We blunder and stumble in our holiest endeavors

~ ~ ~ ~ ~


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

"David served his own generation by the will of God." Acts 13:36

It gives dignity and also sacredness to our life--to be serving our generation. Every true-hearted Christian, realizing this truth, seeks to work out God's will in his own character and life. Of course, we cannot do this perfectly, for nothing human is perfect. The artist fails to put all his vision, into his picture.

In all our life we do, even at our best--but a little of the beautiful work we intend and plan. We blunder and stumble in our holiest endeavors. Our clumsy hands mar the lovely ideals which our soul envisions. We set out in the morning with high resolves--but our evening confessions tell of many a shortcoming. We never live any day--as well as we know we should live.

Yet there is a sense in which, without attaining perfection, a Christian may fulfill God's plan for himself. One of the most interesting illustrations of such a life is David's. The Lord says, "I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who shall fulfill all My will." Then in another sentence, we catch the secret of this life which was so complete. We are told that "David served his own generation by the will of God." It is worth our while to look closely at this inspired description of a life which so pleased God--in order that we may learn how to work out the divine will for ourselves.

David "served". Serving is not a favorite word. We naturally resent the idea of serving. It seems to have an ignoble meaning. But really, it is one of the most royal of words. One who has not begun to serve--has not begun to live a godly life! God never yet made a life for selfishness. Jesus came to show us the perfect divine ideal of human living--and He served unto the very uttermost. "I came not to be served--but to serve," was His own declaration of His life's central thought and purpose. When they asked Him who was greatest in His kingdom, He said, "the one who serves." We are to live . . .
not to get--but to give;
not to be helped--but to help;
not to receive--but to bestow.

David served his own generation. Our generation is the entire human family living at the present time on the earth. How can any man serve all his own generation? There are hundreds of millions of people he can never see--how can he do anything for these? One way of serving our own generation, is to fill well the little place which we are assigned in God's providence. We can do most to bless the world at large--by being a true blessing to the little circle in the midst of which we are placed!

Another way in which one may serve his generation, is by giving to it something which will enrich it, which will add to its happiness and good, which will make it better, purer.

Another way in which one may serve his generation, is by showing it an example of godly living:
patience, under trial;
purity and uprightness, under temptation;
love and meekness, under injury and wrong;
and thus, be a purifying, uplifting, enriching influence in the world.

We say we are but little people, and can fill only a little place. We cannot serve our generation in the same large way in which David served his. Yet each individual life has its own distinct place in the plan of God, and each may fill out its own pattern. Even the smallest life lived well--blesses the world.

Every godly deed we do--makes it a little easier for others to do godly deeds, and lifts the standard of living among men a little higher.

Many people are oppressed and disheartened, by the seeming smallness and insignificance of their life. But we can serve our generation by . . .
lightening one burden,
making one heart nobler and stronger,
comforting one sorrow,
guiding one perplexed soul into peace,
showing one bewildered child the path of holiness,
teaching one tempted person how to overcome sin!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

C.H. Spurgeon Quotes

Poverty Is No Shame

Posted: 30 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Small shoes are apt to pinch, but not if you have a small foot; if we have little means it will be well to have little desires. Poverty is no shame, but being discontented with it is.
C.H. Spurgeon

C.H. Spurgeon Quotes

Fellowship and Money

Posted: 29 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

If any of you are in positions where you can enjoy Christian fellowship, and you have an opportunity of earning ten times as much money in another position where you must give up that fellowship, do not do it.
C.H. Spurgeon

Christ's love-letters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~


(Charles Spurgeon)

"The Scriptures point to Me!" John 5:39

Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega of the Bible. He is the constant theme of its sacred pages; from first to last--they testify of Him!
We catch a glimpse of Him in the promise of the woman's seed;
we see Him typified in the ark of Noah;
we walk with Abraham, as He sees Messiah's day;
we dwell in the tents of Isaac and Jacob, feeding upon the gracious promise;
we hear the venerable Israel talking of the coming Shiloh; and
in the numerous types of the law, we find the Redeemer abundantly foreshadowed.
Prophets and kings, priests and preachers, all look one way--they all stand as the cherubim did over the ark--desiring to look within, and to read the mystery of God's great atoning sacrifice!

Still more manifestly in the New Testament we find our Lord--the one pervading subject. It is not a single gem here and there, or dust of gold thinly scattered--but here you stand upon a solid floor of gold; for the whole substance of the New Testament is Jesus crucified, and even its closing sentence is bejewelled with the Redeemer's name!

We should always read Scripture in this light--we should consider the Word to be as a mirror, into which Christ looks down from heaven. And then we, looking into it, see His face reflected as in a mirror--darkly, it is true--but still in such a way as to be a blessed preparation for seeing Him--as we shall see Him face to face!

This volume contains Christ's love-letters to us, perfumed by His love. These pages are the garments of our King, and they all smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia. Scripture is the royal chariot in which Jesus rides, and it is paved with love for His children. The Scriptures are the swaddling bands of the holy child Jesus--unroll them and you find your Savior!

The quintessence of the Word of God--is Christ!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Spurgeon & Chambers Devotions November 28th

Morning, November 28

“For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee,

even as thou walkest in the truth.”

3 John 3

Charles Spurgeon
The truth was in Gaius, and Gaius walked in the truth. If the first had not been the case, the second could never have occurred; and if the second could not be said of him the first would have been a mere pretence. Truth must enter into the soul, penetrate and saturate it, or else it is of no value. Doctrines held as a matter of creed are like bread in the hand, which ministers no nourishment to the frame; but doctrine accepted by the heart, is as food digested, which, by assimilation, sustains and builds up the body. In us truth must be a living force, an active energy, an indwelling reality, a part of the woof and warp of our being. If it be in us, we cannot henceforth part with it. A man may lose his garments or his limbs, but his inward parts are vital, and cannot be torn away without absolute loss of life. A Christian can die, but he cannot deny the truth. Now it is a rule of nature that the inward affects the outward, as light shines from the centre of the lantern through the glass: when, therefore, the truth is kindled within, its brightness soon beams forth in the outward life and conversation. It is said that the food of certain worms colours the cocoons of silk which they spin: and just so the nutriment upon which a man’s inward nature lives gives a tinge to every word and deed proceeding from him. To walk in the truth, imports a life of integrity, holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity—the natural product of those principles of truth which the gospel teaches, and which the Spirit of God enables us to receive. We may judge of the secrets of the soul by their manifestation in the man’s conversation. Be it ours to-day, O gracious Spirit, to be ruled and governed by thy divine authority, so that nothing false or sinful may reign in our hearts, lest it extend its malignant influence to our daily walk among men.

My Utmost for His Highest

November 28th

The bounty of the destitute

Being justified freely by His grace … Romans 3:24

Oswald Chambers
The Gospel of the grace of God awakens an intense longing in human souls and an equally intense resentment, because the revelation which it brings is not palatable. There is a certain pride in man that will give and give, but to come and accept is another thing. I will give my life to martyrdom, I will give myself in consecration, I will do anything, but do not humiliate me to the level of the most hell-deserving sinner and tell me that all I have to do is to accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
We have to realize that we cannot earn or win anything from God; we must either receive it as a gift or do without it. The greatest blessing spiritually is the knowledge that we are destitute; until we get there Our Lord is powerless. He can do nothing for us if we think we are sufficient of ourselves; we have to enter into His Kingdom through the door of destitution. As long as we are rich, possessed of anything in the way of pride or independence, God cannot do anything for us. It is only when we get hungry spiritually that we receive the Holy Spirit. The gift of the nature of God is made effectual in us by the Holy Spirit; He imparts to us the quickening life of Jesus, which puts ‘the beyond’ within, and immediately the beyond has come within, it rises up to ‘the above,’ and we are lifted into the domain where Jesus lives. (John 3:5.)

Evening, November 28

“Seeking the wealth of his people.”

Esther 10:3

Charles Spurgeon
Mordecai was a true patriot, and therefore, being exalted to the highest position under Ahasuerus, he used his eminence to promote the prosperity of Israel. In this he was a type of Jesus, who, upon his throne of glory, seeks not his own, but spends his power for his people. It were well if every Christian would be a Mordecai to the church, striving according to his ability for its prosperity. Some are placed in stations of affluence and influence, let them honour their Lord in the high places of the earth, and testify for Jesus before great men. Others have what is far better, namely, close fellowship with the King of kings, let them be sure to plead daily for the weak of the Lord’s people, the doubting, the tempted, and the comfortless. It will redound to their honour if they make much intercession for those who are in darkness and dare not draw nigh unto the mercy seat. Instructed believers may serve their Master greatly if they lay out their talents for the general good, and impart their wealth of heavenly learning to others, by teaching them the things of God. The very least in our Israel may at least seek the welfare of his people; and his desire, if he can give no more, shall be acceptable. It is at once the most Christlike and the most happy course for a believer to cease from living to himself. He who blesses others cannot fail to be blessed himself. On the other hand, to seek our own personal greatness is a wicked and unhappy plan of life, its way will be grievous and its end will be fatal.

Here is the place to ask thee, my friend, whether thou art to the best of thy power seeking the wealth of the church in thy neighbourhood? I trust thou art not doing it mischief by bitterness and scandal, nor weakening it by thy neglect. Friend, unite with the Lord’s poor, bear their cross, do them all the good thou canst, and thou shalt not miss thy reward.

C.H. Spurgeon Quotes

A Missionary Spirit

Posted: 28 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

There is a prayer I mean to continue to offer until it is answered, that God would pour out on this church a missionary spirit. I want to see our young men devoting themselves to the work, some that will not be afraid to venture and preach Jesus Christ in the regions beyond.
C.H. Spurgeon

C.H. Spurgeon Quotes

The Gospel to a Dying World

Posted: 27 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

If there be any one point in which the Christian church ought to keep its fervor at a white heat, it is concerning missions to the heathens. If there be anything about which we cannot tolerate lukewarmness, it is in the matter of sending the gospel to a dying world.
C.H. Spurgeon

Sweet subject!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~


(The following is an excerpt from the diary of James Smith)
"Therefore, He is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them!" Hebrews 7:25

April 19, 1857.
I have today been preaching on the intercession of Jesus. Sweet subject! Our great High Priest appears in the presence of God--for us! He pleads our cause, and will carry it against all our foes. He sends the Comforter--to teach, sanctify, and console us. He employs Providence--to guide, guard, and provide for us. He will never rest until He introduces us to His Father, "as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish--but holy and without fault!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My eyes are always on the Lord!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~


(James Smith, "Comfort for Christians!")

"My eyes are always on the Lord!" Psalm 25:15

The Lord directs us to look to Him for all that we need--and look away from all that we fear and all that troubles us. Looking to man dishonors the Lord--and ends in disappointment. Looking to ourselves fills us with gloom, sadness, doubts, and fears. It was wise, therefore, of the Psalmist to keep his eyes fixed steadily and habitually on the Lord.

Beloved! In all your sufferings, let your eyes be ever on the Lord. Look to Him . . .
for ease in pain,
for strength in weakness,
for comfort in sorrow,
and for relief in distress.
Keep your eye fixed on Him as your Father and your God--who has pledged in His Word to do you good.

Friends may fail you, relatives may neglect or be unkind to you, and those you love most may be unable to help you--but look to the Lord! He will never fail you or neglect you. He will prove Himself both able and willing to help you.

Let nothing divert your attention, then, from the Lord--but carry everything to Him and exercise implicit confidence in Him.

Cast on Him every care,
commit to Him every work,
lay before Him every difficulty.
You will prove that He is not only able, but also willing to do "infinitely more than we might ask or think!" Ephesians 3:20.

Whenever Satan tempts you, or guilty fears torment you--turn your eyes to Calvary and see Jesus, your Savior--suffering, bleeding, and dying for you--and so you will enjoy peace.

Lord, help me to look to You for all my direction in life, so that I might not be led astray by my deceitful heart. Let me praise You and bring glory to Your Name every moment of my life!

"My eyes are fixed on You, O Sovereign Lord!" Psalm 141:8

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

C.H. Spurgeon Quotes

Baptist

Posted: 25 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

I recollect my mother saying to me, “I prayed that you might be a Christian, but I never prayed that you might be a Baptist;” but, nevertheless, I became a Baptist, for, as I reminded her, the Lord was able
to do for her exceeding abundantly above what she had asked or thought, and he did it.
C.H. Spurgeon

Sovereign Grace Missionary BaptistChurch 1217 Dillon Texarkana, Texas 75501 November 25, 2012 Newsletter Number 393 Brother Randy Johnson, Pastor Brother Ronnie Henderson, Song Director Pastor E-Mail: pastor@sgmbaptist.com Web Site: www.sgmbaptist.com "Where The Truths Of God’s Word Have Been Taught For More Than Fifty Years”

You Were Asked To Pray For: All of Our Military, Their Family’s & All the Civilian Workers in The Middle East, Zee Mink Fuller and Family, Her son’s Bryan Armstrong and Hunter Hackie, Daughter Shannon, and Brother Philip & Sondra Thornsberry, Frank & Sonya Trusty, Frank & Dawana Reigel, Andrew Preston, Larry Mollette, Larry Mollette II & Family, Kerry Pennington, Kim Poole, Danny & Nita Mollette, Wendell Henderson, Judy Dunn, Martha Gray, Joshua Kidd, Matthew Kidd, Ronnie Henderson Jr. & Children, Ricky Henderson and Family, Jacie Henderson, Bro. & Mrs. Hammond, Charles, Don Hammond and Families, Archie & Barbara Griffin, Bro. & Sister Bob Keller, Mary Ramsey, Donna Johnson, Fay Johnson, James and Luann Reynolds, Timothy and Nathan Fails, Jacob Ramsey, Jerry Hughes, Sister Nita Bookout, Pastor G. L. Burr, Melody Carr, Janie Capps, Imajo Tracy, Linda Hughes, Roy Lemmon, Rosie Tomlin, Lee Mollette’s Daughter & Granddaughter Kristal, Dale Barnes – Kathy Johnson and their mother, Pat and Waymon Abercrombie, Barbara Brewer, Donna Jones, Frank Roberts, Dale and Linda Trahan, Linda Mollette – Shawn and girls, Ricky and Margaret McCoy, Brother David O’Neal, Todd Fifield, Robert, Brother Curtis Pugh, Brother Dan Sullivan and the work in Thailand, Brother Raul and the work in Romania, and Bro. Sergey Mochalov and the Churches in Russia.

A Thought From Our Pastor: Will The People Of This World Ever Get Better? “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13 As we approach what America and some of the other parts of the world celebrate called Christmas, one of the central themes will be “Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Man” I hate once again to be the deliver of bad news, but it will never happen. If you read the scriptures God never promised nor did He ever hint that this world would ever see peace until Jesus returns in His millennium rule or His 1000 year reign. Only then will it be possible because Satan will be locked away in hell until he is released after the expiration of the 1000 years. Not only will they not be peace but neither the world nor any part of it will it ever get better than it is right now. If you look back over the last 10, 20, 30, years or even farther back you will never see it worse than it is right now nor will it ever be better than it is today. God said man would get worse and worse, because of deception. It is because man is evil in their hearts and the lost out number the saved by billions. We ask God to bless America and I must ask “for what”? Does America or any other Nation deserve to be blessed of God? The answer is simply, no, they do not. We are so close to the tribulation period, it is approaching so quickly. Once Jesus returns then the seven year tribulation period will began and this world has not ever seen destruction as it is going to see during these seven years. God will bring so much wrath upon man that they will try to hide but cannot. Death will come to a lot and to others much suffering to those who live. It will not be a time of grace and mercy but rather a time of misery and death. God also promised that in the last days man would leave the truth for mans deception and separate from the Lords church for entertainment palaces of human pleasure. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; “ 1 Timothy 4:1 This is just another proof that things will not get better but rather worse and worse. The Lord also promised us "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts," 2 Peter 3:3 I believe the word “lust” here could mean - their own desires – which could include their own selfishness. This last election was about giving and receiving. President Kennedy had this quote “Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.” However times have changed and we live by different standards. We are a selfish people whether we call ourselves Christians are not. I believe it is only going to grow worse and worse until Jesus returns. I heard a Minister ask the other day “can we turn America around before God gets angry” I believe God is already angry and His Son is coming soon. God has predetermined and end and I believe that end is nigh or at hand. Folks this world is not going to see peace again but only getting worse because in general people are rude and evil in their own hearts and the only one who can change an evil heart is God.

For Our Weekly Meditation: Chosen In The Furnace“Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? And I will not give my glory unto another.” (Is. 48:10-11) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego are Biblical examples that vividly reveal God’s sovereign choosing out men in the midst of the furnace. The case in point is a temporal reality to teach a spiritual reality. It is a show-and-tell of an eternal truth that it is God that chooses and God that preserves according to His own purpose. There is little doubt that many have faced the fiery furnaces in history, but God did not go into the fire and pull them all out without exception unscathed. Have we the right to put God on trial for not having done so? God worked according to His own purpose. Twice God says, “For mine own sake.” By this, we are made to understand the necessity of knowing that in life or in death all must and will be done for God’s sake, not for man’s sake. Every action of God labors to bring forth the glory due His name, plus nothing and minus nothing. The Creator will not share His glory! God said, “I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” Because all men are in the state of condemnation unto death, dead in trespasses and sin, and incapable of loosing themselves from the bonds of that fiery furnace, God is the only one with power to act on their behalf. When Nebuchadnezzar gazed into the furnace he said, “…the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” (Dan. 3:25) The elect of God’s mercy were not alone in the furnace of affliction; the Son of God went into the midst of their condemnation, unloosed them, preserved them from stench and harm, and brought them out with life. Was it for their sake’s? A thousand times NO! All was for His sake, that His name might not be polluted, or His glory given to any other. If it were possible for man to extract himself out in like perfection unto eternal life, God’s glory would be stolen and quieted. By Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

Missionary Visit. Brother Steve McCool will be visiting and speaking Sunday December 02 during the morning service. Steve will be speaking about the work in Ft. Smith N.T. Canada. Pastor Hobbs and The King's Addition Missionary BaptistChurch in South Shore, Ky. have given Steve authority to begin visiting some local churches about maybe supporting the work.

When ever I reach heaven, I expect to find three wonders there: - First, to meet some I would not have expected to be there; - Second, to miss some I would have expected to be there; - Third, the greatest wonder of all—to find myself there! "By the grace of God I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10 By John Newton

I know their sorrows!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

(James Smith, "The Pastor's Evening Visit")
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are" Hebrews 4:15

"I know their sorrows!" Exodus 3:7

The Lord is acquainted with all the sorrows of all His people. We do not suffer unnoticed. He sympathizes with us--and will sanctify sorrow to us. When we suffer--Jesus sympathizes!

Beloved, He knows our sorrows, and He will be our Comforter. Let us lay them before Him. He will be gracious unto us at the voice of our cry. When He hears--He will answer. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He once suffered--He was "The Man of Sorrows, and familiar with suffering." He is able to support us who now suffer.

His sorrows are ended--and ours will be over soon! Weeping may endure for a night--but joy comes in the morning! We shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. We shall enter into His joy, be filled with His love, and so be forever with Him!

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!" Revelation 21:4

O Jesus! Do not allow me to dwell on my sorrows--but direct my heart into Your love!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

People In Darkness Saw The Great Light

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“The people which sat in darkness saw great light, and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt. 4:16-17) “…the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Lk. 1:79)

The valleys of the shadow of death are actually quite crowded; yet, for a conscience soul to walk in the abyss of its darkness is more than the heart can bear. The grave yards are filled with occupants but they are not conscience bodies to discern life and death. So it is of the spirits of men. As offspring of Adam man has inherited the sin nature, and is born into the world spiritually “dead in trespasses and sin.” Man exists in the graveyard of dead souls not conscience of the life that is in Christ Jesus. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (Jn. 3:19) Sinful creatures are in love with sinful lives, because they are ignorant of the better life.

In the day of God’s power the eternal Light of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ springs forth into the abyss of man’s deadness, and it blossoms a newness of life through the blood of the Lamb of God, born out of the Holy Spirit, and by the determinant purpose of the Everlasting Father. Where they were in darkness, now they see the great light of the eternal gory of the Father in Jesus Christ. The darkness of unbelief and dead hope becomes a heavenly light of saving faith crying out, “O Father, I was blind but now you have made me to see! How could I have been so blind as to not see Thy great hope in the Light of Christ Jesus? The hope of darkness is death, who can bear it. Give me more Light by Thy amazing grace.”

Jesus said: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” (Jn. 12:46) Oh that the Light of Christ would drive out the darkness in sinful men’s souls!

C.H. Spurgeon Quotes

General and Special

Posted: 24 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

I know there is a general aspect to redemption, which brings some good things to all men; but there is also the special aspect in it, which brings all good things to some men.
C.H. Spurgeon

My Beloved is mine--and I am His!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~


(James Smith)

"My Beloved is mine--and I am His!" Song of Solomon 2:16

"My Beloved is mine!" He is . . .
the Savior in whom I believe and trust;
the Husband whom I reverence and love;
the Lord whom I adore and obey;
the portion on which I live; and
the beloved One upon whom my heart and affections are set.

"And I am His!"
He chose me--or I would have never chosen Him.

He redeemed me--or I would have still been Satan's slave.

He called me--or I would have still been wandering from God.

He sanctified me--or I would have still been vile and polluted.

He manifested Himself to me--or I would have never seen His glory.

"I am His!"
I am His spouse.

I am His portion.

I am His delight.

I am His choice out of all worlds.

I am His glorious crown!

"My Beloved is mine--and I am His!" Song of Solomon 2:16

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

C.H. Spurgeon Quotes

Limited Atonement

Posted: 23 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

I may be called Antinomian or Calvinist for preaching a limited atonement; but I had rather believe a limited atonement that is efficacious for all men for whom it was intended, than a universal atonement that is not efficacious for anybody, except the will of man be joined with it.

We are not to forget the Giver--as we enjoy His gifts!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

(J.R. Miller, "Morning Thoughts" 1906)

"The Lord your God will soon bring you into the land He swore to give you. It is a land with large, prosperous cities that you did not build. The houses will be richly stocked with goods you did not produce. You will draw water from cisterns you did not dig, and you will eat from vineyards and olive trees you did not plant. When you have eaten your fill in this land--be careful not to forget the Lord, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt!" Deuteronomy 6:10-12

The people were going to a country which had long been possessed by a nation who had built cities, filled fine houses with good things, and planted vineyards. All these things, the Lord would give to them. They would not have to erect houses nor plant orchards of their own.

But the danger was, that when they had received all these things--they would forget that they were gifts from God--and would turn away into sin. We are not to forget the Giver--as we enjoy His gifts!

It is always a perilous thing to forget God. To forget any friend who has been good to us--is a base sin. But to forget God, to whom we owe every blessing--is heinous ingratitude!

"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

None Like Him In The Earth

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” (Job 1:8)

It is said that Job’s name means, “hated; the persecuted one.” Through the Scriptures we are made aware that it was not God hating or persecuting Job. It was definitely Satan that hated him so. But, just why did Satan pour out his indignation on Job so dreadfully? Of what was Job guilty? The answer is that he was perfect, upright, reverentially feared God, and escheweth evil.

The word “perfect”, as used in this passage, means to be morally and ethically pure; “upright” is also translated “righteous”; “escheweth” has the idea of departing from or separating from. Hence, the reason of such hatred and persecution from Satan was that Job lived a life of purity, godliness, consecration in holiness unto the Almighty God of the heavens and the earth. Job was the embodiment of all that the Father purposes for all of His servants.

This was the proverbial “pat-on-the-back” from God. Job was showcased before Satan as the best of the best among the sons of God. It is difficult to envision that of all mankind upon the face of the earth there was one that stood heads and shoulders above all the rest. Humanly speaking, Job was the unshakeable delight and sparkling jewel of God’s treasury. He was a twinkle in God’s eye, because Job tenaciously absorbed himself in pure holiness of God. Few have ever concertedly purposed to please God to the uttermost.

Perhaps, if we were not so fearful of hate and persecution, we too would strive to be a sparkling jewel or a twinkle in our Heavenly Father’s eye. So very many of the joys of God have we forfeited, because we do not separate from the evil of this world and seek continuous purification through the blood and the Spirit. May we be ever so mindful of what breed of servant sparkles in the hand of the Living God. May our faith in the Father exceed our feeble abilities!

O, give thanks to the Lord!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

(James Smith, "Sunny Subjects for All Seasons" 1858)

"O, Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever!" 1 Chronicles 16:34

O, give thanks to the Lord, Christian, for He has not dealt with you after your sins, nor rewarded you according to your iniquities! He has . . .
pardoned your sins,
justified your soul,
renewed your nature, and
given you a title to everlasting life!

He has thus . . .
prevented your ruin,
borne with your follies,
supplied all your needs,
guided your steps, and
promised to conduct you to glory!
His mercy has been ever great toward you!

"O, Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

C.H. Spurgeon Quotes

Arminianism

Posted: 22 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

I believe that very much of current Arminianism is simply ignorance of gospel doctrine; and if people began to study their Bibles, and to take the Word of God as they find it, they must inevitably, if believers, rise up to rejoice in the doctrines of grace.
C.H. Spurgeon

Why Is The Lord’s House Forsaken?

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.” (Neh. 13:11) “…the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28b)

The text of Nehemiah is in response to the deplorable condition at the Temple Mount. The Israelites had neglected the assembly, the sacrifices, the offerings, and the care of the priesthood. This abandonment forced the priesthood to leave off the work of God that they might provide for their own families. The spirituality of Israel had been relegated down to mere lip service. Israel boasted of being God’s people, but the brag was as empty as their hearts were.

Sadly, our generation is also experiencing the great abandonment of the houses of worship for the love of the world. Preachers are leaving the ministry in large numbers that they might adequately provide for their families, just as the Levities did. The chief question at hand is, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” There are many self-rationalizing excuses that are used to sooth one’s conscience. Israel had gone the same way, finding worldly appeasements more suitable to their fleshly lusts. Baseless excuses! Simply, one forsakes the house of God because his heart has already forsaken God and cares nothing for the will of God.

Holy Writ instructs us: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb. 10:25) Abandoning the Lord’s local assembling of the saints at His designated location is a gross sin in the eyes of God. Has not the church (not the building) been purchased by the blood of God? Shall we then neglect the blood of God and the body of Jesus?

Forsaking the house of God is the product of ungodliness and sinful hearts. We are told: “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.” (Eph. 3:21)

It takes both of these elements to make true religion

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(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was just and devout" Luke 2:25

He was just in all his dealings with men--and devout in his dealings toward God. It takes both of these elements to make true religion.

Some people are just--and not devout! They are scrupulously honest in all their dealings--and yet they never think of God, or of their duties to Him. They do not bow to Him in prayer, nor do they ever lift their hearts to Him in praise. They do not love Him. They confess no obligations to Him. Their whole religion simply is honesty toward their fellow-men--while they utterly ignore God, their Creator and Redeemer, in Whom they live, from Whose grace every blessing in their lives flows, and upon Whom they are dependent every moment for breath and existence. It is readily seen, that such religion is no religion at all.

While we are just and honest in our transactions with men--it is to God that we owe the first and highest duties. We are His creatures; we are saved, if at all, by His grace; we owe to Him obedience, faith, love, honor, service. So we must be devout as well as just.

On the other hand, there are some people who profess to be devout--who are not just! They attend upon ordinances, they sing and pray; and then they go out into the week-day world, and are hard, unjust, greedy, and oppressive! It is very evident that this kind of religion does not please God. He wants our praise and honor--but He wants us to honor Him by our lives and actions, as well as by our lips.

There are two tables of commandments; and the second table commandments are as binding as the first. We are to love God with all our heart (the first table)--but we are also to love our neighbor as ourselves (the second table). While we are devout toward God--we are to be honest, true, unselfish toward men. The two things must go together, and must never be torn asunder!

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He continually delivers us!

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(Author unknown)

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

"For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling!" Psalm 116:8

Christ has completely and perfectly delivered all His people from the condemnation of sin, as He suffered the wrath of God for us on the cross, having our sins charged to His account. But His deliverance of us does not end there. He is still delivering us and keeping us from all that would harm or destroy us. He continually delivers us . . .
from the power of sin which still plagues, corrupts, and contaminates us;
from the influence of the world;
from the force of temptation;
from the deceitfulness of our own hearts;
and from the designs of all our foes!

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!" Psalm 18:2

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C.H. Spurgeon Quotes

God is Angry

Posted: 20 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

You have offended God and he is angry. This is not my word: it is written here:—“He is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword. He has bent his bow and made it ready.” You are in the hands of the God whom you have offended.
C.H. Spurgeon

C.H. Spurgeon Quotes

History And Christ

Posted: 19 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

All historians must confess that the turning point of the race is the cross of Christ. It would be impossible to fix any other hinge of history. From that moment the power of evil received its mortal wound.
C.H. Spurgeon

C.H. Spurgeon Quotes

Conversion And Idols

Posted: 18 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

If you love anything better than God you are idolaters: if there is anything you would not give up for God it is your idol: if there is anything that you seek with greater fervor than you seek the glory of God, that is your idol, and conversion means a turning from every idol.
C.H. Spurgeon

Jesus Christ and Him crucified

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(Author unknown)

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you, except
Jesus Christ and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2

Jesus Christ and Him crucified, is the way in which God . . .
displays His perfections,
unfolds His purposes,
maintains His rights,
confounds His foes, and
secures His glory in the salvation of His people.

Jesus Christ and Him crucified, is the only way in which . . .
death is destroyed,
sin is conquered,
righteousness is established,
rebels are reconciled,
saints are sanctified,
and Heaven is opened!

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Creation Anxious for the Unveiling

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, … For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” (Rom. 8:19-20a, 22)

The words “creature” and “creation” are of the same Greek word and having the same meaning. We are made to understand that “the whole creation” is in such utter pain that it collectively groans in agony and suffers as a woman in birth pangs. This horrific torment is not of its own doing, but it was thrust into the penalty of Adam’s sin, but “not willingly”. Creation has been tormented from Adam until now. It is eager to be rescued from the scourge of sinful men.

The time and hope of creation’s expectation is when the sons of God will be manifested; that is, unveiled before all men and creation at the coming of the King of kings and Lord of lords with all of His redeemed. Of that day and hour of liberty it is written: “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth. Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein. Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.” (I Chron. 16:31-33) O what ecstasy shall clamor through the ends of the universes of the whole of His redemption! Even the hallelujahs of tiny sparrows’ rejoicing will echo to the uttermost boundaries of the realms of God.

Rejoice! Rejoice! The sons of God have been revealed and made triumphant at the coming of the Judge of the whole creation! Who are they that would hush the endless raptures of so great a redemption? Will not their voices be muted by the roaring of the fires and screams of hell? Their tongues and lips find no jubilations.

Praise be unto our God! Our redemption draweth nigh! The heavens, the earth, the fish, the fowl, the beasts, and all the redeemed in harmony cry aloud, “Even so, Come Lord Jesus!”

Sovereign Grace Missionary BaptistChurch 1217 Dillon Texarkana, Texas 75501 November 18, 2012 Newsletter Number 392 Brother Randy Johnson, Pastor Brother Ronnie Henderson, Song Director Pastor E-Mail: pastor@sgmbaptist.com Web Site: www.sgmbaptist.com "Where The Truths Of God’s Word Have Been Taught For More Than Fifty Years”

You Were Asked To Pray For: All of Our Military, Their Family’s & All the Civilian Workers in The Middle East, Zee Mink Fuller and Family, Her son’s Bryan Armstrong and Hunter Hackie, Daughter Shannon, and Brother Philip & Sondra Thornsberry, Frank & Sonya Trusty, Frank & Dawana Reigel, Andrew Preston, Larry Mollette, Larry Mollette II & Family, Kerry Pennington, Kim Poole, Danny & Nita Mollette, Wendell Henderson, Judy Dunn, Martha Gray, Joshua Kidd, Matthew Kidd, Ronnie Henderson Jr. & Children, Ricky Henderson and Family, Jacie Henderson, Bro. & Mrs. Hammond, Charles, Don Hammond and Families, Archie & Barbara Griffin, Bro. & Sister Bob Keller, Mary Ramsey, Donna Johnson, Fay Johnson, James and Luann Reynolds, Timothy and Nathan Fails, Jacob Ramsey, Jerry Hughes, Sister Nita Bookout, Pastor G. L. Burr, Melody Carr, Janie Capps, Imajo Tracy, Linda Hughes, Roy Lemmon, Rosie Tomlin, Lee Mollette’s Daughter & Granddaughter Kristal, Dale Barnes – Kathy Johnson and their mother, Pat and Waymon Abercrombie, Barbara Brewer, Donna Jones, Frank Roberts, Dale and Linda Trahan, Linda Mollette – Shawn and girls, Ricky and Margaret McCoy, Brother David O’Neal, Todd Fifield, Robert, Brother Curtis Pugh, Brother Dan Sullivan and the work in Thailand, Brother Raul and the work in Romania, and Bro. Sergey Mochalov and the Churches in Russia.

A Thought From Our Pastor: “The Good In People Is Misleading.”“For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.” Romans 6:20 When we look at the average person we think we see good, we think we see righteousness, but in reality all we see are people that are free from righteousness. The word “free” here means exempt; it means there is none righteousness nor should we expect to see righteousness in people. On the surface we may look at a person and they may seem to be good but if you dig just a little bit you will find the evil in their heart. God said it all when He concluded “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans 3:10 none; not even one single person. Therefore this is explained to us much clearer when God says that they are exempt from righteousness. Job asked this question “How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?” Job 15:16. This is not the bad people of the world but people in general, or everyone outside of Christ. This is called “total depravity” and it means that mankind are depraved from head to toe. God went on to say through John “…Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” John 8:34 we serve sin because we are sinners, and we cannot change what we are. I saw a sign this week in a small town here in Texas that belongs to the Methodist and it said something like this “Fall is here and it is time to turn over a new leaf” this I found to be misleading because man cannot “turn over a new leaf” because he (in his lost state) is a servant of sin and they are exempt from righteousness. But God went on to say in Romans 6:22 “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” While the lost person is free from righteousness; the believer in Christ is free from sin, what a difference. Now the Greek word here in verse 22 “free” is just a little different and it means - to liberate, that is, (figuratively) to exempt – to be liberated is to be set free, and that setting free must come from another source; and that source is Jesus Christ. But God went on to explain in Romans 8:1, 2 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus...Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” There is no condemnation because we have been liberated by Jesus Christ from sin or that is from the penalty of sin. While we as Christian’s sill have sin we are not charged with it nor are we a slave to it as the lost are. The lost serve sin because that is all they can do; the believer serves sin because we allow it to overcome us. God went on to say in James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil...” if the Christian is “submitting himself to God then the Devil will be of none effect on him. God never tells the lost man to resist the devil because he cannot. God went on to say in John 8:44 “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” Who was God speaking of here; He was speaking to all the lost, their father is the devil and unless they come to have faith in Jesus Christ as their Saviour they will join their father in eternal hell fire. Folks this is the bottom line for lost people that are exempt from righteousness, none are righteous, they cannot do good, and their father is the devil, with this being said, I must ask the question; how good are people? They are totally depraved and there is no good in them. Matthew 13:38 “The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;” There are two sets of children; the Christian and the lost, whom are you a child of.

For Our Weekly Meditation: Regulated Chastisement"I will correct thee in measure" Jer. 30:11 To be left uncorrected would be a fatal sign: it would prove that the Lord had said, "He is given unto idols, let him alone." God grant that such may never be our portion! Uninterrupted prosperity is a thing to cause fear and trembling. As many as God tenderly loves He rebukes and chastens: those for whom He has no esteem He allows to fatten themselves without fear, like bullocks for the slaughter. It is in love that our heavenly Father uses the rod upon His children. Yet see, the correction is "in measure": He gives us love without measure, but chastisement in measure." As under the old law no Israelite could receive more than the "forty stripes save one, which ensured careful counting and limited suffering, so is it with each afflicted member of the household of faith -every stroke is counted. It is the measure of wisdom, the measure of sympathy, the measure of love, by which our chastisement is regulated. Far be it from us to rebel against appointments so divine. Lord, if thou standest by to measure the bitter drops into my cup, it is for me cheerfully to take that cup from thy hand, and drink according to thy directions, saying "Thy will be done." By Charles Spurgeon from his Faith's Checkbook series

Happy Anniversary: Ronnie & Sarah Henderson – Monday November 19th

Christ Exalted! 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 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 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! By James Smith 1855

Bring an Offering

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” (I Chron. 16:29) “…God loveth a cheerful giver.” (II Cor. 9:7)

Most folks do not understand the Biblical precept and purpose of bringing an offering before God. The teaching that comes from the Holy Scriptures is to give God praise, glory, and worship due Him; but also in the midst of these it is equally taught to bring an offering before Him, because it also is due Him. As our text reveals, bringing an offering is part of the glory due Him. For one to come before the LORD empty-handed is to deny God the glory due Him.

This verse (29) comes out of the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving Psalm King David gave to Asaph. The whole thought out of the psalm is for one to be thankful unto the LORD for all His wondrous works and His great salvation. Is He not due the fullness of our gratitude? Listen, God does not need us, and He certainly is not going to go bankrupt if someone does not bring an offering. God has created everything; all is His to possess. Graciously the Father gives unto us all that we have. Are we then misers of thanksgivings?

“Will a man rob God?” (Mal. 3:8) The offerings are a measure of the thanksgivings of one’s heart. It is a window into the reality of their true relationship with the Father. Understand it is not the amount of what is given; it is the percentage of what one has received of God. Jesus speaking of the rich and the poor widow: “For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mk. 12:44) Which do you suppose gave the greater glory due the Name of the LORD? Which do you suppose robbed God of the glory due Him?

One cannot truly worship God if he comes before Him empty-handed, because it is evidence of an evil heart. Worship in the beauty of holiness requires a sacrificial thanksgiving offering that is suitably due the Holy God of our worship. Come with thanksgiving!