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Tag Archives: Pastor Quotes
Oh, comforting truth!
April 14, 2020 
0 Comments
Oh, comforting truth!
“TheΒ LORDΒ has heard my cry for mercy;Β theΒ LORDΒ accepts my prayer.”Β Psalm 6:9Β
“You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted” Psalm 10:17
“This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles” Psalm 34:6
“The righteous cry out, and theΒ LORDΒ hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles”Β Psalm 34:17Β
Β Β
“Evening, morning and noonΒ I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice”Β Psalm 55:17Β
“God has surely listenedΒ and heard my voice in prayer”Β Psalm 66:19Β
“I love theΒ LORD, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy”Β Psalm 116:1Β
“I call on theΒ LORDΒ in my distress,Β and He answers me”Β Psalm 120:1Β
“He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him;Β He hears their cry and saves them.”Β Psalm 145:19Β
“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,Β and His ears are attentive to their prayer”Β 1 Peter 3:12Β
Christian! God is near at hand whenever you approach Him in prayer.Β
Oh, comforting truth!Β You have a God at hand . . .
Β to listen to the softest breath of prayer,
Β to listen to every confession of sin,
Β to listen to every cry of need,
Β to listen to every utterance of sorrow,
Β to listen to every wail of woe,
Β to listen to every appeal for counsel, strength and support!
Arise, O my soul! and give yourself to prayer, for God is near at hand to hear and answer 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
Oh, be ravished with this!
April 13, 2020 2 Comments
Oh, be ravished with this!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“That the world may know that You sent Me andΒ loved them even as You have loved Me!”Β John 17:23Β
Can you believe it . . .
Β thatΒ youΒ should be the object of God’s delight,
Β thatΒ youΒ should be the object of the Father’s love as truly as Christ is!Β
See the amazing sacrifice which the Father made in giving Jesus to us.Β
Think what it cost Him to tear His Well-Beloved from His bosom and send Him down below to be despised and rejected.Β
Think what it cost Him to nail Jesus up to yonder cross, and then forsake Him and hide His face from Him, because He had laid all our sins upon Him.Β
Oh, the love He must have had to us, thus to have made His best Beloved to become a curse for us, as it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree!”Β
I want you to get this truth right into your souls, dear friends.Β
Do not hold it as a dry doctrine, but let it penetrate your heart.Β
Oh, when the river ofΒ God’s great love to usΒ came rolling in like a mighty torrent, what a sea of love was there! Now we are borne onward forever by the mighty sweep of infinite love into an everlasting blessedness which tongues and lips can never fully set forth!Β
Oh, be ravished with this!Β Be in ecstasy at love so amazing, so divine! The Father lovesΒ youΒ even as He loves His Son! After the same manner and sort, He loves all His redeemed people.
Can you believe it!Β
Oh, if the love of Jesus once enters into a man’s soul . . .
Β Β it will forever transform him,
Β Β it will sway him with the noblest passions,
Β Β it will make him a zealot for Christ,
Β Β it will cast out his pride and selfishness,
Β Β it will change him into the image of Christ, and
Β Β fit him to dwell in Heaven where love is eternally perfected.
We were dead men rotting in a dunghill of sin!
April 12, 2020 0 Comments
We were dead men rotting in a dunghill of sin!
(Charles Spurgeon, “Treasury of David“)
“The Lord raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy from the dunghill!” Psalm 113:7Β
What a gracious stoop of love! He frequently lifts the lowest of mankind out of their poverty and degradation, and adopts them into His family.Β
His gracious Spirit is continually visiting the down-trodden, giving beauty for ashes to those who are cast down, and elevating the hearts of His mourners until they shout for joy.Β
These upliftings of grace are here ascribed directly to the divine hand, and truly those who have experienced them will not doubt the fact that it is the Lord alone who brings His people up from the dust of sorrow and death. When no hand but His can help, He interposes and the work is done.Β
“And lifts the needy from the dunghill”Β whereon they lay like worthless refuse, cast off and cast out–left as they thought, to rot into destruction, and to be everlastingly forgotten.Β
How great a stoop from the height of His throne, to a dunghill! How wonderful is that power which occupies itself in lifting up beggars, all befouled with the filthiness in which they lay! For He lifts them out of the dunghill, not disdaining to search them out from amidst the base things of the earth–that He may bring to nothing the great ones, and pour contempt upon all human glorying.Β
What a dunghill was that upon which we lay by nature!Β
What a mass of corruption is our original estate!
What a heap of loathsomeness we have accumulated by our sinful lives!
We could never have risen out of this corruption by our own efforts–we were dead men rotting in a dunghill of sin!Β
Almighty were the arms which lifted us, which are still lifting us, and will lift us into the perfection of Heaven itself!
He Has Risen β¨ Happy Easter! π
April 12, 2020 5 Comments
π¬ Quote 4 2day…Β
“You have saved our lives, we are eternally grateful!“
Looking at the world through the cross!
April 10, 2020 5 Comments
Looking at the world through the cross!
(Octavius Winslow)
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14Β
Jesus could accomplish man’s redemption in no other way than by crucifixion. He must die–and die the death of the cruel cross.Β
What light and glory beam aroundΒ the cross!
Of what prodigies of grace, is it the instrument,Β
of what glorious truths, is it the symbol,Β
of what mighty transforming power, is it the source!Β
Around the cross gathers all the light of the Old Testament economy:Β
Β it explains everyΒ symbol,Β
Β it substantiates everyΒ shadow,Β
Β it solves everyΒ mystery,Β
Β it fulfills everyΒ type,Β
Β it confirms everyΒ prophecy,Β
of that dispensation which had eternally remained unmeaning and inexplicable, but for the death of the Son of God upon the cross.Β
Not theΒ pastΒ only–but allΒ futureΒ splendor gathers around the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. It assures us of the ultimate reign of the Savior, and tells of the reward which shall spring from His sufferings. And while its one arm points to the divine counsels of eternity past–with the other it points to the future triumph and glory of Christ’s kingdom in the eternity to come! Such is the lowly yet sublime, the weak yet mighty instrument, by which the sinner is saved and God eternally glorified.Β
The cross of Christ is . . .
Β the grand consummation of all preceding dispensations of God to men;
Β the meritorious procuring cause of all spiritual blessings to our fallen race;
Β the scene of Christ’s splendid victories over all His enemies and ours;
Β the most powerful incentive to all evangelical holiness;
Β the instrument which is to subjugate the world to the supremacy of Jesus;
Β the source of all true peace, joy and hope;
Β the tree beneath whose shadow all sin expires, all grace lives.Β
The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!Β
What a holy thrill these words produce in the heart of those who love the Savior!Β
How significant is their meaning, how precious is their influence!Β
Marvelous and irresistible, is the power of the cross! The cross of Christ has . . .
Β subdued many a rebellious will;Β
Β broken many a marble heart;Β
Β laid low many a vaunting foe;Β
Β overcome and triumphed, when all other instruments have failed;Β
Β transformed the lion like heart of man, into the lamb like heart of Christ!Β
When lifted up in its own bare simplicity and inimitable grandeur–the cross of Christ has won and attracted millions to its faith, admiration, and love!Β
What a marvelous power does this cross of Jesus possess! It changes the Christian’s entire judgment of the world.Β Looking at the world through the cross–his opinion is totally revolutionized.Β
He sees the world as it really is–a sinful, empty, vain thing.Β
He learns its iniquity, in that it crucified the Lord of life and glory.Β
His expectations from the world, and his love to the world, are transformed.Β
He has found another object of love–the Savior whom the world cast out and slew.Β
His love to the world is destroyed by that power which alone could destroy it–the crucifying power of the cross.Β
It is the cross which eclipses, in the view of the true believer, the glory and attraction of every other object.Β
What is the weapon by which faith combats with, and overcomes the world? What but the cross of Jesus!Β
Just as the natural eye, gazing for a while upon the sun, is blinded for the moment to all other objects by its overpowering effulgence; so to the believer, concentrating his mind upon the glory of the crucified Savior, studying closely the wonders ofΒ graceandΒ loveΒ andΒ truthΒ meeting in the cross–the world with all its attraction fades into the full darkness of an eclipse.Β
Christ and His cross infinitely better than the world and its trinkets!Β
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14Β
The delight which God has in His redeemed people!
April 9, 2020 5 Comments
The delight which God has in His redeemed people!Β
“I willΒ rejoiceΒ over them to do them good.” Jeremiah 32:41Β
“AsΒ a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,Β so your God willΒ rejoiceΒ over you!”Β Isaiah 62:5Β
The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take greatΒ delightΒ in you . . . He willΒ rejoiceΒ over you with singing!” Zephaniah 3:17Β
How heart-cheering to the believer, isΒ theΒ delightΒ which God has in His redeemed people!
We cannot see any reason inΒ ourselvesΒ why the Lord should take pleasure in us. We cannot take delight in ourselves, for we often have to groan, being burdened; conscious of our sinfulness, and deploring our unfaithfulness.Β
And we fear thatΒ God’s peopleΒ cannot take much delight in us, for they must perceive so much of our imperfections and our follies, that they may rather lament our infirmities, than admire our graces.Β
But we love to dwell upon this transcendent truth, this glorious mystery–that as the bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so does the Lord rejoice over us!Β
We do not read anywhere that God delights in the cloud-capped mountains, or the sparkling stars–but we do read that His delights are with the sons of men.Β
We do not find it written that evenΒ angelsΒ give His soul delight; nor does He say, concerning cherubim and seraphim, “You shall be calledΒ Hephzibah, for the LordΒ delightsΒ in you”; but He does say all that to poor fallen creatures like ourselves, debased and depraved by sin–but redeemed and saved by His grace.Β
In what strong language He expresses His delight in His people! Who could have conceived of the eternal One as bursting forth into a song? Yet it is written, “He will take greatΒ delightΒ in you . . . He will rejoice over you withΒ singing!”Β
As He looked upon the world He had made, He said, “It is very good”. But when He beheld those who are the purchase of Jesus’ blood, His own chosen ones, it seemed as if the great heart of the Infinite could restrain itself no longer–but overflowed in divine exclamations of joy.Β
Should not we utter ourΒ grateful responseΒ to such a marvelous declaration of His love, and sing, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!”Β
May we see our sins
April 8, 2020 2 Comments
May we see our sins
(Henry Law, “Family Prayers”)
O God the Holy Spirit, have mercy upon us miserable sinners. Move, we beseech You, in our disordered hearts. Remove the deformities of unruly desires and hateful lusts. Chase away the mists and darkness of unbelief. Brighten our inner man with the pure light of truth. Sow abundantly the seeds of righteousness. Make our souls fragrant as the garden of the Lord. Enrich them with every godly fruit. Beautify them with heavenly grace. Be our comforter, our guide, our light, our sanctification.Β
Especially take of the things of Christ, and show them with enlarged power to our longing souls. May we daily learn more of His love, His grace, His tender compassion, His faithfulness, and His beauty. May we delight ourselves in Him with increased delight.Β Lead us to the cross, and show us in His wounds–the hateful character of sin.Β May we see our sins, as . . .Β
Β theΒ nailsΒ which transfixed Him,
Β theΒ cordsΒ which bound Him,
Β theΒ swordΒ which pierced Him,
Β theΒ thornsΒ which tore Him,
Β theΒ tauntsΒ which stung Him.Β
Help us to read in His cruel death, the reality and immensity of His love.Β
Open to us the wondrous volumes of glorious truth in the cry,Β “It is finished!”Β
Our atonement is forever achieved,Β
our debt is fully paid,Β
all our guilt is washed away,
all our sins most righteously forgiven,
our souls saved,
Hell vanquished,
the devil crushed,
Heaven won, andΒ
eternity of glory our rightful home!
Holy Spirit, deepen in us these saving lessons.Β
Write them with Your finger on the tablets of our hearts.Β
May our walk be . . .
Β sin-loathing,
Β sin-fleeing,
Β Christ-loving,
Β God-fearing!
Believing that God rules all, that He governs wisely, that He brings good out of evil
April 7, 2020 4 Comments
Believing that God rules all, that He governs wisely, that He brings good out of evil
(Charles Spurgeon)
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!” Romans 8:28Β
The Christian does not merely hold this truth as a theory, but he knows it as a matter of fact. Everything has worked for good as yet.Β
TheΒ poisonous drugsΒ mixed in fit proportions, have worked the cure.Β
TheΒ sharp cutsΒ of the lancet, have cleansed out the infected flesh and facilitated the healing.Β
In every event of your life, God has always worked out the most divinely blessed results.
Believing that God rules all, that He governs wisely, that He brings good out of evil–the believer’s heart is comforted, and he is enabled calmly to meet each trial as it comes. The believer can in the spirit of true resignation pray, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine! Send me what You will, my Father, so long as it comes from You!”
The crying evil of both the Church and of the world!
April 6, 2020 4 Comments
The crying evil of both the Church and of the world!Β
(Thomas Reade, “The Desire of More”)Β
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, andΒ covetousness, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5Β
“You can be sure that no immoral, impure, orΒ covetousΒ person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For aΒ covetousΒ person is really anΒ idolaterΒ who worships the things of this world.” Ephesians 5:5Β
The love of moneyΒ under every form, insinuates itself into every heart.Β
A day is fast approaching when it will be clearly seen whether Christ or Mammon has swayed our affections.Β
Covetousness, in the language of Scripture, is the desire of having more. If we are habitually desirous of riches, for their own sake, we are, in the estimation of God,Β covetousΒ people, idolaters, the servants of mammon. Our station may be exalted; our profession of religion may be outwardly strict, but still our destruction is sure.Β
There are, perhaps, few sins which assume so plausible an appearance; and for which so many excuses are made as for that ofcovetousness. And hence it is that we have need to guard so much the citadel of the heart.Β
Covetousness, eatingΒ like a canker, upon the vitals of our religion–isΒ the crying evil of both the Church and of the world!Β
What advantage did Lot’s wife, Achan, Gehazi, Judas, and Ananias and Sapphira, gain by their desire for more? They reaped shame and death; and now stand asΒ beaconsΒ in the Word of God to warn us against their soul-destroying sin!Β
“For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?”Β Luke 9:25Β
As foolish as to hope to bind an angel with a string, or to lure a star with music!
April 5, 2020 5 Comments
As foolish as to hope to bind an angel with a string, or to lure a star with music!Β
(Charles Spurgeon)
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes!” Romans 1:16Β
To try to win a soul to Christ by keeping that soul in ignorance of any truth, is contrary to the mind of the Spirit. To endeavor to save men by mere claptrap, or entertainments, or excitements, or oratorical displays–isΒ as foolish as to hope to bind an angel with a string, or to lure a star with music!Β
The best attraction is the gospel in its purity. The weapon with which the Lord conquers men, is the truth as it is in Jesus. The gospel will be found equal to every emergency. The gospel is anΒ arrowΒ which can pierce the hardest heart–aΒ balmΒ which will heal the deadliest wound. Preach it, and preach nothing else. Rely implicitly upon the old, old gospel.Β
You need no otherΒ netsΒ when you fish for men; those your Master has given you are strong enough for the large fish, and have meshes fine enough to hold the little ones.Β
Spread those nets and no others, and you need not fear the fulfillment of His Word, “I will make you fishers of men.”
The diamonds of Heaven!
April 4, 2020 6 Comments
The diamonds of Heaven!
“You keep track of all myΒ sorrows.
Β You have collected all myΒ tearsΒ in Your bottle.
Β You have recorded each one in Your book.”Β Psalm 56:8
“Behold, he is praying!” Acts 9:11Β
Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray, the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul. Oftentimes a poor broken-hearted one bends his knee, but can only utter his wailing in the language of sighs and tears; yet that groan has made all the harps of heaven thrill with music; that tear has been caught by God and treasured in theΒ lachrymatory of Heaven.Β “You have collected all my tears in Your bottle.”Β ThisΒ implies that they are caught as they flow!Β
The suppliant, who groans out his words, will be well understood by the Most High God. He may only look up with misty eye; butΒ prayer is the falling of a tear!Β Tears areΒ the diamonds of Heaven!Β SighsΒ are a part of the music of Jehovah’s court, and are numbered with the most sublime strains which reach the majesty on high!
Do not think that your prayers, however weak or trembling, will be unregarded. Our God not onlyΒ hearsΒ prayers, but alsoΒ lovesΒ to hear them. “He does not forget the cry of the humble.”Β
True, He does not regard proud looks and lofty words.Β
He no concern for the pomp and pageantry of kings.Β
He does not listen not to the swell of martial music.Β
He does not regard the triumph and pride of man.Β
But wherever there is a contrite heart full with sorrow, or a lip quivering with agony, or a deep groan, or a penitential sighθhe heart of Jehovah is open! He marks that prayer down inΒ the registry of His memory!Β He puts our prayers, like rose leavesεetween the pages of His book of remembrance, and when the volume is opened at last there shall be a precious fragrance springing up therefrom!
There is one stable rock amidst the billows of the sea of life!
April 2, 2020 3 Comments
There is one stable rock amidst the billows of the sea of life!
(Charles Spurgeon)Β
“Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age!” Matthew 28:20Β
It is well that there is One who is ever the same, and who is ever with us. It is well thatΒ there is one stable rock amidst the billows of the sea of life. O my soul, do not set your affections upon rusting, moth-eaten, decaying treasures–but set your heart upon Him who abides forever faithful to you. Do not build your house upon the moving quicksands of a deceitful world–but found your hopes upon this rock, which, amid descending rain and roaring floods, shall stand immovably secure!
My soul, I charge you–lay up yourΒ treasureΒ in the only secure cabinet; store yourΒ jewelsΒ where you can never lose them. Put yourΒ allΒ in Christ; set . . .
Β all yourΒ affectionsΒ on His person,
Β all yourΒ hopeΒ in His merit,
Β all yourΒ trustΒ in His efficacious blood,
Β all yourΒ joyΒ in His presence,
and so you may laugh at loss and defy difficulties.Β
Remember thatΒ all the flowers in the world’s garden wither and die–and the day is coming when nothing will be left but the black, cold earth.Β Death’s black extinguisherΒ must soon put out your candle. Oh! how sweet to haveΒ sunlight–when theΒ candleΒ is gone! TheΒ dark floodΒ must soon roll between you and all you have!Β
So wed your heart to Him who will never leave you. Trust yourself with Him who will go with you through the black and surging current of death’s stream, and who will land you safely on the celestial shore, and make you sit with Him in heavenly places forever!Β
Go, sorrowing son of affliction–tell your secret troubles to the Friend who sticks closer than a brother. Trust all your concerns with Him . . .
Β who never can be taken from you,
Β who will never leave you, and
Β who will never let you leave Him, even “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”Β
“I am with you always,”Β is enough for my soul to live upon–though all others forsake me!
All the ‘littles’ of our little world!
March 31, 2020 2 Comments
All the ‘littles’ of our little world!
(Charles Spurgeon)Β
Divine omniscience affords no comfort to the ungodly mind, “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 4:13Β
But to the child of God it overflows with consolation, “How precious also are Your thoughts unto me, O God.” Psalm 139:17
God is always thinking upon us; He never turns aside His mind from us, and has us always before His eyes! This is precisely as we would have it–for it would be dreadful to exist for a moment, beyond the observation of our heavenly Father! His thoughts are always filial, tender, loving, wise–and they bring to us countless benefits. Hence it is a choice delight for us to remember them.
The LordΒ hasΒ always thought upon His people–hence their election and the covenant of grace by which their salvation is secured.Β
He alwaysΒ willΒ think upon them–hence their continual preservation by which they shall be brought safely to their heavenly rest.Β
In all our wanderings, the watchful glance of the Eternal Watcher is evermore fixed upon us!Β We never roam beyond the Shepherd’s eye!Β In ourΒ sorrowsΒ He observes us incessantly, and not a pang escapes Him! In ourΒ toilsΒ He marks all our weariness, and writes in His book all the struggles of His faithful ones. These thoughts of the Lord encompass us in all our paths, and penetrate the innermost region of our being. Not a nerve or tissue, valve or vessel, of our bodily organization is uncared for.Β All the ‘littles’ of our little world, are thought upon by the great God!
Dear reader, is not this precious to you? The Lord lives and thinks upon you!Β
If the Lord thinks upon you, then all is well, and you may rejoice evermore!
“Iβve never seen so clearly since going blind” 20 Years Of Sight-loss!
March 28, 2020 26 Comments
Hi friends. As it is 20 years to the day since i went blindβ¦I thought iβd share one of my older posts(yet updated) from 4 years ago when i was asked to share a little of what i went through when i lost my sight at 24.
I really hope that youβll have the time to read it, and that it blesses you in some small way?!Β
Here Goes…
I was asked by our Minister Nik if i would share my Testimony in the parade service. The theme was βFaith through Adversityβ, Nik said “i can ask you some straight forward questions, it will only take about 5 minutes(or so we thought)β βYeah, ok, if you think it will help?β.
Sunday 8th May 2016…
Walking into the church building Sunday morning, it was quite full, as it was parade service, the scouts and other uniformed groups were there, but Nik found us seats at the front, then showed me up the steps and where iβd stand to speak, after testing the microphone i remembered the steps and sat back down.Β
As iβm blind, i canβt use any notes, so i spent a little time trying to etch some answer headings into my mind, hoping iβd not veer too far off track. I then prayed that iβd use this time to Glorify Him, as i talked about the Truth that sets us free, and how iβm not ashamed of the Gospel, itβs the power of God unto Salvation to all who believe…please make it real(be careful praying this, lol).
It;s time…
Steve, we are looking at people who have showed faith in difficult circumstances and I have asked you to share some of your story with us.
Many people here, even those who have seen you around at various church events may not know that you are blind.
My Testimony…
Nik stood next to me at the microphone and started with the first 2 questions:
Have you always been blind? How and when did you loose your sight?
I explained iβd been fully sighted until i was 24, and after 2 brain haemorrhages(March – July 2000) that burst my optic nerve, iβm now registered blind and have Severe Hypertensive Retinopathy.
“How did that change your life?”
I said βI can only scratch the surface this morning, but if ever you see me walking around here or in town, please ask me anything. But now i’ll try and sketch you a quick picture and give you a flavour of what happened⦔
βI went to the gym 6-7 days a week, played football most evenings and was quite violent, acting the tough guy. Β I wasnβt a Christian, i hadnβt been born again, or even been inside a church buildingβ¦soβ¦As i stepped out of the eye consultants office after being told iβd be blind for the rest of my life, it was out of character but i collapsed on the floor sobbingg my eyes out. And as my crying out got a little too loud they pulled me into a small empty roomβ¦.And this was the easy bitβ.
βFollowing this was pure isolation… all my football mates left me, i lost my job, my car and ability to do anything…i lost everything, i was completely broken, and on top of that i was left to my acusing thoughts βNobody wants you, youβre useless now, unwanted, rejected, unloved and unlovable!!β
Suddenly, as i was telling my story…
My mouth was silenced, an image of Jesus in Glory(Revelation 1) filled my mind, it wasΒ so clear(not blurred by my blindness)Β I could see His flaming eyes of judgmentβ¦thenβ¦the image changed, it was Jesus on the cross, now His eyes were filled with Mercy, Compassion & Grace, and while looking down straight at me he said βI did this for you, so that you can live. Iβ¦LOVEβ¦YOU!!!
I started sobbing uncontrollably, and it took a couple of minutes for me to try and start talking againβ¦.but more sobbingβ¦i was completely undone. But these tears were different!
I already knew He’d given His life so i could live. He’d come down so farΒ to save me it is immeasurable. His blood washed me clean, white as snow. He’s forgiven me all my sins, past, present and future, and there is no more condemnation for me, it is finished!
Iβd been Β praying for so long for God to βBreak my heart for what broke Hisβ and sang the songs many times, but rarely had i caught a glimpse of the true cost of His Love, and His free gift of Grace to those who Repent and Believe in Him. I knew He wanted me to share the True Gospel to people listening(and now reading), as it alone is the only Hope. It is the Power of God unto Salvation for anyone that believes.
Still sobbing, i continued…
My every word was a different pitch but i said βMy pit was so dark, my accusing thoughts were too heavy, and this led to a daily cycle of waking up and trying to kill myselfβ¦failing, which made me feel worseβ¦then drinking so much i could drown them out for the rest of the day, until i woke the next day, then it started again.Β
I didnβt have the strength to kill myself, and i didnβt have the strength to live…i was without God, and without Hope!
Nik, whoβs hand was rested on my shoulder asked question 4 “I know you were deeply unhappy at the time, what changed that?”
The world followed itβs pattern and sent me to Counselling, then Psychotherapy & finally Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, they didnβt work, they all had no answer for me, they couldnβt reach far enough down to pull me out. I needed a Saviour, I needed the light of the Gospel!Β
The Good News &Β Lovely Sarah…
Meeting Sarah changed my life! I have no idea how sheβs put up with me. Sheβs Β been so patient and long suffering as i tried attacking her Faith and this Jesus! But she kept on loving me. Sarah always seemed to have a rock to stand on no matter how bad things got for her, and i was being dragged deeper into the sinking sand. She always had this Blessed Hope that i didnβt,
Jesus worked through Sarah to shine the light of the Gospel, the Good News i was dying for.Β
Words failed me as i was trying to describe how much i love Sarah, so when my mind filled with thoughts of how far weβve grown together in loveβ¦i broke down again.Β
The sobbing was still making me pause every few words, but mentioned Jesus doesnβt want to see anyone perish, but he pursues you, He has come to seek and save that which is lost. He loves you and no matter how bad or hopeless you think you are, Heβll keep coming with His free gift of Salvation!
Nik asked Question 5 “some people would say that your life must be worse now, would you agree with them?”
Iβd gone way over my time slot, and i was almost pulled away from the mic as i was so overwhelmedβ¦BUT i knew these tears were not about me, or my losses. I had 1 focus and that was to share the Truth that sets us free. I had no feeling of sorrow or pain. I knew it must have seemed like this to the congregation, and i thought theyβd stick me in a counselling room when iβd finished!
The Holy Spirit was filling me like never before, and made the Power of the Gospel so real to me i almost exploded.
I continued βI wouldnβt agree with anyone who thinks(or measures) life by how good our circumstances are. Iβd lead them to 2 Corinthians 4 & 5 where it talks about living by Faith, not by Sight, and now that we are born again in the Spirit, we should walk by the Spirit. Not living for things that are seen which are temporary(like my sight loss), but living for the unseen which is Eternalβ
βI used to hate this song, but now iβd play it every service if i couldβ¦have you heard Amazing Grace, the Chris Tomlin version? If you pass me in the street youβll normally hear me singing or humming these words:”
“Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.Β I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see. My chains are gone I’ve been set free. My God, my Saviour has ransomed me. And like a flood His mercy reigns. Unending love, amazing graceβ.
βIβve never seen so clearly since going blindβ This is one of my fave sayings.Β πΒ
Nik then walked me back to my seat next to Sarah. The church was completely silent, it had been silent since i first started sobbing. I could feel Sarah was upset as she didnβt react for a while, then she said βPeople kept on running up and passing me tissuesβ. Nik sat down next to Sarah, and Sarah said βYouβre not borrowing him again to speakβ.Β
After the service people came over and said they really connected with the things i said, although i think everyone thinks iβm back in dark depression again, lol.
He showed me the reality and Power of transformation in His Gospel, and how vital it is to share it, as Jesus is the Β Way, the Truth and the Life and no-one gets to Β the Father but by Him. Heβs the forgiver of Sins, breaker of chains, and the only Salvation for Eternal Life in Heaven.
John 3:14-21Β New King James Version (NKJV)
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but[a] have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 βHe who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.β
I felt i needed to share this post to try and explain a little more of what was happening to me, and maybe reach out to someone who is struggling with the creeping death called Depression,or who is just simply lost and without God, and without Hope.
Related Post: My Full TestimonyΒ
You Guide Me
March 26, 2020 4 Comments
Psalm 73:23-26 (ESV)
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength[a] of my heart and my portion forever.
We are tossed upon an ocean of troubles, fears and temptations!
March 25, 2020 0 Comments
We are tossed upon an ocean of troubles, fears and temptations!
(John Flavel)
“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” John 16:33Β
The way to Heaven lies through much tribulation. All our troubles are not over when we are saved by Christ; nay, then commonly our greatest sorrows begin! Nor are we to expect freedom from our troubles, until harbored in Heaven.
ThisΒ winter weatherΒ shall be useful to destroy those noxious weeds, which theΒ summer of prosperityΒ bred. By wintry trials, God will mortify and purge our corruptions!
At presentΒ we are tossed upon an ocean of troubles, fears and temptations–but these will make Heaven all the sweeter. Cheer up, then, O my soul, your salvation is now nearer than when you first believed! Yet a few more days, and then comes that blessed day you have so long waited and panted for!
God will shortly put a blessed end to all of your soul troubles, cares and watchings. The time is coming, when your heart shall be as you would have it, when you shall be discharged of all these cares, fears and sorrows, and never more cry out: “O my hard, my proud, my vain, my earthly heart!”
The time is coming, when all vanity shall be purged perfectly out of your thoughts–and they will be everlastingly, ravishingly, and delightfully entertained and exercised upon that supreme goodness and infinite excellency of God!
Β
“Then the King will say to those on His right: Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world!” Matthew 25:34
ππ» We Come Together!
March 24, 2020 0 Comments
We come on our own, we come together.Β We come with our excitement and with our lack of expectation.Β
We come with our lamps burning brightly and with our lamps hidden.Β
We come with our longing and with our pride.Β
We come with our words and with our silence.Β
We come with our music and with our resentments.
We come to you, God of truth, with our hands openΒ
and ask that you reach out to us afresh.
Lord forgive our hardness of heart
Forgive us for those times when we think we can do it without you
Forgive us for our coldness towards you and others
Melt the ice of our coldness and breathe your new life into us
Generous God,
we thank you that a small amount of saltΒ
can season a whole meal;
a small candle can light a whole room,
a small act of kindness inspire a whole life,
a small community transform a whole city,
a small prayer bring near a whole kingdom.
We thank you, Lord, we thank you.
Please show me the areas of my life which have become flavourless?!
Show me in what ways can I be salt in my world?
We pray, gracious God, for your Church throughout the world, for your Church in this nation, in this place, that we would be light bearers and truth bearers.Β May we shed the light of encouragement where there is disappointment;Β the light of integrity where there is corruption;Β the light of clarity where there is uncertainty;Β the light of challenge where there is complacency;Β the light of acceptance where there is rejection.Β And may we always walk and pray and serve in the light of humility and in the strength of your name, that others may see you in us and give you the glory.
We pray in Jesusβ name.
Amen.
May you be as salt where there is staleness;
light where there is darkness;Β
truth where there is unbeliefΒ
and love where there is great need.Β
And may you know the blessing of God the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit,Β
close to you each moment and each day.
The one indispensable book!
March 24, 2020 3 Comments
The one indispensable book!
(Daniel March, 1870)
The Bible is theΒ oldest–and theΒ newestΒ of books.
The Bible surveys the whole field ofΒ time–and it looks farthest into the infinite depths ofΒ eternity.Β
The Bible lends the most vivid and absorbing interest to the scenes and events of theΒ past–and it keeps us in the most active sympathy with the time in which we live.Β
The Bible gives us the most reliable record of whatΒ hasΒ been–and it affords us our only means of knowing what isΒ yetΒ to be.Β
The Bible isΒ holyΒ enough to denounce the very shadow and semblance of sin–and it isΒ mercifulΒ enough to save the chief of sinners.Β
The Bible is full ofΒ God–and must therefore be read with a pure heart, or its true glory will not be seen.Β
The Bible is full ofΒ man–and must therefore always be interesting and instructive to all who would know themselves.
The Bible is theΒ plainestΒ of books–and yet it hasΒ depths of wisdomΒ which no created mind can fathom.Β
The Bible is set up as a beacon to show all wanderers the safe way–and yet its light shines forth from thick clouds of mystery, and from abysses of infinite darkness.Β
The Bible describes all conditions of life–and it gives utterance to all desires and emotions of the soul.Β
The Bible has a song of triumph for theΒ overcomer–and a wail of defeat for theΒ overcome.Β
The Bible . . .
Β sparkles with the fervor and gladness ofΒ youth,
Β celebrates the strength and glory ofΒ manhood,
Β bewails the sorrows and infirmities ofΒ old age.Β
The Bible . . .
Β exults in the mighty deeds of kings and conquerors,Β
Β sympathizes with the poor and lowly,Β
Β lifts up the fallen,Β
Β delivers the oppressed, andΒ
Β breathes the blessing of peace upon the quiet homes of domestic life.Β
The Bible describes with startling clearness . . .
Β the seductions ofΒ temptation,
Β the conflicts ofΒ doubtΒ and
Β the miseries ofΒ skepticism.Β
The Bible . . .
Β searches the secret chambers of theΒ heart,Β
Β brings to light its purest love and its darkest hate,Β
Β reveals its highest joy and its deepest grief.Β
The Bible compasses the utmost range ofΒ thoughtΒ andΒ feelingΒ andΒ desire–and it sounds the utmost depth ofΒ motiveΒ andΒ characterandΒ passion.
Thus in the Bible,Β
Β God and man,
Β earth and heaven,
Β time and eternity–
speak with one voice and teach the same truth.Β
The Bible sets forth the most spiritual and heavenly truths–in the lights and shadows of earthly scenes and human characters.Β
Thus the Bible isΒ the one indispensable bookΒ . . .
Β for all ages–and all nations,
Β for all classes of men–and all states of society,
Β for all capacities of intellect–and all necessities of the soul!
Get Calm In A Psalm!
March 23, 2020 0 Comments
Psalm 46: 1-7 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Friendsβ¦Stay safe and well, and please keep commenting anything that will inspire, edify and encourage us all in this fantastic community! ππΆβ₯οΈπ€ππ»
The Complaint!
March 21, 2020 1 Comment
The Complaint!
(James Smith, 1864)
“O my God, my soul is cast down within me!”Β Psalm 42:6Β
AndΒ whyΒ are you cast down?Β
“My heart is burdened with a sense of my short-comings.Β
Β Every holyΒ dutyΒ I perform is so imperfect.Β
Β Every goodΒ purposeΒ I form is so soon frustrated.Β
Β EveryΒ hopeΒ of seeing better days is so soon beclouded.
Β MyΒ heartΒ is so fearfully depraved.
Β MyΒ lifeΒ is so unlike the life of Jesus.
Β MyΒ affectionsΒ are so unholy.
Β MyΒ prayersΒ are so brief and heartless.
Β MyΒ praisesΒ are so feeble and fitful.
Β IΒ doΒ so little good.
Β IΒ liveΒ to so little purpose.
Β MyΒ evidencesΒ are so dim.Β
Β MyΒ prospectsΒ are so overcast.Β
Β I am harassed sometimes with theΒ fear of death.Β
Β I cannot grasp the glories ofΒ Heaven.Β
Β I am dissatisfied with theΒ world–and yet glued to it!Β
Β I hateΒ sin–and yet fall into it!Β
Β I am a riddle, a mystery, a mass of inconsistency!Β
Β Is it, then, any wonder that I am cast down?”Β
No, if you look atΒ yourself, and pore over the things you have named–then it is no wonder that you are cast down! They are enough to cast anyone down! But if you carry them to theΒ throne of grace, if you thereΒ confessΒ them before God, if you look to the mercy of Jesus–then, in spite of them, you will not long be cast down.Β
I know it is difficult to do this. There is aΒ natural pronenessΒ to pore over such things. One feels at times a secret likingΒ to indulge in self-pity.Β
But we must look away fromΒ self–for if we do not, we shall become anxious, doubting and downcast! We mustΒ run the race–not looking atΒ ourΒ imperfections, short-comings, and failures–but looking unto Jesus. He knows what weΒ are. He knew what weΒ wouldbe–before He called us by His grace; yes, before He shed His sin-atoning blood for us!Β
HeΒ lovedΒ us, as sinners.Β
HeΒ diedΒ for us, as sinners.Β
HeΒ calledΒ us, as sinners.Β
HeΒ savesΒ us, as sinners.Β
He will have great glory by savingΒ such great sinners.Β We cannot do anything toΒ repayΒ Him for His wondrous love. Salvation is byΒ free grace–from first to last! Believe this, and it will raise up your drooping mind!
The life-boat of free graceΒ has put you on board theΒ vessel of salvation, and that will convey you safely to theΒ port of glory!Β Do not look atΒ yourΒ spiritual destitution, or feebleness, or incapacity, or imperfections–but trust in yourΒ Pilot, rely on yourΒ Captain, and expect His mercy and merit to land you safely in Heaven at last!Β
Regardless of any amount of spiritual progress, yourΒ dying prayerΒ will still be,Β “God be merciful unto me–a sinner!”
Hope in God!
HisΒ mercyΒ is great unto the Heavens,Β
HisΒ graceΒ is as free as the air,Β
HisΒ loveΒ is as changeless as His nature,
HisΒ promiseΒ is as immutable as His love.Β
He will save you for His own sake, and present you before assembled worlds as aΒ monument of His mercy,Β and aΒ trophy of His grace!
“Why are you cast down, O my soul?Β Why so disturbed within me?
Β Put your hope in God,Β for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and Β my God!”Β Psalm 42:5
My Father’s home!
March 20, 2020 6 Comments
My Father’s home!
(James Smith, “The Better Land”)
“Do not be troubled. There are many rooms inΒ my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am!” John 14:1-3Β
How familiar with Heaven–how well acquainted with that “better land” must Jesus be! He calls itΒ “My Father’s home!”Β Sweet view of our eternal residence!
Dying is but ‘going home!’ Going home to our Father! Going to our Father’s home!
And shall we fear this? Fear it! Can we do anything other than eagerly desire it? Do we not wish to go home and see our Father? We shall not be strangers there–so many of our Christian friends have gone home before us. And even if some of our loved ones are not there–we could not possibly feel unhappy where JESUS is!
“I am leaving the world,” said Jesus, “and amΒ going to My Father!”Β Such should be our language in the prospect of death. O that, with child-like simplicity, we could receive into our minds the testimony of God’s Word! O that we could view death and Heaven–just as the Scriptures represent them! Where would ourΒ doubtsΒ andΒ fearsΒ be then? What would become of ourΒ reluctanceΒ to leave the world then? Then, if we spoke of departed Christian loved ones–we would use similar language to that of Judah in reference to his younger brother Benjamin,Β “He is this day with our Father!”Β We would no longer talk ofΒ losingΒ friends or relatives. Oh no! we should speak of them as being in our Father’s home, or of being with our Father!
My soul, I charge you in future to look to Heaven, simply asΒ your Father’s home!
“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 4:16-18Β
They sing best in their cages!
March 19, 2020 0 Comments
They sing best in their cages!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name!”Β Psalm 33:21
Christians can rejoice even in the deepest distress. Although trouble may surround them, they still sing. Like many birds–they sing best in their cages!Β
TheΒ wavesΒ may roll over them, but their souls soon rise to the surface and see the light of God’s countenance.Β
In times ofΒ trouble, the presence of the Son of God in the fiery furnace with him fills his heart with joy.
He isΒ sickΒ andΒ suffering, but Jesus visits him and makes his bed for him.Β
He isΒ dying, but Jesus puts His arms around him and cries, “Fear not, beloved, to die is to be blessed–the waters of death have their fountainhead in Heaven. They are not bitter–they are as sweet as nectar, for they flow from the throne of God.”Β
As the departing saint wades through the stream and the billows gather around him, the same voice sounds in his ears, “Fear not, I am with you! Be not dismayed, I am your God.”
As he nears the borders of the infinite unknown, Jesus says, “Fear not, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom!”
Thus strengthened and consoled, the believer is not afraid to die. No, he is even willing to depart, for since he has seen Jesus as the morning star, he longs to gaze upon Him as the sun in its strength. “I desire to depart andΒ be with Christ, which is better by far!” Philippians 1:23
Truly the presence of Jesus is all the Heaven we desire!Β
You must be born again!
March 17, 2020 0 Comments
You must be born again!
(Don Fortner)
“You must be born again!” John 3:7
In order for God to save a sinner two things must be done:Β
God must do something FOR you, and God must do something IN you.
Β RedemptionΒ is the work of God FOR sinners.Β
Β RegenerationΒ is the work of God IN sinners.Β
Both are the works of God. Man has nothing more to do with regeneration, than he has to do with redemption.
“You must be born again” because by nature we are fallen, sinful, depraved children of human flesh. All flesh is defiled. All flesh is corrupt. All flesh is sinful. All flesh is condemned. All flesh must die. Unless we are born of the Spirit, we will die in our sins, and our fleshΒ shall be justly damned.
“You must be born again!”Β
You can reform your life without the new birth.Β
You can be baptized without the new birth.Β
You can join the church, be zealous in religion, teach a Bible class, serve as a deacon or elder; you can even preach with great success without being born again.Β
“You must be born again” for without the new birth . . .
Β you will never enter the kingdom of God,Β
Β you will never be a part of the family of God,Β
Β you will never have eternal life,Β
Β you will never be admitted into the presence of God’s glory in the bliss of Heaven.Β
Only new creatures will enter the New Jerusalem.Β
Only holy men will walk into the Holy City.Β
Only Heaven born citizens will possess the bliss of Heaven.
To be born again is to be made new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).Β
In the new birth, God the Holy Spirit gives chosen, redeemed sinners . . .
Β a newΒ heartΒ to love God,
Β a newΒ willΒ to bow to the rule of Christ,
Β a newΒ mindΒ to understand the things of God,
Β a new spiritualΒ natureΒ to know, enjoy, and live upon spiritual things,
Β newΒ eyes, eyes of faith, with which to see Christ,
Β newΒ earsΒ with which to hear His voice,
Β newΒ hands, hands of faith, with which to lay hold of Christ and do His will,
Β newΒ feet, with which to flee to Christ and walk with Him in the newness of life.
John 3:3, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again!”Β
What a compassionate, gracious arrangement!
March 14, 2020 0 Comments
What a compassionate, gracious arrangement!
(Susannah Spurgeon, “Words of Cheer and Comfort for Sick and Sorrowful Souls!” 1898)
“My times are in Your hand!”Β Psalm 31:15Β
Why then, need I worry or tremble? That great, loving, powerfulΒ handΒ keeps all the events of my life sealed and secure within its almighty clasp! Only He, my Maker and my Master, can permit them to be revealed to me as His will for me.Β What a compassionate, gracious arrangement!Β How eminently fitted to fulfill that sweet promise of His Word, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You!” If we fully believed this, we would be absolutely devoid of theΒ worryΒ which corrodes and chafes the daily life of so many professing Christians.
“My times.” Not one or twoΒ importantΒ epochs of my history only–butΒ everythingΒ that concerns me:
Β Β joysΒ that I had not expected,
Β Β sorrowsΒ that must have crushed me, if they could have been anticipated,Β
Β Β sufferingsΒ which might have terrified me by their grimness, had I looked upon them,
Β Β surprisesΒ which infinite love had prepared for me,
Β Β servicesΒ of which I could not have imagined myself capable–
all these lay in that mighty hand, as the purposes of God’s eternal will for me.Β
But, as they have developed gradually and silently–how great has been theΒ loveΒ which appeared enwrapping and enfolding each one!Β
Has not theΒ griefΒ been measured–while theΒ gladnessΒ has far more abounded?Β
Have not the comforts and consolations–exceeded the crosses and afflictions?Β
Have not all things been so arranged, and ordered, and undertaken, and worked out on our behalf–that we can but marvel at the goodness and wisdom of God, in meting out from that dearΒ handΒ of His, all the “times” that have passed over us?
You agree with me in all this, do you not, dear reader? Then I beg you to apply it to your present circumstances, however dark or difficult they may be.Β They have come directly from your Father’s hand to you, and they are His dear will for you!
What! The Whole Of It Meaningless?
March 11, 2020 0 Comments
What! The whole of it meaningless?
(Charles Spurgeon)Β
“Behold, all is vanity!” Ecclesiastes 1:14
Nothing can fully satisfy a person, but the Lord’s love and the Lord’s own self. Saints have tried other pursuits, but they have been driven out of such foolish and fatal refuges.
Solomon, the wisest of men, was permitted to make experiments for us all, and to do for us what we must not dare to do for ourselves. Here is his testimony in his own words: “So I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind! Nothing was gained under the sun!” “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”
What! the whole of it meaningless?Β O favored monarch, is there nothing in all your wealth? Nothing in your wide dominion reaching even to the sea? Nothing in your glorious palaces? In all your music and dancing, and wine and luxury–is there nothing?Β
“Nothing!”Β he says,Β “but a chasing after the wind!”Β
This was his final verdict, when he had trodden the whole round of pleasure.
To embrace our Lord Jesus, to dwell in His love, and be fully assured of union with Him–this isΒ all in all.Β
Dear reader, you need not try other forms of pleasure in order to see whether they are better than the Christian’s. If you roam the world around, you will see no sights like a sight of the Savior’s face! If you could have all the comforts of life, but lost your Savior–you would be most wretched. But if you possess Christ,Β though you should rot in a dungeon–you would find it a paradise! Though you should live in obscurity, or die with famine–yet you would be satisfied with the favor and goodness of the Lord!Β
“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.Β What is more,Β 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!” Philippians 3:7-8Β
Walking in the truth
March 4, 2020 0 Comments
Walking in the truth
(Charles Spurgeon)
“For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, even as you walk in the truth.” 3 John 3Β
The truth was in Gaius–and Gaius walked in a the truth.Β
If the first had not been the case–the second could never have occurred.
If the second could not be said of him–the first would have been a mere pretense.Β
Truth must enter into the soul, penetrate and saturate it–or else it is of no value. Doctrines held as a matter ofΒ mere creed–are like bread in the hand, which ministers no nourishment to the body. But doctrine accepted by the heart, is as food digested, which, by assimilation, sustains and builds up the body.Β
Truth must be a living force in us, an active energy, an indwelling reality, a part of the warp and woof of our being.Β
It is a rule of nature–that theΒ inwardΒ affects theΒ outward, as light shines from the center of the lantern through the glass. When, therefore, the truth is kindled within–its brightness soon beams forth in the outward life and conduct.Β
It is said that the food of certain silkworms, colors the cocoons of silk which they spin. In the same way, the nutriment upon which a man’s inward nature lives–gives a tinge to every word and deed proceeding from him.Β
ToΒ walk in the truth, imports a life of integrity, holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity–the naturalΒ productΒ of those principles of truth which the gospel teaches, and which the Spirit of God enables us to receive. We may judge of theΒ secrets of the soul–by their manifestation in the man’s life.Β
Be it ours today, O gracious Spirit, to be ruled and governed by Your divine authority, so that nothing false or sinful may reign in our hearts, lest it extend its malignant influence to our daily walk among men.Β
And thus the churches were filled with unregenerate members!
November 26, 2019 2 Comments
And thus the churches were filled with unregenerate members!
(Arthur Pink,Β 1886-1952)
Many of the pulpiteers of the past fifty years acted as though the first and last object of their calling was the salvation of souls, everything being made to bend to that aim. In consequence, the feeding of the sheep, the maintaining of Scriptural discipline in the church, and the inculcation of practical piety, was crowded out; and only too often all sorts of worldly devices and fleshly methods were employed under the plea that the end justified the means;Β and thus the churches were filled with unregenerate members!Β
In reality, such men defeated their own aim. The hard heart must be ploughed and harrowed before it can be receptive to the gospel seed. Doctrinal instruction must be given on the character of God, the requirements of His Law, the nature and heinousness of sin–if a foundation is to be laid for true evangelism. It is useless to preach Christ unto souls, until they see and feel their desperate need of Him!
I would recommend all parents to get this kind of Bible
October 30, 2019 0 Comments
I would recommend all parents to get this kind of Bible
“Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path!” Psalm 119:105Β
In many houses you will see beautiful Bibles bound handsomely in morocco leather, with gilt edges, and full of bright pictures. I love to see a beautiful Bible in a home–especially if it is not kept too clean and unsoiled. But the most beautiful form in which a household Bible can be bound, is in the holy life of godly parents. There is no tinted, gold-edged paper so lovely–as the pages God gives us on which to write our daily record.Β
The precepts and lessons of the inspired Word sound very sweetly when read out of a richly-covered volume–but they sound far more sweetly, when the child can spell them out of the parent’s daily life.Β
It is well for a parent toΒ readΒ to his child from the inspired page about the beauty of holiness; but it is better still when the child canΒ seeΒ that beauty shining out transfigured in every feature of his parent’s character.Β
It is well for him toΒ readΒ of the patience, gentleness, meekness, forbearance, and love of Christ; but it is better when heΒ exemplifiesΒ all of these traits.Β
It is well for him toΒ teachΒ the child what the Bible says about lying, profanity, intemperance, and all sins; it is better when hisΒ lifeΒ proclaims all these lessons.
No family Bible is so well printed and bound, as the one that is printed on the heart, and bound up in the life of a godly parent.Β I would recommend all parents to get this kind of Bible–and to keep the dust off it always by constant use. This is the best kind for aΒ lampΒ to the children’s feet.
A beautiful Christian life is aΒ living epistleΒ written by the hand of God–which the youngest child can read before it has learned to spell out the shortest words of the language. It is a sermon that preaches Christ all day long–seven days in the week!
There is no heresy so dangerous to childhood–as heresies lived in the home!
The object of God’s tender, perfect and ceaseless care!
April 12, 2019 1 Comment
The object of God’s tender, perfect and ceaseless care!
(James Smith, “Divine Care!” 1865)
“Casting all your care upon Him–forΒ He cares for you!”Β 1 Peter 5:7
OurΒ caresΒ must be cast upon our God, or they will prove a burden too heavy for us–they will depress, bewilder, and make us wretched!Β
WHO is it that cares for us?Β
It is theΒ Lord Almighty–the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, whose name is holy!Β
It is He whom the angels obey, the seraphim adore, and all creation glorifies!Β
It is the Lord–who is soΒ great, that we have no adequate conception of His greatness!Β
It is He who is soΒ good–that it is impossible fully to set forth His goodness!Β
It is He who is soΒ glorious–that no sinner can see His face and live!Β
It is He whoΒ createdΒ all things with His Word!
It is He whoΒ governsΒ all things by His wisdom!
It is He whoΒ upholdsΒ all things by His power!Β
It is He whoseΒ resourcesΒ are infinite!
It is He whoseΒ compassionΒ is exquisite!
It is He whoseΒ patienceΒ is without limit!Β
But though He is so exalted, so happy, and so unspeakably great–He cares for you!
He cares for you–as base as you are.Β
He cares for you–as sinful as you are.Β
He cares for you–as depressed and discouraged as you are.Β
HE cares for YOU!
May I pass through the present world under the impression, “I amΒ the object of God’s tender, perfect and ceaseless care!“
“Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22Β
You must keep the circus going!
March 25, 2019 0 Comments
You must keep the circus going!Β
(Ernest Reisinger)
Whatever means you use toΒ getΒ people into the church, is precisely what you must use toΒ keepΒ them.
If you get them with a ‘religious circus’ thenΒ you must keep the circus going–you must keep up the entertainment.
If you get them with biblical preaching and teaching, then that will keep them and you will not need the entertainment.Β
“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” 2 Timothy 4:2-3Β
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