Treasures from James Smith 5 (excerpts)1
"My meditation of Him shall be sweet!" Psalms 104:34
The Lord Jesus is the subject of my meditations. Not a day passes but my thoughts are occupied with Him. Forget whom I may—I never forget Him.
My meditation of Jesus is sweet! I think of Him upon my bed, and meditate on Him through the watches of the night.
Jesus is the solace and joy of my soul. When all is dark within me, when all is dreary around me, when all is discouraging before me—He fills me full of joy with His countenance. One look from His eye, one word from His lips, one breath breathed on my soul—relieves, restores, and makes me happy.
He is the river of pleasure—in which I sometimes bathe! He is the Eden of delights—in which I sometimes walk!
Take away Jesus—and my soul droops, desponds, and dies! Give me Jesus—and the enjoyment of His presence, and I can do without any other heaven!
He is the joy of my brightest days, and my solace in my dreariest nights!
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"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me." Psalms 25:4-5
SIN is our daily burden.
HOLINESS is our constant pursuit.
The FEAR of God is placed as sentinel of the soul, to watch the approach of the enemy.
GODLY SORROW is appointed the messenger to carry confessions, petitions, and desires to the throne of grace.
ZEAL is armed with a sword to cut off the sinful right hand, or pluck out the sinning right eye.
HOPE is placed on the watchtower to look out for the coming of the Lord—when sin shall expire in His presence, and holiness be perfected in the rays of His glory.
FAITH is engaged to work for God and man, having . . .the promises for its support,
the precepts for its guide, and love for its handmaid.
PATIENCE is appointed to keep all quiet and calm within—let the burden ever so heavy, and the trial ever so severe. Patience will call submission and resignation into active employment, if fretfulness, murmuring, or dissatisfaction should attempt to stir.
PEACE is placed as a garrison, to keep the heart and mind from anxiety, foreboding, and fault-finding with the Lord’s dealings.
JOY is directed to run backwards and forwards to the wells of salvation, to supply the soul with the reviving, invigorating, and strengthening waters of life! Thus evil is prevented, good is secured, God is glorified, Satan is foiled, and the soul is saved!
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"This is what the Lord Almighty says: Consider your ways!"Haggai 1:7
God commands you to consider—and you cannot neglect to do so, but you sin. Your circumstances require it of you—and you cannot neglect to do so, but you must be losers thereby. God complains, "My people do not consider!"
Inconsideration has ruined thousands—and will ruin thousands more. But shall it ruin you? It will—if you give way to it. Let me entreat you to do so no longer.
Consider that you are immortal—and must live forever. Your BODY will die—and perhaps soon. But not so your SOUL—it never dies. Death changes its place—but not its nature.
Heaven—or Hell, happiness—or misery, always follows upon death!
Surely an immortal being ought to consider:
Where shall I be after death?
What shall I be?
Among whom shall I have my eternal portion?
Is it rational to confine our attention to the present time, and the present world—when time bears no comparison to eternity; and our stay in this present world must be brief?
Consider that you are a sinner. You have broken God’s law. You have incurred God’s displeasure. You are condemned by God’s Word. You deserve God’s wrath. Your heart is alienated from God. You act in opposition to God. You lie absolutely at God’s mercy—and at any moment He could cut you down, and send you to Hell. You have no right to expect anything but justice at His hands! And if He dealt with you after your sins, and rewarded you according to your iniquities—your doom would be indescribably dreadful!
Reader! "Consider your ways!"
Consider that you are immortal—and that you must live somewhere forever!
Consider that you are a sinner—and that you cannot live in Heaven as such!
Consider that you may be saved—for the Lord Jesus Christ is both able and willing to save sinners!
Consider that you can only be saved by sincere faith in Christ!
Consider that you must denounce your own righteousness, and rely solely on His finished work!
Consider that if you are saved by Christ—you will live to Christ. He will be your Lord—as well as your Savior. He will be your example—as well as your atoning sacrifice!
Consider that faith is the root of holiness, and a holy life alone proves our faith to be genuine.
"This is what the Lord Almighty says: Consider your ways!"
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"Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to what He taught" Luke 10:39
Let us notice Mary’s POSITION. She was sitting at the feet of Jesus. Most probably He was reclining on the couch, and she went and took her place behind Him, where she could hear what He said, and occasionally get a glimpse of His face.
It is the posture of HUMILITY—she took the lowest place. She had no wish to be seen, nor did she regard her own ease—she was intent on getting good from Jesus.
It was the posture of ATTENTION—she wished to catch every word, and to understand all that the Lord was saying. If Jesus is teaching—then Mary will attend and listen.
It was the posture of a LEARNER—she was a disciple of Jesus, therefore she sat down at His feet, that she may receive of His words. He need not now say unto her, "Learn of Me," for she was most anxious to do so.
It was the posture of SATISFACTION—if she could but be within the sound of His voice, within the sight of His eye—it was enough for Mary. Anywhere with Jesus—would satisfy her!
It was also the posture of REPOSE—here at the feet of Jesus, she found rest unto her soul. Her desires were satisfied, her love was gratified, her hungry soul was fed. It was enough.
Being at the feet of Jesus was to her—a kind of earthly heaven.
Mary sat at the feet of Jesus in a humble cottage. She now sits by His side in the heavenly mansion!
Are you humble enough to take a seat at the feet of Jesus?
Is it your delight to listen to His words?
Are you like a little child desiring to learn of Him, and be taught by Him?
Are you satisfied—if you can but get near to Jesus?
Do you find sweet and refreshing repose in His presence?
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"As your days—so shall your strength be." Deuteronomy 33:25
This promise which ensures us suitable and sufficient strength for all future days—is made by One who loves us dearly. Loves us—but who shall describe, who can suitably represent His love! It is Infinite love—and cannot be comprehended! It is Eternal love—and cannot be measured! It is Unchangeable love—and cannot be diverted from its objects! It is Sovereign love—and was fixed on them without anything in them to attract or draw it toward them! It is Divine love—deeper than a father’s love; more tender than a mother’s love; stronger than a husband’s love.
This Divine love is . . .a fire that cannot be quenched, an ocean that cannot be exhausted, a sun that will never set!
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"The lions may grow weak and hungry—but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."Psalms 34:10
Those who seek the Lord may be sick, or poor, or tried, in a variety of ways; but the Lord will send them supplies, OR give them the grace of contentment, so that they shall not lack any good thing. But how many mistake wishes for needs! And while the Lord has promised to supply all His people’s needs—He has nowhere promised to gratify all their wishes.
We really
"They shall not lack any good thing." That is, they shall not lack whatever is really good for them at the time—and under the circumstances. Whatever will promote their holiness and happiness—shall certainly be conveyed to them.
Those who seek the Lord are sure of necessary supplies, for four reasons:
First, the Lord is ABLE to supply them. "The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof." He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think!
Second, the Lord DESIRES to supply them. "Like as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. He knows our frame—He remembers that we are dust."
Third, the Lord has PROMISED to supply them. "The Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." "My God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Fourth, the Lord ALWAYS HAS supplied them. Look at Jacob, at David—and at all who have already arrived in glory. If the question, put by the Lord Jesus, to His disciples, when they returned from their missionary tour, on which He sent them without purse or bag, was put to them: "Have you lacked anything?" Every one of them would readily answer, "Nothing, Lord!"
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"They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress—but the Lord was my support!"Psalms 18:18
Aged believer, you and I can look back—and wonder how it is that we are where we are, and what we are: how we have held on, and held out until now. Here is the whole secret of the case—"But the Lord was my support!"
In the seasons of my greatest difficulty, in all my times of sorrow and danger, when I was filled with fears and doubts, when in deep trouble and afflictions, when all creature help failed me, when my heart worried and vexed me, when my enemies were just ready to overwhelm me, when my feet were almost gone, when my steps had well near slipped, in my darkest nights, in my dreariest days, —then the Lord was my support!
My journey has been long, my road has been peculiarly difficult, my heart has been weak, my enemies have been strong, and long ago I must have perished in my afflictions—or been a prey to my foes—but the Lord was my support!
I would have fainted under my heavy burdens, I would have yielded to my enchanting temptations, I would have fled before my powerful foes—but the Lord was my support!
Yes, the Lord has upheld, supported, and supplied me along the treacherous way. To His free grace, to His inviolable faithfulness, and to His unchangeable love—I must ascribe that "By the grace of God—I am what I am!"1 Corinthians 15:10
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"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
Such is the testimony of the Lord Jesus.
Real Christians have never been favorites of the world—and while it continues what it is, they never can be.
Nor can the pure and simple gospel be pleasant to the world, because it lays the sinner in the dust, and exalts God as supreme and sovereign. Let us not be surprised then, if we hear worldlings speak against the gospel, and traduce the Lord’s people; for what the Romans told Paul, is in a good measure true in the present day, "For concerning this ’sect’, we are aware that it is spoken against everywhere!"Acts 28:22
This ’sect’ originated with Jesus, the hated Nazarene, who came into the world for its good, and to save His people from their sins. He gathered around Him many—but they were principally the poor and unlearned. There was nothing in them, or about them, to recommend them to the proud and sensual world. They were begotten of God, and made new creatures in Christ. They embraced the truth that He taught. They observed the precepts that He gave.They copied the example that He set.
Their creed consisted pretty much in these facts: that man is a lost sinner, that salvation by works is impossible, and therefore it must be all of grace—or not at all;
that the Lord Jesus came into the world to take the sinner’s place, fulfill the law in the sinner’s stead, and die as the sinner’s substitute.
By such hopes, they were animated, by such rules, they walked, and at such objects, they aimed.
And yet, they were spoken against and despised, because they poured contempt on the luxuries, pride, and honors of this world. They were treated as the off-scouring of all things, unfit for society, unfit to live.
"Do not be surprised, my brothers—if the world hates you!" 1 John 3:13
And yet, like Israel in Egypt, the more they were persecuted, the more they multiplied and grew; until at length they spread not only over the Roman empire—but nearly over the world. And, had they retained . . .the simplicity of their lives, the spirituality of their minds, and the correctness of their creed—they would no doubt have encircled the globe! But at length they were . . . courted by royalty, loaded with wealth, became intoxicated with worldly honors, and then their glory departed! They drank into the spirit of the world, conformed to its maxims and customs, sought its approbation and applause—and so fell from their exalted station, and lost their real dignity. The ’sect’ that had been spoken against everywhere, with the exception of a few—was
There are still some, who, like the ancient sect of the Nazarenes, are spoken against everywhere. They will not swim with the stream. They will not compromise their Master’s honor, or give up their Master’s truth. According to the light they have—they walk; and they rejoice to exalt the Savior, humble the sinner, and proclaim salvation, all of grace. They rejoice that they are counted worthy to suffer shame, for His dear name.
Reader! Do you belong to this sect? Is there anything in your religion that is distasteful to the world, anything that draws forth its opposition, or excites its contempt? The carnal mind is still enmity against God, and if we are godlike—that enmity will manifest itself against us!
If we copy Christ’s example, as set before us in the gospel; if we testify against the world, that its works are evil, and call upon it to repent, as Christ did—we shall soon be hated by the world!
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"You are not far from the kingdom of God." Mark 12:34
Many are in this dangerous position. They are not far from the kingdom of God—but not actually in it.
They have clear light in their heads—but have no grace in their hearts. They know the gospel in theory—but have no inward experience of its power. But no man can be saved by light in the mind; there must be the life of God within the soul.
They have not only clear light—but correct morals. The tongue is controlled. The temper is governed. The life is regulated. But with all this, the soul is dead in trespasses and sins. There may be morality—without spirituality. The life may not only be correct—but there may be a regular attendance on gospel ordinances. They may come as God’s people, sit as God’s people, hear and sing as God’s people—and yet not be in the kingdom of God!
There may be no objection felt, or opposition shown to the doctrines or duties of the gospel. All may be admitted, professed, and even admired; but still the person may not be in the kingdom of God.
There may also be a form of prayer—but prayer without faith—prayer without the heart, without the soul.
They may be employed in teaching God’s Word, either in the Sunday School, or in the pulpit—and yet not be in the kingdom of God.
O how solemn is the thought, how searching is the fact—that people . . .may have correct views of truth; may regularly attend on the means of grace; may acquiesce in the doctrines and duties of Christianity; may associate and unite with God’s people; may regularly bow the knee in prayer; and may employ their time and talents in instructing others in the things of God—and yet never enter into the kingdom of God themselves!
Reader beware! for many rest short of vital religion. They know nothing of a broken heart for sin, of living faith in Christ, or fellowship with God through Him. They rest in a form of knowledge, or in a routine of religious services. Such may find out their mistake too late, as did the foolish virgins—when the door was shut! Or, like those referred to by our Lord when He said, "Many will say to me on that day, ’Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ’I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" Matthew 7:22-23
Many will come very near to the kingdom—but will never enter it. As John Bunyan says, "
But it must be dreadful to come near, so near to heaven—and yet to be thrust down to hell!
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"I have many people in this city!" Acts 18:10
What kind of acitywas it? Corinth was one of the most worldly and immoral cities of the east. Here was the temple of Venus, with its degrading and disgraceful services.
What kind ofpeoplewere they? "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were! But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God!" 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. This is the apostle’s own reply to the question.
Observe:
1. The Lord’s people are often found in the most unlikelyplaces! Who would have expected to find God’s chosen people—a multitude of them—in a place so foul, so polluted, so degraded—as Corinth?
2. The Lord chooses the most unlikelypeople! Who would ever have thought that the Lord would have chosen: the sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, slanderers, swindlers—to be saved? But He did!
O the wonders of sovereign grace!
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"I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things!" Php 3:8
All true Christians know Christ—not with a mere theoretical knowledge, which may be obtained from books; but with a knowledge which the Holy Spirit works in the heart. We know Christ . . . in the glory of His person, in the perfection of His work, and in the riches of His wondrous grace. We so know Christ, that He stands out before us, as the chief among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely One. And the more we know Him—the more intimate we wish to become with Him!
We not only know Christ—but we need Him. And the longer we live—the more we need Him. Nor do we merely need Christ, but we need everything in Christ, or that Christ has. We need . . .His blood to cleanse us, His righteousness to clothe us, and His Spirit to sanctify us. We need Christ daily, hourly!
As we need Christ—so we come to Christ. Not once for all, but we continue to come. We must come to Him . . .in every trial, in every trouble, in every conflict, to unburden our minds, to find rest for our souls.
We come to Him . . . for wisdom, for strength, for holiness.
Much of experimental religion consists in
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened—and I will give you rest!" Matthew 11:28
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The privileges of the godly are many and great—but this is an especial one: "
This implies exposure to foes—Satan, evil men, and death—against these we need defense.
It implies opposition—and the opposition of our foes is great, daring, and deadly.
It implies danger to be apprehended—because we are weak, timid, and unskillful—and our foes are strong, daring, and experienced.
Our safety therefore, stands in what the Lord is to us—He is our shield, and such a shield as no one besides has, or can have. He is omniscient to see all our foes and dangers. He is omnipresent to help us at all times, and against all opposers. He is omnipotent to defend us, and secure us from all evil. He is faithful to fulfill His word, and carry out His engagements. He will come between the believer and danger. He will preserve the trusting soul from all real injury. He will protect the upright in heart everywhere, and at all times.
What a mercy! What an unspeakable privilege is this!
"You who fear the Lord—trust in the Lord! He is their help and shield." Psalms 115:11. O for grace to trust the Lord with all, to trust the Lord for all, and to trust the Lord under all! Holy Spirit, strip us of all confidence in the flesh, of all reliance on man, and of all trust in circumstances; and bring us by Your divine and holy teaching—to trust in the Lord alone!
"He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge." Psalms 144:2
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"So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:8
No lost sinner, while carnal, while minding the things of the flesh—can ever please God. He cannot . . . at any time—either in youth or old age; in any place— either common or sacred; under any circumstances—of either sickness or health; at any season—either in life or death.
Man is totally depraved. He is wholly fallen. The whole head is sick, the whole heart is faint. The leprosy cleaves to him, has spread over him, and dried up all the moral and vital moisture of the soul. The man is therefore lost, wholly lost, eternally lost—unless God interposes for his rescue!
All that he does while he is so—is displeasing to God. "The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination to the Lord." Proverbs 21:27 "The plowing of the wicked is sin." Proverbs 21:4
He has no faith, and "without faith it is impossible to please God." In all his prayers, tears, alms-deeds, and other good works—there is something that is displeasing to God. It is like the offering of Cain; for the person must be reconciled to God—before the sacrifice can be accepted by God. Until then he cannot please God, for he cannot set his heart to do it. He may try—but the innate disposition of the heart while carnal, will be too strong for him, and will lead him to break through all his vows, promises, and resolutions.
He may change his conduct—but he cannot change his heart; for its depravity has become natural to it.
He cannot do what God requires—as God requires it.
If what he does is externally good, it is internally bad.
The motive prompting, and the end aimed at—are alike evil, for
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"And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ—he does not belong to Christ."Romans 8:9 This is
This divine agent, as the Spirit of Christ—always convinces the soul of its need of Christ. He always leads to thecrossof Christ! He will not allow the soul to stop at, or rest in, sacraments, ceremonies, or any duties it may perform. He points to the cross. He leads to the cross. He fixes the sinner’s eye upon the cross. He brings peace to the soul through the cross. He dedicates and devotes the sinner to God’s service at the cross. Every one who has the Spirit of Christ—knows something of the worth, virtue, and efficacy of the cross of Christ.
The Spirit of Christ—always conformsto the image of Christ. Christ is the model after which the Spirit works; and by the Word and ordinances, by providence and His own inward operations—He stamps the likeness of Christ upon the soul. He fixes the eye on Jesus, who, as a mirror, represents and sets forth the glory of God; and by looking at Jesus—a divine transformation takes place—and we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Unless, therefore, we have been taught our need of Christ as a Savior; unless we have been led to the cross of Christ to seek salvation there; unless we are in some degree conformed to Christ, and are daily seeking more conformity—we have not the Spirit of Christ. "And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ—he does not belong to Christ."
The Spirit of Christ—is the great proof that we are Christ’s. There may be much feeling, a moral reformation, and a profession of religion—without this.
But if we have the Spirit of Christ, our thoughts will be engaged with Him, our hearts will be going out to Him, and we shall at times long to depart, that we may be with Him, and see Him as He is!
The Spirit of Christ always renders Christ precious—and produces the highest possible esteem of Him.
The Spirit of Christ always makes its possessor like Christ. Not perfectly, here on earth—yet He kindles and keeps alive a desire for perfect likeness. This is the great, the grand, the habitual aim of the soul, always and everywhere—to be like Christ!
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"The Lord asked: Have you any right to be angry?"Jonah 4:4
Jonah quarreled with his God. And who has not? We may not speak as plainly as he did—but we have been in the same sullen temper, and manifested the same morose spirit.
Very few are well satisfied with the Lord’s plans.
Fewer still are always pleased with the Lord’s works.
How many quarrel with His sovereignty! What hard things have been spoken against it!
How many complain of His providence—and think it unwise, unkind, and almost unjust!
Beloved, we are often
in complaining, in sullen gloom.
"Have you any right to be angry?"
Angry with your Father . . .whose wisdom is infinite, whose love is as constant as the day, and who constantly showers His blessings upon you!
Angry with your God, who has . . .pardoned all your heinous sins, provided for your innumerable needs, blessed you with countless spiritual blessings!
Surely it is a sin, a grievous sin, not to be pleased . . .with all that He does, with all that He has provided, and with all that He requires.
"Have you any right to be angry?"
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"For I reckon that
Paul compares present sufferings—with future glory.
Believers are exposed to all kinds of suffering, and instead of obtaining an exemption from afflictions—they are assured that it is through much tribulation that they must enter into the kingdom of God.
Some endure inward suffering, with which no one is fully acquainted but God Himself. They have such darkness, gloom, distress, agitation, trouble, and sorrow—as would not be easy to describe.
Some suffer much in body, from the stressed and disordered state of the nervous system, from chronic diseases, or deformities in the physical frame. They seldom move without suffering, and for years together have but little freedom from weakness and pain. They live a life of suffering, a kind of dying life—and think much of heaven as of a place where there is no more pain.
Some suffer much financially; scarcely anything seems to prosper with them; losses, crosses, and opposition meet them at every turn; and though they live honestly, and conduct their business honorably—they are thwarted, hindered, and filled with perplexity. No one can tell what they suffer from financial trials and difficulties.
Others suffer from reproach, misrepresentation, strife, and persecution in the world, or in the Church—or both! No one seems to understand them, or is prepared to sympathize with them; they are like "a sparrow alone upon the house-top." False friends and open enemies unite to trouble and distress them, so that they often sigh, and say, "O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away and be at rest!"
Others in the domestic circle, or from some of the relationships of life—are called to suffer long and seriously.
But whether from trouble of mind, sickness of body, trials in business, family difficulties, or persecution for Christ’s sake—all suffer, and most believers suffer much!
But compare their present sufferings—with their future glory: Glory which will exclude all pain and suffering, all sin and sorrow! Glory beyond the reach of all foes and the cause of all trouble! Glory which includes happiness—perfect, perpetual, never-ending happiness! Glory which includes honor—the highest, holiest, and most satisfying honor! Glory, or splendor—which will fill the soul, clothe the body, and dignify the entire person forever!
Filled with light, peace, and joy; clothed with beauty, brightness, and magnificence—they will appear with Christ in glory—filling them with wonder and unutterable delight!
This glory will be possessed by us—as part of our marriage portion and inalienable inheritance. But we can form no adequate idea of that glory, for "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined—what God has prepared for those who love Him!" 1 Corinthians 2:9
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"The creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay—and brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God!"Romans 8:21
We shall soon have ’glorious liberty’!
The SOUL will be gloriously free: free from every fetter that binds it, free from every conflict that tries it, and free from every burden that bows it down.
The BODY will be gloriously free! It will be a glorious body—like the body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The whole person, body, soul, and spirit—will be in perfect liberty: free from the curse—and every cross; free from every foe—and all our fears; free from every fault—and our numerous failings; free from frailty—and free from folly; free from all internal, external, and eternal evil.
It will be freedom crowned with glory—with . . . glorious beauty, glorious brightness, glorious majesty, glorious honor, and ineffable splendor!
Eye has never seen, ear has never heard, nor has the heart of man ever conceived of anything so grand, so magnificent, so glorious—as what God has provided, and has in store for His people!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ We are saved by HOPE
"Salvation is of the Lord!" Jonah 2:9
Salvation includes . . . our election—which is past; our effectual calling and sanctification—which are present; and our glorification—which is future.
We were chosen to salvation by the Father; we are redeemed by Jesus Christ;
we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
God is the author of salvation; grace is the source from which salvation flows;
Jesus is the Savior; faith is the grace that receives salvation; while separation from the world and dedication to God—prove that we are saved.
To all this, our apostle adds another view, and says, "
Not in the same sense as we are saved by faith—which delivers us from guilt, degradation, and eternal death—by receiving from Christ, and confiding in Christ.
To be saved by hope—is to be kept, preserved, upheld, or sustained, in the midst of foes, dangers, and trials.
Hope quickens us in duties—and preserves us from becoming cold and dead.
It comforts us in tribulations—and keeps us from being disheartened and gloomy.
It enables us to overcome temptation—and so to hold on our way, looking unto Jesus. It gives us peace in death—in the sure prospect of victory over the grave.
Thus hope saves us: by preventing despair—into which we can never fall while hope lives within us; by preserving us from desperation—to the verge of which we are sometimes brought; by guarding us against rebellion—the seeds of which are still thickly sown in our corrupt hearts; and by protecting us against apostasy—into which we can never fall so long as we hope in God.
From many evils, at many times, in many ways—we are saved by hope!
Hope is in God—as its highest object and best end. Hope is through Christ—who is the way to the Father, the truth, and the life. Hope is on the ground of the Word, which warrants, excites, and regulates it. Hope is for all that God has promised, whether temporal or spiritual, in this world or the next. Hope should be encouraged—as it brings . . . glory to God, comfort to our souls, credit to our religion, and honor to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Holy Spirit, fill us with a lively hope, and teach us to expect . . .all that God has promised, all that Christ has procured, and all that You have revealed in Your most holy Word.
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Glory be to God, for making us, who were once children of wrath—and consequently heirs of hell—children of grace—and consequently heirs of heaven!
Our heavenly Father requires us . . .to believe Him without questioning, to obey Him without objecting, to follow Him without hesitating, and to submit to Him without murmuring or complaining.
As God’s chosen, adopted, and redeemed children—filial love, filial confidence, and filial obedience, should characterize our lives.
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ’No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope —the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to
redeem us from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do good works." Titus 2:11-14
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I myself will help you!
"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you: Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for
Wherever the Lord leads us—He will support us; nor shall the difficulties of the way, or the weakness we feel—be too much for us. His hand is stretched out to us, and it is for faith to lay hold of it and proceed, confident of divine assistance.
His omnipotent arm is the protection of His people in danger—and the strength of His people in weakness. He is "an ever-present help in times of trouble". He is a God at hand. Are you weak, or in difficulty? Plead His Word; it is plain, positive, and sure. He cannot lie. He will not deceive. His strength is made perfect, and is glorified in your weakness. Fear not, underneath you are His everlasting arms!
He CAN help—for He is omnipotent. He WILL help—for He has given you His Word. "Trust in the Lord at all times; yes, trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength!" That strength is promised to you, and will be employed for you in answer to prayer.
Why then are you so fearful? Why cast down? He says, "
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Paul was . . .an extraordinary man, called to an extraordinary office, and being sent to perform an extraordinary work—he chose an extraordinary subject.
He knew history, he was acquainted with philosophy, and he was well versed in tradition.
There were . . . few subjects that he could not handle, few themes that he could not discuss, few congregations that he could not interest.
But he made the conversion of sinners the object of his life—and he chose Christ crucified to be the subject of his ministry! No matter where he went—he took his subject with him. No matter whom he addressed—he directed their attention to this point.
He knew what man required—and what man preferred; but it made no matter to him. As he wrote to the Corinthians, so he always acted, "Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified—a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God!" 1 Corinthians 1:22-24
PaulCHOSEthis subject—and he had good reasons for doing so!
First, it is a most comprehensive subject, for it is the center where . . .time and eternity, God and man, sin and holiness, life and death—meet!
It is the theater where God . . . displays His perfections, unfolds His purposes,
maintains His rights, confounds His foes, and secures His glory!
It is the instrument by which . . . death is destroyed, sin is conquered, rebels are reconciled, saints are sanctified, and heaven is opened!
It is an object which . . .confounds reason, astonishes angels, attracts sinners,
imparts holiness, and furnishes matter for endless praise!
Second, it is the most honored subject. It tunes the harps of heaven. It fills the sweetest songs on earth. It is that by which the Holy Spirit works . . .in the conversion of sinners, in the consolation of saints, in the sanctification of believers, and in the establishment of the church of God. By the preaching of Christ crucified . . .the oracles of the heathen were silenced,
the altars of the heathen were cast down, and the temples of the heathen were transformed into houses of prayer. By the preaching of the cross . . .society is elevated, nations are honored, and
millions are snatched from Hell!
Third, it is a subject that is
Christ, and Him crucified shall be . . .the subject of my ministry, the theme of my songs, the joy of my heart, and the foundation of my everlasting hope!
O my soul, look to Jesus—as crucified for your sins!
Think of Jesus—as dying in your stead!
Speak of Jesus—as full of grace and love!
Christians! WHAT do we preach? We are ALL preachers—and we preach daily!
But do we preach Christ? Do we speak of Him with our tongues? Do we write of Him with our pens? Do we honor Him with our lives? Is Christ and His glory—the grand end and aim of our life?
WHY do we preach Christ? Is it out of love to Him? Is it that we may do good to souls? Is it that we may please God?
Christ crucified should be preached by every Christian. Christ crucified should be preached in all companies. Christ crucified should be preached every day.
Beloved, if we would save souls from death, if we would rescue sinners from eternal misery, if we would make believers happy, if we would cover Satan with shame, if we would deprive death of its sting, and if we would make the road to glory plain—
we must preach Christ crucified; we must exercise faith in Christ crucified; and we must daily meditate on Christ crucified!
May Christ and His cross be all my theme
Cross of Jesus! Jesus crucified! To you would I look in life—and all its troubles!
To you would I look in death—and all its pangs! To you would I look in glory—when filled with all its joys!
"God forbid, that I should glory, except in the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"The Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline;God is treating you as sons! For what son is not disciplined by his father?" Hebrews 12:6-7
Christian! God is treating you as His own dear children . . .in what He bestows—and in what He withholds; in what you enjoy—and in what you suffer!
Our God has made you His children by adopting you into His family, and new-creating you by His Holy Spirit. He always . . .looks upon you as His children,
loves you as His children, treats you as His children!
He will not GIVE you—what will harm you!
He will not PUT you—where you will be in danger!
He corrects you as His child, not in wrath—but in mercy.
You are at present ’under training’; you are being educated for eternity. The ’lessons’ you have to learn—are for your benefit. Every loss, every cross, every disappointment, every pain—is necessary!
Do you really believe this?
Do you recognize the hand of God in everything that befalls you?
Can you say with Job, "The Lord GAVE"—health, wealth, children, friends; "and the Lord has TAKEN AWAY—blessed be the name of the Lord!"
Can you say with Eli, "It is the Lord—let Him do what He thinks best!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Fear not, little flock!"Luke 12:32
The Savior’s flock is small. It exists in the harsh desert. Enemies surround it. His lambs, especially, are timid.
But He says, "Fear not, little flock!"
You are your Shepherd’s care!
You are His property!
You are His delight!
He is always present with you!
He is omnipotent to defend you!
Every perfection of His divine nature is employed for you!
He has never lost one of His charge yet—and He never will!
It was said of Him by the prophet, "He will feed His flock like a shepherd.
He gathers His sheep to His fold. He feeds them in good pasture. He restores them when they wander.
His CARE of them is incessant!
His LOVE to them passes knowledge!
The PROVISION He has made for them is suitable and abundant.
Beloved, let us know our Shepherd.
Let us listen to His voice.
Let us keep close to His side.
Let us feed and rest among His sheep.
Let us exercise confidence in His kindness and care.
Let us banish our fears, for why should we be alarmed?
Let us cast all our concerns and cares—upon the good Shepherd!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I thought: Surely I shall die in my nest!"Job 29:18
Job’s nest was very comfortable—and appeared to be very secure. It was on high—and not to be easily reached. He knew that death could reach it—but he thought that nothing else would disturb it. His conduct was consistent, his conscience was quiet; God was his Father, and providence was his friend.
"I thought: Surely I shall die in my nest!"
But, alas! Suddenly a ’storm’ arose—
No earthly nest is out of danger! Temporal comforts are only lent to us. The higher the tree in which we build—the more exposed to the whirlwind and the storm!
Here on earth—we have no continuing city. In one moment—our fine nest may be devastated! Let us therefore endeavor to leave our matters fully with the Lord—and learn to be content with His appointments.
We must die. But when, and where, and how—should be left with the Lord.
Five minutes after death—it will matter very little whether we died on a bed of down, in a luxurious mansion, and surrounded by kind friends—OR as a poor diseased beggar, dying alone in squalor!
Present comforts may all leave us, and our soft nest may be scattered to the winds—but nothing can disturb our salvation and future glory!
"These all died in faith—and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth!" Hebrews 11:13
"They were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a heavenly city for them!" Hebrews 11:16
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Who is this coming up from the wilderness—leaning upon her Beloved?" Song of Solomon 8:5
Jesus is the object of a believer’s love. To him—the world is a wilderness. Heaven is his Father’s house—and his home. He is passing through the wilderness in company with Jesus.
He is represented as the brideleaningon her Beloved. This is indicative of weakness in herself—and confidence in her Beloved.
He is her strength—as well as her guide.
He is her support—as well as the object of her affection.
She leans on Him—as well as converses with Him.
He supports her—as well as comforts her.
Believer, keep close to your Savior’s side! Never leave Him while in this waste howling wilderness. Lean on Him!
His strong arm is put forth to support your weak frame. He will bear you up. He will lead you on.
The more you lean on Him—the more you will love Him! The more you love Him—the closer you will cleave to Him!
Yield to His guidance, trust in His love, lean on His power, walk by His side.
In His company—you are safe!
In communion with Him—you will be happy! Like the two disciples of old, your heart will be warmed, and you will be at the end of your journey before you are aware of it!
He is always at your side—so lean hard!
"Who is this coming up from the wilderness—leaning upon her Beloved?" Song of Solomon 8:5
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I am going to vomit you out of My mouth!
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor
The Lord Jesus hates lukewarmness! He would rather we made no profession of religion at all—than to profess—and then not practice His precepts!
He loves to see His people zealous—and it is a shame to us, when we are dull and lifeless in His ways.
It is to be feared, that many professors do not realize that their ’indifference’ is a sin! They think that having professed Christ, if they just attend to a few religious duties, and creep along in a certain religious course—that this is enough. They are never hot—and they do not really like to see others on fire for the Lord.
Professor of religion, Jesus says, "Be hot—or be cold!" Be altogether a Christian—OR throw off your vain profession! Do not wear the Christian name—only to dishonor it!
Professing Christian—are you
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests—but the Son of man has no place to lay His head!" Matthew 8:20
What an astonishing fact!
Here is the Creator of all things—without a home!
Here is the Ruler of the universe—without a habitation!
Here is the eternal, immortal King—more destitute than the birds of the air, or the beasts of the forest!
"Then each one went to his own home—but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives." John 7:53; John 8:1
Everyone had a home—but Him!
Whatbrought Him into these circumstances?
LOVE!
Love forwhom?
Love for sinners, the vilest, the basest of mankind!
Whydid He stoop so low?
He became poor—that we might become rich!
He was without a poor cottage on earth—that we might possess a splendid mansion in heaven!
He was destitute in time—that we might possess a glorious portion in eternity!
O Jesus, how astonishing is Your love!
O my soul, admire, adore, and praise—the wondrous love of your beloved Lord!
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich—yet for your sakes He became poor; so that you through His poverty might become rich!" 2 Corinthians 8:9
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"As the bridegroom rejoices over his bride—so shall your God rejoice over you!" Isaiah 62:5
That God should save a sinner at all—is a surprising display of unmerited grace! But that He should bring that sinner into the closest possible relation to Himself, and rejoice over him—is indeed most astonishing! And yet it is most true! For
He set His heart upon us!
He encircled us with His infinite love!
He determined to raise us to His glorious throne!
He purposed to make us one with Himself!
He sent His only begotten Son to redeem us!
He sent His Holy Spirit to regenerate us!
He intends to raise us from the dead, perfect in holiness, and robed with immortality!
He will present us before His glorious presence with exceeding joy!
"He will rejoice over us with singing!" What exquisite joy will this impart! Jehovah singing with joy over His ransomed and restored creatures, as though their salvation could increase or perfect His happiness!
Let us meditate on this glorious fact, and prepare for the stupendous event!
"Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" Revelation 19:9
"Come, I will show you the bride—the wife of the Lamb!"Revelation 21:9
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"
JOB did not always think so. While at a distance from God—he could boast, argue, and contend with God! But when brought into the presence of God’s holiness—the contrast was so striking, that he sunk down in astonishment, clothed with shame, and filled with self-loathing!
The manifestation of God’s glory to a sinner—always produces the same effect!
ISAIAH felt as Job did, and exclaimed, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! My eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty!" Isaiah 6:5
Pride and self-righteousness can never live in God’s presence!
The nearer to God—the more we discover our depravity, the more we loathe ourselves, and the more precious does the person and work of Jesus become!
Proud people have never been brought into God’s presence!
Only clear, correct and humbling views of SELF—will make Jesus precious to us!
It is only as we see our own vileness—that we shall value the Savior’s righteousness!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"
This is a child’s cry!
It is full of meaning.
It is full of love.
It is full of comfort.
It is a title which the Lord loves to hear us use!
Lord, give us the Spirit of adoption this morning, and let us see and feel, that we are Your children!
Believer! To whom will you repair in trouble? To whom will you look in difficulty?
To whom will you cry in danger? >From whom will you ask when in need? Surely I hear you say, "My Father!"
Who speaks to you in the Bible? Who tries you by His providence? Who chastens you with His rod? Who purifies and cleanses you? Who humbles and reproves you?
Again you will say, "My Father!"
Who supports the world? Who controls the nations? Who chains up Satan? Who comforts the believer? Who pardons the backslider? Again you reply, "My Father!"
Then I exhort you to . . .trust your Father’s Word, abide in your Father’s house, expect from your Father’s hand, and say in every trial: "I will arise and go to my Father!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Hold me up—and I shall be safe!"Psalms 119:117
We need God’s constant presence, power and grace.
Except He upholds us—we shall certainly fall.
We would have fallen before this—if God had not kept us!
We would fall every day—unless we are upheld by an invisible arm!
This day Satan may lay some snare for us!
This day our evil hearts may deceive us!
This day the world may lay some unexpected bait for us!
And unless the Holy Spirit . . .opens our eyes, gives us fresh supplies of grace, or
holds us back by an invisible power—we shall utterly fall!
"Hold me up—and I shall be safe!"
Let this be our daily prayer! It will never be unsuitable!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I am a stranger and sojourner!"Psalms 39:12
This world is not our rest.
Here we have no continuing city.
We are intended for another state.
Our journey lies through the world—but our home is beyond it.
We are here for a time to do good, and to prepare for another and a better state. Let us not then attempt to settle down as children at home, or say as Job did, "I shall die in my nest!" But let us daily move on, keeping the eye steadily fixed on the things which are eternal.
Nor let us wonder if we are annoyed, opposed and tried—for
Let us keep at a proper distance from the customs, pleasures and practices of the world! Let us beware lest its politics, speculations, and schemes, swallow us up!
We are not placed here to amass a fortune, or gain a name—but to glorify our Father who is in heaven.
"They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth!" Hebrews 11:13
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims—abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul!" 1 Peter 2:11
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"A MAN will be as a hiding place from the wind, And a refuge from the tempest,
As rivers of water in a dry place, As the shade of a massive rock in an arid land!"
Isaiah 32:2
The present world is like a bleak and cheerless desert; the climate is very changeable, and we are exposed to piercing, cutting winds.
Sometimes dangerous errors, sometimes deep afflictions, sometimes soul-distressing trials, like violent winds, blow upon us and fill us with alarm and dread! At such times—a hiding place is necessary.
Jesus is our hiding place!
He will hide us from . . .the wrath of God, the rage of Hell, and the injurious effects of trials and troubles!
Beloved, are you in this hiding place? If so, abide in it, for nowhere else will you find such safety, or enjoy such repose!
Hail, sovereign love which first began, The scheme to rescue fallen man! Hail, matchless, free, eternal grace, Which gave my soul a hiding place!
Against the God who rules the sky, I fought with hand uplifted high! Despised the notion of His grace, Too proud to seek a hiding place!
Enwrapt in thick Egyptian night, And fond of darkness more than light! Madly I ran the sinful race, Secure without a hiding place!
But thus the eternal counsel ran: "Almighty love—arrest that man!" I felt the arrows of distress, And found I had no hiding place!
Indignant Justice stood in view; To Sinai’s fiery mount I flew! But Justice cried, with frowning face, "This mountain is no hiding place!"
E’er long, a heavenly voice I heard, And Mercy’s angel soon appeared; He led me on with gentle pace, To Jesus as my hiding place!
Should sevenfold storms of thunder roll, And shake the earth from pole to pole; No thunder bolt could daunt my face, For Jesus is my hiding place!
On Him almighty vengeance fell, That would have sunk a world to hell! He bore it for the chosen race, And thus became their hiding place!
A few more rolling suns at most, Shall land me on fair Canaan’s coast; Where I shall sing the song of grace, And see my glorious Hiding Place!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Do not be troubled. There are many rooms in
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 the 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 house, or of being with our Father!
My soul, I charge you, in future to look to Heaven, simply as your Father’s home!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"No one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this." 1 Thessalonians 3:3
Man is born to trouble—as the sparks fly upward. Affliction does not comes not forth from the dust—neither does trouble spring out of the ground. Trouble is the natural consequence of sin—and all trouble springs from this bitter root. But God makes our trouble—our medicine, and uses it for our present and everlasting welfare.
Our troubles are not the inflictions of an angry God—but the chastisements of a loving Father! He foresaw what we would be, and what would be necessary for us—and consequently He has appointed . . .the number, the nature, and the length of our troubles.
Every Christian has his ’cup of trials’—it is mixed by his Father’s wisdom, and put into his hand by his Father’s providence. He should therefore take it, endeavor to acquiesce in it, and say with Jesus, "The cup that My heavenly Father gives me—shall I not drink it?" Every trouble . . . comes from God’s appointment, is intended to do us good, and will be overruled for our real welfare!
Every trial is labeled "LOVE"—
Let us, then, draw near unto God, and show our trouble to Him! Let us entreat him to sanctify it to us, that it may . . .wean us from earth, consecrate us to Jesus, and fit us for heaven!
All is love—which comes from the God of love!
"He is unchangeable; who can oppose Him? He does what He desires. He will certainly accomplish what He has decreed for me." Job 23:13-14
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
’’Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us—and let us run with patience the race that is set before us—
The world is a race-course, life is a race, and every one of us are racers! A mark is set up, at which we are to aim; and a prize is promised to every overcomer.
But there are many difficulties in the way, and we have many weights hanging about us. Those difficulties must be mastered, and those weights must be laid aside.
We must run the race set before us with patience—keeping our eye on Jesus. Jesus is our Example—we must copy Him. Jesus is our Leader—we must follow Him. Jesus is our Sovereign—we must submit to Him. Jesus is our Savior—we must trust alone in Him. We must look . . .to His blood—for pardon, to His righteousness—for justification, to His Spirit—for strength, and to His fullness—for all our supplies.
We must make use of Jesus . . .every day, every hour, every minute!
Christian, look to Jesus! When discouraged—He will animate you! When timid—He will embolden you! When feeble—He will strengthen you! When weary—He will stimulate you! When dying—He will give you the victory! Let your last look—be a look at Jesus!
No one ever looked to Him in vain. As every one who looked to the brazen serpent was healed—so is every one saved, sanctified, and sustained—who looks to Jesus! Look to Him for all you need—and from all you fear.
Keep the eye fixed on Jesus; doing so, you will . . .conquer the world, overcome Satan, reach the mark, obtain the prize!
’’Those who look to Him for help—will be radiant with joy." Psalms 34:5
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Who heals all your diseases."Psalms 103:3
The Lord is the great Physician. He is especially the healer of the soul.
The patient is a believer.
The cause of all sorrow and suffering is sin.
The seat of the malady is in the heart.
The nature of the malady is most loathsome and afflictive. It affects . . .the mind, the affections, the conscience, the will, yes the whole man! "Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. You are sick from head to foot—covered with bruises, welts, and infected wounds!" Isaiah 1:5-6
We are all the subjects of this disease. We all suffer from it!
No one can heal us—but the Lord Jesus. He is the great Physician; to Him we may repair and be restored to health. To encourage you to do so, look at His qualifications: He is infinitely wise, tender and skillful. His experience is without a parallel.
The remedies He employs are . . . His precious blood, His holy Word, and His blessed Spirit.
The mode of application is by . . .afflictions, bereavements, convictions, and divine energy.
He never failed in any case—all of His patients are completely cured!
David’s was a bad case—but he could say, "He heals all my diseases!"
Sinner—you are sick, mortally sick! Go to Jesus!
Backslider—you are dreadfully sick! Go to Jesus!
Believer, are you not desiring perfect health? Then go to Jesus and plead, "Lord, if You will—You can make me whole!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"The
The threatenings of God are solemn things.
They are called forth by sin.
They prove God’s justice.
They manifest His unutterable abhorrence of all impurity.
Who are these "sinners in Zion"?
These are sinners—who profess to be saints; and such are sinners with an emphasis. They are HYPOCRITES! They pretend to be saints—yet know they are not. They wear a mask. They act a part—like actors in a play!
Of all characters, hypocrites are the worst! The Lord Jesus pronounces more woes against the hypocrites in one chapter—than against the devil all through the New Testament! It is to be feared—that we have many ’masked’ men, and many ’masked’ women in our churches! Like white-washed sepulchers, they appear beautiful to the eye—but within all is corrupt and vile!
But where are these sinners, these hypocrites? In Zion! Among God’s people! Under the preaching of the pure Word. The greatest sinners under heaven—are to be found professing the holiest religion! They are in the church—but they are not of the church!
And when judgment begins, as it will, at the house of God—then these pretenders, these sinners, these hypocrites, will be detected and exposed!
God especially hates deception! He would have us to be . . .either one thing—OR the other; either hot—or cold; either saint—or sinner; either walking in holiness—or following the world.
But to be in the church—and yet of the world; to pretend to be a Christian—and yet live in sin; to turn His holy religion—into a ’mask’ to answer a selfish purpose—is especially hateful in His sight!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
There are some things that we should never forget: what we were before God called us by His grace; what we might have been—but for His sovereign mercy; what we certainly would be—if left wholly to ourselves.
We were . . .rebels against God’s government, traitors to His cause, and doomed to an eternal Hell!
Everything short of Hell—is mercy!
I would be feeling its fierce flames, enduring its scorching torments, and horrified by its dreadful inhabitants!
I was enmity against God by nature. I would be enmity against God this day—if it were not for His glorious grace. I deserve Hell most justly—and would have been in hell—but for His kindness!
"Look unto the rock whence you are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence you are dug!" Look at the horrible pit from which He raised you, and the miry clay from which He extricated you.
Look—and admire!
Look—and love Him!
Look—and praise His thrice blessed and most glorious name!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Cling to the cross—though your sins rise up before you . . .like mountains for their size; like the sands on the sea shore for their number; and glowing like scarlet and crimson, in color!
For no sins, however great, or however numerous—should tempt us to despond, or to let go of our hold on the cross—seeing the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from ALL sin.
If our sins were as ponderous as the globe, or as numerous as all the particles of created matter—yet embracing the cross of Jesus—they are all forgiven, and forgiven forever!
They are all blotted out—like the dark clouds, which obscured the sun for a little while on the summer’s morning!
They are all blotted out—like a stone cast from an angel’s hand into the depths of ocean!
They are all forgiven and forgotten forever!
Cling to the cross!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Her life-lesson was comprised in four words A Christian minister was dying. He had a young sister whom he tenderly loved, and in whose welfare he felt the deepest interest. She came to pay the last visit, and receive from his lips the last words of advice. The words of a dying minister, realizing the value of the soul, and the solemnity of eternity, are important words. Taking her by the hand, and fixing his eyes upon her with a loving look, he said, "Keep close to Christ!"
What could he say of more import?
May the Lord give us grace to get near to Him; and then give us more grace, to keep near to Him; for alas! how many of us, like Peter, follow Him afar off!
What must we do—to keep close to Jesus?
We must keep close to His Word. Here He . . . reveals His mind, displays His love, and exhibits His beauty!
It is a revelation of His deepest, sweetest, kindest thoughts!
It is an exhibition of His infinite, eternal, deathless love!
It is a mirror in which we may see His unparalleled beauty and excellency!
No one can keep close to Jesus—who does not daily, seriously, and prayerfully read His Word. That Word . . .received into the heart by faith, digested by meditation, and
reduced to practice in the life, will bring the soul and Christ together!
For the more we know of Christ—the more we shall love Him, the more we shall prize, pant for, and seek to enjoy His presence!
Blessed Spirit, help us so to read the Word—as always to find Christ in it; and by it endear Him more and more unto us, and bring us into closer fellowship with Him!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Passing through a country graveyard the other day, an inscription on a head-stone struck my eye. The stone was by the side of the path, where everyone could see it, and it was placed there in memory of a young man who died at the age of seventeen. It was—
"Reader, one moment, Stop, and think: That I am in eternity! And you are on the brink!"
In eternity! A young man, only seventeen years of age, in eternity!
In a fixed, a changeless, an eternal state!
In Heaven—or in Hell!
Saved with an everlasting salvation—or damned forever!
If it should be the latter, what a fearful supposition! And yet many have gone to Hell—before they have been seventeen years of age!
"
What will eternity be to you?
Where will you be in eternity?
Are your sins pardoned? Are you reconciled to God by the death of His Son? Are you sanctified by the Holy Spirit—and thus made fit for Heaven?
If not, remember that in Hell, there is . . .no gospel, no means of grace, no way of escape from the wrath of God! Once there—and your doom is fixed forever!
Think, O think . . .Of the dreadful consequences of dying in your sins! Of going down to the grave in an unconverted state! Of dying under the curse of God!
"Behold, now is the accepted time! Behold, now is the day of salvation!"
(Reader! The above was written over 150 years ago. All who then read this little piece—are now in eternity! All who now read this little piece—are on the brink!)
"Reader, one moment, Stop, and think: That I am in eternity! And you are on the brink!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
How shall I honor Jesus today?
First, I must DEDICATE myself anew unto Him.
Second, I must look to Him for all I NEED through the day.
Third, I must IMITATE Jesus in all I do. He is proposed to us in His Word as our great example; we should therefore strive to imitate Him. My object should be . . .
to think as Jesus thought, to speak as Jesus spoke, to feel as Jesus felt, and to act as Jesus acted.
Often, very often, should we pause to ask, "Is this like Jesus? Would He indulge such a temper? Would He employ such language? Would He encourage such thoughts?
Would He do—as I am doing?"
Or, if at a loss what to do at any time, we should ask, "
How would Jesus act in this case? What would Jesus do under these circumstances?
What would Jesus say? What temper would Jesus display?"
This would often send us to His Word. We should become familiar with His life. We should be well acquainted with His character. And what a preservative it would be!
What humility it would produce!
Jesus wishes us to be like Himself. He has left us an example—that we should follow in His steps. He says, "Do as I have done!"
If, therefore, I would honor Jesus—I must make it my study, and I must daily seek grace—that I may imitate Him in all that I do, at all times and in all places. O to be like Jesus . . .in my family, in my business, in the church, and when alone with God!
"Whoever claims to live in Him—must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"All who will live godly in Christ Jesus—shall suffer persecution!" 2 Timothy 3:12
The enmity of the world against God is as great as ever. It may be concealed—but it is not destroyed.
The world will oppose the godly man. If we were more godlike—it would . . .
hate us more, oppose us more, and persecute us more!
We have little persecution from the world, because there is so little in us to awaken persecution. Our light is so dim. Our salt has lost so much of its savor. Our approximation to the world is so great. If instead of being conformed to the world—we were transformed by the renewing of our minds; if instead of getting as near to it as we can—we were to stand afar off from its pleasures, amusements, fashions, and spirit; if our lives were a daily testimony against it, and against its works as evil—
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It was not human misery—but divine love!
"You are to name Him ’Jesus’—because He will save His people from their sins!"Matthew 1:21
This verse teaches that Jesus came into the world having . . .a definite people in His mind, a definite work in His hand, and a definite principle in His heart.
He had a definite PEOPLE in His mind! They are simply called "His people." He had . . .a special interest in them, a special right to them, and a special concern for them.
They were given to Him as a pledge of His Father’s love—to be His associates, joy, and delight; His crown and glory. They were . . . sunk in sin and wretchedness, under the condemnation of the law, the captives of the prince of darkness!
They were His sheep—but lost sheep!
They were His jewels—but jewels in a heap of rubbish!
They were His bride—but in a state of adultery!
He had . . .the eye of His omniscience watching them, the love of His heart pursuing them, and the arm of His omnipotence protecting them.
His eye was upon them . . . when in heaven in His Father’s bosom, and when enclosed in Mary’s womb! His eye ever was—and ever will be on them—from the beginning to the end of time—to save and to bring them safely to glory!
He had a definite WORK in His hand! It was a work for His Father—and a work His people. He had . . .the law to fulfill, justice to satisfy, sin to remove, heaven to open, Satan to conquer, death to destroy!
This work He proceeded to perform—until in triumph He exclaimed, "It is finished!"
He had a definite PRINCIPLE in His heart. And what was that powerful principle, which brought Him . . .from heaven—to earth, from glory—into contempt,
from unutterable bliss—into inconceivable sorrow?
It was LOVE! Love, the ruling attribute of His nature, the prominent feature of His character, the rule of His conduct towards His people! It was love which . . .eternally existed in His bosom, fanned His heart, and directed His ways!
It was . . .eternal love, immutable love, omnipotent love, unconquerable love, unfathomable love!
It was this sacred principle which led Jesus into our world—and conducted Him through all the stages of His redemptive work!
His name then, is ’Jesus’—because He loves and saves all of His people!
Never think that it was merely human misery, or the doleful cries of suffering mortals—which brought Jesus to our world; for if these would move Him, assuredly He would empty Hell itself!
It was not human misery—but divine love!
It was not man’s cries—but His own glory, which brought Jehovah Jesus into suffering circumstances and a miserable condition!
O the love! the depth of the love of Jesus!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
What a wonderful person is my glorious Lord Jesus! All the divine attributes are found in Him. As there are no limits to His fullness—there can be no limit to my supplies, or the least prospect of need.
Jesus is my divine Savior! His bounty will supply me, His omnipotence will deliver me, His omnipresence will protect me, His omniscience will guard me, His love will animate me, His mercy will heal me, His grace will support me, His compassion will comfort me, His pity will relieve me, His goodness will provide for me, His tenderness will soothe me, His kindness will encourage me, His patience will bear with me, His justice will avenge me, His faithfulness will embolden me, His holiness will beautify me, His anger will awe me, His life will quicken me, His light will illumine me, His Word will regulate me, His joy will delight me, His blessedness will elevate me, His long-suffering will lead me to repentance, His immutability will secure the fulfillment of all the promises to me, His truth will be my shield and buckler, His sovereignty will raise my admiration, His condescension will inspire me with gratitude and love, and His all-sufficiency will satisfy me both in time and eternity!
In Jesus, God has reconciled me to Himself—imputing my trespasses to Him—and His obedience to me.
God by Jesus, takes away . . .all my sins, His own wrath, and my deserved condemnation!
All good things . . .are treasured up in Christ, were procured for me by Christ, flow to me through Christ, and are conferred on me for the sake of Christ!
How exactly suited is the Lord Jesus to my case! Inflexible justice demands my blood—but He becomes my substitute, and spills His own!
In Jesus, I see my sin—and God’s justice meet! He removes the one—and satisfies the other!
What is Jesus called in God’s holy Word? A Savior—in reference to my lost condition. A Reconciler—in reference to the enmity that existed between myself and God. A Redeemer—in reference to my slavery to sin. A Mediator—in respect to the disagreement between myself and the Most High God. A Refiner—with respect to my filthiness. An Advocate—with regard to my perplexed cause. A Prophet—in respect to my ignorance. A Priest—with a view to my guiltiness. A King—in regard to my weakness and foes. A Bridegroom—regarding my lowly estate and relationship. A Physician—with regard to my many soul maladies. In a word, Jesus is "All In All."
O to know more of Jesus, in . . .the glory of His person, the riches of His grace, the perfection of His work, the tenderness of His heart, the strength of His love and the effectual working of His power!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, no spot is uninjured—but only wounds and bruises and putrefying sores! They have not been cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil." Isaiah 1:6
The whole race of mankind, in consequence of the fall, is
You are infected with it yourself!
It is in your nature, and its effects are manifested in your conduct! Its seat is in the heart—which has become deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked!
This malignant disease has spread over every faculty of the soul! The understanding is darkened—so that you cannot see your dreadful state! The conscience is defiled—and no longer warns of evil! The will is powerfully biased to evil—and chooses what God abhors! The affections are earth-bound—and set on forbidden things! The imagination has become sensual—and only employed in evil! The reason is debased—and calls darkness, light; and light, darkness! The memory is depraved—and has become a storehouse of iniquity! The whole soul is paralyzed, polluted, and diseased! Satan has got possession—and endeavors to lead you to hell in a false peace!
You are naturally . . .unfit for heaven, at enmity with God, exposed to His wrath, cursed by His law, condemned by His word, traveling to perdition, and ripening for damnation!
You cannot . . . deliver yourself from sin’s dominion, cleanse yourself from inherent defilement, or escape the righteous judgment of God, by anything that you can do.
You are . . .without strength, blind to your everlasting welfare, and a hater of God!
You . . .were born a sinner, have lived transgressing, and dying in such a state, will be banished into irremediable woe!
This is your state, reader—whoever you may be! This is your situation—however you may have lived! This is your condition—whatever you may think! Have you ever seen yourself in this situation? Have you ever felt this to be your case? Have you ever trembled on account of it—and sought a remedy? If not, this is the very worst symptom of your disease! You are . . .insensible of your wretched condition, under a spiritual derangement, and madness is in your heart!
But if you have discovered your malady, if you have felt sin to be really a dreadful disease, if you are seeking for a remedy; then I rejoice in being able to direct you to one that is provided, which may be obtained freely, and will certainly heal you!
God, who is rich in mercy, for the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in sin—has devised a way in which He can manifest Himself as a just God and a Savior! He has provided a suitable and glorious remedy for lost, ruined, and undone sinners! This remedy will . . .heal the wounded, cleanse the filthy, sanctify the unholy, justify the condemned, liberate the captive, and save the lost!
It gives . . .peace to the distressed, direction to the perplexed, riches to the poor,
sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, strength to the weak, wisdom to the foolish,
and life to the dead!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Do you have a father?"Genesis 44:19
Standing at my window one day, while the cholera was raging in London, I saw two corpses carried by, followed by one little child, walking alone next the coffins, with a few neighbors behind. That child was now an orphan. Both parents had been carried off by the pestilence. The sight of that child produced deep emotions, and awakened painful sympathy in my heart.
I was led to think of the sorrows and privations of orphanhood, and then of the happiness of the Lord’s people to whom Jesus has said, "I will not leave you as orphans." A believer can never be an orphan! He has an ever-living, ever-loving, ever-present Father! But many of the Lord’s people do not realize this, therefore they do not live and act under its influence.
There are believers who are always complaining of their circumstances: They are worked too hard. They are tried more than others. They have such a vexing family.
They have such a demanding job. They have such financial losses. They have no end of things to vex, harass, and distress them!
If so, had your Father anything to do with fixing your lot?
Did He place you where you are?
Is He wise?
Is He good?
Has He ever told you, that all things shall work together for your good?
Does He know what is best for you?
Has He left things to ’chance’—or has He arranged all in His own infinite mind, and does He work all by His unerring providence? If He does—then are you justified in complaining?
Have you any real cause to complain?
Will it better your circumstances?
Will it please your Father?
Will it any way help you?
If not, leave off complaining, and "having food and clothing, let us be content with these!"
Seek grace from God, that you may . . .do all that is required, bear all that is sent, and
endure all that is to be suffered—to His glory!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him because we will see Him as He is!" 1 John 3:2
Every Christian expects to have a sight of Jesus—to see Him as He really is. He will gaze with rapture and delight on His glorified body, tracing the thorn-prints on His brow, and the nail-prints on His hands!
He will realize with ecstatic delight that Jesus is his own Savior, his glorious Redeemer, his ever-living and ever-loving Lord.
The sight of Christ will eclipse the glory of everything visible, and will leave impressions on the soul which will never be erased. It will exceed all that ever was seen, conceived, or anticipated.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The biggest loser!
There are usually two sides: the one dangerous—the other safe; the one is uncertain—and the other is sure.
It is always the wisest—to be found on the safe side!
Look at the unbeliever: He denies the Bible to be God’s book. He walks by his own reason. He gratifies his senses and his lusts. He lives in sin. He must soon die. He has no Savior. He has no true hope. If the Bible is false—then he is safe; BUT if the Bible is true—then he is damned forever!
He is certainly not on the safe side!
There are many things in the Bible which he does not like. He is prejudiced against it. It never prophecies good concerning him—but always evil.It requires him to change his present sinful course—but he loves it. He loves sin—and the Bible condemns it. He gratifies the lusts of the flesh—and the Bible bids him to mortify them. In a word, there is as much opposition between the Bible and him—as between light and darkness, holiness and sin, truth and error. Therefore he hates it!
At the best, with him all is uncertain, unsatisfactory, and vexatious.
He is certainly not on the safe side!
Now look at the true Christian: He believes the Bible to be from God. He has examined it. He has evidence of its inspiration in his heart. He fully believes it. What the Bible says of himself as a sinner—he knows to be true. What it says of Jesus as a Savior—he has proved to be a fact. As guilty—he has applied to God for pardon, and obtained it. As impure—he has sought the cleansing operations of the Holy Spirit, and has experienced them. His guilt is gone—therefore he has no slavish fears. His soul is justified—therefore he has peace with God. He approves of the inspired precepts—and regulates his life by them. He carries his cares to God—and is sustained under them. He realizes that God is his Friend, his Father, and his everlasting Portion. He is peaceful. He is often happy. To him death has no sting—and eternity has no terror. He knows Jesus as his Savior—and trusts in Him. He knows God as his Father—and walks with Him. He knows the Holy Spirit as his comforting Teacher—and listens to Him.
He is, perhaps, more tried than the unbeliever—but he has supports, consolations, and pleasures—of which the unbeliever knows nothing. He lives to bless others, to honor God, to prepare for a glorious immortality.
He would not change his worst day—for the unbeliever’s best day!
He is on the safe side!
If the unbeliever should be right—then the Christian is no loser.
But if the Christian is right—and he is—then the unbeliever is
Reader, on which side are you? There is but one safe side.
There is no safety for a sinner now—but at the Cross!
There will be no safety at death and judgment—but in Christ!
He who is on the safe side now—will be on the safe side then!
There will be no changing sides then!
"But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne! All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at His right hand—and the goats at His left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ’Come, you who are blessed by My Father—inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world!’ (the safe side) Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ’Away with you, you cursed ones—into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons!’ (the perilous side) And they will go away into eternal punishment—but the righteous will go into eternal life!" Matthew 25:31-46
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things!" Matthew 6:32
God will display His wisdom—in promoting the eternal welfare of all His children. God’s ways are not our ways. They are always profoundly wise; and His wisdom will in the end stand conspicuous and glorious in His paternal dealings with all of His children.
"For what son is not chastened by his father?" Hebrews 12:7 Beloved, if God is our Father—He will chastise us! We need it! We deserve it! We shall have it!
But He will mix mercy with every affliction.
But there is always mercy there! A cup of unmixed wrath was put into the hands of Jesus—that such a cup might never be put into our hands!
There is sweetness, in the bitterest cup which our Father gives us!
Let us therefore look for the sugar—as we sip the bitter potion!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night for the slain of my people!"Jeremiah 9:1
Must it not rather be said of many of us—"They perish forever without anyone regarding it?"
Souls are daily, hourly perishing—but who regards it?
Hell is filling—but who regards it?
Satan is reaping a tremendous harvest—but who regards it?
Every hour, every minute, every second, souls are sinking into hell—but who regards it?
Friends, do you ever weep over perishing sinners? Is it not astonishing, that we can go to the house of God and pass multitudes of ungodly, careless creatures that throng our streets—and never shed a tear! Is it not more astonishing still, that we can preach on the torments of the lost, and the joys of the saved—and see the great mass of the people around us rejecting it, yes, refusing to listen to it—and not weep bitter, bitter tears!
We do not half believe what we preach—or what we hear! We do not half believe the infallible statements of Holy Scripture in reference to the dreadful realities of eternal hell—or else we would feel deeply, and weep frequently too.
The holy Apostle Paul, speaking of his labors at Ephesus, says, "Remember, that by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn every one day and night with tears!" (Acts 20:31). Our adorable Lord and Savior, when He came near to Jerusalem just before His death, "He beheld the city—and wept over it!" Oh, to feel as Paul felt! As Jesus felt! If we realized thedangerof sinners, and theterrorsof hell as they did—we would weep as they wept!
We should feel for sinners—as if we saw them suspended over the burning lake of hell, and one after another falling in! We should feel for sinners—as
"Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night for the slain of my people!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The situation in which she died is instructive:
She had hospitably entertained the angels, she had believed their message, she had obeyed their command, she had left Sodom behind her, she had forsaken the ungodly.
Yet her heart was left in the city!
She was cut off by a visible display of God’s judgment!
"But Lot’s wife looked back—and she became a pillar of salt!"Genesis 19:26
The situation in which she died is instructive:
It was not in Sodom—but on the plain.
She escaped one judgment—but was overtaken by another!
She was deprived of eternal life—for too highly prizing earth’s comforts!
She was left as sad example of God’s jealousy, and His displeasure against sin.
God will be honored either by our obedience—or by our punishment!
It is dangerous to trifle with the smallest of God’s commands!
We may overcome one temptation—and yet fall by another!
Here is a warning to the covetous—whose hearts are set on earthly things!
Here is a warning to the self-willed—who trifle with God’s commands!
Here is a warning to the undecided—who stand between Sodom and Zoar.
Let us examine—are our hearts detached from the world?
Be not high-minded—but fear!
"Remember Lot’s wife!"Luke 17:32
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Your Father—who sees in secret." Matthew 6:6
Can anyone hide himself from the Lord in secret places?
Can I, under any circumstances, escape His notice?
Impossible!
The eye of God has been fixed upon me every second of this day; it is now at this moment fixed fully upon me. But it is
He sees my needs—and my woes.
He sees every secret working of my foes—and will save me from them. He sees every secret influence which is likely to injure me—and will prevent it.
He sees . . .the secret workings of my heart, my hidden thoughts, my unuttered desires, my soul conflicts, my private temptations.
But He sees also mysecret sins! Every evil thought, every improper action, every unfitting word—passes under His eye!
Solemn consideration this!
May it make me cautious. May it preserve me. . . from yielding to temptation, from nourishing sinful thoughts, and from acting inconsistent with my profession.
My heavenly Father sees me!
He sees me at this moment!
He sees me every moment!
He sees my most secret motives, thoughts, and purposes!
He who thus sees me—hates every sin with an infinite hatred!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Christ, who loved us!"Romans 8:37
No condition can possibly be more dreary—than to feel that no one loves or cares for us!
There is something peculiarly sweet and pleasant—in being the object of another’s love. Even the love of a poor child is sweet. But to be loved by one who is most wealthy, most exalted in station, and most honorable in character—must be peculiarly delightful!
How, then, should we rejoice; how happy should we be—who are loved by the Lord Jesus! Especially when we consider: on the one hand: how despicable, how poor,
how worthless, and how unlovely WE are! And, on the other hand: how glorious,
how wealthy, how worthy, how lovely JESUS is!
To be loved by Jesus—is to be preferred before the possession of a world!
Think of . . .the glory of His person, the vastness of His possessions, the number of His angelic attendants, the unlimited sovereignty which He exercises, and the excellent character He bears!
Also bear in mind—that He knew what loving us wouldcostHim—how He would be treated by us and by others—for our sakes!
Yet He fixed His love upon US!
He loved US—just because He would!
He passed by others more dignified in nature, more exalted in station—but He chose US!
He did not, could not, NEED us—for
Yet He loved us!
He still loves us!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Christ has made us free!"Galatians 5:1
We were once the slaves of sin, Satan, and the world; but Jesus has made us free!
We are now delivered from the law—and are under grace.
We are dead to sin—and are justified from it.
We are delivered from Satan—and are at war with him.
We overcome the world—and are hastening out of it.
We are at liberty to serve God, and walk with Him in friendship and holy love.
The grand moving cause—was the infinite and everlasting love of God our Father.
The efficient cause of our freedom—was the power and operation of the Holy Spirit.
The instrument by which we are brought into our freedom—is the holy gospel.
The grace which puts us into possession of our freedom—is faith.
The end of our freedom—is that we may serve our God in righteousness and holiness all the days of our life, and then be glorified with Him forever!
We are freed from sin—that we may be holy and happy.
Let us stand fast in the liberty with which Christ has made us free!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Like autumn leaves—we wither and fall!"Isaiah 64:6
What a contrast between an unchangeable God—and a sinner withering like a leaf! Yet, this is a true picture of us—and of all temporal things.
We began to look green and bright not long ago—and in a little time
"How short is life—and how full of trouble! Like a flower—we blossom for a moment—and then wither!" Job 14:1-2. Humbling consideration! But it may be rendered very useful. Let us endeavor to profit by it.
Shall we soon wither and die? Then let us not be overly concerned by anything that occurs here below. Let us set our affections on things above, and lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. Let us live by faith on Jesus, walk with God, and aim principally to please Him in all that we do. Let us also watch against a worldly spirit, and pass the time of our sojourning here on earth, in fear.
We shall soon find that . . .health gives place to sickness; strength gives place to weakness; youth gives place to old age!
The dying bed, the coffin, and the grave—are just before us!
Let us therefore make our calling and our election sure. Let us cultivate close and filial fellowship with God. Let us dig deep and lay our foundation upon the Rock.
Brethren, the time is short! Eternity with all its glories is just before us!
"Like autumn leaves—we wither and fall!"Isaiah 64:6
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"
A new morning opens upon us—and we are still exposed . . .to sorrow, to Satan, and
to disappointment! Sin lives in us—and a thousand things are ready to distress us!
But our God says, "Look unto Me!"
Look unto Me . . . as the source of happiness, as the giver of grace, as your Friend!
Look unto Me . . . in every trial, for all you need, and in every circumstance.
Look unto Me TODAY, I have blessings to bestow! I am waiting to be gracious to you!
Believe that I am deeply interested in your present and eternal welfare!
Believe that I will perform—all I have promised!
Believe that I am with you—on purpose to bless you! I cannot be unconcerned about anything that affects you! I pledge Myself to make all things work together for your eternal good.
You have looked to SELF, and to others, in times past—and you have only met with trouble and disappointment!
Now look unto Me ALONE!
Look unto Me FOR ALL!
"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I will restore health unto you!" Jeremiah 30:17
Jesus is a skillful Physician.
He heals all the falls, bruises, and dislocations of His people.
He brings health to the heart!
Believer, is your heart . . hard, wandering, divided, or wounded?
Jesus can heal it!
To you He says, "Come and be healed!"
His terms are, "I will heal you freely—without money—without price!"
But He will have an absolute surrender to Him! You must refuse all other remedies!
You must take all that He prescribes—bitter or sweet!
Jesus is Jehovah Rophi, "The God who heals!"
Therefore look for health to no other.
Consult Him daily.
Lay open your whole case to Him!
Never despond until . . . His loving nature changes, His skill fails, or His promises are withdrawn from His Word.
Be grateful for healing, and show your gratitude by endeavoring to send others to Him. Recommend this gracious Physician!
Beloved, come to Jesus and be healed!
Savior, I wait Your healing hand! Diseases fly at Your command; Now let Your sovereign touch impart, Life, health, and vigor to my heart!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Their righteousness is from Me!"Isaiah 54:17
The longer the Christian lives—the more he learns. And the more the Spirit teaches him—the more he loathes himself and renounces his own righteousness as filthy rags.
He hoped sensibly . . .to grow in holiness, to feel his corruptions subdued, and
to enjoy the presence of his God without interruption.
But instead of this:
He thinks himself to be a monster of iniquity, and wonders how God can possibly love him, or show any favor unto him.
Yet, this heart-felt experience . . .endears God’sfree grace, renders Christ unspeakably precious, and the gift of righteousness invaluable!
How can such a man be just before God? Where is his righteousness to come from? Jehovah answers, "His righteousness is from Me!" Jesus wrought it; the Father imputes it to us; the gospel reveals it; and faith receives it, puts it on, and pleads it before God.
Precious Jesus! in You alone, I have righteousness and strength!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"The glory of His grace." Ephesians 1:6
The glory of grace is its freeness! Grace . . . fixes upon objects that are most unworthy; bestows upon them the richest blessings; raises them to the highest honor;
promises them the greatest happiness; and all for its own glory. Nothing can be freer than grace!
The glory of grace is its power! Grace . . .conquers the stubbornest sinners; subdues the hardest hearts; tames the wildest wills; enlightens the darkest understandings;
breaks off the strongest fetters; and invariably conquers its objects. Grace is omnipotent!
The glory of grace is its benevolence! Grace . . .has delivered, supplied, conducted, supported, and glorified thousands; brings the inexhaustible fullness of God—to supply the creature’s needs; opens the treasury of heaven—to enrich poor, miserable, and wretched creatures on earth. gives away all it has—reserving nothing for itself!
Jesus is
O Jesus! glorify Your free powerful, and benevolent grace in me!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I am nothing!"2 Corinthians 12:11
This was
The more we know of ourselves and of Jesus—the more shall we be humbled in the dust before Him; and the lower we lie before Him, and the happier and holier we shall be.
Sinful MAN will, MUST be something—this is both his pride and his misery. The Christian is willing to be nothing—that Christ may be all in all.
If we daily felt that we are nothing—how many mortifications we would be spared; what admiring views of the grace of God would fill and sanctify our souls!
Apart from Christ—we are less than nothing; but in Christ—we are something!
We are empty—but He fills us!
We are naked—but He clothes us!
We are helpless—but He strengthens us!
We are lost—but He finds us!
We are ruined—but He saves us!
We are poor—but He supplies us!
All that we are—is by Christ!
All that we have—is from Christ!
All that all we shall be—is through Christ!
Christian, you are nothing! Therefore beware of thinking too highly of yourself; or imagining that you deserve more than you receive—either from God or men.
Humble souls are soon satisfied.
O could I lose myself in Thee, Your depth of mercy prove, O vast unfathomable sea
Of unexhausted love! I loathe myself when God I see, Content if Christ exalted be!
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"Walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
Pride is one of our greatest evils!
To indulge pride—is
The grace of God always humbles us; and it is only as we are sincerely humble—that we can be truly happy.
God condescends to walk with the humble man—but He keeps the proud man at a distance.
Consider . . .what a vile sinner you were by nature, what evil now lurks in your heart, what you would have been, but for the grace of God—and be humble.
All you have which is truly good—is the gift of free grace!
All you do that is good—is the effect of God’s working in you!
What then, do you have to be proud of?
What reason then, do you have to boast?
Oh, lie low in the dust of self-abasement!
Nourish humbling thoughts of yourself!
Admire the mercy, condescension, and infinite compassion of God—in even noticing so vile, so unworthy a worm as yourself!
Study the character and conduct of the humble Jesus—and endeavor to walk just as He walked. "Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." Matthew 11:29
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"I will surely do you GOOD!"Genesis 32:12
Though this promise was given to Jacob, it was not confined to him—but is intended for all his spiritual seed. It is thus that God speaks to US this morning. How gracious!
We know not what this day may bring forth—but we do know that our God, who superintends every event, will do us good.
We may mistake as to what will be for our good—but He is infinite in wisdom and goodness, and therefore cannot mistake. We may look at afflictions, losses, and crosses, and cry out, "All these things are against me!" But read the history of David. What a train of troubles attended him! Hear his acknowledgment: "It is GOOD for me that I have been afflicted!"
Your God will do you good—therefore He will try you, sift you, humble you, and prove you. He will give you needed bitter medicine—as well as food. He will consider nothing too expensive, or too painful—if necessary for your soul’s welfare.
Look at your trials, and say, "This also shall turn to my good!"
Look on the past, and acknowledge, "Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life."
Look to the future, and rejoice, "The Lord will surely give me that which is GOOD."
Look in every direction, and say, "Surely the Lord will do me good—I will trust, and not be afraid."
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"You, too, must be patient. And take courage, for the coming of the Lord draws near." James 5:8
Our God is a God of patience. The Lord Jesus is the great Example of patience.
The Holy Spirit is the Agent producing patience. Trials, troubles, and disappointments, are the means which exercise and strengthen patience.
The patience that God requires, is a disposition to bear all that He has appointed for us, without complaining; yes, with resignation and hope; to wait God’s time for the mercies we need—or for answers to the prayers we put up.
Patience is
Patience . . .produces reliance on God, shuts the mouth from complaining, keeps back the heart from seeking revenge, and is a principal point in self-control.
Are you impatient?
Then confess it, and mourn over it before God! Impatience will make you miserable, and lead you to dishonor God. Watch against it!
Look at the patience of the Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs—of Jesus! "You, too, must be patient. And take courage, for the coming of the Lord draws near."
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"I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
There is no rest for the Christian in this world. There will be always something to disturb, perplex or distress him; it is an enemy’s land.
But Jesus says, "I will give you rest." He does so by enabling us to . . .rely on His Word, recognize His hand, submit to His will, and trust in His perfect work.
He assures us . . . that our sins are forgiven; that we are safe in His keeping; that His presence shall always be with us; and that all things shall work together for our eternal good.
We can rest on His faithfulness—for He has been tried, and found faithful.
We can rest on His love—for He loves us to the uttermost.
We can rest on His power—for it is ever engaged on our behalf.
We can rest on His covenant—for it is ordered in all things and sure.
We can rest on His blood—for it speaks peace, pardon, and acceptance with God.
We can rest at His feet—for there we are safe, and can never be injured.
We cannot rest . . . on our graces, on our comforts, on our friends, or on our possessions.
We may rest on Jesus alone.
"
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"Casting all your care upon Him—because He cares for you!" 1 Peter 5:7
The Lord knows all His people—all their needs, and all their trials.
He thinks upon them—to bless, deliver and supply them.
He keeps His eye upon them—in all places, at all times, and under all circumstances.
He has them in His hand—and will not loosen His hold.
He looks upon them always as His own ’treasured possession’ . . .the objects of His eternal love, the purchase of His Son’s blood, the temples of His Holy Spirit.
They are precious in His sight!
He knows they are weak and fearful—and that they have many enemies. He teaches them to cast themselves and all their cares into His hands! And He has given them His promise—that He will care for them.
It is a Father’s care which He exercises. It is a wise, holy, tender, and constant care. Therefore all will be well with you—only trust Him.
Believe that He cares for you this day.
Cast all your cares upon Him—as fast as they come in.
Do not worry about anything.
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you! He will never allow the righteous to be shaken!" Psalms 55:22
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"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Php 4:6
The Lord cares for His children!
He knows our needs—and has promised to supply them. He knows our foes—and will deliver us from them. He knows our fears—and will make us ashamed of them.
All creatures and things are in His hand, and at His disposal; all circumstances are under His absolute control. He . . . directs the angel, feeds the sparrow, curbs the devil, and manages the tempest!
He is your Father—and His love to you is infinite. You are His delight—His dear child. Will He neglect you? Impossible! Cast then your cares upon Him. Tell out all your desires, fears, and troubles to Him; let Him know everything; keep nothing back. And then in the confidence of faith, expect Him to fulfill His Word, and act a Parent’s part.
Bless Him for all He has given, for all He has promised. Plead with Him for all you may need. But never for one moment, or under any circumstances, distrust Him!
"Cast all your care upon Him, because He cares about you!" 1 Peter 5:7
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"Come unto Me." Matthew 11:28
Jesus calls you to His throne of grace. He is there waiting to hear, relieve and bless you. You are to
He will give you: wisdom—to direct your steps; peace—to keep your hearts; strength—to do His will; righteousness—to justify your souls; and rest—unspeakably sweet.
He is glorified in bestowing these blessings upon you. He calls you this morning, this moment—to receive all you need—without money and without price. What a precious Savior is Jesus! What a kind and tender Friend!
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
"Come!" He says, "Come to Me! Do not go to SELF, to the world, to the empty cisterns which creatures idolize; but come unto Me, and I will do immeasurably more than all you can ask or imagine! Your sins—I will pardon; your graces—I will revive; your comforts—I will restore; your holiness—I will increase; your efforts to glorify Me—I will crown with success; I will bless you—and you shall be a blessing!"
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"Be very careful, then, how you walk!"Ephesians 5:15 To honor Jesus in your thoughts, words, and every action—should be your constant aim.
You are in an enemy’s land; surrounded by temptations; and have a heart that is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked!
This present world is not your home! Satan’s family are not to be your intimate friends. Riches, honors, or pleasure—are not to be your objects of pursuit.
O keep your eye on Jesus, as your example! Walk by His Word—as your rule. Do not be venturesome or presumptuous, but avoid the very appearance of evil. Never leave the Lord’s ways—to join the world’s vanities or to please a carnal lust. Keep close to Jesus—and follow on to know the Lord.
Walk as a beloved child, who going home to his loving Father’s house! "Be very careful, then, how you walk!"
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"You are My friends!"John 15:14
What infinite condescension in Jesus, to call us sinful worms—His friends! But He not only calls us so—but treats us as such! And expects us as His friends—to do whatever He commands us.
Is Jesus your friend? Then visit Him often—let Him hear your voice in prayer and praise. Then trust Him confidently—let Him see evidence of your faith in your dependence. Then walk with Him in love—let Him enjoy much of your company.
Then expect Him to be your Friend . . .in sickness and health, in poverty and plenty,
in life and in death!
If Jesus is our Friend—we can never be destitute. If our father and mother forsake us—He will take us up and take us in.
We can never be miserable—He will receive us and be a wise and loving Father unto us.
We can never be neglected, for He will never fail us nor forsake us—but will do for us all that He has promised in His Word. He will . . .defend us from foes, visit us in sickness, and cheer and support us in death!
Precious Lord Jesus, You are my Friend . . .in life, in death, at the judgment, and
before Your Father’s face forever!
"Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved—and
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"I will instruct you." Psalms 32:8
At best we know but little—and we are slow to learn. But the Lord has promised to instruct us. The Lord’s teaching always produces . . .humility, self-loathing, confidence in God, zeal for His glory, and devotes the heart to His glory!
The Lord’s teaching always . . .brings us to the feet of Jesus, and delivers us from the present evil world.
Under Divine instruction we learn . . .the true nature of sin, the vanity of the world,
the emptiness of creatures, and the fullness and preciousness of Christ!
Is God willing to instruct us? Then let us be early and often at His throne of grace, praying, as the Psalmist did, "Show me Your ways, O LORD, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me—for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalms 25:4-5. Then shall we exclaim, as Elihu did, "God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him!"Job 36:22
The Lord will teach us to profit, and sanctify us through the truth He imparts. Christ is
Is Jesus your Teacher? Then . . .sit at His feet, treasure up His Words, and show forth His praise!
He says, "Learn of Me." Learn to . . .know Him, love Him, obey Him, and live upon Him!
"Teach me Your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path!" Psalms 27:11
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"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3
The Lord’s people are all poor; they see and feel that sin has stripped them of every excellence; and has left them wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind and naked. They can do nothing of themselves, they can procure nothing for themselves; but free grace has made ample provision for them, and the Gospel informs them that Jesus has everything they need—and that all that He has, is for them!
When they look at, or into themselves—they are discouraged; but when they look to Jesus—they rejoice! He has riches of grace—and riches of glory; and He says, "Every one who asks—receives." He gives liberally, and upbraids not. Here then is the present blessedness of the Lord’s poor: Jesus has all they need! And He is their Redeemer and Friend! Those who seek Him shall not lack any truly good thing.
Am I poor? If so, Jesus bids me come to Him—and buy gold, clothing, wine, and milk without price—all that is necessary to comfort and support in time, and render me happy throughout eternity!
"All things are yours!" 1 Corinthians 3:21
"And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!" Php 4:19