Experimental conformity to the image of Christ

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Arthur Pink)

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word--that you may grow thereby" 1 Peter 2:2

It behooves each one of us to honestly and diligently examine himself, so as to discover whether or not we are growing in grace.

We are not to be content with an increase of mere head-knowledge of Scripture. What we need to be most concerned about is our practical growth--our experimental conformity to the image of Christ.

One point at which we may test ourselves is: "Does my reading and study of God's Word make me less worldly?"

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:18

   ~  ~  ~  ~ 

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
August 31, 2017

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)

Here lies the unfathomable hope that all Christians share alike: By the blood of Jesus Christ, we pass out of death and despair and into eternal life full of joy. 

What is most needed today!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Arthur Pink)

It is my deepening conviction that what is most needed today is a wide proclamation of those Scripture truths which are the least acceptable to the flesh.

What is needed today, is a scriptural setting forth of the character of God:
   His absolute sovereignty,
   His ineffable holiness,
   His inflexible justice,
   His unchanging veracity.

What is needed today, is a scriptural setting forth of the condition of the natural man:
   his total depravity,
   his spiritual insensibility,
   his inveterate hostility to God,
   the fact that he is "condemned already," and
   that the wrath of a sin-hating God is even now abiding upon him!

What is needed today, is a scriptural setting forth of the alarming danger which sinners are in--the indescribably awful doom which awaits them; and the fact that if they follow their present course only a little further, they shall most certainly suffer the due penalty of their iniquities!

What is needed today, is a scriptural setting forth of the nature of that dreadful punishment which awaits the lost:
   the dreadfulness of it,
   the hopelessness of it,
   the unendurableness of it,
   and the endlessness of it!

   ~  ~  ~  ~ 

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
August 30, 2017

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

Your hunger shall be filled. Your thirst shall be quenched. Ever shall the child of righteousness be sated for the Lamb is his food and his drink. Christ is the living manna and the living water. The Christian feasts upon His body, broken for us, and His blood, shed for our sake. So go, O believer, in the power of the cross! Go forth and proclaim His life to all the nations until He comes again, that they too might taste the fullness of righteousness! 

Why are those blessed, who hear and obey the Word of God?

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Francis Bourdillon, "Short Sermons for Family Reading" 1881)

"Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey it." Luke 11:28

The Word must be obeyed--as well as heard. We must not hear it carelessly. Nor must we be hearers only, forgetting it as soon as heard. We are to guard it and keep it--to treasure it in our hearts as a precious possession. We are to believe it and to follow it--then the full blessing will be ours.

Why are those blessed, who hear and obey the Word of God?

1. Because the Word of God tells us of the Savior, speaks pardon and peace, and opens to us God's wondrous way of saving sinners. This can be said of no other book, and no other thing. The works of God in nature tell us much--but they do not tell us this. Many books of man are written on these subjects--but they are but man's books after all.

2. They are blessed also, because the Word of God is a sure guide. It is a difficult path through the wilderness of this world. Many hindrances and perplexities meet us--and many different rules are offered for our guidance: fashion, custom, prudence, man's opinion, etc. But the Word of God is the only sure guide. A simple, humble, earnest following of this guide--is the wisest, happiest, safest course! The poorest and most unlearned who through grace take this course--have more security for going right than the greatest and wisest who follow any other path. Therefore they are blessed who hear and keep the word of God--because they have a sure guide through life.

3. The word of God also comforts in trouble, and therefore they are blessed who hear it and keep it. This world has its sorrows as well as its difficulties--sorrows many and great; but the word of God has comfort for all of life's sorrows. It is full of comfort. It has promises and declarations of God's love. It contains examples of mourners whom He has comforted--and these in great number and variety. There is no kind of trouble for which some suitable comfort may not be found in the Bible. In time of deep sorrow--a comfort and consolation are found in the Word of God which are sought in vain in other books. It is the best of all books for those in trouble.

   ~  ~  ~  ~ 

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
August 28, 2017

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18)

Behold! For Christ comes a new! His promised return is the final hope for His church. In spite of the suffering we are bound to experience through these tumultuous last days, we share in a hope promised since long ago-as Christ ascended to heaven, He will certainly return. He will return in glory to lead the church victorious over the forces of darkness. We shall all be changed! No more shall the church suffer in Christ's name! Rather she shall glory in victory in Christ's name! 

Morning Devotional August 27, 2017

John 21:15-17

“15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”


Pastors, are you feeding the Lord's sheep today? Will you stand and proclaim the Word of God to the people our Lord has entrusted to your care? Will you remind the Lord's people of His commandments and the consequences of not following those commandments?
II Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”
Child of God, will you go where the truth is taught? Will you make the extra effort even when there is no true church in your town or area? Or will you give in to the ways of the world? Will you flock to the first building you see that has the word church in the name? Will you follow the entertainment crowd?
Church members, are you faithful with your attendance? What about your tithe and offering? Does your pastor know how much he is appreciated he is by the people God has given to his care? Or are you a backslider? A trouble maker in the church? Are you one who is constantly trying to undermine the pastor and elders because they preached on your pet sin?
Pastors have an awesome responsibility. They have been entrusted with the care of the Lord's local flock. Yet so many pastors never understand the full importance of their position and therefore never take their position seriously. While parishioners sit back and laugh and the mistakes they see in their pastor and ridicule him for the doctrines he teaches from God's Word that they disagree with.
We have a people today in the Lord's churches that prone to follow the lust of the world before they will follow the commandments of God. Many a pastor has been silenced from teaching the whole council of God because he is afraid of the people. Many a church member have over stepped their bonds and taken the leadership of the pastor and made it a mockery.
Many of the Lord's churches are entrenched with the world and have no desire to follow God. They follow the “IN” crowd. The crowd of spoiled brats that our forefathers warned about. Like the Israel and Judah in the book of Jeremiah, they have committed spiritual adultery with the religions of the world. They have bowed down to Baal during the week and on Sunday claim to come to worship the Lord. Is God hearing their prayers? Will He listen to a people who have left their first love?
O pastors, I encourage you to stand firm. Preach the Word in all boldness. When the people seem to not listen or refuse to hear, preach the Word of the Lord anyway!
O Christian, if you are not in a church that preaches the truth, leave now and find one that does! Flee all teachers of false doctrine. No church close by? How far are you willing to drive? Is driving a distance not an option? Pray the Lord makes a way.
O church members, support your pastor! Let him know how appreciative you are for him. If you have a disagreement with something he is teaching, go to him, but be ready to present scripture for what you believe is true. If you have no scripture maybe you should consider that he is right and you are wrong. Study these matters before you complain.


Praise ye the Lord!!!

Stephen McCool Sr.

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 August 27, 2017            Newsletter Number 634 Brother Randy Johnson, Pastor                   Brother James Thomas, 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.”

Please Join Us As We Pray For: All of Our Military, Their Family’s & All the Civilian Workers in The Middle East, Zee Mink Fuller and Family, Her son’s Bryan Armstrong and Hunter Hackie, Daughter Shannon, and Brother Philip & Sondra Thornsberry,  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 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, Gina, Brother Kelley and Sister Hinson, The Harris Family, Teresa Bookout, Little Titan Thomas (Trent and Tiffane Thomas child), James – Diane and Brooke Thomas, Jace Fails, Steve Sparks, Sister Ann McSwain, Elaine Sparks, James daughter’s mother-in-law, David Leman, Danny Hammond,  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: Heathenistic Rage. Psalms 2:1 “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?” The word “heathen” here means “nations” but let us not make so much of that because what is a nation, it is the people. As we look at our own nation (The United States Of America) we see much rage. We have reached the point where there doesn’t seem to be any solution or compromise, we cannot be brought together because of their rage. This is indeed very sad times we are living in. It seems that if you are a Christian, and mostly a Christian of biblical substance then you are the vainest person on the earth. We see the heathenistic among us rage like we have never seen it before. And it should not be surprising, should it? If one is a student of the scriptures you have learned over the years that this earths systemize structure is anti-God. God told us in 2 Corinthians 4:4 that Satan is the “god of this world” and so therefore Satan hath “blinded the minds of them which believe not” from many things and including that they shall never believe. If one has no power to believe the gospel then that one will never be able to recognize right from wrong, and the truth form a lie. This headship over the world and the people of the world took place in the fall, in creation God gave Adam dominion over the earth. God created all things in the earth and gave Adam reign over the earth. But Adam bowed to Satan and ate the forbidden fruit giving that dominion to Satan. Now, as the Bible clearly points out Jesus Christ will in the millennium bind Satan in chains for one thousand years and take back the world and the system of it that originally belonged to Him in creation. However, with all that said it explains to us the heathenistic rage of the people against God, Jesus Christ, the bible, the churches, and Christians. Satan hates all those things and since these lost people cannot understand any of these things, they are following their fathers will. "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do..." John 8:44 Just as we as believers in Jesus Christ are God’s children, all others belong to Satan, just as our Fathers will we will do, they will also do their fathers will. This is the reason they are so raging against Christian, as their father rages against our Father. The more time go on the more worse they get, demonizing the other side in order to bring shame on those who believe biblical truth. Calling us racist, and all the other horrible names they can call us like “deplorables” which means disgraceful, shameful, dishonorable, unworthy, inexcusable, and etc., etc., etc. why, because we simply disagree with them. The thinking of the out-of-control raging mind is to destroy the opposition so that there is only one universal thinking path, Satan’s lying path of deception. This is the exact reason for their hate of anyone that contradicts them. Now, they have reached the point of silencing the other side of free thought, making one school of thought, Satan’s thoughts. So, if you believe that homosexuality is wrong, or transgenderism or abortion, or anything else they believe is right, then you must be eliminated. Remember, they can only be one school of thought, therefore the freedom of speech is only good if you agree with them. One voice, one thought, one mind set. Anything is good, as long as God hates it. The thought is to oppose God in every area, and to defeat Him by silencing Him. The rage is worse than ever, now we have congressmen shot, and happiness over it because he disagrees with them. We have protesters in the street ready for war in order to silence the other side. While it is all a disgrace to God, it is happiness to Satan who is the “power of the air”. Folks, please do not underestimate these people and their rage, they will stop at nothing to stop us Christians. They are dangerous, they are mad in rage, and are evil in their wicked hearts. Never doubt what they will do, their minds are satanically controlled. These “…people imagine a vain thing?” against good, right, honesty, and God. “The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.”  John 7:7

Fear Not, Little FlockBy Kathryn Parrish Fear Not, Little Flock  Fear not, little flock, for the Father has promised  To give you the Kingdom some day;  Fear not, little flock, though you're small and despised,  And men heed not what you say;  For when you assemble, the angels are there,  They carefully listen to your words and prayers,  So fear not, little flock, fear not.  Oh, Jesus has said when you gather together,  That there will He be in your midst;  So fear not, little flock, no matter the weather,  For what a great promise is this!  Just keep up the work He gave you to do,  Be steadfast, unmovable, faithful and true,  And fear not, little flock, fear not.  Fear not, little flock, and be not discouraged,  For you are a part of His Bride,  Some day up in heaven, without spot or wrinkle,  With joy, you'll be by His side;  And then you will say it was worth it all,  As you live in that city of clear jasper walls,  So fear not, little flock, fear not.

Church Notices: Do not forget, Brother Raul Enyedi will be here to speak on September 10th at 4:00 Our Bible Conference is September 15th and 16th The church will hold a business meeting September 03 at 4:00

He gives His beloved sleep!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Arthur Pink)

"He gives His beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2

How often is it lost sight of, that the Lord cares for the bodies of His saints--as well as for their souls. Sleep is a Divine gift---but the nightly recurrence of it blinds us to the fact. Sleep is as imperative for our physical well-being--as is food and drink. Sleep is as much the gift of our heavenly Father, as is the other.

When it so pleases Him, God withholds sleep--and then we have to say with the Psalmist, "You kept my eyes from closing." Psalm 77:4. But that is the exception rather than the rule--and deeply thankful should we be that it is so. Day by day the Lord feeds us--and night by night, "He gives His beloved sleep."

We should perceive the gracious hand of God ministering in tenderness to all of our daily needs. He is mindful of our frailty--and tempers His dealings with us accordingly. He is aware when our energies are spent, and graciously renews our strength and mercifully refreshes our bodies with sleep.

Alas, how little are we affected by the Lord's goodness and grace unto us. The unfailing recurrence of His temporal and spiritual mercies--incline us to take them for granted. So dull of understanding are we, so cold our hearts Godward--it is to be feared that most of the time we fail to realize whose loving hand it is, which is ministering to us.

Is not this the very reason why we do not begin to really value our health--until it is taken from us? It is not until we spend night after night tossing upon a bed of pain--that we perceive the worth of regular sleep with which we were formerly favored. And such vile creatures are we, that when illness and insomnia come upon us, instead of improving the same by repenting of our former ingratitude--we murmur and complain at the hardness of our present lot, and wonder what we have done to deserve such treatment!

O let those of us who are still blessed with good health and regular sleep--not fail to daily return thanks for such privileges, and earnestly seek grace to use the strength from them to the glory of God!
 

"Let us thank God for common mercies--for they prove to be uncommonly precious, when they are once taken away!" Charles Spurgeon

   ~  ~  ~  ~ 

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
August 27, 2017

He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall [shall ye be, and as] a tottering fence. They only consult to cast [him] down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [is] from him. He only [is] my rock and my salvation: [he is] my defence; I shall not be moved. In God [is] my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, [and] my refuge, [is] in God. (Psalm 62:2-7)

Because of our incredible salvation in Christ, we can depend upon Him in times of turmoil and suffering. He alone is our refuge and strength as our soul silently waits in great expectation for His second coming. 

It will even make the cross of Christ into a pedestal on which to erect its deformed visage!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Octavius Winslow, "Eminent Holiness Essential to an Efficient Ministry" 1843)

An attribute in the formation of an elevated standard of ministerial holiness--too essential and important to be overlooked--is a growing humbleness of mind.

Where is the spiritual minister of Christ who has not detected the latent existence, and who has not had to struggle against--the secret workings of the sin of pride? It is so insidious and powerful a sin--and is so exhilarating in the sensations it produces--that few are more liable to be enamored by its fair exterior, and ensnared by its specious and seductive form--than the minister of the gospel! And yet, pride is an evil more calculated to feed as a cankerworm at the root of his ministry! A sin more loathed of God, against which His denunciations are more severely recorded, on which His wrath has more signally and fearfully fallen--is not found to exist! Pride originated the first form of evil that ever existed--and it constitutes, at this moment, the great center of rebellion against God on earth!

Thus, the identical sin which we find to form so impregnable a stronghold of Satan in the hearts of the unregenerate, and which has so sadly wounded the peace, retarded the prosperity, and deformed the beauty of Christ's Church--is the sin most rife in our own bosoms!

Its classifications are many. Among them may be specified the pride of office, the pride of denomination, the pride of knowledge, the pride of talent, the pride of scholarship, the pride of influence, the pride of orthodoxy, the pride of eloquence, the pride of pulpit, the pride of platform, the pride of success, and the pride of applause.

Pride is a protean evil--assuming a thousand varied and opposite forms! It will insinuate itself into the most spiritual and solemn of our services. There is no soil so holy--in which its root will not strike. There is no employment so sacred--on which it will not engraft itself. It will even make the cross of Christ into a pedestal on which to erect its deformed visage! Yes, while exalting Jesus--we may be found but exalting ourselves! And while exclaiming, "Behold the Lamb of God!"--we may be but veiling His true glory behind our insignificant persons; virtually exclaiming, "Behold my talents, my eloquence, and my zeal!" We are often guilty of the awful sin of self-exaltation--while setting forth the person, work, glory, and humiliation of the Son of God!

Is there not in us, my brethren, a manifest deficiency of the humble, self-annihilating spirit of the divine Master whom we serve--and whom it should be our aim and glory to resemble? In maintaining our position in the Church--may there not be a lofty deportment, an air of self-sufficiency and importance--utterly at variance with the "mind that was in Christ Jesus"? Is there not an unholy ostentation, and a desire for self-promotion--in much that we do for Christ?

Is there not . . .
  an eagerness for preferment to influential and wealthy churches,
  a fondness for conspicuousness of place,
  a shrinking from fields of labor where no laurels are to be won,
  a thirsting for human applause,
  a studied aim after popularity,
  a trimming policy designed to please the world,
  a trumpeting of our own fame, and
  a vaunting parade of our own success?
We have plucked the crown from Christ's head--and placed it on our own! In setting forth Christ's infinite glory, and His deep abasement and sufferings--we have turned it into an occasion of pride and self-exaltation!

Instead of inquiring, "Who shall be most lowly--the most like Christ--the least in the kingdom?" is it not, "Who shall be the greatest? Who shall stand upon the highest pinnacle of renown?"

Are we not, in many or in all these points--truly guilty before our God?

And yet how much is there in us, if soberly and frequently pondered--calculated . . .
  to abase our pride,
  to repress our aspirings of vanity,
  to rebuke our self-adulation,
  and to lay us low in a low place?

Has not the cherishing of this sin of pride in our bosom--deeply grieved the Spirit? Is not the real secret . . .
  of our barren souls,
  of our ineffectual ministry,
  of our languishing churches,
  of our paralyzed efforts--
simply the sad but certain consequences of our accursed pride?

A holy ministry--is a humble ministry!

   ~  ~  ~  ~        

Hoekstra's Day by Day by Grace (August 26th)

More on the Most Precious Promise of Shared Life

By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature…Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (2 Peter 1:4 and John 15:4-5)

This promise of shared life is so "exceedingly great and precious" that we would do well to consider it further. Being "partakers of the divine nature" (without becoming divine ourselves) is a difficult concept to grasp. The Scriptures clearly invite us to live day by day through Christ sharing His life in us. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). Yet, how to walk in this truth can seem quite elusive. In His teaching on the vine and the branches, Jesus provided a wonderful physical illustration of this tremendous spiritual reality.

Jesus' visible example involves actual grapevines, grape branches, and the grapes that can potentially result. For grapes to grow, the appropriate life source must be accessed by the branches. The grape branches do not have this life in themselves. "The branch cannot bear fruit of itself." In order to bear grapes, the grape branch must share in the life of the vine. "The branch cannot bear fruit… unless it abides in the vine." This can be irrefutably demonstrated by separating a grape branch from its vine. No grapes can ever be produced on the branches, if the life of the vine is not flowing through the branches. The life of the vine is essential.

The spiritual application specifies Jesus as the vine and us as the branches. "I am the vine, you are the branches." For Christlike fruit to develop in us, the appropriate life source must be accessed by us. We branches do not have this life in us: "neither can you [bear fruit], unless you abide in Me." This truth is lamentably demonstrated daily by Christians who live self-sufficiently, not depending upon the life that is in Jesus, the vine. "Without Me you can do nothing." Day by day Christian living is only possible by the shared life of Jesus at work through us.

Once again, we are reminded that humility and faith are the practical application for living as God intends. We must humbly depend upon Jesus for true fruitful living, just as grape branches must depend upon their vine for grapes.

Dear Lord Jesus, I thank You that I do not have to produce true life in and of myself. Teach me to live by Your shared life. I want to humbly and dependently abide in You, that You might live in and through me, for Your glory, Amen.

The worldling's Bible!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Charles Spurgeon)

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven." Matthew 5:16

The worldling's Bible is the Christian. He never reads the Book--but he reads the disciple of Christ, and he judges the Christian religion by the lives of its professors!

The world does not read the Bible--the world reads Christians!

"For it is God's will that by doing good, you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men!" 1 Peter 2:15

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:1-2

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
August 25, 2017

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12)

The end is near! The time of our final victory in Christ is upon us! He is coming soon and with His coming, the doom of sin, the doom of evil, and the doom of death itself! Praise be! Praise be! Praise be! 

He would save you from disappointment, sorrow and woe!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(James Smith)

"Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils." Isaiah 2:22

Never trust in man--for his heart is deceitful.

Never expect satisfaction from from man--for he is an empty cistern.

Never follow man--for he is a false guide.

Do not trust even in a friend. One object of trust is enough--Jesus has all you need.

If you neglect this loving direction--then you may expect to suffer.
But if you walk by it--then your peace will be a river, and your soul will be like a well-watered garden.

He cautions you--because He loves you.

He knows what is in man--you do not.

He would save you from disappointment, sorrow and woe!

"Cursed is the one who trusts in man--who depends on flesh for his strength!" Jeremiah 17:5

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord--whose confidence is in Him!" Jeremiah 17:7

"O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You!" Psalm 84:12

"In You, O Lord, I have put my trust!" Psalms 71:1

   ~  ~  ~  ~       

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)

Reflection

No circumstance is too demanding or trivial for God. As believers, we have the ability to gain wisdom from the Creator of the universe as we continue through this life. If at any time we need direction or guidance we can ask God and He will lead us in the ways of righteousness. 

The fruitful branch!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Francis Bourdillon)

"He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit." John 15:2A

But the gardener does something to the fruitful branch also: "While every branch that does bear fruit--He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." John 15:2B

He is not content with a little fruit from it--he wants more. So he takes his knife and prunes it--and that not once only, but again and again. Not roughly or hastily--but with great skill and care, that it may bear as much fruit as possible.

Does not this show us the meaning of our afflictions? God is the Gardener of souls. What is He doing when . . .
  He sends sore trouble on the Christian,
  or lays him on a bed of sickness,
  or takes away his comforts,
  or removes some who were very dear?
What is the meaning of this? God has taken the pruning-knife in hand, and is pruning the branch that it may bring forth more fruit.

People are sometimes surprised at seeing trouble fall on the godly--and not on the wicked. But this parable explains it quite plainly. The godly man is a fruit-bearing branch; he is joined by faith to Christ, the true Vine, and does already bear fruit. But God, the heavenly Gardener, desires more fruit--and therefore prunes him by means of affliction.

It may be a sharp pruning knife that He makes use of--and He has sharpened it for the very purpose. But it is not too sharp. In His wise and gracious hands--it will do its work well. The Christian will rise from his sick-bed, or come forth from the house of mourning, all the better for God's dealing with him--more humble, more spiritually-minded, more sober-minded, more zealous and in earnest. Henceforth the world will be less to him--and his Savior more precious to him.

Cannot every Christian, who has been under God's pruning-knife--bear witness to the gentle firmness with which it has been used? There is no weakness or wavering in God's dealings--yet no roughness. There is no lack of decision, no half-work--yet no rashness, no mistake.

The gardener's hand may make a slip--and he may cut too deep, or cut where he did not mean to cut. Not so with the hand of God. When He takes the knife, He uses it . . .
  with perfect firmness,
  with unerring wisdom, and
  with tender and compassionate love.
He will make no slip.
He will not cut too deep.
He will give no needless pain.
He will take away no comfort that would better have been left.

Sometimes the gardener adds an ointment to the place where the cut has been made--lest the branch should "bleed" too much, as they say.

Just so, God is always ready to apply a healing ointment to the wounds which He makes.
Oh, what comfort He sends in trouble!
Oh, what soothing, heavenly thoughts!
Oh, what a sense of His love!
Oh, what answers to prayer!
Oh, what grace and peace--what thankfulness and love!
These are His precious ointments. This is how He binds up the wounds which He has made.

Do not shrink from your Father's hand--even though the knife is in it! Trust Him, love Him. He will do all wisely, tenderly, faithfully. Let it be your heart's desire to abide more closely to Christ, and to bring forth more fruit to the glory of God.

   ~  ~  ~  ~ 

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also. (John 14:2-3)

Reflection

Right now, Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven! And someday He will come to take us to that place. How glorious will that day be when we behold with open face the beautiful majesty of our Lord! 

Charles Haddon Spurgeon :: Morning and Evening

August 22nd — Morning Reading

"I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love." — Song of Songs 5:8

Such is the language of the believer panting after present fellowship with Jesus, he is sick for his Lord. Gracious souls are never perfectly at ease except they are in a state of nearness to Christ; for when they are away from Him they lose their peace. The nearer to Him, the nearer to the perfect calm of heaven; the nearer to Him, the fuller the heart is, not only of peace, but of life, and vigour, and joy, for these all depend on constant intercourse with Jesus. What the sun is to the day, what the moon is to the night, what the dew is to the flower, such is Jesus Christ to us. What bread is to the hungry, clothing to the naked, the shadow of a great rock to the traveller in a weary land, such is Jesus Christ to us; and, therefore, if we are not consciously one with Him, little marvel if our spirit cries in the words of the Song, "I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, tell Him that I am sick of love." This earnest longing after Jesus has a blessing attending it: "Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness"; and therefore, supremely blessed are they who thirst after the Righteous One. Blessed is that hunger, since it comes from God: if I may not have the full-blown blessedness of being filled, I would seek the same blessedness in its sweet bud-pining in emptiness and eagerness till I am filled with Christ. If I may not feed on Jesus, it shall be next door to heaven to hunger and thirst after Him. There is a hallowedness about that hunger, since it sparkles among the beatitudes of our Lord. But the blessing involves a promise. Such hungry ones "shall be filled" with what they are desiring. If Christ thus causes us to long after Himself, He will certainly satisfy those longings; and when He does come to us, as come He will, oh, how sweet it will be! 

What are these Christians doing on Satan's ground?

  ~  ~  ~  ~

(James Smith)

"What are these Hebrews doing here?" 1 Samuel 29:3

David's men wanted to mingle with the Philistine army--this was decidedly wrong.

It is always wrong when God's people unite with the world, contrary to His holy Word.

We may ask, "What are these Christians doing here?" What are they doing--joining with the world? Their Master has told them to "Come out from among them and be separate! Touch no unclean thing!" He has said, "Arise and depart, for this is not your rest--because it is defiled, it is ruined, beyond all remedy!" What are these Christians doing out of the path of duty--or by their presence, sanctioning sin?

God has said, "Be holy--for I am holy." What are these Christians doing on Satan's ground? They are in the enemy's ranks? Do they intend to leave Jesus--and go back to the world? Are they  . . .
  tired of His company,
  set against His Word, and
  determined to throw off His yoke?

Do they intend to share in . . .
  the slavery of Satan,
  the sinner's doom,
  the wrath of God?

What are these Christians doing here? Their conduct is . . .
  unnatural,
  degrading,
  traitorous!

Christian! you should . . .
  keep the company of Jesus,
  walk with holy people, and
  keep yourselves unspotted from the world!

"The Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins--to rescue us from the present evil age!" Galatians 1:3-4

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Universal nonsense!

  ~  ~  ~  ~

"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." John 10:11

"You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

Where does the Word of God proclaim . . .
  an atonement that doesn't atone,
  a redemption that doesn't redeem,
  a deliverance that doesn't deliver,
  a ransom that doesn't set free,
  a Savior who doesn't save?

Nowhere!

Universal redemption is no redemption at all!

Universal redemption is universal nonsense!

"Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her" Ephesians 5:25

"I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!" Galatians 2:20

   ~  ~  ~  ~ 

Day by Day by Grace

Bob Hoekstra
August 21, 2017

A Precious Promise of God's Completing Work

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

Now, we return to the category we are calling "precious promises." (2 Peter 1:4). Here we have a priceless one concerning God's commitment to complete in us the wonderful work of salvation that He began at our new birth.
If our faith is in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, God has started a tremendous saving work on our behalf: "He who has begun a good work in you."
He has made us new creatures in His Son. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). He has supplied us with immeasurable heavenly resources. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). What a grand work has been started in us. Yet, God's saving work is "so great a salvation" (Hebrews 2:3). Thus, whatever He has already accomplished in us is only a part of the whole. Wherever we are in this glorious process, there is some completing work that God desires to do. He wants to bring into our understanding, our character, and our daily experience more of that which is fully ours in Christ.
Furthermore, our God wants us to be confident concerning this matter: "Being confident of this very thing." As noted in our previous meditation, God does not want people living in self-confidence. That misplaced trust is just another form of pride. This does not mean that we Christians are to be without confidence in our lives. It does mean that all of our confidence is to be placed in the Lord. "And we have such trust [confidence] through Christ toward God" (2 Corinthians 3:4). Our Lord wants us to have strong assurance in Him that He will complete this work in us.
Also remember, God's saving work is completed within our lives: "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it." The Lord has established an eternal position for us with Him in heavenly places: "and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6). Yet, He wants to effect a godly walk for us here on earth. "Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called" (Ephesians 4:1). This walk is not based upon human theories of behavior modification. Our Lord Himself develops this in and through our hearts. "Now may the God of peace…make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight" (Hebrews 13:20-21).

Dear Lord, I long to walk in more of the reality of that which is mine in Christ. Thank You for these words that build my confidence in You. I humbly repent of my self-confident attempts to do what only You can do. I look to You anew and alone! Amen.

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 August 20, 2017            Newsletter Number 633 Brother Randy Johnson, Pastor                   Brother James Thomas, 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.”

Please Join Us As We Pray For: All of Our Military, Their Family’s & All the Civilian Workers in The Middle East, Zee Mink Fuller and Family, Her son’s Bryan Armstrong and Hunter Hackie, Daughter Shannon, and Brother Philip & Sondra Thornsberry,  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 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, Gina, Brother Kelley and Sister Hinson, The Harris Family, Teresa Bookout, Little Titan Thomas (Trent and Tiffane Thomas child), James – Diane and Brooke Thomas, Jace Fails, Steve Sparks, Sister Ann McSwain, Elaine Sparks, James daughter’s mother-in-law, David Leman, Danny Hammond,  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: It Is Un-Christian Like To Offend Other Christians.  “Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” 1 Corinthians 8:13 I know the context of this scripture, and while I am not going to write about the context in general, my article will involve its context. While the thought is about whether or not to eat meat, it is also about offending other believers. It fears me that for longer than I have been born and certainly a Christian, that believers have been offending each other when it is wrong to do so. It is fine to offend one in the truth, but as Christians we should not do something to offend other Believers in Jesus Christ. We have for too long allowed things in this world to separate ourselves as Christians. I find a lot of “Ministers” who dislike me because we do not agree 100%, but the question I have for those Brethren is, “what if I am right and you are wrong”? We must be very careful in how we offend other Believers, because offending another Believer is just like offending Jesus Christ. Matthew 18:6 “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” If you remember Jesus asked Saul Of Tarsus, “And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”  Acts 9:5 Saul offended Jesus by persecuting His church. You can dig as deep as you please and you will always find that it is wrong to offend other believers, and with this warning we must be careful. Secondly, we must remember our duty as Believers in Jesus Christ is to glorify Him and not ourselves. Our Master has told us not to love this world or the things in is. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15 We must understand this world and all that is in it is useless to God and will be burnt and destroyed for its sinfulness. That is because God has no use for it. Third, if we put the two thoughts together we will come to the sum that we have been desperately wrong. Far too long, Believers have sought ways of separation. We have allowed the color of our skin to separate us, we have allowed small difference in doctrine to separate us, and we allow location and nationality to separate us. As Christians, we must think about other Christians before ourselves. I believe if Christians look for ways to love one another then we will look for less ways to separate from each other. I believe in the American Churches we have for too long allowed Racism to divide us as we do today. There is not difference between a black believer or a red believer, of a yellow believer, or a white believer, or any shade of believer in between. As Pastor, I allow believers as well as sinners to attend our church, and I allow any of God’s children to also join our church that is scripturally able. We are all one in Jesus Christ and all “in Christ”, God’s children. With this all said, Christians should not do or support things that offend other believers, especially if it causes them pain in their heart and causes them to sin. Things of this world are just things, they are not important enough to offend my brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus said, "But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth." Luke 11:17 If a family is divided it will fall, if a church is divided it will fall, if Christians are against each other they will fall into sin. Humility and graciousness is what we as believers need, we need to think about others before ourselves, we need to put the feelings of others before ourselves. We need to love one another because we all have the Spirit of Jesus Christ within our hearts. Thank God one day, the unity of believers will be what God calls for it to be.

It Is Right To Practice Biblical JudgmentBy E. L. Bynum    One of the most misused verses in the Bible is, ''Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matt. 7:1). Every Scripture verse should be read in its context, if we are to properly understand the true meaning. In vs. 2-5 of this same chapter it is evident that v. 1 is referring to hypocritical judgment. A brother who has a beam in his own eye should not be judging the brother who may have a mote in his eye. The lesson is plain, you cannot judge another for his sin if you are guilty of the same sin.    Those who cling to "Judge not, that ye be not judged, " to condemn those who expose error should read the entire chapter. Jesus said, ''Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing... " (v. 15). How can we know false prophets unless we judge them by the Word of God? If we know the false prophets, how can we fail to warn the sheep of these "ravening wolves?" All through the Bible we find proof that they should be identified and exposed.    "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles ? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit" (vs. 16,17). Did the Lord mean that we could not judge the tree (person), by the fruit of their life and doctrine? Certainly not, for you cannot know without judging. All judgment should be on the basis of Bible teaching, not according to whims or prejudices.    ''Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24). Here our Lord commands that we are to "judge righteous judgment, " which is judgment based upon the Word of God. If judgment is made upon any other basis, other than the Word of God, it is a violation of Matt. 7:1. Webster's Dictionary says that a judge is "one who declares the law." The faithful Christian must discern or judge on the basis of God's inspired law, the Bible.    A fornicator is described in I Cor. 5 :1-13. Paul "judged" (v.3) the man even though he was absent, and he told the Church at Corinth that they were to "judge" (v.12) those that were within. The Greek word for "judge" is the same here as in Matt. 7:1. Paul did not violate "judge not, that ye be not judged," in judging the man, nor in instructing the Church to judge also. All of this judgment was according to the Word of God.    A person who is able to discern between good and evil, has at least one of the major marks of spiritual maturity. "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil " (Heb. 5:14). W.E. Vine says of the meaning of discern, "a distinguishing, a clear discrimination, discerning, judging; is translated 'discerning' in I Cor. 12:10 of discerning spirits, judging by evidence whether they are evil or of God." Strong also agrees that it means to judge.    Those who are unwilling or incapable of discerning or judging between good and evil are in this manner revealing either their disobedience or their immaturity.

We cannot fathom the horrors of that dismal dungeon of lost souls!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Charles Spurgeon)

If we give any description of the doom of the impenitent which is at all true to God's Word, those who reject the Scriptures begin to cry out that we have borrowed it from Dante, or taken it from Milton! But the most awful and harrowing descriptions of the woes of the lost which ever fell from human lips, do not exceed or even equal the language of the loving Christ, Himself! Listen: "Depart from Me, you who are cursed--into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels!"

You and I can never imagine all the depths of Hell. Shut out from us by a black veil of darkness--we cannot fathom the horrors of that dismal dungeon of lost souls!

Happily, the wailings of the damned have never startled us, for a thousand tempests would be but a maiden's whisper--compared with one wail of a damned soul.

It is not possible for us to see the tortures of those souls who dwell eternally within an anguish which knows no alleviation. Our eyes would become sightless balls of darkness--if they were permitted for an instant to look into that ghastly shrine of torment!

Hell is horrible, for we may say of it: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man--to conceive of the horrors which God has prepared for those who hate Him!

SIN, indeed, is Hell--Hell in embryo, Hell in essence, Hell kindling, Hell emerging from the shell.

HELL is but sin when it has manifested and developed itself to the full!

Stand at the gates of Hell and understand how venomous is the disease for which Heaven's remedy is provided in the ignominious sufferings and death of the Only Begotten.

He is the true lover of men's souls--who does not deceive them! He who paints the miseries of Hell as though they were but little--is seeking to murder men's souls under the pretense of being their friend!

"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath--but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ!" 1 Thessalonians 5:9

   ~  ~  ~  ~ 

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
August 20, 2017

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)

Trust in the Lord, O son of righteousness, for He is worthy of your esteem. He is infinitely capable of caring for your needs and will always work even the most difficult of situations for benefit. Cast all your cares upon Him for He will be faithful to deliver you. Stand ever in your righteous hope in Christ and you shall not be moved. 

The bags will come to an end, long before the treasure is exhausted!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Charles Spurgeon)

"If a wealthy and mighty king should open his treasure, and bid men come and bring their bags, and take as much as they would--do you think they would neglect this occasion of gain? Surely not! They would run and fetch bag after bag, and never cease. Thus does the Lord act toward us with His grace."

He makes over all His fullness to His people, and says, "All is yours!" We are not straitened in Him. The bags will come to an end, long before the treasure is exhausted!
 
Let us come, then, to the throne of grace with enlarged desires and widened expectations! The Lord does not stint us--why should we put ourselves upon scanty fare? He says, "Eat and drink, yes, drink abundantly, O beloved!" Why, then, do we sit at the table and starve, or rise from it hungry? Let us by faith, drink of the abundance of the sea of grace, and partake largely of the hidden treasure which the Lord has laid up for us!

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need!" Hebrews 4:16

   ~  ~  ~  ~ 

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
August 19, 2017

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; (Ephesians 2:14)

The unity in Christ is far beyond that which men might craft. It is promised that all Abraham's seed, both Jew and Gentiles alike, are truly of one body-a body of faith! Love your brothers in Christ. Leap to aid each other even as Christ Himself leapt to save you-at His own peril. This is the Gospel. 

Shall we refuse to give unto God's children this valuable bread, merely because dogs snap at it!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Arthur Pink)

"Not only that, but Rebekah's children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad--in order that God's purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls--she was told, "The older will serve the younger." Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." Romans 9:10-13

We ask the reader--ought not the doctrine of election to be plainly and freely proclaimed?

If God's Word is full of it,
if the gospel cannot be Scripturally preached without it,
if the grace of God cannot be maintained when it is suppressed,
if the proclamation of it abases man into the dust,
if it is a divinely appointed means of faith,
if it is a powerful incentive unto the promotion of holiness,
if it stirs up the spirit of praise in the soul,
if it establishes the Christian in his eternal security,
if it is such a source of stability to the child of God,
if it supplies encouragement to praying souls,
if it works in us a sweet submission to the divine will--
then shall we refuse to give unto God's children this valuable bread, merely because dogs snap at it!
Shall we withhold from the sheep this vital ingredient of their food--simply because the goats cannot digest it!

   ~  ~  ~  ~ 

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
August 18, 2017

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (Revelation 3:19)

Praise be to our ever-loving Father that He will always be faithful to chasten His children to correction. His discipline is of a caring love toward us-it is for our benefit, gracious and merciful. The Lord wants what is best for us and kindly prompts us to return to Him. Praise the Lord for His involvement. 

The Sympathy of Christ!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Francis Bourdillon)

"We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are" Hebrews 4:15

In all our infirmities and troubles of every kind--in pain and sickness, in poverty and need, in anxiety and grief--Jesus has a sympathetic heart for us. Is not this comforting? Does it not cheer us in a time of suffering, when some kind friend comes in and sits down beside us and shows most plainly that though he is unable to help us, he does sincerely feel for us? How much more cheering it is to know that Jesus in Heaven sympathizes with us in all our troubles here below! Does not this thought, this blessed truth--take the edge off the sharpest suffering, and lift us for the time above our sorrows?

Jesus Christ Himself was afflicted when He was on earth. He is called a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. No sorrows were ever equal to His. We know that He was tired and hungry and sad. He was besides, the poorest of the poor--He had nowhere to lay His head. He led what would be called a very hard life.

Our greatest sufferings are light when compared with His. He had some afflictions which we cannot fully understand, as when He prayed in the garden, "If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me!" And as when He cried upon the cross, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me!" 

He can sympathize with the poor--because He was poor Himself.
He can sympathize with the sad--because He was a man of sorrows.
He can sympathize with all who suffer--because His own sufferings were so many and so great.

He was tempted; He was tried; He was afflicted; He went through what we have to go through--and much more. In this very world in which we live now--He lived and suffered; and therefore He can and does sympathize with His suffering people.

"He was despised and rejected by men--a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces--He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows--yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace, was upon Him--and by His wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:3-5

   ~  ~  ~  ~ 

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
August 17, 2017

For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. (Isaiah 57:17-18)

Though the whole of mankind stands corrupted and damnable before the majesty of the Lord God Almighty, even so He promises to choose out for Himself a special people. Ever will He heal His dear children! In spite of their hearts of malice and stone, the Lord will be faithful to renew them and cause them to become the bearers of life eternal. Praise God that we who believe have received such mercy as this! 

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
August 16, 2017

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

God's grace is greater than our weakness. When we admit our weaknesses then more of Christ's strength can be manifested in us. We are used more when we are made less. 

Our clumsy hands!

  ~  ~  ~  ~

(J.R. Miller)

"I do not practice what I want to do--but I do what I hate!" Romans 7:15

Think of the brokenness, the incompleteness, the littleness--of these lives of ours!

We get glimpses of beauty in character--which we are not able to attain!
We have spiritual longings--which seem to us too great ever to come true.
We dream of things we want to do--but when we try to work them out, our clumsy hands cannot put them into realizations!

We have glimmerings of a love that is very rich and tender, without a trace of selfishness, without envy or jealousy, without resentment--a love which does not seek its own, nor is not provoked, and bears all things. We get the vision from the life of Christ Himself. We say, "I will learn that lesson of love--I will be like that!" But we fail.

We strive to be sweet-spirited, unselfish, thoughtful, kind--but we must wet our pillow with tears at the close of our marred days, because we cannot be what we strive to be! We have glimpses of an inner peace which is very beautiful. We strive after it strive with intense effort--but do not reach it!

So it is in all our living. Life is ever something too large for us. We attain only fragments of living. Yet take heart, "The desire of the righteous shall be granted!" Proverbs 10:24

"We know that when He appears--we shall be like Him!" 1 John 3:2

   ~  ~  ~  ~ 

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible
August 15, 2017

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matthew 5:12)

Truly the child of faith should rejoice in His persecution for in it, he shall find union with Christ! O what beautiful, grim mystery that we, the church, should find our identity in the death of Christ-and by being found in His death we shall likewise be found in His resurrection! Rejoice! And live!