No way!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

There are many ways to get into Hell.
"For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." Matthew 7:13

There is only one way to escape Hell.
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

There is no way to get out of Hell.
"They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever!" Revelation 20:10 "They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power!" 2 Thessalonians 1:9

  ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
December 30, 2016

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:27-28)

If we are truly believers in Christ, then we will also be followers of Him. Because we believe in and follow Jesus, we will live eternally in heaven with Him. Once we have been saved, no one can take away our salvation!

 

Bedridden saints!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

    (Charles Spurgeon)

"No discipline 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." Hebrews 12:11

I bear my witness that some of the best things I have ever learned from mortal lips--I have learned from bedridden saints!

There is no greater mercy that I know of on earth than good health--unless it is sickness. Sickness has often been a greater mercy to me than health!

It is often worth while being afflicted, in order to experience the great loving kindness of God which He bestows so abundantly on us in the hour of trouble and perplexity. Yes, God turns our fasts into feasts--and we are glad in the midst of our sorrow!

A whole-hearted consecration,
a child-like confidence,
a deep-toned submission--
these will make us ready for suffering, whatever it may be.

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." 1 Peter 1:6

  ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
December 29, 2016

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, 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. (Isaiah 43:1-2)

Take heed, O children of faith, to the voice of the Lord, for He has redeemed you and brought you unto so great a salvation! Through fire, famine, and flood—through all earthly perils—the Lord is with you protecting and sustaining you. Know this and be comforted!

I suppose they like to choose their own wives!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

    (Charles Spurgeon)

"He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will." Ephesians 1:4-5

Whatever may be said about the doctrine of election, it is written in the Word of God as with an iron pen, and there is no getting rid of it--there it stands!

Long before time had begun, God loved His chosen ones, and predestined them unto eternal life.

I can never understand why a man should cavil at another's being chosen--when he himself does not himself wish to be saved!

Some men cannot endure to hear the doctrine of election. I suppose they like to choose their own wives--but they are not willing that Christ should select His bride, the Church!

Those who cavil at the doctrine of election should answer this question: "Why is it that God has left devils without hope--and yet has sent His Son to redeem mankind? Is not divine sovereignty manifested here?" Answer me, you that deny God's sovereignty, and hate His election--how is it that angels are condemned to everlasting fire--while to you, the fallen children of Adam, the gospel of Christ is freely preached? The only answer that can possible be given is this: God wills to do it.

If the Lord should choose to show mercy to only one man in the world--He has the perfect right to do so.
If He chooses to show mercy to a few, or if He chooses to show mercy to all--He has the right to do so.

How is it that some of us who were once drunkards, swearers, and the like--are now sitting here to praise God this day? Was there anything good in us which moved the heart of God to save us? God forbid that we should indulge the blasphemous thought! I never met with any Christian who ever thought that he deserved to be chosen unto salvation; the very fact of the choice, proves that it must have been all of grace.

Electing love has selected some of the worst--to be made the best!

I shall never understand, even in Heaven--why the Lord Jesus should ever have loved me!

There is no more humbling doctrine in Scripture than that of election--none more promoting of gratitude, and, consequently, none more sanctifying. To me, election is one of the sweetest and most blessed truths in the whole of Revelation--it is one of the highest notes of heavenly music!

The man who is not willing to submit to the electing love and sovereign grace of God, has great reason to question whether he is a Christian at all--for the spirit that kicks against election is the spirit of the devil, and the spirit of the unhumbled, unrenewed heart.

"We ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved." 2 Thessalonians 2:13

  ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
December 28, 2016

[[To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.]] God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

Be assured, O believer, that the Lord your God is with you. He shall shelter your spirit in His mighty house forever. Never need you fear, for He is even now your aid against all manner of trouble. Rejoice, therefore, in His love and power!

The religion of sinners!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Matthew Henry)

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8-9

We must beware of deceiving ourselves in denying or excusing our sins. The more we see them--the more we shall esteem and value the remedy.

The Christian religion is the religion of sinners--of such as have sinned, and in whom sin in some measure still dwells.

The Christian life is a life of . . .
  continued repentance, humiliation for and mortification of sin,
  continual faith in, thankfulness for, and love to the Redeemer, and
  hopeful joyful expectation of a day of glorious redemption, in which the believer shall be fully and finally acquitted, and sin abolished forever!

"He will save His people from their sins!" Matthew 1:21

  ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
December 27, 2016

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:44-45)

By God's compelling love, we have the honor of sharing kindness and compassion to others—including our enemies. For those who believe, the love of Christ abundantly pours forth and causes overwhelming joy and peace within our hearts. It is by His great compassion that we can love others and know of God's unfathomable adoration for us. How beautiful is salvation! It allows us to share unconditional love for others.

Heaven's richest treasure!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Gleanings from the Inner Life of Ruth Bryan)

"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers--but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect!" 1 Peter 1:18-19

I wonder why dear saints do not talk with more ardor about Him who has, in love to our souls, brought them up from the pit of corruption.

Oh! what it cost Him! Price beyond all computing! Heaven's richest treasure--paid for worms of earth!

Oh! the wonders and blessedness of union to such a rich Husband, who thought not His own precious blood too much for my ransom!

Oh, that my heart were a ten-stringed instrument, and my life a living epistle--in which all might read Him. But, alas! it is so blotted over with unbelief and other sins, that it is hard to pick out His dear name in most of the pages!

Oh! when I see Him face to face, and behold those love-prints in His glorious body, what shall I feel? That will be Heaven--not one of harps and crowns, or of anything else--but JESUS and the open vision of His unveiled glories, the ineffable glories of Deity, and perfect beauties of humanity ever beaming with new effulgence in the person of our Bridegroom! Then shall we reflect His glory, and show forth His praise!

Eternal praises to the worthy Lamb!

  ~  ~  ~  ~

Sovereign Grace Missionary Baptist Church "Where The Truths Of God’s Word Have Been Taught For More Than Fifty-Five Years” 1217 Dillon Texarkana, Texas 75501 December 25, 2016            Newsletter Number 600 Brother Randy Johnson, Pastor                   Brother Ronnie Henderson Sr., Song Leader Pastor E-Mail: pastor@sgmbaptist.com                                          Web Site: www.sgmbaptist.com “A Church Seeking To Please God In Prayer, Song, Preaching, And Worship.”

Our Prayer Request:   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,  Johnnie Stephens, Alecia Stephens, and children, Frankie Baldridge and daughter, Buckie Thompson, Frank & Sonya Trusty, Frank & Dawana Reigel, Andrew Preston, Larry & Martha Mollette and Her Family, Tyrell Loyd, Bonnie, Ted O'Bonion, Larry Mollette II & Family, Kerry Adcock, Kim Poole, Danny & Nita Mollette, The Muncy Family, Mary Mollette, Wendell Henderson, Joshua Kidd, Matthew Kidd, Ronnie and Sarah Henderson, Ronnie Henderson Jr. & Children, Ricky Henderson and Family, Jacie Henderson, Velma Hammond, Charles, Don Hammond and Families, Vickie Adkins, Archie & Barbara Griffin, Donna Johnson, James and Luann Reynolds, Timothy Fails, Nathan Fails, Jacob Ramsey, Jerry Hughes, Pastor G. L. Burr, Melody Carr, Janie Capps, Linda Hughes, Rosie Tomlin, James and Lynn Tomlin, Pat Abercrombie, Donna Jones, Brandy Sullivan, Gina, Tammy Hairston and family, Brother Kelley and Sister Hinson, Manual Seymour, Sr, Dewayne Sewell, The Harris Family, The Morris Family, Teresa Bookout, Little Titan Thomas (Trent and Tiffane Thomas child), James – Diane and Brooke Thomas, Jace Fails, Steve Sparks, Sister Ann McSwain, Brother Archie and Barbra Griffin, Brother Curtis Pugh, Brother Dan Sullivan – his mother and the work in Thailand, Brother Raul and the work in Romania, Bro. Sergey Mochalov and the Churches in Russia.

A Thought From our Pastor:   Lie Not One To Another!“For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: (7) In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. (8) But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. (9) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; (10) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Colossians 3:6-10   Today is what the world calls Christmas. I’m not going to get into the realness or the phoniness of the holiday, and I’m not going to debate whether Christians should celebrate the holiday. Although, I must point out that it is not a Christian Holyday and it is not about Jesus Christ nor about His birth. We can all debate the holiday, but those two are not debatable. I want to speak today about both Christmas and Easter. Neither of the holidays are not about Jesus Christ, nor are they about His birth or resurrection. It is all about two phony Cartoon Characters named Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny, which neither one is real. Now it is ok to have Cartoon Characters in children lives but to say that they are real and do exist is a lie. I am dumbfounded when I hear people say “at what age do you tell the children that Santa and the Easter Bunny isn’t real?” when it was a lie to tell them they were real to start with. The Lord told us, as Christians, we should put away “all these” things, and “Lie not one to another” is one of those sinful things we should put away. If you are a true believer in Jesus Christ and you tell children, any child that either Santa or The Easter Bunny are real you are in the wrong. Stop it now, please! I know it is fun for the family, I know the entire aspect of both are fun for the children, but both are sinful in nature. Think about it, both undermine Jesus Christ, only Jesus Christ should be upheld and glorified. Christmas is about Santa Clause and gifts, and Easter is about the Easter Bunny and hunting eggs, so what is the harm with them? Both includes lies and sinfulness those two holidays and exclude Jesus Christ. All glory belongs to Jesus Christ and none other. People live in an unreal and sinful world, and lying to one another is the menu of the day. But I am speaking to Believers in Jesus Christ, and we ought to put away the sinfulness of the old nature and walk in the new nature that is in Jesus Christ. The world will do as they please, they support abortion, gay marriage, perverts sharing bathrooms with children of the opposite sex, and etc. but as Christians we are commanded to put those thing away, and walk in truthfulness and righteousness. Jesus Christ does not like sharing His earned glory with two phony Cartoon Characters named Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny. These holidays are not about Jesus Christ, they both replace Him and take His earned glory. No, it is not “ok”, I am not being mean, I am right and a lie is a lie no matter how unintended or small it was. If you celebrate the Christmas season then that is between you and God, but if you lie about the holiday and say it is about Jesus Christ then that is indeed an awful sin. If you are about sharing our Saviour’s glory, then that is another sin. So, when should you tell your child that Santa and the Easter Bunny is not real? Today, without question today would be that exact time, and then ask the Lord for forgiveness and if the child is old enough, apologize to the child. We (as Christians) must understand, life for us is not about fun, it is not about our happiness, our life is about serving and glorifying God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. We must understand that will include suffering, persecution, people hating you, and dying for Christ. Our happiness and fun (so to speak) will come when we are in heaven. Our job as Christians is to worship God, and to forward the Gospel to a dying and lost world. Christian can have fun, but not at the devaluing of our Saviour, and God Jesus Christ.

God takes a safe course with His children!By Richard Sibbes, 1577-1635   "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28   Whatever is truly good for God's children — they shall have it, for all is theirs to further them to Heaven. Therefore . . .   if poverty is good for them — they shall have it;   if disgrace is good for them — they shall have it;   if crosses are good for them — they shall have them;   if misery is good for them — they shall have it; for God makes all things work together for the good of His redeemed people.    God takes a safe course with His children — that they may not be condemned with the world. He permits the world to condemn them — that they may not love the world. The world hates them — that they may not love the world. That they may be crucified to it — the world is to be crucified to them. Because He will not allow them to perish with the world — He sends them afflictions in and by the world. Therefore they meet with such crosses and abuses and wrongs in the world.    God afflicts us outwardly — that we may be more humble inwardly. He humbles us and makes us poor — that we may be more poor in spirit. When God designs to humble us — we should labor through grace to abase ourselves and mortify pride.    God's providence is often mysterious — yet He is just and righteous in all that He does. Therefore when any difficult thing befalls us for which we can see no reason, yet we must reverence the Lord and adore His counsels and submit to Him who is infinitely more good and wise than we.    Glory follows afflictions — as the spring follows the winter. For the winter prepares the earth for the spring — so do sanctified afflictions prepare the soul for glory.

Church Notices:   The church will observe The Lord’s Supper on December 25th at the 4:00 service.

Morning Devotional December 25, 2016

Matthew 6:24

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

As the “Christian” world claims to celebrate the birth of our Savior today by following a Roman holy day, let's not forget who we serve. It has always amazed me how that so many of our brothers and sisters will make a stand for the truths of God's Word all through the year but will follow after the biggest lie being told today. Besides the fact that Christmas has it roots in paganism. It has become the most glutenous and greed filled time of the year. What a shame to turn our backs on our Lord and Savior and follow a holy day that has been built on so many lies. What a shame that God's own people would turn their backs on His very Word.

The fact that we are never commanded in His Word to observe the birth of our Savior is mild compared to the idolatry and lies that permeate this day. We are told we should be kind to one another this time of year. Yet we see so many filled with hatred when we go shopping or just driving sown the street. Many will use this time of year to claim the name of Christ but as soon as the day is over they forget His very name.

O child of God, I beg you, follow God's Word always!!! Stray not from His teachings and commandments. Be ye separate from the world. Love not the world nor the things of the world.

Over and over we are commanded to separate ourselves from the world. Yes we are in the world. But we do not belong to this world. We are children of God!!! We have another home. Not of this world. Not made with hands. And with this being the case then we should act like children of God. Not children of the world.

Praise ye the Lord!!!

 

Stephen McCool Sr.

Weekday Devotions December 23rd

Faith’s Check Book

Charles H. Spurgeon

PRECIOUS THINGS

"And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the Lord be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath" Deuteronomy 33:13

We may be rich in such things as Joseph obtained, and we may have them in a higher sense. Oh, for "the precious things of heaven!" Power with God, and the manifestation of power from God, are most precious. We would enjoy the peace of God, the joy of the Lord, the glory of our God. The benediction of the three divine Persons in love, and grace, and fellowship we prize beyond the most fine gold. The things of earth are as nothing in preciousness compared with the things of Heaven.

"The dew." How precious is this! How we pray and praise, when we have the dew! What refreshing, what growth, what perfume, what life there is in us when the dew is about! Above all things else, as plants of the Lord’s own right hand planting, we need the dew of His Holy Spirit.

"The deep that coucheth beneath." Surely this refers to that unseen ocean underground which supplies all the fresh springs which make glad the earth. Oh to tap the eternal fountains! This is an unspeakable boon; let no believer rest till he possesses it. The all-sufficiency of Jehovah is ours forever. Let us resort to it now.

 

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

Go and sit down in the lowest room

Luke 14:10

He who is willing to take the lowest place will always find sitting room; there is no great crush for the worst places. There is nothing like the jostling at the back that there is at the front; so if we would be comfortable, we shall do well to keep behind.

Thomas Champness

The Star!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

    (Henry Law, "Numbers" 1858)

"A star will come out of Jacob." Numbers 24:17

A star, what is it, but a glittering orb set in the canopy of night? It sparkles, as a gem amid surrounding gloom. It darts a cheering ray on the black pall around. It smiles with lovely radiance on a dark ground.

Such is Christ Jesus. Where He beams not--it is unmitigated night. It is the skies without a star. What is such blackness, but a chilly type of ignorance, and wretchedness, and sin? Take the poor soul, in which Christ never shone. All these vile troops there brood. Is God there known? Far otherwise. There may be vague idea of some supreme director. But the realities of God's grace, and love, and truth, and justice--are utterly unseen. There is no basking in a Father's smile. Each step is through the maze and thickness of impenetrable doubts. There is no joy of a felt pardon. There is no knowledge of sins blotted out. Such is each Christless soul.

But let the Star appear--and what loveliness pervades the scene! So when Christ rises in the heart, that brightness comes, before which sin and misery flee.

  ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
December 23, 2016

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. (Psalm 50:15)

Trust ever upon the mercy, goodness, and overwhelming sovereign power of the Lord's might. He will always save His people in their day of trial and He will always keep His children from final judgment. Rejoice, then, in His majesty, for He is your God and you are His people!

Weekday Devotions December 22nd

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

IMMEDIATELY PRESENT

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

A help that is not present when we need it is of small value. The anchor which is left at home is of no use to the seaman in the hour of storm; the money which he used to have is of no worth to the debtor when a writ is out against him. Very few earthly helps could be called "very present": they are usually far in the seeking, far in the using, and farther still when once used. But as for the Lord our God, He is present when we seek Him, present when we need Him, and present when we have already enjoyed His aid.

He is more than "present," He is very present. More present than the nearest friend can be, for He is in us in our trouble; more present than we are to ourselves, for sometimes we lack presence of mind. He is always present, effectually present, sympathetically present, altogether present. He is present now if this is a gloomy season. Let us rest ourselves upon Him. He is our refuge, let us hide in Him; He is our strength, let us array ourselves with Him; He is our help, let us lean upon Him; He is our very present help, let us repose in Him now. We need not have a moment’s care, or an instant’s fear. "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

Be not doubtful, but followers of them also, through faith and patience, inherit the promises

Hebrews 4:12

God makes a promise. Faith believes it. Hope anticipates it. Patience quietly awaits it.

Selected

Holy ground!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

      (Alexander Smellie, "The Secret Place" 1907)

"Do not come any closer! Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground!" Exodus 3:5

I have no need to go to the loneliness of Sinai to meet with God. I find holy ground much nearer home. But I wonder whether I take my sandals off of my feet.

God reveals Himself to me in His written Word. It is His sanctuary. By its agency, my deepest life is created, quickened, sustained. Listening to it, the saints have heard the very voice of their Lord. But do I reverence God by my frivolous use of the words of Scripture? And, whenever I open the Book, do I remember that God has breathed the Spirit of Life into its chapters and verses? Mine is culpable levity.

He reveals Himself in my history, as truly as ever He did in the history of Israel. In it, the devout heart will trace . . .
  His perfect providence,
  His power,
  His wisdom,
  His stern hatred of sin,
  His overflowing goodness.

Best of all, He reveals Himself in Christ. But if Christ brings Him close to me, He teaches me fresh reasons for standing in awe of Him.

His life shows me what God is--spotless, righteous, faithful, unflinchingly holy.

And His Cross has a more impressive message still. Here are God's infinite gentleness and shoreless mercy. Side by side with these are God's  abhorrence of my iniquity, and His unconquerable justice. He is holy, holy, holy--even in the brightest and sweetest manifestation of His grace. Yet I do not always worship Him "with trembling hope and penitential tears."

Not a day passes, that I am not standing in the courts of His house. Not a place can I visit, where the Spirit of glory and of God may not overshadow me. I pray for tenfold more thoughtfulness and adoration and humility.

  ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
December 22, 2016

Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19)

Though affliction be the promise to the sons of God and though suffering fills their path on this earth, still does the Lord promise deliverance. Still does the Lord promise comfort and still does the Lord promise salvation. And O what a deliverance-what a comfort-what a salvation! For but a moment's trifling pain, what rose jewel is bought the believer! Glory eternal! Love unceasing! Joy unquenchable! For the merest pinprick's bother, the believer is given all. Now rejoice! Take up your heavy cross made weightless by the sustaining power of God, and follow unto the way everlasting!

Weekday Devotions December 21st

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

FROM ANGER TO LOVE

"He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea" Micah 7:19

God never turns from His love, but He soon turns from His wrath. His love to His chosen is according to His nature, His anger is only according to His office: He loves because He is love, He frowns because it is necessary for our good. He will come back to the place in which His heart rests, namely, His love to His own, and then He will take pity upon our griefs and end them.

What a choice promise is this — "He will subdue our iniquities!" He will conquer them. They cry to enslave us, but the Lord will give us victory over them by His own right hand. Like the Canaanites, they shall be beaten, put under the yoke, and ultimately slain.

As for the guilt of our sins, how gloriously is that removed! "All their sins," — yes, the whole host of them; "thou wilt cast" — only an almighty arm could perform such a wonder; "into the depths of the sea" — where Pharaoh and his chariots went down. Not into the shallows out of which they might be washed up by the tide, but into the "depths" shall our sins be hurled. They are all gone. They sank into the bottom like a stone. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

The sea wrought, and was tempestuous

Jonah 1:11

Sin in the soul is like Jonah in the ship. It turns the smoothest water into a tempestuous sea.

Selected

To attempt to murder this infant, is Deicide!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(James Smith, "The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior's Grace Displayed!")

"Herod is going to search for the child to kill Him!" Matthew 2:13
Christ, our Wondrous Lover met with sorry reception in our guilty, ungrateful world!

At first He was denied a dwelling--but soon it was determined to deprive Him of existence! O height of folly! O depth of wickedness! To attempt to murder this infant, is Deicide!

Foolish Herod! Shall divine predictions be falsified by you--and shall your lust frustrate God's eternal purpose to save His people?

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins!" Matthew 1:21

  ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
December 21, 2016

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:38)

By the degree of generosity of our hearts, so will the blessings of God be poured out upon us. When we give much, much is offered in return. Yet, if we offer little to those around us, we will receive fewer blessings from the Father. The Lord desires to shower His children with all His abundant and wonderful blessings! May we bear the same attitude toward those around us. May we abound in lovingkindness and generosity for those less fortunate.

Weekday Devotions December 20th

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

MEN AS MEN; GOD AS GOD

"I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; and forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?" Isaiah 51:12,13

Let the text itself be taken as the portion for today. There is no need to enlarge upon it. Trembling one, read it, believe it, feed on it, and plead it before the Lord. He whom you fear is only a man after all; while He who promises to comfort you is God, your Maker, and the Creator of Heaven and earth. Infinite comfort more than covers a very limited danger.

"Where is the fury of the oppressor?" It is in the Lord’s hand. It is only the fury of a dying creature; fury which will end as soon as the breath is gone from the nostril. Why, then, should we stand in awe of one who is as frail as ourselves? Let us not dishonor our God by making a god of puny man. We can make an idol of a man by rendering to him excessive fear as well as by paying him inordinate love. Let us treat men as men, and God as God; and then we shall go calmly on in the path of duty, fearing the Lord, and fearing nobody else.

 

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

Ye know not what shall be on the morrow

James 4:14

“Tomorrow” is the devil’s great ally—the very Goliath in whom he trusts for victory. “Now” is the stripling sent forth against him.… The world will freely agree to be Christians tomorrow if Christ will permit them to be worldly today.

William Arnot

Had he known me better!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

    (Frederick Marsh)

Humility is the queen of the Christian graces. The excellence of humility is illustrated in the following Scriptures.

1. Humility is the Flower of Grace--Ephesians 4:2. Humility walks consistently, loves generously, serves willingly, acts meekly, forgives heartily, forbears thoughtfully, and responds obediently.

2. Humility is the Soul of Contentment--Philippians 4:12. It feels that it does not deserve anything, therefore takes whatever comes with gratitude. It ever sings, "O to grace how great a debtor!"

3. Humility is the Secret of Service--Acts 20:19. To serve the Lord with all humility of mind, is to have the bloom of consecration, the aroma of grace, the unction of love, the warmth of zeal, the ardor of faith, the walk of obedience, and the beauty of holiness.

4. Humility is the Badge of Obedience. The Lord's command is, "Humble yourselves" (1 Peter 5:6), and it is not without meaning that it is to be "under the mighty hand of God." We only know the mightiness of God's hand--when we lie low beneath it.

5. Humility is the Lesson of Grace. When we are yoked with Christ in God's will, we are in the position to learn of Christ, who is "meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). To talk about humility, is to show we do not possess it; but to keep step with Christ, is to have it without knowing it.

6. The Mind of Humility. "In humility of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves" (Philippians 2:3). To see the best in others--is to find the worst in ourselves. Self-contemplation leads to self-congratulation, and that always fosters pride.

7. The Example of Christ. The mind of Christ is illustrated in that He "humbled Himself" (Philippians 2:8). He went down, before He was raised up. We need to pray: "Help us, O Lord, to deeper sink, that we may the higher rise." The downward path is the upward one.

8. Humility is the Attire of Heaven. "Be clothed with humility" (1 Peter 5:5). This is a suit that is always in fashion--it never wears out, and it is always befitting. Humility is recognized by men, admired by angels, and loved by God.

9. Humility is the Securer of Blessing. "He gives more grace to the humble" (James 4:6), or as the margin, "A greater grace." Whether an excelling grace, or "more" of the grace that excels--humility is its own reward, and is rewarded by the Lord's commendation.

10. Humility is the Harbinger of Reward. "He who humbles himself shall be exalted" (Matthew 23:12). The heavier the cargo--the more the vessel is sunk into the water, and the greater its worth. When the fruit of humility causes the branch of the soul to bend in lowliness--the Heavenly Gardener plucks the fruit for the garner of His love!
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"There is nothing more characteristic of a true Christian, than humility. It is the first lesson that he learns in the school of Christ, and is the source of contentment and solid peace of mind.

If he hears that anyone has reviled him--he is ready to say, "Had he known me better, he would have said worse things of me than that!"

The fiercest storms of adversity blow over him. Humility gives a pliancy to his mind, which saves it by yielding to the force it cannot resist; like the weak and bending reed that weathers out the tempest which fells the tall and sturdy oak."

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
December 20, 2016

Who shall also confirm you unto the end, [that ye may be] blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:8)

Fear not the wickedness of your own inclinations, O believer, for Christ will ever sustain you in spite of your weakness! Trust in Him. Lean on His might. Throw yourself into the redemptive mercy of His hands and seek not the power to remain of your own might. Have faith in the Lord for He shall save you in that final day!

Weekday Devotions December 19th

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

AFFLICTIONS, BUT NO BROKEN BONES

"He keepeth all his bones; not one of them is broken" Psalms 34:20

This promise by the context is referred to the much afflicted righteous man: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." He may suffer skin-wounds and flesh-wounds, but no great harm shall be done, "not a bone of him shall be broken."

This is great comfort to a tried child of God, and comfort which I dare accept; for up to this hour I have suffered no real damage from my many afflictions. I have neither lost faith, nor hope, nor love. Nay, so far from losing these bones of character, they have gained in strength and energy. I have more knowledge, more experience, more patience, more stability than I had before the trials came. Not even my joy has been destroyed. Many a bruise have I had by sickness, bereavement, depression, slander, and opposition; but the bruise has healed, and there has been no compound fracture of a bone, not even a simple one. The reason is not far to seek. If we trust in the Lord, He keeps all our bones; and if He keeps them, we may be sure that not one of them is broken.

Come, my heart, do not sorrow. Thou art smarting, but there are no bones broken. Endure hardness, and bid defiance to fear.

 

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

A hearer of the word … a doer of the work

James 1:23, 25

Religion may be learned on Sunday, but it is lived in the weekday’s work. The torch of religion may be lit in the church, but it does its burning in the shop and on the street. Religion seeks its life in prayer, but it lives its life in deeds. It is planted in the closet, but it does its growing out in the world. It plumes itself for flight in songs of praise, but its actual flights are in works of love. It resolves and meditates on faithfulness as it reads its Christian lesson in the Book of Truth, but “faithful is that faithful does.” It puts its armor on in all the aids and helps of the sanctuary as its dressingroom, but it combats for the right, the noble, and the good in all the activities of practical existence, and its battle ground is the whole broad field of life.

John Doughty

We dwell within the palm of God's hand!

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    (Charles Spurgeon)

"My times are in Your hand!" Psalm 31:15

Not only are we, ourselves, in the hand of the Lord--but all that surrounds us is in His hand! Our times make up a kind of atmosphere of existence--and all of this is under His divine arrangement.

We dwell within the palm of God's hand! We are absolutely at His disposal--and all our circumstances are arranged by Him in all their details. We are comforted to have it so!

When one knows that his times are in God's hands--he would not change places with a king! No, nor even with an angel!

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
December 19, 2016

[[[A Psalm] of David.]] The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

The Lord is ever with the child of His right hand. Mercy, protection, grace, and love are ever the believer's company. By the precious blood of Christ, we are made partakers of the heavenly promise. Hide yourself in Christ, O believer, and embrace the true rest He so lovingly grants His children! Rest and do good!

 

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
December 18, 2016

Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; (Hebrews 8:1)

Christ has conquered all death and even now reigns at the right hand of God's throne. Take great delight in the knowledge that He is ruling over all things, both in heaven and in earth. Glory to His name!

Morning Devotional December 17, 2016

Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”



It is that time of year again when the vast majority of those who claim Christ as Savior will claim to observe His birth. Yet year after year we see so many drawing further and further away from the true Christ. The Son of God. Immanuel. The one who was and is God with us.
We see what is called Christianity falling deeper and deeper after the world's false religion. We see so called churches worshiping idols and false holy days. We see those who make a stand for the truths of God's Word the rest of the year all of a sudden fall for some of the most rank paganism and false doctrines ever devised by satan himself.
Please understand. If you are a child of God and you observe these holy days, I am not doubting your salvation. I too have my own faults. But to purposely deny the Word of God over and over every year is a very serious matter we need to all consider and flee from.
I challenge you all to study God's Word. What did God say on these matters? Are we instructed to observe our Savior's birth? Are we commanded to follow the world or to follow God? Are these things pleasing to our Heavenly Father?
As you prepare for the upcoming holidays think on these things. Pray God will show you the truth through His Word.



Praise ye the Lord!!!

Stephen McCool Sr.

Weekday Devotions December 16th

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

DIVINE EXPULSION

"Thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong" Joshua 17:18

It is a great encouragement to valor to be assured of victory, for then a man goes forth to war in confidence, and ventures where else he had been afraid to go. Our warfare is with evil within us and around us, and we ought to be persuaded that we are able to get the victory, and that we shall do so in the name of the Lord Jesus. We are not riding for a fall, but to win; and win we shall. The grace of God in its Omnipotence is put forth for the overthrow of evil in every form: hence the certainty of triumph.

Certain of our sins find chariots of iron in our constitution, our former habits, our associations, and our occupations. Nevertheless we must overcome them. They are very strong, and in reference to them we are very weak; yet in the name of God we must master them, and we will. If one sin has dominion of us we are not the Lord’s free men. A man who is held by only one chain is still a captive. There is no going to Heaven with one sin ruling within us, for of the saints it is said, "Sin shall not have dominion over you." Up, then, and slay every Canaanite, and break to shivers every chariot of iron! The Lord of hosts is with us, and who shall resist His sin-destroying power?

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

He [Thomas] … said, Except I shall see … I will not believe … Jesus … said … Be not faithless, but believing

John 20:25, 27

Every doubt in the heart of a Christian is a dishonor done to the Word of God, and the sacrifice of Christ.

Selected

Mohammed may conquer by the sword!

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    (Charles Spurgeon)

Mohammed may conquer by the sword--but Christ conquers by the sword which comes out of His mouth, that is, the Word of the Lord! His empire is one of love--not of force and oppression. He subdues men, but He does it by His own gentleness and kindness, never by breaking them in pieces and destroying them upon a gory battlefield.

The religion of Jesus is the most peaceful, mild and benevolent religion which was ever promulgated. When we compare it with any set of dogmas invented by men, there is not one of them that can stand the least comparison with it for gentleness, mildness and love.

As for the religion of Mohamed, it is the religion of the vulture--but the religion of Jesus is that of the dove--all is mercy, all is mild. It is, like its Founder--an embodiment of pure benevolence, grace and truth.

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me--for I am gentle and humble in heart." Matthew 11:29

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Day by Day by Grace

Bob Hoekstra
December 16, 2016

Relating Rightly to the God of All Grace

The God of all grace…to the praise of the glory of His grace…the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ…the Spirit of grace. (1 Peter 5:10; Ephesians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 8:9; and Hebrews 10:29)

Our Lord God is "the God of all grace." God's comprehensive and infinite grace is characteristic of all the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The Father will be honored forever for His grace, so we read: "to the praise of the glory of His grace." The Son makes that grace available to all who believe, so it is called "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." The Spirit applies that grace in the hearts of those who follow Jesus Christ, so He is called "the Spirit of grace." Grace is found in God alone. Therefore, one must relate rightly to the God of all grace in order to receive all that He has for us in fulfilling His purposes and glorifying His name.

We relate rightly to the God of grace by developing a personal relationship with Him. Getting to know God is what life with the Lord is all about. "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:3). In fact, knowing the Lord is man's ultimate treasure in all of creation. Everything else that competes is to be considered as loss. "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ" (Philippians 3:7-8). It is not surprising then that getting increasingly acquainted with the Lord is the way that His grace impacts our lives. "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord" (2 Peter 1:2).

As we get to know the God of all grace more and more, He develops in us two strategic relational realities: humility and faith. Relational realities are spiritual qualities that become practically real as a result of a growing relationship with Christ. We have looked at these two spiritual qualities many times throughout our meditations. Repeated reflection on humility and faith is appropriate, since they unfold the practical heart of living daily by God's grace. "Be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble'" (1 Peter 5:5). God's grace is given to those who "walk humbly with [their] God" (Micah 6:8). Likewise, faith accesses grace. "We have access by faith into this grace in which we stand" (Romans 5:2). Walking in humble dependence is the way to relate rightly to the God of all grace.

Dear God of all grace, I want to relate to You rightly that I might live daily by Your grace. Help me to know You more and more that humility and faith might develop in my life. I long to walk before You in humble dependence, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
December 16, 2016

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)

Strong is the defense of the Lord and great the might of His sword-arm! And ever is He able to grant you His protection! No danger shall threaten His people and forever shall He lend aid to His sons. Rejoice in the strength of your high tower! Rejoice in your soul's shelter! Praise His name forever!

Weekday Devotions December 15th

Faith’s Check Book 

By Charles H. Spurgeon

WORLD CONCORD

"And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Isaiah 2:4

Oh, that these happy times were come! At present the nations are heavily armed, and are inventing weapons more and more terrible, as if the chief end of man could only be answered by destroying myriads of his fellows. Yet peace will prevail one day; yes, and so prevail that the instruments of destruction shall be beaten into other shapes and used for better purposes.

How will this come about? By trade? By civilization? By arbitration? We do not believe it. Past experience forbids our trusting to means so feeble. Peace will be established only by the reign of the Prince of Peace. He must teach the people by His Spirit, renew their hears by His grace, and reign over them by His supreme power, and then will they cease to wound and kill. Man is a monster when once his blood is up, and only the Lord Jesus can turn this lion into a lamb. By changing man’s heart, his blood-thirsty passions are removed. Let every reader of this book of promises offer special prayer today to the Lord and Giver of Peace, that He would speedily put an end to war, and establish concord over the whole world.

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

Now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love

1 Cor. 13:13 (R.V.)

Love is the greatest thing that God can give us: for Himself is Love; and it is the greatest thing we can give to God: for it will give ourselves, and carry with it all that is ours.

Jeremy Taylor

It will not do to be a saint abroad--and a devil at home!

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    (Charles Spurgeon)

There is a great importance in the way in which a man lives in his house. It will not do to be a saint abroad--and a devil at home! There are some of that kind. They are wonderfully sweet at a prayer meeting--but they are dreadfully sour to their wives and children. This will never do!

Every genuine believer should say, and mean it, "I will walk within my house with a perfect heart." It is in the home, that we get the truest proof of godliness.

"What sort of a man is he?" said one to George Whitefield--and Whitefield answered, "I cannot say, for I never lived with him."

That is the way to test a man--to live with him.

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
December 15, 2016

Blessed [be] the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. (Psalm 31:21-22)

The Lord hears the cry of His children and He faithfully wraps His loving arms around them. He makes His excellent goodness known to them each day without fail. Who could comprehend such devotion and love? His wonderful lovingkindness continually strengthens those who believe—so rejoice in that love and praise His name forever!

Weekday Devotions December 14th

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

NOTHING OLD

"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new" Revelation 21:5

Glory be to His name! All things need making new, for they are sadly battered and worn by sin. It is time that the old vesture was rolled up and laid aside, and that creation put on her Sunday suit. But no one else can make all things new except the Lord who made them at the first; for it needs as much power to make out of evil as to make out of nothing. Our Lord Jesus has undertaken the task, and He is fully competent for the performance of it. Already He has commenced His labor, and for centuries He has persevered in making new the hearts of men, and the order of society. By-and-by He will make new the whole constitution of human government, and human nature shall be changed by His grace; and there shall come a day when the body shall be made new, and raised like unto His glorious body.

What a joy to belong to a kingdom in which everything is being made new by the power of its King! We are not dying out: we are hastening on to a more glorious life. Despite the opposition of the powers of evil, our glorious Lord Jesus is accomplishing His purpose, and making us, and all things about us, "new," and as full of beauty as when they first came from the hand of the Lord.

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

Having therefore these promises

2 Cor. 7:1

The forests in summer days are full of birds’ nests. They are hidden among the leaves. The little birds know where they are; and when a storm arises, or when night draws on, they fly, each to his own nest. So the promises of God are hidden in the Bible, like nests in the great forests; and thither we should fly in any danger or alarm, hiding there in our soul’s nest until the storm be overpast. There are no castles in this world so impregnable as the words of Christ.

J. R. Miller