Refer it Back to God

 But we are short-sighted creatures, not only unworthy--but unable to rightly choose for ourselves.

If the choice was left to us--it would be our wisdom to refer it back to God.

We may be sure that He does not willingly grieve or afflict us. He takes no pleasure in seeing us weep and mourn--rather, every day brings us ten thousand proofs that He delights in our prosperity.

Whenever we are in heaviness, therefore, there is a need-be for it--faithful are the wounds of such a Friend! Our trials are made no sooner, nor longer--than the necessity of the case requires. He who wounds--has promised likewise to heal. He is all sufficient, and can give more than He will ever take away from His redeemed people. I trust she will find power to commit herself, and her every concern, into His hands; and that she will have reason to acknowledge, from day to day, that He does all things well!

Whatever the outcome may be--our Lord is wise and good in all His dealings. His mercies to us are new every morning--and as numerous as the minutes of our lives!

One of the excerpts from John Newton's Letters.

I CANNOT PRAY

  I cannot pray, except I sin. I cannot preach, but I sin. I cannot administer, nor receive the holy sacrament, but I sin. My very repentance needs to be repented of and the tears I shed need washing in the blood of Christ.

~ William Beveridge

Don Green Adversity

  From Don Green.

At the recommendation of the incomparable Phil Johnson, last year I read an older biography of Charles Spurgeon by W. Y. Fullerton. It was superb and a privilege to read.

Spurgeon, as most know, was often opposed during the course of his ministry. As I prepare for an online session to encourage pastors and elders on February 10, I give you this quote from Spurgeon as a preview of coming attractions:

"If we never offended, it would be proof positive that we did not preach the Gospel. They who can please man will find it quite another thing to have pleased God. Do you suppose that men will love those who faithfully rebuke them? If you make the sinner's heart to groan, and waken his conscience, do you think he will pay you, court and thank you for it?"

My brothers, your adversity in ministry is a sign of approval and blessing, not a cause for discouragement and resignation. Better and more noble men than us have walked rocky paths in ministry, only to enter glory triumphantly (albeit with scarred feet) as a result. They would all tell you it was worth the cost.

So look up for grace and persevere below. You must. And by grace, you will stand, for Christ is able to make you stand.

So preach with all your heart tomorrow, and may the Lord send His blessing on the Word as you do. I, for one, am on your side.

"Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:3).

The Blood Cleanses

 That blood that hath cleansed so many from sin, and from such multitudes of sin, in their several capacities, can cleanse you from 𝘢𝘭𝘭 your sins, were they as great as all those jointly that have been cleansed by it from the beginning of the world.

—Stephen Charnock, 3:531