Weekday Devotions September 28th

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

 

WORK IS DONE; REST IN HIM

 

"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God" Hebrews 4:9

 

God has provided a Sabbath, and some must enter into it. Those to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief; therefore, that Sabbath remains for the people of God. David sang of it; but he had to touch the minor key, for Israel refused the rest of God. Joshua Could not give it, nor Canaan yield it: it remains for believers.

 

Come, then, let us labor to enter into this rest. Let us quit the weary toil of sin and self. Let us cease from all confidence, even in those works of which it might be said, "They are very good." Have we any such? Still, let us cease from our own works, as God did from His. Now let us find solace in the finished work of our Lord Jesus. Everything is fully done: justice demands no more. Great peace is our portion in Christ Jesus.

 

As to providential matters, the work of grace in the soul, and the work of the Lord in the souls of others, let us cast these burdens upon the Lord, and rest in Him. When the Lord gives us a yoke to bear, He does so that by taking it up we may find rest. By faith we labor to enter into the rest of God, and we renounce all rest in self-satisfaction or indolence. Jesus Himself is perfect rest and we are filled to the brim in Him.

Thoughts for the Quiet Hour

Wait for the promise of the Father

Acts 1:4

Tarry at a promise till God meets you there. He always returns by way of His promises.

Selected

He grew prayerless, unwatchful, self-confident, worldly and proud!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Octavius Winslow, "Eminent Holiness Essential to an Efficient Ministry")

Although the evidences of a deteriorating piety in a minister may not be so conspicuous to the eye--they are not the less decided in their character, and painful in their consequences.

Externally, there may be nothing tending to awaken suspicion that the life of God in our soul is passing through a process of decline.
The appropriate functions of our office are going forward with the utmost regularity and zeal;
the study witnesses to the wearisome hours of hard reading and severe thought;
the pulpit is regularly and ably filled;
the ordinances are duly and seriously administered; and
the pastoral duties are systematically and affectionately discharged.

And yet a faithful, honest, and close examination of our souls would probably detect . . .
  an alarming distance from God in the habitual frame of our mind,
  but little real, close communion with Him in secret prayer,
  coldness and deadness, gathering and congealing around the spirit,
  a waning love for, and delight in, our work,
  a decreasing sense of individual and ministerial responsibility, and
  a lessening apprehension of the nearness and solemnity of eternity.

To so great a degree may the anointing oil have evaporated from our minds--so formal, cold, and mechanical may be the spirit with which the duties of our office are discharged--we shall be found to go forward in a work that might "fill an angel's hand, and that filled a Savior's heart"--with but the slow and dying vibrations of the pendulum, when the power which first set it in motion has ceased to exist.

And oh! my brethren . . .
  with no power to move us, but that which is artificial;
  with no love to our work, but that which is professional;
  with no interest in its discharge, but that which is selfish;
  and with no desire of success, but that which spreads far our own petty fame--
to what low, contemptible drudgery is our high office reduced! No galley slave could be more pitiable than we!

The falls of so many ministers, are awful and affecting warnings to those who think they stand. The bleak shores of eternity are strewed with the fragments of many a beautiful wreck--men who once stood high in the church--too high for their own safety--but who made shipwreck of their profession and their faith, and now serve as beacons of warning to those who follow.

What do I see yonder? A spectacle over which demons have exulted, the church has mourned--and, if it is possible, angels have wept!

I knew him well. He was my compeer in age, my associate in study, the companion of my walks, the confidant of my bosom. His fine mind was redolent of thought, his bright eye gleamed with genius, his tall and manly form was fascinating in its appearance. Few men ever entered the Christian ministry with higher prospects, or awoke in the hearts of friends, and of the church--richer, fonder hopes. He bid fair, as his sun arose to its zenith, to be a bright and a shining light. Distinguished posts of labor were offered to him. Crowds, eager to receive his instructions, clustered around his pulpit, drawn together by the tender, subduing eloquence of his lips.

But--he fell! and fell deeply, awfully! The church entrusted to him the keeping of the vineyards--but his own vineyard, he kept not. Laboring for the salvation of others, he labored not for his own. He grew prayerless, unwatchful, self-confident, worldly and proud--and by slow but certain and fatal degrees, he descended from his lofty eminence! His sun went down while it was yet day, and around him is now gathered in thick and solemn folds--the dark pall of guilt, of infamy, and of shame! "Bemoan him, all you who are around him; and all you who know his name. Say: How the strong staff is broken, and the beautiful rod!" Jeremiah 48:17

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
September 28, 2016

Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory. (Psalm 73:23-24)

My Prayer: Gracious Father, thank You for continually being present within my life! Thank You for loving me with such unconditional adoration! Make me worthy of Your wonderful devotion toward me that I may give You honour and praise. Cause me to have a passionate desire toward Your word that I may please You in all I do and say. May I desire nothing on this desolate earth but the future glory with You!

 

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 September 25, 2016            Newsletter Number 588 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 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 Pennington, Kim Poole, Danny & Nita Mollette, The Muncy Family,  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 Curtis Pugh, Brother Dan Sullivan and the work in Thailand, Brother Raul and the work in Romania.

A Thought From our Pastor:   You Cannot Hide From God. Luke 12:2 - 3 "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. (3.) Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."   Mankind is very secretly in their life. In fact, at times in our life we have all hide things from others. There are things in in our life that we will carry to our graves with us that no one else knows about. However, there is nothing in our lives that God does not know about. God said that nothing will be covered, nothing hid, therefore whatever is in darkness shall be revealed and uncovered in judgment. You may carry secrets with you to your grave, but Jesus Christ will bring light on them in your day of judgement. God is Omniscience therefore there is nothing He does not know, nothing He does not see, and nothing He forgets (except sins forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ). I find it sad when people think I am trying to judge them and when I tell them God will be their Judge and they kind of smirk it off and reply “then let God judge me”. Oh, how ignorant are people of God’s judgment. Believe me when God judges you it will be a sad day, God knows and sees everything, and remembers it all. When you stand before the all-knowing, all-seeing, and all-powerful God of creation it will not be a pleasant day, not even for believers in Jesus Christ. However, for believers who walk according to God’s word, their judgment will be good. The Preacher wrote by God’s Holy Spirit these words, Ecclesiastes 12:13 - 14 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (14.) For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." I ask that we all read them several time over and ponder them in our hearts for some time, it might surprise you what comes to your heart. And let us not forget, God cannot be tricked with deception. Beloved, let me say it as nice as I can, heed the warnings of your Pastor in their sermons, and also in their visits with you. It is your Pastors work to oversee and to work with you in the Lord. He is not trying to mind your business, invade into your life, or judge you. God has set your Pastor in the church as an OVERSEER and an under-shepherd of the true Shepard Jesus Christ, your Pastor cannot oversee if you reject him. As Pastors we are here to help the church, to help you in your spiritual life, because one day you will stand before Jesus Christ in True, and real judgment, and if you think your Pastor or other church member is rude, wait till Jesus Christ judges you. We will all stand before Jesus Christ in judgement, the saved at His second coming and the lost at the Great White Throne. The two judgements will be at different times but both will be by Jesus Christ. The second judgment will be the sad one, that is where the lost will stand before Jesus Christ, they will attempt to justify themselves Matthew 7:21 – 22 only to find out that there is no justification in their works. Revelation 20:11 - 13 "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them...And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works...And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works." Their final judgement will put them in hell for all eternity. Jesus Christ knows their works, He knows their hearts, and He knows them not as His Own Sheep. Folks, you cannot hide from God neither can you hide anything, unforgiven sins for the lost or lack of works for believers, one-day God will shine a light on them and all eternity can see them. Today is the day to find forgiveness, today is the day to repent, today is the day to change your life to serve God in truth. To us believers who are saved, today is the day for true revival in our lives, tomorrow could be too late.  Proverbs 28:13 “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

All our afflictions are appointed by our loving heavenly Father! By Arthur Pink   "Although a wicked man commits a hundred crimes and still lives a long time — yet surely I know that it will be well with God-fearing men, who are reverent before God!" Ecclesiastes 8:12   "I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for You are the one who has done this!" Psalm 39:9   Realizing that it was the chastening hand of God upon him, David refrained from murmuring. It was not the silence of sullenness, but of meekly acquiescing to the rod. When we are in our right minds, we shall have nothing to object against God's dealings with us, or  dispute with them. God is sovereign in the acts of His providence — and therefore an important branch of our obedience unto Him lies in  suffering His will, as well as in doing His will. That obedience is evidenced by refusing to repine against Him by the utterance of any impatient words.   Shall vile dust and ashes censure the providential dealings of the Most High God, or impugn His goodness? Let all God's treatment of us be both wondrous and righteous in our eyes.   "If our hope is in God for a happiness in the eternal world — then we can well afford to reconcile ourselves to all the dispensations of Divine providence concerning this world." (Matthew Henry)   The consideration that all our afflictions are appointed by our loving heavenly Father, should silence all complaints. It did so with David. He knew they came not by chance, but according to divine appointment.   After months of acute suffering, and still in agony of body, the last words of John Calvin were, "Lord, You grind me to powder, but it suffices me because it is Your hand."   "God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 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 12:10-11

Church Notices; Daylight savings time will end on Sunday, November 6th Clocks will fall back one hour.

Weekday Devotions September 27th

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

 

THE DIVINE LIGHT IN DARKNESS

 

"For thou wilt light my candle" Psalms 18:28

 

It may be that my soul sits in darkness; and if this be of a spiritual kind, no human power can bring me light. Blessed be God! He can enlighten my darkness, and at once light my candle. Even though I may be surrounded by a "darkness which might be felt," yet He can break the gloom, and immediately make it bright around me.

 

The mercy is, that if He lights the candle none can blow it out, neither will it go out for lack of substance, nor burn out of itself through the lapse of hours. The lights which the Lord kindled in the beginning are shining still. The Lord’s lamps may need trimming, but He does not put them out.

 

Let me, then, like the nightingale, sing in the dark. Expectation shall furnish me with music, and hope shall pitch the tune. Soon I shall rejoice in a candle of God’s lighting. I am dull and dreary just now. Perhaps it is the weather, or bodily weakness, or the surprise of a sudden trouble; but whatever has made the darkness, it is God alone who will bring the light. My eyes are unto Him alone. I shall soon have the candles of the Lord shining about me; and, further on in His own good time, I shall be where they need no candle, neither light of the sun. Hallelujah!

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

Christ in you the hope of glory

Col. 1:27

Religion is not the simple fire-escape that you build in anticipation of a possible danger, upon the outside of your dwelling, and leave there until danger comes. You go to it some morning when a fire breaks out in your house, and the poor old thing that you built up there, and thought that you could use some day, is so rusty and broken, and the weather has so beaten upon it and the sun so turned its hinges, that it will not work. That is the condition of a man who has built himself what seems a creed of faith, a trust in God in anticipation of the day when danger is to overtake him, and has said to himself, I am safe, for I will take refuge in it then. But religion is the house in which we live, it is the table at which we sit, it is the fireside at which we draw near, the room that arches its graceful and familiar presence over us; it is the bed on which we lie and think of the past, and anticipate the future, and gather our refreshment.

Phillips Brooks

 

I am my Beloved's--and my Beloved is mine!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

    ("Every Day!" Author unknown, 1872)

"I am my Beloved's--and my Beloved is mine!" Song of Songs 6:3

The Lord Jesus Christ is not only the Father's beloved Son--He is the believer's beloved Savior.

Jesus is the object of a Christian's adoring love--as well as of his hearty trust.

He loves Him--because He laid down His life to redeem him. He also loves Him for what He is in Himself. He loves Him for His personal glories, and for the excellence of His character:

"All human beauties--all Divine,
 In His Beloved meet and shine!"

He is to him the chief among ten thousand, and "altogether lovely." What especially affords him satisfaction, is that he can claim Christ as his own--and that Christ also claims him as His own! His joy is supreme, when with assurance he can say, "I am my Beloved's--and He is mine!"

Every believer who heartily receives Christ as his Savior, his Substitute, and as his Lord and Master, and who unreservedly yields himself to Him--is warranted to claim Christ as His own, and to know also that he is Christ's.

"Oh! I am my Beloved's,
 And my Beloved is mine!
 He feasts a poor vile sinner,
 With love and grace Divine!"

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
September 27, 2016

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15)

This is the first promise of the remarkable salvation that would bridge the gap between sinful man and a gracious God. From the beginning of creation, God had a redemptive plan that would begin and end with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, the promised Seed, entered the world with the purpose of bruising the head of Satan (Romans 16:20) and claiming God's children to be His own. Thus, Christ destroyed the power of the evil one and freed mankind from the tremendous bondage of sin. From this, His grace flows forth and draws us as believers to His side.

Weekday Devotions September 26

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

 

AMONG THE REDEEMED

 

"Lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations" Numbers 23:9

 

Who would wish to dwell among the nations, and to be numbered with them? Why, even the professing church is such that to follow the Lord fully within its bounds is very difficult. There is such a mingling and mixing that one often sighs for "a lodge in some vast wilderness."

 

Certain it is that the Lord would have His people follow a separated path as to the world, and come out decidedly and distinctly from it. We are set apart by the divine decree, purchase, and calling, and our inward experience has made us greatly to differ from men of the world; and therefore our place is not in their Vanity Fair, nor in their City of Destruction, but in the narrow way where all true pilgrims must follow their Lord.

 

This may not only reconcile us to the world’s cold shoulder and sneers, but even cause us to accept them with pleasure as being a part of our covenant portion. Our names are not in the same book, we are not of the same seed, we are not bound for the same place, neither are we trusting to the same guide, therefore it is well that we are not of their number. Only let us be found in the number of the redeemed, and we are content to be odd and solitary to the end of the chapter.

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom

Psalms 90:12

Every day is a little life; and our whole life is but a day repeated: whence it is that old Jacob numbers his life by days; and Moses desires to be taught this point of holy arithmetic—to number not his years, but his days. Those, therefore, that dare lose a day, are dangerously prodigal; those that dare misspend it, desperate.

Bishop Hall

Here is a prohibition and an admonition

   ~  ~  ~  ~

    
    ("Every Day!" Author unknown, 1872)

"I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not be conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2

Here is a prohibition and an admonition. O Lord, give me grace to avoid what You forbid--and to do what you enjoin.

Enable me to avoid compliance with those customs and ways of the world which are contrary to Your will.

While in the world--let me not be of it.

Give me grace to come out and to be separate from its ungodly principles and sinful pleasures.

Transform me by the renewal of my mind.

Deliver me from pride, from selfishness, and vain-glory.

Afford me a continual supply of the grace of Christ.

Impress His image on me--and help me to tread in His steps.

Let it plainly appear that I am not of the world--even as He was not of the world. John 17:16

O Lord, work in me to will and to act according to Your good pleasure.

"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you--and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

   ~  ~  ~  ~

By the grace of God I am what I am!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

    ("Every Day!" Author unknown, 1872)

"By the grace of God I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10

All that I am . . .
  as a child of God,
  as a servant of Christ,
  as an heir of Heavenly glory
--I am by the grace of God!

Am I cleansed from the guilt of my sins? It was Your grace, O God of love, which opened the fountain that washed it all away!

Am I justified? It was Your grace that provided the spotless robe of righteousness, in which I stand accepted before You.

Am I sanctified? It is not by works of righteousness which I have done, but by Your grace I am saved from the love and power of my sins.

Am I bearing any fruit to Your glory? It is by Your grace in Christ Jesus--for apart from Him, I could do nothing.

Am I different from what I once was, or from the ungodly who have their portion in this world? It is Your grace alone which has made me to differ. I have nothing which I have not received from You.

"By the grace of God I am what I am!"
  A pardoned sinner,
  a justified believer,
  an adopted child,
  an heir of glory!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
September 26, 2016

The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all [those that be] bowed down. (Psalm 145:14)

Ever is the Lord faithful to strengthen those of His who are wounded and bolster His children who are weighed down. His might is become our might. His sovereignty lifts our head in troubling times. Look to Him for your rest and comfort and ever shall you find it!

I want those You have given Me to be with Me!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

    ("Every Day!" Author unknown, 1872)

"Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory!" John 17:24

Precious Savior, how does Your love to Your own redeemed people appear in these words! Nothing will satisfy You short of the eternal possession of those whom the Father has given to You, whom You have redeemed with Your own most precious blood, and sanctified by Your Spirit. It is Your will that they should be with You. You would have them in Your presence and in Your home--that they may behold You face to face, and share Your glory and Your joy!

And the love of Your redeemed people answers to Your love to them--their chief desire is be with You where You are. The visits of Your love to them here on earth, are their seasons of highest enjoyment--but they are transient, and they see You only as in a glass darkly. They desire to be with You far away from this world of pollution and sin--with You in the place which You have prepared for them! They desire . . .
  to forever abide with You,
  to forever dwell where You dwell,
  to forever behold Your glory, and
  to enjoy continual manifestations of Your love--and so forever be with their precious Savior.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
September 24, 2016

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (Philippians 3:9)

When we accept Christ as our Savior, His righteousness is placed upon us. It is not our own semblance of righteousness (which is as filthy rags) that clothes us, but Christ's own perfection (which is as robes of white).

My Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for Your love that allows me to be clothed in Your righteousness! May I never take it for granted!

Weekday Devotions September 23

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

 

DELIVERANCE FROM DUST AND CHAFF

 

"For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth" Amos 9:9

 

The sifting process is going on still. Wherever we go, we are still being winnowed and sifted. In all countries God’s people are being tried "like as corn is sifted in a sieve." Sometimes the devil holds the sieve, and tosses us up and down at a great rate, with the earnest desire to get rid of us for ever. Unbelief is not slow to agitate our heart and mind with its restless fears. The world lends a willing hand at the same process, and shakes us to the right and to the left with great vigor. Worst of all, the church, so largely apostate as it is, comes in to give a more furious force to the sifting process.

 

Well, well! let it go on. Thus is the chaff severed from the wheat. Thus is the wheat delivered from dust and chaff. And how great is the mercy which comes to us in the text, "yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth!" All shall be preserved that is good, true, gracious. Not one of the least of believers shall be lost, neither shall any believer lose anything worth calling a loss. We shall be so kept in the sifting that it shall be a real gain to us through Christ Jesus.

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

Be ye holy; for I am holy

1 Peter 1:16

The highway of holiness is along the commonest road of life—along your very way. In wind and rain, no matter how it beats—it is only going hand in hand with Him.

Mark Guy Pearse

 

God has two fires!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

    (Thomas Watson, "The Beatitudes" 1660)

God has two fires:
  one where He puts His gold,
  one where He puts His dross.

The fire where He puts His gold, is the fire of affliction--to purify them.
"I have refined you in the furnace of affliction." Isaiah 48:10

The fire where He puts His dross, is the fire of damnation--to punish them.
"Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons!
 And they will go away into eternal punishment!" Matthew 25:41, 46

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
September 23, 2016

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. (John 16:15)

By His Spirit, God will take that which belongs to Jesus and make it known to us. Amazing! Thank Him for the revelation of His Word that he spoke through the apostles; our God is an awesome God!

Weekday Devotions September 22

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

 

BROAD RIVERS WITHOUT GALLEYS

 

"But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams;

wherein shall go no galley with oars,

neither shall gallant ship pass thereby"

Isaiah 33:21

 

The Lord will be to us the greatest good without any of the drawbacks which seem necessarily to attend the best earthly things. If a city is favored with broad rivers, it is liable to be attacked by galleys with oars, and other ships of war. But when the Lord represents the abundance of His bounty under this figure, He takes care expressly to shut out the fear which the metaphor might suggest. Blessed be His perfect love!

 

Lord, if thou send me wealth like broad rivers, do not let the galley with oars come up in the shape of worldliness or pride. If thou grant me abundant health and happy spirits, do not let "the gallant ship" of carnal ease come sailing up the flowing flood. If I have success in holy service, broad as the German Rhine, yet let me never find the galley of self-conceit and self-confidence floating on the waves of my usefulness. Should I be so supremely happy as to enjoy the light of thy countenance year after year, yet let me never despise thy feeble saints, nor allow the vain notion of my own perfection to sail up the broad rivers of my full assurance. Lord, give me that blessing which maketh rich, and neither addeth sorrow, nor addeth sin.

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father, which is in secret

Matthew 6:6

This is faith’s stronghold; here she weapons herself for the daily conflict. Silence in that closet of prayer bespeaks death throughout all the house. When that door is suffered to rust on its hinges, and that chamber is deserted, then the heart-house is soon retaken by Satan, and evil spirits come in and dwell there.

Theodore Cuyler

Living upon Christ!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

 

(Octavius Winslow, "The God of Grace")

We are as much to live upon Christ for sanctification--as for pardon and justification.

The grace which delivers us from Hell--also fits us for Heaven.
That grace which cancels our guilt--also subdues our corruptions.
That grace which emancipates us from our bondage to sin--equally dethrones the tyrant.

O wondrous, precious grace that, by its divine sanctity and power--brings first one, and then another indwelling corrupt principle, passion, and desire of our hearts--into subjection to Christ.

Precious and marvelous grace--that molds and fashions us into the image of Jesus!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
September 22, 2016

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1 Corinthians 1:30)

"All we have we have from God as the fountain, and in and through Christ as the channel of conveyance. He is made of God to us all we need, or can desire. We are foolishness, ignorant and blind in the things of God, with all our boasted knowledge; and He is made wisdom to us. We are guilty, obnoxious to justice; and He is made righteousness, our great atonement and sacrifice. We are depraved and corrupt; and He is made sanctification, the spring of our spiritual life; from him, the head, it is communicated to all the members of his mystical body by his Holy Spirit. We are in bonds, and he is made redemption to us, our Saviour and deliverer."

—Matthew Henry

Morning Devotional September 21

2 Timothy 3:1-5

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”



Paul Tells the young preacher Timothy what we are to be looking for in men in the last days. And O how we are seeing these things all around us.
Yet all these sins that Paul lists here can be traced back to the first on the list. “For men shall be the lovers of their own selves” All these are the result of self worship by man. The result of all these is the last. “Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” Man is so wrapped up in himself that he has no love of God in him. And yet we see those who seem godly on the surface but when we study them more deeply they have “a form of godliness” only. Their actions quickly proof they deny the very power of God. And Paul instructs that we “turn away”. Another words, have nothing to do with them.
O child of God, where are your thoughts and dreams? Are they with the pleasures of this life? Are you building on the things of this world our on the next? Look to God!!! Follow Him in all things!!! Look to the coming of our Lord our only true inheritance.



Praise ye the Lord!!!

Stephen McCool

Weekday Devotions September 21

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

 

LET TRIALS BLESS

 

"Knowing that tribulation worketh patience" Romans 5:3

 

This is a promise in essence if not in form. We have need of patience, and here we see the way of getting it. It is only by enduring that we learn to endure, even as by swimming men learn to swim. You could not learn that art on dry land, nor learn patience without trouble. Is it not worth while to suffer tribulation for the sake of gaining that beautiful equanimity of mind which quietly acquiesces in all the will of God?

 

Yet our text sets forth a singular fact, which is not according to nature, but is supernatural. Tribulation in and of itself worketh petulance, unbelief, and rebellion. It is only by the sacred alchemy of grace that it is made to work in us patience. We do not thresh the wheat to lay the dust: yet the flail of tribulation does this upon God’s floor. We do not toss a man about in order to give him rest, and yet so the Lord dealeth with His children. Truly this is not the manner of man, but greatly redounds to the glory of our all-wise God.

 

Oh, for grace to let my trials bless me! Why should I wish to stay their gracious operation? Lord, I ask thee to remove my affliction, but I beseech thee ten times more to remove my impatience. Precious Lord Jesus, with thy cross engrave the image of thy patience on my heart.

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing

Psalms 100:2

God wants our life to be a song. He has written the music for us in His Word and in the duties that come to us in our places and relations in life. The things we ought to do are the notes set upon the staff. To make our life beautiful music we must be obedient and submissive. Any disobedience is the singing of a false note, and yields discord.

J. R. Miller

I will hold you up with My victorious right hand!

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    ("Every Day!" Author unknown, 1872)

"Having obtained help from God--I continue until this day." Acts 26:22

This is the testimony of the great apostle of the Gentiles. Many were the perils to which he was exposed, and many were the hardships which he endured--but he was borne up and carried through them all by the help of God his Savior.

Just so, He who was the Helper of the great apostle--is the Helper of the feeblest child in His family, or the weakest lamb in His flock. He is your Helper, beloved Christian reader! He who has redeemed you, not with corruptible things, such as silver and gold, but with His precious blood--will assuredly afford you seasonable aid. Look then to Him, in the discharge of your daily duties--for all needful wisdom and strength.

In domestic cares and trials--remember that your Helper is near.

In every hour of weakness and sorrow--cast yourself on His sustaining grace.

In the hour of your extremity, when human help avails nothing--then cling to Him, and listen to Him as He says,
"Do not be afraid, for I am with you!
 Do not be discouraged, for I am your God.
 I will strengthen you and help you.
 I will hold you up with My victorious right hand!" Isaiah 41:10

May this be your daily prayer, "Hold me up--and I shall be safe!" Psalm 119:117

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
September 21, 2016

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:6)

We must not simply believe that there is an all-powerful God, but we must also live a life of confidence in this hope. We must continually ask for His perfect guidance and immeasurable wisdom throughout our time on this earth. As Christians, we have a distinct honour: if we call upon His great name, He will make our paths straight. If we place ourselves to be under His wonderful direction, we will always benefit from His great kindness and goodness. What a wonderful promise to enjoy!

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

Base things of the world and things which are despised hath God chosen

1 Cor. 1:28

In some of the great halls of Europe may be seen pictures not painted with the brush, but mosaics, which are made up of small pieces of stone, glass, or other material. The artist takes these little pieces, and, polishing and arranging them, he forms them into the grand and beautiful picture. Each individual part of the picture may be a little worthless piece of glass or marble or shell; but, with each in its place, the whole constitutes the masterpiece of art.

So I think it will be with humanity in the hands of the great Artist. God is picking up the little worthless pieces of stone and brass that might be trodden under foot unnoticed, and is making of them His great masterpiece.

Bishop Simpson

The most accessible and precious spot!

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(Octavius Winslow)

"Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother." John 19:25

Take your place with Mary--near to the cross of Jesus.
There meet and blend . . .
  suffering--and love,
  sorrow--and sympathy.

Standing in faith near the cross--you are near . . .
  the suffering Savior,
  the loving Son,
  the sympathizing Brother born for your present grief.
Jesus, in the depth and tenderness of His love, is at this moment all that He was when, in soul travail--He cast that ineffable look of filial love and sympathy upon His anguished mother.

Likewise, He can enter into your circumstances, understand your grief, and sustain and soothe your spirit--as one only can, who has partaken of the cup of woe which now trembles in your hand. Drink that cup submissive to His will--for He drank deeply of it before you, and has left the fragrance of His sympathy upon its brim. Your sorrow is not new to Christ. Stand close to the cross of Jesus! It is the most accessible and precious spot on this side of Heaven--the most solemn and awesome spot on this side of eternity!

The cross of Jesus is the focus of . . .
  divine love,
  divine sympathy,
  and divine power.

Stand by it in suffering, in persecution, and in temptation. Stand by it in the brightness of prosperity--and in the gloom of adversity.
Go to Christ's cross in trouble,
repair to it in weakness,
cling to it in danger, and
hide beneath it when the wintry storm rushes fiercely over you.

Near to the cross, you are near your Father's heart, and your Savior's side. You seem to enter the gate of Heaven--to stand beneath the vestibule of glory!

Nothing but love will welcome your approach to the cross of Jesus--divine love that . . .
  pardons all your sins,
  flows over all your unworthiness,
  heals all your soul-wounds,
  soothes all your sorrows,
  and will shelter you within its blessed pavilion--until earth is exchanged for Heaven, and you lay down the warrior's sword for the victor's palm, and spring from the foot of the cross to the foot of the throne--to be forever with the your precious Lord!

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
September 20, 2016

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:4-5)

We cannot do anything without the Lord. He is the vine; and just as the branches receive their life-giving nutrients through the vine, so we as Christians receive the things we need for life from Christ. When a branch is apart from its source of life, it is dead. And so it is with us-until we are grafted onto that eternal and life-giving vine of Christ. We abide in Christ by our faith in Him and the salvation he offers. By this faith, even we shall bear fruit.

Weekday Devotions September 19

Faith’s Check Book

By Charles H. Spurgeon

 

PERFECT WILLINGNESS

 

"Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power" Psalms 110:3

 

Blessed be the God of grace that it is so! He has a people whom He has chosen from of old to be His peculiar portion. These by nature have wills as stubborn as the rest of the froward sons of Adam; but when the day of His power comes, and grace displays its omnipotence, they become willing to repent, and to believe in Jesus. None are saved unwillingly, but the will is made sweetly to yield itself. What a wondrous power is this, which never violates the will, and yet rules it! God does not break the lock, but He opens it by a master-key which He alone can handle.

 

Now are we willing to be, to do, or to suffer as the Lord wills. If at any time we grow rebellious He has but to come to us with power, and straightway we run in the way of His commands with all our hearts. May this be a day of power with me as to some noble effort for the glory of God and the good of my fellow-men! Lord, I am willing; may I not hope that this is a day of thy power? I am wholly at thy disposal; willing, yea, eager, to be used of thee for thy holy purposes. O Lord, let me not have to cry, "To will is present with me, but how to perform that which I would, I find not"; but give me power as thou givest me will.

Thought’s for the Quiet Hour

I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction

Isaiah 48:10

Does not the word come like a soft shower, assuaging the fury of the flame? Yea, is it not an asbestos armor, against which the heat hath no power? Let affliction come—God has chosen me. Poverty, thou mayest stride in at my door—but God is in the house already, and He has chosen me. Sickness, thou mayest intrude, but I have a balsam ready—God has chosen me. Whatever befalls me in this vale of tears I know that He has “chosen” me. Fear not, Christian; Jesus is with thee. In all thy fiery trials His presence is both thy comfort and safety. He will never leave one whom He has chosen for His own. “Fear not, for I am with thee,” is His sure word of promise to His chosen ones in the “furnace of affliction.”

Spurgeon

 

The never-failing Fountain of blessing!

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    ("Every Day!" Author unknown, 1872)

"He gives us more grace!" James 4:6

Come, then, my soul, to Him--as an empty vessel to be filled. A supply is waiting for you in Christ Jesus. "It has pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell." He is the never-failing Fountain of blessing! Out of His fullness, you may receive grace upon grace. Whatever you need--come to God in Christ for it.

Is your faith weak? He can strengthen it.

Is your hope dull? He can enliven it.

Is your love cold? He can warm it.

Is your patience failing? He can sustain it.

Is your zeal languishing? He can invigorate it.

And observe, the Lord gives not only a new supply of grace, but He also gives it in a larger measure: "He gives more grace!" He came not only that we might have life--but that we might have it "more abundantly."

Come, then, to Him with enlarged desires.
He can fill you with joy and peace in believing.
He can enable you to bear much fruit to the glory of the Father.
He can bless you, and make you a blessing to many.

O Lord, enlarge my desires, raise my expectations, and help me to receive, not only constant supplies of grace--but increased supplies out of Your fullness! For You give "more grace!"

"Open your mouth wide--and He will fill it!" Psalm 81:10

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