Daily Devotions March 30th

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

 

PRAYER, THANKSGIVING, PRAISE

 

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6,7

 

No care, but all prayer. No anxiety, but much joyful communion with God. Carry your desires to the Lord of your life, the guardian of your soul. Go to Him with two portions of prayer, and one of fragrant praise. Do not pray doubtfully, but thankfully. Consider that you have your petitions, and therefore thank God for His grace. He is giving you grace, give Him thanks. Hide nothing. Allow no want to lie rankling in your bosom; "make known your requests." Run not to man. Go only to your God, the Father of Jesus, who loves you in Him.

 

This shall bring you God’s own peace. You shall not be able to understand the peace which you shall enjoy. It will enfold you in its infinite embrace. Heart and mind through Christ Jesus shall be steeped in a sea of rest. Come life or death, poverty, pain, slander, you shall dwell in Jesus above every ruffling wind or darkening cloud. Will you not obey this dear command?

 

Yes, Lord, I do believe thee; but, I beseech thee, help mine unbelief.

 

 

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vineyards; for our vineyards are in blossom

Song of Sol. 2:15 (R.V.)

How numerous the little foxes are! Little compromises with the world; disobedience to the still, small voice in little things; little indulgences to the flesh to the neglect of duty; little strokes of policy; doing evil in little things that good may come; and the beauty, and the fruitfulness of the vine are sacrificed!

J. Hudson Taylor^[1]

 

 

---

^[1] @book{Hardman_Moody_1997,
place={Willow Grove, PA},
title={Thoughts for the quiet hour},
publisher={Woodlawn Electronic Publishing},
author={Hardman, Samuel G. and Moody, Dwight Lyman},
year={1997}}

Daily Devotions March 29th

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

 

DAUNTLESS FAITH

 

"I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee" Acts 18:10

 

So long as the Lord had work for Paul to do in Corinth, the fury of the mob was restrained. The Jews opposed themselves and blasphemed; but they could neither stop the preaching of the gospel, nor the conversion of the hearers. God has power over the most violent minds. He makes the wrath of man to praise Him when it breaks forth, but He still more displays His goodness when He restrains it; and He can restrain it. "By the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone, till thy people pass over, O Lord."

 

Do not, therefore, feel any fear of man when you know that you are doing your duty. Go straight on, as Jesus would have done, and those who oppose shall be as a bruised reed and as smoking flax. Many a time men have had cause to fear because they were themselves afraid; but a dauntless faith in God brushes fear aside like the cobwebs in a giant’s path. No man can harm us unless the Lord permits. He who makes the devil himself to flee at a word, can certainly control the devil’s agents. Maybe they are already more afraid of you than you are of them. Therefore, go forward, and where you looked to meet with foes you will find friends.

 

 

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day

Proverbs 4:18

Have I begun this path of heavenly love and knowledge now? Am I progressing in it? Do I feel some dawnings of the heavenly light, earnests and antepasts of the full day of glory? Let all God’s dealings serve to quicken me in my way. Let every affection it may please Him to send, be as the moving pillar—cloud of old, beckoning me to move my tent onward, saying, “Arise ye and depart, for this is not your rest.” Let me be often standing now on faith’s lofty eminences, looking, for “the day of God”—the rising sun which is to set no more in weeping clouds. Wondrous progression! How will all earth’s learning, its boasted acquirements and eagle-eyed philosophy sink into the lispings of very infancy in comparison with this manhood of knowledge! Heaven will be the true “Excelsior,” its song, “a song of degrees,” Jesus leading His people from height to height of glory, and saying, as He said to Nathaniel, “Thou shall see greater things than these!”

Macduff^[1]

 

---

^[1] @book{Hardman_Moody_1997,
place={Willow Grove, PA},
title={Thoughts for the quiet hour},
publisher={Woodlawn Electronic Publishing},
author={Hardman, Samuel G. and Moody, Dwight Lyman},
year={1997}}

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
March 29, 2016

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (James 4:10)

This conditional promise can be misused by some who have ulterior motives, but when we truly humble ourselves in the Lord's sight it can in no way be for our own lifting up. True humility would put ourselves last and that is what makes this paradoxical truth so amazing. We cannot lift our own selves up; it is only God who is able to do that and He only does that when we are humbled before Him. We also saw this demonstrated in Christ who "humbled Himself to the point of death-even the death of the cross" yet "God exalted Him" (Philippians 2:8-9).

Sovereign Grace Missionary Baptist Church "Where The Truths Of God’s Word Have Been Taught For More Than Fifty-Four Years” 1217 Dillon Texarkana, Texas 75501 March 27, 2016            Newsletter Number 560 Brother Randy Johnson, Pastor                          Brother Ronnie Henderson Sr., Song Leader Pastor E-Mail: pastor@sgmbaptist.com                                web Site: www.sgmbaptist.com “A Church Believing And Standing On The Truth, As The Holy Spirit Has Taught It.”

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, Ted O'Bonion, Larry Mollette II & Family, Kerry Pennington, Kim Poole, Danny & Nita Mollette, The Muncy Family,  Wendell Henderson, Joshua Kidd, Matthew Kidd, Ronnie and Sarah Henderson, Cindy Lane, 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, Imajo Tracy, Linda Hughes, Roy Lemmon, Rosie Tomlin, James and Lynn Tomlin, Pat Abercrombie, Donna Jones, Brandy Sullivan, Ryan & Gina Peel and his mother, Tammy Hairston and family, Brother Kelley and Sister Hinson, Manual Seymour, Sr, Dewayne Sewell, The Harris Family, Teresa Bookout, LittleTitan Thomas (Trent and Tiffane Thomas child), James - Diane and Brooke Thomas, Steve Sparks, Brother Harold & Ann McSwain, 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:   Stand Fast In Your Faith. “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13   It is not my intentions to hurt anyone’s feelings with the doctrine I believe and teach. I believe that the Holy Spirit has taught them to me and therefore I intend to stand fast on them and to defend them with all the tools God has given me to do so. I have changed my thinking on the scriptures many times throughout the years, after I reached the conclusion I was mistaken or wrong. I understand in this flesh I am not infallible and neither is any other person. When God tells us to stand firm in our faith, He is telling us to be stationary or to persevere our faith. When God speaks of what we are to persevere it is our faith which means our Christian truth, or the truthfulness of God. Therefore, I must conclude that God is telling me it is my work as a Christian and a Pastor to defend and persevere the word of God as He has taught it to me. God did not tell me in doing so to hurt, condemn, or to mock other people. In fact, God told me in defending His word with steadfastness that I am to defend His doctrine with love. “Let all your things be done with charity.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 As I have already said, I understand that as Christians who are in the flesh, we will not always agree on the entire doctrine of the scriptures, and therefore I am not to hate those who disagree with me. But as a defender of God’s word it is my job to defend the truth as I see it. If you disagree with me doctrinally and you are a believer in the salvation of Jesus Christ, then I love you regardless. We can fellowship to a point but there is a point of cut off when it comes to advancing your doctrine. God said in 2 John 1:10 "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:" I believe the Lord is saying not to let them speak in your house, nor to serve in your house as an avenue to promote their untruthful teaching. God also told us not to pray for their advancement in their doctrine when He said not to bid them God speed. In fact, the Lord went on to say in the very next verse (11.) “For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” This means if we help them, pray for them, or allow them to use our house to speak, we are taking part against our own teaching for theirs. This is as far as God has told us as believers and churches to go. We are not to fight them, hate them, or to harm them, at any point. We are all (as believers in Christ Jesus) Christians no matter what we believe doctrinally. However, as believers and as churches we must decipher Christians and non-Christians, those who disagree with us in doctrine and those who are false leaders all together. Those who teach doctrine against Jesus Christ as our Saviour are more than “one who disagrees”, those are total heretics and anti-Christ altogether. These are the ones we should never listen to and any way or any form. These are not real Christians they do not understand the scriptures in any form or understand it in very little form. God said if you teach that salvation in in any other than Jesus Christ, then you are calling God a liar. “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.” 1 John 5:10. The fact that salvation is in Jesus Christ is the record of God, it is not the Baptist record other than it is God’s record. God went on to say in Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Beloved, let us as believers in Jesus Christ be kind to one another, and to learn it is ok to disagree because if you are infallible then cast the first stone. If I see I am wrong then I will change my thinking, but only if I can clearly see it. But to those who hate us because of little disagreements let them answer to God for their sins. God never said for Christians to hate one another under any form. “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” 1 John 4:20 All I ask of my beloved Christian friends is to think before you act, God is our Judge.

The Christian life: "If anyone would come after Me, he must: deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me." Luke 9:23   The Christian life is a life that consists of following Jesus. The first step toward a daily following of Christ, is the denying of self. Many suppose they are followers of Christ, and yet ignore the path which He traveled. They imagine that may decline the unpleasant tasks of denying self and cross bearing--and yet enter Heaven when they die. What a delusion! The one who disregards God's commandments is not walking as Christ walked; instead, he is walking as the world walks. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand!" John 10:27-28  By Arthur Pink

Noteworthy:   Brother Randy Johnson will be speaking at Grace Bible Baptist Church in Denham in Denham Springs, La. Friday June 03 thru Saturday June 04 actual speaking times is on Saturday, However Brother Randy will be back for the Sunday Services at our church.

The Place Called Calvary:   "When they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him!" Luke 23:33 Every time we look at the Cross, Jesus seems to say to us,  "I am here because of you! It is . . .   your sin that I am bearing,   your curse that I am suffering,   your debt that I am paying,   your death that I am dying!" Nothing in the universe cuts us down to size, like the Cross! All of us have inflated views of ourselves — until we have visited the place called Calvary. It is there, at the foot of the Cross, that we shrink to our true size.   By John Stott, from "The Message of Galatians”

Daily Devotions March 28th

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

 

DRAWING NEAR TO GOD

 

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." James 4:8

 

The nearer we come to God, the more graciously will He reveal Himself to us. When the prodigal comes to his father, his father runs to meet him. When the wandering dove returns to the ark, Noah puts out his hand to pull her in unto him. When the tender wife seeks her husband’s society, he comes to her on wings of love. Come then, dear friend, let us draw nigh to God who so graciously awaits us, yea, comes to meet us.

 

Did you ever notice that passage in Isaiah 58:9? There the Lord seems to put Himself at the disposal of His people, saying to them, "Here I am." As much as to say — "What have you to say to me? What can I do for you? I am waiting to bless you." How can we hesitate to draw near? God is nigh to forgive, to bless, to comfort, to help, to quicken, to deliver. Let it be the main point with us to get near to God. This done, all is done. If we draw near to others, they may before long grow weary of us and leave us; but if we seek the Lord alone, no change will come over His mind, but He will continue to come nearer and yet nearer to us by fuller and more joyful fellowship.

 

 

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness

Gen. 1:4

No sooner is there a good thing in the world than a division is necessary. Light and darkness have no communion; God has divided them, let us not confound them. Sons of light must not have fellowship with deeds, doctrines, or deceits of darkness. The children of the day must be sober, honest, and bold in their Lord’s work, leaving the works of darkness to those who shall dwell in it forever.

We should by our distinct separation from the world divide the light from the darkness. In judgment, in action, in hearing, in teaching, in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction which the Lord made upon the world’s first day.

O Lord Jesus, be Thou our light throughout the whole of this day, for Thy light is the light of men.

Spurgeon

A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

 

(George Lawson, "A Practical Exposition of the Book of Proverbs" 1821)

"A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct." Proverbs 10:23

"Fools mock at sin." Proverbs 14:9

"Folly delights a man who is destitute of wisdom--but a man of understanding walks uprightly." Proverbs 15:21

"The mouth of the wicked gulps down evil!" Proverbs 19:28

"Their souls delight in their abominations." Isaiah 66:3

"They love to indulge in evil pleasures." 2 Peter 2:13

"The wicked freely strut about, when what is vile is honored among men." Psalm 12:8

It is a sign of prodigious folly for a man to take pleasure in sin, which . . .
  gives mortal wounds to the soul,
  provokes the wrath of the Almighty God, and
  could not be expiated, but in the groans and blood of a Redeemer.
And yet all wicked men take pleasure in sin. It is with the utmost propriety, that Solomon gives the name of fool to the wicked--and allows the character of wisdom to none but the godly.

The godly are not wise in every instance of their conduct, for weakness and temptation too often betray them into sin--yet they hate sin, and long to be rid of their indwelling corruption.

This is the difference between the disposition of godly and wicked men, with relation to sin. Wicked men may for many reasons abstain from the outward commission of sin--but godly men hate sin, and everything that leads to it.

Sin is not only practiced by the wicked--but it is loved by them. Folly is their joy, and therefore they sin even without a temptation. It is their food and drink to sin, and they roll iniquity under their tongue as if it were a sweet morsel. They do not hate those sins that are condemned by God's Word--but the Word that condemns them. They dislike salvation itself--because it is a deliverance from sin.

But the wise man's employment is to walk uprightly. He hates the sin that dwells in him, and loathes himself for his impurities. He takes pleasure in holiness, and loves the law of God, because it testifies against his iniquities. He joins earnestly with the Psalmist in that prayer, "O that my ways were directed to keep your statutes!" And instead of being satisfied with such a degree of holiness as may amount to the lowest evidence of true grace--he will not count himself completely happy, until his grace is completed in the glory of the heavenly state!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Romans 4:6-8

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
March 28, 2016

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:5)

Throughout this life, we are kept safe by the power of God. All that we are is because of the power of God. The salvation that we have been given will never be complete until we reach heaven. We should strive towards that completion with all that we are.

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
March 27, 2016

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, [even] eternal life. (1 John 2:25)

God has promised us life after death-life forever with Him. Amen!

 

It is far better to dwell in a poor cottage!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

    (George Lawson, "A Practical Exposition of the Book of Proverbs" 1821)

"The house of the wicked will be destroyed--but the tent of the upright will flourish." Proverbs 14:11

The upright man is far happier in the poorest circumstances--than a wicked man in his greatest prosperity. Though a wicked man surmounts his neighbor as far as the cedars of the mountain overtop the creeping shrubs of the valley--yet he shall be filled with the strokes of divine vengeance. Though he dwells in a magnificent palace--the tempest of divine indignation shall beat it down!

But the righteous man, though at present he appears like the incarnate Savior, a tender plant--shall grow like the cedar in Lebanon. And though his dwelling place is but a tent, it shall flourish, and prosper, and grow into a heavenly mansion! It is far better to dwell in a poor cottage where the blessing of God rests, and in which is heard the melody of joy and praise--than in a palace which lies under the curse of the Lord!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
March 26, 2016

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)

Try as we might, there is no human satisfaction to be found in earthly things. No created thing can hope to fill us, to complete us. For all created things are finite in their very nature. Yet our longing for satisfaction is infinite and therefore can only be filled by One infinite in nature. The righteous are those who are filled by the Spirit of God—they are, therefore, satisfied.

A canary and a goldfish!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

         (author unknown)

A canary and a goldfish had their allotment together in the same room.

One hot day the master of the house heard the fish complaining of his silent condition, and envying the sweet song of his companion overhead. "Oh, I wish I could sing as sweetly as my friend up there!"

Meanwhile the Canary was eyeing the inhabitant of the globe, "How cool it looks! I wish my lot were there."

"So then it shall be!" said the master, and forthwith placed the fish in the air--and the bird in the water.

Immediately they saw their folly, and repented of their discontent and grumbling.

The moral of this little fable is this: Let every man be content in the state in which Divine Providence has placed him, and believe that it is what is best fitted for him!

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:11-12

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
March 25, 2016

For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. (Psalm 18:27)

Humble are the people of God and they will be saved! Humble are they that trust upon Christ for they have given up hope in their own worth, power, and strength to sustain themselves. All will be saved who reject themselves and trust upon the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and deity of Christ Jesus. They shall taste the life everlasting!

Daily Devotions March 24th

 

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

 

ESTABLISHED AND KEPT

 

"But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil" 2Thessalonians 3:3

 

Men are often as devoid of reason as of faith. There are with us still "unreasonable and wicked men." There is no use in arguing with them or trying to be at peace with them: they are false at heart, and deceitful in speech. Well, what of this? Shall we worry ourselves with them? No; let us turn to the Lord, for He is faithful. No promise from His Word will ever be broken. He is neither unreasonable in His demands upon us, nor unfaithful to our claims upon Him. We have a faithful God. Be this our joy.

 

He will stablish us so that wicked men shall not cause our downfall, and He will keep us so that none of the evils which now assail us shall really do us damage. What a blessing for us that we need not contend with men, but are allowed to shelter ourselves in the Lord Jesus, who is in truest sympathy with us. There is one true heart, one faithful mind, one never changing Love; there let us repose. The Lord will fulfill the purpose of His grace to us, His servants, and we need not allow a shadow of a fear to fall upon our spirits. Not all that men or devils can do can hinder us of the divine protection and provision. This day let us pray the Lord to stablish and keep us.

 

 

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

She took for him an ark of bulrushes … and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink

Exod. 2:3

The mother of Moses laid the ark in the flags by the river’s brink. Aye, but before doing so, she laid it on the heart of God! She could not have laid it so courageously upon the Nile, if she had not first devoutly laid it upon the care and love of God.

We are often surprised at the outward calmness of men who are called upon to do unpleasant and most trying deeds; but could we have seen them in secret, we should have known the moral preparation which they underwent before coming out to be seen by men. Be right in the sanctuary, if you would be right in the market place. Be steadfast in prayer if you would be calm in affliction. Start your race from the throne of God itself, if you would run well, and win the prize.

Joseph Parker

 

The Power of Habit!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

    
    (author unknown)

Those habits which seem too weak to be felt--soon become too strong to be broken! They entwine themselves around the soul, and the coil proves fatal.

Once commence the downward course, and it is uncertain if you will ever return!

The lives of many in history illustrate the "downward steps from innocence to guilt."

A painter once wanted a picture of innocence--and painted a child at prayer. The little suppliant was kneeling beside his mother, the palms of his uplifted hands were reverently pressed together, his rosy cheek spoke of health, and his mild blue eye was upturned with the expression of devotion and peace. The portrait of young Rupert was much prized by the painter, and was hung up on his study wall, and called 'Innocence.'

Years passed away, and the painter became an old man; still the picture hung there. He had often thought of painting a contrast--the picture of guilt--but he had not found the appropriate subject. At last he effected his purpose by paying a visit to a neighboring jail.

On the damp floor of his cell lay a wretched culprit, named Randall, heavily shackled. Wasted was his body, and hollow his eye--vice was visible in his face. The painter succeeded in copying his features admirably, and the portraits of young Rupert and old Randall were hung up side by side, as 'Innocence' and 'Guilt.'

But who were young Rupert--and old Randall? Alas! the two were one! Old Randall was young Rupert, led astray by his companions, and ending his life in this damp dungeon of the jail.


Beware of trifling with sinful habits. Satan lays his fatal snares for the unwary, adapts the bait--and the soul is taken captive by the devil!

Never open the door to a little vice, lest a great one should enter also!

Hide God's Word in your heart, that you may not sin against Him. It will be a bulwark to shield you, and a guide to direct you.

If we would walk safely, we must check every approach to evil, and pray, "Hold me up--and I shall be safe!" Psalm 119:117

 

"Sow a thought--and you will reap an act;
 sow an act--and you will reap a habit;
 sow a habit--and you will reap a character;
 sow character--and you will reap a destiny!"

 

"As the tree falls--so must it lie;
 As the man lives--so must he die!
 As a man dies--such must he be;
 All through the ages of eternity!"

 

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Morning Devotions March 23rd

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

 

A SURE GUIDE

 

 

"I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not" Isaiah 42:16

 

Think of the infinitely glorious Jehovah acting as a Guide to the blind! What boundless condescension does this imply! A blind man cannot find a way which he does not know. Even when he knows the road, it is hard for him to traverse it; but a road which he has not known is quite out of the question for his unguided feet. Now, we are by nature blind as to the way of salvation, and yet the Lord leads us into it, and brings us to Himself, and then opens our eyes. As to the future, we are all of us blind, and cannot see an hour before us; but the Lord Jesus will lead us even to our journey’s end. Blessed be His name!

 

We cannot guess in which way deliverance can possibly come to us, but the Lord knows, and He will lead us till we shall have escaped every danger. Happy are those who place their hand in that of the great Guide, and leave their way and themselves entirely with Him. He will bring them all the way; and when He has brought them home to glory and has opened their eyes to see the way by which He has led them, what a song of gratitude will they sing unto their great Benefactor! Lord, lead thy poor blind child this day, for I know not my way!

March 23

See then that ye walk circumspectly

Ephesians 5:15

There is no such thing as negative influence. We are all positive in the place we occupy, making the world better or making it worse.

T. DeWitt Talmage

Either God or they must change!

  ~  ~  ~  ~

    (George Lawson, "A Practical Exposition of the Book of Proverbs" 1821)

"Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips." Proverbs 14:7

We must not willingly enter into the company of fools. But if, through ignorance of their character, we happen to do so--we must not stay in it, lest we be corrupted by their foolish conduct. We are either like those whose company we frequent--or shall soon be like them. Evil companionships will efface our impressions of the evil of sin, and corrupt our own morals and character.

Lukewarm professors, who are perhaps the least dangerous of bad companions, will, if we take pleasure in their company--transfuse their lukewarmness into us.

When are we to leave the company of a foolish man? As soon as we perceive that he has not the lips of knowledge. As trees are known by their fruit, so men are known by their words and works. But they are soonest known by their words, which are the most plentiful and the easiest products of the heart.

We are not to suppose men to be fools without evidence--but profane or foolish words come from folly in the heart. A godly man out of the good treasure of his heart, brings forth good things--but an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart, brings forth evil things.

This commandment should strike terror into the wicked! Since God will not allow His redeemed children to keep company with them on earth--it cannot be supposed that He will admit them to His own eternal home in Heaven. Either God or they must change--before they can be received into Heaven!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
March 23, 2016

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; (Psalm 104:14)

The Lord is ever our provider! Never shall our souls stand in need of any necessity. When God's child lacks strength in time of trouble, the Lord shall supply it. When Abraham's son is beaten down under worldly woe, his heavenly Father shall certainly revive him. When the believer's soul is parched and dry, then shall the High King of Heaven fill him to overflowing with rivers of living water.

Daily Devotions March 22nd

Faith’s Check Book

 

GRACE FOR THE HUMBLE

 

 

"He giveth grace unto the humble" James 4:6

 

Humble hearts seek grace, and therefore they get it. Humble hearts yield to the sweet influences of grace, and so it is bestowed on them more and more largely. Humble hearts lie in the valleys where streams of grace are flowing, and hence they drink of them. Humble hearts are grateful for grace and give the Lord the glory of it, and hence it is consistent with His honor to give it to them.

 

Come, dear reader, take a lowly place. Be little in thine own esteem, that the Lord may make much of thee. Perhaps the sigh breaks out, "I fear I am not humble." It may be that this is the language of true humility. Some are proud of being humble, and this is one of the very worst sorts of pride. We are needy, helpless, undeserving, hell-deserving creatures, and if we are not humble we ought to be. Let us humble ourselves because of our sins against humility, and then the Lord will give us to taste of His favor. It is grace which makes us humble, and grace which finds in this humility an opportunity for pouring in more grace. Let us go down that we may rise. Let us be poor in spirit that God may make us rich. Let us be humble that we may not need to be humbled, but may be exalted by the grace of God.

 

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send

Exod. 4:13

It was a very grudging assent. It was as much as to say, “Since Thou art determined to send me and I must undertake the mission, then let it be so; but I would that it might have been another, and I go because I am compelled.” So often do we shrink back from the sacrifice or obligation to which God calls us, that we think we are going to our doom. We seek every reason for evading the divine will, little realizing that He is forcing us out from our quiet homes into a career which includes, among other things, the song of victory on the banks of the Red Sea; the two lonely sojourns for forty days in converse with God; the shining face; the vision of glory; the burial by the hand of Michael; and the supreme honor of standing beside the Lord on the Transfiguration mountain.

F. B. Meyer

 

He was infinitely happy and glorious without us!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

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

"Christ, who loved us!" Romans 8:37
No condition can possibly be more dreary, than to feel that no one loves or cares for us!

There is something peculiarly sweet and pleasant--in being the object of another's love. Even the love of a poor child is sweet. But to be loved by one who is most wealthy, most exalted in station, and most honorable in character--must be peculiarly delightful!

How, then, should we rejoice; how happy should we be--who are loved by the Lord Jesus! Especially when we consider:
on the one hand . . .
  how despicable,
  how poor,
  how worthless, and
  how unlovely WE are!
And, on the other hand . . .
  how glorious,
  how wealthy,
  how worthy,
  how lovely JESUS is!

To be loved by Jesus--is to be preferred before the possession of a world!

Think of . . .
  the glory of His person,
  the vastness of His possessions,
  the number of His angelic attendants,
  the unlimited sovereignty which He exercises,
  and the excellent character He bears!

Also bear in mind--that He knew what loving us would cost Him--how He would be treated by us and by others--for our sakes!

Yet He fixed His love upon US!

He loved US--just because He would!

He passed by others more dignified in nature, more exalted in station--but He chose US!

He did not, could not, NEED us--for He was infinitely happy and glorious without us!

Yet He loved us!

He still loves us!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
March 22, 2016

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as [in] a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that [country] from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:8-16)

God here promises not only His pleasure in those who look to the heavenlies rather than toward earthly treasure, but He also promises a holy and heavenly dwelling to His people. For all believers say the same: that they seek not a homeland with foundations of stone and metal, but one made of heavenly hands.

Morning Devotional March 22, 2016

Deuteronomy 31:6

“ Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

When we are under great attack from the enemy. When the great deceiver uses those around us to trouble us and persicute us. When life looks bleek and dreary and we see no humanly way out. Our Lord tells us to “be strong and of a good courage”. To “fear not”. To not be afraid of whoever or whatever that comes against us.

Why or how can we go through this life without fear of that great deciever satan? Our Heavenly Father tells us, “For the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake.” Remember He told us He woupd neve leave us nor forsake us. We have a Comforter. The very Holy Spirit of God living within us. We have no need to fear. He did not give us the spirit of fear. No, that spirit of fear comes when we doubt our Lord it comes when we open ourselves up with spiritual weekness and lack of faith in God.

As children of God we are instructed to fight! We are to be on the attack and not always on the defense. We have the whole armor of God. We have the Sword of the Word of God to fight these battles. He has equiped His people with everything they need to fight off the attacks of the enemy and to take the fight to the enemy. We must learn to use the armour and the weapons He has given.

Study His Word. Stay in His Word and stay in constant contact(pray) with our Great Captain!!! Never leave His side. Fight the good fight! Preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season. Carry the battle to the enemy!!! In the name of Jesus Christ the battles of this life are won. Not of us. But in Him. Never surrender to the wiles of satan!!!

Praise ye the Lord!!!

 

Stephen McCool

Daily Devotions March 21st

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

 

AVOID THAT SLIP

 

 

"Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble" Proverbs 3:23

 

That is to say, if we follow the ways of wisdom and holiness we shall be preserved in them. He who travels by daylight along the highway is under some protection. There is a way for every man, namely, his own proper calling in life, and if we devoutly walk therein in the fear of God He will preserve US from evil. We may not travel luxuriously, but we shall walk safely. We may not be able to run like young men, but we shall be able to walk like good men.

 

Our greatest danger lies in ourselves: our feeble foot is so sadly apt to stumble. Let us ask for more moral strength that our tendency to slip may be overcome. Some stumble because they do not see the stone in the way: divine grace enables us to perceive sin, and so to avoid it. Let us plead this promise, and trust in Him who upholds His chosen.

 

Alas! our worst peril is our own carelessness, but against this the Lord Jesus has put us on our guard, saying, "Watch and pray."

 

Oh for grace to walk this day without a single stumble! It is not enough that we do not actually fall; our cry should be that we may not make the smallest slip with our feet, but may at the last adore Him "who is able to keep us from stumbling."

 

 

March 21

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake

Psalms 23:3

He always has a purpose in His leading. He knows where the bits of green pasture are, and He would lead His flock to these. The way may be rough, but it is the right way to the pasture. “Paths of righteousness” may not be straight paths; but they are paths that lead somewhere—to the right place. Many desert paths are illusive. They start out clear and plain, but soon they are lost in the sands. They go nowhere. But the paths of righteousness have a goal to which they unerringly lead.

J. R. Miller