(Arthur Pink, "An Exposition of the Gospel of John")
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you!" John 15:18-19
"Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you!" 1 John 3:13
The professing Church has boasted that it would convert the world. To accomplish this aim, it has sought to "popularize" religion. Innumerable devices have been employed to attract the ungodly--many of which even a sense of propriety should have suppressed!
The result has been that the world has converted the professing Church!
But notwithstanding this, it still remains true that the world hates the true followers of the Lamb. And nowhere is this more plainly evident, than in those who belong to what we may term the religious world!
If you resolve that by Divine grace you will live godly in Christ Jesus--then know you that persecution must be your portion. And that persecution will come upon you not from atheists and infidels--but from those bearing the name of Christians. It will issue from those who still keep up a form (or semblance) of godliness, but who are strangers to its living power. It will come to you from empty professors whose compromising ways are condemned by your refusal to conform thereto; whose worldliness and carnality is rebuked by your spirituality.
Remember, it was the religious leaders who hounded the Savior to His death!
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
STEERED BY DIVINE PROVIDENCE
(Charles Spurgeon, "Esther Defeats her Enemies")
"In his heart a man plans his course--but the LORD determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9
"Many are the plans in a man's heart--but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21
"A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?" Proverbs 20:24
Do not judge divine providence in little pieces--it is a grand mosaic, and must be seen as a whole.
The Lord's wisdom is seen in arranging the smallest events so as to produce great results. We frequently hear people say of a pleasant or a great event, "What a providence! This is the finger of God!"--while they are silent as to anything which appears less important, or has an unpleasant savor.
But the place of the flower upon the hillside--is as fixed as the station of a king! And the dust which is raised by a cart-wheel--is as surely steered by divine providence as the planet in its orbit!
There is as much providence in the creeping of an insect upon a rose leaf--as in the marching of an army to ravage a continent!
Everything, the most minute, as well as the most magnificent--is ordered by the Lord who has prepared His throne in the heavens, whose kingdom rules over all.
Whatever the event may be, the attentive eye will as clearly see the Lord's providential hand.
I am sure that God is in the world, yes, and is at my own fireside, and in my chamber--and manages my affairs, and orders all things for me, and for each one of His redeemed children. We need no miracles to convince us of His working,the wonders of His providence are as great marvels as miracles themselves.
"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 8:28
"In his heart a man plans his course--but the LORD determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9
"Many are the plans in a man's heart--but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21
"A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?" Proverbs 20:24
Do not judge divine providence in little pieces--it is a grand mosaic, and must be seen as a whole.
The Lord's wisdom is seen in arranging the smallest events so as to produce great results. We frequently hear people say of a pleasant or a great event, "What a providence! This is the finger of God!"--while they are silent as to anything which appears less important, or has an unpleasant savor.
But the place of the flower upon the hillside--is as fixed as the station of a king! And the dust which is raised by a cart-wheel--is as surely steered by divine providence as the planet in its orbit!
There is as much providence in the creeping of an insect upon a rose leaf--as in the marching of an army to ravage a continent!
Everything, the most minute, as well as the most magnificent--is ordered by the Lord who has prepared His throne in the heavens, whose kingdom rules over all.
Whatever the event may be, the attentive eye will as clearly see the Lord's providential hand.
I am sure that God is in the world, yes, and is at my own fireside, and in my chamber--and manages my affairs, and orders all things for me, and for each one of His redeemed children. We need no miracles to convince us of His working,the wonders of His providence are as great marvels as miracles themselves.
"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 8:28
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
NO MIDDLE GROUND
God has no middle
ground. The Law of God has no middle
ground. Moses had no middle ground. Holiness and Purity has no middle ground. The supposed classification of: moral laws,
judicial laws, civil laws, ceremonial laws had no middle ground. Jesus did not live a life keeping only the
middle ground, but rather to complete perfection. The punishment of Christ on the cross was not the
Father's middle ground in justice or wrath. The command to not murder has no middle ground. The command to not commit adultery or
idolatry has no middle ground.
When you say, "We are not going to be legalists, nor antinomians, but follow the middle ground" then you have already lowered the bar and have already abandoned the Law of God. You cannot appeal to the law for a rule's existence and then appeal to a middle ground for the law's enforcement. This approach to the Christian life and church discipline will not work with Christians who murder, and it is not allowed for Christians who broke the Sabbath.
In church discipline it should be made public that, "This member was removed for murdering, or this member was removed for immorality due to breaking the Sabbath." However this seems unlikely to happen, which in my opinion is not above board. So what is occurring is that men are binding the consciences of others with a subjective rule which is not based on the Law of God, but on personal preference
When you say, "We are not going to be legalists, nor antinomians, but follow the middle ground" then you have already lowered the bar and have already abandoned the Law of God. You cannot appeal to the law for a rule's existence and then appeal to a middle ground for the law's enforcement. This approach to the Christian life and church discipline will not work with Christians who murder, and it is not allowed for Christians who broke the Sabbath.
In church discipline it should be made public that, "This member was removed for murdering, or this member was removed for immorality due to breaking the Sabbath." However this seems unlikely to happen, which in my opinion is not above board. So what is occurring is that men are binding the consciences of others with a subjective rule which is not based on the Law of God, but on personal preference
WITHOUT THE HEART
"Without the heart it is no worship. It is a stage play. It is an acting of a part without being that person, really. It is playing the hypocrite."
STEPEHEN CHARNOCK
Friday, May 22, 2015
EVANGELISM IS NOT ABOUT YOU
“The more evangelism is about you, the less you will evangelize." ~ Matt Chandler
Monday, May 11, 2015
FELLOWSHIP
The serious Christian, set down for the first time in a Christian community, is likely to bring with him a very definite idea of what Christian life together should be and to try to realize it. But God’s grace speedily shatters such dreams. Just as surely as God desires to lead us to a knowledge of genuine Christian fellowship, so surely must we be overwhelmed by a great disillusionment with others, with Christians in general, and, if we are fortunate, with ourselves. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together
Friday, May 1, 2015
Suffering Saints
(Jerome Zanchius, 1516-1590)
"And 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. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son!" Romans 8:28-29
The sovereignty of God is a comfort for suffering saints, acting to remove anxiety. How sweet must the following considerations be to a distressed believer!
1. There most certainly exists an almighty, all-wise and infinitely gracious God (Hebrews 11:6).
2. His love for His elect people is immutable; He never repents of it nor withdraws it (Jeremiah 31:3).
3. Whatever comes to pass in time, is the result of His sovereign will from everlasting (1 Corinthians 8:6).
4. Consequently my afflictions are a part of His sovereign will, and are all ordered in number, weight, and measure (Psalm 22:24).
5. The very hairs of my head (every one) are counted by Him; nor can a single hair fall to the ground but in consequence of His wise determination (Luke 12:7).
6. Hence my afflictions and distresses are not the result of chance, accident, or a fortuitous combination of circumstances (Psalm 56:8).
7. They are the providential accomplishment of God's eternal purpose (Romans 8:28), and are designed to answer some wise and gracious ends (James 5:10-11).
8. Nor shall my affliction continue a moment longer than God sees fit (2 Corinthians 7:6-7).
9. He who brought the affliction to me--has promised to support me under it and to carry me through it (Psalm 34:15-17).
10. All shall, most assuredly, work together for His glory and my good.
11. Therefore, "Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?" (John 18:11).
However keenly afflictions might wound us on their first access--yet, under the impression of such animating views, we should quickly come to ourselves again, and the arrows of affliction, would, in great measure lose their sharpness.
Christians need nothing but absolute resignation to God's wise and gracious Providence, to render them perfectly happy in every possible circumstance. And absolute resignation can only flow from an absolute belief of, and an absolute acquiescence in, God's absolute Providence, founded on His absolute predestination (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4).
"And 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. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son!" Romans 8:28-29
The sovereignty of God is a comfort for suffering saints, acting to remove anxiety. How sweet must the following considerations be to a distressed believer!
1. There most certainly exists an almighty, all-wise and infinitely gracious God (Hebrews 11:6).
2. His love for His elect people is immutable; He never repents of it nor withdraws it (Jeremiah 31:3).
3. Whatever comes to pass in time, is the result of His sovereign will from everlasting (1 Corinthians 8:6).
4. Consequently my afflictions are a part of His sovereign will, and are all ordered in number, weight, and measure (Psalm 22:24).
5. The very hairs of my head (every one) are counted by Him; nor can a single hair fall to the ground but in consequence of His wise determination (Luke 12:7).
6. Hence my afflictions and distresses are not the result of chance, accident, or a fortuitous combination of circumstances (Psalm 56:8).
7. They are the providential accomplishment of God's eternal purpose (Romans 8:28), and are designed to answer some wise and gracious ends (James 5:10-11).
8. Nor shall my affliction continue a moment longer than God sees fit (2 Corinthians 7:6-7).
9. He who brought the affliction to me--has promised to support me under it and to carry me through it (Psalm 34:15-17).
10. All shall, most assuredly, work together for His glory and my good.
11. Therefore, "Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?" (John 18:11).
However keenly afflictions might wound us on their first access--yet, under the impression of such animating views, we should quickly come to ourselves again, and the arrows of affliction, would, in great measure lose their sharpness.
Christians need nothing but absolute resignation to God's wise and gracious Providence, to render them perfectly happy in every possible circumstance. And absolute resignation can only flow from an absolute belief of, and an absolute acquiescence in, God's absolute Providence, founded on His absolute predestination (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4).
Thursday, March 26, 2015
CHRISTIAN LOVE
"Christian love... is compatible with the profoundest hatred of error, and the most zealous contending for the truth."
-J Gresham Machen
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
THE VALUE OF WISDOM
The transcendent excellency divine wisdom
(James Smith, "Food for Hungry Souls")
"For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.
Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.
She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly!"
Proverbs 3:14-18
See the transcendent excellency divine wisdom.
Men desire health--but bodily health is only for a time.
Divine wisdom gives perpetual health, both of body and soul.
Men desire wealth--but riches are not forever.
Divine wisdom gives unsearchable riches--enduring riches!
Men desire life--but human life is brief.
Divine wisdom gives everlasting life, and life in perfection and interminable blessedness.
Men desire honor--but earthly honor is fading.
Divine wisdom confers the highest honors, associating us in the nearest relation with God, who is the source of all real honor.
Men desire pleasure--but what does earthly pleasure amount to?
Divine wisdom leads . . .
to rivers of pleasure,
to oceans of joy,
to fountains of purest delight!
Men desire fame--but fame among sinners, is but a puff of noisy breath.
Divine wisdom makes us famous, if not on earth--in Heaven; if not in time--in eternity!
If therefore we would possess health and wealth;
if we would live forever, and live forever in honor;
if we would enjoy endless pleasure, and shine among God's worthies
--then we must get wisdom! It is transcendently excellent, for all the world would not purchase it--though God freely gives it! Nor would the possession of the whole world make up for the loss of it--if we neglect and despise it. Nor would a world, or ten thousand worlds, make a man half so happy!
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom!" Proverbs 4:7
(James Smith, "Food for Hungry Souls")
"For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.
Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.
She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly!"
Proverbs 3:14-18
See the transcendent excellency divine wisdom.
Men desire health--but bodily health is only for a time.
Divine wisdom gives perpetual health, both of body and soul.
Men desire wealth--but riches are not forever.
Divine wisdom gives unsearchable riches--enduring riches!
Men desire life--but human life is brief.
Divine wisdom gives everlasting life, and life in perfection and interminable blessedness.
Men desire honor--but earthly honor is fading.
Divine wisdom confers the highest honors, associating us in the nearest relation with God, who is the source of all real honor.
Men desire pleasure--but what does earthly pleasure amount to?
Divine wisdom leads . . .
to rivers of pleasure,
to oceans of joy,
to fountains of purest delight!
Men desire fame--but fame among sinners, is but a puff of noisy breath.
Divine wisdom makes us famous, if not on earth--in Heaven; if not in time--in eternity!
If therefore we would possess health and wealth;
if we would live forever, and live forever in honor;
if we would enjoy endless pleasure, and shine among God's worthies
--then we must get wisdom! It is transcendently excellent, for all the world would not purchase it--though God freely gives it! Nor would the possession of the whole world make up for the loss of it--if we neglect and despise it. Nor would a world, or ten thousand worlds, make a man half so happy!
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom!" Proverbs 4:7
Monday, March 9, 2015
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
Today I thought of this...If an olympic runner asked me, "How is your fitness training going?" and I replied, "Pretty slow and I can't understand why?" The runner asks, "How often are you jogging?" Then I reply, "Jogging? what do you mean?" And the runner elaborates, "You know, like jogging a mile or two every other day." Then I reply, "Oh yeah, I jogged a mile a year ago, so I have done that before, why should I have to do that again?"
In this way the thought hit me, "As Christians we have said, and have others said, 'Why read this chapter of the Bible again, I have read it before, like a year ago, everyone knows what Romans 8 says, right?" But in almost every hobby you can name...basketball, weight-lifiting, running, baseball, football, soccer, golf, etc, people know that have shot free throws before, and ran a mile before, and practiced their curveball or fastball or batting; they hit 30 balls with their 7 iron on the practice green."
So I encourage us to stay nourished with the Word of God. Continue to read Philippians even if you have read it 7x over the years, continue to read Jeremiah and Exodus, and the Proverbs; too many of us, namely me, are way out of shape spiritually. Sanctification is all of grace, and not of some empty routine of daily devotionals, but even so, God uses means, and He uses His Word and prayer to feed us and strength us. Don't rest in a head knowledge, press on until God burns it into you heart.
In this way the thought hit me, "As Christians we have said, and have others said, 'Why read this chapter of the Bible again, I have read it before, like a year ago, everyone knows what Romans 8 says, right?" But in almost every hobby you can name...basketball, weight-lifiting, running, baseball, football, soccer, golf, etc, people know that have shot free throws before, and ran a mile before, and practiced their curveball or fastball or batting; they hit 30 balls with their 7 iron on the practice green."
So I encourage us to stay nourished with the Word of God. Continue to read Philippians even if you have read it 7x over the years, continue to read Jeremiah and Exodus, and the Proverbs; too many of us, namely me, are way out of shape spiritually. Sanctification is all of grace, and not of some empty routine of daily devotionals, but even so, God uses means, and He uses His Word and prayer to feed us and strength us. Don't rest in a head knowledge, press on until God burns it into you heart.
Friday, March 6, 2015
Monday, March 2, 2015
ALL NEW
All things have become new!
(Thomas Reade)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
Our perceptions will be new. A divine light will break in upon our minds. The darkness of error, which obscured the truth from our view, will be dissipated.
Our principles will be new. We shall act from pure, holy, unselfish motives. Faith working by love will be the grand moving principle. Self will no longer be the pivot on which we turn--but Jesus will be our all in all.
Our practice will be new. We shall live no longer according to the sinful customs of the world, or the powerful solicitations of the flesh--but according to the holy precepts of the everlasting Gospel. We shall delight in the law of God after the inward man. It will be our food and drink to do the will of our Father.
Our plans will be new. We shall dedicate ourselves, and all we have and are, to the service of that divine Savior who loved us, and gave Himself for us. We shall not be daily occupied in forming plans for worldly pleasure, or projecting schemes for the acquisition of worldly profit; but in devising means for carrying on the cause of truth, and for spreading the knowledge of a crucified Redeemer throughout the earth.
Our prospects will be new. The darkness being past, and the true light now shining--we shall see the distant radiance of the heavenly Zion, and behold, with the telescopic eye of faith, the land which is very far off.
Our privileges will be new.
God will be our reconciled Father.
Jesus will be our Savior and friend.
The Holy Spirit will be our sanctifier and comforter.
And Heaven will be our eternal home!
God will be our reconciled Father.
Jesus will be our Savior and friend.
The Holy Spirit will be our sanctifier and comforter.
And Heaven will be our eternal home!
Our portion will be new. All those exceeding great and precious promises, will be ours. We shall be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ! We shall be the citizens of the New Jerusalem, and inherit that kingdom that is incorruptible and undefiled, prepared for all the new creatures in Christ Jesus, before the foundation of the world.
To sum up all this blessedness, we shall experience in this world a progression in holiness--and in the world to come, a perpetuity of bliss!
Sunday, February 22, 2015
ARE WE TOO POOR
Our closing hymn is posted below, with wonderful lyrics, that not only blessed me, but also convicted me.
Join all the glorious names
Of wisdom, love, and power,
That ever mortals knew,
That angels ever bore:
All are too poor to speak His worth,
Too poor to set my Savior forth.
The website gives all the original verses which are 12 in total, our hymnal only had 5 or 6. And as I love all the verses, I was especially blessed by this first verse, but oddly despite misreading them. Here is what I sang....
"are you too poor to speak His Worth, too poor to set my Savior forth"
And this convicted me greatly. Now yes, we are too poor to declare God's worth to the fullest; but the meaning I was using was, "Has God not blessed you and strengthened you enough that you will not speak His worth?" In Acts 3, the lame man had his legs restored, the strength restored, and he was leaping! If Peter had given him an apple, he might have been sincerely thankful, but still not strong enough to leap; If Peter had given him 3000 talents of silver then the man would have at least tried to leap, and yet not been strong enough to do so. In salvation Jesus has bore the justice and wrath of God on our behalf, Jesus has redeemed us and cleansed us; we have been adopted, loved, set free, and been made clean, partakers in heavenly places. In light of all that Christ has done for us and granted to us and secured for us, how would we respond to the hymn I misread..."are you too poor to speak His worth, too poor to set my Savior forth." The Queen of Sheba could not keep her amazement to her self, but behold, One greater than Solomon is here.
In a very weak illustration, what if a billionaire gave you a billion dollars and then afterwards said, "Meet me in the parking lot by your local gas station (mine is one-third of a mile away)" and I reply, "I can't get there it is too far, too hard, and I do not have the resources to get there." ??? God has given us His Word, His Son, His Spirit, His grace, and we beheld His glory; why aren't we serving Him and proclaiming Him and praising Him? Are you too poor? Has He not equipped you to do so? Is His equipping insufficient? Oh, how joyfully we should be leaping as well, we had lame legs that could not leap, and if you have been saved by the grace of God, dare not remained seated like a poor beggar; Leap, Serve, Obey, Praise God, Proclaim His Excellencies; Is your tongue lame still, that it cannot extol Him? Is your heart lame still, that it cannot love Him? Is your mind lame still, that it cannot declare Him.
Join all the glorious names
Of wisdom, love, and power,
That ever mortals knew,
That angels ever bore:
All are too poor to speak His worth,
Too poor to set my Savior forth.
The website gives all the original verses which are 12 in total, our hymnal only had 5 or 6. And as I love all the verses, I was especially blessed by this first verse, but oddly despite misreading them. Here is what I sang....
"are you too poor to speak His Worth, too poor to set my Savior forth"
And this convicted me greatly. Now yes, we are too poor to declare God's worth to the fullest; but the meaning I was using was, "Has God not blessed you and strengthened you enough that you will not speak His worth?" In Acts 3, the lame man had his legs restored, the strength restored, and he was leaping! If Peter had given him an apple, he might have been sincerely thankful, but still not strong enough to leap; If Peter had given him 3000 talents of silver then the man would have at least tried to leap, and yet not been strong enough to do so. In salvation Jesus has bore the justice and wrath of God on our behalf, Jesus has redeemed us and cleansed us; we have been adopted, loved, set free, and been made clean, partakers in heavenly places. In light of all that Christ has done for us and granted to us and secured for us, how would we respond to the hymn I misread..."are you too poor to speak His worth, too poor to set my Savior forth." The Queen of Sheba could not keep her amazement to her self, but behold, One greater than Solomon is here.
In a very weak illustration, what if a billionaire gave you a billion dollars and then afterwards said, "Meet me in the parking lot by your local gas station (mine is one-third of a mile away)" and I reply, "I can't get there it is too far, too hard, and I do not have the resources to get there." ??? God has given us His Word, His Son, His Spirit, His grace, and we beheld His glory; why aren't we serving Him and proclaiming Him and praising Him? Are you too poor? Has He not equipped you to do so? Is His equipping insufficient? Oh, how joyfully we should be leaping as well, we had lame legs that could not leap, and if you have been saved by the grace of God, dare not remained seated like a poor beggar; Leap, Serve, Obey, Praise God, Proclaim His Excellencies; Is your tongue lame still, that it cannot extol Him? Is your heart lame still, that it cannot love Him? Is your mind lame still, that it cannot declare Him.
Monday, February 16, 2015
DYLAN SONG - SAVED
I was blinded by the devil
Born already ruined
Stone-cold dead
As I stepped out of the womb
By His grace I have been touched
By His word I have been healed
By His hand I have been delivered
By His spirit I Have been sealed.
I've been saved
By the blood of the lamb
Saved
By the blood of the lamb
Saved
Saved
And I'm so glad
Yes, I'm so glad
I'm so glad
So glad
I want to thank you, Lord
I just want to thank You Lord
Thank You Lord.
Born already ruined
Stone-cold dead
As I stepped out of the womb
By His grace I have been touched
By His word I have been healed
By His hand I have been delivered
By His spirit I Have been sealed.
I've been saved
By the blood of the lamb
Saved
By the blood of the lamb
Saved
Saved
And I'm so glad
Yes, I'm so glad
I'm so glad
So glad
I want to thank you, Lord
I just want to thank You Lord
Thank You Lord.
WHEN HE RETURNS
"When He Returns"
The iron hand it ain't no match for the iron rod
The strongest wall will crumble and fall to a mighty God
For all those who have eyes and all those who have ears
It is only He who can reduce me to tears
Don't you cry and don't you die and don't you burn
Like a thief in the night, he'll replace wrong with right
When he returns.
Truth is an arrow and the gate is narrow that is passes through
He unreleased His power at an unknown hour that no one knew
How long can I listen to the lies of prejudice ?
How long can I stay drunk on fear out in the wilderness ?
Can I cast it aside, all this loyalty and this pride ?
Will I ever learn that there'll be no peace, that the war won't cease
Until He returns ?
Surrender your crown on this blood-stained ground, take off your mask
He sees your deeds, He knows your needs even before you ask
How long can you falsily and deny what is real ?
How long can you hate yourself for the weakness you conceal ?
Of every earthly plan that be known to man, He is unconcerned
He's got plans of his own to set up His throne
When He return.
The strongest wall will crumble and fall to a mighty God
For all those who have eyes and all those who have ears
It is only He who can reduce me to tears
Don't you cry and don't you die and don't you burn
Like a thief in the night, he'll replace wrong with right
When he returns.
Truth is an arrow and the gate is narrow that is passes through
He unreleased His power at an unknown hour that no one knew
How long can I listen to the lies of prejudice ?
How long can I stay drunk on fear out in the wilderness ?
Can I cast it aside, all this loyalty and this pride ?
Will I ever learn that there'll be no peace, that the war won't cease
Until He returns ?
Surrender your crown on this blood-stained ground, take off your mask
He sees your deeds, He knows your needs even before you ask
How long can you falsily and deny what is real ?
How long can you hate yourself for the weakness you conceal ?
Of every earthly plan that be known to man, He is unconcerned
He's got plans of his own to set up His throne
When He return.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
THEY SHALL HAVE IT
(Richard Sibbes, 1577-1635)
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28
Whatever is truly good for God's children--they shall have it, for all is theirs to further them to Heaven. Therefore . . .
if poverty is good for them--they shall have it;
if disgrace is good for them--they shall have it;
if crosses are good for them--they shall have them;
if misery is good for them--they shall have it;
for God makes all things work together for the good of His redeemed people.
God takes a safe course with His children--that they may not be condemned with the world.
He permits the world to condemn them--that they may not love the world.
The world hates them--that they may not love the world.
That they may be crucified to it--the world is to be crucified to them.
Because He will not allow them to perish with the world--He sends them afflictions in and by the world. Therefore they meet with suchcrosses and abuses and wrongs in the world.
God afflicts us outwardly--that we may be more humble inwardly.
He humbles us and makes us poor--that we may be more poor in spirit.
When God designs to humble us--we should labor through grace to abase ourselves and mortify pride.
God's providence is often mysterious--yet He is just and righteous in all that He does. Therefore when any difficult thing befalls us for which we can see no reason, yet we must reverence the Lord and adore His counsels and submit to Him who is infinitely more good and wise than we.
Glory follows afflictions--as the spring follows the winter. For the winter prepares the earth for the spring--so do sanctified afflictions prepare the soul for glory.
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28
Whatever is truly good for God's children--they shall have it, for all is theirs to further them to Heaven. Therefore . . .
if poverty is good for them--they shall have it;
if disgrace is good for them--they shall have it;
if crosses are good for them--they shall have them;
if misery is good for them--they shall have it;
for God makes all things work together for the good of His redeemed people.
God takes a safe course with His children--that they may not be condemned with the world.
He permits the world to condemn them--that they may not love the world.
The world hates them--that they may not love the world.
That they may be crucified to it--the world is to be crucified to them.
Because He will not allow them to perish with the world--He sends them afflictions in and by the world. Therefore they meet with suchcrosses and abuses and wrongs in the world.
God afflicts us outwardly--that we may be more humble inwardly.
He humbles us and makes us poor--that we may be more poor in spirit.
When God designs to humble us--we should labor through grace to abase ourselves and mortify pride.
God's providence is often mysterious--yet He is just and righteous in all that He does. Therefore when any difficult thing befalls us for which we can see no reason, yet we must reverence the Lord and adore His counsels and submit to Him who is infinitely more good and wise than we.
Glory follows afflictions--as the spring follows the winter. For the winter prepares the earth for the spring--so do sanctified afflictions prepare the soul for glory.
LOVE IS
LOVE IS... being willing to have your life complicated by the needs and struggles of others without impatience or anger.
LOVE IS... actively fighting the temptation to be critical and judgmental toward another while looking for ways to encourage and praise.
LOVE IS... making a daily commitment to resist the needless moments of conflict that come from pointing out and responding to minor offenses.
LOVE IS... being lovingly honest and humbly approachable in times of misunderstanding.
LOVE IS... being more committed to unity and understanding than you are to winning, accusing, or being right.
LOVE IS... a making a daily commitment to admit your sin, weakness, and failure and to resist the temptation to offer an excuse or shift the blame.
LOVE IS... being willing, when confronted by another, to examine your heart rather than rising to your defense or shifting the focus.
LOVE IS... making a daily commitment to grow in love so that the love you offer to another is increasingly selfless, mature, and patient.
LOVE IS... being unwilling to do what is wrong when you have been wronged, but looking for concrete and specific ways to overcome evil with good.
LOVE IS... being a good student of another, looking for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs so that in some way you can remove the burden, support them as they carry it, or encourage them along the way.
LOVE IS... being willing to invest the time necessary to discuss, examine, and understand the relational problems you face, staying on task until the problem is removed or you have agreed upon a strategy of response.
LOVE IS... being willing to always ask for forgiveness and always being committed to grant forgiveness when it is requested.
LOVE IS... recognizing the high value of trust in a relationship and being faithful to your promises and true to your word.
LOVE IS... speaking kindly and gently, even in moments of disagreement, refusing to attack the other person's character or assault their intelligence.
LOVE IS... being unwilling to flatter, lie, manipulate, or deceive in any way in order to coerce the other person into giving you what you want or doing something your way.
LOVE IS... the willingness to have less free time, less sleep, and a busier schedule in order to be faithful to what God has called you to be and to do as a spouse, parent, neighbor, etc.
LOVE IS... a commitment to say no to selfish instincts and to do everything that is within your ability to promote real unity, functional understanding, and active love in your relationships.
LOVE IS... staying faithful to your commitment to treat another with appreciation, respect, and grace, even in moments when the other person doesn't seem deserving or is unwilling to reciprocate.
LOVE IS... the willingness to make regular and costly sacrifices for the sake of a relationship without asking for anything in return or using your sacrifices to place the other person in your debt.
LOVE IS... being unwilling to make any personal decision or choice that would harm a relationship, hurt the other person, or weaken the bond of trust between you.
LOVE IS... refusing to be self-focused or demanding, but instead looking for specific ways to serve, support, and encourage, even when you are busy or tired.
LOVE IS... daily admitting to yourself, the other person, and God that you are unable to be driven by a cruciform love without God's protecting, providing, forgiving, rescuing, and delivering grace. [By Paul Tripp. The above resource is from Paul Tripp Ministries. For additional resources, visit www.paultripp.com. Used with permission.]
LOVE IS... actively fighting the temptation to be critical and judgmental toward another while looking for ways to encourage and praise.
LOVE IS... making a daily commitment to resist the needless moments of conflict that come from pointing out and responding to minor offenses.
LOVE IS... being lovingly honest and humbly approachable in times of misunderstanding.
LOVE IS... being more committed to unity and understanding than you are to winning, accusing, or being right.
LOVE IS... a making a daily commitment to admit your sin, weakness, and failure and to resist the temptation to offer an excuse or shift the blame.
LOVE IS... being willing, when confronted by another, to examine your heart rather than rising to your defense or shifting the focus.
LOVE IS... making a daily commitment to grow in love so that the love you offer to another is increasingly selfless, mature, and patient.
LOVE IS... being unwilling to do what is wrong when you have been wronged, but looking for concrete and specific ways to overcome evil with good.
LOVE IS... being a good student of another, looking for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs so that in some way you can remove the burden, support them as they carry it, or encourage them along the way.
LOVE IS... being willing to invest the time necessary to discuss, examine, and understand the relational problems you face, staying on task until the problem is removed or you have agreed upon a strategy of response.
LOVE IS... being willing to always ask for forgiveness and always being committed to grant forgiveness when it is requested.
LOVE IS... recognizing the high value of trust in a relationship and being faithful to your promises and true to your word.
LOVE IS... speaking kindly and gently, even in moments of disagreement, refusing to attack the other person's character or assault their intelligence.
LOVE IS... being unwilling to flatter, lie, manipulate, or deceive in any way in order to coerce the other person into giving you what you want or doing something your way.
LOVE IS... the willingness to have less free time, less sleep, and a busier schedule in order to be faithful to what God has called you to be and to do as a spouse, parent, neighbor, etc.
LOVE IS... a commitment to say no to selfish instincts and to do everything that is within your ability to promote real unity, functional understanding, and active love in your relationships.
LOVE IS... staying faithful to your commitment to treat another with appreciation, respect, and grace, even in moments when the other person doesn't seem deserving or is unwilling to reciprocate.
LOVE IS... the willingness to make regular and costly sacrifices for the sake of a relationship without asking for anything in return or using your sacrifices to place the other person in your debt.
LOVE IS... being unwilling to make any personal decision or choice that would harm a relationship, hurt the other person, or weaken the bond of trust between you.
LOVE IS... refusing to be self-focused or demanding, but instead looking for specific ways to serve, support, and encourage, even when you are busy or tired.
LOVE IS... daily admitting to yourself, the other person, and God that you are unable to be driven by a cruciform love without God's protecting, providing, forgiving, rescuing, and delivering grace. [By Paul Tripp. The above resource is from Paul Tripp Ministries. For additional resources, visit www.paultripp.com. Used with permission.]
Thursday, February 12, 2015
DANGERS OF ENTERTAINMENT
This is a painful note, and requires proper discernment, even so, may it bring us to seek God in Scripture and prayer.///
It is difficult to distinguish him from the unconverted man!
(A.W. Tozer)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind!" Romans 12:2
For centuries the Church has stood solidly against worldly entertainment, recognizing it for what it was:
a device for wasting time,
a refuge from the disturbing voice of conscience,
a scheme to divert attention from moral accountability.
For this she got herself abused roundly by the ungodly. But of late she has become tired of the abuse, and has given up the struggle. She appears to have decided that if she cannot conquer the great god 'Entertainment' she may as well join forces with him and make what use she can of his powers.
The average church member lives a life so worldly and careless, that it is difficult to distinguish him from the unconverted man!
"The world had absorbed the Church, and the church is content that it should be so!" Horatius Bonar
THY WAY NOT MINE
"There is much that passes for real faith, which is no faith." ~ Octavius Winslow (1808-1878)
"Thy way, not mine, O Lord, however dark it be, lead me by thine own hand, choose out the path for me." ~ Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)
INWARD GRACES
"Keep down thy vain heart by this consideration, that God values no man by outward excellencies, but by inward graces." ~ John Flavel (1627-1691)
SEEN BY CHRIST
"A sincere heart loves to do much for Christ, and not to be seen by any but Christ." --- Thomas Brooks
LOOSE HAND
"Hold everything earthly with a loose hand, but grasp eternal things with a death-like grip." ~ Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Ezekiel
Ezekiel 48:35 It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there.
Ezekiel 44:28 And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession.
Ezekiel 44:28 And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession.
WINTER PREPARES
The winter prepares the earth for spring, so do afflictions sanctified prepare the soul for glory. -- Richard Sibbes.
Monday, February 9, 2015
GIVE HIM ALL THE GLORY
: "If Christ has visited your soul, give Him all the glory. The only reason you are saved is the sovereign compassion of Jesus."
...
"My only safety is to know, feel and confess my helplessness, that I may hang upon the arm of Omnipotence." - M'Cheyne.
...
"My only safety is to know, feel and confess my helplessness, that I may hang upon the arm of Omnipotence." - M'Cheyne.
Why do you love the World?
: "What has the world done for you, that you love it so much? Did the world die for you? Will the world blot out your sins?" - M'Cheyne.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
CRYING WILL BE HEARD NO MORE
"The sound of weeping and crying will be heard no more!" Isaiah 65:19
The glorified weep no more--because all causes of grief are gone!
There are no broken friendships, nor blighted prospects in Heaven.
Poverty, famine, peril, persecution and slander--are unknown there.
No pain distresses, and no thought of death or bereavement saddens.
There are no broken friendships, nor blighted prospects in Heaven.
Poverty, famine, peril, persecution and slander--are unknown there.
No pain distresses, and no thought of death or bereavement saddens.
They weep no more--because they all are perfectly sanctified!
No "evil heart of unbelief" prompts them to depart from the living God.
They are without fault before His throne, and are fully conformed to His image!
Well may they cease to mourn--who have ceased to sin!
No "evil heart of unbelief" prompts them to depart from the living God.
They are without fault before His throne, and are fully conformed to His image!
Well may they cease to mourn--who have ceased to sin!
They weep no more--because all fear of change is past!
They know that they are eternally secure!
Sin is shut out--and they are shut in!
They dwell within a city which shall never be stormed!
They bask in a sun which shall never set!
They drink of a river which shall never run dry!
They pluck fruit from a tree which shall never wither!
They know that they are eternally secure!
Sin is shut out--and they are shut in!
They dwell within a city which shall never be stormed!
They bask in a sun which shall never set!
They drink of a river which shall never run dry!
They pluck fruit from a tree which shall never wither!
Countless cycles may revolve--but eternity shall not be exhausted; and while eternity endures, their immortality and blessedness shall co-exist with it. They are forever with the Lord!
They weep no more--because every desire is fulfilled!
They cannot wish for anything--which they don't already have in full possession.
Eye and ear,
heart and hand,
mind and imagination,
desire and affection,
all the faculties--
are completely satisfied!
They cannot wish for anything--which they don't already have in full possession.
Eye and ear,
heart and hand,
mind and imagination,
desire and affection,
all the faculties--
are completely satisfied!
As imperfect as our present ideas are of the things which God has prepared for those who love Him--yet we know enough, by the revelation of the Spirit, that the glorified saints are supremely blessed.
The joy of Christ, which is an infinite fullness of delight, is in them.
They bathe forever in the bottomless, shoreless sea of infinite blessedness!
The joy of Christ, which is an infinite fullness of delight, is in them.
They bathe forever in the bottomless, shoreless sea of infinite blessedness!
That same joyful rest remains for us! It may not be far distant. Before long, the weeping willow shall be exchanged for the palm-branch of victory! Sorrow's dewdrops will be transformed into the pearls of everlasting bliss!
"The sound of weeping and crying will be heard no more!"
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!" Revelation 21:4
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!" Revelation 21:4
"Therefore comfort one another with these words."
Sunday, February 1, 2015
"I know their sorrows!" Exodus 3:7
(Ashton Oxenden, "The Blessings and Trials of Sickness" 1863)
"I know their sorrows!" Exodus 3:7
Thank God for this! I have often said within myself, "No one knows my sorrows--no one can tell what I suffer!" But now I hear, as it were, a voice from Heaven, saying to me, "I know your sorrows!"
It is my heavenly Father who speaks these words. He measures out every sorrow to me. There is not one too many. There is not one heavier, or sharper, than is needful. Neither am I called upon to bear them one day longer than is good for me.
No matter what my sorrow is; whether it arises from pain of body or anguish of heart--it is the cross that my Father has laid upon me, and I will cheerfully bear it. I will kiss the hand that smites me, for it is my heavenly Father's hand!
It is no small comfort to feel that the Lord "knows our sorrows." Therefore we may be quite sure He will not lay upon us more than we can bear. As the refiner of silver carefully watches the metal while it is in the hot furnace--so does Jesus watch over His suffering people. There is no trial too small, and no pang too hidden--for His eye to reach, and His heart to pity. He feels for them, and tenderly loves them.
Oh, welcome sorrow! welcome suffering--if it only weans me from this treacherous world, and drives me to my Savior's arms!
"I know their sorrows!" Exodus 3:7
Thank God for this! I have often said within myself, "No one knows my sorrows--no one can tell what I suffer!" But now I hear, as it were, a voice from Heaven, saying to me, "I know your sorrows!"
It is my heavenly Father who speaks these words. He measures out every sorrow to me. There is not one too many. There is not one heavier, or sharper, than is needful. Neither am I called upon to bear them one day longer than is good for me.
No matter what my sorrow is; whether it arises from pain of body or anguish of heart--it is the cross that my Father has laid upon me, and I will cheerfully bear it. I will kiss the hand that smites me, for it is my heavenly Father's hand!
It is no small comfort to feel that the Lord "knows our sorrows." Therefore we may be quite sure He will not lay upon us more than we can bear. As the refiner of silver carefully watches the metal while it is in the hot furnace--so does Jesus watch over His suffering people. There is no trial too small, and no pang too hidden--for His eye to reach, and His heart to pity. He feels for them, and tenderly loves them.
Oh, welcome sorrow! welcome suffering--if it only weans me from this treacherous world, and drives me to my Savior's arms!
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Quotes for the Day
Justification is through faith, not on account of faith.
Author: B.B. Warfield
Set no time to the Lord the creator of time, for His time is always best.--Samuel Rutherford
"Faith is not our savior. It was not faith that was born at Bethlehem and died on Golgotha for us. It was not faith that loved us, and gave itself for us; that bore our sins in its own body on the tree; that died and rose again for our sins. Faith is one thing, the Savior is another. Faith is one thing, and the cross is another. Let us not confound them, nor ascribe to a poor, imperfect act of man, that which belongs exclusively to the Son of the Living God. Our security is this, that it matters not how poor or weak our faith may be: if it touches the perfect One, all is well. God has asked and provided a perfect righteousness; He nowhere asks nor expects a perfect faith. So a feeble, very feeble faith, will connect us with the righteousness of the Son of God; the faith, perhaps, that can only cry, ‘Lord, I believe; help mine unbelief.’" - Horatius Bonar
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