Submission In Trial # 1
"Shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given Me?" (John 18:11).
It is very instructive to compare these words of our Lord Jesus with those spoken by Him in prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. There, bowed down beneath the weight of our transgressions, His soul was exceeding sorrowful even unto death. There He prayed fervently, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me - nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will."
Twice again does He pray the same words - yet not altogether the same. There is a shade of difference, though still the human will of our Lord shrinks from that which lies before Him. Now it is, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, may Your will be done."
But now after the thrice-offered prayer, after the strength imparted by the angel, the victory is fully won. There is no more shrinking. The human will of the Son is lost in the Divine will of the Father.
Then come the crowd of soldiers and servants, with swords and staves, lanterns and torches. Jesus rebukes the rashness of Peter in drawing the sword, and declares His perfect willingness to suffer and to die: "Put up your sword into the sheath! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?"
O let us consider the CONTENTS of that cup of which Jesus drank.
Every bitter ingredient was there, none was lacking. What bodily suffering and extreme weariness through pain did He endure! No limb of His sacred body, but had a share in the agony He bore.
Beyond this, what soul grief did He endure in the base ingratitude of a people whose every need and sorrow He had been ready to relieve!
What desolation of heart did He experience through...
the treachery of Judas,
the denial of Peter,
the desertion of the rest of His disciples!
What pangs must have rent His spirit when upon the Cross He heard the reproaches that were cast upon Him!
What darkness of soul did He pass through when He uttered the cry, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
Who can express, who can fathom one of these depths of untold woe?
Let us consider also, the OBJECT of our Lord in drinking this cup.
The object of our Lord in drinking this cup, was that He might empty at one draught that cup of wrath, which His people must forever have been drinking - and yet never have exhausted!
O blessed Jesus, in Your wondrous love You have taken the poison - that You may give to me the cup of salvation. You have drained to the very dregs that cup in which was the curse due to my sin - that You may give to me the cup of blessing, of peace, of everlasting life.
To my lips, You now hold the cup which is full to the brim of everlasting consolation! You give me Your Word so rich in promise and in hope. You grant to me in overflowing abundance pardoning mercy which can cover all my iniquity. You hold out to me the assurance that my strength shall be equal to my day, and that Your Spirit shall prepare me for Your presence in glory. Oh, how can I thank You enough for all this love of Yours!!
And now what is my cup of sorrow or suffering - compared to Yours? You, the sinless One - for me did drink the cup which was all bitterness. I, the sinful one, have my cup of trial mingled with so many mercies, so many alleviations. If I have pain and weariness to bear - have I not seasons of rest? Have I not the aid of medicine, and skillful advice to promote my recovery or to lessen my sufferings? Have I not those about me who love to minister to my needs? Have I not kind affection to be as a gleam of sunshine in the darkness? Or at least have I not His presence with me, who has promised that He will be my Eternal refuge, and underneath shall be His everlasting arms? And is it not a Father's hand that gives the cup? And may I not thus know that love has prepared it? "Whom the Lord loves, He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives."
And surely I need it, as the draught of healing - to cure the deep-rooted maladies of my soul.
Is there no pride in me that needs to be subdued - that I may be as a little child, content to be led by a Father's hand?
Is there not too much readiness to hearken to the siren voice of man's praise, that need to be cast out - that I may seek only the praise that comes from above?
Is there not too much carefulness as to this world's business and duties, that requires so to be brought under control, that I may realize continually that one thing is needful - to walk with God and to seek first His kingdom and righteousness?
Is there not too frequent forgetfulness of the Best Friend that must be so overcome that Jesus must be all my salvation and all my desire? And what will teach me these precious lessons - if it is not the days of adversity and trial? These cheerless and desolate days, these hours of bitter tears come not by chance - but are sent to us in divine faithfulness and love.
They come to lay us lowly, and humbled in the dust,
All self-deception swept away, all creature-hope and trust;
Our helplessness, our vileness, our guiltiness to own,
And flee for hope and refuge to Christ, and Christ alone!
They come to draw us nearer to our Father and our Lord,
More earnestly to seek His face, to listen to His Word,
And to feel, if now around us a desert land we see,
Without the star of promise, what would be darkness be!
We might take a very homely illustration of God's purpose in chastening His people. In agricultural districts it is very common after harvest to hear the burning sound of the threshing machine, and in passing by the allotment or cottage garden, to see the corn spread out and the laborer beating out the grain.
Remember that AFFLICTION IS GOD'S FLAIL - it is God's threshing season. The very word "tribulation" has this meaning. It is taken from a word signifying the wagon or roller with which the ancient beat out their corn.
~George Everard~
(continued with # 2)
A Proliferation of Christian Devotionals and Sermons
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Singing In Adversity # 2
Singing In Adversity # 2
Again Paul tells his experience in 2 Corinthians 7:4, "I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles, my joy knows no bounds." He tells why this is: "God, who comforts us in all our tribulation" (2 Corinthians 1:4). The comfort of God is wonderful. The satisfying, soul-delighting blessedness of it, can be known only by those who have gone deeply into the waters of tribulation. So many in times of trouble, are prone to feel that God does not care for them or to feel that they have offended him. Just when they need Him most, and just when He would be most ready to help - they cease to seek that help and feel they must meet their difficulties in their own strength without the help they so much crave.
Right here many are tempted to give up trying. They feel they are unable to overcome or to endure through to better days. They feel that God has forsaken them in their hour of need. Their feelings and their attitude shut them off from that help which God would delight to give them. It is just here that we need to face things squarely. We need to consider God as He is. We need to take a right view of our relationship with Him.
In the time of the child's need, a true and loving parent yearns with sympathy and with earnest desire to help. The heart of God is more tender than the heart of a mother. His love is stronger than any human love. In these times of tribulation and trouble, of sorrow or care, of anxiety or foreboding - we should remember that He is waiting to take us into His arms and to comfort us with that comfort which only He can give.
The clouds may seems to hide His face; He may seem far off - but He is not far off. The clouds may prevent us from seeing Him - but they do not prevent His seeing us. He does see us and He desires us to turn to Him for that support in trouble which we need in order that the heavy load may be borne. He desires that we confide in Him, and that we pour out our soul's bitterness and longing to Him. He expects us to act as men and women who trust Him. He expects us to use what strength we have. But beyond and above our strength, in His abundant strength and help ready to supply whatever deficiency there may be in us. He always sees the way out of our difficulties. He always knows just how much grace we must have. He always measures out to us the needed supply we must have.
No one has ever lived, who has not had his times of discouragement, heaviness, sorrow, and disappointment. Care and anxiety come to all. Unsaved people have to bear their own burdens, meet their own adversities, suffer their own sorrows - without help. They get through them in some way in their own strength, and we could do the same without divine help. There would always be a way that we could get through somehow. But God knows a better way than we know, and He will help us into that better way. He will give us the strength and fortitude necessary - if we only trust and go forward courageously.
James tells us, "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds." There is a way to do this. That way is the way Paul took. Paul looked behind the tribulations to the outcome. James exhorts us to do likewise. These tribulations all are fruitful. They are good for us. If we bear them as we should - then we shall look back upon them shortly and rejoice that God let them come.
Let us now look at Paul. It was midnight. He and Silas lay in a Philippian dungeon. Their feet were fast in the stocks. Their clothes were torn, their backs were bleeding from the many stripes that had been laid upon them. It seemed that death might be only a little ahead of them. Under these unfavorable circumstances they did not lament - they prayed (Acts 16:25). After they had prayed, they did something else; they sang praises to God. They did not do this for mere bravado. They did not do it to keep the other prisoners awake. They did it because of the joy that was welling up in their own hearts. They were suffering, so they could not sleep; so they spent the time in the very best possible manner. They spent not a moment in regretting what had happened. They did look for the needed help. Their faith reached out to God - and help came. Their souls were filled with joyful praises - and they sang from full hearts.
There were reasons why they could do this. First, they were innocent. They had a consciousness they had one nothing wrong. They had been trying to do good. Now they were suffering for it. There is "rest" - comfort in being innocent under such circumstances, or in any circumstance. A clear conscience inspires to song. So if our conscience is clear, we can rise above our circumstances if we follow the course taken by Paul and Silas.
Second, they were hopeful Christians. They did not look on the dark side. They looked beyond the present suffering and the threatening circumstances. They neither saw the dungeon nor the stocks nor the executioner's sword. They neither felt their galled ankles nor their smarting backs. They looked to God. They saw His approving smile - and they sang praises.
Third, they exercised definite faith. They believed God knew all about their circumstances. They believed they were in His care. They believed nothing could come to them, without coming through His will. So they rested in full assurance of faith in Him - and in their tribulations they sang joyfully. Paul taught others to rejoice, and he set them an example. If we face our adversities as he faced his - we too may sing in adversity.
In adversity we sing a different song than we do when we are untroubled. We must join courage to trust. When we do this, we can sing songs of confidence born of our confidence in God's help. We can sing songs of trust which allay our fears. We can sing songs of anticipation as we look forward to the victories which lie before us, and at the crown at the end of the road. We can sing in joyful remembrance of God's former mercies.
The song of adversity is more difficult to learn, than the song we sing when everything is going pleasantly and prosperously - but these songs are no less joyous in the depths of the heart when they spring from faith. In fact they can go deeper into the depths of the heart and rise with fuller trust. But no matter how many tribulations we have, if we trust God, we may be "exceeding joyful" in all those tribulations.
~Charles Naylor~
(The End)
Again Paul tells his experience in 2 Corinthians 7:4, "I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles, my joy knows no bounds." He tells why this is: "God, who comforts us in all our tribulation" (2 Corinthians 1:4). The comfort of God is wonderful. The satisfying, soul-delighting blessedness of it, can be known only by those who have gone deeply into the waters of tribulation. So many in times of trouble, are prone to feel that God does not care for them or to feel that they have offended him. Just when they need Him most, and just when He would be most ready to help - they cease to seek that help and feel they must meet their difficulties in their own strength without the help they so much crave.
Right here many are tempted to give up trying. They feel they are unable to overcome or to endure through to better days. They feel that God has forsaken them in their hour of need. Their feelings and their attitude shut them off from that help which God would delight to give them. It is just here that we need to face things squarely. We need to consider God as He is. We need to take a right view of our relationship with Him.
In the time of the child's need, a true and loving parent yearns with sympathy and with earnest desire to help. The heart of God is more tender than the heart of a mother. His love is stronger than any human love. In these times of tribulation and trouble, of sorrow or care, of anxiety or foreboding - we should remember that He is waiting to take us into His arms and to comfort us with that comfort which only He can give.
The clouds may seems to hide His face; He may seem far off - but He is not far off. The clouds may prevent us from seeing Him - but they do not prevent His seeing us. He does see us and He desires us to turn to Him for that support in trouble which we need in order that the heavy load may be borne. He desires that we confide in Him, and that we pour out our soul's bitterness and longing to Him. He expects us to act as men and women who trust Him. He expects us to use what strength we have. But beyond and above our strength, in His abundant strength and help ready to supply whatever deficiency there may be in us. He always sees the way out of our difficulties. He always knows just how much grace we must have. He always measures out to us the needed supply we must have.
No one has ever lived, who has not had his times of discouragement, heaviness, sorrow, and disappointment. Care and anxiety come to all. Unsaved people have to bear their own burdens, meet their own adversities, suffer their own sorrows - without help. They get through them in some way in their own strength, and we could do the same without divine help. There would always be a way that we could get through somehow. But God knows a better way than we know, and He will help us into that better way. He will give us the strength and fortitude necessary - if we only trust and go forward courageously.
James tells us, "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds." There is a way to do this. That way is the way Paul took. Paul looked behind the tribulations to the outcome. James exhorts us to do likewise. These tribulations all are fruitful. They are good for us. If we bear them as we should - then we shall look back upon them shortly and rejoice that God let them come.
Let us now look at Paul. It was midnight. He and Silas lay in a Philippian dungeon. Their feet were fast in the stocks. Their clothes were torn, their backs were bleeding from the many stripes that had been laid upon them. It seemed that death might be only a little ahead of them. Under these unfavorable circumstances they did not lament - they prayed (Acts 16:25). After they had prayed, they did something else; they sang praises to God. They did not do this for mere bravado. They did not do it to keep the other prisoners awake. They did it because of the joy that was welling up in their own hearts. They were suffering, so they could not sleep; so they spent the time in the very best possible manner. They spent not a moment in regretting what had happened. They did look for the needed help. Their faith reached out to God - and help came. Their souls were filled with joyful praises - and they sang from full hearts.
There were reasons why they could do this. First, they were innocent. They had a consciousness they had one nothing wrong. They had been trying to do good. Now they were suffering for it. There is "rest" - comfort in being innocent under such circumstances, or in any circumstance. A clear conscience inspires to song. So if our conscience is clear, we can rise above our circumstances if we follow the course taken by Paul and Silas.
Second, they were hopeful Christians. They did not look on the dark side. They looked beyond the present suffering and the threatening circumstances. They neither saw the dungeon nor the stocks nor the executioner's sword. They neither felt their galled ankles nor their smarting backs. They looked to God. They saw His approving smile - and they sang praises.
Third, they exercised definite faith. They believed God knew all about their circumstances. They believed they were in His care. They believed nothing could come to them, without coming through His will. So they rested in full assurance of faith in Him - and in their tribulations they sang joyfully. Paul taught others to rejoice, and he set them an example. If we face our adversities as he faced his - we too may sing in adversity.
In adversity we sing a different song than we do when we are untroubled. We must join courage to trust. When we do this, we can sing songs of confidence born of our confidence in God's help. We can sing songs of trust which allay our fears. We can sing songs of anticipation as we look forward to the victories which lie before us, and at the crown at the end of the road. We can sing in joyful remembrance of God's former mercies.
The song of adversity is more difficult to learn, than the song we sing when everything is going pleasantly and prosperously - but these songs are no less joyous in the depths of the heart when they spring from faith. In fact they can go deeper into the depths of the heart and rise with fuller trust. But no matter how many tribulations we have, if we trust God, we may be "exceeding joyful" in all those tribulations.
~Charles Naylor~
(The End)
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Singing In Adversity # 1
Singing In Adversity # 1
Life has its adversities. It must needs have them. Adversity, pain, sorrow, and disappointments - are the lathe upon which God shapes us. They are the grinding-wheel which grinds and smoothes us. They are the polishing-wheel which makes us shine. If we can never be happy until we are so situated that nothing which exists may tend to render us unhappy - then we shall have little happiness in life. Happiness does not come from a life of ease and indolence. Happiness comes from triumphing over them. Therefore the song of true happiness often arises from the soul which undergoes many adversities.
Paul understood what life must be. He went through the cities of Asia after he had been stoned and left for dead. "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must trough many hardships and tribulations, enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). He enumerated the things he suffered in his work for Christ. Doubtless you have rad that list again and again. Notwithstanding all this, no one has more to say about rejoicing, being filled with joy, and singing the songs of victory - than does this same sufferer of tribulations.
The Psalmist also knew about tribulations. He said, "I will be glad and rejoice in your mercy - for you have considered my trouble, you have known my soul in adversities" (Psalm 31:7). God did not leave him to himself in his tribulations. Being conscious of this, he could rejoice.
Jesus said to His disciples, "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows." Did He say, "Mourn and weep because of this?" Did He intimate that they should shrink from them? Did He indicate there was something wrong in them which brought these tribulations? Not so. He had already told them that the world would hate them. Now He showed them that as a result of that hatred of the world, and also as the result of natural conditions in life - they would have tribulations. Did He say to them, "This will take away much from your happiness; you will be sad and disconsolate much of the time; you will sorrow on account of these tribulations, it is too bad you are to have them?" No - He said nothing of the kind! He told them plainly what was to come; then added, "But be of good cheer - I have overcome the world."
Think of the boldness of Jesus in saying this. Just before Him lay Gethsemane. Just beyond that, the trials before the high priest and Pilate, and Calvary awaited Him.He knew this very well. He knew He must pass through the bitterest of tribulations. Nevertheless He said, "Be of good cheer - I have overcome the world."
What a wonderful example for us this is. He has overcome the world not merely for Himself - but for us as well. As the Psalmist pointed out, He knows our adversities. He knows that lying ahead of us there are adversities and difficulties, perhaps dangers, sorrows, and many things to try the soul. He also knows when we are in those things, when they are pressing hard upon us, when we are tempted to bow down our heads and give us. He knows exactly how we feel, how things seem, how the future looks, how the present troubles us. In spite of it all He is saying to us, "Be of good cheer - I have overcome."
Dear soul, Jesus knows all about your troubles. He knows every heartache, every difficulty, everything you must overcome, everything you must bear. Trusting in His grace, relying upon His help - you shall soon find your heart filling again with melody, for the clouds will pass away.
Paul asks, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" Then He adds, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us!" (Romans 8:35, 37).
Speaking of our acceptance with God and our justification by faith through grace, Paul says we "rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2). But are the good things of God all in which we can rejoice? No, for He continues, "And not only so but we glory in tribulations also."
Paul could rejoice in the bad things, as well as in the good things. Why could he do this? Was he a mere enthusiast? Was he a man who shut his eyes to the facts? No, he was sober-minded, consistent, and sane. He looked behind the frowning face of circumstances. He saw the results that follow tribulations. He set them down for us that we might consider them and rejoice with him. "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us!" (Romans 5:3-5). That was the secret of Paul's rejoicing.
~Charles Naylor~
(continued with # 2)
Life has its adversities. It must needs have them. Adversity, pain, sorrow, and disappointments - are the lathe upon which God shapes us. They are the grinding-wheel which grinds and smoothes us. They are the polishing-wheel which makes us shine. If we can never be happy until we are so situated that nothing which exists may tend to render us unhappy - then we shall have little happiness in life. Happiness does not come from a life of ease and indolence. Happiness comes from triumphing over them. Therefore the song of true happiness often arises from the soul which undergoes many adversities.
Paul understood what life must be. He went through the cities of Asia after he had been stoned and left for dead. "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must trough many hardships and tribulations, enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). He enumerated the things he suffered in his work for Christ. Doubtless you have rad that list again and again. Notwithstanding all this, no one has more to say about rejoicing, being filled with joy, and singing the songs of victory - than does this same sufferer of tribulations.
The Psalmist also knew about tribulations. He said, "I will be glad and rejoice in your mercy - for you have considered my trouble, you have known my soul in adversities" (Psalm 31:7). God did not leave him to himself in his tribulations. Being conscious of this, he could rejoice.
Jesus said to His disciples, "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows." Did He say, "Mourn and weep because of this?" Did He intimate that they should shrink from them? Did He indicate there was something wrong in them which brought these tribulations? Not so. He had already told them that the world would hate them. Now He showed them that as a result of that hatred of the world, and also as the result of natural conditions in life - they would have tribulations. Did He say to them, "This will take away much from your happiness; you will be sad and disconsolate much of the time; you will sorrow on account of these tribulations, it is too bad you are to have them?" No - He said nothing of the kind! He told them plainly what was to come; then added, "But be of good cheer - I have overcome the world."
Think of the boldness of Jesus in saying this. Just before Him lay Gethsemane. Just beyond that, the trials before the high priest and Pilate, and Calvary awaited Him.He knew this very well. He knew He must pass through the bitterest of tribulations. Nevertheless He said, "Be of good cheer - I have overcome the world."
What a wonderful example for us this is. He has overcome the world not merely for Himself - but for us as well. As the Psalmist pointed out, He knows our adversities. He knows that lying ahead of us there are adversities and difficulties, perhaps dangers, sorrows, and many things to try the soul. He also knows when we are in those things, when they are pressing hard upon us, when we are tempted to bow down our heads and give us. He knows exactly how we feel, how things seem, how the future looks, how the present troubles us. In spite of it all He is saying to us, "Be of good cheer - I have overcome."
Dear soul, Jesus knows all about your troubles. He knows every heartache, every difficulty, everything you must overcome, everything you must bear. Trusting in His grace, relying upon His help - you shall soon find your heart filling again with melody, for the clouds will pass away.
Paul asks, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" Then He adds, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us!" (Romans 8:35, 37).
Speaking of our acceptance with God and our justification by faith through grace, Paul says we "rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2). But are the good things of God all in which we can rejoice? No, for He continues, "And not only so but we glory in tribulations also."
Paul could rejoice in the bad things, as well as in the good things. Why could he do this? Was he a mere enthusiast? Was he a man who shut his eyes to the facts? No, he was sober-minded, consistent, and sane. He looked behind the frowning face of circumstances. He saw the results that follow tribulations. He set them down for us that we might consider them and rejoice with him. "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us!" (Romans 5:3-5). That was the secret of Paul's rejoicing.
~Charles Naylor~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Christ's Sympathy To Weary Pilgrims # 3
Christ's Sympathy To Weary Pilgrims # 3
The Personal Attractions of Jesus
Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend! (Song of Songs 5:16).
The personal attractions of Jesus are all inviting and irresistible!
His love within us.
His glory charms us.
His beauty attracts us.
His sympathy soothes us.
His gentleness subdues us.
His faithfulness inspires us.
He is the "altogether lovely One!"
Jesus is all that is tender in love.
Jesus is all that is wise in counsel.
Jesus is all that is patient and kind.
Jesus is all that is faithful in friendship.
Jesus is all that is balmy, soothing, and healing.
The heart of Jesus is ever loving towards His children.
The disposition of Jesus is ever kind towards His children.
The nature of Jesus is ever sympathizing towards His children.
Jesus is your Brother, your Friend, your Redeemer.
As your Brother - He knows the need of His brethren in adversity.
As your Friend - He shows Himself Friendly.
As your Redeemer - He has redeemed your soul from sin and hell.
Jesus has ascended up on high to take possession of heaven on your behalf, and to prepare a place for you!
Upon His heart He wears your name as a precious pearl in the priestly breastplate.
There is...
not a moment of your time,
nor an event of your life,
nor a circumstance of your daily history,
nor a mental or spiritual emotion of yours -
in which you are not borne upon the love, and
remembered in the ceaseless intercession of Christ.
Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend! (Song of Songs 5:16).
For You!
"The Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!" (Galatians 2:20).
Is Jesus precious to your heart?
Is He the object of your supreme admiration and delight?
Does He have your warmest affection?
Do you love Jesus?
You must light your torch of affection for Christ - at the altar of Calvary. You must go there, and learn and believe what the love of Jesus is to you: the vastness of that love; the self-sacrifice of that love; how that love of Christ labored and wept, bled, suffered, and died for you!
Can you stand before this love - this love so precious, so great, so enduring, so self-consuming, so changeless; and know that...
for you this was this offering,
for you this Cross,
for you this agony,
for you this scorn and insult,
for you this death -
And feel no sensibility, no emotion, no love to Jesus? Impossible!
Do not be cast down, then, in vain regrets that your love to Christ is so frigid, so fickle, so dubious. Go and muse upon the reality and the greatness of the Saviour's love to you - and if love can inspire love, while you muse, the fire will burn, and your soul shall be all in flame with love to Jesus!
He Will Be Our Guide Even Unto Death!
"For this God is our God forever and ever! He will be our guide even unto death!" (Psalm 48:14).
The world passes away. Everything here in this present world is changing.
"Life is like a painted dream;
Like the rapid summer stream;
Like the fleeting meteor's ray;
Like the shortest winter's day;
Like the fitful breeze that sighs;
Like the waning flame that dies;
Darting, dazzling on the eye;
Fading in eternity!"
A rope of sand,
a spider's web,
a silken thread,
a passing shadow,
an ebbing wave,
are the most fitting and expressive emblems of all things belonging to this present earthly state. The homes that sheltered us in childhood - we leave. The land which gave us birth - we leave. The loved ones who encircled our hearths - pass away. The friends of early years - depart. And the world that was so sunny, and the life that was so sweet - is all beclouded and embittered - the whole scenery of existence changed into wintry gloom. Such are the saddening, depressing effects of life's vicissitudes.
But in the midst of all, "This God is our God forever and ever! All beings change - but God. All things change - but heaven. The evolutions of time revolve, the events of earth go onward, but He upon whom all things hang, and by whom all events are shaped and controlled, moves not. "For I am the Lord, I change not."
Our affairs may alter.
Our circumstances may change.
Our relations and friends may depart one by one.
Our souls in a single day pass through many fluctuations of spiritual feeling.
But He who chose us to be His own, and who has kept us to the present moment - is our covenant God and Father forever and ever, and will never throw us off and cast us away.
"For this God is our God forever and ever! He will be our guide even unto death!"
~Octavius Winslow~
The Personal Attractions of Jesus
Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend! (Song of Songs 5:16).
The personal attractions of Jesus are all inviting and irresistible!
His love within us.
His glory charms us.
His beauty attracts us.
His sympathy soothes us.
His gentleness subdues us.
His faithfulness inspires us.
He is the "altogether lovely One!"
Jesus is all that is tender in love.
Jesus is all that is wise in counsel.
Jesus is all that is patient and kind.
Jesus is all that is faithful in friendship.
Jesus is all that is balmy, soothing, and healing.
The heart of Jesus is ever loving towards His children.
The disposition of Jesus is ever kind towards His children.
The nature of Jesus is ever sympathizing towards His children.
Jesus is your Brother, your Friend, your Redeemer.
As your Brother - He knows the need of His brethren in adversity.
As your Friend - He shows Himself Friendly.
As your Redeemer - He has redeemed your soul from sin and hell.
Jesus has ascended up on high to take possession of heaven on your behalf, and to prepare a place for you!
Upon His heart He wears your name as a precious pearl in the priestly breastplate.
There is...
not a moment of your time,
nor an event of your life,
nor a circumstance of your daily history,
nor a mental or spiritual emotion of yours -
in which you are not borne upon the love, and
remembered in the ceaseless intercession of Christ.
Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend! (Song of Songs 5:16).
For You!
"The Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!" (Galatians 2:20).
Is Jesus precious to your heart?
Is He the object of your supreme admiration and delight?
Does He have your warmest affection?
Do you love Jesus?
You must light your torch of affection for Christ - at the altar of Calvary. You must go there, and learn and believe what the love of Jesus is to you: the vastness of that love; the self-sacrifice of that love; how that love of Christ labored and wept, bled, suffered, and died for you!
Can you stand before this love - this love so precious, so great, so enduring, so self-consuming, so changeless; and know that...
for you this was this offering,
for you this Cross,
for you this agony,
for you this scorn and insult,
for you this death -
And feel no sensibility, no emotion, no love to Jesus? Impossible!
Do not be cast down, then, in vain regrets that your love to Christ is so frigid, so fickle, so dubious. Go and muse upon the reality and the greatness of the Saviour's love to you - and if love can inspire love, while you muse, the fire will burn, and your soul shall be all in flame with love to Jesus!
He Will Be Our Guide Even Unto Death!
"For this God is our God forever and ever! He will be our guide even unto death!" (Psalm 48:14).
The world passes away. Everything here in this present world is changing.
"Life is like a painted dream;
Like the rapid summer stream;
Like the fleeting meteor's ray;
Like the shortest winter's day;
Like the fitful breeze that sighs;
Like the waning flame that dies;
Darting, dazzling on the eye;
Fading in eternity!"
A rope of sand,
a spider's web,
a silken thread,
a passing shadow,
an ebbing wave,
are the most fitting and expressive emblems of all things belonging to this present earthly state. The homes that sheltered us in childhood - we leave. The land which gave us birth - we leave. The loved ones who encircled our hearths - pass away. The friends of early years - depart. And the world that was so sunny, and the life that was so sweet - is all beclouded and embittered - the whole scenery of existence changed into wintry gloom. Such are the saddening, depressing effects of life's vicissitudes.
But in the midst of all, "This God is our God forever and ever! All beings change - but God. All things change - but heaven. The evolutions of time revolve, the events of earth go onward, but He upon whom all things hang, and by whom all events are shaped and controlled, moves not. "For I am the Lord, I change not."
Our affairs may alter.
Our circumstances may change.
Our relations and friends may depart one by one.
Our souls in a single day pass through many fluctuations of spiritual feeling.
But He who chose us to be His own, and who has kept us to the present moment - is our covenant God and Father forever and ever, and will never throw us off and cast us away.
"For this God is our God forever and ever! He will be our guide even unto death!"
~Octavius Winslow~
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Classic Christian Authors # 1
Classic Christian Authors # 1
He prayed earnestly!
(Frederick Marsh)
"Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly . . . " James 5:17
The thing which made Elijah pray as he did, was the man that he was. When our Great High Priest comes with the lighted torch of His grace, and ignites the wood of our being into a holy flame--then the sweet-smelling fragrance of our requests ascend acceptably to God, and bring down the benediction of His love.
The art of prayer, is a sense of desperate need! There must be a sense of need, and an earnest desire to have that need met.
"Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
Uttered or unexpressed,
The motion of a hidden fire,
That trembles in the breast."
Prayer is a sin-killer. No one can sin and pray; for prayer will either make us cease from sin--or sin will make us cease from prayer.
Prayer is a power-bringer. It is the hand which touches the hem of the garment of Divine grace, and causes the life which is in the Divine One to flow into us.
Prayer is a victory-giver. Bunyan's Christian found that the weapon of "all-prayer" was sufficient to wound and defeat the adversary who would stop him in his progress as a pilgrim.
Prayer is a holiness-promoter. It is like the gentle dew which falls upon the thirsty plants and causes them to be refreshed and to fructify.
Prayer is a dispute-adjuster. Let any two brethren who are at loggerheads get on their knees, and ask the Lord about any disputed matter--and they will find the Lord saying to their troubled spirits, "Peace, be still."
Prayer is an obstacle-remover, as Peter found when an angel came in answer to the prayers of the saints, and delivered him from the prison of Herod's hate.
Prayer is a Christ-revealer, for it clarifies our vision, and enables us to see unseen spiritual realities.
Prayer is the secret of a holy life! We cannot do without prayer. The spiritual life is born in prayer--and it flourishes, and is strong, as it lives in that same atmosphere!
It is not the arithmetic of our prayers--how many they are;
nor the rhetoric of our prayers--how eloquent they are;
nor the geometry of our prayers--how long they are;
nor the music of our prayers--how sweet our voice may be;
nor the logic of our prayers--how proper they may be;
nor the method of our prayers--how orderly they may be;
nor even the theology of our prayers--how good the doctrine may be,
which God cares for. It is only fervency in prayer, which will make a man prevalent with God. Fervent prayer hits the mark, and pierces the walls of Heaven! "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much!" James 5:16
__________________________________
Break the chains of this ensnaring habit!
(Hetty Bowman, "Life--its Duties and Discipline")
"The time is short!" 1 Corinthians 7:29
"Redeeming the time!" Ephesians 5:16
We believe that, to go back to the good old custom of calling things by their right names--the charge of idleness might very truthfully be brought against many professors. I mean the habitual wasting of the fragments of time, "Those parings of precious time--those leavings of days and remnants of hours, which so many sweep out into the waste of existence!"
We feel constrained, in all Christian faithfulness, to lift up our voice against this great evil. It is more than an evil--it is a sin most displeasing in the sight of God! It mars the usefulness, and leaves an unsightly blemish on the character of many an otherwise lovely Christian. It will demand a solemn reckoning in the great day of account. You have no more right, reader, to the time which you thus foolishly and sinfully squander--than you have to your neighbor's goods. Time is not your own, nor was it given you to be employed as you yourself think proper. It is a trust committed to you by God! Oh, see that you do not abuse it! You are wasting what millions, now in the regions of eternal despair, would give worlds to buy back again--what you yourself will regret with tears of bitter repentance, when, on a deathbed, you look back upon a life in which so little has been done.
Be warned! Break the chains of this ensnaring habit before they are wound so closely about you that you cannot get free from them! Remember that every day these chains of indolence are riveted more firmly. They are light and easy now--but before long, they will grow into iron fetters! Your only hope of safety is in casting them from you at once, with the determination of a renewed will, and the heaven-imparted strength given to all who truly seek it.
Remembering that you were not "redeemed with corruptible things such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ"--you should pass the time of your sojourning here as strangers and pilgrims, looking for a better country--a heavenly one!
A Christian's fingers need never be unoccupied. He may always have on hand some profitable reading--to fill up the little moments that might otherwise run to waste. Idleness is, more than anything else (considered in connection with the consequences to which it often leads) disgraceful to a Christian!
"Tis not for man to trifle! Life is brief,
And sin is here.
Our age is but the falling of a leaf,
A dropping tear.
We have no time to sport away the hours,
All must be earnest in a world like ours.
"Not many lives, but only one, have we,
One, only one!
How sacred should that one life ever be,
That narrow span!
Day after day filled up with blessed toil,
Hour after hour still bringing in new spoil."
Horatius Bonar
"So teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom!" Psalm 90:12
___________________________________
How has the fine gold become dim!
(Hetty Bowman, "Separation From the World")
If some of the holy men of a former generation could once more return to the scene of their labors and sorrows--what would they find among those who profess to follow in their steps? Would they witness . . .
the same decision,
the same faithfulness,
the same unyielding adherence to principles which involve contempt and scorn,
the same resolute separation from everything that is even questionable in its tendency
--which characterized their own walk in the world?
Would they not rather be grieved by the levity, the trifling, the inconsistency which are too often displayed--even by those whose names are enrolled in the list of professing Christians?
Would they not be amazed at the slender barrier which divides those who are in the world--from those who say that they haverenounced it?
Would they not be bewildered by the strange mixture of good and evil which is presented by many who bear the name of Christ; one day to be found in the committee-room of some religious society--and the next day at a dance; one day at a prayer-meeting--and the next day at a concert?
Deeply would their hearts be saddened by these things, and mournfully would they exclaim, "How has the fine gold become dim!"
It is to be feared that the religion of the day is, in many respects, of too easy a nature. We know . . .
little of sacrifice,
little of deliberate counting the cost,
little of forsaking all for Christ's sake!
Truly the Church of God in these latter days, has need to watch that she be not found lingering in the plains of Sodom--instead of pressing forward, with girded loins and hastening step, to the Zoar which she has set out to seek.
Let her take heed, lest He who "walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks," visits her suddenly with the rod of His wrath--and lest her slumber be broken by the unlooked-for coming of the Bridegroom!
Believer! Seek to know your place in your Father's heart of love--and then no earthly thing will tempt you thence. Oh, leave the broken cisterns of this poor world, which can never quench your spirit's fevered thirst. Cast yourself upon the fullness of God's grace and mercy, and pray that His own hand may satisfy you with the riches that are treasured up in Christ!
He prayed earnestly!
(Frederick Marsh)
"Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly . . . " James 5:17
The thing which made Elijah pray as he did, was the man that he was. When our Great High Priest comes with the lighted torch of His grace, and ignites the wood of our being into a holy flame--then the sweet-smelling fragrance of our requests ascend acceptably to God, and bring down the benediction of His love.
The art of prayer, is a sense of desperate need! There must be a sense of need, and an earnest desire to have that need met.
"Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
Uttered or unexpressed,
The motion of a hidden fire,
That trembles in the breast."
Prayer is a sin-killer. No one can sin and pray; for prayer will either make us cease from sin--or sin will make us cease from prayer.
Prayer is a power-bringer. It is the hand which touches the hem of the garment of Divine grace, and causes the life which is in the Divine One to flow into us.
Prayer is a victory-giver. Bunyan's Christian found that the weapon of "all-prayer" was sufficient to wound and defeat the adversary who would stop him in his progress as a pilgrim.
Prayer is a holiness-promoter. It is like the gentle dew which falls upon the thirsty plants and causes them to be refreshed and to fructify.
Prayer is a dispute-adjuster. Let any two brethren who are at loggerheads get on their knees, and ask the Lord about any disputed matter--and they will find the Lord saying to their troubled spirits, "Peace, be still."
Prayer is an obstacle-remover, as Peter found when an angel came in answer to the prayers of the saints, and delivered him from the prison of Herod's hate.
Prayer is a Christ-revealer, for it clarifies our vision, and enables us to see unseen spiritual realities.
Prayer is the secret of a holy life! We cannot do without prayer. The spiritual life is born in prayer--and it flourishes, and is strong, as it lives in that same atmosphere!
It is not the arithmetic of our prayers--how many they are;
nor the rhetoric of our prayers--how eloquent they are;
nor the geometry of our prayers--how long they are;
nor the music of our prayers--how sweet our voice may be;
nor the logic of our prayers--how proper they may be;
nor the method of our prayers--how orderly they may be;
nor even the theology of our prayers--how good the doctrine may be,
which God cares for. It is only fervency in prayer, which will make a man prevalent with God. Fervent prayer hits the mark, and pierces the walls of Heaven! "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much!" James 5:16
__________________________________
Break the chains of this ensnaring habit!
(Hetty Bowman, "Life--its Duties and Discipline")
"The time is short!" 1 Corinthians 7:29
"Redeeming the time!" Ephesians 5:16
We believe that, to go back to the good old custom of calling things by their right names--the charge of idleness might very truthfully be brought against many professors. I mean the habitual wasting of the fragments of time, "Those parings of precious time--those leavings of days and remnants of hours, which so many sweep out into the waste of existence!"
We feel constrained, in all Christian faithfulness, to lift up our voice against this great evil. It is more than an evil--it is a sin most displeasing in the sight of God! It mars the usefulness, and leaves an unsightly blemish on the character of many an otherwise lovely Christian. It will demand a solemn reckoning in the great day of account. You have no more right, reader, to the time which you thus foolishly and sinfully squander--than you have to your neighbor's goods. Time is not your own, nor was it given you to be employed as you yourself think proper. It is a trust committed to you by God! Oh, see that you do not abuse it! You are wasting what millions, now in the regions of eternal despair, would give worlds to buy back again--what you yourself will regret with tears of bitter repentance, when, on a deathbed, you look back upon a life in which so little has been done.
Be warned! Break the chains of this ensnaring habit before they are wound so closely about you that you cannot get free from them! Remember that every day these chains of indolence are riveted more firmly. They are light and easy now--but before long, they will grow into iron fetters! Your only hope of safety is in casting them from you at once, with the determination of a renewed will, and the heaven-imparted strength given to all who truly seek it.
Remembering that you were not "redeemed with corruptible things such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ"--you should pass the time of your sojourning here as strangers and pilgrims, looking for a better country--a heavenly one!
A Christian's fingers need never be unoccupied. He may always have on hand some profitable reading--to fill up the little moments that might otherwise run to waste. Idleness is, more than anything else (considered in connection with the consequences to which it often leads) disgraceful to a Christian!
"Tis not for man to trifle! Life is brief,
And sin is here.
Our age is but the falling of a leaf,
A dropping tear.
We have no time to sport away the hours,
All must be earnest in a world like ours.
"Not many lives, but only one, have we,
One, only one!
How sacred should that one life ever be,
That narrow span!
Day after day filled up with blessed toil,
Hour after hour still bringing in new spoil."
Horatius Bonar
"So teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom!" Psalm 90:12
___________________________________
How has the fine gold become dim!
(Hetty Bowman, "Separation From the World")
If some of the holy men of a former generation could once more return to the scene of their labors and sorrows--what would they find among those who profess to follow in their steps? Would they witness . . .
the same decision,
the same faithfulness,
the same unyielding adherence to principles which involve contempt and scorn,
the same resolute separation from everything that is even questionable in its tendency
--which characterized their own walk in the world?
Would they not rather be grieved by the levity, the trifling, the inconsistency which are too often displayed--even by those whose names are enrolled in the list of professing Christians?
Would they not be amazed at the slender barrier which divides those who are in the world--from those who say that they haverenounced it?
Would they not be bewildered by the strange mixture of good and evil which is presented by many who bear the name of Christ; one day to be found in the committee-room of some religious society--and the next day at a dance; one day at a prayer-meeting--and the next day at a concert?
Deeply would their hearts be saddened by these things, and mournfully would they exclaim, "How has the fine gold become dim!"
It is to be feared that the religion of the day is, in many respects, of too easy a nature. We know . . .
little of sacrifice,
little of deliberate counting the cost,
little of forsaking all for Christ's sake!
Truly the Church of God in these latter days, has need to watch that she be not found lingering in the plains of Sodom--instead of pressing forward, with girded loins and hastening step, to the Zoar which she has set out to seek.
Let her take heed, lest He who "walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks," visits her suddenly with the rod of His wrath--and lest her slumber be broken by the unlooked-for coming of the Bridegroom!
Believer! Seek to know your place in your Father's heart of love--and then no earthly thing will tempt you thence. Oh, leave the broken cisterns of this poor world, which can never quench your spirit's fevered thirst. Cast yourself upon the fullness of God's grace and mercy, and pray that His own hand may satisfy you with the riches that are treasured up in Christ!
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Christ's Symphony To Weary Pilgrims # 2
Christ's Symphony To Weary Pilgrims # 2
Plunge Into This Fathomless, Boundless Ocean of Love!
Christ is wonderful in His love. Love was the first and eternal link in the golden chain lowered from the highest throne in heaven - down to the lowest depth of earth. That Christ should love us was the beginning of wonders. When we endeavor to comprehend that love, measure it, fathom it, scale it - we learn that it has heights we cannot reach, depths we cannot sound, lengths and breadths we cannot measure! Such love, such divine love, such infinite love, such everlasting love, such redeeming, such dying love - is an ocean whose eternal waves waft into our fallen world, every wonder of God and of heaven.
That Jesus should love such begins as us - that He should love us while we were yet sinners - that He should set His heart upon us, choose us, die for us, save us, and finally bring us to glory, knowing what we were, and what we would prove to be - oh, this is wondrous love indeed!
Plunge into this fathomless, boundless ocean of love, O sin-burdened one! It will cover all your sins, it will efface all your guilt; it will flood over all your unworthiness - and, floating upon its golden waves, it will gently waft you to the shore of eternal blessedness!
How often have you wondered why Christ should set His heart upon such a one as you! And is it not a wonder that, amid all your fickleness and backslidings, and cold, base returns - this love of God towards you has not chilled or changed? But do not rest, do not be satisfied with your present limited experience of Christ's wonderful love. It is so marvelously great. This ocean of love is so fathomless, boundless, and inexhaustible - that you may plunge, with all your infirmities, sins, and sorrows, into its fullness, exclaiming, "O, the depth!" The well is deep! Drink abundantly, O beloved!
"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. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!" (Ephesians 3:18-19).
Love, suffering, and bleeding, and expiring!
The love of Christ! Such a precious theme! Of it, can we ever weary? Never! Its greatness, can we ever know? Never! Its plenitude, can we fully contain? Never! Its depths cannot be fathomed, its dimensions cannot be measured! It passes knowledge! All that Jesus did for His people was but the unfolding and expression of His love.
Traveling to Bethlehem - I see love incarnate!
Tracking His steps as He went about doing good - I see love laboring!
Visiting the house of Bethany - I see love sympathizing!
Standing by the grave of Lazarus - I see love weeping!
Entering the gloomy precincts of Gethsemane - I see love sorrowing!
Passing on to Calvary - I see love suffering, and bleeding, and expiring!
The whole scene of His life - is but an unfolding of the deep, and awesome, and precious mystery of redeeming love!
"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. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!" (Ephesians 3:18-19).
It Is I!
"Take courage! It is I! Do not be afraid" (Mark 6:50).
Listen, then, to the voice of Jesus in the storm.
It is I who raised the tempest in your soul - and will control it.
It is I who sent your affliction - and will be with you in it.
It is I who kindled the furnace - and will watch the flames, and bring you through it.
It is I who formed your burden, who carved your cross - and who will strengthen you to bear it.
It is I who mixed your cup of grief - and will enable you to drink it with meek submission to your Father's will.
It is I who took from you worldly substance, who bereft you of your child, of the wife of your bosom, of the husband of your youth - and will be infinitely better to you than husband, wife, or child.
It is I who has done it ALL!
I make the clouds My chariot, and clothe Myself with the tempest as with a garment. The night hour is My time of coming, and the dark, surging waves are the pavement upon which I walk. Take courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.
It is I - your Friend, your Brother, your Saviour! A am causing all the circumstances of your life to work together for your good.
It is I who permitted...
the enemy to assail you,
the slander to blast you,
the unkindness to wound you,
the need to press you!
Your affliction did not spring out of the ground, but came down from above - a heaven-sent blessing disguised as an angel of light. c;ad om a robe of ebony.
I have sent all in love!
This sickness is not unto death - but for the glory of God.
This bereavement shall not always bow you to the earth, nor drape in changeless gloom your life. It is I who ordered, arranged, and controlled it all!
In every stormy wind,
in every darksome night,
in every lonesome hour,
in every rising fear,
- the voice of Jesus shall be heard, saying, "Take courage! It is I! Do not be afraid."
~Octavius Winslow~
(continued with # 3)
Plunge Into This Fathomless, Boundless Ocean of Love!
Christ is wonderful in His love. Love was the first and eternal link in the golden chain lowered from the highest throne in heaven - down to the lowest depth of earth. That Christ should love us was the beginning of wonders. When we endeavor to comprehend that love, measure it, fathom it, scale it - we learn that it has heights we cannot reach, depths we cannot sound, lengths and breadths we cannot measure! Such love, such divine love, such infinite love, such everlasting love, such redeeming, such dying love - is an ocean whose eternal waves waft into our fallen world, every wonder of God and of heaven.
That Jesus should love such begins as us - that He should love us while we were yet sinners - that He should set His heart upon us, choose us, die for us, save us, and finally bring us to glory, knowing what we were, and what we would prove to be - oh, this is wondrous love indeed!
Plunge into this fathomless, boundless ocean of love, O sin-burdened one! It will cover all your sins, it will efface all your guilt; it will flood over all your unworthiness - and, floating upon its golden waves, it will gently waft you to the shore of eternal blessedness!
How often have you wondered why Christ should set His heart upon such a one as you! And is it not a wonder that, amid all your fickleness and backslidings, and cold, base returns - this love of God towards you has not chilled or changed? But do not rest, do not be satisfied with your present limited experience of Christ's wonderful love. It is so marvelously great. This ocean of love is so fathomless, boundless, and inexhaustible - that you may plunge, with all your infirmities, sins, and sorrows, into its fullness, exclaiming, "O, the depth!" The well is deep! Drink abundantly, O beloved!
"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. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!" (Ephesians 3:18-19).
Love, suffering, and bleeding, and expiring!
The love of Christ! Such a precious theme! Of it, can we ever weary? Never! Its greatness, can we ever know? Never! Its plenitude, can we fully contain? Never! Its depths cannot be fathomed, its dimensions cannot be measured! It passes knowledge! All that Jesus did for His people was but the unfolding and expression of His love.
Traveling to Bethlehem - I see love incarnate!
Tracking His steps as He went about doing good - I see love laboring!
Visiting the house of Bethany - I see love sympathizing!
Standing by the grave of Lazarus - I see love weeping!
Entering the gloomy precincts of Gethsemane - I see love sorrowing!
Passing on to Calvary - I see love suffering, and bleeding, and expiring!
The whole scene of His life - is but an unfolding of the deep, and awesome, and precious mystery of redeeming love!
"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. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!" (Ephesians 3:18-19).
It Is I!
"Take courage! It is I! Do not be afraid" (Mark 6:50).
Listen, then, to the voice of Jesus in the storm.
It is I who raised the tempest in your soul - and will control it.
It is I who sent your affliction - and will be with you in it.
It is I who kindled the furnace - and will watch the flames, and bring you through it.
It is I who formed your burden, who carved your cross - and who will strengthen you to bear it.
It is I who mixed your cup of grief - and will enable you to drink it with meek submission to your Father's will.
It is I who took from you worldly substance, who bereft you of your child, of the wife of your bosom, of the husband of your youth - and will be infinitely better to you than husband, wife, or child.
It is I who has done it ALL!
I make the clouds My chariot, and clothe Myself with the tempest as with a garment. The night hour is My time of coming, and the dark, surging waves are the pavement upon which I walk. Take courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.
It is I - your Friend, your Brother, your Saviour! A am causing all the circumstances of your life to work together for your good.
It is I who permitted...
the enemy to assail you,
the slander to blast you,
the unkindness to wound you,
the need to press you!
Your affliction did not spring out of the ground, but came down from above - a heaven-sent blessing disguised as an angel of light. c;ad om a robe of ebony.
I have sent all in love!
This sickness is not unto death - but for the glory of God.
This bereavement shall not always bow you to the earth, nor drape in changeless gloom your life. It is I who ordered, arranged, and controlled it all!
In every stormy wind,
in every darksome night,
in every lonesome hour,
in every rising fear,
- the voice of Jesus shall be heard, saying, "Take courage! It is I! Do not be afraid."
~Octavius Winslow~
(continued with # 3)
Saturday, April 7, 2018
The Wonder Of Redemption (and others)
The Wonder of Redemption
"For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9)
My brethren in the Christian faith, stand with me in defense of this basic doctrine: The living God did not degrade Himself in the Incarnation. When the Word was made flesh, there was no compromise on God's part!
It is plain in the ancient Athanasian Creed that the early church fathers were cautious at this point of doctrine. They would not allow us to believe that God, in the Incarnation, became flesh by a coming down of the Deity into flesh, but rather by taking of mankind into God. That is the wonder of redemption!
In the past the mythical gods of the nations were not strangers to compromise. But the holy God who is God, our heavenly Father, could never compromise Himself!
He remained ever God, and everything else remained not God. That gulf still existed even after Jesus Christ had become man and dwelt among us. This much, then, we can know about the acts of God - He will never back our of His bargain. This amazing union of man with God is effected unto perpetuity!
Heavenly Father, thank You for making it possible for mankind to become redeemed to the most high God! Amen
~A. W. Tozer~
_________________________________
Our Life In Christ
"Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Certainly not all of the mystery of the Godhead can be known by man - but just as certainly, all that men can know of God in this life is revealed in Jesus Christ!
When the Apostle Paul said with yearning, "That I may know him" (Philippians 3:10), he was not speaking of intellectual knowledge. Paul was speaking of the reality of an experience of knowing God personally and consciously, spirit touching spirit and heart touching heart.
We know that people spend a lot of time talking about a deeper Christian life - but few seem to want to know and love God for Himself.
The precious fact is that God is the deeper life!! Jesus Christ Himself is the deeper life, and as I plunge on into the knowledge of the triune God, my heart moves on into the blessedness of His fellowship. This means that there is less of me and more of God - thus my spiritual life deepens and I am strengthened in the knowledge of His will!
Dear Lord, this morning and throughout this day, may there be more and more of You and less and less of me. Amen
~A. W. Tozer~
____________________________
God Sets No Limit
"Let no man deceive you with vain words" (Ephesians 5:6).
Do you know that there are Bible "interpreters" now who believe they can set up rules as to how much we can have of God? However, the Lord Himself has promised that as far as He is concerned, He is willing to keep the candles of my soul brightly burning!
So, my heart tells me to ignore the modern scribes whose interpretations, I fear, are forcing the Spirit, the blessed Dove, to fold His wings and be silent. I turn rather to one of Dr. A. B. Simpson's hymns rarely sung now, probably because very few believers have this experience of which he wrote:
I take the hand of love divine,
I count each precious promise mine
With this eternal countersign -
I take - He undertakes!
I take Thee, blessed Lord,
I give myself to Thee;
And Thou, according to Thy Word
Dost undertake for me!
Lord, fill me anew with Your precious Spirit. I pray that others will see You living in me today. Amen
~A. W. Tozer~
"For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9)
My brethren in the Christian faith, stand with me in defense of this basic doctrine: The living God did not degrade Himself in the Incarnation. When the Word was made flesh, there was no compromise on God's part!
It is plain in the ancient Athanasian Creed that the early church fathers were cautious at this point of doctrine. They would not allow us to believe that God, in the Incarnation, became flesh by a coming down of the Deity into flesh, but rather by taking of mankind into God. That is the wonder of redemption!
In the past the mythical gods of the nations were not strangers to compromise. But the holy God who is God, our heavenly Father, could never compromise Himself!
He remained ever God, and everything else remained not God. That gulf still existed even after Jesus Christ had become man and dwelt among us. This much, then, we can know about the acts of God - He will never back our of His bargain. This amazing union of man with God is effected unto perpetuity!
Heavenly Father, thank You for making it possible for mankind to become redeemed to the most high God! Amen
~A. W. Tozer~
_________________________________
Our Life In Christ
"Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Certainly not all of the mystery of the Godhead can be known by man - but just as certainly, all that men can know of God in this life is revealed in Jesus Christ!
When the Apostle Paul said with yearning, "That I may know him" (Philippians 3:10), he was not speaking of intellectual knowledge. Paul was speaking of the reality of an experience of knowing God personally and consciously, spirit touching spirit and heart touching heart.
We know that people spend a lot of time talking about a deeper Christian life - but few seem to want to know and love God for Himself.
The precious fact is that God is the deeper life!! Jesus Christ Himself is the deeper life, and as I plunge on into the knowledge of the triune God, my heart moves on into the blessedness of His fellowship. This means that there is less of me and more of God - thus my spiritual life deepens and I am strengthened in the knowledge of His will!
Dear Lord, this morning and throughout this day, may there be more and more of You and less and less of me. Amen
~A. W. Tozer~
____________________________
God Sets No Limit
"Let no man deceive you with vain words" (Ephesians 5:6).
Do you know that there are Bible "interpreters" now who believe they can set up rules as to how much we can have of God? However, the Lord Himself has promised that as far as He is concerned, He is willing to keep the candles of my soul brightly burning!
So, my heart tells me to ignore the modern scribes whose interpretations, I fear, are forcing the Spirit, the blessed Dove, to fold His wings and be silent. I turn rather to one of Dr. A. B. Simpson's hymns rarely sung now, probably because very few believers have this experience of which he wrote:
I take the hand of love divine,
I count each precious promise mine
With this eternal countersign -
I take - He undertakes!
I take Thee, blessed Lord,
I give myself to Thee;
And Thou, according to Thy Word
Dost undertake for me!
Lord, fill me anew with Your precious Spirit. I pray that others will see You living in me today. Amen
~A. W. Tozer~
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