WatercolourDreams

How His eyes will sparkle with delight!

2011-09-08T14:35:00.000+12:00

"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ". 2 Timothy 2:3

"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing". 2 Timothy 4:8

Christian soldier, for encouragement in every conflict--look up to your Captain for supplies--and look forward to the glory that awaits you! The war will soon be over. Your discharge will soon be signed and sent to you. Home is even now in view!

The promised land will be far above our greatest expectations!

The glory to be revealed will far exceed our most enlarged desires!

The weight of glory will transcend our most comprehensive thoughts!

A crown is reserved for you! Not a corruptible crown of laurel or myrtle--but a diadem. A diadem of glory! More durable than gold, more costly than any earthy monarch's crown. Gold, pearls, and precious stones--are not to be compared to it! Its gems will sparkle brighter that the stars on a winter's evening! As a whole, it will shine brighter than the sun on a summer's noon!

It is a crown of glory--a most glorious crown. Not merited by your labors or sufferings in the Lord's service--but graciously promised, and gratuitously bestowed. Promised by your glorious Leader, preserved most carefully in the palace of the Most High God--to be awarded to every faithful soldier at the final and grand review.

Yes, it will be placed on your brow by His hands, who . . .
won you to His service,
led you to the battlefield,
made you victorious, and
will rejoice in your honor and happiness forever!

It will be worn before God's own throne, before the angelic hosts, among God's saints forever. What thrilling joy, what ecstatic pleasure, what inconceivable delight--will you realize, when you first feel it rest on your brow! What a look will your Savior give you--when you lift up your head that He may place it on you, and your eye meets His!

Grace, free grace will shine most gloriously on that day! The songs of the enraptured company will be divinely sweet. O how our blessed Savior's heart will dance for joy! How His eyes will sparkle with delight! His mighty spirit will realize full satisfaction--to see the whole of His redeemed people collected, arranged, and glorified before Him!
Not one missing!
All whom the Father gave Him--there!
All for whom He offered up Himself as a sacrifice--there!
All to whom He sent the Comforter--there!
All who enlisted under His banner and were sworn into His army--there!
Those who were once wounded, weeping, and lagging behind the regiment--there! O glorious salvation--in which every poor, maimed, weather-beaten, discouraged soldier of the cross shall share!

What a prospect is this! How bright, how glowing, how enchanting!

Then, O with what rapture we will sing, "Unto Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father--to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever! Amen."

Surely, surely we ought to be fired with love, filled with zeal, and prepared for every conflict, however arduous--by such a glorious prospect!

(James Smith, "The Good Soldier's Prospect!" 1864)

Sleeping sickness

2011-07-06T19:43:00.000+12:00

"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." 1 Thessalonians 5:6

What an anomaly! Drowsing on the verge of eternity!

A Christian is one who, in contrast to the unregenerate, has been awakened from the sleep of death in trespasses and sins, made to realize the unspeakable awfulness of endless misery in Hell, and the ineffable joy of everlasting bliss in Heaven; and thereby brought to recognize the seriousness and solemnity of life! A Christian is one who has been experientially taught the worthlessness of mundane things--and the preciousness of divine things! He has turned his back on Vanity Fair and has started out on his journey to the Celestial City.

Nevertheless, it is sadly possible . . .
for him to suffer a relapse,
for his zeal to abate,
for his graces to languish,
for him to leave his first love, and
become weary of well-doing.
Yes, unless he is very much on his guard, drowsiness will steal over him--and he will fall asleep!

Corruptions still indwell him--and sin has a stupefying effect!
He is yet in this evil world--and it exerts an enervating influence!
Satan seeks to devour him, and unless resisted steadfastly--will hypnotize him!
Thus, the menace of this spiritual "sleeping sickness" is very real.

Slumbering saints! What an incongruity!
Taking their ease, while threatened by danger!
Lazing, instead of fighting the good fight of faith!
Rusting, instead of wearing out in His service!
Trifling away opportunities to glorify their Savior, instead of redeeming the time!

How startling and reprehensible is a careless Christian, who has departed from God, bewitched by a world which is doomed to eternal destruction!

"....that now it is high time to awake out of sleep..." Romans 13:11

(Arthur Pink "Sleepy Saints!" 1948)

Prone to wander!

2011-06-10T21:36:00.000+12:00

"....they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place" Jeremiah 50:6

Even true Christians are prone to wander from their resting place. Every sinner is a wanderer, and while sin dwells within us--we shall always feel a disposition to wander. This is against our better judgment, our solemn profession, and our new nature--yet still there is the disposition to wander, and it is called into exercise by a variety of things:

1. A love of novelty--a desire to see, possess, or enjoy something new--will sometimes set us wandering.

2. The weakness of our graces, as faith, hope, and love--is at other times the occasion of it.

3. The power of corruption within us, which at times works with peculiar force and power--makes us restless.

4. The temptations of Satan, which beguile, bewilder, and captivate us--lead us from our resting-place also.

5. And so do the errors that abound and spread all around us.

False views, Satanic temptations, powerful corruptions, and the weakness of grace--are the principal things which lie at the root of our backslidings.

Reader, are you a restless wanderer?
If so, return, return unto Jesus.
Go to Him, and confess your sins.
Go to Him, and entreat His pardon.
Go to Him, and prove the kindness of His heart.
Go to Him, and be happy once more in His grace and love.

O Savior, bring me back from all my wanderings by Your invincible grace; let me enjoy rest in Your precious love, and keep me near Your loving heart and bleeding side forever!

(James Smith, "Christ Exalted, Saints Comforted, and Sinners Directed" 1855)

Christ Exalted!

2011-05-19T22:03:00.000+12:00

If we look at the comparisons which are made use of by the Holy Spirit to set Christ forth--we behold something more of His loveliness.

He is compared to a MOTHER, and is said to have more than a mother's tenderness, kindness, and care.
His concern for His people is constant,
He never loses sight of them for a moment, and
He pledges His Word that He will never forget them!

He is the CITY of REFUGE, with . . .
the broad and clear road,
the gates wide open, and
the hearty welcome awaiting every sinner who approaches to escape the threatened vengeance!

He is the STRONGHOLD, which emboldens, supplies, and secures all the prisoners of hope.

He is the ROCK, which shades, shelters, and refreshes the weary traveler.

He is the DAY-STAR, which betokens brighter scenes, and guides the vessel of mercy across the boisterous deep--to the haven of perfect redemption and safety.

He is the SUN of RIGHTEOUSNESS, whose rising . . .
cheers the benighted pilgrim,
makes glad the weary citizen of Heaven, and
produces moral beauty and fruitfulness in our world.

He is the APPLE-TREE among the trees of the forest . . .
whose blossoms are beautiful,
whose shade is refreshing, and
whose fruit is sweet to the taste.

He is the BREAD of LIFE, which came down from heaven . . .
satisfying the hungry,
strengthening the weak, and
giving life unto the world.

He is the BRAZEN SERPENT, which heals easily, instantly, and perfectly--all who look to Him by faith.

He is the WATER of SALVATION, which . . .
cleanses the filthy,
refreshes the weary, and
makes glad the city of God.

He is the only WAY, which leads from sin, condemnation, and wrath--to life, holiness, and heaven!

He is the HEAD, which thinks, plans, and contrives for the welfare of the whole of His mystical body.

He is the DOOR, which admits to . . .
the pastures of Divine truth,
the privileges of His Church below,
and His Father's glorious presence!

He is the FOUNDATION on which all must build for eternity, and which alone is able to support our hopes and sustain our souls--amidst the wreck of matter and the crash of worlds!

He is the CORNER-STONE, which unites, beautifies, and strengthens the whole building of divine mercy.

He is the TEMPLE, where God . . .
meets with us,
accepts us, and
imparts His blessing to us.

He is the ALTAR, which sanctifies both the gift and the giver.

He is the VINE, which communicates life, nourishment, and fruitfulness to all its branches.

He is the ROSE of SHARON and the LILY of the VALLEY--fragrant, lovely, attractive, perfuming, and unequaled in beauty and grace!

He is the FORERUNNER, who is gone before His flock . . .
removing the obstacles,
marking out the road, and
ready to receive them as they finish their course.

He is the FRIEND . . .
who loves at all times,
whose mind never changes,
whose love never cools, and
who never neglects a friend in distress.

He is the greatest, best, and most glorious GIFT of GOD--including, securing, and conferring--every good thing upon those who sincerely receive Him.

He is the KINSMAN . . .
who redeems the forfeited inheritance,
who ransoms all His poor relatives from slavery,
and whose name is held in renown.

He is the LAMB of GOD, who took up, expiated, and forever put away--the sins of all who trust in His blood.

He is the MESSENGER of the COVENANT, who . . .
brings good news from God,
carries all our requests to God, and
ever stands as a Mediator between us and God.

He is the PEARL of GREAT PRICE, or the priceless pearl, which . . .
all who sincerely seek--find,
all who find--may claim, and
all who possess--are enriched forever!

He is the PHYSICIAN, who . . .
heals all disorders,
restores every patient to perfect health,
and bestows medicine and care, freely.

He is the RANSOM, which . . .
procured our release,
ensures our liberty, and
preserves us from going down into the pit!

He is the RIGHTEOUSNESS, which . . .
justifies us from all charges,
entitles us to eternal life, and
enables us to lift up our heads with boldness in God's presence.

He is the TRUTH, which . . .
enlightens the mind,
purifies the heart, and
regulates the life.

He is the FIRE, which . . .
purges our dross,
brightens our graces, and
cleanses our consciences from works which deserve death.

He is the SHEPHERD, who . . .
knows every sheep,
watches over the whole flock, and
never loses a lamb, by disease, accident, or beast of prey.

He is the CAPTAIN of SALVATION, who . . .
collects His soldiers,
disciplines His troops, and
leads them forth to certain victory over sin, the world, and the devil.

He is the LADDER, by which we . . .
rise from this earth,
lose sight of carnal things, and
ascend to the presence of God!

He is the SURETY . . .
who engaged for us in the everlasting covenant,
who is held responsible for our salvation,
who has pledged to set us before His father's throne forever.

He is the WALL of FIRE, which surrounds, enlightens and infallibly protects--all His redeemed people!

He is the chief among ten thousand, and the ALTOGETHER LOVELY ONE!

Precious Lord Jesus, allow me . . .
to know You more fully,
to trust You more heartily,
to serve You more diligently,
to enjoy You more frequently,
to imitate You more closely,
to exalt You more highly, and
to show forth Your salvation from day to day!

Your love--is my heaven,
Your presence--is my delight, and
Your service--is the joy of my heart!

Let me daily . . .
walk with You,
work for You,
and bring glory to You!

Oh, send Your Spirit to my poor heart . . .
to exalt You,
to honor You,
to endear You to my soul!

Use me to bring . . .
lost sinners to Your cross,
believers to Your throne of grace,
backsliders to the path of obedience.

Be my . . .
strength in life,
solace in death, and
eternal portion beyond the grave!

(James Smith, "Christ Exalted, Saints Comforted, and Sinners Directed" 1855)

Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!

2011-05-16T09:29:00.000+12:00

"Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!" Psalm 55:6

The trials of a believer are often severe. Many a storm has he to endure, many a river to ford, and many a fire to pass through--in his way home to the promised land. Little did the Christian think, when he first stepped into the liberty of the gospel--that there were such rough roads, dark nights, and terrible storms before him; but, more or less, every traveler to Mount Zion must experience them. It is generally found to be a rough road, which leads to the celestial city. Many a Christian has found his courage fail him, and his heart misgive him, on his way home.

The darkness is sometimes so dense,
the cross is at times so heavy,
the disappointment is at some seasons so great--
that the stoutest heart quails, and unites with the timid spirit, in exclaiming, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!"

These trials are necessary, to . . .
try our sincerity,
exercise our graces, and
render the promises sweet and precious.

When all goes smooth, and everything is pleasant . . .
we attach but little importance to the promises,
have little power in prayer, and
are too apt to over-value ourselves.
But trying times . . .
endear the throne of grace,
strip us of pride and self-importance,
and strengthen our trust in Jesus.

Never is Christ so precious--as in times of peculiar trial. Never is the Bible so valued--as in the day of trouble and distress. The wilderness with its barren burning sands, its storms and tempests, its dangers and its difficulties--endears the promised land; and makes the pilgrim occasionally to cry out, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!"

Rest! O how sweet is the thought of rest--to the weary, way-worn, exhausted traveler! Rest! O how sweet is the thought of rest--to the afflicted, tried, and tempted Christian! He most generally thinks of Heaven as a place of rest:
rest from suffering,
rest from sorrow,
rest from toil, and
rest from conflict.

Rest with Jesus.

Rest in the home of God.

Rest, perfect and perpetual rest.

Peaceful and glorious rest.

We have the foretastes of it occasionally now, which makes us at times long for its fullness and perfection. Like the grapes of Eshcol, which when tasted, stimulates us to hasten across the wilderness, that we may take possession of the promised land; so the inward calm, the secret repose, the rest at times enjoyed in the soul--urges us on, and makes us cry out, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!"

(James Smith, "Good News for All" 1860)

A Mother’s Love

2011-05-07T17:36:00.000+12:00

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

A Mother’s Love

Some day when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a mother, I will tell them:

I loved you enough to ask about where you were going, with whom and what time you would get home.

I loved you enough to insist that you buy a bike, that we could afford to give you, with your own money.

I loved you enough to make you return a Milky-Way— with a bite out of it—to the drug store and to confess "I stole this."

I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that would have taken me 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, disgust and tears in my eyes.

I loved you enough to admit I was wrong and ask for your forgiveness.

I loved you enough to let you stumble, fall and hurt.

But most of all, I loved you enough to say NO when you hated me for it. That was the hardest part of all.

Erma Bombeck

WHY does He love me?

2011-05-06T13:20:00.000+12:00

To love, and be loved--is real happiness. Our highest honor, and our sweetest happiness below--is to be beloved of God. For if God loves us--He will withhold no truly good thing from us.

"Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest. " Hosea 14:4

What will God do for His people? He will love them freely!

He will prefer you to all others--setting His eye and His heart upon you.

He will take you into fellowship--the nearest, dearest, sweetest fellowship with Himself.

He will make you happy with the persuasion of the facts . . .
that He has loved you with an everlasting love,
that He delights in His love to you, and
that He will forever love you freely!

O blessed state--that the great, the infinite, the holy Lord God, will love a worm like me . . .
preferring me even to the angels;
indulging me with the freest, sweetest fellowship with Himself;
and sweetly persuading my soul of His eternal love to me!

WHY does He love me? Just because He will. The cause, the reason--is to be found in His loving heart, and sovereign will alone. Not because I am good, or amiable, or can repay His love--for He loves freely, and fixes His love on the most unlikely and unworthy objects!

How precious the Lord's people are to Him!
Notwithstanding all their unworthiness and sinfulness.
Notwithstanding all their departures from Him, and unkindness to Him.
There is nothing on earth, or in heaven, except His only begotten Son--that is as precious to the heart of God, as His people are!

God's love is always free and unchangeable. Everything outside of God will change--but His love is immutable!

"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Jeremiah 31:3

Lord, help me to believe the love which You have for me--and to love You in return! O shed abroad Your sweet love in my heart, and fill that heart with glowing love to You!

(James Smith, "Loved and Blessed" 1860)

I will look up

2011-04-16T17:05:00.000+12:00

"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up!" Psalm 5:3

This was the Psalmist's determination in the morning--and it should be ours.

Preserved and protected through the night--we should look up with gratitude, and praise our God for His goodness.

Aware of our dependence and needs--we should look up and beg mercies of our Almighty God for the new-born day.

Sensible of our foes and dangers--we should look up and pray to be kept, guided, and sanctified by our ever-present God.

If we look within--it will dispirit us;
if we look around--it may distract us;
if we look back--it may awaken fears;
if we look forward--it may arouse foreboding!

But if we look UP to God--it will preserve . . .
the head from swimming,
the heart from sinking,
the feet from slipping, and
the hands from hanging down!

Beloved, let us look up!
There our loving Father is!
There our interceding Savior is!
There all our supplies are!
There our everlasting home is!

Let others look where they will, "I will look up!"

If we look up to God in faith--then He will look down upon us in mercy; and looking, He will supply all our needs!

(James Smith "Daily Bible Readings for the Lord's Household")

Run to your Father

2010-10-21T09:45:00.000+13:00

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name." Matthew 6:9

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not". 1 John 3:1

Beloved, we have a heavenly Father.

He has adopted us into His family.

He not only wears a father's name--but he has a father's heart.

He loves every believer with a father's love.

He watches over each of His children with a father's care.

Yes, we have a Father--and He is always near us.

His heart is ever disposed to do us good.

He will not withdraw His eye from us!

He bids us . . .

to cast every care upon Him,

to expect every blessing from Him, and

to carry everything that troubles us, to Him.

Does providence frown on us, perplex, and trouble us? Let us not fret, complain, or forebode--but go and tell Father!

Does Satan tempt, suggest evil thoughts, or endeavor to mislead us? Let us not parley with him, be alarmed at him, or yield to him--but go at once and tell Father!

Everything, whether painful or pleasant--should lead us to our Father in heaven. He loves to listen to our broken prayers. He loves to sympathize with us. He never chides us for coming too often, or refuses to listen to us. Happy child, who has such a Father! And wise is that child--who carries everything to his Father--who tells Him all, keeping nothing from Him. When we carry our cares or our troubles to Him, He says, "Leave them with Me. I will manage them. I will settle them."

Christian, run to your Father from every foe--and from every danger! Tell your Father everything that vexes, grieves, or troubles you. Trust your Father to manage all your affairs. Honor your Father, by consulting Him on all matters, by confiding to Him all your secrets, and by making His written Word your daily rule on all points.

"The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." With childlike simplicity, filial confidence, and honest hearts--they go and tell their Father!

(James Smith, "Precious Things from the Everlasting Hills" 1853)

Go to Him just as you are--and receive from Him all you need

2010-10-04T18:14:00.000+13:00

"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 go to Him just as you are--and receive from Him all you need.

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!"

(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit")

Our birthdays

2010-09-16T18:20:00.000+12:00

Some people come to birthdays regretfully. They do not like to think that they are growing older. But there is no reason for regret, if only we are living our years as we should live them, as we may live them.

Empty years--are a dishonor. Years filled with sin--are blots in the calendar. We should be ashamed to come to a birthday at the close of a year of idleness, indolence, neglect, or unfaithfulness. Jesus said we must give account for every idle word we speak. It will be an unhappy reckoning that we must make, after an idle year, or for idle hours and days in a year.

But there need never be a shadow of regret in coming to a birthday, when we have lived our best through all the days. If we go through a year walking with God--we shall come to its close with enlarged life, with nobler character, with richer virtues--in every way a more godly man or woman.

Growth is a law of life. When growth ceases, death is beginning. God counts our age, not by our birthdays--but by the advances which His eye sees in our inner life. Growth, too, is not marked by height or weight or by accumulations of money or property or earthly honor--but by an increase in godly character.

(J. R. Miller, "The Beauty of Every Day" 1910)

THE TENDER SOLICITUDE

2010-09-14T14:15:00.000+12:00

Graphic Source

"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."
Matthew 10:30

What a promise is this! All that befalls you, to the very numbering of your hairs--is known to God! Nothing can happen by accident or chance. Nothing can elude His inspection. The fall of the forest leaf--the fluttering of the insect--the waving of the angel's wing--the annihilation of a world--all are equally noted by Him! Man speaks of great things and small things--but God knows no such distinction.

How especially comforting to think of this tender solicitude with reference to His own covenant people--that He metes out all their joys--and all their sorrows! Every sweet--and every bitter--is ordained by Him. Even "wearisome nights" are "appointed." Not a pang I feel, not a tear I shed--but is known to Him. What are called "dark dealings," are the ordinations of undeviating faithfulness. Man may err--his ways are often crooked; "but as for God--His way is perfect!" He puts my tears into His bottle. Every moment His everlasting arms are underneath and around me. He keeps me "as the apple of His eye." He "bears" me as a man bears his own son!

Do I look to the FUTURE? Is there much of uncertainty and mystery hanging over it? It may be, much foreboding of evil. Trust Him! All is marked out for me. Dangers will be averted; bewildering mazes will show themselves to be interlaced and interweaved with mercy. "He keeps the feet of His saints." Not a hair of their head will be touched.

He leads sometimes darkly, sometimes sorrowfully; most frequently by cross and circuitous ways, which we ourselves would not have chosen; but always wisely, always tenderly. With all its mazy windings and turnings, its roughness and ruggedness--the believer's is not only a right way--but the right way--the best which covenant love and wisdom could select.

"Nothing," says Jeremy Taylor, "does so establish the mind amid the rollings and turbulence of present things--as both a look above them and a look beyond them; above them--to the steady and loving hand by which they are ruled; and beyond them--to the sweet and beautiful end to which, by that hand, they will be brought." "The Great Counselor," says Thomas Brooks, "puts clouds and darkness round about Him, bidding us follow at His beck through the cloud, promising an eternal and uninterrupted sunshine on the other side." On that "other side" we shall see how every apparent rough blast has been hastening our boats nearer the desired haven.

Well may I commit the keeping of my soul to Jesus in well-doing--as unto a faithful Creator. He gave Himself for me. This transcendent pledge of love--is the guarantee for the bestowment of every other needed blessing. Oh, blessed thought! my sorrows are numbered--by the Man of Sorrows; my tears are counted--by Him who shed first His tears, and then His blood for me! He will impose no needless burden, and exact no unnecessary sacrifice. There was no unnecessary drop in the cup of His own sufferings; neither will there be in that of His people. "Though He slays me--yet will I trust in Him!" "Therefore comfort one another with these words."

(John MacDuff, "The Words of Jesus")

2010-09-02T09:05:00.000+12:00

Something peculiar, distinct, and different from other people

(J. C. Ryle, "Old Paths")

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Does anyone ask me what we may expect to see in a true conversion? I reply--there will always be something seen in a converted man's . . .
character,
feelings,
conduct,
opinions
and daily life.

You will not see perfection in him; but you will see in him--something peculiar, distinct, and different from other people.

You will see him . . .
hating sin,
loving Christ,
following after holiness,
taking pleasure in his Bible,
persevering in prayer.

You will see him . . .
penitent,
humble,
believing,
temperate,
charitable,
truthful,
good-tempered,
patient,
upright,
honorable,
kind.

These, at any rate, will be his aims--these are the things which he will follow after, however short he may come of perfection.

In some converted people you will see these things more distinctly--in others less. This only I say--wherever there is true conversion, something of this kind will be seen.

2010-09-01T23:07:00.000+12:00

hi there! I am back. It's been a long time but I needed the time out.
My first post I would like to share with you a wonderful program for anyone who is interested in Charlotte Mason homeschooling.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-21T15:01:00.001+13:00

A busy time of year for us all. I'm taking a wee break over our summer holiday and look forward to getting back sometime in the New Year.

Please have a safe and happy Christmas and may the Lord bless you all in 2010.

Our thoughts build our character

2009-12-03T19:12:00.002+13:00

"When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches".Psalm 63:6

It is a law of life--that our thoughts build our character.

If we meditate on the purity, the holiness, the goodness, the love, the righteousness, of Christ--these qualities will print themselves upon our own hearts.

Paul has given us an infallible direction for the best spiritual culture.
"whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things". Philippians 4:8

(J. R. Miller, "The Lesson of Love" 1903)

The man with the muck-rake

2009-11-23T18:31:00.002+13:00

"But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part..." Luke 10:42

Paul prayed that his friends, "may approve things that are excellent", Philippians 1:10

We must be always making choices in this world. We cannot take up everything that lies in our path--and we ought to choose the best things. Even among 'right things' there is room for choice, for some right things are better than others.

There are many Christians, however, who do not habitually choose the best things--but second-rate things. They labor for the food that perishes--when they might labor for the food that endures unto everlasting life. Even in their prayers, they ask for temporal blessings, when they might ask for spiritual treasures!

They are like "the man with the muck-rake", in Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress'--who only looks 'down' and drags his rake among the weeds and worthless rubbish--while over his head are crowns which he might take into his hands! They are like Esau, who sold his valuable birthright, for some lentil stew. They toil for this world's vain things--when they might have been laying up treasures in heaven!

We only have one life to live--and we ought therefore to do the best we possibly can with it. We pass through this world only once--and we ought to gather up and take with us the things that will truly enrich us--things we can keep forever!

It is not worth our while, to toil and moil, and strive and struggle--to do things that will leave no lasting results when our life is done--while there are things we can do which have eternal significance!

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:1-2

(J. R. Miller, "Life's Byways and Waysides")

UNWANTED COMMENTS

2009-11-18T14:42:00.003+13:00

Recently I have been getting SPAM in my comments. Thankfully I moderate.
Is anyone else having this problem and what can we do about it? Most have been vulgar and another was advertising airline ticket buying.
I am saddened by this happeneing and am considering shutting down my blogs.

Miss Sandra

My Rock

2009-11-13T17:20:00.002+13:00

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalm 18:2)

Do rocks defend me from blasts, from whatever
quarter they blow? So does my Rock!

Is the blast from hell? Well, He has the keys of hell and of death!

Is it from sin? He is my righteousness!

Is it from Satan? He has conquered principalities and powers!

Is it from afflictions? He is my sympathizing and loving High Priest!

Is it from losses? He is my exceeding great reward!

Is it from crosses? He makes all things work together for good to His people!

Is it from anguish? He is my joy!

Is it from darkness? He is my Sun!

Is it from doubts? He is my Counselor!

Is it from deadness? He is my life!

Is it from enemies? He is my shield!

Is it from temptation? He is my deliverer!

Is it from false friends? He will never leave me, nor forsake me!

Is it from solitude or banishment? He is everywhere present!

Is it from disease? He is my healer!

Is it from death? He is the resurrection and the life!

O glorious refuge! O sure defense! O everlasting fortress!
Here do I defy the worst that earth and hell can do!

Henceforth will I live by faith, in the MAN who is . . .
my hiding place from the wind,
my shelter from the tempest,
my stream of water in a dry place,
my shadow of a great rock in a weary land--
until every blast has blown over, and not a threatening
cloud appears in my sky--until my heaven is beautified
with everlasting day, and every storm is swept from the
air which I breathe!

"And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land."(Isaiah 32:2)

("Solitude Sweetened" by James Meikle, 1730-1799)

Songs of Faith Giveaway

2009-11-10T11:58:00.002+13:00

Deborah at Songs of Faith is having a Giveaway. If you would like to enter, please visit her blog and follow the intructions there. Her music and songs are so uplifting and you are sure to be blessed.

A head full of froth

2009-11-05T11:53:00.002+13:00

I confess I am guilty of this, and as hard as it is, it is so true. Charles Spurgeon really tells it like it is~

"I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love". Psalm 119:113

Many of you know more about your magazines and novels--than what God has written! Many of you will read a novel from the beginning to the end, and what have you got? A head full of froth when you are done! But you cannot read the Bible--that solid, lasting, substantial, and satisfying food goes uneaten, locked up in the cupboard of neglect--while anything that man writes, a best-seller of the day--you greedily devour!

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth". Colossians 3:2

(Charles Spurgeon)

The Two Birds

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"Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth; therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty." Job 5:17

He is not happy at the time, at least, in the world's way. No affliction for the present seems to be joyous--but grievous. No one enjoys having troubles, sufferings, trials, sorrows. Therefore this statement made by Eliphaz appears very strange to some people. They cannot understand it. It is contrary to all their thoughts of happiness.

Of course the word 'happy' is not used here in the world's sense. The world's happiness is the pleasure that comes from the things that happen. It depends on personal comfort, on prosperous circumstances, on kindly and congenial conditions. When these are taken away--the world's happiness is destroyed.

But the word happy, here means blessed--and the statement is that blessing comes to him who receives God's correction. To correct, is to set right--that which has been wrong. Surely if a man is going in the wrong way, and God turns his feet back and sets him in the right way--a blessing has come to the man!

Afflictions are 'God's corrections'. They come always with a purpose of love in them. God never afflicts one of His children, without meaning His child's good in some way. So blessing is always intended by God. It is usually afterward that people begin to see and to understand the good that God sent them in their trial. "You do not understand what I am now doing" said Jesus, "but you shall understand hereafter." "No chastening seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." So when we have troubles and afflictions, we may know that God wants to do us good in some way through them.

Since this is so, Job was exhorted by Eliphaz, "Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty." God chastens us to bless us--to do us good. He chastens us because He loves us.

He is not a true parent, who sees his children doing wrong, and yet fails to correct them for fear he may hurt their feelings. He ought to think of their higher good, and chasten them now--to profit them afterward.

This is the way our heavenly Father works. He never loves us better--than when He is correcting us. Therefore we ought not to despise this chastening. We ought not to murmur or complain when God does not give us our own way--but checks us, lays His afflictive hand upon us, and sends trouble upon us! We ought to have such faith in God--that we shall submit quietly, confidently, and sweetly to his will--even when it brings a heavy cross into our life.

A great many people need to pause at this line--and learn it. They do not treat God's chastening with reverence. Sometimes they are crushed by it, and refuse to look up into God's face with submission and love. Sometimes they grow bitter against God and say hard things of Him! We ought to reverence God's chastening; we ought to listen to the voice that speaks to us in our grief or pain.

The way in which God brings blessing through chastening, is emphasized:
"For He maketh sore, and bindeth up; He woundeth, and His hands make whole." Job 5:18.
God never smites with both hands at once! When one hand is laid upon us in affliction--the other hand is reached out to help, to uphold, to heal.

Sometimes there is a trouble in a man's body which requires the surgeon's knife. There must be amputation, or cutting away, or cutting into. In such a case the skillful surgeon does not hesitate. He thinks far more of his patient's health for the future--than of his comfort at present. So he uses his knife--that he may cure disease, or save life. He wounds--to heal. He makes sore--that he may bind up. It is just so in all afflictions which God sends. He chastens--that He may deliver from the power of temptation. He hurts the body--that he may save the soul. He takes away earthly property--that He may give true, heavenly riches.

One writer tells of two birds and how they acted when caught and put into a cage. One, a 'starling', flew violently against the wire walls of its prison, in unavailing efforts to escape--only battering and bruising its own wings. The other bird, a 'canary', perched itself on the bar and began to pour forth bursts of sweet song, from its little throat. We know which bird was the wiser and happier.

Some people are like the starling--when they are in any trouble, they chafe and fret and complain and give way to wretchedness! The result is, they only hurt themselves, make themselves more miserable, and do not in any sense lessen their trouble. It is wiser always, as well as more pleasing to God, for us to bear our trials patiently, singing songs of faith and love--rather than crying out in rebellion and discontent.

Job wanted to get near to God in his great trouble; he cried, "Oh that I knew where I might find Him!" He felt sure that that would be the best and safest place for him to be. We ought not to lose this lesson. When trouble is upon us--the true thing for us to do, is to flee to God! Some people, in their affliction and sorrow--flee away from God. Thus they lose their joy and peace, missing the comfort which they would get if only they kept near to Him. The right way to respond, is to try to find the way to God's very presence. He is the only safe refuge, when the storms of trouble break upon us. The first thing always, in any time of trouble--is to find God and hide away in His bosom, as a child runs to the mother in alarm, or as the little bird flies to its nest. To find God--is to be safe!

God is our truest and best friend! He is our Father--we need never fear to go to Him. He gives heed unto our cries. He loves us. All His omnipotence is on our side. No mother's heart was ever so full of love for her child--as is the heart of God for us, His children!

(J. R. Miller, "Finding God's Comfort" 1896)

Hold me up

2009-10-15T14:29:00.003+13:00

Almighty Father,

Conscious of our own weakness, and trusting only in Your grace and power--we beseech You this day to increase and multiply Your mercy upon us.

We are going forth to tread on slippery ground--may You uphold us.

Our march is through a land of which Satan is the prince--may You protect us.

Snares at each turn await our steps--may You guide us.

We look around--and fear. We look up to You--and take courage. By Your grace alone can we stand. If Your grace should fail us--instantly we fall. Our earnest prayer is, "Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe:" Psalm 119:117

(Henry Law, "Family Prayers")

The last pang, and groan, and tear

2009-10-01T20:25:00.002+13:00

The Christian also looks to the end of afflictions! The end may sometimes come in this world. In reference to this, the utmost that the believer can be sure of, is that they will end in God's time.

They may last for his whole life. The sickness which afflicts his body may be unto death! The loss which he has sustained in his property may be irreparable--and poverty may go down with him to the grave! The trial which beclouds and distresses his spirits--may be his lot for life! But on the other hand, they may not! God may be bringing him "through fire and through water to bring him out into a wealthy place." But the Christian leaves this in the hand of God, and endeavors to maintain a hope which shall save him from despondency--checked at the same time by a reverence that guards him from unwarranted presumption.

But if the end of the trial does not come in this world--it will come in the next world--when they will not only forever cease, but leave an eternal blessing behind! "I reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us!" "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!" Four things are set forth in these passages:

1. Our afflictions will have a termination! This is sweet. They are to end--they are not to last forever! The last pang, and groan, and tear are at hand--and how near the Christian never knows!

2. Our afflictions are not to end like those of the brute creation--in the grave merely--but in heaven! The last pang, and groan, and tear are to usher in that blessed state of which it is so beautifully said, "The Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters--and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes!" Heaven shall terminate the afflictions of the righteous!

3. Heaven is so glorious, that the first view of its scenes, and the first moment of its enjoyment--shall make amends for the longest life of the most protracted and intense sufferings!

4. The sufferings of our earthly pilgrimage--will enhance and increase the felicities of heaven! Their submissive endurance; the graces which they call into exercise; the sanctification which they promote; the heavenly temper which they cultivate--will be the means of ripening the spirit, and making it fit for its eternal inheritance!

Every tear that is shed;
every groan that is heaved;
every loss that is sustained;
every moment of suffering that is endured;
every disappointment that is experienced, which is borne with patience, with resignation, with unwearied holiness--will not only be followed with millions of ages of ineffable felicity--but will prepare the soul for its enjoyment, and add something to its weight and its luster!

(John Angell James, "Afflictions")

All the sins of the saints

2009-09-29T15:27:00.003+13:00

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

All the afflictions, and
all the temptations, and
all the oppressions, and
all the oppositions, and
all the persecutions--
which befall a godly man,
shall work for his good.

Every cross, and
every loss, and
every disease--
which befall the holy man,
shall work for his good.

Every device,
every snare,
every deceit,
every stratagem,
and every enterprise of Satan against
the holy man, shall work for his good.

They shall all help to make him . . .
more humble,
more holy,
more heavenly,
more spiritual,
more faithful,
more fruitful,
more watchful.

Every prosperity and every adversity;
every storm and every calm;
every bitter and every sweet;
every cross and every comfort--
shall work for the holy man's good.

When God gives a mercy--
that shall work for his good.
When God takes away a mercy--
that shall work for his good.

Yes, even all the falls and all the sins of
the saints shall work for their good. Oh . . .
the care,
the fear,
the watchfulness,
the tenderness,
the zeal--
which God raises in the souls of His saints by their
very falls! Oh the hatred, the indignation, and the
detestation--which God raises in the hearts of His
children against sin--by their very falling into sin!

Oh what love to Christ,
what thankfulness for Christ,
what admiration of Christ,
what cleaving to Christ,
what exalting of Christ,
what drawings from Christ's grace--
are saints led to, by their very falls!

It is the glory of God's holiness, that . . .
He can turn spiritual diseases--into holy remedies!
He can turn soul poisons--into heavenly cordials!
He can prevent sin by sin, and cure falling by falling!

O Christian! What though friends and relations frown upon you,
what though enemies are plotting and conspiring against you,
what though needs, like armed men, are breaking in upon you,
what though men rage, and devils roar against you,
what though sickness is devastating your family,
what though death stands every day at your elbow--
yet there is no reason for you to fear nor faint, because
all these things shall work for your good! Yes, there is
wonderful cause of joy and rejoicing in all the afflictions
and tribulations which come upon you--considering that
they shall all work for your good.

O Christians! I am afraid, I am afraid--that you do not
run so often as you should--to the breasts of this promise,
nor draw that sweetness and comfort from it, that it would
yield, and that your several cases may require.
"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose".

I have been the longer upon this verse, because the condition
of God's people calls for the strongest cordials, and the
choicest and the sweetest comforts.

(Thomas Brooks, "The Crown and Glory of Christianity,
or, HOLINESS, the Only Way to Happiness", 1662)

The golden key that lets us into paradise

2009-09-23T15:50:00.003+12:00

See what great love Christ bore to His people!

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

Christ's cross is the golden key that lets
us into paradise!

His red blood--washed away our crimson sins!

Oh precious blood!
it redeems us,
it cleanses us,
it justifies us,
it sanctifies us,
it restores us to God,
it brings us to heaven!

Oh how lovely, how lovely was Christ in His sufferings!

Our blessed Savior died--that we might live!

He endured the greatest pains--that
we might enjoy the greatest pleasures!

Rather than His people be damned to eternal hell,
He came from heaven to suffer all this for them!

Methinks such a Pearl should sparkle in our eyes.

We do not sail to glory in the salt seas of our tears
--but in the red sea of Christ's blood!

(William Dyer, "Christ's Famous Titles")

A bird that is tied by a string

2009-09-20T20:09:00.003+12:00

"For I percieve that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." Acts 8:23

"If the Son therefore shall make you free--ye shall be free indeed!" John 8:36

A bird that is tied by a string--seems to have more liberty than a bird in a cage; it flutters up and down--and yet it is held just as fast.

When a man thinks that he has escaped from the bondage of sin in general, and yet evidently remains under the power of some one favored lust--he is woefully mistaken in his judgment as to his spiritual freedom. He may boast that he is out of the cage--but assuredly, the string is on his leg!

He who has his fetters knocked off--all but one chain--is a prisoner still.

"Let not any iniquity have dominion over me," is a good and wise prayer; for one pampered sin will slay the soul--as surely as one dose of poison will kill the body!

There is no need for one to be bitten by a whole nest of deadly vipers--the tooth of one cobra is quite sufficient to insure his destruction.

One sin, like one match--can kindle the fires of hell within the soul!

The practical application of this truth, should be made by the professor who is a slave to any lust, or to covetousness. How can you be free--if any one of these chains still holds you fast?

We have met with professors who are haughty, and despise others; how can these be the Lord's free men--while pride captivates their heart?

In will and intent--we must break every chain of sin! We must perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord, or we cannot hope that the Son has made us free indeed.

O Holy Spirit--break every chain of sin, I beseech you!

(Charles Spurgeon)

Fiery trials--make golden Christians

2009-09-17T08:34:00.003+12:00

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" 2 Corinthians 4:17

Oh Christians! under your greatest troubles--lie your greatest treasures!

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes!" Psalm 119:71

By the greatest affliction--God teaches us the greatest instruction. When a believer lies under God's hand which afflicts him--he lies in God's heart which loves him!

Afflictions are good--but not pleasant.

Sin is pleasant--but not good.

There is more evil in a drop of sin--than there is in a sea of afflictions!

God by affliction, separates the sin He hates so deadly--from the soul He loves so dearly!

The believer studies more how to adorn the cross--than how to avoid the cross! Tell me, oh believer, is not Christ with His cross--better than the world with its crown?

"for they verily for a few days chastised us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness". Hebrews 12:10

Suppose, Christian, that the furnace is hot, seven times hotter--it is but to make you seven times more holy! Fiery trials--make golden Christians! Sin has brought many a believer unto suffering--and suffering has kept many a believer from sinning! It is better to be preserved in brine--than to rot in honey!

"I know, O Lord, that Your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me!" Psalm 119:75

(William Dyer, "Christ's Famous Titles")

A LOVING PURPOSE

2009-09-14T12:07:00.003+12:00

Image from here

"Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servant." Psalm 35:27

What is "prosperity"? Is it threads of life weaved into a bright outcome? a full cup? ample riches? worldly applause? an unbroken circle? No, these are often a snare; received without gratitude; dimming the soul to its nobler destinies. Often spiritually, it rather means God taking us by the hand into the lowly Valleys of Humiliation; leading us as He did His servant Job of old--out of his sheep, oxen, camels, health, wealth, children; in order that we may be brought before Him in the dust, and say, "Blessed be His holy name!"

Yes! The very reverse of what is known in the world as Prosperity forms the background on which the Rainbow of Promise is seen. God smiles on us through these rainbows and teardrops of sorrows! He loves us too well. He has too great an interest in our spiritual welfare to permit us to live on in what is misnamed "Prosperity." When He sees duties languidly performed, or coldly neglected; the heart deadened, and love to Himself congealed by the absorbing power of the present world, He puts a thorn in our nest to drive us to the wing, and prevent our being grovelers forever!

I may not be able now to understand the mystery of these dealings. I may be asking through the tears, "Why this unkind arrest on my earthly happiness? Why so premature a lopping of my boughs of promise? Why such a speedy withering of my most cherished gourd?" The answer is plain. It is your soul’s prosperity He has in view. Believe it, your true Ebenezers will yet be raised close by your Zarephaths (the place of furnace).

His afflictions are no arbitrary appointments. There is righteous necessity in all He does. As He lays His chastening hand upon you, and leads you by ways you know not, and which you never would have chosen--He whispers the gentle accents in your ear, 'Beloved I wish above all things that you would prosper, and be in health.'

Rest in the quiet consciousness that all is well. Murmur at nothing which brings you nearer His own loving Presence. Be thankful for your very cares, because you can confidently cast them all upon Him. He has your temporal and eternal "prosperity" too much at heart to appoint one superfluous pang, one needless stroke. Commit therefore, all that concerns you to His keeping, and leave it there!

(John MacDuff, "The Rainbow in the Clouds")

Your Chief Study

2009-09-07T13:05:00.002+12:00

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23

See that your chief study is about your heart:
that there, God's image is planted;
that there, His interests are advanced;
that there, the world and flesh are subdued;
that there, the love of every sin is cast out;
that there, the love of holiness grows.

"I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings." Jeremiah 17:10

(Jonathan Edwards)

Our tears of penitence cannot remove one blot

2009-09-01T11:45:00.003+12:00

"Where sin abounded--grace did much more abound!" Romans 5:20

Heavenly Father,
Deepen in us this day, contrition for our vileness, as miserable sinners in Your sight. How often without resistance, have we floated down the stream of evil! We do not cloak our wretchedness. Our lips are ready to confess--but our hearts are slow to feel, and our feet are reluctant to amend our ways. We bring our hard hearts unto You. Break them by Your Spirit--and then bind them up by Your grace. Wound them to the core--and then pour in the Gospel-balm!
Such is the blindness of our fallen nature, that we cannot see sin's deformity--except as You are pleased to unmask it. Such is our deadness, that we cannot hate sin--except as You shall graciously implant abhorrence. Such is our infirmity, that we cannot flee sin--except as Your strength enables. Conscious of our total inability--we come to You for light, for help, for strength, for blessing.

Our sins without number stare us in the face! They are piled as mountain upon mountain. Their height reaches unto the heavens! But their full extent is open only to Your omniscient eye. The burden of our known transgressions weighs us to the dust. But the burden is light, compared to the mass which the scales of Your justice hold. We see but little, because our light is partial and our sight is dim. How must we appear, as seen by You, before whom the very heavens are not clean! You charge Your holy angels with folly. What must be Your estimate of our polluted souls! Humbled for what we see and feel; fearful for what is known only unto You--we meekly cry, "Pardon all our sins--for Jesus' sake!"

We smite upon our breasts, as utterly unworthy of the least of Your gracious and unfathomable mercies. Hear now our cry, and work in us by the omnipotence of Your Holy Spirit, more profound and abiding repentance. Give us more and more of that godly grief, which ever fears and trembles, and yet ever trusts and loves--which is ever watchful and prayerful, and yet is ever confident and hopeful. May the remembrance of the sad past--quicken us to walk in entire newness of life. Grant that through the tears of penitence, we may see more clearly--the brightness and the glories of the saving Cross!

Oh! blessed Jesus--we flee to You! We cling to You. Our countless iniquities condemn us--but You will wash them all away! Our tears of penitence cannot remove one blot--but Your blood has all cleansing merit. Our prayers can earn no pardon--but Your mercy says, "Your sins which are many--are all forgiven!" The more we loathe ourselves--the more we love You! Our vile demerits--commend Your glorious worth!

(Henry Law, "Family Prayers")

A faint symbol of unutterable affection

2009-08-27T14:57:00.004+12:00

"...yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend....,". Song of Songs 5:16

In calling the Lord Jesus "altogether lovely," the redeemed Church asserts that she sees nothing in Him which she does not admire. The world may rail at His cross and call it shameful; but to her it is the very center and soul of glory. He is never without beauty to her! She presses His pierced feet to her embrace--and looks upon His wounds as jewels! Fools stand by His cross and find many a theme for jest and scorn; but she discovers nothing but solemn reason for reverent adoration and unbounded love!

"Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee." Song of Songs 4:7. Viewing Him in every office and relationship--she cannot discover a flaw! She knows too well, His perfect Godhead and His spotless manhood--to offer a moment's shelter to the thought of a blemish in His immaculate person! She abominates every teaching that debases Him! She spurns the most gorgeous religious drapery that would obscure His beauteous features! Yes, so jealous is she of His honor, that a hint against His unsullied purity would stir her soul to holy wrath--and speedy would be her execration, and relentless her execution of the heresy! Nothing has ever aroused the ire of the Church so much--as a word against her beloved Redeemer. To all true believers, this is high treason and an offense which cannot be treated lightly.

Jesus is without a single blot or blemish--yet this negative praise, this bold denial of any fault--is far from representing the fullness of the loving admiration of the Church. Jesus is positively lovely in her eyes! Not merely lovely--His beauties are attracting beauties, and His glories are such as charm the heart. But although this utterance of the Church is the very climax of the language of praise, and was doubtless intended as the pinnacle of all description--yet it is not possible that this one sentence, even when expanded by the most careful meditation, should be able to express more than a mere particle of the admiration felt. Her description towers above all others; but its stature fails to reach the towering height of Heaven-born love. It is but a faint symbol of unutterable affection! It is a choice pearl washed on shore, from the deep sea of Divine love.

"...yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend...,". Song of Songs 5:16

(Charles Spurgeon, "Gleanings among the Sheaves")

The slippery paths of a tempted, tried and afflicted believer

2009-08-20T16:43:00.002+12:00

"He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber." Psalm 121:3

This is a choice stanza for pilgrims to the celestial city.

"He will not allow your foot to be moved." Though the paths of life are dangerous and difficult--yet we shall stand fast, for Jehovah will not permit our feet to slide; and if He will not allow it--we shall never be moved! If our foot will is thus kept--we may be sure that our head and heart will be preserved also! Those who have God for their keeper--shall be safe from all the perils of the way.

Among the hills and ravines of Palestine, the keeping of the feet is a great mercy. But in the slippery paths of a tempted, tried and afflicted believer, the blessing of upholding is of priceless value--for a single false step might cause us a fall fraught with awful danger! To stand 'steadfast' and pursue our holy way--is a blessing which only God can give. It is worthy of His divine hand--and worthy also of our perennial gratitude. Our feet shall move in heavenly progress--and we shall never be overthrown!

"He who keeps you will not slumber." We could not stand a moment--if our Divine Keeper were to sleep! We need Him by day and by night. Not a single step can be safely taken--except under His guardian eye. God is the convoy and body-guard of His people. When dangers are all around us--we are safe, for our Preserver is awake, and will not permit us to be moved. No fatigue of exhaustion can cast our God into sleep--His watchful eyes are never closed!

(Charles Spurgeon)

The load will be too heavy for us

2009-08-18T18:55:00.002+12:00

I compare the troubles which we have to undergo in the course of the year--to a great bundle of sticks, far too large for us to lift. But God does not require us to carry the whole bundle at once. He mercifully unties the bundle, and gives us first one stick, which we are to carry today; and then another, which we are to carry tomorrow, and so forth.

We can easily manage our troubles, if we would only carry the trouble appointed for each day. But the load will be too heavy for us--if we carry yesterday's burden over again today, and then add the burden of tomorrow to the weight, before we are required to bear it.

(Letters of John Newton)

Soldiering For The Lord

2009-08-10T17:10:00.002+12:00

I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my commanding officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, prayer, and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire. I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity.

I will either retire in this army at the rapture or die in this army; but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable. If my God needs me, I am there. If He needs me in the Sunday school, to teach the children, work with the youth, help adults or just sit and learn.

He can use me because I am there! I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up or pepped up. I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me. I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name, and building His kingdom!

No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead. I will win. My God has and will continue to supply all of my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ. Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me.

Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me and hell cannot handle me. I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to Captain and then allow me to rule with Him.

I am a soldier in the army, and I'm marching claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around. I am a soldier, marching heaven bound. Here I stand! (Author: Unknown)
I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my commanding officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, prayer, and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire. I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity.

I will either retire in this army at the rapture or die in this army; but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable. If my God needs me, I am there. If He needs me in the Sunday school, to teach the children, work with the youth, help adults or just sit and learn.
He can use me because I am there!

I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up or pepped up. I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me. I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name, and building His kingdom!

No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead. I will win. My God has and will continue to supply all of my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ. Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me.

Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me and hell cannot handle me. I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to Captain and then allow me to rule with Him.

I am a soldier in the army, and I'm marching claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around. I am a soldier, marching heaven bound. Here I stand!

(Author: Unknown)

Taking a Blogging Break

2009-06-22T07:48:00.000+12:00

Taking a break.
This time of year has gotten extremely busy for us so I am going to take a blogging break for the next 6 weeks or so. I may not get to visit with you but I will be back.
May the Lord bless you

I am sure I cannot endure to the end

2009-06-11T09:29:00.003+12:00

"I will put My fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from Me." Jeremiah 32:40

Jesus, to whom I have been led to commit myself, has engaged to save me, absolutely, and from first to last. He has promised not only that He will not depart from me--but that He will put, keep, and maintain His fear in my heart--so that I shall never finally depart from Him! And if He does not do this for me--I have no security against my turning apostate! For I am so weak, inconsistent, and sinful; I am so encompassed with deadly snares from the world; and I am so liable to such assaults from the subtlety, vigilance, and power of Satan--that, unless I am "kept by the power of God," I am sure I cannot endure to the end!

I do believe that the Lord will keep me while I walk humbly and obediently before Him; but, were this all--it would be cold comfort! For I am prone to wander--and need a Shepherd whose watchful eye, compassionate heart, and boundless mercy--will pity, pardon, and restore my backslidings!

For, though by His goodness and not my own--I have hitherto been preserved in the path of holiness; yet I feel those evils within me, which would shortly break loose and bear me down to destruction, were He not ever present with me to control them.

Those who comfortably hope to see His face in glory--but depend upon their own watchfulness and endeavors to preserve themselves from falling--must be much wiser, better, and stronger than I am! Or at least they cannot have so deep and painful a sense of their own weakness and vileness, as daily experience forces upon me. I desire to be found in the use of the Lord's appointed means for the renewal of my spiritual strength--but I dare not undertake to watch a single hour, nor do I find ability to think a good thought, nor a power in myself of resisting any temptation! My strength is perfect weakness--and all I have is sin.

In short, I must sit down in despair--if I did not believe that He who has begun a good work in me, will carry it out to completion.

"Hold thou me up--and I shall be safe!" Psalm 119:117

(Letters of John Newton)

Worship God in the shop or kitchen

2009-06-08T13:23:00.002+12:00

May 2, 1771
My dear friend,
The more the Lord blesses you in earthly things--the more sensible you will be that true happiness is only to be found in Himself; for sin and vanity are closely connected with everything beneath the skies! In this view, I trust He will enable you to number your troubles among your mercies, as necessary to keep your soul from cleaving to the dust, and to quicken your prayers and desires heavenwards.

Our necessary relationships in this life, especially those which are most pleasing, are attended with many snares. May the Lord keep you sensible of the danger, that you may be watchful against the first appearances of spiritual decline, and be continually crying, "Hold me up--and then I shall be safe!"

I am, however, fully persuaded that a due attention to the concerns of our relative duties and callings in this world, can never be a hindrance to our walking with God. These earthly things require some of our thoughts--and much of our time; and if we can manage them in obedience to His will, and with a reference to His glory--they are then sanctified, and become holy actions. A believer, acting in a right spirit, may be truly said to worship God in the shop or kitchen, no less than when waiting on Him in prayer and Scripture meditation. A person called by God's providence to sweep the streets, if he does it to the Lord, performs as acceptable a service as another who should preach the Gospel to thousands!

(Letters of John Newton)

The secret of being content

2009-06-02T11:35:00.003+12:00

"Godliness with contentment is great gain!" 1 Timothy 6:6

August 17, 1776
My dear friend,
It befits every Christian to say--It is not necessary for me to be rich--or what the world accounts wise. It is not necessary for me to be healthy--or admired by my fellow-worms. It is not necessary for me to pass through life in a state of prosperity and outward comfort. These things may be, or they may not be--as the Lord in His wisdom shall appoint them for me.

But it is necessary for me to be humble and spiritual, to seek communion with God, to adorn my profession of the Gospel, and to yield submissively to His disposal, in whatever way, whether of service or suffering--that He shall be pleased to call me to glorify Him in this world. It is not necessary for me to live long--but highly expedient that while I do live--I should live unto Him! Here then, I would bound my desires; and here, having His Word for my rule, I am secured from asking amiss. Let me have His presence, wisdom to know my calling, and opportunities and faithfulness to improve them; and as to the rest, Lord, help me to sincerely pray,
Whatever You will,
whenever You will, and
however You will.

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." Philippians 4:11-12

(Letters of John Newton)

His sheep feed in the midst of wolves

2009-05-26T11:11:00.003+12:00

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want" Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my Shepherd! This is a comprehensive word. The sheep can do nothing for themselves. The Shepherd must guide, guard, feed, heal and recover. It is well for us--that our Shepherd is the Lord Almighty! If His power, care, compassion and fullness were not infinite--the poor sheep would be forsaken, starved and die! But we have a Shepherd full of care, full of kindness, full of power, who has said, "I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which wasbroken, and will strengthen that which was sick..." Ezekiel 34:16. How tender are these expressions, and how well fulfilled! His sheep feed in the midst of wolves--yet are safely preserved; for, though they cannot see Him--His eye and His heart are ever upon them!

Which of God's children have not cause to say, "My soul is among lions!" But our Shepherd stops their mouths, or only permits them to gape and roar, and show their teeth. He does not allow them to bite and tear us at their will. Let us trust our Shepherd--and all shall be well.

As to daily occurrences, it is best to trust that a daily portion of comforts and crosses--each one the most suitable to our case--is adjusted and appointed by the hand which was once nailed to the cross for us! We must trust, that where the path of duty and prudence leads us--that there is the best situation we could possibly be in, at that time.

(Letters of John Newton)

When we complain about the weather

2009-05-21T16:35:00.003+12:00

Mt Maunganui Beach, NZ, after hailstorm - May 2009

"He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.
He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.
He casteth forth his ice (hailstones) like morsels: who can stand before his cold?
He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow". Psalm 147:15-18

What a declaration is this! The changes of the elements are beneath God's sovereign control. It is God who withholds the rain--and it is God who gives the rain . . .
when He wills,
where He wills,
as He wills, and
on whom He wills!

"And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered.
So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.
I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.
I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword...... saith the LORD".
Amos 4:7-10

"By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.
Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:
And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.
He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy".
Job 37:10-13

Truly, then, God governs the elements!

Earth and wind,
fire and rain,
hail and snow,
stormy winds and angry seas
--all obey His omnipotent word--and fulfill His sovereign pleasure! Therefore, when we complain about the weather, we are, in reality, murmuring against God!

Let His Word speak once more "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries".
Psalm 135:6-7

~ ~ ~ ~

"All things are in the hands of God, have Him for their Author, and are directed and governed by Him to such ends as are most suitable to His wise providence. Whoever complains of the weather--complains of the God who ordains the weather!" William Law

(Arthur Pink, "The Sovereignty of God")

My Father

2009-05-15T17:23:00.003+12:00

(Picture from Allposters.com)

My Father,
I desire to enter Your sacred presence in the name of Jesus. Where would I be, but for such a Savior! I have no plea of my own.

My best actions -- how full of blemishes!

My purest aims and motives -- how mingled with selfishness!

My best righteousness -- how marred with imperfection and defilement!

My best thoughts -- how sinful and unworthy!

My best prayers -- how cold and languid, requiring themselves to be prayed for!

If You, O Lord, would mark iniquities -- who could stand!

I know not what entanglements may hinder me in prosecuting my pilgrim way, what temptations may overtake me, what sorrows may darken me. Be about my path all the day long.

Strengthen me, good Lord, for the duties which are before me this day. I cannot forecast its perils and dangers and temptations. I implore the continuance of Your sovereign, sustaining, restraining grace -- to keep me from falling. Hold me up -- and then I shall be safe! Let me resume my pilgrim journey, leaning always on Your omnipotent arm.

May I know in my experience, that I can do all things, and endure all things, through Christ who strengthens me. When tempted to worldliness, or sloth, or self-indulgence -- may I look to Jesus for strength. Conform me to His image; mold me into His holy example. In every difficult and perplexing path, may this be my guiding maxim and direction -- "How would Jesus, my Lord and Master have acted in this situation?" And knowing His will, may I delight to do it.

May I ever exercise a jealous scrutiny over my thoughts and words and actions. Preserve me from . . .
all pride and vain-glory;
all selfishness and covetousness;
all that would lead me to exalt myself;
all guilty and unworthy compromises with the world, the flesh, and the devil.

May the consciousness of Your presence and favor -- lessen my every cross and sweeten my every care. I anew commend myself to Your gracious keeping and guidance this day. Watch over me for good; and may every power of my body and every faculty of my mind, combine in devotion to Your service and glory. Wean me from all that is fleeting and perishable. Let it be my highest joy to follow You -- and my deepest pain to grieve You.

Other refuges will fail, other props will be removed; may I find in You, an unfailing refuge and portion and friend! I go forth to the duties of a new morning, in simple dependence on Your grace and strength.

(J. R. MacDuff, "A BOOK OF PRIVATE PRAYERS" 1890)

Petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions

2009-05-08T21:58:00.002+12:00

"Be careful to maintain good works." Titus 3:8

"Avoid foolish questions." Titus 3:9

Our days are few, and are far better spent in devoting ourselves to good works, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. Incessant discussion of subjects of no practical value, do a world of mischief. Our churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said--neither party is any the wiser! Therefore, the discussion no more promotes knowledge, than love! It is foolish to sow in so barren a field.

Questions upon . . .
points wherein Scripture is silent;
mysteries which belong to God alone;
prophecies of doubtful interpretation;
modes of observing mere human ceremonies
--are all foolish! Wise men will avoid them! Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions--but to avoid them altogether! If we observe the apostle's precept to be careful to devote ourselves to good works--we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business--to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings!

There are, however, some questions which are the reverse of foolish--which we must not avoid--but fairly and honestly answer, such as these:
Am I growing in grace and Christ-likeness?
Does my life adorn the doctrine of my Savior?
What more can I do for Jesus?
Such inquiries as these, urgently demand our attention!

If we have been at all given to arguing and disputing, let us now turn to a service so much more profitable. Let us endeavor to lead others, both by our precept and example, to "avoid foolish questions."

(Charles Spurgeon)

The diamond rivet

2009-05-04T10:10:00.002+12:00

"The Lord will give grace and glory!" Psalm 84:11

Jehovah is bounteous in His nature--to give is His delight. His gifts are precious beyond measure, and are as freely given as the light of the sun!

He freely gives grace in all its forms, to all His people:
saving grace,
comforting grace,
preserving grace,
sanctifying grace,
directing grace,
instructing grace,
assisting grace!

He gives grace . . .
abundantly,
seasonably,
constantly,
readily,
sovereignly!

He doubly enhances the value of His grace--by the manner of its bestowal. He generously pours grace into their souls without ceasing--and He always will do so, whatever may occur. Sickness may befall--but the Lord will give grace. Poverty may come to us--but grace will surely be afforded. Death must come--but grace will light a candle at the darkest hour. Reader, how blessed it is as years roll along, to enjoy such an unfading promise as this, "The Lord will give grace!"

The little conjunction "and" in this verse is the diamond rivet binding the present with the future! Grace and glory always go together. God has married them--and none can divorce them! The Lord will never deny a soul eternal glory--to whom He has freely given His saving grace. Indeed, glory is nothing more than grace in its heavenly dress; grace in full bloom; grace like autumn fruit--mellow and perfected.

How soon we may have glory--none can tell. It may be before this month has run out--that we shall see the Celestial City. But be the interval longer or shorter--we shall be glorified before long. The Lord will surely give glory to all His chosen ones:
the glory of heaven,
the glory of eternity,
the glory of Jesus!

Oh, rare promise of a faithful God! Two golden links of one celestial chain! Whoever has grace--shall surely gain glory!

(Charles Spurgeon)

Be Careful with Links

2009-05-03T14:32:00.002+12:00

I have just discovered that I had a link (amongst my favourite places on the web list below on the right) that led to a page that had nothing to do with homeschooling. My apologies to anyone who has clicked on the link I had to Carls Corner. I have corrected it and so it should lead to the the right place now.
My sincere apologies.

How Cruel

2009-05-03T08:13:00.002+12:00

This morning after reading the news, I visited my friends blog at Berean Wife. she had a post about black eyes and how a person in the public arena is investigated over a child with a black eye. Automatically the authorities cry abuse!

I remember when I was growing up in the late 60's early 70's we had an old Swiss busdriver who we were all literally scared of. He stopped the bus a few times to make kids get off if they continued being disruptive on the bus. They would have to walk home. This guy never got fired for disciplining those kids. I look back now and think what a great man he was for being consistent. Today he would be charged with abuse!!

That was a time when we got a whack around the shins with a ruler for being a smart-aleck in class too. Just this morning I was reading our local news about two small kittens who were brought to the SPCA. They had had they left hind paws hacked off. The parents brought two giggling 10 year olds to handover the kittens then left leaving no details. I wept. I thought to myself that even animals don't torture other animals. Why do humans do this?? SIN!!!!

What is becoming alarmingly clearer is that with the lack of discipline, no accountability, *my rights*, no conscience, we live in a world sitting on the precipice of hell.What comfort it is to come away from such heart wrenching news articles to the pure, clean, merciful arms our our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. While the world hurredly slides downwards, let us keeping looking up, trusting Him who has saved us.

Your children

2009-05-01T15:42:00.003+12:00

"Bring him unto Me!" Mark 9:19

Despairingly the poor disappointed father turned away from the disciples, to their Master. His son was in the worst possible condition, and all means had failed--but the miserable child was soon delivered from the evil one, when the parent in faith obeyed the Lord Jesus' word, "Bring him unto Me!"

Your children are a precious gift from God--but much anxiety comes with them. They may be a great joy--or a great bitterness to their parents. They may be filled with the Spirit of God--or possessed with the spirit of evil. In all cases, the Word of God gives us one recipe for the curing of all their ills, "Bring them unto Me!"

O for more agonizing prayer on their behalf, while they are yet babes. Sin is there, let our prayers begin to attack it.

In the days of their youth we shall see sad tokens of that dumb and deaf spirit, which will neither pray aright, nor hear the voice of God in the soul--but Jesus still commands, "Bring them unto Me!"

When they are grown up, they may wallow in sin and foam with enmity against God! Then, when our hearts are breaking--we should remember the great Physician's words, "Bring them unto Me!" Never must we cease to pray for them--until they cease to breathe. No case is hopeless--while Jesus lives.

The Lord sometimes allows His people to be driven into a corner--that they may experimentally know how necessary He is to them. Ungodly children, when they show us our own powerlessness against the depravity of their hearts--drive us to flee to the Strong One for strength--and this is a great blessing to us!

Whatever this day's need may be, let it like a strong current--bear us to the ocean of divine love! Jesus can soon remove our sorrow. He delights to comfort us. Let us hasten to Him--while He waits to meet us!

(Charles Spurgeon)

They were not carried to heaven on beds of ease

2009-04-27T15:40:00.003+12:00

"Woe is me--that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!" Psalm 120:5

As a Christian, you have to live in the midst of an ungodly world, and it is of little use for you to cry, "Woe is me!"

Jesus did not pray, "O that you should be taken out of the world!" And what He did not pray for--you need not desire! Better far in the Lord's strength--to meet the difficulty, and glorify Him in it.

The enemy is ever on the watch to detect inconsistency in your conduct; be therefore very holy. Remember that the eyes of all are upon you--and that more is expected from you, than from others! Strive to give no occasion for blame. Like Daniel, let your godliness and piety be the only faults which they can discover in you.

Seek to be useful--as well as consistent. Perhaps you think, "If I were in a more favorable position, I might be able to serve the Lord's cause. But I cannot do any good where I am!" But the worse the people are among whom you live--the more need they have of your exertions! If they are crooked--the more necessity that you should set them straight! If they are perverse--the more need have you to turn their proud hearts to the truth. Where should the physician be--but where there are many sick? Where is honor to be won by the soldier--but in the hottest fire of the battle?

When weary of the strife and sin which meets you on every hand--consider that all the saints have endured the same trial! They were not carried to heaven on beds of ease!--and you must not expect to travel more easily than they! They had to hazard their lives unto the death, in the midst of the battlefield--and you will not be crowned--until you also have endured hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Therefore, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith" 1 Corinthians 16:13

(Charles Spurgeon)

Two precious jewels glittering side by side

2009-04-22T20:14:00.003+12:00

"Delight thyself also in the Lord." Psalm 37:4

The teaching of these words must seem very surprising to those who are strangers to vital godliness. But to the sincere believer, it is only the inculcation of a recognized truth.

The life of the believer is here described as a delight in God--and we are thus certified of the great fact--that true religion overflows with happiness and joy. Ungodly people and mere professors never look upon piety as a joyful thing; to them it is dreary service, duty, or necessity--but never a pleasure or delight. The thought of delight in Christ is so strange to most people, that no two words in their language stand further apart than "holiness" and "delight." But believers who know Christ, understand that delight and holiness are so blessedly united, that the gates of hell cannot prevail to separate them. Those who love Christ with all their hearts, find that all His ways are ways of pleasantness; and all His paths are peace.

Christians discover such joys, such brimful delights, such overflowing blessednesses, that so far from serving Him from custom, they would follow Him--though all the world casts out His name as evil.

We do not love God because of any compulsion:
our faith is no fetter,
our profession is no bondage,
we are not dragged to holiness,
nor driven to duty.

Our piety is our pleasure,
our hope is our happiness,
our duty is our delight!

Holiness and delight are as allied--as root and flower. They are, in fact, two precious jewels glittering side by side in a setting of gold!

(Charles Spurgeon)

Resurrection Sunday

2009-04-12T16:52:00.001+12:00

He is Risen!
Blessed Resurrection Sunday.

The Old Rugged Cross

2009-04-09T11:37:00.003+12:00

The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain......

"...the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18

Rise up My love, My beautiful one--and come away

2009-04-06T20:23:00.002+12:00

"My Beloved spake and said unto me--Rise up My love, My fair one--and come away" Song of Solomon 2:10

Lo, I hear the voice of my Beloved! He speaks to me! He bids me "Rise up!" and well He may, for I have long enough been lying among the pots of worldliness. Why should I cleave unto the dust? From lower loves, desires, pursuits, and aspirations--I would rise towards Him.

He calls me by the sweet title of "My love" and regards me as beautiful! This is a good encouragement for my rising. If He has thus exalted me, and thinks me thus lovely--how can I linger in the dark tents of Kedar and find congenial associates among the world?

He bids me "Come away!" Come away further and further from everything selfish, groveling, worldly, and sinful! He calls me from the outwardly religious world which knows Him not, and has no sympathy with the mystery of the pious life.

"Come away" has no harsh sound in it to my ear--for what is there to hold me in this wilderness of vanity and sin? O my Lord, would that I could come away--but I am stuck among the thorns--and cannot escape from them as I would! I would, if it were possible, have neither eyes, nor ears, nor heart for sin!

You call me to Yourself by saying "Come away!" and this is a melodious call indeed. To come to You is to come home from exile; to come to land out of the raging storm; to come to rest after long labor; to come to the goal of my desires and the summit of my wishes! But Lord, how can a stone rise, how can a lump of clay come away from the horrible pit? O raise me, draw me--and I will run after You! Your grace alone can do it. Send forth Your Holy Spirit to kindle sacred flames of love in my heart--and I will continue to rise until I leave life and time behind me, and indeed come away!
(Charles Spurgeon)

With His stripes we are healed

2009-04-03T11:51:00.002+13:00

"....with His stripes we are healed." -- Isaiah 53:5

Pilate delivered our Lord to the lictors to be scourged. This Roman scourging was a most dreadful instrument of torture. It was made of the sinews of oxen, and sharp bones were inter-twisted among the sinews; so that every time the lash came down--these pieces of bone inflicted fearful laceration, and tore off the flesh from the victim. The Savior was, no doubt, bound to the pillar, and thus beaten. He had been beaten before; but this scourging of the Roman lictors--was probably the most severe of His flagellations.

My soul, stand here and weep over His poor stricken body. Believer in Jesus, can you gaze upon Him without tears--as He stands before you--the picture of agonizing love? He is at once as white as the lily for innocence, and as red as the rose with the crimson of His own blood. As we feel the sure and blessed healing which His stripes have wrought in us--does not our heart melt at once with love and grief? If ever we have loved our Lord Jesus--surely we must feel that affection glowing now within our bosoms!

We would sincerely go to our chambers and weep! We pray our Beloved to print the image of His bleeding self--upon the tablets of our hearts--and sorrow that our sin should have cost Him so dear!
(Charles Spurgeon)

If I might but get the broken crumbs

2009-03-30T08:24:00.002+13:00

If I might but get the broken crumbs!

"They shall be abundantly satisfired with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of they pleasures." Psalm 36:8

The Queen of Sheba was amazed at the sumptuousness of Solomon's table. She was overwhelmed when she saw the provisions of a single day; and she marveled equally at the company of servants who were feasted at the royal table. But what is this, compared to the feast provided by the God of grace! Thousands of His people are daily fed there! Hungry and thirsty--they bring large appetites with them to the banquet--but not one of them return unsatisfied! There is enough for each, enough for all, enough for evermore!

Though the multitude which feeds at Jehovah's table is as countless as the sands of the sea--yet each one has his portion of food. Think how much grace one Christian requires--so much that nothing but the Infinite God could supply him for one day! And yet the Lord spreads His table, not for one--but many saints; not for one day--but for many years; not for many years only--but for generation after generation!

Observe the full feasting spoken of in the text, the guests at mercy's banquet are satisfied, nay, more "they feast;" and that not with ordinary fare--but "on the abundance of Your house"--the special abundance of God's own house! And such feasting is guaranteed by a faithful promise--to all those who are sheltered under the shadow of Jehovah's wings.

I once thought, that if I might but get the broken crumbs at God's back door of grace--that I would be satisfied; like the woman who said, "even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from the master's table." But no child of God is ever served with scraps and leftovers! Like Mephibosheth, they all feast from the King's own table. In matters of grace, we all have Benjamin's portion--we all have ten times more than we could have expected! And though our necessities are great--yet are we often amazed at the marvelous plenty of grace, which God gives us experimentally to enjoy!

(Charles Spurgeon)

Back On Board

2009-03-25T12:58:00.000+13:00

Hi there dear ones.I have so much to be thankful for.
I have had a break due to family circumstances and all is well that I can resume some postings on my blogs. Yay!!!
I look forward to getting back to reading your blogs, so do drop by again and say hi when you have time.
hugs

Changes

2009-02-09T13:41:00.002+13:00

Due to unforseen family circumstances I will be withdrawing from blogging until further notice. I won't take down my blogs as I do hope to return to them oneday.
I am sorry that I have been so sporadic of late but unfortunately it is something I have to do.
I do ask the Lord bless each of you who have befriended me and visited. Please pray if I come to mind.
Thanks!
hugs

I asked the Lord that I might grow

2009-02-02T14:12:00.003+13:00

"Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth and teach me." Psalm 25:4-5

There are two ways of learning of Divine things. The one is to acquire a letter knowledge of them from the Bible, the other is to be given an actual experience of them in the soul, under the Spirit's teaching.

Many suppose that by spending a few minutes in a concordance, they can discover what humility is; that by studying certain passages of Scriptures, they may obtain an increase of faith; or that by reading and re-reading a certain chapter, they may secure more love.

But that is not the way those graces are experimentally developed. Humility is learned by a daily smarting under the plague of the heart, and having its innumerable abominations exposed to our view. Repentance is learned by feeling the load of guilt, and the heavy burden of conscious defilement, bowing down the soul. Faith is learned by increasing discoveries of unbelief and infidelity. Love is learned by a personal sense of the undeserved goodness of God to the vilest of the vile. Patience cannot be learned from books--it is acquired in the furnace of affliction! It is thus with all the spiritual graces of the Christian.

Ah, my reader, we beg the Lord to teach us--but the fact is, that we do not like His method of teaching us! Fiery trials, storms of afflictions, the dashing of our carnal hopes--are indeed painful to flesh and blood; yet it is by them that the heart is purified.

We say that we wish to live to God's glory--but fail to remember that we can do so only as SELF is denied and the Cross be taken up. God's ways of teaching His children are, like all His ways, entirely different from ours!

I asked the Lord that I might grow,
In faith and love and every grace,
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek more earnestly His face.

It was He who taught me thus to pray,
And He I trust has answered prayer.
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair!

I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once He'd answer my request.
And by His love's constraining power,
Subdue my sins and give me rest!

Instead of this, He made me feel,
The hidden evils of my heart.
And let the angry powers of hell,
Assault my soul in every part!

Yes, more with His own hand, He seemed,
Intent to aggravate my woe.
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low!

"Lord, why is this?" I trembling cried.
Will You pursue Your worm to death?"
"This is the way" the Lord replied,
"I answer prayer for grace and strength."

"These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set you free;
And break your schemes of earthly joy,
That you may find your all in Me!"
--John Newton

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

(Arthur Pink, "Experimental Preaching" 1937)

The idol we worship

2009-01-30T15:42:00.000+13:00

"People will be lovers of their own SELVES" 2 Timothy 3:2

The passions of discontent, pride, and envy--exert
themselves in each of us. We are fallen into a state
of gross idolatry--and SELF is the idol we worship!

The principle of SELF is deep-rooted in every heart,
and is the spring of every action--until grace infuses
a new principle, and SELF, like Dagon, falls before
the Lord Almighty!
(Letters of John Newton)

HELLO!!!!

2009-01-30T09:14:00.002+13:00

Wow, it is almost the end of January. Where has this first month of 2009 gone??
I had fully intended to be back before now but in New Zealand we have school holidays from mid December through to end of January. My husband is a school teacher and is home during that time so we are usually away visiting family, or doing family outings etc, so I do not spend much time on the computer. We are now back on schedule and so I will now send in some posts to my various blogs.
Do drop me a line and let me know how you all are - I have missed visiting you, and I look forward to the fellowship through blogging this year!
Bless you all,
Hugs Sandra nz

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-02T14:51:00.001+13:00

Happy New Year to you all.
I will be on vacation until mid January and will resume my blogging then.
See you soon.
hug, Sandra

Busy Busy

2008-12-13T21:41:00.002+13:00

Let me no longer waste my time

2008-12-09T20:18:00.002+13:00

Almighty God, I adore Your infinite patience, which has not cut me off in the midst of my follies; I magnify Your wonderful goodness, which has spared me thus long. Let me no longer abuse that precious treasure--time, which you have allotted me as a proper season to work out my own salvation, and secure that happiness which is great in itself, and infinite in its duration.

Let me bid adieu to all those vain amusements, those trifling entertainments and sinful diversions, which have robbed me of many valuable hours, and endangered the loss of my immortal soul. Let me no longer waste my time in ease and pleasure, in unprofitable studies, and more unprofitable conversation; but grant, that, by diligence and honesty in my calling, by constancy and fervor in my devotions, by moderation and temperance in my enjoyments, by justice and charity in all my words and actions, and by keeping a conscience void of offence to God and man--I may be able to give a good account in the day of judgment, and be accepted in and through the merits of Jesus Christ, my only mediator and advocate.
Amen.
(Hannah More, "The Book of Private Devotion")(1745-1833)

The sheep's clothing will soon be stripped from the wolf's back

2008-12-07T21:12:00.002+13:00

"Having a form of godliness--but denying its power."
2 Timothy 3:5

Formality frequently takes its dwelling near the chambers of integrity, and so assumes its name; the soul not suspecting that hell should make so near an approach to heaven. A rotten post, though covered with gold, is more fit to be burned in the fire, than for the building of a fabric. Where there is a pure conscience--there will be a pure conversation. The dial of our faces does not infallibly show--the time of day in our hearts. The humblest looks may enamel the face--while unbounded pride governs the heart!

A hypocrite may be both the fairest creature--and the foulest creature in the world! He may be fairest outwardly in the eyes of man--and foulest inwardly in the sight of God. How commonly do such unclean swans cover their black flesh with their white feathers! Though such wear the mantle of Samuel--they should bear the name of Satan!

Many appear righteous--who are only righteous in appearance. But while they are deceiving others with the false shows of holiness--they are also deceiving themselves with the false hopes of happiness. The hypocrite would not willingly appear evil--and yet would inwardly be evil. He would gladly be accounted godly--and yet would not be godly.

Man, either appear what you are--or be what you appear. What will the form of godliness do for you--if you deny the power thereof? Those who have the power of godliness, cannot deny the form; while those who have the form of godliness, may deny the power.

Hypocrites resemble looking-glasses--which present faces that are not in them. Oh, how desirous are men to put the fairest gloves--upon the foulest hands; and the finest paint--upon the rottenest posts!

Hypocrites are better in show--than in substance. They are like painted tombs--which enclose decayed bones. That is a sad charge, which the God of truth brings against certain false professors, "I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and are not--but are the synagogue of Satan!" A false friend--is worse than an open enemy. A painted harlot is less dangerous--than a painted hypocrite. A treacherous Judas is more abhorred by God--than a bloody Pilate!

Professors! Remember--the sheep's clothing will soon be stripped from the wolf's back! The velvet plaster of profession--shall not always conceal the offensive ulcer of corruption. Neither the ship of formality nor hypocrisy--will carry a person to the harbor of felicity. The blazing lamps of foolish virgins may light them to the bridegroom's gate--but not into His chamber. Either get the nature of Christ within you--or take name of Christ away from you.

A bad man is certainly the worst--when he is seemingly the best. We must not account everyone a soldier--who swaggers with a sword. A rusty sword--may frequently be found in a highly decorated scabbard. What good is it to have our hands as white as snow--if our hearts are as black as the bottomless pit! Such professors resemble soap bubbles--smooth and pretty without--yet only filled with air!

A man may wear the Savior's livery--and yet be busied in Satan's drudgery! The skin of an apple may be fair--when it is rotten at the core! Though all gold may glitter--yet all is not gold that glitters. The worst hypocrite may have the color of gold--but not the value of gold!

(William Secker, "The Consistent Christian" 1660)

The playhouse

2008-12-02T18:31:00.002+13:00

I am thoroughly convinced, that if there is any practice in this land which is sinful, attendance on the playhouse is eminently so! The theaters are fountains of vice, by which the god of this world blinds the eyes of multitudes! These haunts of Satan are to be shunned as pest-houses, and dangerous nuisances to precious souls!

The Gospel opens a source of purer, sweeter, and more substantial pleasures! We may well bid adieu to these perishing pleasures of sin! We may well pity those who can find pleasure in those amusements where God is shut out; where His name is only mentioned to be profaned; where His commandments are not only broken--but insulted; where sinners proclaim their shame as in Sodom, and attempt not to hide it; where, at best, wickedness is wrapped up in a disguise of entertainment, to make it more insinuating!
(Letters of John Newton, 1767)

The Plum

2008-12-01T11:13:00.008+13:00

I am back and hopefully still in one piece!
I needed to take a break. I am sure many of you know when you need to retreat and take stock of life and get some rest and a fresh perspective.

I read once this once and would like to share it. I guess it sums me up too.

The Plum...

You can learn that you cannot be loved by all people
You can be the finest PLUM in the world,
Ripe...Juicy...Succulent
And offer yourself to all.

But you must remember there will always be people who do not like plums.
You can learn to understand that if you are the world’s finest plum,
And someone you like does not like plums
You have a choice of becoming a banana.

You need to be warned however, that if you choose to become a banana,

You will be a second-rate banana,
But you can always be the best plum.

You need to understand that if you choose to be a second-rate banana,
There will always be people who do not like bananas,
Furthermore, you can spend your life trying to become the best banana (which is impossible if you are a plum),

Or: You can seek again to be the
Best Plum!!!

I look forward to catching up with you all. Forgive me for being behind the times and not responding for sometime.

Much love & blessings,

Sandra

Resuming soon

2008-11-24T17:36:00.001+13:00

Just popping in to say I will be back shortly.
I have REALLY missed you all.
Praise God.
hugs Sandra

Blog Rest

2008-10-28T11:44:00.001+13:00

I am needing to take a break from blogging for a while. I am struggling with a few things and it is right that I take this break. Please forgive me if I don't visit with you for a while.........it's not personal, just something I have to work through.
God Bless
Sandra

By the grace of God I am what I am

2008-10-21T18:45:00.002+13:00

"But by the grace of God I am what I am......."
1 Corinthians 15:10

As believers, we are often affected with a sense of God's distinguishing mercy to us. We are debtors, great debtors to the sovereign grace of God, which alone makes us to differ from the perishing world around us!

Yet it does not yet appear what we shall be. We cannot form a just conception of the misery from which we are redeemed, much less of the price paid for our redemption! How little do we know of the Redeemer's surpassing excellency, and of the unutterable agonies He endured, when His soul was made an offering for sin, and it pleased the Father to bruise Him--that by His stripes we might be healed! These things will strike us in quite another manner--when we view them from the light of eternity!

May the cheering contemplation of the glorious hope set before us--support and animate us to improve our short interval on earth, and fill us with a holy ambition of shining as lights in this evil world, to the praise and glory of His grace--who has called us out of darkness, into His glorious light!

Encompassed as we are with snares, temptations, and infirmities, it is possible (by His promised assistance) to live in some good measure above the world--above the influence of its cares, its smiles, or its frowns. Our citizenship is in heaven--we are not at home--but only reside here on earth for a season, to fulfill our appointed service. The Lord, whom we serve, has promised that He will guide us by His wisdom, strengthen us by His power, and comfort us with the light of His countenance, which is better than life. Every temporal blessing we receive from Him, is a token of His favor, and a pledge of that far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, which He has reserved for us in heaven. Oh! to hear Him say at last, "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Lord!" will be rich amends for all that we can lose, suffer, or endure, for His sake!

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.1 Corinthians 2:9

(Letters of John Newton)

Portugal Bound Giveaway

2008-10-19T21:32:00.004+13:00

If you like entering into giveaways, you might like to take a visit to a lovely blog by Nina called Portugal Bound. Nina has some lovely items she bought at a market. Take a peek and see the lovely array of items and colours. Her blog is a wonderful place to vist.

The knife

2008-10-19T20:39:00.002+13:00

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:2

The gardener prunes the branches--but not without wise purpose. The Master's words, referring to this process in spiritual husbandry, are rich in their comfort for those on whom the knife is doing its painful work.

For one thing, we are told that "My Father is the gardener" (verse 1). We know that our Father loves us and would never do anything unloving or hurtful to His children. We know that He is infinitely wise, that He looks far on in our life, planning the largest and the best good for us, not for today only--but for all the future; and that what He does, is certainly the best which could be devised. In every time of sharp pruning, when the knife cuts deep and the pain is sore--it is an unspeakable comfort to read, "My Father is the gardener!"

Another inspiring thought in all such afflictions--is that it is the fruitful branch which the Father prunes. Sometimes godly people say when they are led through great trials, "Surely God does not love me--or He would not afflict me so sorely!" But it takes away all distressing thoughts about our trouble, to read the Master's words, "He prunes every branch that produces fruit." It is not punishment to which we are subjected--but pruning; and it is because we are fruitful that we are pruned.

Still another comfort here is revealed--in the object of the pruning, "He prunes every branch that produces fruit--so that it will produce more fruit." The one object of all God's pruning, is fruitfulness. The figure of pruning helps us to understand this. When one who knows nothing of such processes sees a man cutting away branch after branch of a tree or vine, it would seem to him that the work is destructive. But those who understand the object of the pruning--know that what the gardener is doing, will add to the vine's value and to its ultimate fruitfulness.

Pruning seems to be destroying the vine. The gardener appears to be cutting it all away. But he looks on into the future and knows that the final outcome will be the enrichment of its life, and greater abundance of fruit.

(J. R. Miller, "Ministry of Comfort" 1898)

The Bridge

2008-10-18T14:16:00.001+13:00

Worldly losses

2008-10-17T21:40:00.003+13:00

If we have God--no other loss is irreparable! There
is surely enough in God's love, to compensate a
thousand times for every earthly deprivation! Our
lives may be stripped bare--home, friends, riches,
comforts, every sweet voice of love, every note of
joy--and we may be driven out from brightness and
music and tenderness and shelter--into the cold ways
of sorrow. Yet if we have God Himself left--ought it
not to suffice? Yes, is not He Himself infinitely more
than all His gifts?

Often we do not learn the depth and riches of God's
love, and the sweetness of His presence--until earthly
joys vanish out of our hands, and beloved ones fade
away out of sight. The loss of temporal things empties
our hearts--to receive spiritual and eternal things! The
sweeping away of earthly hopes--reveals the glory of
our heart's refuge in God.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

"...Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: "
Isaiah 43:1-3

(J. R. Miller, "Living Without Worry")

Murmuring, dissatisfaction, discontent

2008-10-15T07:47:00.002+13:00

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have." Hebrews 13:5

These words are very simple. A little child might easily understand them. They contain no high doctrine; they involve no deep metaphysical question; and yet, as simple as they are--the duty which these words enjoin on us, is of highest practical importance to all Christians.

Contentment is one of the rarest graces. Like all precious things--it is most uncommon. To practice contentment, is very hard. To talk of contentment in the day of health and prosperity is easy enough; but to be content in the midst of poverty, sickness, trouble, disappointments, and losses--is a state of mind to which very few can attain!

The fallen angels had heaven itself to dwell in, and the immediate presence and favor of God--but they were not content. Adam and Eve had the garden of Eden to live in, with a free grant of everything in it excepting one tree--but they were not content. Ahab had his throne and kingdom, but so long as Naboth's vineyard was not his--he was not content. Haman was the chief favorite of the Persian king--but so long as Mordecai sat at the gate--he was not content.

It is just the same everywhere in the present day. Murmuring, dissatisfaction, discontent with what we have, meet us at every turn. To say, with Jacob, "I have enough," seems flatly contrary to the grain of human nature. To say, "I want more," seems the mother tongue of every child of Adam.

Paul's direction ought to come with power to all our consciences: "Be content with such things as you have," not with such things as you once used to have--not with such things as you hope to have--but with such things as you now have. With such things, whatever they may be--we are to be content. With such a dwelling, such a family, such health, such income, such work, such circumstances as we now have--we are to be content.

Ah! reader, if you would be truly happy--seek it where alone it can be found. Seek it not in money, seek it not in pleasure, nor in friends, nor in learning. Seek it in having a will in perfect harmony with the will of God. Seek it in studying to be content.

You may say, that is fine talking--but how can we be always content in such a world? I answer, that you need to cast away your pride, and know your deserts, in order to be thankful in any condition. If men really knew that they deserve nothing, and are debtors to God's mercy every day--they would soon cease to complain.

Let me tell you why there is so little contentment in the world. The simple answer is, because there is so little grace, and true godliness. Few know their own sin; few feel their desert; and so few are content with such things as they have. Humility, self-knowledge, a clear sight of our own utter vileness and corruption; these are the true roots of contentment.

Let me tell you--what you should do, if you would be content. You must know your own heart, seek God for your portion, take Christ for your Savior, and use God's Word for your daily food. Contentment must be learned at the feet of Jesus Christ. He who has God for his friend, and heaven for his home--can wait for his good things, and be content with little here below.
(J. C. Ryle, "Be Content" 1885)

A low state of piety

2008-10-10T13:27:00.003+13:00

Image from http://thebiblerevival.com/

A low state of piety paralyzes half the limbs of the body
of Christ. Cold and selfish--many never aim high. A low
estimate of evangelical doctrine, makes many indifferent
to the teachings of Christ Himself.

Love is too cold.

Faith too often staggers.

Repentance sheds too few tears.

Joy has but few spiritual feasts.

Pity for the perishing too seldom stirs the soul to its depths.

Adoring views of God have too little power over men's minds.

Hope is too feeble to impart much animation.

The standard of Christian living and morals is low.

Sadly is the Christian profession compromised.

Covetousness has fearful power.

The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the
pride of life--terribly prevail among professors.

Fashion is the Juggernaut of Christendom.

Christ and Belial are invited to the same feast!

A much deeper tone of piety is needed in all the churches.

It is a great fault in professors, that they do not
more earnestly strive to imitate Christ . . .
in love,
in gentleness,
in tenderness of heart,
in submission to the will of God,
in zeal for the divine glory,
in self-abnegation,
in silence under unjust reproaches,
in all His imitable virtues.

The highest honor which we can render to
the Lord Jesus--is honestly and earnestly
to pray and labor to be like Him.

(William S. Plumer, "The Rock of Our Salvation" 1867)

Dear Blog Followers

2008-10-10T09:33:00.003+13:00

I have had a think about the blog follower option for my blog and have decided to delete it. I appreciate anyone who drops by and visits and it's lovely if you want to leave a comment. Just know that each and every one of you is appreciated.
hugs
Sandra nz

What is the secret, grandmamma

2008-10-09T08:09:00.003+13:00

"Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification." Romans 15:2

The Duchess of Kent was universally beloved. Once the Princess Alice, herself simple, sweet and unspoiled, asked her: "What makes everyone love to be with you? I am always so sorry to have to leave you--and so are all the others who come here. What is the secret, grandmamma?"

It was not easy for the noble woman to answer such a personal question. But it was important that it should be answered for the sake of her who had asked it, and who was indeed hungry to know the secret. So the noble lady gave this memorable answer:

"I was early instructed, that the way to please others--was to be sincerely interested in the things which interested them, namely their own affairs; and that this could be accomplished only by burying one's own troubles, interests, or joys completely out of sight. Forgetfulness of one's own concerns, a smiling face, a sincere word of sympathy, or unselfish help, where it is possible to give it--will always please others--and the giver equally so."

"Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." 1 Corinthians 10:33

(J. R. Miller, "The Duty of Pleasing Others" 1904)

Taking a Blog Break

2008-09-26T22:21:00.001+12:00

Just to let you know I am taking a blog break for a few days. Be back soon.
Bless you all,
hugs Sandra nz

How can we learn contentment

2008-09-25T09:40:00.003+12:00

"......for I have learned, in whatsover state I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11

How can we learn contentment?

One step toward contentment, is patient submission to unavoidable ills and hardships. No earthly lot is perfect. No mortal ever yet in this world, has found a set of circumstances without some drawback. There are . . .
trials which we cannot change into blessings,
burdens which we cannot lay down,
crosses which we must continue to carry,
thorns in the flesh which must remain with their rankling pain.
When we have such trials, why should we not sweetly accept them as part of God's best way with us?

Discontent never made . . .
a rough path smoother,
a heavy burden lighter,
a bitter cup less bitter,
a dark way brighter,
a sore sorrow less sore.
It only makes matters worse! One who accepts with patience, that which he cannot change--has learned one secret of victorious living.

Another part of the lesson, is that we can learn to moderate our desires. "Having food and clothing," says Paul again, "let us be content with these." Very much of our discontent arises from envy of those who seem to be more favored than ourselves. Many people lose most of the comfort out of their own lot--in coveting the finer, more luxurious things which some neighbor has. Yet if they knew the whole story of the life they envy for its greater prosperity, they probably would not exchange for it their own lowlier life, with its more humble circumstances. Or if they could make the exchange, it is not likely they would find half so much real happiness in the other position, as they would have enjoyed in their own.

Contentment does not dwell so often in palaces--as in the homes of the humble. The tall peaks rise higher, and are more conspicuous--but the winds smite them more fiercely than they do the quiet valleys. And surely, the lot in life which God makes for us--is always the best which could be made for us for the time. He knows better than we do--what our true needs are.

The real cause of our discontent is not in our circumstances; if it were, a change of circumstances might cure it. It is in ourselves, and wherever we go--we shall carry our discontent heart with us. The only cure which will affect anything--must be the curing of the fever of discontent in us.

A fine secret of contentment, lies in finding and extracting all the pleasure we can get from the things we have--the common, everyday things; while we enter upon no mad, vain chase after impossible dreams. In whatever state we are in--we may find therein enough for our need.

No earthly misfortune can touch the wealth which a Christian holds in the divine promises and hopes. Just in the measure, therefore, in which we learn to live for spiritual and unseen eternal realities--do we find contentment amid earth's trials and losses. If we would live to please God, to build up Christlike character in ourselves, and to lay up treasure in heaven--we shall not depend for happiness, on the way things go with us here on earth, nor on the measure of temporal goods we have. The earthly desires are crowded out by the higher and spiritual desires. We can do without childhood's toys--when we have manhood's better possessions. We desire the toys of this world less--as we get more of God and heaven into our hearts.

Paul knew this secret. He cheerfully gave up all that this world had for him. Money had no power over him. He knew how to live in plenty; but he did not fret when poverty came instead. He was content in any trial, because earth meant so little--and Christ meant so much to him. He did not need the things he did not have. He was not made poor by the things he lost. He was not vexed by the sufferings he had to endure, because the sources of his life were in heaven--and could not be touched by earthly experiences of pain or loss.

(J. R. Miller, "The Hidden Life" 1895)

The hidden life

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"for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart". 1 Samuel 16:7

Those who are striving to live near the heart of
Christ, must realize that it is the hidden life
which makes the character.

What we are in the depths of our being, where
no human eye can penetrate--that we are actually,
as God sees us. This inner life will ultimately work
its way through to the surface--transforming the
character into its own quality.

Nothing can be more important, therefore, than
that the hidden life be true, pure, beautiful, and
Christ-like.

"...Look not on his countenance or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

(J. R. Miller, "The Hidden Life" 1895)

Blog Award

2008-09-23T11:34:00.005+12:00

My friend Lisa from a Place To Land gave with this award. what a lovely surprise it was! Thank you so much Lisa. I am so loving getting to know you and reading your blog/s.
Here are the rules~

Mention the blog that gave it to you and comment on their blog to let them know you've posted your award .
Publish these rules
Share 6 values that are important to you and 6 things you do not support~
Grant the prize to 6 people~

6 Things I Value:

1. I value my Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. Because He first loved me. He is my hope and my future, my all.
2. I value my dear husband, love of my life, childhood sweetheart of more than 30 years. He is my soul mate, and other half.
3. I value my children, all seven of them whom God blessed my womb with. This includes my little tiny one in heaven.
4. I value my parents whom gave me life and raised me. Even though they are not believers.....yet, I honour them and love them dearly.
5. I value my extended family and friends. So many have helped shape who I am today.
6. I value being able to stay at home and homeschool my two youngest children.

6 Things I do Not Support

1. I do not support evolution. We were created by God.
2. I do not support abortion. Life is precious and God makes no mistakes.
3. I do not support a woman ruling our country.
4. I do not support agencies who ring me up canvassing for money for this thing and that thing. I love to give when the Lord impresses it upon my heart and to whom.
5. I do not support same sex marriages. Because God says it, I believe it, that finishes it!
6. I do like or support rude drivers who rage over such small things.

The six people I chose are in no particular order.

1. Christina from HsKubes' Haven at Home

2. Jennifer from Double Nickel Farm

3. Pam from Midnight Musings

4. Sharon at Keeper of the Home

5. Susan at Penless Writer

6. Kitty at Kitty's Corner

The path of each day

2008-09-20T16:18:00.003+12:00

"...cause me to know the way wherein I should walk......." Psalm 143:8

We have a right to make this prayer. Our prayer will be answered, too. There will be a hand extended to guide us, to open the path for us, and to help us over the hard pinches of the road. God desires to lead us. His guidance includes not only our daily steps--but also the shaping of our circumstances and affairs. We cannot be thankful enough, that our lives are in God's hands, for we never could care for them ourselves.

To us the path of each day is always new--we have not passed this way before, and we cannot tell what any hour may bring to us. But Jesus knows all the way--for He went over every inch of it. There is no human experience which Christ does not understand. No suffering can be ours--which He did not feel. No wrong can hurt us--but He was hurt far more sorely. Is the burden heavy? His burden was infinitely heavier, for He took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses, and bowed beneath the load of our sins! There is no phase of struggle, of suffering, of pain, of temptation--with which He is unfamiliar. And knowing thus the way, from having experienced it for Himself, He is able to guide us in it.

Do we really need God's guidance? Are we not wise enough to decide what course it is best for us to take? Can we not find our own path in this world? There is a story of a tourist in the Alps who refused a guide. He said he could find the way himself. So he went out alone in the morning--but he never came back. Life in this world is far more perilous than mountain climbing.

There are times when every star seems to have gone out, and when clouds and darkness appear to have gathered about us, hiding every way-mark, so that we cannot see any way out of the gloom and perplexity. We need then to have God's direction--or we shall perish. But while there are times when we need God's guidance in an unusual way--there is no day in all our brightest year, when we do not need it, when we dare to go forward one step without it. The day we do not seek and obtain God's leading, will be a day of disaster for us. The day we go forth without prayer for divine blessing, when we do not lay our hand in Christ's as we go out into the great world--is a day of peril for us. Indeed, we often need the divine guidance the most--when we think we do not need it at all.

God's way does not always lie in the sunshine; sometimes it runs into deep glooms. We are not always out of His way--when we find ourselves facing obstacles and difficulties. When we cannot see where we are going--we may be in the everlasting way, because God is guiding us. He leads us away many a time, away from the path which we would have taken.

The way on which God guides us--is a way of holiness. When we pray for guidance, we must surrender our will to God. If we ask Him to guide us--we must yield our own preference, and accept His. We are in this world--to grow into the likeness of Christ. If then, we have been growing a little more patient, gentle, thoughtful, humble--if the peace of our hearts has become a little deeper, quieter, sweeter--our "rough" path is God's way for us.

God's way is a way of holiness--a pure, clean way. It is the road to heaven.

(J. R. Miller, "Finding the Way", 1904)

It will help us greatly in our Christian life

2008-09-19T09:14:00.002+12:00

"And the apostles gathered themselves unto Jesus and told Him all things both what they had done, and what they had been taught." Mark 6:30

It will help us greatly in our Christian life, if we will train ourselves to the habit of reporting to Christ continually, all that we do and say. We may come every evening to His feet--and tell Him all about the work and the life of our day.

Each day is a miniature life. Each morning we are sent out by our Master, commissioned by Him to do certain tasks, to touch certain lives, to leave certain blessings in the world, to endure certain temptations, to suffer or rejoice--as the case my be. At the close of the day--we come back to make report, in our evening prayer, of all that we have done, not only the good and beautiful things--the obedience, the kindnesses, the victories over temptation, the things which have been helpful to others; but also the foolish things--the disobediences, the defeats, the neglects of duty.

If we remember as we go through the day--that everything we do or say, and everything we fail to do or say--must be reported to our Master--it would make us more careful as the moments pass--of what we do and what we fail to do. We would not do the things which would shame us to look into Christ's face, and tell Him what we did. We would learn to do only what would give us pleasure to report to Him.

This would do much to make us always charitable and kind to others, for we shall not care to tell the Master that we said unkindly words of our neighbors. If we constrain ourselves to report in our evenings prayers--all our criticisms of others, all our uncharitable words, and all our blaming and fault finding--we shall soon be cured of the habit of censoriousness, and we shall learn to do and say only things which we shall be glad to tell our Lord.

There is no better way to keep our days holy and beautiful--than to tell Jesus every night--all that we have said and done through the day!

Yet, we need never dread to tell Christ of our failures for the day. There always will be failures. Our moods will not always be gentle. Sometimes we will speak rashly and harshly. We will not always be patient and thoughtful. Unchristian tempers will break out in spite of our determination always to keep sweet. We will fail many a time to be loving. But the Master will be infinitely gracious and gentle in dealing with our faults and failures. He is more kindly than any mother. No words in the Bible are sweeter to a faithful Christian, than those in one of the Psalms, "He knoweth our frame--He remembereth that we are dust."

If we are living faithfully and are striving to do our best, and to do better each day--we need never dread to tell our Master all that we have done--even the worst! He wants us to be very frank and very honest with Him. Of course He knows all that we have done--but He wants us to tell Him all, keeping nothing back. We may come with the whole story, even if it is a confession of weakness, foolishness, or sin. He is never severe with us, as some human friends are--for He wants us never to be afraid to come to Him.

(J. R. Miller, "Garden of the Heart" 1906)

The purpose of God for our life on earth

2008-09-17T08:35:00.003+12:00

We should get it settled in our minds, that the purpose of God for our life on earth, is to have us grow into Christ's image. We are not in this world merely to accomplish a certain amount of work--but to be fashioned into strength and beauty of character. If we would always remember this, we would not be perplexed so often by the mysteries of our lives.

If joy is ours--it is to make us better and a greater blessing to others.

If sorrow is ours--it is to purify us and bring out some line of Christ's image in us more clearly.

If our hopes are disappointed--it is because God has some better things for us, than that which we so earnestly desired.

If we are called to endure pain--it is because the best in us can be called out only by pain.

If bereavement comes and we are left without the strong human arm we have leaned upon heretofore--it is because there are elements of strength in our life, which never could be developed unless the human supports were taken away.

If our burdens are heavy--it is because we grow best under burdens.

If we are wronged by others--it is to teach us better, the great lessons of patience and sweet temper.

If our circumstances are uncongenial and our condition hard--it is that we may be disciplined into self-control, and may learn to be content in whatever state we are in.

The Master is always teaching us new lessons, making us into the beauty of the pattern He has set for us, and preparing us for greater usefulness and better service.

(J. R. Miller, "Garden of the Heart" 1906)

He never sought to amuse them!

2008-09-14T19:42:00.002+12:00

Jesus pitied sinners, pleaded with them, sighed over them,
warned them, and wept over them; but He never sought
to amuse them!

When many of His disciples turned away, because of the
searching nature of His preaching--I do not find there was
any attempt to bring them back, by resorting to something
more pleasant to the flesh. I do not hear Him saying, "We
must keep up the gatherings at any cost! So run after the
people, Peter, and tell them we will have a different style
of service tomorrow! Something very short and attractive,
with little, if any, preaching. Today was a service for God
--but tomorrow we will have a pleasant evening for the
people! Tell them they will be sure to enjoy it, and have
a pleasant time. Be quick, Peter! We must get the people
somehow; if not by Gospel--then by entertainment!"

No, this was not how He argued. Gazing in sorrow on
those who would not hear the Word--He simply turns
to the twelve, and asks, "Will you go away also?"

(Archibald Brown, "The Devil's Mission of Amusement")

Like a splinter in his eye

2008-09-11T13:44:00.001+12:00

When a man is converted, he is forever at enmity with sin;
yes, with all sin--but most of all with his own sins--and
especially with his bosom sin. Sin is now the object of his
indignation. His sin swells his sorrows. It is sin which pierces
him and wounds him; he feels it like a thorn in his side, like
a splinter in his eye! He groans and struggles under it,
and not formally--but feelingly cries out, "O wretched man
that I am!" He is not impatient of any affliction--so much
as of his sin. If God should give him his choice--he would
choose any affliction--so that he might be rid of sin. He
feels sin like the cutting gravel in his shoes--pricking
and paining him as he goes.

Before conversion he had light thoughts of sin. He cherished
it in his bosom, as Uriah his lamb. He nourished it up, and
it grew up together with him; it ate, as it were, of his own
plate, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and
was to him as a sweet daughter. But when God opens his
eyes by conversion--he throws it away with abhorrence, as
a man would a loathsome toad, which in the dark he had
hugged fast in his bosom--and thought it had been some
pretty and harmless pet.

When a man is savingly changed--he is deeply convinced
not only of the danger--but the defilement of sin; and O,
how earnest is he with God to be purified! He loathes
himself for his sins. He runs to Christ, and casts himself
into the fountain set open for sin and for uncleanness.
If he falls into sin--what a stir is there to get all clean
again! He has no rest until he flees to the infinite
fountain--and washes and rubs and rinses--to cleanse
himself from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit.

(Joseph Alleine, "An Alarm to the Unconverted" 1671)

Blog Award

2008-09-09T19:51:00.006+12:00

I am so thrilled and honoured to have been given this award by Berean Wife this week. I have not received an award before so this came as such a surprise.
I have had a good think about who I can also nominate for this award. It wasn't easy as you all deserve it. Below are the "official" rules.

These are the official blog award rules:

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate up to 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you’ve nominated.

So, here are my nominations, in no particular order:

Lisa at a Place to Land. Lisa shares thoughts and happenings, devotionals and more........ I chose Lisa because the very first time I visited her blog I was ministered to in a very deep way and I know that anyone who visits her will be also.

Susan at Forever His. Susan loves to share about the riches she has found in Jesus. Susan has five sons and three beautiful grand-daughters. I have been so blessed getting to know Susan. Her blog is always a welcome place.

Hope at This Is The Day. Hope is an inspiration in an otherwise world of turmoil. she writes from the heart, and blesses the reader with encouragement leaving you refreshed and uplifted. I have been enjoying my visits with Hope and glean much from her heartfelt writings.

Deborah at Songs From My Journey. Deborah is such a wonderful blessing to me. she has such a rich way of ministering with her music and lyrics. Deborah is a mother to many and has such a big heart and I delight in getting to know her more and more.

Jennifer at Pen of Jen. Jennifer as a mixture of things at her blog and I find it interesting and fun. she shares a lot about her life in the New Mexico desert. I met Jennifer a wee while ago and she has always been a great inspiration to me. She is real and honest and I appreciate that in her.

When He discovers repulsive things in us

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"Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them unto the end!" John 13:1

Jesus takes us as we are, and does not get weary of us--whatever faults and sins He discovers in us. There is infinite comfort in this for us. We are conscious of our faults, blemishes and infirmities; and the unworthiness and the unloveliness which is in our souls. Many of us have pages in our biography, which we would not dare to spread out before the eyes of anyone!

There are in our inner heart--feelings, desires, longings, cravings, jealousies, motives--which we would not feel secure in laying bare to our dearest, truest, and most patient and gentle friend. Yet Christ knows them all. Nothing is hidden from His eyes. To Him there is perfect revealing of the innermost springs of our being. Yet we need not be afraid that His friendship for us will change, or grow less, or withdraw itself--when He discovers repulsive things in us. Yet He loves us--loves unto the uttermost! Christ loves us not according to our worthiness--but according to the richness of His own gracious heart!

"May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:18-19

(J. R. Miller, "The Every Day of Life" 1892)

All this, and unspeakably more

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"Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of
your souls." 1 Peter 1:9

The full and final salvation of our souls, embraces
the whole of what God has in reserve for His people
through all eternity! It includes the enjoyment of
those pleasures . . .
which no sin can ever pollute,
which no sorrow can ever becloud,
which no time can ever impair,
which no change can ever affect,
which no calamity can ever destroy!

The full and final salvation of our souls, includes . . .
all that the infinite wisdom of God can devise;
all that the infinite love of God can prepare;
all that the infinite power of God can secure;
complete deliverance from the bondage of corruption;
entire emancipation from the power of every foe;
the body of sin and death forever left behind;
every grace, grown to perfect maturity;
all the ineffable treasures of eternal glory;
all this, and unspeakably more!

Welcome shame and sorrow--if such an end shall
at length be ours! The ungodly world may despise
us; even our nearest friends may forsake us. Yet
we can well afford to bear their opposition without
a single murmur, if we are only permitted to cherish
the hope--that our course will eventually terminate
in so blissful a consummation!

" Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."
1 Corinthians 2:9
(John MacDuff, "The Christian's Pathway" 1858)

GIVEAWAY (finished)

2008-09-02T15:15:00.004+12:00

What a beautiful giveaway at HsKubes' Haven at Home. Please visit her blog and leave a comment to be in to win. Such lovely packages to giveaway!

Pleasure is not happiness

2008-08-31T20:36:00.002+12:00

"I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold,
all is vanity and vexation of spirit."
Ecclesiastes 1:14

Happiness is the primary object of human pursuit.
The desire for happiness, urges our weary steps in
the pilgrimage of life.

Have all the scenes of gaiety and mirth, of beauty
and splendor, by which the gaze has been fixed and
fascinated--supplied enjoyment, either equal to the
expectations, or worthy of the wishes of a rational
and immortal being?

Both observation and experience abundantly confirm the
truth of the paradox--that pleasure is not happiness.
Every votary of pleasure knows it. The varied forms of
fascination by which he has been wooed, have successively,
in their very embrace, surprised him by the concession--
"Happiness is not in me!" The thousand images which
imagination creates, have not satisfied him--but have
left in his soul a painful vacuum, and a distressing
sense of longing.

The moral constitution of his mind precludes any other
result of these worldly pursuits. He was designed for a
higher destiny, and for nobler joys. He possesses a
principle, whose kindred elements are not found in
worldly objects, neither in . . .
honor nor splendor,
refinement nor luxury,
revelry nor mirth,
beauty nor fine taste.
He seeks, with restless desire--the unseen and spiritual
felicities of the eternal world, and aspires to the happiness
which immortality alone can give. He will know neither
rest nor joy--until he shall have heaven for his home, and
sit forever beneath the smiles of that gracious God, who
is at once the author of his existence, and the source of
his felicity.

In order to escape from wearying toils, painful afflictions,
withering disappointments, and disquieting apprehensions
--we must "quit the mirthful delusive scene!" The giddy
mazes of pleasure's enchantment have long perplexed;
its empty pageants have already disgusted; its sickly joys
have nauseated and cloyed the heart--while the soul seeks
an introduction to holier and happier joys.

What though the siren's song has long ravished its victim,
and led him so widely astray--yet may he not "pause, reflect,
and return?" Yes, true religion will secure peace, and safety,
and hope. Thousands have proved it. Many a hapless voyager
on life's wide ocean, who had long pursued vain and perilous
wanderings, borne onward by the fluctuating tide of fashion,
or sported with by the fickle winds of worldliness; living a mad
and fearful lifestyle in the wild storm of passion; or floating,
thoughtless and mirthful, with the current of pleasure--to the
distant vortex of damnation--has been rescued from peril and
misery, and has pursued a prosperous course to the distant
land of his heavenly home, repose and felicity.

From the blandishments of ruinous dissipation, therefore--the
votaries of pleasure are invited to the genuine enjoyments of
piety. Here alone will be found repose, satisfaction, and enduring
pleasure! Let the sublime doctrines and virtuous precepts, which
the oracles of truth inculcate--engage their attentive study and
practical regard. The sentiments here exhibited, will present a
striking contrast to the spirit, maxims, and pursuits of the
mirthful world.

Contact with sacred truths must be close and constant,
that the mind may receive their complexion, and frame
its habits of thought and feeling on the sacred model.
The Word of God must be believed; it must, moreover,
be reverenced and loved. In the same proportion, will
the influence of worldly maxims and examples become
weakened, a taste for mirthful pleasures destroyed--
and the bias of the mind rendered serious and devout.

The pleasures of a pious life are indescribably exquisite.
The elevated duties of piety--
its dignified motives;
its purifying influence;
the holy restraint which it imposes on the passions;
the tranquility which it imparts to the conscience;
the bright and enduring prospects which it offers to hope;
the sovereign antidote which it supplies to the afflictions of life
--render the inspired declaration emphatically true: "Her ways
are ways of pleasantness--and all her paths are peace."
(D. R. Thomason, "Fashionable Amusements" 1831)

Revive me!

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"My soul cleaveth unto the dust; quicken thou me according
to Thy Word." Psalm 119:25

"Revive me, Lord--quicken Your work in my soul,
and strengthen that which You have wrought in me.
The love which congeals, the faith which trembles, the
hope which fluctuates, the joy which droops--inspire
with new life, new energy, new power! It is of little
importance what others think of me; Lord, You know
that my soul cleaves to the dust. There is in my heart
more of earth than of heaven; more of self than of
Christ; more of the creature than of God. You know
me in secret--how my grace wanes, how my affections
chill, how seldom my closet is visited, how much my
Bible is neglected, how insipid to my taste are the
means of grace, and how irksome and vapid are all
spiritual duties and privileges. Lord, stir up Yourself to
the revivifying of my soul; quicken, oh, revive me!"
(Octavius Winslow)

A poor, despised, contemptible thing

2008-08-27T18:18:00.003+12:00

"In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right
hand there are pleasures forever more" Psalm 16:11

Most professors live as if there were no heaven;
or else as if heaven were not worth a seeking,
worth a desiring--as if heaven were a poor,
despised, contemptible thing.

But ah, Christians! be much in desiring and longing
to get into that glorious city--where streets, walls,
and gates are all gold--yes, where pearl is but as
mire and dirt; and where are . . .
all pleasures,
all treasures,
all delights,
all comforts,
all contentments
--and that forever!

This word "forever" is a bottomless depth, a conception
without end; it is a word which sweetens all the glory
above, and which indeed makes heaven to be heaven!

"And so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thess. 4:17

(Thomas Brooks, "A String of Pearls" 1657)

The school of thoughtlessness and vanity

2008-08-27T08:12:00.002+12:00

Christian parents and Christian families would do well to
consider, that the tendencies of fashionable amusements
are unfavorable to the cultivation of piety. Our children
and youth are naturally far enough from God. It is both
wise and kind--not to multiply and increase the temptations
and dangers which everywhere lurk around their path, and
beguile them to eternal ruin! The world is vain and alluring
enough already. The way of death is sufficiently enticing,
and abundantly strewed with flowers.

Nothing is more evident--than that a passion for fashionable
amusements banishes all serious regard for true piety, silences
the voice of conscience, and neutralizes the means of grace and
salvation. They may not always prove to be "the school of vice and
profligacy," but they are always "the school of thoughtlessness
and vanity," where everything else is fortified, rather than serious
thoughts of God and the coming judgment. "What is a man profited,
if he shall gain the whole world, and loses his own soul?" Matt 16:26.

Gardiner Spring, New York, March 1, 1831

BREAD-AND-CHEESE FAITH!

2008-08-25T08:10:00.002+12:00

I will speak very broadly and plainly, and say we need a
bread-and-cheese faith, that is to say-- a faith which believes
that God who feeds the ravens will send us our daily bread;
a faith which believes that the heavenly Father who clothes
the lilies, will much more clothe his children; the faith that can
believe God about the things that are actually around it, and
that does not live in the region of fiction.

Spurgeon, "Hearken and Look; or, Encouragement for Believers"

Do not judge!

2008-08-22T19:06:00.002+12:00

"Judge not,--that ye be not judged."
Matthew 7:1
It is better to have eyes for beauty--than for blemish. It is better to be able to see the roses--than the thorns. It is better to have learned to look for things to commend in others--than for things to condemn. Of course, other people have faults--and we are not blind to them. But then, we have faults of our own--and this should make us charitable!

We have a divine teaching on the subject. Our Lord Jesus said, "Judge not, --that ye be not judged." We need to understand just what the words mean. We cannot help judging others. We ought to be able to read character, and to know whether men are good or bad. As we watch men's acts--we cannot help forming opinions about them. The holier we grow, and the more like Christ--the keener will our moral judgments be. We are not bidden to shut our eyes--and to be blind to people's faults and sins.

What, then, do our Lord's words mean? It is uncharitable judgment against which He warns us. We are not to look for the evil things in others. We are not to see others through the warped glasses of prejudice and unkindly feeling. We are not to arrogate to ourselves the function of judging--as if others were answerable to us! We are to avoid a critical or censorious spirit. Nothing is said against speaking of the good in those we see and know; it is uncharitable judging and speaking, which Jesus condemns.

One reason why judging is wrong--is because it is putting one's self in God's place. He is the only Judge, with whom every human soul has to do. Judgment is not ours--but God's. "There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? James 4:12. In condemning and censuring others--we are thrusting ourselves into God's place, taking His scepter into our hands, and presuming to exercise one of His sole prerogatives!

Another reason for this command--is that we cannot judge others justly and fairly. We have not sufficient knowledge of them. Paul says: "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God," 1 Corinthians 4:5. Our judgments cannot be anything but faulty, partial and superficial.
(J. R. Miller, "Judging Others" 1894)

Reminder About Songs From My Journeys Book Promotion and Giveaway

2008-08-21T11:13:00.006+12:00

Please visit Songs From My Journey to enter Deborah's Giveaway
This will run until 9 September where Deborah will pick three people at random to receive a personally autographed book that she wrote. But wait.........there's more. Visit and find out!!
While you are visiting Deborah's blog listen to her beautiful songs. she ministers you you in a very special way.
hugs Sandra

When I am weak--then I am strong

2008-08-20T08:56:00.003+12:00

"But He said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will glory all the more gladly about my weaknesses. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distress for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

There is a blessing in weakness--because it nourishes dependence on God. When we are strong, or deem ourselves strong--we are really weak, since then we trust in ourselves, and do not seek Divine help. But when we are consciously weak, knowing ourselves unequal to our duties and struggles--we are strong, because then we turn to Christ, and get His strength.

Too many people think that their weakness a barrier to their usefulness; or make it an excuse for doing little with their life. Instead of this, however, if we give it to Christ--He will transform our weakness into strength. He says that His power is made perfect in weakness; that is, what is lacking in human strength--He fills and makes up with divine strength. Paul had learned this, when he said that he now gloried in his weaknesses, because on account of them--the strength of Christ rested upon him, so that, when he was weak--then he was strong--strong with Divine strength.

We need only to make sure of one thing--that we do indeed bring our weakness to Christ, and lean on Him in simple faith. This is the vital link in getting the blessing. Weakness itself is a burden; it is like chains upon our limbs. If we try to carry it alone--we shall only fail. But if we lay it on the strong Son of God--and let Him carry us and our burden, going on quietly and firmly in the way of duty--He will make our very weakness--a secret source of strength. He will not take the weakness from us--that is not His promise--but He will so fill it with His own power--that we shall be strong, more than conquerors, able to do all things through Christ, who strengthens us!

This is the blessed secret of having our burdening weakness, transformed into strength. The secret can be found only in Christ. And in Him--it can be found by every humble, trusting disciple.

(J. R. Miller, "The Blessing of Weakness" 1894)

Our "thorn"

2008-08-18T16:42:00.002+12:00

"Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." 2 Corinthians 12:7

Paul tells us that his "thorn" was given to him--to keep him humble, and save him from spiritual peril. Without it, he would have been exalted above measure and would have lost his spirituality. We do not know how much of his deep insight into the things of God, and his power in service for his Master--Paul owed to this torturing "thorn". It seemed to hinder him, and it caused him incessant suffering--but it detained him in the low valley of humility, made him ever conscious of his own weakness and insufficiency, and thus kept him near to Christ whose home is with the humble.

There are few people who have not
some "thorn" rankling in their flesh--
In one it is an infirmity of speech;
in another an infirmity of sight;
in another an infirmity of hearing.
Or it may be lameness;
or a slow but incurable disease;
or constitutional timidity,
or excessive nervousness;
or a disfiguring bodily deformity;
or an infirmity of temper.
Or it may be in one's home--which
is cold, unloving, and uncongenial;
or it may be some moral failure;
or it may be a bitter personal disappointment
through untrue friendship or unrequited love.

Who has not his "thorn"?

We should never forget that in one sense, our "thorn" is a "messenger of Satan," who desires by it--to hurt our life, to mar our peace, to spoil the divine beauty in us, and to break our communion with Christ.

On the other hand, however, Christ Himself has a loving design in our "thorn." He wants it to be a blessing to us. He would have it keep us humble--and save us from becoming vain. Or He means it to soften our hearts--and make us more gentle. He would have the uncongenial things in our environment to discipline us into heavenly-mindedness, give us greater self-control, and help us to keep our hearts loving and sweet--amid harshness and unlovingness. He would have our pain teach us endurance and patience; and our sorrow and loss teach us faith.

Thus, our "thorn" may either be a choice blessing to us--or it may do us irreparable harm. If we allow it to fret us; if we chafe, resist, and complain; if we lose faith and lose heart--it will spoil our life! But if we accept it in the faith that in its ugly burden--it has a blessing for us; if we endure it patiently, submissively, unmurmuringly; if we seek grace to keep our heart gentle and true amid all the trial, temptation, and suffering it causes--it will work good for us, and out of its bitterness--will come sweet fruit!
(J. R. Miller, "The Building of Character" 1894)

Precarious, insufficient, and ensnaring

2008-08-16T19:58:00.002+12:00

All the temporal blessings and accommodations which
God provides to sweeten life, and make our passage
through this wilderness more agreeable--will fail and
disappoint us, and produce us more thorns than roses
--unless we can keep sight of His hand in bestowing
them, and hold and use the gifts in some due
subservience to what we owe to the Giver.

But, alas! we are poor creatures, prone to wander,
prone to admire our gourds, cleave to our cisterns,
and think of building tabernacles, and taking our
rest in this polluted world!

Hence the Lord often sees it necessary,
in mercy to His children . . .
to embitter their sweets,
to break their cisterns,
send a worm to their gourds, and
draw a dark cloud over their pleasing prospects.

His Word tells us, that all here is vanity--compared
with the light of His countenance. And if we cannot
or will not believe it upon the authority of His Word,
we must learn it by experience.

May He enable you to settle it in your hearts, that
'creature comforts' are precarious, insufficient,
and ensnaring; that all good comes from His hand;
and that nothing can do us good, but so far as He is
pleased to make it the instrument of communicating,
as a stream, that goodness which is in Him as a
fountain.

Even the bread which we eat, without the influence
of His promise and blessing, would no more support
us than a stone. But His blessing makes everything
good, gives a tenfold value to our comforts, and
greatly diminishes the weight of every cross.

(by John Newton)

O, the power of an iniquitous pen!

2008-08-15T14:18:00.002+12:00

If you would lead a pure life--have nothing to do with bad books and impure newspapers. With such immoral literature as is coming forth from our swift-revolving printing-presses, there is no excuse for dragging one's self through sewers of unchastity.

Never read a bad book! By the time you get through the first chapter, you will see the drift of it. If you find the hoof-prints of the devil in the pictures, or in the style, or in the plot--away with it! You may tear your coat, or break a vase--and repair them again. But it takes less than an hour to do your soul a damage--which no time can entirely repair!

Look carefully over your child's library; see which book he reads after he has gone to bed, with the light turned down. Young man, as you value Heaven, never buy a book from one of those men who meet you in the square, and, after looking both ways to see if the police are watching, shows you a book--'very cheap'. Have him arrested--as you would kill a rattle-snake! Grab him, and shout, "Police! police!"

But there is more danger, I think, from many of the family newspapers. Some of them contain stories of vice and shame, full of evil suggestions, and go as far as they can without exposing themselves to the clutch of the law. On some tables in Christian homes, there lie "family newspapers" which are the very vomit of the pit of hell!

The way to ruin is cheap! It costs three dollars to go to Philadelphia; six dollars to Boston; thirty-three dollars to Savannah. But, by the purchase of a bad paper for ten cents--you may get a ticket straight to hell, by express, with few stopping-places! And the final stop is like the tumbling of the train over a bridge--sudden, dreadful, deathful, never to rise.

O, the power of an iniquitous pen! If a needle punctures the body at a certain point--life is destroyed. But the pen is a sharper instrument--for with its puncture you may kill your soul!

Do not think that that book which you find fascinating and entertaining, is therefore healthful. Some of the worst poisons are pleasant to the taste. The pen which for the time fascinates you--may have been dipped in the slime of impure hearts!

(Talmage, "The Abominations of Modern Society", 1872)
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