In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding trusted friends to open up to and seek support from during difficult times. He uses the example of Jesus choosing Peter and the sons of Zebedee to be with him in his moment of sorrow. Jesus also opens his soul to them, confessing his deep sorrow. The speaker encourages listeners to ask for help in spiritual warfare, to fight against the temptations and attacks of the enemy. Lastly, he highlights the importance of pouring out one's soul to the Father and finding rest in the sovereignty of God's wisdom, trusting that every trial and struggle leads to a glorious outcome.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as believers, we should not be burdened by excessive serving or suffering. Our surroundings should not have control over us, but rather, we should have control over them. Through Christ's love, we are called to be more than conquerors in all things. The preacher encourages the audience not to depart from Christ because of any circumstances or challenges they may face. He reminds them that many others have faced difficult circumstances and yet remained steadfast in their faith. The strength that was given to those who came before us is also available to us. The preacher addresses the concerns of the audience, assuring them that no matter where they live or what they endure, they can still remain close to Christ. He emphasizes that being busy and engaged in work is not a disadvantage, as Satan is often far from those who are occupied. Even in the most arduous of tasks, we can find rest and strength in drawing near to the Lord. The preacher also addresses the issue of wealth, acknowledging that it can often lead people away from Christ. However, he reminds the few wealthy saints that they too can remain close to Christ and that riches do not have to hinder their relationship with Him. He encourages them to not let the responsibilities and burdens of wealth distract them from their fellowship with the Lord. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith regardless of our circumstances, and the availability of God's strength and grace to help us overcome any challenges we may face.

This sermon emphasizes three key points: Without Christ, we can do nothing of eternal value, highlighting the importance of humility and dependence on God. With Christ, we can do everything within God's will for our lives, focusing on faith and boldness in accomplishing God's purposes. Lastly, it stresses the need to be merciful to others as God has been merciful to us, encouraging compassion and understanding towards those who have fallen.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of perceiving and tasting the presence of God in our lives. He encourages the audience to draw nearer to God, as He will draw nearer to them. The preacher uses the analogy of a sumptuous feast to describe the blessings and goodness of God. He urges the audience to have an "Oliver Twist Spirit" and boldly ask God for more of His goodness. The sermon is based on Psalm 34:8, which encourages believers to taste and see that the Lord is good.

Octavius Winslow emphasizes that the Lord is our true portion, contrasting the earthly possessions that can distract us from our spiritual inheritance. He reflects on the Levites, who were set apart by God, illustrating that believers are called to relinquish worldly attachments in favor of a deeper relationship with Christ. Winslow encourages believers to recognize the all-sufficiency of God as their portion, highlighting His infinite love, grace, and presence in their lives. He reminds us that our hope should be anchored in the Lord, who provides for our needs and prepares a heavenly inheritance for us. Ultimately, the sermon calls us to embrace our identity as God's people and to find satisfaction in Him alone.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the insignificance of worldly possessions and nations in comparison to the greatness of God, illustrating that all earthly achievements are merely drops in a bucket when weighed against the divine portion that belongs to believers. He uses the analogy of Alcibiades and Socrates to highlight the futility of pride in material wealth, reminding us that even the most expansive lands are but tiny specks in the grand scheme of creation. Brooks encourages the congregation to grasp the immeasurable value of their relationship with God, which far surpasses any earthly treasure, and to find hope and fulfillment in Him alone.

Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the urgency of seeking the kingdom of heaven, drawing from Paul's example of striving for spiritual assurance and discipline even after conversion. He warns of the dire consequences of being a 'castaway,' highlighting the mental agonies of hell, where the unrepentant will be eternally separated from God's presence, favor, and blessings. M'Cheyne illustrates that the wicked will face not only the absence of joy and comfort but also the torment of their own memories and conscience. He urges both believers to remain vigilant in their faith and the ungodly to turn to Christ before it is too late, reminding them of the love of Christ who bore the weight of being a castaway for their salvation.

J.R. Miller emphasizes the distinction between the outer and inner life of a person, explaining that while the outer man may suffer and decay, the inner man remains untouched and immortal. He draws from Paul's teachings to illustrate that true life is found in the spiritual renewal that occurs daily, regardless of physical hardships or failures. Miller encourages believers to view their struggles, including sickness and aging, as opportunities for growth in their inner life, which can flourish even amidst adversity. He concludes that death is not an end but a transition to a fuller existence, reinforcing the idea that the inner life is eternal and ever-renewing.

Anne Dutton preaches about the unchangeable love and guidance of God, encouraging believers not to be discouraged by the difficulties of life's journey. She reminds them that God leads His people through the wilderness of life to their eternal rest by a path ordained for their ultimate good and His glory. Dutton assures that even in old age, God will continue to carry and deliver His children, providing strength, refuge, and companionship through every trial and tribulation.

Whitmore Winslow, in his journal entries, reflects on the repulsive nature of the world that lacks true happiness and ensnares individuals with false pleasures. He emphasizes the conflict between the powers of love and deceit in the world, urging Christians to guard their heavenly mindedness. Winslow finds solace in Christ's unchanging love, encouraging believers to anticipate a blissful eternity despite worldly trials. He acknowledges the transient and deceptive nature of worldly pleasures, highlighting the importance of fixing one's gaze on Jesus for true happiness.

James Smith preaches on the privilege of having God as our portion, emphasizing that while others may boast of their possessions and wealth which are limited and temporary, as Christians, we can claim God Himself as our portion, encompassing all His greatness and goodness. This portion is immense, including all the attributes, perfections, and power of God, with nothing good withheld from us. The sermon delves into how this privilege is acquired through the new birth, donation from God, and our choice to make God our portion, leading to a deep desire, seeking, and finally obtaining God as our portion.

Octavius Winslow emphasizes that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment and essence of all aspects of life, stating that He is 'all and in all.' He reflects on how Christ encompasses creation, redemption, and the entirety of the believer's experience, from joy to sorrow. Winslow encourages believers to recognize that every part of their lives is infused with Christ's presence and sufficiency, assuring them that He is their portion in every circumstance. He concludes with a powerful reminder that in times of loss or transition, Christ remains the constant source of strength and hope, ultimately being the all-sufficient Savior in both life and eternity.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God is the ultimate and everlasting portion for a Christian, highlighting that while one may lose everything else in life, they can never lose their relationship with God. He asserts that true happiness and security come from having God as one's portion, and that material wealth or status cannot provide lasting fulfillment. Brooks encourages believers to ensure that God is their portion, as this is the only source of true joy and hope in life.

Samuel Rutherford, in a letter to a friend, reflects on his suffering for the truth and his unwavering commitment to serving God, even in the face of persecution and loss. He expresses his deep longing to be fully devoted to Christ, despite feeling inadequate and sinful. Rutherford finds comfort in the midst of his trials, recognizing that Christ is refining his love and breaking down his idols. He acknowledges his struggles with guilt, the state of the church, and his yearning for Christ's glory to be revealed. Despite feeling abandoned at times, Rutherford's faith remains steadfast, desiring to love Christ above all else.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound comfort found in recognizing our personal relationship with God, declaring that the word 'mine' is the sweetest and most comforting. He illustrates how knowing God as our own brings joy and delight, transforming every experience into a source of pleasure, even amidst trials. Brooks encourages believers to reflect on their ownership of God, which enriches their lives and provides strength, guidance, and support. This understanding turns bitterness into sweetness and burdens into lightness, making God the ultimate source of comfort and joy. Ultimately, he portrays the relationship with God as invaluable, likening it to treasures and comforts that sustain us through life's challenges.

David Wilkerson addresses the dangerous resentment many Christians harbor against God, stemming from unmet expectations and unanswered prayers. He shares the story of David Flood, a missionary who, after suffering great loss and disappointment, turned bitter towards God, believing his sacrifices were in vain. Wilkerson emphasizes that such anger can lead to spiritual desolation, as seen in the lives of many believers and ministers who feel abandoned by God. He encourages those struggling with bitterness to seek healing and restoration, reminding them that God has a purpose for their pain and will reward their faithfulness. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and the importance of releasing anger to experience God's grace.

Andrew Murray emphasizes that the ruin of sin is countered by Christ's mission to restore our relationship with God, allowing Him to dwell within us as intended from creation. He explains that the Holy Spirit brings God's presence into our hearts, enabling us to experience a life filled with His fullness. Murray highlights biblical affirmations of God's abiding presence and encourages believers to recognize that God is meant to be their ultimate joy and life. The struggle to feel God's nearness stems from not understanding that He is all we need. Ultimately, we are created to have God as our portion and source of fulfillment.

James Bourne reflects on the importance of living a life dedicated to God, emphasizing the need to be vigilant in following the Spirit's guidance and maintaining communion with God. He highlights the contrast between the destruction away from God's presence and the everlasting life promised to those who walk in friendship with God. Bourne urges believers to be tender and obedient, recognizing God as a consuming fire that refines and purifies those who belong to Him. He concludes with a reflection on mortality, expressing a readiness to spend his last hours in communion with God and repentance.

William Gadsby preaches about the necessity of having the 'sentence of death' in ourselves to prevent self-trust and instead trust in God who raises the dead. He emphasizes the importance of going through tribulations and conflicts to lead us to fully rely on God's grace and mercy. Gadsby shares personal experiences of struggling with self-trust and the need to surrender to God's will, even when faced with trials and afflictions. He highlights the journey of weaning from self-reliance to complete trust in God for comfort, salvation, and endurance through sufferings.

J.R. Miller emphasizes the duty of being strong, asserting that strength is a moral obligation rather than a mere gift. He acknowledges human weakness but insists that God empowers us to overcome our struggles, urging believers to seek strength through faith and divine connection. Miller illustrates that strength can be found in scripture, through the support of friends, and ultimately through a personal relationship with Christ, who imparts His strength to us. He encourages a mindset that views obstacles as opportunities for growth, reinforcing that true strength comes from trusting in God and living in fellowship with Him. The sermon concludes with the powerful reminder that in our weakness, we can find strength through God's grace.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes God's promise to strengthen, help, and uphold us in our times of need. He explains that God first strengthens us individually, then adds His strength to ours, and finally upholds us completely when we are at our weakest. This paradox reveals that true strength comes from acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on God's grace. Simpson encourages believers to embrace their infirmities, as it is in our weakness that Christ's power is made perfect. Ultimately, God's grace is sufficient for all who trust in Him.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound truth of relying on God's strength rather than our own, as illustrated by Paul's experience of drawing life from Christ, who overcame death. He highlights the significance of being members of Christ's body, which serves as a source of divine strength and vitality. Simpson encourages believers to recognize the body as a vessel for the Lord, embodying the promise of resurrection and eternal life. He challenges the congregation to embrace this supernatural secret and live out the life of Christ in their own flesh. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's sustaining power in our lives.

James Bourne preaches on the importance of walking with Christ as we first received Him, emphasizing the need to maintain a fervent spirit and constant communion with Jesus. He warns against losing our first love and becoming indifferent towards Christ and His teachings, urging believers to guard against spiritual decay and seek to keep their conscience blameless. Bourne encourages the congregation to hold fast to the truths of God, maintain a strong faith, and diligently use the means appointed by God for spiritual nourishment and growth.

David Wilkerson emphasizes the struggles of Asaph, who felt his righteous efforts were in vain as he compared his suffering to the ease of the wicked. In his despair, Asaph questioned God's concern and considered giving up, but through prayer and seeking God, he gained understanding of the true state of the wicked. Ultimately, Asaph realized that while he faced trials, he was not alone; God was his strength and protector. This sermon encourages believers to turn to God in times of grief and confusion, reminding them that God watches over them.

J.R. Miller emphasizes the distinction between our inner and outer lives, asserting that while our physical bodies may decay, our inner selves can be renewed daily through faith in Christ. He illustrates that true strength and vitality come from the spirit, which remains unaffected by physical ailments or aging. Miller encourages believers to find hope and beauty in their inner lives, especially during times of suffering or old age, reminding them that their ultimate home is in heaven. He concludes that the challenges of life should not diminish our joy or purpose, but rather enhance our spiritual growth and connection with God.