40 Scripture Directions…
John Willison, 1680-1750
#10. Study both to live and die in the exercise of repentance and godly mourning for sin. (Matthew 5:4)
Tag Archives: Verse 4 2day!
#10 40 Scripture Directions…
August 20, 2020 
0 Comments
#9 40 Scripture Directions…
August 19, 2020 0 Comments
40 Scripture Directions…
John Willison, 1680-1750
#9. Let the rational soul govern, and the body be subservient to it. (1 Corinthians 9:27)
#8 40 Scripture Directions…
August 18, 2020 0 Comments
40 Scripture Directions…
John Willison, 1680-1750
#8. Throughout your whole life be mindful of the chief business of life. (Philippians 2:12)
#7 40 Scripture Directions…
August 15, 2020 0 Comments
40 Scripture Directions…
John Willison, 1680-1750
#7. Allow a little time every day to think upon eternity. (Matthew 25:46)
#6 40 Scripture Directions…
August 14, 2020 2 Comments
40 Scripture Directions…
John Willison, 1680-1750
#6. Put a high value upon precious time, and lose none of it by sloth. (Ephesians 5:16)
#5 40 Scripture Directions…
August 13, 2020 0 Comments
40 Scripture Directions…
John Willison, 1680-1750
#5. Shun the company that shuns God, and keep the company that God keeps. (Psalm 119:63)
#4 40 Scripture Directions…
August 12, 2020 1 Comment
40 Scripture Directions…
John Willison, 1680-1750
#4. Begin early in the service of God, and give Him the days of your youth. (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
#3 40 Scripture Directions…
August 11, 2020 0 Comments
40 Scripture Directions…
John Willison, 1680-1750
#3. Be not strangers to yourselves, but often commune with your own hearts. (Psalm 4:4)
#2 40 Scripture Directions…
August 10, 2020 0 Comments
40 Scripture Directions…
John Willison, 1680-1750
#2. Keep up the same opinion now of things of the world, that you will have when you come to die. (Matthew 16:26)
#1 40 Scripture Directions…
August 9, 2020 0 Comments
40 Scripture Directions…
John Willison, 1680-1750
#1. Never let the world come into God’s place. (1 John 2:15)
❤️ Yay…It’s Our 13th Wedding Anniversary! ❤️
July 7, 2020 7 Comments
There is no more lovely, friendly or charming relationship, communion or company, than a good marriage. – Martin Luther
⇧ Me & Sarah ⇧
Each time our wedding anniversary comes round, i can’t believe how much our marriage has grown more and more fruitful. Our love keeps blossoming through every season and i thank God for Sarah.!
My heart overflows with love for her, she encourages, inspires and loves me in spite of all my faults, She is the sunshine that warms me along my journey. I really don’t have enough words to fully express how blessed i am to have my best friend as my wife to cherish and share every moment of this amazing life.
This is the chorus for the song i wrote for Sarah….
You’re the love I thought I’d never find,
Your smile is like the warm sunshine,
As our souls, slowly entwine!
You light the heavens in my mind!
God’s Word…..
Husbands, you must love your wives so deeply, purely, and sacrificially that we can understand it only when we compare it to the love that Jesus Christ has for His bride, the church..
“Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride. Your love is better than wine, your perfume more fragrant than spices.” —Song of Solomon 4:10
“Kiss me and kiss me again, for your love is sweeter than wine.” —Song of Solomon 1:2
“You have captured my heart, my treasure, my bride. You hold it hostage with one glance of your eyes, with a single jewel of your necklace.” —Song of Solomon 4:9
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” —1 Corinthians 13:4–8
I thank God for sustaining our marriage in Purity and Truth. And look forwards to more of this Brobdingnagian adventure!
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!
(Thomas Reade, “The Desire of More”)
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5
“You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or covetous person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a covetous person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world.” Ephesians 5:5
The love of money under every form, insinuates itself into every heart.
A day is fast approaching when it will be clearly seen whether Christ or Mammon has swayed our affections.
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, covetous 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.
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.
Covetousness, eating like a canker, upon the vitals of our religion–is the crying evil of both the Church and of the world!
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 as beacons in the Word of God to warn us against their soul-destroying sin!
“For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?” Luke 9:25
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!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes!” Romans 1:16
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–is as foolish as to hope to bind an angel with a string, or to lure a star with music!
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 an arrow which can pierce the hardest heart–a balm which will heal the deadliest wound. Preach it, and preach nothing else. Rely implicitly upon the old, old gospel.
You need no other nets 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.
Spread those nets and no others, and you need not fear the fulfillment of His Word, “I will make you fishers of men.”
When a tear is wept by you–do not think that God does not behold it
April 3, 2020 0 Comments
When a tear is wept by you–do not think that God does not behold it
(Charles Spurgeon)
“The LORD said:
I have indeed seen the misery of My people in Egypt.
I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers,
and I am concerned about their suffering.
So I have come down to rescue them . . .” Exodus 3:7, 8
Perhaps no figure of speech represents God in a more gracious light, than when He is spoken of as stooping from His throne and coming down from Heaven to attend to the wants and woes of His redeemed people.
How can we but love Him, when we know that He . . .
numbers the very hairs of our heads,
marks all our paths, and
orders all our ways?
When a tear is wept by you–do not think that God does not behold it, for . . .
“You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in Your bottle.
You have recorded each one in Your book.” Psalm 56:8
Your sigh is able to move the heart of Jehovah,
your whisper can incline His ear unto you,
your prayer can stay His hand,
your faith can move His arm!
Do not think that God sits on high taking no account of you. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him.
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)
“Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age!” Matthew 28:20
It is well that there is One who is ever the same, and who is ever with us. It is well that 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 your treasure in the only secure cabinet; store your jewels where you can never lose them. Put your all in Christ; set . . .
all your affections on His person,
all your hope in His merit,
all your trust in His efficacious blood,
all your joy in His presence,
and so you may laugh at loss and defy difficulties.
Remember that 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. Death’s black extinguisher must soon put out your candle. Oh! how sweet to have sunlight–when the candle is gone! The dark flood must soon roll between you and all you have!
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!
Go, sorrowing son of affliction–tell your secret troubles to the Friend who sticks closer than a brother. Trust all your concerns with Him . . .
who never can be taken from you,
who will never leave you, and
who will never let you leave Him, even “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
“I am with you always,” is enough for my soul to live upon–though all others forsake me!
Praise The Lord!
April 1, 2020 4 Comments
Psalm 150:6 (ESV)
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Job 12:7-10 (ESV)
“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.
Description…
This is another photo taken on our day trip to Chessington world of adventures a few years ago. The crazy thing is…I had no idea that this Tiger(or any of the creatures in my recent posts) were looking at me until i returned home and zoomed in on the photos whilst viewing them on my iMac, lol! 😀
I hope this beautiful Tiger puts another smile on your face,? 😀
🎶 Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all. 🎶
Rejoice 😀
March 30, 2020 0 Comments
Psalm 118:24 (NLT)
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Description
This is a photo taken on our day trip to London Zoo a few years ago. I just love how this little dude seems to be smiling…So i just had to put this bible verse with it.
Hope he puts a smile on your face too during this challenging time?! 😀
“I’ve never seen so clearly since going blind” 20 Years Of Sight-loss!
March 28, 2020 25 Comments
Hi friends. As it is 20 years to the day since i went blind…I thought i’d 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 you’ll have the time to read it, and that it blesses you in some small way?!
Here Goes…
I was asked by our Minister Nik if i would share my Testimony in the parade service. The theme was ‘Faith through Adversity’, Nik said “i can ask you some straight forward questions, it will only take about 5 minutes(or so we thought)” “Yeah, ok, if you think it will help?”.
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 i’d stand to speak, after testing the microphone i remembered the steps and sat back down.
As i’m blind, i can’t use any notes, so i spent a little time trying to etch some answer headings into my mind, hoping i’d not veer too far off track. I then prayed that i’d use this time to Glorify Him, as i talked about the Truth that sets us free, and how i’m not ashamed of the Gospel, it’s 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 i’d been fully sighted until i was 24, and after 2 brain haemorrhages(March – July 2000) that burst my optic nerve, i’m now registered blind and have Severe Hypertensive Retinopathy.
“How did that change your life?”
I said “I 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…”
“I went to the gym 6-7 days a week, played football most evenings and was quite violent, acting the tough guy. I wasn’t a Christian, i hadn’t been born again, or even been inside a church building…so…As i stepped out of the eye consultants office after being told i’d 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 room….And this was the easy bit”.
“Following 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 “Nobody wants you, you’re useless now, unwanted, rejected, unloved and unlovable!!”
Suddenly, as i was telling my story…
My mouth was silenced, an image of Jesus in Glory(Revelation 1) filled my mind, it was so clear(not blurred by my blindness) I could see His flaming eyes of judgment…then…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 “I did this for you, so that you can live. I…LOVE…YOU!!!
I started sobbing uncontrollably, and it took a couple of minutes for me to try and start talking again….but more sobbing…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 far 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!
I’d been praying for so long for God to “Break my heart for what broke His” 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 “My pit was so dark, my accusing thoughts were too heavy, and this led to a daily cycle of waking up and trying to kill myself…failing, which made me feel worse…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.
I didn’t have the strength to kill myself, and i didn’t have the strength to live…i was without God, and without Hope!
Nik, who’s hand was rested on my shoulder asked question 4 “I know you were deeply unhappy at the time, what changed that?”
The world followed it’s pattern and sent me to Counselling, then Psychotherapy & finally Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, they didn’t work, they all had no answer for me, they couldn’t reach far enough down to pull me out. I needed a Saviour, I needed the light of the Gospel!
The Good News & Lovely Sarah…
Meeting Sarah changed my life! I have no idea how she’s put up with me. She’s 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 didn’t,
Jesus worked through Sarah to shine the light of the Gospel, the Good News i was dying for.
Words failed me as i was trying to describe how much i love Sarah, so when my mind filled with thoughts of how far we’ve grown together in love…i broke down again.
The sobbing was still making me pause every few words, but mentioned Jesus doesn’t 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, He’ll 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?”
I’d gone way over my time slot, and i was almost pulled away from the mic as i was so overwhelmed…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 they’d stick me in a counselling room when i’d 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 “I wouldn’t agree with anyone who thinks(or measures) life by how good our circumstances are. I’d 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 Eternal”
“I used to hate this song, but now i’d play it every service if i could…have you heard Amazing Grace, the Chris Tomlin version? If you pass me in the street you’ll normally hear me singing or humming these words:”
“Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. 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 grace”.
“I’ve never seen so clearly since going blind” This is one of my fave sayings. 😀
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 didn’t react for a while, then she said “People kept on running up and passing me tissues”. Nik sat down next to Sarah, and Sarah said “You’re not borrowing him again to speak”.
After the service people came over and said they really connected with the things i said, although i think everyone thinks i’m 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 Way, the Truth and the Life and no-one gets to the Father but by Him. He’s the forgiver of Sins, breaker of chains, and the only Salvation for Eternal Life in Heaven.
John 3:14-21 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 “He 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.”
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 Testimony
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 16:33
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.
This winter weather shall be useful to destroy those noxious weeds, which the summer of prosperity bred. By wintry trials, God will mortify and purge our corruptions!
At present 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!
“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
The one indispensable book!
March 24, 2020 3 Comments
The one indispensable book!
(Daniel March, 1870)
The Bible is the oldest–and the newest of books.
The Bible surveys the whole field of time–and it looks farthest into the infinite depths of eternity.
The Bible lends the most vivid and absorbing interest to the scenes and events of the past–and it keeps us in the most active sympathy with the time in which we live.
The Bible gives us the most reliable record of what has been–and it affords us our only means of knowing what is yet to be.
The Bible is holy enough to denounce the very shadow and semblance of sin–and it is merciful enough to save the chief of sinners.
The Bible is full of God–and must therefore be read with a pure heart, or its true glory will not be seen.
The Bible is full of man–and must therefore always be interesting and instructive to all who would know themselves.
The Bible is the plainest of books–and yet it has depths of wisdom which no created mind can fathom.
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.
The Bible describes all conditions of life–and it gives utterance to all desires and emotions of the soul.
The Bible has a song of triumph for the overcomer–and a wail of defeat for the overcome.
The Bible . . .
sparkles with the fervor and gladness of youth,
celebrates the strength and glory of manhood,
bewails the sorrows and infirmities of old age.
The Bible . . .
exults in the mighty deeds of kings and conquerors,
sympathizes with the poor and lowly,
lifts up the fallen,
delivers the oppressed, and
breathes the blessing of peace upon the quiet homes of domestic life.
The Bible describes with startling clearness . . .
the seductions of temptation,
the conflicts of doubt and
the miseries of skepticism.
The Bible . . .
searches the secret chambers of the heart,
brings to light its purest love and its darkest hate,
reveals its highest joy and its deepest grief.
The Bible compasses the utmost range of thought and feeling and desire–and it sounds the utmost depth of motive and characterand passion.
Thus in the Bible,
God and man,
earth and heaven,
time and eternity–
speak with one voice and teach the same truth.
The Bible sets forth the most spiritual and heavenly truths–in the lights and shadows of earthly scenes and human characters.
Thus the Bible is the one indispensable book . . .
for all ages–and all nations,
for all classes of men–and all states of society,
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
Friends…Stay safe and well, and please keep commenting anything that will inspire, edify and encourage us all in this fantastic community! 😀🎶♥️🎤🙏🏻
☢️ How Are You All?
March 22, 2020 2 Comments
Hi friends!
We just wanted to send you a quick message to ask how you’re all doing during this challenging time?
Don’t forget we have a reason to sing with gratitude to the Lord every time we wake up to a new day filled with grace and mercy. Many times we forget to express our gratefulness in these busy, crazy and painful times. However, we can sing songs of thankfulness for God’s goodness and make a joyful noise as the true Spiritual church.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
I do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:9-14)
Stay safe and keep singing to the Lord! 🎶😀♥️
Yours in Christ
Steve & Sarah
The Complaint!
March 21, 2020 1 Comment
The Complaint!
(James Smith, 1864)
“O my God, my soul is cast down within me!” Psalm 42:6
And why are you cast down?
“My heart is burdened with a sense of my short-comings.
Every holy duty I perform is so imperfect.
Every good purpose I form is so soon frustrated.
Every hope of seeing better days is so soon beclouded.
My heart is so fearfully depraved.
My life is so unlike the life of Jesus.
My affections are so unholy.
My prayers are so brief and heartless.
My praises are so feeble and fitful.
I do so little good.
I live to so little purpose.
My evidences are so dim.
My prospects are so overcast.
I am harassed sometimes with the fear of death.
I cannot grasp the glories of Heaven.
I am dissatisfied with the world–and yet glued to it!
I hate sin–and yet fall into it!
I am a riddle, a mystery, a mass of inconsistency!
Is it, then, any wonder that I am cast down?”
No, if you look at 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 the throne of grace, if you there confess them before God, if you look to the mercy of Jesus–then, in spite of them, you will not long be cast down.
I know it is difficult to do this. There is a natural proneness to pore over such things. One feels at times a secret liking to indulge in self-pity.
But we must look away from self–for if we do not, we shall become anxious, doubting and downcast! We must run the race–not looking at our imperfections, short-comings, and failures–but looking unto Jesus. He knows what we are. He knew what we wouldbe–before He called us by His grace; yes, before He shed His sin-atoning blood for us!
He loved us, as sinners.
He died for us, as sinners.
He called us, as sinners.
He saves us, as sinners.
He will have great glory by saving such great sinners. We cannot do anything to repay Him for His wondrous love. Salvation is by free grace–from first to last! Believe this, and it will raise up your drooping mind!
The life-boat of free grace has put you on board the vessel of salvation, and that will convey you safely to the port of glory! Do not look at your spiritual destitution, or feebleness, or incapacity, or imperfections–but trust in your Pilot, rely on your Captain, and expect His mercy and merit to land you safely in Heaven at last!
Regardless of any amount of spiritual progress, your dying prayer will still be, “God be merciful unto me–a sinner!”
Hope in God!
His mercy is great unto the Heavens,
His grace is as free as the air,
His love is as changeless as His nature,
His promise is as immutable as His love.
He will save you for His own sake, and present you before assembled worlds as a monument of His mercy, and a trophy of His grace!
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God!” 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 in 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 14:1-3
How familiar with Heaven–how well acquainted with that “better land” must Jesus be! He calls it “My Father’s home!” 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 am going to My Father!” 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 our doubts and fears be then? What would become of our reluctance 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, “He is this day with our Father!” We would no longer talk of losing 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 as 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 4:16-18
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!” 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!
The waves may roll over them, but their souls soon rise to the surface and see the light of God’s countenance.
In times of trouble, the presence of the Son of God in the fiery furnace with him fills his heart with joy.
He is sick and suffering, but Jesus visits him and makes his bed for him.
He is 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.”
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 and be with Christ, which is better by far!” Philippians 1:23
Truly the presence of Jesus is all the Heaven we desire!
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:
God must do something FOR you, and God must do something IN you.
Redemption is the work of God FOR sinners.
Regeneration is the work of God IN sinners.
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 flesh shall be justly damned.
“You must be born again!”
You can reform your life without the new birth.
You can be baptized without the new birth.
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.
“You must be born again” for without the new birth . . .
you will never enter the kingdom of God,
you will never be a part of the family of God,
you will never have eternal life,
you will never be admitted into the presence of God’s glory in the bliss of Heaven.
Only new creatures will enter the New Jerusalem.
Only holy men will walk into the Holy City.
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).
In the new birth, God the Holy Spirit gives chosen, redeemed sinners . . .
a new heart to love God,
a new will to bow to the rule of Christ,
a new mind to understand the things of God,
a new spiritual nature to know, enjoy, and live upon spiritual things,
new eyes, eyes of faith, with which to see Christ,
new ears with which to hear His voice,
new hands, hands of faith, with which to lay hold of Christ and do His will,
new 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!”
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!” Psalm 31:15
Why then, need I worry or tremble? That great, loving, powerful hand 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. What a compassionate, gracious arrangement! 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 the worry which corrodes and chafes the daily life of so many professing Christians.
“My times.” Not one or two important epochs of my history only–but everything that concerns me:
joys that I had not expected,
sorrows that must have crushed me, if they could have been anticipated,
sufferings which might have terrified me by their grimness, had I looked upon them,
surprises which infinite love had prepared for me,
services 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.
But, as they have developed gradually and silently–how great has been the love which appeared enwrapping and enfolding each one!
Has not the grief been measured–while the gladness has far more abounded?
Have not the comforts and consolations–exceeded the crosses and afflictions?
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 dear hand 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. 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)
“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? 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?
“Nothing!” he says, “but a chasing after the wind!”
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 is all in all.
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, 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!
“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ!” Philippians 3:7-8
The Savior’s abiding presence with His redeemed people!
March 6, 2020 0 Comments
The Savior’s abiding presence with His redeemed people!
(J.R. Miller, “The Practical Value of a Promise“)
“O LORD, You have searched me and You know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
You perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
You are familiar with all my ways!
Before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely, O LORD!” Psalm 139:1-4
Doctrines are not such cold, lifeless things as some would have us to believe. There is no doctrine of Scripture which is not fitted toaffect the life of him who believes it. Consider the proper influence upon us, of the doctrine and promise of the Savior’s abiding presence with His redeemed people. If we believe and always recollect that Christ is truly with us always–how will it affect us?
For one thing it will make us very thoughtful and careful in all our words and acts. Christ is present in His holiness as well as in His love and tenderness. His pure eyes see all our life, and see into our hearts. He is ever beholding us–our real inner life.
The thought of the Master’s eye upon us should . . .
make us holy,
rebuke our sins, and
hold us back from evil.
We cannot do wicked things in the presence of even a pure and holy human friend. But could we be continually conscious of Christ’s perpetual presence with us, of His eye ever resting upon us, then . . .
Could we run into sin?
Could we live carelessly?
Could we trifle?
Could we speak sharp, bitter, or unkind words?
Could we do unholy, unlovely things?
Surely the realizing of His perpetual abiding presence would make us live reverently, purely, lovingly–so as always to please and never to grieve Him.
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 3
The truth was in Gaius–and Gaius walked in a the truth.
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.
Truth must enter into the soul, penetrate and saturate it–or else it is of no value. Doctrines held as a matter of 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.
Truth must be a living force in us, an active energy, an indwelling reality, a part of the warp and woof of our being.
It is a rule of nature–that the inward affects the 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.
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.
To walk in the truth, imports a life of integrity, holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity–the natural product of those principles of truth which the gospel teaches, and which the Spirit of God enables us to receive. We may judge of the secrets of the soul–by their manifestation in the man’s life.
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.
A cross of their own choosing
February 25, 2020 0 Comments
A cross of their own choosing
(Thomas Watson, “The Art of Divine Contentment“)
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content–whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” Philippians 4:11-12
Paul knew how to manage in every state–he learned to be content whatever his circumstances.
If he was in prosperity, he knew how to be thankful.
If he was in adversity, he knew how to be patient.
He was neither lifted up with prosperity–nor cast down with adversity.
A Christian should be content in any and every situation. Many are contented in some conditions–but not in every condition. They can be content in a wealthy state. When they have the streams of milk and honey–now they are content. But if the wind turns and is against them–now they are discontented. While they have a silver crutch to lean upon–they are contented; but if God breaks this crutch–now they are discontented.
Many would be content with their affliction–if God would allow them to pick and choose. They could better endure sickness–than poverty; or bear loss of estate–than loss of children. If they might have a cross of their own choosing, they would be content.
But a contented Christian does not desire to choose his cross–but leaves God to choose for him. He is content both for the kindof the afflictions, and the duration of the afflictions, which God gives him. A contented man says, “Let God apply whatevermedicine He pleases, and let it lie on as long as He desires. I know when it has done its cure, and eaten the venom of sin out of my heart–that God will take it away.”
A contented Christian, being sweetly captivated under the authority of the Word, desires to be wholly at God’s disposal, and cheerfully lives in whatever circumstances that God has placed him in. “I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.” (2 Corinthians 12:10) He does not only submit to God’s dealings, but rejoices in them!
A whore’s forehead!
February 19, 2020 2 Comments
A whore’s forehead!
(Thomas Brooks, “The Privy Key of Heaven” 1665)
“You have a whore’s forehead, you refuse to be ashamed!” Jeremiah 3:3
“Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all!
They do not even know how to blush!” Jeremiah 6:15
They had sinned away shame–instead of being ashamed of sin. Continuance in sin had quite banished all sense of sin and all shame for sin; so that they would not allow nature to draw her veil of blushing before their great abominations. How applicable these scriptures are to the present time, I will leave the prudent reader to judge.
But what does the prophet do, now that they were as bold in sin, and as shameless as so many harlots; now that they were grown up to that height of sin and wickedness; now that they were above all shame and blushing; now that they were grown so proud, so hardened, so obstinate, so rebellious, so bent on self-destruction–that no mercies could melt them or allure them, nor any threatenings or judgments could in any way terrify them or stop them? The prophet goes into a corner, he retires into the most secret places, and there he weeps bitterly; there he weeps as if he were resolved to drown himself in his own tears. “I will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears.” Jeremiah 13:17
In the times wherein we live, Hell seems to be broken loose, and men turned into incarnate devils! Soul-damning wickednesses walk up and down the streets with a whore’s forehead, without the least check or restraint.
Ah, England, England! What pride, luxury, lasciviousness, licentiousness, wantonness, drunkenness, cruelties, injustice, oppressions, fornications, adulteries, falsehoods, hypocrisies, atheisms, horrid blasphemies, and hellish impieties–are now to be found rampant in the midst of you! Ah, England! England! How are the Scriptures rejected, God derided, and wickedness tolerated!
And what is the voice of all these crying abominations–but every Christian to his closet–every Christian to his closet–and there weep, with weeping Jeremiah, bitterly–for all these great abominations whereby God is dishonored openly. Oh weep in secret for their sins–who openly glory in their sins, which should be their greatest shame. Oh blush in secret for those who are past all blushing for their sins; for who knows, but that the whole land may fare the better for the sakes of a few, who are mourners in secret!
❤️❤️❤️ I Love You Sarah!! ❤️❤️❤️
February 14, 2020 1 Comment
❤️❤️❤️ I Love You Sarah!! ❤️❤️❤️
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love Never Fails…
📖 Bible Verse…
Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
🤔 My Thoughts…
This is one of my favourite Bible verses that i try desperately each day to live up to. As soon as i first read this verse it convicted me straight away and i knew i wanted to be a husband like that!
🙏 Prayer…
Holy Spirit, thanks for being a constant guiding presence in my life. Give me the faith to take practical and radical action to keep in step with You, so that You can love my spouse through me in a way that will sustain a fun, loving & trusting relationship. Amen.
When I die I shall then have my greatest grief and my greatest joy
February 1, 2020 1 Comment
When I die I shall then have my greatest grief and my greatest joy
(J.C. Ryle, Christian Leaders of the Last Century)
William Grimshaw was, above all, a man of rare humility. Few gifted men, perhaps, ever thought so humbly of themselves, or were so truly ready to honor others.
“What have we to boast of?” he once said. “What do we have, that we have not received? Freely by grace we are saved. When I die I shall then have my greatest grief and my greatest joy: my greatest grief that I have done so little for Jesus; and my greatest joy that Jesus has done so much for me. My last words shall be, “Here goes an unprofitable servant!”
On his deathbed he said, “Alas! what have my wretched services been. I have now need to cry, at the end of my unprofitable course: God be merciful to me a sinner!”
Shortly after, laying his hand on his heart, he said, “I am quite exhausted; but I shall soon be at home, forever with the Lord–a poor miserable sinner redeemed by His precious blood!”
Our proper enjoyment of every earthly blessing
January 11, 2020 0 Comments
Our proper enjoyment of every earthly blessing
(Hannah More, “The Love of God”)
There are three requirements to our proper enjoyment
of every earthly blessing which God bestows on us:
1. A thankful reflection on the goodness of the Giver.
2. A deep sense of the unworthiness of the receiver.
3. A sober recollection of the precarious tenure by which we hold it.
The first would make us grateful, the second humble, the last moderate.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” James 1:17
What is the best remedy against the fear of man?
January 7, 2020 2 Comments
What is the best remedy against the fear of man?
(J.C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Luke” 1858)
“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into Hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!” Luke 12:4-5
One thing that demands our attention in these verses, is Christ’s warning against the fear of man. “Do not be afraid,” He says, “of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.”
But He not only tells us whom we ought not to fear–but of whom we ought to be afraid. “Fear Him,” Jesus says, “Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into Hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!” The manner in which the lesson is conveyed is very striking and impressive. Twice over the exhortation is enforced. “Fear Him!” says our Lord. “Yes, I tell you, fear Him!”
The fear of man is one of the greatest obstacles which stand between the soul and Heaven. “What will others say of me? What will they think of me? What will others do to me?” How often these little questions have turned the balance against the soul, and kept men bound hand and foot by sin and the devil! Thousands would never hesitate a moment to storm a breach–who dare not face the laughter of relatives, neighbors and friends.
Now if the fear of man has such influence in these times–then how much greater must its influence have been in the days when our Lord was upon earth! If it is hard to follow Christ through ridicule and scornful words–then how much harder must it have been to follow Him through prisons, beatings, scourgings, and violent deaths! All these things our Lord Jesus knew well. No wonder that He cries, “Do not be afraid!”
What is the best remedy against the fear of man? How are we to overcome this powerful feeling, and break the chains which it throws around us? There is no remedy like that which our Lord recommends. We must supplant the fear of man by a higher and more powerful principle–the fear of God. We must look away from those who can only hurt the body–to Him who has all dominion over the soul. We must turn our eyes from those who can only injure us in the life that now is–to Him who can condemn us to eternal misery in the life to come. Armed with this mighty principle, we shall not play the coward. Seeing Him that is invisible–we shall find the lesser fear melting away before the greater, and the weaker fear before the stronger.
“I fear God,” said Colonel Gardiner, “and therefore there is no one else that I need fear.” It was a noble saying of martyred Bishop Hooper, when a Roman Catholic urged him to save his life by recanting at the stake, “Life is sweet and death is bitter. But eternal life is more sweet–and eternal death is more bitter!”
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, 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; and thus the churches were filled with unregenerate members!
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!
Engaged in the most menial part of the Lord’s work
November 18, 2019 2 Comments
Engaged in the most menial part of the Lord’s work
(Charles Spurgeon)
“These were potters, and those who dwelt among plants and hedges. They lived there in the service of the King.” 1 Chronicles 4:23
Potters were not the very highest grade of workers–but “the King” needed potters, and therefore they were in royal service, although the material upon which they worked was nothing but clay. We, too, may be engaged in the most menial part of the Lord’s work–but it is a great privilege to do anything for “the King”.
The text tells us of those who dwelt among plants and hedges, having rough hedging and ditching work to do. They may have desired to live in the city, amid its life, society, and refinement–but they kept their appointed places, for they also were doing the King’s work. In the same way, the place of our habitation is fixed by God, and we are not to remove from it out of whim and caprice–but seek to serve the Lord in it, by being a blessing to those among whom we reside.
These potters and gardeners had royal company, for they “lived there in the service of the King.” Just so, no lawful place, or gracious occupation, however lowly, can debar us from communion with our divine Lord. In visiting hovels, swarming lodging-houses, workhouses, or jails–we may go with the King. In all works of faith we may count upon Jesus’ fellowship. It is when we are in His work, that we may reckon upon His smile.
You unknown workers who are occupied for your Lord amid the dirt and wretchedness of the lowest of the low–be of good cheer, for . . .
precious jewels have been found in such lowly places,
earthen pots have been filled with heavenly treasure, and
noxious weeds have been transformed into precious flowers!
Dwell with the King doing His work–and when He writes His chronicles, your name shall be recorded!
Nothing in this world is more beautiful
November 15, 2019 0 Comments
Nothing in this world is more beautiful
(J.R. Miller)
A ship is made to go in the water, and no matter how deep the sea nor how wild the tempest–all goes well as long as the water does not get into the ship. The problem of managing a ship, is not to keep the ship out of the water–but to keep the water out of the ship!
In this sinful world, we cannot avoid all cares and trials and temptations. The goal of of true Christian living is to keep these cares and trials and temptations from getting into our souls. Some people let all their frets and worries at once into their hearts–and they soon live out their lives in sourness, irritability, and discontent. They become thus miserable themselves–and they make all around them miserable. They cast, not cooling, healthful, refreshing shade on others–but melancholy, darksome, chilling shadows.
Learn to keep your cares in your hands–and out of your hearts. Nothing in this world is more beautiful than a Christian life with many trials and cares–yet remaining ever peaceful and joyous amid them all. This is the real goal of noble Christian living.
On whom do you trust?
November 13, 2019 0 Comments
On whom do you trust?
(Charles Spurgeon)
“On whom do you trust?” Isaiah 36:5
Reader, this is an important question. Listen to the Christian’s answer, and see if it is yours.
“On whom do you trust?”
“I trust,” says the Christian, “in the triune God of Scripture!”
I trust the Father, believing that He has chosen me from before the foundation of the world. I trust Him to provide for me in His providence, to teach me, to guide me, to correct me if need be, and to bring me home to His own house where the many mansions are!
I trust the Son. The man Christ Jesus–is also the true God. I trust in Him as my Redeemer–to take away all my sins by His atoning sacrifice, and to adorn me with His perfect righteousness. I trust Him to be my Intercessor, to present my prayers and desires before His Father’s throne. I trust Him to be my Advocate at the last great day, to plead my cause, and to justify me. I trust Him . . .
for what He is,
for what He has done, and
for what He has promised yet to do!
I trust the Holy Spirit. He has begun to save me from my inbred sins; I trust Him to finally drive them all out. I trust Him . . .
to curb my debased temperament,
to subdue my stubborn will,
to enlighten my darkened understanding,
to check my evil passions,
to comfort my despondency,
to help my spiritual weakness,
to provide my spiritual nourishment,
to reign in me as my loving King,
to sanctify me wholly, and then
to take me up to dwell forever in glory!
Oh, blessed trust! To trust Him . . .
whose power will never be exhausted,
whose love will never wane,
whose kindness will never change,
whose faithfulness will never fail,
whose wisdom will never be confounded, and
whose perfect goodness can never know a diminution!
Happy are you, reader, if this trust is yours! So trusting, you shall enjoy sweet peace now, and glory hereafter! The foundation of your trust shall never be removed!
You are greatly loved!
November 7, 2019 1 Comment
You are greatly loved!
“A man greatly loved by God.” Daniel 10:11
Child of God, do you hesitate to appropriate this title? Ah! has your unbelief made you forget that you are greatly loved by God?
Must you not have been greatly loved–to have been bought with the precious blood of Christ? When God smote His only begotten Son for you–what was this but being greatly loved by Him? You lived in sin and rioted in it–must you not have been greatly loved for God to have borne so patiently with you? You were called by grace and led to the Savior, and made a child of God and an heir of Heaven! All this proves, does it not–a very great and super-abounding love for you?
Since that time, whether your path has been rough with troubles, or smooth with mercies–it has been full of proofs that you are greatly loved by God. If the Lord has chastened you–yet it was not in anger. If He has made you poor–yet you have been maderich in grace. The more unworthy you feel yourself to be–the more evidence you have that nothing but unspeakable divine love could have led the Lord Jesus to save such a soul as yours! The more demerit you feel–the clearer is the display of the abounding love of God, in having chosen you, and called you, and made you an heir of everlasting bliss!
Now, if there is such great love from God to us–let us live in the influence and sweetness of it, and use the privilege of our exalted position as God’s redeemed children. Do not let us approach our Lord as though we were strangers, or as though He were unwilling to hear us–for we are greatly cherished by our compassionate Father!
“He who spared not His own Son–but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Come boldly, O believer, for despite the whisperings of Satan and the doubtings of your own heart–you are greatly loved! Meditate on the exceeding vastness and faithfulness of Christ’s matchless love to you!
“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!” Ephesians 3:19
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 119:105
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.
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.
It is well for a parent to read to his child from the inspired page about the beauty of holiness; but it is better still when the child can see that beauty shining out transfigured in every feature of his parent’s character.
It is well for him to read of the patience, gentleness, meekness, forbearance, and love of Christ; but it is better when he exemplifies all of these traits.
It is well for him to teach the child what the Bible says about lying, profanity, intemperance, and all sins; it is better when his life 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. 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 a lamp to the children’s feet.
A beautiful Christian life is a living epistle 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!
In love He blessed us with all spiritual blessings!
October 27, 2019 0 Comments
In love He blessed us with all spiritual blessings!
(James Smith, “The Evening Sacrifice; Or, A Help to Devotion” 1859)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3
God’s love to us is infinite. He considers nothing too good or too great to confer upon His redeemed children. Having chosen us in His Son, that we may be holy and blameless before Him–in love He blessed us with all spiritual blessings. He gave us . . .
grace in Jesus,
grace before the foundation of the world,
grace for all time,
grace for all trials,
grace to be given to us as our circumstances may require.
In going to the throne of grace, therefore–we simply go to receive what our heavenly Father has stored up in Jesus for us. What sweet encouragement is this! Well may the apostle say, “Therefore let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Blessed Lord, we thank You, we praise You, we bless Your glorious name–that You have chosen us and put us into Christ, made provision for us in Christ, and will make us perfectly holy through Christ. Teach us to come with boldness and confidence to Your throne, that we may obtain for our use, all that You have treasured up for us in Jesus. O give us . . .
more faith in Christ,
more humility when at your throne,
more zeal for Your glory when in the world,
more love to You and Your people; and
teach us to eat, drink, dress, and do everything to Your glory!
O to be thoroughly Christ-like! O to reflect the glory of God on all around us! O to live and act as on the confines of eternity, as if always impressed with this fact, “I shall soon be in Heaven!” Gracious Savior, raise me above this world, fix my affections on Yourself, fill me with Your Spirit, and enable me to lie down tonight with the assurance that all spiritual blessings are mine!
Put On The Whole Armour Of God
October 21, 2019 3 Comments
📖 Verse 4 2day ~ Ephesians 6:10-18
The Armour of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
My Thoughts 💭
Each morning I like to pray the armour of God prayer to ask God to equip me for the day. When not in prayer, and when I hear the words armour of God my mind shoots back to the image above, which is Power Armour) from the Playstation 3 game Fallout 3.I know that video games get a lot of negative abuse, but I would just like to share this with you. No i’m not losing sight of reality, please bear with me. 😀
My point……
For us to stand any chance of surviving against the devil’s schemes, powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, we MUST choose to put on the spiritual armour. Unlike the game we know the location of this armour is in prayer.
Ready…..Aim..…Pray!
I urge you to pray on the Armour of God Ephesians 6 (as listed above). Take a moment and carefully consider the power, purpose and reality of each piece as you put it on.
🙏 Prayer 4 2day!
“Lord, please help me this day put on the Full Armour of God.
Help me put the Helmet of Salvation on my head that I might always remember I am saved, and who I belong to, that my mind is guarded in Christ Jesus, and that I may have the mind of Christ and that I may think the thoughts of Christ and reject all others.
Help me put the Breastplate of Righteousness on so that I may walk about in Righteousness and others may see your Righteousness in me, and that my heart is guarded in Christ Jesus, and that I may have the desires of Christ and reject all others.
Help me keep the Belt of Truth securely buckled on my waist, that I may always be secure in the knowledge of the Truth and always speak the Truth in Love.
Help me fit my Feet with the Readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace, that I may stand firm in the Gospel, and spread the Gospel of Peace wherever I go.
Help hold the Shield of Faith with which to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one, strengthen my arm and help me hold it high, that I may use it to protect myself, my family, my household and those under my care, and help me use the Shield of Faith to press ahead and push forward for the kingdom of God.
And Lord, help me take up the Sword of The Spirit which is the Word of God, and use it every day, help me use it to protect myself and others from the evil one through the power and authority of Your Word, and to strike the hearts and minds of those who do not know You calling them towards repentance and salvation, help me use Your Word – the Sword of the Spirit – to cause those who know you but are backslidden to repentance, obedience and service, and to help awaken those who know you, but are asleep so they may obey and serve you, and please help me use your Word to bring, encouragement, strength and wisdom to the Remnant of God through your Word.
Help me serve you this and every day. Please use me Lord. These things I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Amen”.
You are either in the Word–or in the world!
October 17, 2019 0 Comments
You are either in the Word–or in the world!
(Howard Hendricks)
You are either in the Word, and the Word is conforming you to the image of Jesus Christ–or you are in the world, and the world is squeezing you into its mold!
The first reason for studying Scripture is that it is a means of spiritual growth. There is no growth apart from the Word. It is God’s primary tool to develop Christian character.
The Word of God is able to transform your life, but you must probe for its wisdom. You have to penetrate the surface with more than just a cursory glance.
The Bible was written not to satisfy your curiosity, but to conform you to Christ’s image. Not to make you a smarter sinner, but to make you like the Savior. Not to fill your head with a collection of biblical facts, but to transform your life.
The will of God is found in the Word of God. The more a person grows, the more he begins to think instinctively and habitually from a divine perspective.
The panacea for all the ills of life!
October 10, 2019 0 Comments
The panacea for all the ills of life!
(James Smith, “The Spirit’s Work in the Believer” 1861)
“The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6
Spirituality flows from the gracious operations of the Holy Spirit in the soul, who . . .
kindles spiritual love,
awakens spiritual desires, and
produces spiritual devotion.
The Spirit’s work in the believer consists:
1. In convincing us of sin, when we go astray from the right ways of the Lord.
2. In working repentance within us, and leading us to confess and mourn over our sins before God.
3. In opening up, and applying the Word of God, so that it . . .
meets our case,
feeds our faith,
fires our love, and
deepens our humility.
4. In exciting and drawing forth the soul in prayer, praise, and adoration at the throne of God–so that we sometimes . . .
melt in contrition,
are crumbled down in humiliation,
and are almost dissolved in love.
5. In giving us soul-refreshing glimpses . . .
of the glorious person of Jesus,
of the everlasting covenant,
and of eternal glory.
6. In melting us down in sincere gratitude before God, under a sense of His undeserved favor.
7. In removing all legal fears, and causing holy peace to flow through the soul like a river.
8. In melting us in meekness, and producing sweet submission to the sovereign will of God.
9. In sweetly soothing and consoling under trials and bereavements; and enabling us to look heavenward with hope and joy.
10. In giving us sweet intimations of the love of God to us, by holy discoveries of His grace.
11. In witnessing to our adoption, awakening the cry of “Abba, Father!” in our hearts, and enabling us to claim a filial relationship to God.
12. In drawing forth our souls in love to God–under an overcoming sense of His free and unparalleled love to us.
13. In enabling us to mount upward as on the wings of an eagle, and to run with pleasure and delight in God’s holy ways.
15. In quickening us to rejoice in the Lord, when all things around are calculated to fill us with despondency and gloom.
16. In producing perseverance in our souls, and enabling us to look away from the things which are seen and temporal–and to look to unseen and eternal realities.
The Spirit works within the Christian, teaching him daily to make use of Christ as the panacea for all the ills of life!
In all these things, and many more–the work of the Spirit in the experience of the believer appears.
Reader, do you know anything of these things in your own experience?
Is the Spirit daily working in your heart, and do you pay attention to . . .
the lessons He teaches,
the impressions He makes, and
the direction in which He points?
O for more of the Spirit’s work within us–that we may live to the praise and glory of Him who loved us, and died to redeem us from sin, death and Hell!
Holy Spirit, work in us more and more–teaching us Your truth, and conforming us to Christ! O for more of Your power, love, and holiness!
Busy yourselves about toys and trifles!
October 6, 2019 1 Comment
Busy yourselves about toys and trifles!
(“Christ’s Famous Titles!” William Dyer, 1632-1696)
“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life.” John 6:27
Labor more for inward purity–than for outward felicity.
That man who is a laboring bee for earthly prosperity, will be but an idle drone for heavenly felicity.
Gold in your bags will make you greater–but it is grace in your heart that will make you holier.
He is a rich man who lives upon his wealth–but he is a righteous man who lives upon his faith!
A heavenly conversation, is better than any earthly possession.
It is a great mercy to have a portion in the world–but to have the world for a portion, is a great misery.
Our affections were made for things that are above us, and not for things that are below us. “If you have been raised to new life with Christ,” What then? “Set your hearts on things above! Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things!” Colossians 3:1-2
But, alas! some men are so in love with their golden bags, that they will ride with all possible haste to Hell–if they are but paid well for their pains! They look upon gain as the highest good, and not upon godliness as the highest gain!
They mind the present world so much–as if it would never have an ending!
They mind the world to come so little–as if it would never have a beginning!
The perishing things of this world–are all the happiness of the men of this world!
Oh, what wretched worldlings!
They are diligent about what is temporal–but negligent about what is eternal!
They are careful about fleeting vanities–but slothful about durable excellencies!
They feast their bodies–but starve their souls!
They lay up treasures on earth–but none in Heaven!
“Why do you spend money on what is not food, and your wages on what does not satisfy?” Isaiah 55:2. He who knocks at the creature’s door for true happiness–will find but an empty house kept there.
Oh, beloved, what is gold, compared to grace? What is earth, compared to Heaven? that you thus neglect the great things, the weighty things, the eternal things–and busy yourselves about toys and trifles! You have a crown to look after, a Heaven to look after, a kingdom to look after!
I beseech you, beloved, labor more for inward holiness–than for outward happiness!
Labor more for the seed of grace–than for the bag of gold!
Labor more for inward piety–than for outward plenty!
Labor more for a heavenly kingdom–than for an earthly possession!
The earth is a saint’s passage–but Heaven is a saint’s portion!
They are preaching up the devil’s old, favorite doctrine!
October 1, 2019 2 Comments
They are preaching up the devil’s old, favorite doctrine!
(J.C. Ryle)
There is such a place as Hell. Let no one deceive you with vain words. What people do not like–they try hard not to believe. When the Lord Jesus Christ comes to judge the world, He will punish all who are not His disciples with a fearful punishment!
All who are found unrepentant and unbelieving;
all who have clung to sin;
all who have set their affections on worldly things;
all who are without a saving relationship to Christ–
all such shall come to a dreadful end! “Anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life, was thrown into the Lake of Fire!” Revelation 20:15
1) I know that some people do not believe that there is any Hell at all. They think it impossible that there can be such a place. They call it inconsistent with the mercy of God. They say that it is too awful an idea to be really true. The devil of course, rejoices in the views of such people. They help his kingdom mightily. They are preaching up the devil’s old, favorite doctrine, “You shall not surely die!” Genesis 3:4
2) I know furthermore, that some do not believe that Hell is eternal! They tell us that it is incredible that a compassionate God will punish people forever. They imagine that He will surely open the prison doors of Hell at last. This also is a mighty help to the devil’s cause.
3) I know also that some believe that there is a Hell, but never allow that anybody is going there! They imagine that . . .
all people are good,
all are sincere,
all mean well, and
all, they hope, will go to Heaven when they die!
Alas! what a common delusion is this!
If I never spoke of Hell–I would think I had kept back something that was profitable, and would look on myself as an accomplice of the devil.
Reader, I beseech you, in all tender affection–beware of false views of the subject on which I have been dwelling. Beware of new and strange doctrines about Hell and the eternity of punishment. Beware of manufacturing a god of your own:
a god who is all mercy–but not just;
a god who is all love–but not holy;
a god who has a Heaven for everyone–but a Hell for none;
a god who will make no distinction between the godly and the ungodly in eternity.
Such a god is an idol of your own imagination! It is as truly an idol, as any snake or crocodile in an Egyptian temple! The hands of your own imagination and sentimentality have made it! It is not the God of the Bible–and beside the God of the Bible, there is no God at all.
Why do we love Jesus?
September 23, 2019 0 Comments
Why do we love Jesus?
“We love Him, because He first loved us!” 1 John 4:19
We love Him, because He “gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own!” Titus 2:14
We love Him, because we have life through His death, and forgiveness through His blood.
We love Him, because “though He was rich, yet for our sake He became poor, so that we through His poverty might become rich!” 2 Corinthians 8:9
We love Him, because of the excellency of His person. We are filled with . . .
a sense of His beauty,
an admiration of His charms,
a consciousness of His infinite perfections!
We love Him, because His greatness, goodness, and loveliness, in one resplendent ray–combine to enchant our soul until it is so ravished that it exclaims, “Yes, He is altogether lovely!”
We love Him, because His love binds our hearts with chains more soft than silk, and yet stronger than iron!
“To you who believe, He is precious!” 1 Peter 2:7
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