(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
Mark 8:36, “What will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?”  When a lost man dies:  his relatives scramble for his money;   the worms scramble for his body;    and the demons scramble for his soul!
What a fearful and sobering picture this is! The world may dress death in velvet and flowers, but God reveals its true horror for the unregenerate soul. The instant a man without Christ breathes his last, everything he loved is torn from him. His money is left behind, becoming a point of contention and greed among his relatives. The bodyhe once adorned and pampered, is claimed by corruption and decay. And his soul–the most precious part of his being–is cast into eternal Hell.
The world’s goods, its riches, its pleasures, its pomp, its fame–what are all these without Jesus? They are a painted pageantry to go to Hell in! They are a mockery to an immortal spirit. They are like a mirage in the desert, deluding the traveler, but not yielding one substantial drop of joy.
“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind!” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). Yes! This poor world is a heap of chaff; the only enduring treasure is to be found in Jesus. If you neglect Him, you neglect all that is worth having.
For the lost, death is not an escape–it is the doorway to everlasting punishment. Jesus spoke more often of Hell than of Heaven, warning us with great compassion: “Fear Him who, after killing the body, has power to throw you into Hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!” (Luke 12:5). The man who lives for himself and dies without Jesus, does not rest in peace. He awakens to eternal torment, where hope never dawns, and mercy is no longer offered.
Dear reader, do not be deceived. Â Life is short! Â Â Death is certain! Â Â Â Eternity is near!
A golden coffin will be a poor compensation for a damned soul!Â
“It is appointed unto man once to die, and after that the judgment!” (Hebrews 9:27).Â
(You will find it helpful toLISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
Hebrews 4:12, “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword; it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
There is no book like the Bible. It is not a dead letter or a relic of the past, but the living voice of the living God. It speaks with divine authority, breathes with divine power, and works with divine precision. It does not merely inform the mind–it pierces the heart!
The above verse describes the Word of God as living and active–not stagnant, not silent, not powerless. The same Word that spoke galaxies into being, continues to speak, convict, and transform today.
Unlike the dull blade of human reasoning, the Word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword. Its edge is not dulled by time, culture, or resistance. It cuts with divine skill, reaching into the deepest recesses of our being. No other voice can penetrate so deeply, discerning what no eye can see and what no man can judge–the secret thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
God’s Word divides soul and spirit–terms that speak of the hidden and complex depths of man. It exposes what is natural and carnal, separating it from what is spiritual and holy. It . . . uncovers our hypocrisies, shatters our pride, and strips away all self-deception. This wounding of the Word is not to destroy–it is to heal. It convicts in order to cleanse. It wounds that it might restore. It rebukes to bring repentance.
We may hide from men, but we cannot hide from God’s Word. When it is wielded by the Holy Spirit, it lays us bare before Him to whom we must give account.
Let us never handle the Word deceitfully, carelessly or casually. Let us not harden our hearts to its searching truths. Rather, let us come before it humbly, reverently, and prayerfully–asking the Lord to use it to search us, sift us, and sanctify us. May we ever study the Word, as a love-letter from our merciful Savior-God. May we never merely read it–but meditate on it, and be transformed by it.
“When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight!” Jeremiah 15:16
The Reformer Martin Luther, wrote these profound truths regarding God’s Word:
“The Bible is alive, it speaks to me. It has feet, it runs after me. It has hands, it lays hold of me.”
“Let the man who would hear God speak, read Holy Scripture.”
“The Word of God is the greatest, most necessary, and most important thing in Christendom.”
“The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid.”
“I have made a covenant with my God that He send me neither visions, dreams, nor even angels. I am content with this gift of the Scriptures, which teaches and supplies all that is necessary, both for this life and that which is to come.”
(You will find it helpful toLISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
Isaiah 43:1-3 “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, 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!”
Fear often grips our hearts when we face uncertainty, suffering, and trials. But God speaks directly to His redeemed people: “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you!” This is not a mere suggestion–it is a divine command grounded in His sovereign grace. He has purchased us at the highest cost–the blood of His darling Son, Jesus Christ! 1 Peter 1:18-19
Because we are ransomed, we are also called by name. This is the personal love of God toward each of His redeemed people–He knows each of us intimately, and claims us as His own. What a comfort to know that our identity is not found in our struggles, failures, or circumstances–but in the unchanging truth that we are God’s redeemed children! Our trials may seem overwhelming, but they can never undo what Christ has secured for us. We belong to Him, and nothing can snatch us from His omnipotent and loving hand! John 10:28-29
The Christian life is not free from suffering, but it is never without God’s presence. The Lord does not say IF you go through deep waters, but WHEN. This world is filled with trials, but the promise is sure: “I will be with you!”
Deep waters will not drown you. When trouble comes like a flood, God holds us fast. The waves may crash, but they cannot pull us from His omnipotent grip! Psalm 93:4
Rivers of difficulty will not sweep you away. Temptations, sorrows, and hardships may rise–but our foundation in Christ remains forever firm.
Fires of oppression will not consume you. Just as God preserved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, He will sustain us through every trial. Daniel 3:25
We do not walk alone. The sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, is our Savior. He leads us, refines us, and upholds us by His wisdom and power. Every trial, though painful, is used by God to purify our faith and deepen our dependence on Him. 1 Peter 1:6-7
You may measure the heavens with a ruler, you may weigh the mountains in scales–but the love of Christ, who shall measure that!
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 8:38-39
(You will find it helpful toLISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
In a world that prizes self-assertion, self-promotion, pride, and personal rights–the meek are overlooked, even despised. Yet Jesus declares that it is the meek: the lowly, the humble–who are truly blessed.
This meekness is not natural to the human heart. It does not come from a gentle personality or a quiet temperament. True meekness is the fruit of the Spirit and springs from a heart humbled before a holy God. It flows from the soul that has been . . . emptied of self-righteousness, broken over sin, and made to bow before the majesty of divine holiness.
The meek man sees himself rightly–as a sinner saved by grace alone. He does not fight for his own importance or honor, because he knows he has none in himself. He is content to be little, because Christ is everything. Like Job, he says, “Behold, I am vile!” Job 40:4. And like the publican, he beats his breast crying, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” Luke 18:13
Yet far from being weak, meekness is a mark of true strength. It takes far more power to submit to God’s will, to quietly bear wrongs, and to put others before oneself–than to rise up in pride and retaliation. The meek do not demand their way–they trust God to order all things for their good and His glory.
And what is their reward? “They shall inherit the earth.” Though now they may be poor, obscure, and afflicted–they shall one day reign with Christ. The proud may rule for a season, but it is the meek who will possess the earth when Jesus returns to make all things new. The new heavens and the new earth are prepared not for the boastful, but for the lowly and humble in heart.
Oh what comfort this brings to weary, struggling saints! You who feel the weight of your unworthiness and marvel that God would save you–take heart! You are blessed. You may be despised by the world, but God almighty smiles upon you. Your Savior was meek and lowly, and you are being made like Him.
“Gracious Father, humble my heart before You. Let me not seek my own honor or insist on my own way, but teach me the beauty of meekness. Let my soul be quiet under Your hand, trusting that You will lift up the humble in due time. May I find all my delight and reward in Christ alone, in whose name I pray, Amen.”
(You will find it helpful toLISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
The apostle Paul saw his entire existence through the lens of his Savior. If he lived, it was for Christ’s glory. If he died, it was for Christ’s presence. Either way, he was wholly surrendered to Christ! Christ was the source, the substance, and the goal of his life.
“To live is Christ.” What does this mean? It means that Christ is . . . the purpose of our lives, the joy of our hearts, and the strength of our souls. Whether in trials or triumphs, in sorrows or joys, Christ is the center of all we do. Our lives are not our own–they are His! To a man who lives for Christ, nothing is secular–everything is sacred. To draw nearer to Christ is his life’s ambition; to glorify Christ is his daily business; to live for Christ is his greatest joy.
But then Paul adds, “to die is gain.” How can death–the dreaded enemy of mankind–be gain? To the world, death is the worst possible loss–it is the end of all earthly hopes and dreams. But for the believer, death is simply the doorway into eternal, unbroken fellowship with Christ! It is . . . the shedding of all sin, the end of all suffering, and the entrance into the fullness of joy in our Savior’s presence. To die is . . . to be with Christ, to behold Him in all His glory, and to rest in His love forever. No more pain, no more tears–only Christ, in the fullness of His beauty and glory!
Dear Christian, do not fear what the world fears. Your life is Christ’s, and your death is but a passage into His presence, to a glory beyond imagining. Take heart! Your life is Christ, your death is gain, and your eternity is secure in His loving hands.
Live for Christ today, and long for the day when you shall see Him face to face!
“I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far!” Philippians 1:23
“We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him–for we shall see Him as He really is!” 1 John 3:2
(You will find it helpful toLISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
“You are . . . a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
This verse is both a comfort and a challenge. It reminds every genuine Christian of their identity in Christ and the purpose for which they were redeemed.
First, Peter declares that believers are a chosen people.
Our election is not based on our merit, works, or foreseen faith–but solely on God’s sovereign grace! (Ephesians 1:4â5). This humbles us, for we were not chosen because of anything in us–but in spite of our unworthiness. God’s love is set upon His people from eternity past, and this should fill us with deep assurance and joy. If God has chosen us, He will surely keep us (John 10:28â29).
Next, Peter states that Christians are a royal priesthood.
Under the Old Covenant, priests were set apart to intercede before God. Now, in Christ, all believers are priests–we have direct access to God through our Mediator, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:16). But with this privilege comes responsibility. As priests, we are called to offer up spiritual sacrifices–our lives, our praise, and our obedience (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15). We do not live for ourselves, but for the glory of our King.
We are also a holy nation.
Holiness is not optional for God’s people. To be holy means to be set apart from sin, and set apart unto God. In justification, He has made us holy in Christ. In sanctification, He is making us holy in our daily lives.
This verse challenges us–do we live as citizens of heaven, or are we entangled in the world’s ways? (Philippians 3:20; 1 John 2:15-17).
As Christians, we belong to God.
What a comfort to know that we are not our own! We belong to God by election, and are purchased by the sin-atoning death of Christ. This means we are secure in His love, but it also means we do not have the right to live for ourselves. Our purpose is not self-fulfillment, but God’s glory.
Lastly, all Christians are called into God’s marvelous light.
We were once in darkness: dead in sin, enslaved to the world, and blind to the beauty of Christ. But God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness, and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son! (Colossians 1:13). This was not a mere invitation, but an effectual summons that brought us from death to life (Ephesians 2:1â5).
Now, we walk in His light, seeing His truth, loving His ways, and reflecting His glory.
All of this–our election, priesthood, holiness, and belonging–has a purpose: that we may declare His praises! We are saved not merely for our benefit, but primarily to glorify God. Our lives should be a continual testimony to His grace. Our lips should be filled with His praises.
This verse is both a deep comfort and a weighty calling. Let us ever strive to live . . . as God’s chosen people, as His royal priesthood, as a holy nation, as a people belonging to God, and declaring His praises!
“God’s people are His peculiar treasure, His special portion. What greater honor can be conferred upon a man than this–to belong to God! The Lord values His saints more than all the world!”
(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you  READ the text below.)
Mark 14:27, “All of you will desert Me!” Jesus told them.
We see in this verse, how well our Lord knew the weakness and infirmities of His disciples. He tells them plainly what they were going to do: “All of you will desert Me!”
Let us take comfort in the thought that the Lord Jesus does not cast off His believing people because of failures and imperfections.
He knows exactly what they are. He takes them, as the husband takes the wife, with all their blemishes and defects; and once joined to Him by faith, He will never leave them. He is a merciful and compassionate Savior. It is His glory to pass over the transgressions of His people, and to cover their many sins.
He knew what they were before conversion:  wicked, guilty, and defiled–yet He loved them.
He knows what they will be after conversion:  weak, erring, and frail–yet He loves them.
He has undertaken to save them, notwithstanding all their deficiencies and failings. And what He has undertaken, He will perform.
Let us learn to pass a charitable judgment on the conduct of professing believers. Let us not set them down in a low place, and say they have no grace–because we see much weakness and sin in them. Let us remember that our Master in Heaven bears with their infirmities, and let us try to bear with them too.
The Church of Christ is little better than a great hospital. We ourselves are all, more or less, weak. We all daily need the skillful treatment of the heavenly Physician. There will be no ‘complete cures’ until the resurrection day.  “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32  “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
(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)  John 14:26, “But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”
One way in which the Holy Spirit comforts us, is by His teaching. It is His work to help us understand the Scriptures.
The Holy Spirit is the master teacher who takes the things of Christ and reveals them to us, making our hearts burn within us.
The Spirit’s work is not to deliver new truths, but to make the truths in the Word shine with living clarity before our eyes.
The Spirit does not merely teach us doctrine, but makes us feel its power and sweetness in the depths of our souls.
The Spirit’s teaching is heart-teaching. It is not learned in the intellect alone, but in the soul’s deepest experience.
The Spirit is the great interpreter of God’s Word–and without His teaching, we cannot rightly divide the Scriptures.
I can teach you the letter of God’s Word, but there is only One who can teach you effectually and savingly.
The Spirit not only reveals, but transforms–for it is His nature to lead us from knowledge into holiness.
As the sun brings light to the natural world, so the  Spirit brings spiritual light to the darkened soul.
When the Spirit breathes upon the Word, the truth leaps from the page and fastens upon the heart, as an arrow of conviction or comfort.
When the Spirit comes with power, every doctrine sparkles like a diamond in the sunlight, and glows with divine warmth.
The Spirit of God gives us not only light, but sight. For what is the use of daylight to a blind man? The Spirit opens the eyes of our understanding.
When the Spirit works within, even the simplest truths of Scripture shine with divine brilliance, filling the soul with joy.
Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing–we are as,  ships without wind,   branches without sap,    and coals without fire.
The Spirit’s illumination goes beyond words, for He makes us taste the sweetness of Christ, and feel the importance of eternal realities.
The Spirit of God first imparts light to the soul, by which we see,   ourselves,   our sin,    and our Savior.
The Spirit shows us our sin as exceedingly sinful, and Jesus as altogether lovely!
We are blind until the Spirit takes the scales from our eyes. We are deaf until He unstops our ears. We are dead until He gives us life.
The Holy Spirit is the great revealer of Christ to the soul, making Him known, loved, and adored–where He was once despised.
By the Spirit’s enlightening, we see, Â the glory of the cross, Â the beauty of holiness, Â and the hope of Heaven–as never before!
Without the Spirit’s teaching, we are like travelers in the wilderness without a compass, wandering aimlessly in search of truth.
“But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13
“For you are a holy people who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be His own special treasure!” Deuteronomy 7:6
God highly prizes His people. Yes, it is impossible to say how highly He prizes them. Those are wondrous words, “For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His own special treasure!” Psalm 135:4
Did the shepherd prize his flock? God calls His people, “His flock, His beautiful flock.”Â
Does the miser prize his wealth? God says of His people, “You shall be a special treasure unto Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.”
Does the prince prize his jewels? God says of His people, “They shall be Mine, in that day when I make up My jewels!”  Does the bridegroom prize his beloved and dearly purchased bride? It is written, “As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you!”Â
Does the reigning monarch prize his crown? God has said, “You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.”Â
What wondrous love, such expressions as these represent! How precious must the Lord’s people be to Him! Truly they are His special treasure!
God chose them to be special unto Himself. He chose them out from among others. He chose them in preference to others.
He chose them out from others, on purpose that they may be a special people unto Himself. And in so doing, He acted FREELY. It was not on account of anything He saw in them, or on account of anything He expected from them; but in the exercise of His most free and holy sovereignty, He chose them to participate in the glory of His Son!
In choosing them, He acted also DELIBERATELY. It was no hasty choice.  His thoughts had been eternally filled with them.  His heart had been eternally set upon them.  Therefore He chose them in Christ before the foundation of the world!
In choosing them, He acted WISELY, as He really desired to have them. For each one of them is ready to confess that if God had not chosen them, that they would never have chosen Him! The nature regulates the choice; and as our nature is carnal and impure, we would never have chosen God who is spiritual and holy.Â
His choice was just an early expression of His LOVE. The love which chose them, would do anything for them, and give anything to them! Therefore God spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for them all; and in so doing, gave them the assurance that He will also freely give them all things in Christ.
 O the wonders couched in electing love!   This act of choosing such creatures as we are, to be a special people unto Himself, displays . . .  such grace,  such condescension,  such infinite wisdom and love!   God’s election says, “The Lord loves you!” Loves us! Yes, and with a love that is eternal, immutable, sovereign, infinite, and free! All the love of God is lavished upon us as His special people in Christ. Oh, those wondrous words of Jesus, “You have loved them, even as You have loved Me!” John 17:23     But few among the worldly wise,   But few of nobler race,   Obtain the favor of Your eyes,   Almighty King of grace!
You will need much holy wisdom here, lest you overlook the work of the Spirit within you.
You have thought, it may be, of the glory that Christ receives from . . . brilliant genius, and profound talent, and splendid gifts, and glowing zeal, and costly sacrifices, and extensive usefulness.
But have you ever thought of the glory–the far greater richer glory, that flows to Him from . . . the contrite spirit, the broken heart, the lowly mind, the humble walk, the tear of godly repentance that falls when seen by no human eye, the sigh of godly sorrow which is breathed when heard by no human ear, the sin abhorrence, the self loathing, the deep sense of vileness, and poverty, and infirmity that takes you to Jesus with the prayer:
“Lord, here I am; I have brought to You . . . my rebellious will, my wandering heart, my worldly affections, my peculiar infirmity, my besetting and constantly overpowering sin. Receive me graciously, put forth the mighty power of Your grace in my soul, and subdue all, and rule all, and subjugate all to Yourself! Will it not be for Your glory, the glory of Your great name . . . if this strong corruption were subdued by Your grace; if this powerful sin were nailed to Your cross; if this temper so volatile, if this heart so impure, if these affections so truant, if this mind so dark, if these desires so earthly, if these pursuits so carnal, if these aims so selfish –were all entirely renewed by Your Spirit, sanctified by Your grace, and made each to reflect Your image? Yes, Lord, it would be for Your glory, through time and through eternity!”
The infinite ocean of Christ’s love! (Octavius Winslow) The mind has often been sensible of a feeling of awe as we have stood upon the shore, and gazed upon the vast expanse of the ocean. With a similar, yet far transcending emotion–we approach the infinite ocean of Christ’s love!Â
Like the eternity of God–we cannot fathom where His love begins, or where it terminates.
There is no other solution to the marvelous mysteries of His Incarnation and Sacrificial Death but this, Christ has loved us!
Love originated all, explains all, illustrates all.
Love is the interpreter of every Divine mystery.
There is not a circumstance of our Lord’s history which is not another form or manifestation of love. His incarnation, is love stooping. His sympathy, is love weeping. His compassion, is love supporting. His grace, is love acting. His teaching, is the voice of love. His silence, is the repose of love. His patience, is the restraint of love. His obedience, is the labor of love. His suffering, is the travail of love. His cross, is the altar of love. His death, is the burnt offering of love. His resurrection, is the triumph of love. His ascension into Heaven, is the enthronement of love. His intercession in Heaven, is the prayer of love.
Such is the deep, the vast, the boundless ocean of Christ’s love! The soul muses in silent awe as it gazes upon this fathomless, limitless sea!Â
Nothing short of a divine love could or would have borne our sins, and the punishment of our sins. The weight of the one, and the terribleness of the other, would have crushed and annihilated a mere ‘created’ affection. There existed no love but the love of Jesus, which was equal to the work of salvation.
Who was willing, who was able–to bear that heavy load, to endure that overwhelming curse, but Jesus?
Oh, think, beloved reader, what the love of Christ has done and suffered for you:  the burden it bore,  the sorrow it felt,  the humiliation it underwent,  the insults,  the ignominy,  the privation through which it traveled;  its groans,  its sighs,  its tears,  its darkness;  how inconceivably it agonized,  how freely it bled,  how voluntarily it died,  the sins it has pardoned,  the guilt it has cleansed,  the declensions it has restored,  the backslidings it has healed,  the sorrows it has soothed,  the patience it has exercised,  the gentleness it has exhibited –and then ask: Could any other but the love of Jesus have done all this, and endured all this?Â
Such is the love of Christ!
To have saved us upon such terms:  a stoop so low,  a humiliation so profound,  a labor so immense,  mental anguish so acute,  bodily suffering so agonizing,  a death so ignominious! Was there ever a love like this? Was it ever equaled? Where shall we find its parallel?
Love less divine, less strong, less gentle, could never have won your heart, uprooted your enmity, torn you from your idols–enthroning Christ, all of Christ, Christ only, Christ supremely, Christ forever!
The love of Christ will be the wonder, the study, and the song of all pure, holy creatures through eternity!
Beloved, nothing shall take the love of Christ from you, or separate you from it. It does not ebb with the ebbing of your feelings; it does not chill with the chill of your affections; it does not change with the changing scenes and circumstances of your life.
The love of Christ has . . .   depths we cannot sound,   heights we cannot explore,  an infinite fullness and freeness tiding over all the sins, infirmities, and sorrows of its blessed and favored objects!
Seek to know this love of Christ, though it is so vast that it ‘passes knowledge.’ Infinite though it is, you may . . .  experience its reality,  taste its sweetness, and  be influenced by its all commanding, all constraining power!
Do not limit your heart experience of Christ’s love–for it is infinite in its nature, and boundless in its extent.
As yet, how many of us stand but upon the shore of this ocean!
How little do we know, experimentally, of the love of Christ in our souls!
Bring your heart with, Â its profoundest emptiness, Â its most startling discovery of sin, Â its lowest frame, Â its deepest sorrow, and sink it into the depths of the Savior’s love!
That infinite sea will flow over all, erase all, absorb all–and your soul shall swim and sport amid its gentle waves, exclaiming in your joy and transport, “Oh, the depths!”Â
May the Lord direct your heart into the love of God, just as it is:  hard,  cold,  fickle,  sinful,  sad and  sorrowful.
Christ’s love touching your hard heart, will dissolve it!
Christ’s love touching your cold heart, will warm it!
Christ’s love touching your sinful heart, will purify it!
Christ’s love touching your sorrowful heart, will soothe it!
Christ’s love touching your wandering heart, will draw it back to Himself!
Only bring your heart to Christ’s love!Â
Believe that He loves you, and just as love begets love–so the simple belief in the love of Jesus will inspire you with a reflected, responsive affection; and your soul, like the flower, will burst from its captivity, and bloom, and, soaring in life, liberty, and beauty–will float in the sunbeams of Gods full, free, and eternal love! And in a little while, will find itself in Heaven, where all is love!
“Blessed Jesus! Your love, like Your agonies, is an unknown and unfathomable depth! It surpasses knowledge. Let it rise and expand before me, until it . . . Â fills the entire scope of my soul’s vision; Â occupies every niche of my heart; Â and bears me onward by its all commanding, all constraining influence, in the path of a holy loving obedience and surrender.”
“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly!” Colossians 3:16
STUDY the Scripture. It is a copy of God’s will. Be Scripture-men, Bible-Christians. Search the Scripture, as for a vein of silver. This blessed Book will fill your head with knowledge, and your heart with grace!
There is majestysparkling in every line of Scripture.
There is a melodyin Scripture. This is that blessed harp which drives away sadness of spirit. How sweetly does this harp of Scripture sound; what heavenly music does it make in the ears of a distressed sinner, especially when the finger of God’s Spirit touches this instrument!
There is divinityin Scripture. It contains the marrow and quintessence of true religion. It is a rock of diamonds, a manual of piety. The lips of Scripture have grace poured into them. The Scripture speaks of faith, self-denial, and all the graces which, as a chain of pearls, adorns a Christian.
Oh, then, search the Scripture! Had I the tongue of angels, I could not sufficiently set forth the excellency of Scripture. It is a spiritual telescope, in which we behold God’s glory! It is the tree of life, the oracle of wisdom, the rule of godliness–the heavenly seed of which the new creature is formed.
‘The two Testaments,’ says one, ‘are the two breasts which every Christian must suck, that he may get spiritual nourishment.’ These holy leaves of Scripture are for the healing of our souls.
The Scripture is profitablefor all things. If we are deserted, here is spiced wine that cheers the heavy heart. If we are pursued by Satan, here is the sword of the Spirit to resist him. If we are diseased with sin’s leprosy, here are the waters of the sanctuary, both to cleanse and cure. Oh, then, search the Scriptures!
Read the Bible with reverence. Think, in every line you read, that God is speaking to you! The ark wherein the Word was put was overlaid with pure gold, and was carried on bars, that the Levites might not touch it. Exodus 25:14. Why was this, but to give reverence to the Word?
Read with seriousness. It is matter of life and death! By this Word you must be tried and judged.
Read the Word with affection. Get your hearts quickened with the Word. Labor that the Word may not only be a lamp to direct, but a fire to warm.
Read the Scripture, not only as a history, but as a love letter sent to you from God, which may affect your hearts.
Pray that the same Spirit who wrote the Word may assist you in reading it; that God’s Spirit would show you the wonderful things of His law, so that the Word will become effectual.
“O how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long!” Psalm 119:97
There is no treasure so satisfying as Christ, for He is the fountain of all happiness, and the source of eternal joy.
The believer values Christ above all, for He is the chief good–and in Him, all desires are fully satisfied.
Christ is the pearl of great price, for whom the believer gladly sells all to possess.
The true saint delights to behold the beauty and glory of Christ, for He is altogether lovely!
The true believer prizes Christ above the world, counting all things but loss for the excellence of knowing Him.
The love of Christ fills the soul as the sweetest treasure, making all earthly pleasures seem as nothing.
When Christ is our treasure, we rejoice in Him as our eternal inheritance–one that can never fade away.
The believer’s heart rests only in Christ, for He is the treasure that can never be exhausted.
Jesus Christ is . . .  the sum of all good things,   the fountain of all beauty,    and the source of all joy to the soul.
There is an infinite excellence in Christ, which is worthy of our highest esteem and most ardent love.
The soul that has tasted the sweetness of Christ, sees that He is infinitely more glorious than all the world.
Christ is . . .  a treasure that never diminishes,   a fountain that never runs dry,    and a Savior who is all-sufficient for every need.
He who has Christ, has a possession of infinite worth–for He is the eternal and unchangeable God, given to us as our eternal portion.
The soul that treasures Christ, finds all earthly possessions as nothing compared to the riches of His grace.
Christ is the great treasure-house of Heaven, from which all blessings flow to His people.
In Christ, the soul finds a Savior who is both the remedy for all its miseries, and the source of all its felicity.
A true saint will part with anything and everything for Christ, because He is the most precious treasure.
The love of Christ constrains the believer to count all things as loss, for the surpassing worth of knowing Him.
Christ is the most precious of all possessions, for He is an infinite good that can never be lost or taken away.
All the treasures of wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption are laid up in Christ for His people.
There is more value in one drop of Christ’s blood, than in all the gold and silver of the world.
The believer finds its greatest joy in the contemplation of Christ’s beauty, love and glory.
The soul that treasures Christ, looks with disdain upon the fleeting pleasures of this world–for they are as shadows compared to the reality of His love.
A heart that values Christ as its treasure, will not be drawn away by the vanities of the world, for it is satisfied in Him.
The riches of the world are like broken cisterns that hold no water, but Christ is a well-spring of eternal life.
Christ is the believer’s treasure, not only because of what He gives, but because of who He is–God Himself, dwelling with His people.
Christ is the key to the treasury of Heaven, and through Him, the believer gains access to boundless riches of grace and glory.
When Christ is the treasure of the heart–He transforms the soul, making it beautiful with His own holiness and love.
The more the soul treasures Christ, the more it is lifted above the cares and trials of this life, finding peace and joy in Him.
The believer who treasures Christ learns to view all things in light of eternity, for Christ becomes the measure of all value and worth. Christ is the eternal portion of His people, the inexhaustible treasure they will enjoy forever in Heaven.
In the world to come, the saints will rejoice in Christ as their treasure more fully, seeing Him as He is in His infinite glory and love.
The riches of Christ’s glory will never be exhausted, for He is an infinite fountain of joy that flows forever to His people.
The delight of the saints in Heaven, consists chiefly in the joy of beholding Christ as their everlasting treasure!
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also!” Matthew 6:21
I come before You with a heart overflowing with gratitude and awe. Thank You, my Savior, for the wondrous love You have shown in laying down Your life for me, a vile sinner. How can I comprehend the depth of Your sacrifice? You, the spotless Lamb of God, took upon Yourself the punishment I so rightfully deserved. You bore my sins and endured the agony of the cross, not because of anything that I have done to deserve it, but because of Your boundless love and grace.
I was lost and condemned, helpless and hopeless–yet You gave Your life to save me. Your love knows no limits, no boundaries, no conditions. It is overwhelming and immeasurable, and I am most grateful and humbled by it.
Thank You for taking my place, for giving Yourself to suffer and die as my sin-atoning sacrifice. Thank You for the gift of eternal life that You have freely given, not because I am worthy, but because You are merciful and full of grace. I can never begin to repay You, but I offer the love of my poor heart, in response to the marvelous mercy and grace which You have shown to me.
I thank You, precious Jesus, for bearing my eternal punishment so that I might know the peace of being reconciled to Father-God. My heart is forever Yours.
“Christ died for the ungodly”
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”
“When we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son” Romans 5:6, 8, 10
by Octavius Winslow “And surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the world.” Matthew 28:20   Are you going through a sorrowful affliction?   What a Friend,   what a Brother,    what a Helper,     is Jesus!   Never–no never, does He leave His suffering child to travel that mournful night unvisited and unsoothed by His presence.   He is with you now!   His faithfulness never falters.   His love never changes.    His tenderness never lessens.     His patience never wearies.      His grace never decays.       His watchfulness never slumbers.   Jesus loves to visit us in the stormy night of affliction. He says, “Do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with My righteous right hand!”  Isaiah 41:10  The incarnate God delights to be near His helpless and timid children. He is near to you, as the strength of your sinking soul.  “Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.  I have called you by name; you are Mine!  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, 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 43:1-3
(John MacDuff, “The Night Watches”)  LISTEN to audio!   Download Audio  “He will feed His flock like a Shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.”  Isaiah 40:11  How soothing, in the hour of sorrow, or bereavement, or death–to have the countenance and sympathy of a tender earthly friend. Reader, these words tell you of One nearer, dearer, tenderer still–the Friend that never fails, a tender God!    By how many endearing epithets does Jesus exhibit the tenderness of His relation to His people.   Does a shepherd watch tenderly over his flock? “The Lord is my Shepherd.”   Does a father exercise fondest solicitude towards His children? “I will be a Father unto you.”   Does a mother’s love exceed all other earthly types of affection. “As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you.”   Is the ‘apple of the eye’ (the pupil) the most sensitive part of the most delicate bodily organ? He guards His people “as the apple of His eye!”   “He will not break the bruised reed.”   When the Shepherd and Guardian of souls finds the sinner, like a lost sheep, stumbling on the dark mountains–how tenderly He deals with him! There is no look of wrath; no word of upbraiding. In silent love “He lays him on His shoulders rejoicing!”   Reader, are you mourning over . . .   the weakness of your faith,   the coldness of your love,   your manifold spiritual declensions?   Fear not. He knows your frame! He will give ‘feeble faith’ tender dealing. He will carry in His arms those that are unable to walk, and will conduct the burdened ones through a path less rough and rugged than others.   When “the lion” or “the bear” comes–you may trust the true David, the tenderest of Shepherds!   Are you suffering from outward trial? Confide in the tenderness of your God’s dealings with you. The strokes of His rod are gentle strokes–the needed discipline of a father yearning over his children the very moment He is chastising them. The gentlest earthly parent may speak a needlessly harsh word at times–but not so God. He may seem like Joseph to his brethren, to ‘speak roughly’–but all the while there is love in His heart!   The pruning knife will not be used unnecessarily. It will never cut too deeply.   The furnace will not burn more fiercely than is absolutely required. A tender God is seated by it, tempering the fury of its flames!   And what, believer, is the secret of all this tenderness? There is a Man upon the Throne! Jesus, the God-Man Mediator–combining with the might of Godhead, the tenderness of spotless humanity.   Is your heart crushed with sorrow? So was His!   Are your eyes dimmed with tears? So were His? “Jesus wept!” Bethany’s Chief Mourner still wears the Brother’s heart in glory!   Others may be unable to enter into the depths of your trial. Jesus can–Jesus does!   With such  a tender God . . .   caring for me,   providing for me,   watching my path by day, and   guarding my couch by night, “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone,  O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
Jeremiah 6:14, “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace!’ they say, when there is no peace!”
Ezekiel 13:10, “They lead My people astray, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace!”
These verses are a scathing denunciation of every unfaithful minister!
In the Christian Church, there are many who, while professing themselves to be ambassadors of Heaven, are only deceivers of the people! Their habit has at all times been, to preach, “Peace, peace!” when there was no peace!
There are still many ministers who never teach their people: the desperate depravity of the human heart, the absolute necessity of a new birth, the impossibility of being saved by their own righteousness, and the indispensability of thorough devotion to God, as His redeemed people.
Instead, they tell their hearers, that there is a smoother and an easier way to Heaven, than what the Scriptures have marked out!
Whether seduced by others or not, all unbelievers are naturally prone to speak “peace” unto their own souls. “I have peace, even though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart!” Deuteronomy 29:19
The unsaved will not receive the plainest declarations of God concerning them. They cannot endure to think that they are in such danger as God’s Word declares them to be.
They do not believe that the way to Heaven is as strait and narrow as His Gospel represents it.
They persuade themselves that they shall be saved at last, even though they scoff at both the clearest principles and practices of Scripture.
Yet the holy Judge of every person is unmistakable, “There is no peace for the wicked! The wicked shall be turned into Hell, and all the nations that forget God!”Isaiah 57:21, Psalm 9:17
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners!”
What a gospel is this for a poor sinner! It speaks . . . of pardon, of acceptance, of peace with God, of full redemption here, and unspeakable glory hereafter!
This glorious gospel proclaims . . . a Savior to the lost, a Redeemer to the captive, a Physician to the sick, a Friend to the needy, an Advocate to the criminal.
All that a self-ruined, sin-filled, law-condemned, broken-hearted, justice-threatened sinner needs–this “glorious gospel of the blessed God” provides!
It reveals to the self-ruined, One in whom is his help. It reveals to the sin-filled, One who can take away all sin. It reveals to the law-condemned, One who saves from all condemnation. It reveals to thebroken-hearted,One who binds up and heals. It reveals to the justice-threatened, One who is a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest!
That One is Jesus! O name that is ever dear. O name that is ever sweet. O name that is ever precious. O name that is ever fragrant. O name that is ever healing to broken-hearted sinners!
All you can possibly need, is treasured up in Christ!
You have no cross, but Christ can bear it. You have no sorrow, but Christ can alleviate it. You have no corruption, but Christ can subdue it. You have no guilt, but Christ can remove it. You have no sin, but Christ can pardon it. You have no need, but Christ can supply it!
Lift up your heads, you poor, you needy, you disconsolate!
Lift up your heads and rejoice that Christ is all to you . . . all you need, in this valley of tears; all you need, in the deepest sorrow; all you need, under the heaviest affliction; all you need, in lingering sickness; all you will need, in the hour of death; all you will need, in the day of judgment!
What more do you desire?
A merciful Father who loves you as the apple of His eye!
A gracious Savior to whom to go, moment by moment!
And a blessed indwelling, sanctifying, comforting Spirit!
Yes, “Happy indeed are those whose God is the Lord!”
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, and to release the oppressed.” Luke 4:18
“The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:52
“The fruit of the Spirit is joy” Galatians 5:22
The Wise Man says that there is “a time to laugh.” That is, there is a time when laughter is right, when it is a duty–and when it would be wrong not to laugh. Perhaps we have not been accustomed to think of laughter in this way. We regard it as an agreeable exercise–but are not apt to class it among duties, like honesty or kindness.
It would be a sad thing, however, if laughter would be altogether crowded out of life. Think of a world of human beings with no laughter–men and women always wearing grave, serious, solemn faces. Think of the laughter of childhood departing from the world–how dull and dreary life would be! Nothing on earth is more beautiful, than the merry laugh of childhood.
Laughter has its place in every wholesome, healthy, holy life. The man who never smiles–is morbid! He has lost the joy-chords out of his life. He has trained himself to think only of unpleasant things, to look only and always at the dark side. He has accustomed himself so long to sadness–that the muscles of his face have become set in hard, fixed lines–and cannot relax themselves. His thoughts of life are gloomy–and the gloom has entered his soul and darkened his eyes!
Where there is no laughter–all evils nest. Demons do not laugh!
The man who never laughs, must not blame his fellows if they think there is something wrong with his life–something dark within.
If the streams which flow out are only bitter–the fountain cannot be sweet!
The Wise Man says: “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:13 “A cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15 “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
“May the God of hope fill you with all joyand peace” Romans 15:13
“Rejoicein the Lord always! I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
“Joy is a choice. It’s a matter of attitude that stems from one’s confidence in God- that He is at work, that He is in full control, that He is in the midst of whatever has happened, is happening and will happen. Either we fix our minds on that and determine to laugh again, or we wail and whine our way through life. We determine which way we will go.” –Â Chuck Swindoll
#28. Will not love to Jesus best help us to PERSEVERE in the Christian race?      Â
When trials, suffering and persecution come, only those who truly love Jesus will be able to endure.
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CONCLUSIONÂ
What shall I say to advance Jesus in your esteem, that you might love Him? Is He not a comprehensive good? Is He not eminently all? There is no goodness in the creature, but it is formally, or virtually, in Jesus.Â
Is there wisdom in the creature? There is more in Jesus. Is there beauty or power in the creature? There is much more in Jesus.Â
“For it pleased the Father, that in Him should all fullness dwell.” Jesus is “full of grace and truth.” This is the One whom I beg you to love. This is He who is altogether lovely and desirable.Â
Consider now, I plead with you–can you ever imagine a better offer than Jesus? Can you find a better match for your soul? Can you say all this, or any one of all these things–concerning the objects you have loved previous to Jesus?
Oh then say, “I never understood the loveliness of Christ before this! How has sin fooled me! How has the world bewitched me! How has my foolish wicked heart deceived me–that I have lavished my love upon the creature and sin–when there was a Christ to love! Such a Christ to love! Such a good as is not to be found in all the world! Now He alone shall have my heart, my love–my all!”
#27. Is not love to Jesus the best help against the TEMPTATIONS of Satan?    Â
Is not Satan your enemy? Is not your heart sometimes anxious to yield to him? But love to Jesus would garrison your hearts, fortify your souls, and make you courageous and resolute against all the batteries of Satan and the assaults of sin. It would make you watchful against the allurements and amusements of the world, so that you would say, “Shall I offend my dearest Lord? Shall I displease Him who has done me such good, such everlasting good? Oh! how can I do this great evil, and sin against Him whom I love!” Do you not find that love forbids, and exceedingly restrains–from grieving, offending or wronging the one whom you entirely love?Â
#26. Is not love to Jesus the most universally NECESSARY love?    Â
One man loves one thing, and a second another, and a third another. But there is no necessity that all men should love any one thing–except for Jesus, and things pertaining to our having and enjoying Him. Love to Jesus is absolutely necessary for poor and rich, for great and small, for noble and low-born, for learned and unlearned, for slave and free.Â
#25. Is not love to Jesus the most PROFITABLE love?   Â
“What is a man profited, if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” By loving Jesus you shall have such a gain that no man can value, that no mind can estimate, that no mathematician, by all his numbers and figures, can compute–even . . . pardon of innumerable sins,  the favor of an infinite and holy God,  deliverance from inconceivable torments,  possession of endless bliss, and  more than I, or any man, can describe or comprehend!Â
#24. You should never have any cause or reason to be ashamed to love Jesus.  Â
Is not the time coming, and the day hastening, when . . . covetous men shall be ashamed of loving the world,  and voluptuous men ashamed of loving their pleasures,  and ambitious men ashamed of loving their honors? For is it not a horrid shame, that a rational creature should be so debased as to love sin which is most loathsome, and not to love Jesus who is most lovely? That he should love deformity, and not beauty?
Oh shame, shame! It is a shame that sin should have such esteem, and Jesus such great contempt put upon Him. But shame shall before long confound these now shameless wretches, when they shall cry out, “We are ashamed that we loved filthy lucre, and not Jesus–that we loved houses, lands, lusts, and not Jesus. This is the confusion of our faces, and shame covers us–that we should be so foolish, and so blind, that we had not sense, nor reason, to distinguish between sin, which is the greatest and most odious evil–and Jesus who is the greatest and most lovely good.”Â
But the time will never come, the day will never be–that a gracious soul shall be ashamed of his sincere love to Jesus Christ.Â
#23. Is it not great condescension in Jesus, that He will so kindly accept your love? Â
Shall one so great, accept of the love of one so inferior? Shall one so holy, accept the love of one that is so sinful? Shall one so glorious, accept the love of one so vile? Do great men value the love of beggars? Do princes value the love of peasants? Would a man of noble birth and wealth, marry a diseased and deformed woman clothed in rags? I think, considering who Jesus is, and who you are–that you should say, “If Jesus will allow me, I will love Him.” Allow you! Not only so, but He gives you a command to love Him, and that upon pain and peril of everlasting damnation!Â
Is it not due to Him by virtue of creation? Did not He give your being to you?
By virtue of preservation, has not Jesus kept you out of the grave and Hell until this day? Justice would have hewn you down, and wrath would have condemned you long ago. And who has procured a pardon for you but Christ? That you are on this side the torments of the damned, not beyond praying, and hearing, and hoping–is all through Christ’s securing for you longer time. Except by virtue of Jesus’ provision for you, you would not have had a rag for your back, nor a morsel for your mouth, nor sleep for your eyes.
By virtue of redemption, when you were worse than nothing–did not He lay down His soul, His life, His blood, as a ransom price for you?
If your love is due to Him in so many ways, what injustice will it be for you to deny Jesus that which is His due? Are you not careful to give to everyone what you owe them? And does it not ease your mind, that though you are not rich, yet you have given every one his due? Do you not work, and care, and save to give to all what you owe them–and shall Jesus be the only one to whom you will be unjust? If you have not enough to satisfy all your creditors, yet if there is one whom you love and bear more respect unto–how sure you will be to repay that one first. You should say, “Though I cannot do as much as I would like, yet Jesus shall not be a loser by me. He shall have my heart and love!”
#21. Are not all the Christian duties sometimes tedious to you, for lack of love to Jesus?
Do you find it a burden to pray–or a burden to hear or read the Word of God? Is it a burden to you to meditate upon God and Christ, and things above? It is all because of smallness of love to Jesus. For love makes hard things easy, and heavy labor to be light.
#20. To truly love YOURSELVES, you must love Jesus supremely.Â
 Does that man truly love himself, who does not regard the salvation of his soul–who ruins himself, and damns himself, and shuts himself out of Heaven? Does that man truly love himself, who exposes himself to the wrath of God, to the damnation of Hell, and to banishment from the glorious presence of the blessed God? All these things a man brings upon himself for lack of love to Jesus. If then you desire to truly love yourself, you must love Jesus supremely.
#19. Will you love worldly things, which you might easily love too much–and not Jesus whom you can never love too much?Â
 You might love your riches, your relations, your pleasures, yourself, your liberty and your life too much. In these things your love might easily be too much and transgress the lawful bounds. And indeed, so much love as you give to these things, more than to Jesus–is too much love. But if you were able to bear it, and could you love Jesus with as much love as all the angels in Heaven love Him–it would not be too much love for Him. Many have complained they loved Christ too little, but no one ever said that Jesus had too much of their love. God blames you, and your conscience accuses you–for your inordinate love to things on earth. But neither God nor conscience will condemn you for the highest degrees of love to Jesus.
#18. Can you do anything less than love Jesus–and can you do anything more?Â
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Jesus has done such great things for you, is it not a small thing that Jesus should have your love in return? If Jesus had asked you to lay down your life for Him, had He called you to give your bodies to be burned for Him–would you not have done it? How much more when He says, “just let your hearts but burn in love unto Me”–when that burning will not be painful, but delightful! When Naaman came to the prophet to be cleansed of his leprosy, being directed to go and wash in the Jordan that he should be clean–in anger he went away. But his servant came to Him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much rather, then, when He says unto you–wash, and be clean?” In the same way, if Jesus had required some great thing, that you might escape great torments, and be partaker of His great salvation–would you not have gladly done it? How much rather, then, when He says, “Love Me, and be saved?” When you have received a great kindness from a friend whom you cannot repay, do you not say, “I cannot do less than love him”. Yet this small thing of loving Jesus is of greater value to Him than all else. You pray to Him, but to love Him is better. A heart full of love means more to Jesus than a thousand prayers full of the most eloquent expressions, without love. You study His Word, but to love Him is better. You might suffer for Him, but to love to Him is better. Should you give all your goods to the poor, and your body to the fire for Him–yet to give your heart and to love Him is still better. And, indeed, except all the former things proceed from love and are accompanied with love–they are not pleasing to Jesus.
#17. Is it not the WISEST CHOICE to love Jesus, and not the things of this world?Â
Everyone loves something. And do those act as rational creatures, as men endued with reason–who do not love Jesus, but give their affections to the world and sin? They love that which cannot love them back, nor satisfy them, and which they must soon part with. “He who loves silver shall never be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This is also meaningless.” “Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand.” “We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out.”
Might you not be rich today, and poor tomorrow? Healthy today, and sick tomorrow? In honor today, and in disgrace tomorrow? Was it not so with Haman? When you have riches and love them, you are not sure to keep them. Will you set your eyes, your heart and your love, “upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings, and fly away as an eagle towards heaven.” Death carries the lovers of this world far away–far from the things they love. The pleasures of sin, and also the profits of the world, are but for a season; and when the season is over, they are gone! But Jesus will never leave you, nor ever forsake you!Â
It is a love that shall never end. Before long, everyone will be done loving this world–even those who love it most and have their hearts most set upon it. Those who now have their hearts full of earth, shall soon have their mouths full of earth, when their bodies lie rotting in the earth–then they will be done loving it. Death, which ends their life in this world–shall end their love to this world! But you, the true lover of Jesus, shall never be done loving Him. It is sweet to love Jesus, but this makes it even more sweet–to think you shall ALWAYS love Him–love Him in life, love Him in death and love Him after death. Oh blessed love that shall never be lost, but last forever! What can those who never loved Jesus in this world, love in the next world? What can damned souls in Hell love? Can they love God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, angels or believers? No! their hatred to all these is, and shall be, more deeply rooted in them than it ever was while upon earth. Can they love their location in Hell? No, they will wish they never had come there. Can they love the pains of Hell? No, they grieve and groan under these torments, and are weary to bear them. Can they love the devils in Hell? No, they curse them for tempting them to the sin which brought them to their place in Hell. Can they love their companions in Hell? No, they are an aggravation of one another’s misery. Can they love their sin in Hell? Alas! all that was pleasurable in sin is gone, and only the pain and sting of sin remain. Can they love their being in Hell? They had rather die than live, and cease to be at all–than to continue to be in Hell. Oh loathsome place, where there is, and can be, no love! Oh! how lovely is Heaven to us! Where love reigns and where love lives! Our life shall be forever a life of love! Dear Lord! save me from Hell, because in Hell there is no love to You, nor to anything that is good. Sweet Savior! lead me in the way to Heaven, and bring me there, where love to You shall live and last forever!
#15. Is not love to Jesus the NOBLEST love?       Â
Love to pleasures, love to the world and to sin–are base and polluted loves. Love to Jesus is most sublime and lofty. Jesus is the most noble object for your love!
#14. Is not love to Jesus the SUREST love?       Â
Love to other things is often turned into hatred–love today, and hate tomorrow. But love to Jesus remains firm. Jesus is the surest object of your love–neither men, nor death, nor demons, can take Him away from you. Though others might keep us from reading His Word, none can keep us from loving Jesus.
#13. Is not love to Jesus the SAFEST love?      Â
You cannot sin in loving Jesus–except it be in the smallness of it, and not loving Him more. You might have fear and trembling in loving other things, and say, “Do not I sin by over-loving this?” But you can never love Jesus too much.
#12. Is not love to Jesus the SWEETEST love?     Â
The one who loves other things instead of Jesus, loves nothing but vanity–and to love vanity will prove troublesome. He who loves riches has disturbing sorrow, fretting fears, and perplexing, anxious cares.
So without love to Jesus, love to other things will always be a bitter love. Oh now, how sorry I am that ever I loved the world as I have done–that ever I loved my pleasures, my sin as I have done. But you will never have cause to say, I am sorry that ever I loved Jesus. Never was such a word ever heard. Those who never repent of their love to the world and sin–their worldly love will certainly end in sorrow, and with bitterness of soul be sadly lamented in Hell. But what contentment, satisfaction, delight, comfort and joy is there in the loving of Jesus! None can tell so well, as those who love Him.
#10. Has not Jesus DESERVED your love–by what He has suffered, done, given, purchased, promised and prepared for you?   Â
Behold the wounds which He has endured for you! Behold the crown of thorns on His head, that there may be a crown of glory upon your head! Behold Him dying, that you might live! Behold Him suffering, that you may be saved! Behold Him poor, that you may be made rich with the best, surest and most durable of riches. Behold Him condemned, that you may be absolved!Behold Him in an agony, that you might have rest and ease in glory.Behold Him bearing the cross, and the cross bearing Him–that you might not bear the curse! Behold Him bearing the Father’s wrath–that you might be made the subject of His grace, and the object of His everlasting love!
And now tell me–does not this Jesus deserve your love? Should you love any other like Him, when none other has done so much for you as He has done? Does the small kindness of a fellow creature draw out your love–and shall not all these great things that Jesus has done for you, kindle a fire of love towards Him? How can you bear not to love Him?
Other things God may give, and afterwards call for them back again, “Therefore I will take away My grain when it ripens, and My new wine when it is ready. I will take back My wool and my linen…” Hosea 2:9. But God never said, “I gave such a man my Jesus, but I will take Him away.” God may take riches out of your hand; but if you once receive the Lord Jesus, God will never take Jesus out of your heart.
Some people delight in what they see, some in what they hear, some in what they eat, and some in recreation or amusements. But the delight of knowing Jesus surpasses them all. He is altogether and supremely delightful!
#7. Is not Jesus the most PROFITABLE GOOD to you? Â
For when you have Him, you have all. Then . . . God is yours,  and the Spirit is yours, and the promises are yours,  and all the privileges of Scripture are yours,  and Heaven itself shall be forever yours!Â
Do you need food so much when you are hungry, or liberty so much when you are in prison, or medicine so much when you are sick–as much as Jesus when you are a sinner?Â
You could never have been truly happy, pardoned, reconciled, and forever saved without Jesus. Jesus is needful, because without Him, your sin-sick soul would have no cure. He gave you the choicest and the richest cordial. And when you die, He will secure your departing soul. And after death, He will be your friend forever. When all worldly things shall leave you at your grave, Jesus will be yours forever!
When He was given by special love, to a chosen people, and brings with Him incredible privileges! All other things you might love are as common to lost people, as well as to the saved. Though a worldly man, whose heart and hands and house, are full of the world, might say, “Riches are mine”–yet he cannot truly say, “Jesus is mine”. Let Jesus have the best of your love, because you are the object of His special, electing, redemptive love!
Is liberty so suitable to a captive man, or bread to a hungry man, or health to a sick man, or ease to a suffering man–as Jesus is to a sinful man? Were you not lost, undone and in danger to be eternally damned? Jesus was your Savior, your Keeper and your Redeemer. “The Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost!” “Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him.” Jesus is “Mighty to save!”
Were you not ignorant, dark and blind, not knowing the way to Heaven and eternal happiness? Did not you weary yourself trying to find the gate of life, and yet missed it when you had done all you could? Jesus became your Teacher and your Guide, to infallibly direct you to Heaven. He anointed your eyes with His eye-salve, even though you were born blind, and then He gave you spiritual sight. Now you are able to see your lost estate, the beauty of Jesus, and the way of salvation.
Were you not sick, and full of spiritual diseases–abounding with soul-ailments? Were you not sick and near to eternal death? Jesus was your able and skillful Physician. None whom He has undertaken to cure, has ever yet perished under His hands. For rather than you justly die of your soul’s disease, He made a potion for you out of His own blood, which, when you drank it, you were made totally well. Therefore He came to be your soul-physician, that He might save incurable sinners like yourself.
Were you not indebted to God? Did not you owe millions to Him, yet had not a penny to pay? If God were to demand payment from you, would it not have proven your damnation? If His justice were to pursue you, and death arrest you–would not your soul be seized and thrown into the prison of Hell, from where you would never have been delivered, until you had paid the last penny you owe, which would never be? But now that Jesus has loved you, He has become your Substitute and made full payment for your unpayable sin-debt!
Were you not spiritually polluted and vile? Had not the leprosy of sin spread over your understanding, your will, your conscience, your memory and all your affections? So that you were defiled all over, and lay wallowing in your blood, cast out because you were so loathsome to God? In this filthy state, you could never enter into the holy kingdom of God. But Jesus loved you, took away your filthy rags, and gave you a change of clothing made of His perfect righteousness. You said to Him, “Lord, if You will, You can make me clean.” He in love said to you, “I am willing, be clean!” He bathed you in His own blood, and cleansed you from all your sins. Yes, though your sins were as scarlet, they became as white as snow; though they were red like crimson, they became as white as wool.
Were you not a captive to Satan and to sin–drudging elbow deep in the loathsome service of sin? Was not your bondage worse than that of the Israelites in Egypt? And were not Satan and sin as cruel and tyrannical as Pharaoh and his task-masters? Did you not love your chains of sin? Were you not at ease in your shackles? Do you remember how Jesus released you from your fetters? Jesus became your Redeemer and made you free–and then you were free indeed!
Were you not an enemy to God? You were born His enemy, and then continued to live as His adversary. Had you died in this condition, your soul would have been alienated from God forever. But now Jesus has become your blessed peacemaker, and by the blood of His cross He reconciled you to God.
Were you not spiritually dead? Had you not lost the holy image of God? Though you were dead, Jesus gave you spiritual life and eternal glory.
Now, if this was your desperate condition, and Jesus helped you in every respect–then how suitable is He to you? Is not His suitableness to you a foundation for love, and a motive to love Him? What an argument is this to win your heart to Jesus!
You were lost, but Jesus saved you! You were ignorant, but Jesus taught you! You were sick, but Jesus healed you! You were polluted, but Jesus cleansed you! You were a captive to sin and Satan, but Jesus freed you! You were an enemy of God, but Jesus reconciled you! You were spiritually dead, and Jesus gave you spiritual life!
Oh, you never found one so suitable for you! Now, even now, He should be loved by you. O, Jesus is the most excellent object for your love, and you should no longer withhold your devotion from Him.Â
June 29, 2025 
iChristian 
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