My friend, how is it with you?

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(James Smith, "Paul's Seven Wishes" 1856)

"That Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain!" Philippians 1:20, 21

Paul's third all-absorbing desire was to MAGNIFY Christ!

Paul desired to exhibit and exalt Christ!
If he wrote--he wrote of Christ.
If he spoke--he spoke of Christ.
If he suffered--he suffered for Christ.
If he sorrowed--it was because professors dishonored Christ.

Christ was to him dearer than the apple of his eye--and more precious than all things in earth or Heaven! He would live--if he could honor Jesus; or he would die for Him--if that would honor Him more.

He felt his obligation to Christ.
He was inflamed with Christ's love.
He was a sacrifice on Christ's altar.
He was a vessel for Christ's honor.
He would go anywhere, he would do anything--if he might but honor Christ. Heartily he would say, "Let the name of Paul perish, if the name of Christ can be magnified thereby!"

To him Christ was, in fact, all and all. He died for Christ; the honor of Christ was the end for which he laid down his life.

My friend, how is it with you?

Does your heart cry, "Oh, that I could honor Christ!"

Does your life make this impression on others: "That person aims to honor Christ!"

Is it your daily cry and prayer: "Let Christ be magnified in me, by me, and through me--in life, in death, in time, and forever!"

Oh my soul, let it be my constant desire and prayer--that Jesus, my Jesus, may be magnified by me!

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My friend, I know not what your trouble may be

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

"If I were you--I would seek unto God! I would lay my cause before Him!" Job 5:8

This is sound advice. It is much better than . . .
seeking unto men, or
poring over troubles, or
indulging a gloomy imagination, or
giving way to fears.

My friend, I know not what your trouble may be--but "If I were you--I would seek unto God!"

If I was in perplexity--I would seek unto God for wisdom.

If I was in sorrow--I would seek unto God for comfort.

If I was in weakness--I would seek unto God for strength.

If I was under guilt--I would seek unto God for pardon.

If I was in a severe conflict--I would seek unto God for victory.

If I was in doubt and fear--I would seek unto God for confidence and a sense of His favor.

If I was harassed by Satan--I would seek unto almighty God for protection.

If I was afraid of falling--I would seek unto God to uphold me with His omnipotent arm.

If I was alarmed at death--I would seek for His presence to comfort me.

Whatever you need--seek it from God!

Whatever you fear--carry it to God!

Whatever troubles you--lay it before God!

You cannot seek unto Him in vain, or without profit!

"If I were you--I would seek unto God! I would lay my cause before Him!"

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