An arm that can never be broken!

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(J. R. Miller, "A Life of Character")

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms!" Deuteronomy 33:27

The picture suggested, is that of a little child, lying in the strong arms of a father who is able to withstand all storms and dangers.

At the two extremes of life, childhood and old age--this promise comes with special assurance.

"He shall gather the lambs in His arms, and carry them in His bosom" (Isaiah 40:11), is a word for the children.

"Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He; I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you!" (Isaiah 46:4), brings its blessed comfort to the aged.

The thought of God's embracing arms is very suggestive. What does an arm represent? What is the thought suggested by the arm of God enfolded around His child?

One suggestion, is protection. As a father puts his arm about his child when it is in danger--so God protects His children. Life is full of peril. There are temptations on every hand! Enemies lurk in every shadow--enemies strong and swift! Yet we are assured that nothing can separate us from the love of God. "Underneath are the everlasting arms!"

Another thought, is affection. The father's arm drawn around a child--is a token of love. The child is held in the father's bosom, near his heart. The shepherd carries the lambs in his bosom. John lay on Jesus' bosom. The mother holds the child in her bosom, because she loves it. This picture of God embracing His children in His arms--tells of His love for them--His love is tender, close, intimate.

Another thought suggested by an arm, is strength. The arm is a symbol of strength. His arm is omnipotence. "In the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength" (Isaiah 26:4). His is an arm that can never be broken! Out of this clasp--we can never be taken. "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish--ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!" (John 10:28)

Another suggestion is endurance. The arms of God are "everlasting." Human arms grow weary even in love's embrace; they cannot forever press the child to the bosom. Soon they lie folded in death.

A husband stood by the coffin of his beloved wife after only one short year of wedded happiness. The clasp of that love was very sweet--but how brief a time it lasted, and how desolate was the life that had lost the precious companionship!

A little baby two weeks old--was left motherless. The mother clasped the child to her bosom and drew her feeble arms about it in one loving embrace; the little one will never more have a mother's arm around it.

So pathetic is human life with--its broken affections, its little moments of love, its embraces that are torn away in one hour. But these arms of God--are everlasting arms! They shall never unclasp!

There is another important suggestion in the word "underneath." Not only do the arms of God embrace His child--but they are underneath--always underneath! That means that we can never sink--for these arms will ever be beneath us!

Sometimes we say the waters of trouble are very deep--like great floods they roll over us. But still and forever, underneath the deepest floods--are these everlasting arms! We cannot sink below them--or out of their clasp!

And when death comes, and every earthly thing is gone from beneath us, and we sink away into what seems darkness--out of all human love, out of warmth and gladness and life--into the gloom and strange mystery of death--still it will only be--into the everlasting arms!

This view of God's divine care is full of inspiration and comfort. We are not saving ourselves. A strong One, the mighty God--holds us in His omnipotent clasp! We are not tossed like a leaf on life's wild sea--driven at the mercy of wind and wave. We are in divine keeping. Our security does not depend upon our own feeble, wavering faith--but upon the omnipotence, the love, and the faithfulness of the unchanging, the eternal God!

No power in the universe can snatch us out of His hands! Neither death nor life, nor things present, nor things to come--can separate us from His everlasting arms!

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
April 28, 2017

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it. (Luke 11:28)

Praises everlasting for that most wondrous of gifts: a man who could hear the word of God and keep it! Sing thanks unto the Lord that by His Son's obedience to God's holy law, even unto death, the eternal blessings of the Lord might now fall upon His people. How fortunate are we become, those who serve the Lord in the faith of righteousness! Rejoice, O people, and sing evermore His mighty praise.

The sufferings of this present time!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(James Smith, "No Comparison!" 1862)

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time--are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us!" Romans 8:18
Paul compares present sufferings--with future glory.

Believers are exposed to all kinds of suffering, and instead of obtaining an exemption from afflictions--they are assured that it is through much tribulation that they must enter into the kingdom of God.

Some endure inward suffering, with which no one is fully acquainted but God Himself. They have such darkness, gloom, distress, agitation, trouble, and sorrow--as would not be easy to describe.

Some suffer much in body, from the stressed and disordered state of the nervous system, from chronic diseases, or deformities in the physical frame. They seldom move without suffering, and for years together have but little freedom from weakness and pain. They live a life of suffering, a kind of dying life--and think much of Heaven as of a place where there is no more pain.

Some suffer much financially. Scarcely anything seems to prosper with them--losses, crosses, and opposition meet them at every turn. And though they live honestly, and conduct their business honorably--they are thwarted, hindered, and filled with perplexity. No one can tell what they suffer from financial trials and difficulties.

Others suffer from reproach, misrepresentation, strife, and persecution in the world, or in the Church--or both! No one seems to understand them, or is prepared to sympathize with them; they are like "a sparrow alone upon the house-top." False friends and open enemies unite to trouble and distress them, so that they often sigh, and say, "O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away and be at rest!"

Others in the domestic circle, or from some of the relationships of life--are called to suffer long and seriously.

But whether from trouble of mind, sickness of body, trials in business, family difficulties, or persecution for Christ's sake--all suffer, and most believers suffer much!

But compare their present sufferings--with their future glory:
Glory which will exclude all pain and suffering, all sin and sorrow!
Glory beyond the reach of all foes and the cause of all trouble!
Glory which includes happiness--perfect, perpetual, never-ending happiness!
Glory which includes honor--the highest, holiest, and most satisfying honor!
Glory, or splendor--which will fill the soul, clothe the body, and dignify the entire person forever!

Filled with light, peace, and joy; clothed with beauty, brightness, and magnificence--they will appear with Christ in glory--filling them with wonder and unutterable delight!

This glory will be possessed by us--as part of our marriage portion and inalienable inheritance. But we can form no adequate idea of that glory, for "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined--what God has prepared for those who love Him!" 1 Corinthians 2:9

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Morning Devotional April 27, 2017

Psalm 7:17

“I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.”

O how we ought to be continually be praising our Lord!!! Whether in word or in song or in deed. He desreves our praise so much more than we know. In this life full of sin our greatest relief from the cares of this old world is to praise the Lord of our salvation!!!

In the midst of trials and persecutions we must praise Him. When all seems lost and we are at our lowest in this life, we must praise Him. When everything seems to be going our way. When the blessings overwhelm us and our cup runneth over. We must praise Him.

Through the good and the bad. Through tribulations and blessings. Praise Him!!!

Praise ye the Lord!!!

 

Stephen McCool Sr.

The Lord is My Shepherd

April 26

 

By James Ryle

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalms_23:1)

Jesus is Lord and King, Conqueror, Savior, the Mighty God, Prince of Peace, the Christ, Emmanuel, Teacher, Prophet and Master. Of the many titles given to the Lord, Shepherd must undoubtedly be one of His favorite. It links Him in the most personal way to those He loves.

Say it out loud and let the truth settle deep in your heart: “The Lord is my Shepherd.”

Isaiah prophesied, “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah_40:11). Peter preached, “For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” (1Peter_2:25).

David, himself a shepherd, penned the Twenty-third Psalm as a comprehensive tribute to the Lord. He encompasses in this short poem at least fifteen provisions that are made for us when we follow the Lord as our Shepherd.

“The Lord is my Shepherd…

I shall not want for Rest – for He maketh me to lie down in green pastures

I shall not want for Peace – for He leadeth me beside the still waters

I shall not want for Restoration – for He restoreth my soul

I shall not want for Guidance – for He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

I shall not want for Courage – for though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil

I shall not want for Companionship – for Thou art with me

I shall not want for Comfort – for Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me

I shall not want for Sustenance – Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies

I shall not want for Blessing – Thou anointest my head with oil

I shall not want for Fulness – My cup runneth over

I shall not want for Abundant Life – goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life

I shall not want for Eternal Security – I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

you can see, there is nothing left out. No wonder David said, “I shall not want!” The Lord gives us everything we need when we follow Him as our Shepherd.

“And now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he who became the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting agreement between God and you, signed with his blood, produce in you through the power of Christ all that is pleasing to him. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews_13:20-21).

I am somewhat like that bird!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

      
(James Smith, "Sighing for Jesus!" 1858)
"As the deer pants for streams of water--so my soul pants for you, O God! My soul thirsts for God, for the living God! When can I go and meet with God?" Psalm 42:1-2

I have just been reading of the last days of a true believer, and his whole dying experience was comprehended in one sentence, "I am sighing for Jesus!" He did not sigh for life, nor for ease--but he was sighing for Jesus.

I cannot help observing, how much of my experience now, is expressed in those words, "I am sighing for Jesus." Yes, yes, I can do without riches, or fame, or the honor which man confers. I am pretty well content with what providence sends me--and yet I often sigh, and sigh deeply too. Some would think me unhappy--but I am not. Some may conclude I am discontented with my situation in life--but I am not. Yet I sigh--I often sigh.

I have read of a bird, which if caught and caged--never ceases to sigh, until it obtains its liberty, or dies. I am somewhat like that bird, and I expect I shall continue to sigh--until I obtain my desire.

I have had a glimpse of Jesus--and I sigh for a full view of Him.

I have tasted the sweetness of communion with Him--and I sigh for uninterrupted fellowship.

I have felt a little of the cleansing influence of His precious blood, and Holy Spirit--and I sigh for a thorough cleansing, that I may be perfectly and forever holy.

I sigh for Jesus--that I may . . .
  know Him more perfectly,
  love Him more entirely, and
  enjoy Him uninterruptedly!

I sigh to be exactly like Jesus!

I sigh to be forever with Jesus!

I believe that if I were just like Him, and always with Him--that I would sigh no more; and I think that nothing else will put a complete stop to my sighing.

Yes, the day is coming, and it may be very near--when the days of my mourning will be ended, and when I shall heave the last sigh, and begin the never-ending song! My sorrows will soon end, and my sighing will forever cease! I shall soon be with Jesus, like Jesus, and everlastingly employed in praising Jesus! And then, I shall sigh no more!

"The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away!" Isaiah 51:11

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
April 26, 2017

For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

You may weep and you may mourn over the troubles of this life, but know this you believers: your weeping will last only a night—for the smallest portion of your life. Once your joy is restored, those times of sadness and despair will seem only the briefest of moments. This life can be seen as a time of weeping; but when compared with the joy of eternity, our suffering seems slight and insignificant indeed. Praise the Lord that He is soon coming!

Morning Devotional April 26, 2017

Psalm 46:1

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”



O what a wonderful God we serve!!! O how comforting it is to know He is there in our trials and tribulations. We all go through difficult times. We all learn lessons in those difficult times. Lessons that strengthen our faith in our Heavenly Father. Yet every time diffcult times come we fall back into that weakened state of doubt and fear. But, God loves us and cares for us, gives us rest from the battle and strengthens us to fight again.
O child of God, if you are suffering today in the trials you are in, look to our Lord. Go to Him for rest. Pray without ceasing. Stay in constant communion with Him. Stay in His Word. We have no right to fear the enemy. We are children of the King!!!



Praise ye the Lord!!!

Stephen McCool Sr.

Leave us alone! We do not desire to know Your ways!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Edward Payson, 1783-1827)

Sinners do not like to retain God in their knowledge--because He is omniscient and omnipresent. In consequence of His possessing these attributes, He is a constant witness of their motives and conduct, and is perfectly acquainted with their hearts. This must render the thoughts of His holiness still more disagreeable to a sinner--for what can be more unpleasant to him, than the constant presence and inspection of a holy being . . .
  whom he cannot deceive,
  from whose keen, searching gaze he cannot for a moment hide,
  to whom darkness and light are alike open, and
  who views his conduct with the utmost displeasure and abhorrence?

Even the presence of our fellow creatures is disagreeable, when we wish to indulge any sinful propensity which they will disapprove. How exceedingly irksome, then, must the constant presence of a holy, heart-searching God be to a sinner! No wonder, then, that sinners banish a knowledge of Him from their minds, as the easiest method of freeing themselves from the restraint imposed by His presence.

"They say to God: Leave us alone! We do not desire to know Your ways!" Job 21:14

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
April 25, 2017

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)

The promise of salvation is a gift to the ones that believe on Christ. The Philippian jailor wanted to know how he could possibly be saved and the response from Paul and Silas was simple: believe on the Lord Jesus Christ unto salvation. And so it is! Our very eternal lives rest on the simplest of things—our belief in Christ's power to save us! Rejoice in such things as they are cause for much joy!

The suffering Christian!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Francis Bourdillon, "Affliction, Light and Short!" 1864)

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment--is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we do not look at the things which are seen--but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary--but the things which are not seen are eternal!" 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Few people will call their present affliction light--and few are disposed to call it short. For while it lasts, it seems hard to bear--and a time of suffering generally appears long. Yet the apostle Paul writes thus about his affliction: "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment."

Paul's afflictions were not, in themselves, light--few men have gone through more hardships and trials than he did. Nor were they, in themselves, short--for wherever he went he found them; they continued, more or less, to the end of his life.

It was only when he compared his present affliction with the glory that was so soon to follow--that it seemed to him light and short. Then he could say, "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment."

We must always try to look at our afflictions in this way. If we look at them alone--they will be enough to overwhelm us! But if we think also, and even more, of the eternal rest and happiness and glory which lie ahead of us--then our view of our present afflictions will be greatly changed.

"True," we shall feel, "true, my sorrows are many; my sickness is sore; my pain is great; long have I lain upon a bed of suffering. Yet before me lies a home of perfect rest, where pain and sickness and sorrow cannot come. My Savior has promised it to me and has gone before to prepare it for me. In a little while, I shall be there!"

With thoughts such as these, the suffering Christian should comfort himself--and thus weigh present affliction against future glory. For what are all things here below, but short? Joys and sorrows, health and sickness, affliction and prosperity--all the things that pain and that please, "the things which are seen"--all these things are but for a time.

Whereas "the things which are not seen are eternal." What we hope for, what Christ has purchased for us and gone before to prepare for us--that is forever! Our pains and sorrows will soon end--but our pleasures will never end! Our affliction is but for a little while--but our comforts, our Savior's presence, our Heavenly home, will be ours always!

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away--yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day!" 2 Corinthians 4:16

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
April 24, 2017

For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. (Psalm 149:4)

Who can measure the vast, unbounded love of the Lord? Ever is He swift to well up bountiful treasure unto His people! Though they be of the poor, the weak, the foolish, and the ugly, ever does He shower them with gifts unmerited. And even salvation! He makes such a humble people into His rich, powerful, wise, and beautiful bride! Hallelujah!

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 April 23, 2017            Newsletter Number 616 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, Lee & 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, Donna Jones, Brandy Sullivan, Gina, Brother Kelley and Sister Hinson, Manual Seymour, Sr, 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, Brandy’s Mother, Elaine Sparks, James daughter’s mother-in-law, Rick McCloskey’s brother, Brother Curtis Pugh, Brother Dan Sullivan the work in Thailand, Brother Raul and the work in Romania, Bro. Sergey Mochalov and the Churches in Russia.

A Thought From our Pastor: We live in a world of sinful excuses.“Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. (3) For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. (4) Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” Psalms 51:2-4   We that are saved but the grace of God and thru the precious actions of Jesus Christ are so blessed, but we sometimes forget it. The Psalmist wrote by the gift of wisdom of the Holy Spirit “Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” Oh beloved, if you are saved then God has forgiven your sins, every single one of them. They have been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ. We as Christians have been give the eternal gift of redemption. God has blessed us with a gift that so many will never experience. The vast majority of people on the earth will die and go to hell never knowing God as their Father and Jesus Christ as their Saviour and friend. But to us that know Jesus Christ as our Saviour will be the children of God for all eternity. However, with this being said, some real Christians simply refuse to follow their Saviour. Jesus said if you love Me than keep my commandments. John 14:15 But as so many believers in Jesus Christ apparently do not know these words or they simply ignore them. Folks, we need to understand the Satan works hard on us to keep us in sin. If we are not alert, if we are not watering feeding the spiritual person inside of us, then it will grow weak and sin will overtake us. We will become like the Israelites who simply could not do what God commanded over and over again. Fellow believer, following Christ Jesus is not an option but a command. I know we are all sinners and we will sin until we are with the Lord, but it is our responsibility to the God who saved us and the Saviour that died for us to obey and follow the scriptures, even though we will at times fail. But this is no excuse to defile the scriptures. I hear Christians all the time making excuses for their sins. I hear them make their excuses for not attending church. We now live in a world of excuses, please stop the excuses. People who disobey the scriptures and commandments of God are without excuse. If you do not attend church then you are disobeying God, if you do not attempt to serve God and our risen Saviour then that is your fault, and not one else’s. Please give this some thought, God gave His Beloved Son as a sacrifice to save your unworthy soul, and now you have a world of excuses not to serve the Lord, STOP IT! Beloved, Satan baits you in your life, he doesn’t want you to serve God, just stop and give it a little thought. Please just stop the world of excuses and serve the God that has blessed you with salvation. If you are not properly serving the Lord, then you might give this scripture some thought. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39 Has the Holy Spirit visited with you? Has He led you to Jesus Christ for Salvation? “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:” John 15:26 and if He has led you to salvation in Jesus Christ then why the excuses? Why are you not in church, and living your life for the Lord? Please remember these words of much wisdom, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16 This is not a few Christians; this is all Christians. Now, what was your excuse for not serving the Lord?

What is a successful ministry? By Elder Don Fortner   "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." 1 Corinthians 4:2      The desperate need of the hour is faithful men in the pulpits of our churches. We have an over-abundance of preachers. We do not need any more slick, polished, well-educated professionals in "the ministry". But we do, most desperately, need some faithful men — pastors after God's own heart, who feed His people with knowledge and understanding. Thank God, we have a few!    In this day of big business religion, when churches are measured not by their orthodoxy, but by the opinions of men; when a preacher's success is measured not by his faithfulness, but by the number of names added to the church roll — it might be wise to consider what a successful ministry is according to the measure of Holy Scripture.    According to the Word of God, those preachers and churches are successful who are faithful to the work to which God has called them. Never in the Old Testament or in the New was a prophet, apostle, or preacher measured by the opinions of men. God's servants never courted the favor of men, and were never favored by the majority of the people. The church of God has always been out of step with society. The servants of God have always been looked upon as peculiar, bigoted dogmatists, intolerant and incapable of compromise. But they were faithful — faithful to God, faithful to His truth, and faithful to the souls of men.    Do not be so foolish as to measure God's work by man's yardstick. Do not measure the success or failure of preachers and churches by men, by numbers, or by popular opinion. The only measure of success for churches and preachers is faithfulness. Those who faithfully seek and promote the glory of God, who faithfully proclaim the truth of God, and who faithfully serve the eternal interests of immortal souls are successful. Those who are not are failures. The one will stand the fire of judgment. The other will not.    The greatest blessing God can ever bestow upon any people in this world is to establish in their midst a faithful Gospel church with a faithful Gospel preacher as his messenger. "Tychicus . . . is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord." Colossians 4:7

1 John 5:13-16   “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God...And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:. And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him...If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.”

The sheep do not choose their own pasture!

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(Francis Bourdillon, "Bedside Readings" 1864)

"He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters." Psalm 23:2

"He makes me lie down in green pastures." That is, He supplies the needs of our souls. He . . .
  gives us the food of the Word of God,
  strengthens us with His grace, and
  makes us to find our rest in Him.

"He leads me beside the still waters." That is, He . . .
  refreshes us when we are weary,
  revives our hearts by His promises,
  cheers us by His presence,
  gives us His Holy Spirit, and
  enables us to rejoice in His salvation.

Amidst all our trials and troubles--He comforts us and gives us fresh hope.

Some may say, "Why should I have trouble at all? Why does the good Shepherd send me anything besides comfort and pleasure? Why am I poor or sad or sick?"

The sheep do not choose their own pasture--the shepherd chooses for them. In the same way, the disciple does not choose his own lot in life--it is appointed for him. His Shepherd knows best what is good for him. The best is not always what is the most pleasant at the moment--but what is most profitable in the end.

Our Shepherd sometimes leads us through what seem to us dry and stony places--but they lead to the Heavenly pastures! And even along the way, He feeds us and comforts us with all a shepherd's care. Never is our Shepherd nearer to us, than when we are in need or danger.

"My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish--ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!" John 10:27-28

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
April 23, 2017

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. (Isaiah 41:13)

My Prayer: Lord help me to trust in You when I'm scared-when I'm afraid of what people might think of me when I tell them about You and Your good news. Thank You Lord, for being right by my side, holding my hand, and strengthening me for every good work.

 

Here--put your troubles here!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

 

(Charles Spurgeon)

"Cast your burden on the Lord--and He will sustain you." Psalm 55:22

Cast your troubles where you have cast your sins. You have cast your sins onto Jesus--cast your troubles there also!

As soon as the trouble comes, quick, the first thing--tell it to your heavenly Father! Remember, that the longer you take telling your trouble to God--the more your peace will be impaired. The longer the frost lasts--the more likely the ponds will be frozen.

Oh! It is a happy way of smoothing sorrow, when we can cast our burden upon the Lord. Oh, you agitated Christians, do not dishonor your religion by always wearing a 'frown of concern'. Come, cast your burden upon the Lord.

I see you staggering beneath a weight which He would not feel.
What seems a crushing burden to you--would be nothing but a bit of dust to Him!

See! The Almighty bends His shoulders, and He says: "Here--put your troubles here!"

"Cast all your cares upon Him--because He cares about you!" 1 Peter 5:7

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
April 22, 2017

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)

Trust not in the power of your own strength nor in the might of your own will to accomplish good, O believer! Your sanctification is not a matter of dominating yourself through discipline! You have no ability of your own to effect righteous works in your life! Trust, rather, in God! Place your faith in the Spirit to work in you for righteousness!

Morning Devotional April 21, 2017

Mark 7:1-23

“1Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
2And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
3For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
4And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
5Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
6He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
9And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
10For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
11But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
12And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
13Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
14And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
15There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
16If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
17And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.
18And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
19Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
20And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
21For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
23All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”



I challenge you all to study these verses. Do we obey God or man? Do we follow Christ or the traditions of man? What saith the Lord?



Praise ye the Lord!!!

Stephen McCool Sr.

Are You in Good Hands?

April 21

 

 

By James Ryle

 

“Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge” (Psalms_91:3)

 

It’s strikes me as more than a little suspicious that, in the midst of great financial bedlam, the airwaves are flooded with the incessant drone of marketing plans aimed at helping you secure your financial future, so that you may live out your days in a happy place – dancing, golfing, fishing, swimming, laughing and foolin’ around.

 

It seems that there is a plan or a pill for everything — I guess that’s the new American Dream.

don’t buy into it, my friend. Put not your trust in princes, for their political prowess is based upon compromise at every point. Rather than govern by the high principles that make for the greatest of people, they opt for the path of least resistance. And that is what make both rivers and men shallow and crooked.

 

Rest your life in God’s hands alone. Let all your hopes and dreams, your aspirations and plans, your well-being and your future rest securely in His care. And do not allow the prattle of man’s devices to lure you into a lesser allegiance.

 

Spurgeon wrote, “Assuredly no subtle plot shall succeed against one who has the eyes of God watching for his defense. We are foolish and weak as poor little birds, and are very apt to be lured to our destruction by cunning foes, but if we dwell near to God, he will see to it that the most skillful deceiver shall not entrap us.”

 

Faith in God constitutes a ground of security at such times when the snare of the fowler and the noisome pestilence ransack any nation.

 

Are you in good hands? You are if your life is placed in the trustworthy Hands of God. For He will cover you “with His feathers” and His truth will be “your shield and buckler.”

 

The very first letter in the alphabet of Christianity!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

 

(J.C. Ryle)

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 5:3

The Lord Jesus calls those blessed, who are poor in spirit. He means the humble, and lowly-minded, and self-abased. He means those who are deeply convinced of their own sinfulness in God's sight. These are those who are not "wise in their own eyes and holy in their own sight." They are not "rich and increased with goods." They do not imagine that they need nothing. They regard themselves as "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Blessed are all such! Humility is the very first letter in the alphabet of Christianity! We must begin low, if we would build high.


"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4

The Lord Jesus calls those blessed, who mourn. He means those who sorrow for sin, and grieve daily over their own short-comings. These are they who trouble themselves more about sin than about anything on earth. The remembrance of it is grievous to them. The burden of it is intolerable. Blessed are all such! "The sacrifices of God are a broken and contrite spirit." One day they shall weep no more! "They shall be comforted."

Let us learn how entirely contrary are the principles of Christ--to the principles of the world. It is vain to deny it. They are almost diametrically opposed! The very characters which the Lord Jesus praises--the world despises. The very pride, and thoughtlessness, and high tempers, and worldliness, and selfishness, and formality, and unlovingness, which abound everywhere--the Lord Jesus condemns!

Let us learn how unhappily different is the teaching of Christ from the practice of many professing Christians. Where shall we find men and women among those who go to churches and chapels, who are striving to live up to the pattern we have read of today? Alas! there is much reason to fear, that many baptized people are utterly ignorant of what the New Testament contains!

Above all let us learn how holy and spiritual-minded all believers should be. They should never aim at any standard lower than that of the Beatitudes. Christianity is eminently a practical religion. Sound doctrine is its root and foundation--but holy living should always be its fruit. And if we would know what holy living is, let us often think who they are that Jesus calls "blessed."

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
April 21, 2017

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32)

God promises truth and freedom to all those who love Him and abide in His good pleasure. In a life full of uncertainty, the truth of God is wonderful to contemplate indeed! Never need we doubt the veracity of the Lord for He Himself is the measure of truth. He is the standard by which all claims stand or fall. And if He, in unmitigated Truth, says that we are made free, then what iron fetter or steel prison can stifle our liberty? Why none at all! Rejoice in your freedom, O Christian, and use it to pursue the righteousness of God!

The Untouchables

April 18

 

 

By James Ryle

 

“You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.” (Psa_91:5-7).

 

The devil has always sought the darkness. Indeed, he dare not come to the light lest he be exposed. It is one of the reasons why those who love evil prefer the night over the day. But while they may “party on” with mindless indifference to the great peril that looms over their heads – nevertheless, the dark prince will most certainly strike them at a time they suspect not. And “the terror by night” shall seize them with great fear.

 

Speaking of the “terror by night” Adam Clarke writes in his commentary on the Psalms, “Night is a time of terrors, because it is a time of treasons, plunder, robbery, and murder. The godly man lies down in peace, and sleeps quietly, for he trusts his body, soul, and substance, in the hand of God; and he knows that he who keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.”

 

Faith in God is the true remedy against the tormenting fear that is unleashed against our souls by the powers of darkness in times of crisis. Notice that the verse does not say that we will not be caught in the midst of the crisis, rather it says “we will not be afraid.”

 

This is the majesty of faith – it keeps us steady and firm in the midst of upheaval and uncertainty. Furthermore, we know that “all things work together for good, for those who love God and are the called according to His purpose”(Rom_8:28).

 

Yes, even in the darkness, God is moving in the Light. The Bible tells us that while the Egyptians were buried in the dreadful darkness of a terrifying plague, the children of Israel “had light in their dwellings.” (see Exo_10:23). So shall it be for us who have placed our trust in the Lord.

 

Whatever ill may befall those whose stubborn hearts incite them to open defiance of God, “it shall not come near you.” For the Lord has made you a part of the company of The Untouchables!

An unerring chart by which to steer through the dangerous sea of life!

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(Arthur W. Pink, "The Attributes of God")

God has placed His Word in our hands for an intensely practical purpose--namely, to direct our walk and to regulate our deportment. The primary purpose for which God gave the Scriptures, is to make a practical use of them--ordering the details of our lives by its rules and regulations.

"Your Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105. The metaphor used here is taken from a man walking along a dangerous road on a dark night, in urgent need of a lantern to show him where to walk safely and comfortably, to avoid injury and destruction.

God, in His infinite condescension and transcendent grace, has given us His Word for this very purpose, so that we need not stumble along blindly, ignorant of what pleases or displeases Him--but that we might know His mind. That divine Word is not given to us simply for information, but . . .
  to regulate our conduct,
  to enlighten our minds,
  and to mold our hearts.

The Word supplies us with an unerring chart by which to steer through the dangerous sea of life. If we sincerely and diligently follow, it will deliver us from disastrous rocks and submerged reefs--and direct us safely to the heavenly harbor. That Word has all the instructions we need for every problem, and every trouble we may be called upon to face. That Word has been given to us "that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:17. How thankful we should be, that God has favored us with such a Word!

This world is a dark place, and it is only as we take heed to the Word, to the light God has given us, that we shall be able to perceive and avoid "the broad road which leads to destruction," and discern the narrow way which alone "leads unto eternal life."

Our first duty, and our first aim, must be to take up the Scriptures to ascertain what is God's revealed will for us--what are the paths He forbids us to walk, what are the ways pleasing in His sight.

The Scriptures are not given us, primarily, for our intellectual gratification, nor for emotional admiration, but for life's regulation. Nor are the precepts and commands, the warnings and encouragements contained therein, simply for our information. They are to be reduced to practice--they require unqualified obedience. He who treasures the divine precepts in his heart, and diligently seeks to walk by their rule, will escape those evils which destroy his fellows.

Thus the great business of the Christian is to regulate his life by, and conform his conduct to--the precepts of the written Word, and the example left us by the Incarnate Word. As he does so, and in proportion as he does so, he is
  emancipated from the darkness of his natural mind,
  freed from the follies of his corrupt heart,
  delivered from the mad course of this world,
  and escapes the snares of the devil.

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
April 20, 2017

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)

Walk in the light. Forsake the deeds of darkness. God has promised life to those who will put away their old lives and trust on His life. His Son will send all darkness scurrying to the uttermost parts of the earth. He will be a lamp unto thy feet. It is Christ Himself who will lead His people from the very shadow of death unto the Light everlasting. Hallelujah! What a saviour!

Keep Me Safe Till the Storm Passes By

April 19

 

By James Ryle

 

“I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’” (Psalms_91:2).

 

Many are unaware that Moses was not only the Lawgiver, but also a prolific Poet in his own right. And as the Ten Commandments tower above all other laws that have ever been written, perhaps The Song of Moses (which we know as Psalm 91) stands peerless among the songs and poems of all other men.

 

Simon de Muis, renowned Christian Hebrew scholar from the 1800’s, wrote of Psalm 91, “It is one of the most excellent works of this kind which has ever appeared. It is impossible to imagine anything more solid, more beautiful, more profound, or more ornamented. Could the Latin or any modern language express thoroughly all the beauties and elegancies as well of the words as of the sentences, it would not be difficult to persuade the reader that we have no poem, either in Greek or Latin, comparable to this Hebrew ode.” (from Spurgeon’s Treasury of David)

 

Psalm 91 comes into an even sharper focus if you bear in mind that Moses wrote it on the night of the first Passover, as he and all those who had marked their doors with the blood of a lamb were kept safe while the Destroying Angel passed over the land of Egypt executing the final blow in the series of awful plagues that were unleashed against Pharaoh’s rebellious pride.

 

One cannot but wonder if the God of Heaven still holds in His arsenal such devastating weapons as He used in the plagues against Egypt – pollution of the water, demonic defilement of the land, incurable diseases upon the people, depletion of natural resources, loss of vision and hope, and an end of future generations.

 

And, if He still holds such weaponry in hand, at what point does He decide to unfurl His banner of War against those Nations today that flaunt their arrogance in His face?

 

We do know that a Day is coming upon this beleaguered Planet when Heaven and Hell collide in catastrophic battle – and those who are marked by God will be preserved, as in the first Passover. May you and I be counted in that number!

 

The old Gospel standard by Vestal Goodman may best sum up our sentiments –

 

“In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face, the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place.

‘Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry, me safe till the storm passes by.

 

“Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more, the clouds roll forever from the sky; me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand, me safe till the storm passes by.”

let’s follow Moses’ example — “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’”

Made for frivolities?

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(Charles Spurgeon, "The One Thing Needful")

Were you made only to be a machine for digging holes, laying bricks, or cutting out pieces of wood? Were you created only to stand at a counter and measure or weigh out goods? Do you think your God made you for that and that only?

Is this the chief end of man--to earn so many dollars a week, and try to make ends meet?

Is that all immortal men were made for?

As a man with a soul, capable of thought and judgment--and not a mere animal like a dog, nor a machine like a steam engine; can you stand up and look at yourself, and say, "I believe I am perfectly fulfilling my destiny"?

God has made man that he may glorify him--and whatever else man accomplishes, if he attains not to this end, his life is a disastrous failure!

Others are lovers of pleasure. They are merry as the birds, their life is as the flight of a butterfly, which lightly floats from flower to flower, according to its own sweet will.

It cannot be that an immortal spirit was made for frivolities--spending all its time on the playthings of the world.

So great a thing as an immortal soul could not have been made by God--with no higher object than to spend itself upon trifles as light as air.

Oh, pause a while, you careless, godless one! There is something more than the fool's laugh. All things are not a comedy. Death and Heaven and Hell are serious--and should not life be?

The charms of music, the merriment of the mirthful assembly, the beauties of art, and the delights of banqueting--there must be something more for you than these. Something more must be required of you than that you should waste your precious time from morn to night upon nothing but to please yourself!

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
April 19, 2017

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (Philippians 1:29)

As Christians we have been given various things. Paul tells the Philippians about two of them. First, he tells them that it has been granted to them to believe in Christ; and second, he says that it has been granted to them to suffer for Him. Suffering does not always seem appetizing, however, there is much gained by it. Remember in the midst of your troubles that as Christ was troubled, so too will His people be troubled-and our sufferings are to be counted joy for they serve to demonstrate our unity with our Bridegroom.