Daily Thoughts February 28, 2018

Acts 5:29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

When we eat an apple

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(Letters of John Newton)

"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11

Remember your exalted privilege--you have the Bible in your hands, and are not bound to follow books or preachers any farther than what they teach agrees with the Oracles of Truth. We have great reason to be thankful for the instructions and writings of spiritual men--but they are all fallible, even as ourselves.

One is our master, even Christ--what He says, we are to receive implicitly--but we do not owe implicit subjection to the best of our fellow-worms. The Bereans were commended because they would not implicitly believe even the Apostle Paul--but examined the Scriptures every day to see if what he said was true. May the Lord give us a spirit of humility and discernment in all things.

When we eat an apple--we first cut out the blemishes, then eat what is good, and lastly throw the core away. Such a rule I would observe in reading human authors--the best may be defective, and the wisest may be mistaken. We are not only permitted, but enjoined, to call no man master.

"Examine everything carefully--hold fast to that which is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

February 28, 2018

My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. (Psalm 63:8)

Praise the Lord that He lifts us up! When we are weak, it is then that He will be strong. Rely upon the Lord your God for He is your strength, defence, and guide in all your ways.

Daily Thoughts February 27, 2018

Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Daily Thoughts February 26, 2018

I Timothy 3:15  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

The love that surpasses knowledge!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Horatius Bonar, "The Chief Among Ten Thousand")

"To Him who loves us, and has freed us from our sins by His blood!" Revelation 1:5

The name of Him who loves us is not given, because it would be superfluous to state it. Only One could be meant. His is love like Himself . . .

  infinite,

  unchanging,

  never ending,

  yet free!

Love stronger than death or the grave--love that loves us . . .

  out of sin,

  out of the grave,

  out of Hell,

  into Heaven!

It is the love whose breadth and length, depth and height, are immeasurable--the love that surpasses knowledge!

"May you have the power to understand, as all God's people should--how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is!" Ephesians 3:18

"May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!" Ephesians 3:19

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Sovereign Grace Missionary Baptist Church

"Where The Truths Of God’s Word Have Been Taught For More Than Fifty-Six Years”

1217 Dillon Texarkana, Texas 75501

February 25, 2018          

 Newsletter Number 659

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, 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, Sister Ann McSwain, Elaine Sparks, James daughter’s mother-in-law, Danny Hammond, Jim and Linda Meier, Ronnie Elam, Bonnie From Ohio, Brother Dan Sullivan the work in Thailand, Brother Raul and the work in Romania, Bro. Sergey Mochalov and the Churches in Russia.

From Our Pastor:

Those That Have A Spiritual Ear, Listen to The Spirit.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:6

We just had a very long and deep study of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. In each of these churches the Lord ended with these words, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches”. Each time the Holy Spirit spoke God said to the Pastors of each church to listen. God said to listen to the Spirit which is the Holy Spirit. Not everyone has an ear to hear God speaking. If a soul is lost and without Christ, then they have no true idea what God is saying in His word. I cannot say this enough, and every time I do say it I get criticized, but God did not write the bible to lost people, He wrote it to His people. Lost people do not understand the simplest thing about salvation. When God says, “He that hath an ear, let him hear” He means to hear the scriptures and to hear the real and true meaning of them are. But it is not just that God wants us to hear the scripture, but He also wants us to react to what the scriptures conclude. God also said in Mark 4:9 “And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” See there are worlds of misinformation in the religious world called Christianity. The reason for the misunderstanding is for many reasons, maybe the teachers are lost, maybe the teachers simply teach lies, maybe the teacher doesn’t like the truth, but I think the reason for so much misunderstanding is teachers care to much about what people think of what they teach. Many teachers would rather teach a lie because it is easier to make lost people understand. Lost people hate the Sovereignty of God because it puts God in control of everything. Therefore, they just eliminate that teaching, changing it into a lie to glorify the lost person instead of God. But the most harmed by not listening to the Holy Spirit are the churches. Churches are required to follow the teachings of the scriptures, which was breathed by the Holy Spirit. It does not matter who penned the scriptures, but rather who’s word it truly is. The Holy Spirit does not have hands to write so He used men inspired by Him to write the words on paper. This concludes that we have the actual word of God and not the words of men. It is the churches who are accountable to God to hear the scriptures, that is to hear them with their spiritual ears. Since the people are the members of the churches that means her membership must hear the teachings of the scripture. Jesus spoke of the false teachers in Matthew 15:9 “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men…And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:” but we, churches of truth must hear and understand. That is to understand the Holy Spirit and what He says to the hearts of the membership. To understand, is to do, and to do is to hear. There are far too many Christians not understanding and doing the teachings of the bible.  It is not good enough to simply attend church and hear the Pastor or teacher, you must understand and react to what the Spirit says in the service. God said “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 this is by hearing, understanding, and reacting to the word of God. If churches fail to teach, listen, hear, understand, and react then they are failing to serve God. If they do not teach the truth, then they are failing to hear God. If they fail God, the Jesus Christ will remove the candlestick and they will no longer be a church. Hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches, because if we do not, we fail God.

Have you seen Jesus lately?

By Charles Spurgeon

"But they did not know who He was." Luke 24:16

The disciples ought to have recognized Jesus, they had heard His voice so often, and gazed upon that marred face so frequently, that it is amazing that they did not know Him. Yet is it not so with you also? Have you seen Jesus lately? You have been to His table—and you have not met Him there. You are in a dark trouble, and though He plainly says, "It is I—do not be afraid," yet you do not recognize Him. Alas! our eyes are blinded! We know His voice; we have looked into His face; we have leaned our head upon His bosom—and yet, though Christ is very near us, we are saying, "O that I knew where I might find Him!"

We should know Jesus, for we have the Scriptures to reflect His image. Yet how frequently we open that precious book—and have no glimpse of our Well-beloved! Dear child of God, are you in that state? Jesus walks through the glades of Scripture, and desires to commune with His people. Yet you are in the garden of Scripture—but cannot see Him, though He is always there!

Make it your prayer, "Lord, open my eyes—that I may see my Savior present with me!" It is a blessed thing to desire to see Him. But oh! it is better far to gaze upon Him! To those who seek Him—He is kind; but to those who find Him—He is precious beyond expression!.

The evangelistic monstrosity of the day!

By Arthur Pink

Alas, alas, God's way of salvation is almost entirely unknown today, the nature of Christ's salvation is almost universally misunderstood, and the terms of His salvation misrepresented on every hand. The "Gospel" which is now being proclaimed is, in nine cases out of every ten—but a perversion of the Truth! Tens of thousands, assured they are bound for heaven—are now hastening to hell as fast as time can take them!

It is the bounden duty of every Christian, to have no dealings with the evangelistic monstrosity of the day, to withhold all moral and financial support of the same, to attend none of their meetings, to circulate none of their tracts. Those preachers who tell sinners that they may be saved without forsaking their idols, without repenting, without surrendering to the Lordship of Christ—are as erroneous and dangerous as others who insist that salvation is by works, and that heaven must be earned by our own efforts!

Church News.

Just remember to pray for our church and her membership.

The Northside Baptist Church in Oakdale, La will host their annual Bible Conference on March 16, 17, and 18 Please attend if you can. 

In our eagerness to make converts

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(A.W. Tozer)

In our eagerness to make converts, I am afraid we have been guilty of using the techniques of modern salesmanship--which is of course to present only the desirable qualities in a product, and ignore the rest. We go to men and offer them a cozy home on the sunny side of the hill. If they will but accept Christ--then He will . . .

  give them peace of mind,

  solve their problems,

  prosper their business,

  protect their families and

  keep them happy all day long.

They believe us and come--and the first cold wind sends them shivering to some counselor to find out what has gone wrong; and that is the last we hear of many of them.

The teachings of Christ reveal Him to be a realist in the finest meaning of that word. Nowhere in the Gospels do we find Him making over-optimistic promises. He told His hearers the whole truth, and let them make up their minds. He never ran after the retreating form of an inquirer who could not face up to the truth--to try to win him with rosy promises.

He would have men follow Him, knowing the cost--or He would let them go their ways.

All this is but to say that Christ is honest. We can trust Him. He knows that He will never be popular among the lost world--and He knows that His followers need not expect to be. The wind that blows in His face will be felt by all who travel with Him, and we are not intellectually honest when we try to hide that fact from others.

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

February 25, 2018

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)

What an incredible promise! If we lack wisdom all we have to do is ask God and He promises to give it to us. He will not scold us for asking, for He gives it out freely!

My Prayer: Jesus, I am asking You, now, for Your wisdom. You have promised that you will freely give it and I trust in that promise!

Daily Thoughts February 24, 2018

Psalm 34:8  O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

February 24, 2018

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. (Micah 7:7)

Bolster your faith! Call out to the very Lord of the heavens for strength! He will surely hear you! Ask of Him a measure more of faith and He shall surely grant it. He is the Lord of all and delights in blessing His children with every good thing!

Daily Thoughts February 23, 2018

Colossians 2:2-3  That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

The epithet employed to designate the character of God's people

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(William Nicholson, "Fears Dispelled" 1862)

"Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob" Isaiah 41:14

The epithet employed to designate the character of God's people is "worm." This word is used to describe a base, weak, vile, and despised thing, "How much less man, who is but a maggot--a son of man, who is only a worm!" Job 25:6

(1.) This epithet implies baseness.

A worm is a creature of little worth;

its residence is the ground;

it has no beauty in it.

What is more contemptible than a worm?

Just so, man's origin as to his body, is the dust. In his fallen state, he is empty, having no good in him--and lighter than vanity. Sin has . . .

  degraded him,

  enervated his powers, and

  alienated his heart from God.

This baseness is frequently felt by Christians . . .

  when they think of the grandeur and glory of God,

  when they think of their sins and imperfections,

  when they think of their duties and trials, their ignorance, and their tendency to return to the dust from whence they came.

(2.) This epithet implies pollution. A worm is regarded as unclean. Its element is putrescence.

Just so, man is now degraded from his original dignity even below the brute creation! Yes, he has debased himself even unto Hell! "Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness--only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil!" Isaiah 1:4-6

Every Christian feels his tendency to pollution--he feels himself to be a worm.

(3.) This epithet implies danger. A worm is a creature frequently exposed to danger. Every foot is ready to crush it.

Just so, the body of man is liable to casualties--to death, sudden or protracted, from insignificant causes. And the precious soul of man is surrounded by danger--sin, the world, sinful pleasures, and Satan, are ready to crush it!

(4.) This epithet implies weakness. A worm is not able to make resistance, defend itself, or attack its opponent.

Just so, what resistance can a rebel sinner make against God! Ah! he is only a worm. "Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground!" Isaiah 45:9

What can a believer do against his enemies--the world, the flesh, and the devil--without Divine aid? Without it, he feels himself to be a worm.

"Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel--for I Myself will help you, declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel!" Isaiah 41:14

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This is the God whom we adore!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

  

(Letters of John Newton)

"I know that the Lord is great--that our Lord is greater than all gods. The Lord does whatever pleases Him--in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths!" Psalm 135:5-6

God rules all! And though He is concealed by a veil of second causes from common eyes, so that they can perceive only the means, instruments, and contingencies by which He works, and therefore think He does nothing; yet, in reality, He does all according to His own counsel and pleasure, in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth.

Who can enumerate all the beings and events which are . . .

  incessantly before His eye,

  adjusted by His wisdom,

  dependent on His will,

  and regulated by His power!

If we consider the heavens, the work of His fingers, the moon and the stars which He has ordained; if we call in the assistance of astronomers to help us in forming a conception of the number, distances, magnitudes, and motions of the heavenly bodies--the more we search, the more we shall be confirmed that these are but a small portion of His ways! Without His continual energy upholding them--they would rush into confusion, or sink into nothing! They are all dependent upon His power, and obedient to His command.

To come nearer home, and to speak of what seems more suited to our scanty apprehensions--still we may be lost in wonder. With respect to mankind, He reigns with uncontrolled dominion over every kingdom, family and individual. Before this blessed and only Potentate, all the nations of the earth are but as the dust upon the balance, and the small drop of a bucket--and might be thought (if compared with the immensity of His works) scarcely worthy of His notice! Yet here He presides, pervades, provides, protects, and rules! All changes, successes, and disappointments--all that is memorable in the annals of history, all the risings and falls of empires, all the turns in human life--take place according to His sovereign plan!

In Him His creatures live, move, and have their being. From Him, is their food and preservation. The eyes of all are upon Him; what He gives, they gather--and can gather no more! And at His word they sink into the dust!

There is not . . .

  a worm which crawls upon the ground,

   or a flower which grows in the pathless wilderness,

   or a shell upon the sea-shore--

but bears the impress of His wisdom, power, and goodness!

He preserves man and beast, sustains the young lion in the forest, feeds the birds of the air, which have neither storehouse or barn, and adorns the insects and the flowers of the field with a beauty and elegance beyond all that can be found in the courts of kings!

All things serve Him, and are in His hands--as clay in the hands of the potter. Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of saints!

This is the God whom we adore! This is He who invites us to lean upon His almighty arm, and promises to guide us with His unerring eye!

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Daily Thoughts February 22, 2018

Psalm 57:1-3  To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.

Daily Thoughts February 21, 2018

I Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

If Jesus had not been their Savior, their Shepherd, and their Shield!

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(John Newton)

The gracious purposes to which the Lord makes the sense and feeling of our depravity subservient, are manifold.

Hereby His own power, wisdom, faithfulness and love--are more signally displayed.

His power is displayed--in maintaining His own work in the midst of such opposition, like a spark burning in the water, or a bush unconsumed in the flames.

His wisdom is displayed in defeating and controlling all the devices which Satan--who, from his knowledge of the evil of our nature, is encouraged to practice his wily arts against us.

The unchangeableness of the Lord's love, and the riches of His mercy, are likewise more illustrated, by the multiplied pardons He bestows upon His people--than if they needed no forgiveness at all.

Hereby the Lord Jesus Christ is more endeared to the soul; all boasting is effectually excluded; and the glory of a full and free salvation is ascribed to Him alone.

After a long experience of their own deceitful hearts, after repeated proofs of their weakness, willfulness, ingratitude, and insensibility--they find that none of these things can separate them from the love of God--and Jesus becomes more and more precious to their souls. They love much--because much has been forgiven them.

They dare not, they will not ascribe anything to themselves, but are glad to acknowledge that they would have perished a thousand times over--if Jesus had not been their Savior, their Shepherd, and their Shield.

When they were wandering--He brought them back.

When they were fallen--He raised them.

When they were wounded--He healed them.

When they were fainting--He revived them.

In a word, some of the clearest proofs they have had of His excellence, have been occasioned by the mortifying proofs they have had of their own vileness. They would not have known so much of Him--if they had not known so much of themselves!

These are some of the advantages and good fruits which the Lord enables us to obtain from that bitter root, indwelling sin.

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Daily Thoughts February 20, 2018

II Corinthians 1:9-10  But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

I will uphold you with My victorious right hand!

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("Every Day!" Author unknown, 1872)

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

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

Just so, He who was the Helper of the great apostle--is the Helper of the feeblest child in His family, or the weakest lamb in His flock.

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

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

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

In the hour of your extremity, when human help avails nothing--then cling to Him, and listen to Him as He says,

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you!

 Do not be discouraged, for I am your God.

 I will strengthen you and help you.

 I will uphold you with My victorious right hand!" Isaiah 41:10

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

February 20, 2018

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. (Revelation 7:17)

Christ has made good His claim of being the good shepherd. He has led us from the land of death to the holy city, the great Mount Zion, to green pastures. He has led us to calm waters, to the river of life everlasting! He has been faithful to draw us from the valley of death and install us upon thrones of glory in the city of life!

Daily Thoughts February 19, 2018

Psalm 37:7  Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

February 19, 2018

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:11)

The Lord promises us that even in the midst of the tumultuous, He will ever guide and protect us. Praise the Lord that though He fills the entire universe and is greater in stature than the entire created cosmos, He still is the constant comfort and companion to His people! Though insignificant of ourselves, in God's sovereign plan and act of loving sacrifice, we are made as important as His Son's death. Rejoice and sing His praises!

Morning Devotional February 18, 2018

Lamentations 3:19-26

“19Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.

20My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.

21This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

22It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

24The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

25The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

26It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”

Praise God for the hope He has given us in His salvation of our souls!!! Praise God for His Word that reminds us of this hope!!!

Praise ye the Lord!!!

By Stephen McCool Sr.

THE PURPOSE OF GOD

By Elder Curtis Pugh (Now With The Lord)

    In Hebrews 2:10 the Bible speaks of God “bringing many sons unto glory.” This He is doing. He is not a failure: He is a success in spite of man's enmity against Him. That the mind of all natural born men is enmity against God is stated in Romans 8:7 in these words: “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Some people love religion. Others think to escape eternal punishment by being religious. Still others are convinced that God will give them health and wealth if they will be religious. And so while they have actually chosen religion, they think they have chosen God.

   The Bible clearly teaches that God is the one who elected (chose) whom He will save. The words “elect,” “election,” “choose,” “chosen,” etc. speaking of God's choice are found repeatedly in the Bible. One such place is Ephesians 1:4 which says: “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world...” The Bible is also clear that the purpose of God in choosing is unconditional. He did not choose people because He saw ahead of time that they would be good or believe or do anything. Romans 9:11 says, “that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth...” God chose whom He will save irrespective of what those sinners do. That is a truth that is hated by most people today, but it is the truth nevertheless.

   Paul wrote to Timothy about this same thing, saying, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” (2 Timothy 1:9). God's purpose and grace – called “the purpose of God according to election” - is to save spiritually dead sinners in spite of what they have done and not because of anything they have done. It is “not according to our works.”

   Sinners do a lot of things after God has regenerated them, but can do nothing to cause God to regenerate them. God causes them to experience godly sorrow and repentance. Paul wrote: “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death,” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Along with repentance comes faith in Christ. In Acts 20:21 Paul said those two things were what he preached: “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” He also wrote that God is the cause of these changes in sinners, saying, “he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ,” (Philippians 1:6). And again he wrote: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure, (Philippians 2:13). God accomplishes His purpose!In God's bright and glad tomorrow.

The Christian's compass and chart, by which he is steered safely over the tempestuous ocean of life!

  ~  ~  ~  ~

(William Nicholson, "God's Word, a Preservative Prom Sin" 1862)

"Your Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11

The Psalmist deposited the precepts and promises of God in his heart, and proved their value and efficiency . . .

  to preserve him from sin,

  to comfort him in trouble, and

  to cheer him in a dying hour.

Just so, Christians must "let the word of Christ dwell in them richly, in all wisdom"--which will preserve them from sin, and make them wise unto salvation.

The Word must be deposited in our hearts, woven into our natures--by carefully reading and meditating upon it. "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it." Joshua 1:8

The Word is the perpetual standard of all moral excellence. All its precepts tend to purity.

Its doctrines present the most powerful motives against sin.

When the Christian looks at the sufferings and death of the Redeemer . . .

  in His intense agony,

  in His bloody sweat,

  in His transfixing on the cross,

  in the desertion of His Father,

  in the endurance of the penalty of sin--

he sees in all these complicated and unparalleled sorrows, "the exceeding sinfulness of sin!"

Why is he redeemed? "Christ gave Himself for us--to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good!" Titus 2:14

Why is he regenerated? "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

Why is he adopted into God's family? But to bear the image of Him who adopts.

What is the tendency of all the doctrines of grace which he has received? "For the grace of God . . . teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age!" Titus 2:11-12

Why is he preserved? "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!" 1 Thessalonians 5:23. "But now He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation!" Colossians 1:22

Above all, when he contemplates the character of his Savior . . .

  His ardent love,

  His ineffable meekness,

  His profound humility, and

  His unexampled obedience--

he perceives such a bright constellation of virtues, that he is dazzled by their splendor, and longs and prays to be impressed with His image and likeness.

Thus the Word of God is hidden in his heart . . .

  as his counselor,

  as his guide,

  as his pattern!

The Word of God is the Christian's compass and chart, by which he is steered safely over the tempestuous ocean of life!

  ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

February 18, 2018

And he said, The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: [he is] my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. (2 Samuel 22:2-3)

My Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your protection, for being the Rock that I can stand on! Show me where I am to walk. You are so awesome and mighty! Thank you for Your great salvation.

Morning Devotional February 17, 2018

Jonah 2

1Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly,

2And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.

3For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.

4Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.

5The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.

6I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God.

7When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.

8They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

9But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.

10And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.”

What a wonderful story from God's Word!!! The man of God(Jonah) was running from God. God stopped him. God turned him around. God headed him in the direction He want him to go. God delivered Jonah to where He wanted him. All this without Jonah having a say or a choice or any input at all in what God had planned for him. Jonah clearly understood it was God working in his life. He clearly understood it was God who brought all this about and made it happen. And Jonah clearly understood it was because of his rebellion that God did things in the manner in which He did.

Yet we see later in this book that after God saved a great number of people through the preaching of Jonah, we see Jonah still in his rebellious state, unhappy about the results of God's Sovereign Grace on a wicked city.

O child of God, do we not see ourselves in this story? How many times are we used of God and yet we are discouraged by the results? Maybe the Lord's results are not what we wanted or expected. Maybe they aren't as impressive as another brothers. Maybe we expected God's destruction and tribulation on those who have committed, what we consider great sin. But instead God chose before the foundations of the earth to save that person or persons. God chose to make them our brother or sister. Just as He chose us for His good pleasure.

Child of God, we must glory in the salvation of others. No matter the sin they have committed. Have we forgotten we were once as they? Is it not by God's grace and mercy that we are not as they now?

Whether the Lord has chosen to save great numbers or to save very few, we are commanded to rejoice for these. If we love the Lord and His people as we claim we will rejoice in the salvation of souls no matter the numbers. We will rejoice in the blessings the Lord brings us and the blessings we see Him giving others no matter the number or the size of the blessings.

Just because a church or a mission work is small in number does not mean they are not being blessed. Nor does it mean they are not a light in their community and further. So is it the same if a church or mission work is large in number.

Praise God He uses small and large!!! Praise God He is still using us to minister and to reach His lost sheep!!! Praise God He from whom all blessings flow!!! Praise God all creatures here below!!!

Praise ye the Lord!!!

By Stephen McCool Sr.

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

February 17, 2018

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Ever blessed are those who put their trust in the strength of the Lord for He will bear them up. Labouring under the curse and by the sweat of his brow, man toils under a fell weight-and to his futility. Therefore, this promise of rest is a sure comfort to be felt by all of God's children. God, in His grace and beneficence, will bring all His people into an eternal Sabbath rest. No more, forever, need we worry that our work would be toilsome or labourious. His yoke is made easy and His burden made light-and so it is out of this rest that the child of the King will work joyfully for the welfare of the Kingdom. Praise the Lord for His ever-abounding goodness and mercy upon the saved!

Quote from A.W. Tozer

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The most godly Christian is the one who knows himself best.

No one who knows himself, will believe that he deserves anything better than Hell.

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Daily Thoughts February 16, 2018

John 17:24  Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

February 16, 2018

But the salvation of the righteous [is] of the LORD: [he is] their strength in the time of trouble. (Psalm 37:39)

Rely upon the Lord your God and He shall not fail you. His strength and goodness are without bounds. His care for you is unrelenting and He will assure your salvation from the evil ways. Trust upon His promise to save you and follow Him unto every good thing.

Daily Thoughts February 15, 2018

Do you think you can make it to heaven by your own righteousness?

Romans 3:10  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Galatians 3:21  Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

Romans 4:5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 10:4  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Galatians 2:21  I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Why the Cross?

   ~  ~  ~  ~

  

(Octavius Winslow)

True sanctification is a daily mortification of the root of sin in the heart--the continual destruction of the principle.

What is your predominant sin? Lay the axe at its root!

Seek its death and destruction--or it will be death and destruction to you, as long as it prevails.

One sight of a crucified Savior imparted by the Holy Spirit, will effectually weaken the power of indwelling sin--more than all other means combined.

O the might of the Cross!

O the virtue of the blood!

O the power of the grace of Jesus--to crucify, cleanse, and subdue our iniquities!

While the Cross is a comforting truth--it is also a sanctifying truth.

Why the Cross?

To evince the exceeding hatefulness of sin, and to show that nothing short of such a stupendous sacrifice could remove sin consistently with the glory of the Divine nature, and the honor of the Divine government.

When the mind is diverted from the Cross--sin appears to be a trifle. It can be . . .

  looked at without indignation,

  tampered with without fear,

  committed without hesitation,

  persisted in without remorse,

  gloried in without shame,

  confessed without sorrow.

But when Divine justice is seen drinking the very heart's blood of God's only Son, in order to quench its infinite thirst for satisfaction; when Jesus is seen in His humiliation, suffering, and death--all with the design of pardoning iniquity, transgression, and sin--then how fearful a thing does it seem to sin against this holy Lord God! How base, how ungrateful, does our sin appear--in view of love so amazing, of grace so rich, and of glory so great!

Cultivate a constant, an ardent thirst for holiness. Do not be discouraged if the more intensely the desire for sanctification rises--the deeper and darker is the revelation of the heart's hidden evil. The one is often a consequence of the other. The struggle may be painful, the battle may be strong--but the result is certain, and will be a glorious victory--victory through the blood of the Lamb!

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Daily Thoughts February 14, 2018

I Thessalonians 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Short pithy quotes from Adrian Rogers

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Our sins were the nails that nailed Him to that tree--and our hard hearts were the hammers that drove those nails!

    ~  ~  ~  ~

Reputation is what others think about you.

Character is what God knows about you.

    ~  ~  ~  ~

If you live for this world--then you are in the junk business. It's all just premature junk!

    ~  ~  ~  ~

Some people go to to Hell--with a chest full of Sunday school attendance pins!

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Anything you love more, fear more, serve more, or value more than God--is your idol!

    ~  ~  ~  ~

To be almost saved--is to be totally lost!   

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The devil would just as soon send you to Hell from the pew--as from the gutter!

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God is sovereign--so live confidently.

God is holy--so live reverently.

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Where God leads--He feeds.

Where God directs--He protects.

Where God guides--He provides.

    ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

February 14, 2018

And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:22-23)

May His name be exalted forevermore! Christ reigns with complete control over all of the earth and the heavenlies! From the vast universe to the individual lives of His church, all is under His excellent supremacy. In His unsearchable greatness, God supplies all things to His creation, and especially to His children. By His fullness, we have received grace upon grace and blessing upon blessing (John 1:16). Whether by heaven or earth, all things have been made whole by the precious blood of Christ Jesus.

Daily Thoughts February 13, 2018

Proverbs 11:13  A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Proverbs 16:28  A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

February 13, 2018

He maketh peace [in] thy borders, [and] filleth thee with the finest of the wheat. (Psalm 147:14)

My Prayer: I ask You, O God for our common safety. I ask You for the increase of your people. Please bless the children of our land. I ask You for the public tranquility, that we be delivered from the terrors and desolations of war. Make peace in our borders. Put an end to the wars that are, and prevent the wars that threaten. Make peace in all parts of our country, by composing differences among neighbors, and upon our borders, that we may not be attacked by invasions from abroad. I ask You for great plenty, the common effect of peace. Fill us with the finest of the wheat, for bread, which strengthens man's heart.

Daily Thoughts February 12, 2018

Mark 12:30-31  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

That my dear friend, is about the end of any nation!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Adrian Rogers)

"For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'If a man will not work--he shall not eat.' We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy--they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ--to settle down and earn the bread they eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

You cannot legislate the poor into freedom--by legislating the wealthy out of freedom.

What one person receives, without working for--another person must work for, without receiving.

The government cannot give to anybody--anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.

When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work, because the other half is going to take care of them; and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work, because somebody else is going to get what they work for--that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation!

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

February 12, 2018

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:4-5)

How miraculous our salvation! That Christ should die for such a wicked and deceitful people as we. What amazing grace! What abundant mercy makes its home in the nature of the Lord! Rejoice in your salvation, O believer, and live as you are-a true son of the Most High!

Daily Thoughts February 10, 2018

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

A life once spent, is irrevocable

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Adoniram Judson)

Of how much real happiness we cheat our souls--by preferring a trifle to God! We have a general intention of living a consecrated life--but we intend to begin tomorrow or next year. For the present moment, we prefer living for our trinkets, and say, "A little more sleep, a little more slumber." Well, a little more sleep--and we shall sleep in the grave! A few more days--and our work will be done. And when it is once done, it is done to all eternity.

A life once spent, is irrevocable. It will remain to be contemplated through eternity.

If it is marked with sins--the marks will be indelible.

If it has been a useless life--it can never be improved.

Such it will stand forever and ever.

The same may be said of each day. When it is once past, it is gone forever. All the marks which we put upon it--it will exhibit forever. It will always remain true--that such a day was spent in such a manner. Each day will not only be a witness of our conduct, but will affect our everlasting destiny. No day will lose its share of influence in determining where our place shall be in Heaven.

How shall we then wish to see each day marked with usefulness! It will then be too late to mend its appearance.

It is too late to mend the days that are past. The future is in our power. Let us, then, each morning, resolve to send the day into eternity in such a garb as we shall wish it to wear forever. And at night let us reflect that one more day is irrevocably gone, indelibly marked.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

The Lord is my Shepherd--I shall not want!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

("Every Day!" 1872)

"The Lord is my Shepherd--I shall not want!" Psalm 23:1

"I shall not want!" Surely not! He is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for His sheep; and if He has loved me, and given Himself for me--then what will He withhold?

Oh that I knew Him better, and trusted Him as He deserves! Then I would be kept quiet from fear of evil, and be ever assured that He will supply all my needs, according to His riches in glory.

Do I need guidance? The Good Shepherd goes before His sheep--He instructs and teaches us in the way we should go.

Do I wander--and need to be reclaimed? He seeks and finds His straying ones, "He restores my soul, and leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

Am I wounded? He binds up my wounds, and heals me.

Do I need rest and refreshment? "He makes me to lie down in green pastures, and leads me beside the still waters."

Do I need encouragement? "His rod and His staff, they comfort me."

Do I need provision? "He spreads a table before me in the presence of my enemies."

My Shepherd is infinitely wise and kind and gracious. Surely then, "Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever!"

"The Lord my Shepherd is,

 I shall be well supplied;

 Since He is mine, and I am His,

 What can I want beside?"

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Thoughts February 9, 2018

Isaiah 1:18  Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Morning Devotional February 8, 2018

John 17:3

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

Do you know Him? Do you claim to know Him or do you really know Him? Are you following the only true God? Or do you follow a god you have fabricated in your own mind? A god that suits your wants and not your needs?

If the Holy Spirit of God has come to you and is convicting you of your sin, then repent and follow Him.

If you have strayed, repent and follow Christ.

Leave the sin of self-wants and follow Christ. Our hope is in things above not on things here below. Follow Christ.

Praise the Lord!!!

By Stephen McCool Sr.

Daily Thoughts February 8, 2018

Galatians 2:20-21  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

February 8, 2018

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:6)

The good work to which Paul here refers is the work of salvation (from justification through our ultimate glorification). This is a work that God has accomplished for us and is faithfully working in us until the day of Christ. On that day our salvation will be consummated and brought to a completion because of God's faithfulness to keep His promise.

The Bibles of worldlings!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(Charles Spurgeon, 1889)

Newspapers are the Bibles of worldlings!

How diligently they read them!

Here they find . . .

  their law and profits,

  their judges and chronicles,

  their epistles and revelations!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Thoughts February 7, 2018

Psalm 16:5-7  The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

Daily Thoughts February 6, 2018

Romans 11:5-6  Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Daily Thoughts February 5, 2018

Genesis 22:1  And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

February 5, 2018

See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand. (Deuteronomy 32:39)

None may secure us away from the hand of the Lord! Or as the Apostle Paul proclaimed in Romans 8:38-39, neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Amen and amen.

Daily Thoughts February 2, 2018

Psalm 29 A Psalm of David. Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.

The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.

The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.

The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.

The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.

The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

So far as we attain to this--we are secure from disappointment!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(John Newton)

One of the greatest privileges and brightest ornaments of our profession, is a sweet acquiescence in the Lord's will--founded in a persuasion of His wisdom, holiness, sovereignty and goodness. So far as we attain to this--we are secure from disappointment!

Our own limited views and short-sighted purposes and desires--may be, and will be, often over-ruled. But then our main and leading desire, that the will of the Lord may be done--must be accomplished.

How highly does it befit us, both as creatures and as sinners--to submit to the appointments of our Maker! And how necessary it is to our peace!

This great attainment is too often unthought of, and overlooked. We are prone to fix our attention upon the second causes and immediate instruments of events--forgetting that whatever befalls us is according to His purpose, and therefore must be right and seasonable in itself, and shall be productive of good in the final outcome. From hence arise impatience, resentment, and secret repinings--which are not only sinful, but tormenting.

Whereas, if all things are in His hand; if the very hairs of our head are numbered; if every event, great and small, is under the direction of His providence and purpose; and if He has a wise, holy, and gracious end in view, to which everything that happens is subordinate and subservient--then we have nothing to do, but with patience and humility to follow as He leads, and cheerfully to expect a blessed outcome.

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

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

February 2, 2018

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

To those who do not know the saving grace of Christ, our actions and love for Him are foolishness. We who are saved know the power of God and have seen it work firsthand in our lives. It is not foolishness, but an amazing God with an incredible love for a worthless and sinful people.

Daily Thoughts February 1st, 2018

Psalm 28:7  The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Trials are medicinal!

  ~  ~  ~  ~

(John Newton)

Trials are medicinal. They are designed by God to correct or to restrain or to cure--the maladies of our souls.

Though He puts forth His hand, and seems to threaten our dearest comforts--yet when we remember that it is His hand, when we consider that it is His design, His love, His wisdom, and His power--we cannot refuse to trust Him!

Every affliction in the life of the believer--is designed by God and sovereignly implemented by Him.

"Before I was afflicted I went astray--but now I obey Your Word!" Psalm 119:67

"It was good for me to be afflicted--so that I might learn Your decrees." Psalm 119:71

"I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me." Psalm 119:75

Christ's suffering was punitive--the Christian's suffering is restorative.

The cup which Christ drank, was filled with Divine wrath--the cup of suffering which God calls His children to drink, is only medicinal to promote their chief good.

Like heavy weights on a grandfather clock--trials are necessary for the Christian life to operate properly.

God will allow nothing to grieve us--but what He intends to employ as means for our greater advantage.

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