
After what do you pursue?
The world? It is a poor, fleeting, unsatisfying portion!
It will be found insufficient, unsatisfactory, and perishing!
Unless God is your portion, you will be . . .
unsatisfied in life,
wretched in death, and
indescribably miserable to all eternity! flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!” Psalm 73:26
This is not mine to keep!
This is not mine to keep!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
Christian! If you have anything that you prize very highly, hold it very loosely–for you may easily lose it.
Hold everything earthly with a loose hand, but grasp eternal things with a deathlike grip.
Of everything on earth, it is wise for us to say, “This is not mine to keep!” It is essential to realize that this it is true, for everything here is temporary.
Mind what you are doing–you prosperous people, you who have nice homes, you who are hoarding up money. There is nothing permanent for you here on earth. Your home is in Heaven–your home is not here. If you find your treasure here–your heart will be here also.
You must keep all earthly treasures out of your heart.
Let Christ be your treasure, and let Him have your heart!
“This world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God, will live forever!” 1 John 2:17
I am eternally His!
I am eternally His!
(Thomas Brooks)
I am His by election, and I am His by regeneration.
I am His by purchase, and I am His by conquest.
I am His by covenant, and I am His by marriage.
I am wholly His.
I am supremely His.
I am particularly His.
I am eternally His!
Once I was a slave, but now I am His dear son.
Once I was spiritually dead, but now I am spiritually alive.
Once I was in darkness, but now I walk in light.
Once I was a child of wrath and an heir of Hell, but now I am an heir of Heaven.
Once I was Satan’s slave, but now I am God’s freeman.
Once I was under the spirit of bondage, but now I have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby I cry, “Abba, Father!”
The ten-cent-store Jesus!
The ten-cent-store Jesus!
(A.W. Tozer)
“His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance!” Revelation 1:14-16
Unfortunately, the ten-cent-store Jesus being preached now by many–is not the Jesus that will come to judge the world.
This harmless, plastic, painted Jesus who has no spine, nor justice, nor wrath–but is a soft and pliant friend to everybody; if He is the only Christ, then we might as well close our Bibles, bar our doors and make a bakery or garage out of our church buildings!
The popular Christ being preached today–is not the Christ of the Bible, nor the Christ who will be our final Judge.
Jesus Christ our Lord, the Judge with the flaming eyes–is the one with whom we must deal. We cannot escape it.
“Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks: Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” Revelation 6:15-17
More fit to be called a devil than a parent!
More fit to be called a devil than a parent!
(Richard Baxter)
“Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
Parents! Your example and life are a continual and powerful sermon which is always seen by your children!
Parents! Your children have an everlasting inheritance of happiness to attain–and it is that which you must bring them up for. They have an endless misery to escape–and it is that which you must diligently teach them. If you don’t teach them to know God, and how to serve Him, and be saved, and to escape the flames of Hell–you teach them nothing, or worse than nothing. It is in your hands to do them the greatest kindness or cruelty in all the world! Help them to know God and to be saved, and you do more for them than if you helped them to be kings or princes.
If you neglect their souls, and bring them up them in ignorance, worldliness, ungodliness, and sin–you betray them to the devil,the enemy of their souls, even as truly as if you sold them to him! You sell them to be slaves to Satan! You betray them to him who will deceive them and abuse them in this life–and torment them in eternity!
If you saw but a burning furnace, much more the flames of Hell–would you not think that man or woman more fit to be called a devil than a parent, who could find in their hearts to cast their child into it? What monsters then of inhumanity are you, who read in Scripture what is the way to Hell, and who they are that God will deliver up to Satan, to be tormented by him–and yet will bring up your children in that very way, and will not take pains to save them from it!
If you love them, show it in those things on which their everlasting welfare depends. Do not say you love them, and yet lead them unto Hell! If you do not love them, yet do not be so unmerciful to them as to damn them! You cannot possibly do more to damn them, than to bring them up in . . .
ignorance,
carelessness,
worldliness,
sensuality and
ungodliness!
There is no other way to Hell. And yet, will you bring them up in such a life–and say that you do not desire to damn them?
But if you train up your children in ungodliness, you may as well say that you intend to have them damned! And is not the devil more excusable, for dealing thus cruelly to your children–than you who are their parents, who are bound by nature to love them, and prevent their misery?
Let me seriously speak to the hearts of those careless and ungodly parents, who neglect the holy education of their children. Oh, do not be so unmerciful to those who you have brought into the world! Oh, pity and help the souls that you have defiled and undone! Have mercy on the souls that must perish in Hell, if they are not saved! Oh help them who have . . .
so many enemies to assault them;
so many temptations to pass through;
so many difficulties to overcome;
so severe a judgment to undergo!
Help them who are so weak, and so easily deceived and overthrown!
Help them speedily–before sin hardens them, and Satan makes a stronger fortress in their hearts!
Ever since you rose from your bed this morning–there has been an eye watching you!
Ever since you rose from your bed this morning–there has been an eye watching you!
(Francis Bourdillon, “The Odd Five Minutes” 1873)
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account!” Hebrews 4:13
Ever since you rose from your bed this morning–there has been an eye watching you! Wherever you have been and whatever you have been doing–that eye has seen you. It has gone with you to your work. It has seen you with your companions. It has been on you when you were alone.
It has seen not merely all that you have done, but why you did it. Your thoughts, your feelings, your motives, which even your nearest friend has not fully known–have all been open to that eye of which I speak. For it is an all-seeing eye–the eye of God!
“His eyes are on the ways of men–He sees their every step!” Job 34:21
“He knows the secrets of the heart!” Psalm 44:21
“You have set our iniquities before You–our secret sins in the light of your presence!” Psalm 90:8
Have you thought of Him whose eye has been upon you today?
Have you given so much as one thought to Him, since the day began?
You have need to pray, great need–for you are dependent upon God for everything. You are entirely in His hand!
If you went to your work this morning strong and well–it was only because God made you so and kept you so.
If you have had enough to eat today, if you are clothed comfortably and have a home to live in–it is only because God supplies your needs. You would have nothing–if God did not supply you. You live–only because He gives you life. He could take all your comforts from you–if it pleased Him. He could lay you on a bed of sickness this very day–He could in a moment, strike you dead!
Have you even spoken to Him today? Have you prayed to Him today?
“I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!” Luke 12:5
Here is a constellation of wonders!
Here is a constellation of wonders!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“The forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7
Could there be a sweeter word in any language than that word “forgiveness,” when it sounds in a guilty sinner’s ear!
Can it be possible that sin–such heinous sin as mine–can be forgiven, forgiven altogether, and forever? Hell is my portion as a sinner–there is no possibility of my escaping from it while sin remains upon me.
Can the unfathomable load of my guilt be removed? Can the crimson stain of my sins be blotted out?
Can the adamantine stones of my prison-house ever be loosed, or the doors be lifted from their hinges?
Jesus tells me that I may yet be forgiven. Forever blessed be the revelation of redeeming love, which not only tells me that pardon is possible–but that it is secured to all who rest in Jesus. I have believed in the appointed sin-atoning sacrifice, even Jesus crucified, and therefore my sins are at this moment, and forever–forgiven by virtue of His substitutionary sufferings and death! What joy is this! What bliss to be a perfectly pardoned soul! My soul dedicates all her powers to Him who of His own unpurchasable love became my surety, and wrought out for me redemption through His blood.
What riches of grace does free forgiveness exhibit!
To forgive at all,
to forgive fully,
to forgive freely,
to forgive forever!
Here is a constellation of wonders!
When I think of . . .
how great my sins were,
how dear were the precious drops which cleansed me from them, and
how gracious was the method by which pardon was sealed home to me,
I am in a maze of wondering worshiping affection!
I bow before the throne which absolves me!
I clasp the cross which delivers me!
I serve henceforth all my days–the Incarnate God, through whom I am this day a pardoned soul!
“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him!” Romans 4:7-8
Oh how ashamed you would be if men could see your thoughts!
Oh how ashamed you would be if men could see your thoughts!
Oh how ashamed you would be if men could see your thoughts!
Is not the eye of God ten thousand times more to be regarded?
“You alone know each human heart!” 2 Chronicles 6:30
“Behold, I know your thoughts!” Job 21:27
“Would not God have discovered it, since He knows the secrets of the heart?” Psalm 44:21
“You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence!” Psalm 90:8
“You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar!” Psalm 139:2
“Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!“ Proverbs 15:11
“I know what is going through your mind.” Ezekiel 11:5
“I know their works and their thoughts.” Isaiah 66:18
“Lord, You know everyone’s heart.” Acts 1:24
“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:14
“God, through Jesus Christ, will judge the secret thoughts of all.” Romans 2:16
“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts.” 1 Corinthians 4:5
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24
Heaven has become a trifle to you, Hell is almost a jest, eternity an empty notion, and death but a bugbear!
Heaven has become a trifle to you, Hell is almost a jest, eternity an empty notion, and death but a bugbear!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“Many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able!” Luke 13:24
I do not wonder that so many are deceived, when I see the careless way in which they deal with their souls. When men have to do with their estates, they are very careful; they pay a lawyer to go back over the title-deeds perhaps for two or three hundred years. In trade they will hurry hither and thither to attend to their commercial engagements; they would not launch into speculations, nor would they run great risks.
But the soul, the poor soul–how men play with it as a toy, and despise it as if it were worthless! Two or three minutes in the morning when they first roll out of bed; two or three odd minutes in the evening, when they are nearly asleep–the fag-ends of the day given to their souls, and all the best part given to the body!
And then, with what indifference do you lend your ears too often to the preaching of the Word! It is an old song–you have heard it so many times. Heaven has become a trifle to you, Hell is almost a jest, eternity an empty notion, and death but a bugbear!
Alas! it is a marvel that there are not more deceived. The wonder is that any find the gate, that any discover eternal life, when we are so, so mad, so foolish, so insane–as to trifle where we ought to be solemnly in earnest; and to play and toy–where the whole heart should be given to a work of such everlasting importance. God help us, since it is so easy to be deceived–to search, and watch, and look, and test, and try, that we be not found castaways at the last!
“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
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?” 2 Corinthians 13:5
A beloved child, watched over, cared for, supplied, and defended by your Lord!
A beloved child, watched over, cared for, supplied, and defended by your Lord!
(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 which He does not consider. There is nothing which 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 too. Do not deny it or doubt it: “The very hairs of your head are all numbered!” It would be a sad thing for us if His mantle of love did not cover all our concerns–for what harm might be wrought to us if any of our matters did not come under our gracious Lord’s care!
Believer, rest assured that the heart of Jesus cares about your smaller 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, His redeemed child. The smallest interests of all His saints–are all borne upon the broad bosom of the Son of God. Oh, what a heart is His, that does not merely comprehend the salvation of His people–but comprehends also, all their diverse and innumerable concerns!
Do you think, O Christian, that you can measure the love of Christ? Think of what His love has brought you–justification, adoption, sanctification, eternal life! The riches of His goodness are unsearchable; you shall never be able to tally them–or even conceive them. Oh, the breadth of the love of Christ!
Shall such a love as this have half our hearts? Shall it have a cold love in return? Shall Jesus’ marvelous loving-kindness and tender care, meet with but faint response and tardy acknowledgment?
O my soul, you are no desolate wanderer–but a beloved child, watched over, cared for, supplied, and defended by your Lord!
“May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!” Ephesians 3:18-19
Growing in grace
Growing in grace
(Thomas Moor, “Counsels and Thoughts for the Spiritual Life of Believers” 1882)
Remember that among your chief thoughts of the Lord Jesus, one must ever have a prominent place: that He is ever looking down upon you and watching you with tenderest love, and ordering all things for your good.
Sometimes it is spiritual medicine, at other times it is spiritual nourishment–but at all times it is spiritual good, and just what is best for you. He sees and knows just what is best for each day and hour. So, always when you think of Him, think of Him as thus looking down upon you and ever caring for you.
The Holy Spirit is ever leading us to think of Christ and to live for Christ and continually to look to Christ.
The natural mind makes self the center, and self the end.
The spiritual mind makes Christ the center, and Christ the end.
The more we seek Christ, and the less we seek self–the more we please Him.
Christ is the source and end both of grace on earth and glory in Heaven.
Grace in the heart, is glory in its beginnings.
Glory in Heaven, is grace in its full consummation.
Growing in grace is living more upon Christ, and living more for Christ, and growing more like Christ.
To learn of Christ and live upon Christ, is the highest experience of the soul here or hereafter!
📜 Precious Proverbs: Vomit

Proverbs 26:11 (ESV)
Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.
My Thoughts 💭
Wow, what an amazing word picture! Some of these proverbs just stick in your mind and heart (especially if you’ve had a dog.) It’s just so accurate and so full of His Wisdom that you can’t help but fall on your knees and ask once again for forgiveness.
🙏 Prayer 4 2day!
Loving Saviour, i don’t deserve the smallest of your mercies, and yet you continue to love, sustain and bless me in immeasurable ways!
Your love is blind to all of my faults, and ugly sides. I pray that You would work through me to love others compassionately and patiently. Amen.
Bring nothing but your sins and miseries!
Bring nothing but your sins and miseries!
(Thomas Wilcox)
“What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” Philippians 3:8-9
When you come to Christ–you must leave behind you:
all your own righteousness,
all your own holiness,
all your own sanctification,
all your own duties,
all your own tears,
all your own repentings, etc.
Oh, this is hard!
You must bring nothing but your sins and miseries to Him. Otherwise, Christ is not fit for you–nor you for Christ!
📜 Precious Proverbs: The Unreliable Person

Proverbs 25:19 (NLT)
Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.
My Thoughts 💭
Ouch! We all know how much it hurts when we fail to put our trust in faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, it can really hurt us.
🙏 Prayer 4 2day!
Holy Father, forgive us when we’ve been the unreliable friend, help us to walk in your Spirit and show your steadfast love to others, in Jesus name, amen.
In everything give thanks!
In everything give thanks!
(Thomas Watson, “All Things for Good”)
“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
See what cause the saints have to be frequent in the work of thanksgiving! In this, Christians are defective; though they are much in supplication–yet they are little in thanksgiving. The apostle says. “In everything give thanks!“ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Why so? Because God makes everything work together for our good.
We thank the physician, though he gives us a bitter medicine which makes us nauseated–because it is to make us well. We thank any man who does us a good turn; and shall we not be thankful to God–who makes everything work for good to us?
God loves a thankful Christian! Job thanked God when He took all away: “The Lord has taken away–blessed be the name of the Lord!” Job 1:21. Many will thank God when He gives; Job thanks Him when He takes away, because he knew that God would work good out of it.
We read of saints with harps in their hands–an emblem of praise. Revelation 14:2. Yet we meet many Christians who have tears in their eyes, and complaints in their mouths! But there are few with their harps in their hands–who praise God in affliction.
To be thankful in affliction–is a work peculiar to a saint.
Every bird can sing in spring–but few birds will sing in the dead of winter!
Everyone, almost, can be thankful in prosperity–but a true saint can be thankful in adversity!
Well may we, in the worst that befalls us, have a psalm of thankfulness–because God works all things together for our good. Oh, be much in giving thanks to God!
~ ~ ~ ~
And did the Holy and the Just,
The Sovereign of the skies,
Stoop down to wretchedness and dust,
That guilty worms might rise?Yes, the Redeemer left His throne,
His radiant throne on high,
(Surprising mercy! love unknown!)
To suffer, bleed, and die!He took the dying traitor’s place,
And suffered in his stead;
For man (O miracle of grace!)
For man, the Savior bled!Dear Lord, what heavenly wonders dwell
In Your atoning blood!
By this are sinners snatched from Hell,
And rebels brought to God!What glad return can I impart
For favors so divine?
O take my all, this worthless heart,
And make it wholly Thine!
Anne Steele, 1859
📜 Precious Proverbs: Honey

Proverbs 24:13 (NLT)
My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste.
My Thoughts 💭
Each time i read this proverb i think of my lovely wife Sarah. When she has a bad hypo and her blood sugar goes really low (she has type 1 diabetes – T1D), Sarah always has a piece of toast with local honey on the top. Honey is good and it’s definitely sweet to the taste! 😀
The Bible, the Word of God!
The Bible, the Word of God!
(John Mason’s Spiritual Sayings)
The Word of God must be . . .
nearer to us than our friends,
dearer to us than our lives,
sweeter to us than our liberty, and
pleasanter to us than all earthly comforts.
Take the candle of God’s Word and search the corners of your heart.
We speak to God in prayer.
God speaks to us in His Word.
All arguments against the Word of God are fallacies;
all ideas against the Word are delusions;
all derision against the Word is folly; and
all opposition against the Word is madness.
When God threatens, that’s a time to repent;
when He promises, that’s a time to believe;
when He commands, that’s a time to obey.
If a man believed the threatenings of the Word of God,
he would tremble and fly to the promises for refuge.hrist came out of His Father’s bosom, so
the promises came out of Christ’s riven side.
📜 Precious Proverbs: A Fool

Proverbs 23:9 (ESV)
Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.
🙏 Prayer 4 2day!
Oh be merciful to me a sinner!
The devil’s old delusion!
The devil’s old delusion!
(J.C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Luke” 1858)
“John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him: You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire!” Luke 3
We have, in these verses, a specimen of John the Baptist’s ministry. It is a portion of Scripture which should always be especially interesting to a Christian mind.
We should first mark the holy boldness with which John addresses the multitudes who came to his baptism. He speaks to them as a “brood of vipers!” He saw the rottenness and hypocrisy of the profession which the crowd around him were making, and uses language descriptive of their case.
His head was not turned by popularity.
He did not care who was offended by his words.
The spiritual disease of those before him was desperate, and of long standing–and he knew that desperate diseases need strong remedies!
Well would it be for the Church of Christ, if it possessed more plain speaking ministers in our days–like John the Baptist.
A morbid dislike to strong language;
an excessive fear of giving offence;
a constant flinching from directness and plain speaking–
are, unhappily, too much the characteristics of the modern Christian pulpit.
Uncharitable language is no doubt always to be deprecated. But there is no charity . . .
in flattering unconverted people,
in abstaining from any mention of their vices,
or in applying smooth names to damnable sins!
There are two texts which are too much forgotten by Christian preachers. In one it is written, “Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you.” Luke 6:26. In the other it is written, “Am I now trying to win the approval of men–or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were trying to please men–I would not be Christ’s servant.” Galatians 1:10
We should mark, also–how plainly John speaks to his hearers about HELL and danger!
He tells them that there is a “coming wrath!”
He speaks of “the ax” of God’s judgment–and of unfruitful trees being “thrown into the fire!”
The subject of HELL is always offensive to human nature. The minister who dwells much upon it–must expect to find himself regarded as barbaric, violent, unfeeling and narrow-minded!
Men love to hear “smooth things,” and to be told of peace, and not of danger. Isaiah 30:10
But the subject of Hell is one that ought not to be kept back, if we desire to do good to souls. It is one that our Lord Jesus Christ brought forward frequently in His public teachings. That loving Savior, who spoke so graciously of the way to Heaven–has also used the plainest language about the way to Hell.
Let us beware of being wise above that which is written, and more charitable than Scripture itself. Let the language of John the Baptist be deeply engraved on our hearts. Let us never be ashamed to avow our firm belief, that there is a “coming wrath” for the impenitent; and that it is possible for a man to be lost, as well as to be saved.
To be silent on the subject–is dreadful treachery to men’s souls. It only encourages them to persevere in wickedness, and fosters the devil’s old delusion in their minds, “You shall not surely die!” Genesis 3:4
That minister is surely our best friend–who tells us honestly of danger, and warns us, like John the Baptist, to “flee from the wrath to come!”
Never will a man flee–until he sees that there is real cause to be afraid.
Never will he seek Heaven–until he is convinced that he is on his way to Hell.
The religion in which there is no mention of Hell–is not the religion of John the Baptist, or of our Lord Jesus and His apostles!
📜 Precious Proverbs: Deep Pit

Proverbs 22:14 (ESV)
The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit; he with whom the LORD is angry will fall into it.
My Thoughts 💭
Coming from a broken home and being brought up with the life long radiation fallout of this…Love is whatever affection you can grab, and women where objectified. The Lord was certainly angry at me and my lifestyle and being trapped in pit after pit…
But God who is rich in love and mercy reached down and saved me. His Word was a sharp sword that cut straight through my soul and showed me what His true love is, and working through my lovely wife Sarah to show, teach and grow to be a husband fit for a princess! 😀 🙏🏻
The way to do good is to amuse people!
The way to do good is to amuse people!
(J.C. Ryle, 1884)
A great change has taken place in the last forty years. A quantity of church work is continually being carried on both by clergymen and laymen, which, however well-meant, can hardly be called Christian–and in reality has a painful tendency to throw true Christian work into the background, if not to throw it entirely out!
No one, for instance, can fail to observe that a large number of professors are spending all their time and strength on church music, church decorations, church programs, and an incessant round of church attractions. Others are equally absorbed in social work, feeding the poor, and improved dwellings for everyone. Others are incessantly getting up popular concerts, secular lectures, and evening recreations. They proclaim everywhere, that the way to do good is to amuse people!
Others are always occupied with secular guilds, and societies, and associations–and think you very wrong and heathenish if you do not join them. Myriads of professors are restlessly busy about such things from one end of the land to the other; and superficial observers are often saying, “What a great deal of church-work there is in these days!”
Now I would not for a moment be supposed to mean that all the things I have just mentioned are wrong and wicked. Yet I doubt whether the present state of things is altogether healthy. I doubt whether the work of the Holy Spirit on hearts and consciences, is not insensibly being left out in the cold and neglected. Amidst the incessant hustle and bustle about matters of entirely secondary importance–I doubt whether the sort of direct spiritual work to which the Apostles wholly gave themselves, receives as much attention as it ought.
It is quite certain that musical services, and church decorations, and concerts, and bazaars, and social work, and the like–will not save souls.
It is equally certain that, without repentance, and faith, and holy living, and practical, self-denying, kindly charity–no one is fit for Heaven. Do these simple, old-fashioned graces fill the place which they ought to do, in the daily proceedings of many so-called church-workers in this day? I confess I doubt it exceedingly.
I certainly see on every side a vast increase of what people call “church-work.” But there is little or no increase of true religion. There undoubtedly is more show and glitter and display. But I extremely doubt whether there is more spiritual reality, and more growth of practical godliness.
📜 Precious Proverbs: Tongue

Proverbs 21:23 (ESV)
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
My Thoughts 💭
Wow, i know all about this one. Who can tame the tongue?! Oh help us Jesus, Amen! 🙏🏻
Comfort, safety, strength, holiness!
Comfort, safety, strength, holiness!
(George Everard, “Talks about Home Life” 1878)
“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.” Hebrews 4:15
There is no comfort, but in Christ’s bosom.
There is no safety, but by Christ’s side.
There is no strength, but in Christ’s arm.
There is no holiness, but in Christ’s footsteps.
Look up and see Christ, the merciful and gracious Savior, bending over you in most tender compassion.
He is very near to you. He marks . . .
each sigh,
each desire,
each tear,
each prayer.
He thinks upon and sympathizes with you.
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
📜 Precious Proverbs: Not Wise

Proverbs 20:1 (ESV)
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
My Thoughts 💭
Living in England(and probably your country too?), you grow up learning that drinking alcohol isn’t just a pasttime, it’s a national sport and essential to be cool. How deceitful is sin and the world?!
One of my fave quotes is: “I would not put a thief in my mouth to steal my brains.” ― William Shakespeare
Let’s thank God today for his Truth and Wisdom that never changes…It changes us! 😀
They are so dear to Him, that He cannot take His eyes off them!
They are so dear to Him, that He cannot take His eyes off them!
“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous.
His ears are open unto their cry.” Psalm 34:15
The Lord observes His redeemed people with approval and tender consideration. They are so dear to Him, that He cannot take His eyes off them! He watches each one of them as carefully and intently, as if there were only that one creature in the whole universe!
Thus the Lord’s eyes and ears are both turned upon His saints. His whole mind is occupied with them. If they are slighted by all others–they are never neglected by Him. He hears their cry at once, even as a mother is sure to hear her sick babe. The cry may be broken, plaintive or feeble–yet the Father’s quick ear catches each note of lament or appeal, and He is quick to answer His children’s voice!
“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
and His ears are attentive to their prayers.” 1 Peter 3:12
📜 Precious Proverbs: Man’s Wrath

Proverbs 19:19 (ESV)
A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.
My Thoughts 💭
How many times do you see/hear this Truth throughout life. When i first became a Christian and thought i was reading the bible, when all of the time it was reading me. Let’s thank God today for hisliving breathing Word that transforms! 🙏🏻
Lest we awake to find that we are paupers forevermore!
Lest we awake to find that we are paupers forevermore!
“Only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42
We should observe what a high commendation our Lord Jesus Christ pronounced on Mary’s choice. There was a deep meaning in these words. They were spoken not only for Mary’s sake, but for the sake of all Christ’s believing people in every part of the world. They were meant to encourage all true Christians . . .
to be single-eyed and whole-hearted,
to follow the Lord fully,
to walk closely with God,
to make soul-business immeasurably their first business, and
to think comparatively little of the things of this fleeting world.
The true Christian’s portion is the grace of God. It is the only good thing which is substantial, satisfying, real, and lasting. The grace of God is . . .
better in sickness–and better in health,
better in youth–and better in old age,
better in adversity–and better in prosperity,
better in life–and better in death,
better in time–and better in eternity.
No circumstance and no position can be imagined, in which it is not better for man to have the grace of God.
The true Christian’s possession shall never be taken from him.
He alone, of all mankind, shall never be stripped of his inheritance.
Kings must one day leave their palaces.
Rich men must one day leave their money and lands–they only hold them until they die.
But the poorest saint on earth has a treasure of which he will never be deprived. The grace of God, and the favor of Christ–are riches which no man can take from him. They will go with him to the grave when he dies. They will rise with him in the resurrection morning, and be his to all eternity!
What do we know of this “better part” which Mary chose? Have we chosen it for ourselves? Can we say with truth that it is ours? Let us never rest until we can. Let us choose life, while Christ offers it to us without money and without price. Let us seek treasure in Heaven–lest we awake to find that we are paupers forevermore!
📜 Precious Proverbs: He Who Finds

Proverbs 18:22 (ESV)
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
My Thoughts 💭
Amen! Wow this jumps out at me every time i read Proverbs 18. For you who know about my lovely wife Sarah and have read “My Testimony“, will understand why i wrap this around my heart and thank God every day for Sarah! Although Sarah found me, lol. 😀
It Is Grace
It is grace at the beginning, and grace at the end. So that when you and I come to lie upon our death beds, the one thing that should comfort and help and strengthen us there is the thing that helped us in the beginning. Not what we have been, not what we have done, but the grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. The Christian life starts with grace, it must continue with grace, it ends with grace. Grace wondrous grace. By the grace of God I am what I am. Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
📜 Precious Proverbs: The Crucible

Proverbs 17:3 (ESV)
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts.

June 29, 2020 





Recent Comments