Such a friend

 Choice excerpts from Thomas Brooks

Apples of Gold

Such a friend

"There is a friend who sticks closer than
 a brother." Proverbs 18:24

Such a friend is Christ. He is so a friend
to every one of His people—as if He were
a friend to none besides. Christ is . . .
 an omnipotent friend;
 an omniscient friend;
 an omnipresent friend;
 an indeficient friend;
 a sovereign friend;
 an immutable friend;
 a watchful friend;
 a loving friend;
 a faithful friend;
 a compassionate friend;
 a close friend,
 a universal friend—a friend in
     all cases and in all places,
 our first friend,
 a constant friend—"Whom He loves,
    He loves to the end." John 13:1


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Paul's Seven Wishes!

Treasures from James Smith
(choice articles)
(A collection of choice articles from his works)
 
James Smith (1802—1862) was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841 until 1850. Early on, Smith's readings were even more popular than Spurgeon's!

Paul's Seven Wishes!

Wishing is generally fruitless, and sometimes sinful. Resignation is generally better than wishing, and acquiescence in God's will, more so still. But it is natural to desire what we esteem to be good — andgrace only regulates and sanctifies this exercise of nature. Desire is often the effect of knowledge — and it is the very soul of prayer. Whatever we have, there is much that we need, and, consequently, much that we must desire.

Paul desired seven things especially, and they all referred to Christ, and they are all named in his epistle to the Philippians, and I propose to glance at them. Let us compare our desires with his as we go on, and may the Holy Spirit bless our brief meditation on the subject.

First, he says, "that I may KNOW Him!" (Philippians 3:10.) Christ had appeared to Paul, he was revealed in him, and was constantly preached by him. Christ was . . .
the object of his trust,
the subject of his ministry,
and the joy of his heart.

But he knew that there was much in Christ with which he was unacquainted. He knew but in part. He desired, therefore, to know more of . . .
the glory of his person,
the riches of his grace,
the magnificence of his work,
the excellency of his natures,
the majesty of his kingdom!

Everything in Christ interested Paul. Creation was good — but to him, grace was better; but Christ was best of all. He was never wearied of thinking of Christ, speaking of Christ, or learning of Christ. He went on with his work, he went on his way, with the desire constantly rising in his heart, "That I may know Him!"

Beloved, how is it with you? Do you sympathize with Paul in this desire of his heart? Is it your daily wish, ardent desire, and constant aim — to know more of Jesus?

Throughout eternity we shall be learning Christ!

He is the lesson placed before us in the church on earth;
and he is the lesson placed before the church in Heaven.

Time is given us to learn Christ — and, blessed be God,
eternity will be given to us to learn Christ also.

Nothing endears eternity to me like this — it will be spent in learning, enjoying, and honoring Christ!

Secondly, he says, "That I may WIN Christ!" (Philippians 3:8.) He was not merely satisfied to know Christ, as the property of someone else; he wanted Christ as his own! He was not only willing to receive Christ as a free gift — but he would win Christ as a prize.

Was Christ to be run for — then he would run.

Was Christ to be wrestled for — then he would wrestle.

Were there any means by which Christ could be obtained, however painful, however costly, however difficult — then Paul would use them!

Did he believe? It was that he might win Christ.

Did he pray? It was that he might win Christ.

Did he preach? It was that he might win Christ.

Did he crucify the old man, mortify the flesh, beat his body and make it his slave? It was that he might win Christ.

Did he suffer the loss of all things, and count them but dung and dross? It was that he might win Christ.

Did he subject himself to stripes, imprisonment, hunger, cold, nakedness, and a martyr's death? It was that he might win Christ.

To possess Christ was his one object, his ruling desire!

Reader, is it your main object and desire?

Are you prepared to part with all for Christ?

Would you take Christ — in exchange for ease, reputation, wealth, labors, sufferings, yes, even death itself? Paul was; and if you are not, his estimates of Christ and yours cannot be the same.

My soul, I charge you — let this be your object, let this be your aim, always and everywhere: to "win Christ!"

Thirdly, "To MAGNIFY Christ!" Hence he says, "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always, 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 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. He was inflamed with his love. He was a sacrifice on his altar. He was a vessel for his 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 brother, how is it with you?

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

Does your life make this impression on others, "That man 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!

The easiest cross for each one to bear!

The easiest cross for each one to bear!

(J.R. Miller, "The Shining Light" 1911)

"He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." Matthew 10:38

It is his cross, and not some other man's — that each one is to take up. It is the particular cross that God lays at our own feet, that we are to bear.

We are never to make crosses for ourselves — but we are always to accept those which are allotted to us by God.

Sometimes we think our lot is peculiarly hard, and we compare it with the lot of this or that other person, and wish we had his cross instead of our own. But we do not know what other people's crosses really are. If we did, we might not want to exchange. The cross that seems woven of flowers — if we put it on our shoulders, we might find filled with sharp thorns under the flowers! The cross of gold that seems so bright — we would find so heavy that it would crush us! The easiest cross for each one to bear, is his own!

"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Luke 9:23

Charles Spurgeon: The Beatitudes - Derive Their Weight From the Wisdom of Him Who Preached Them 1/8

A heap of ostentatious service!

A heap of ostentatious service! Spurgeon, "Martha and Mary" #927, Luke 10:38-42 There is a considerable tendency among Christian people, in serving Christ, to aim at making a fair show in the flesh. Among professing Christians, there is a desire to build church buildings notable for their architecture and beauty. We must have no more barns! Our meeting houses must exhibit our improving taste! If possible, our chapels must be correctly Gothic or sternly classical in all their details, both without and within! As to the service, we must cultivate the musical and the tasteful. We must not to be barely decent, but to aim at the sublime and beautiful. Our public worship, it is thought, should be impressive if not imposing. Care should be taken that the music and singing be conformed to the best rules of the art, and the preaching eloquent and attractive. Brethren, there is something better to be aimed at than the outward and the external. We judge no man, yet we fear the tendency is to imagine that mere externals are precious in the Master's sight. Jesus counts it a very small matter whether your church building is a cathedral or a barn! To the Savior it is small concern whether you have organs or whether you have not; or whether you sing after the choicest rules of psalmody or not. Jesus looks at your hearts, and if these ascend to Him, He accepts the praise. Jesus would be better pleased with a grain of love, than with a heap of ostentatious service! All that you can give to Christ in any shape or form will not be so dear to Him as... the offering of your fervent love; the clinging of your humble faith; the reverence of your adoring souls. Do not neglect the spiritual for the sake of the external; or else you will be throwing away gold to gather to yourself iron; you will be pulling down the palaces of marble that you may build for yourselves hovels of clay.

GOD'S SPOKESMEN, ART KATZ

Think about such things!

(J.R. Miller)

"The cheerful heart has a continual feast!" Proverbs 15:15

We pretty much see just what we are looking for. If our mind has become trained to look for troubles, difficulties, problems, and all gloomy and dreary things — then we shall find just what we seek. On the other hand, it is quite as easy to form the habit of looking always for beauty, for good, for happiness, for gladness — and here too we shall find precisely what we seek.

It has been said that the habit of always seeing the bright side in life, is worth a large income to a man. It makes life a great deal easier.

None of us are naturally drawn to a gloomy person, who everywhere finds something to complain about — but we are all attracted to one who sees some beauty in everything. Joy is a transfiguring quality. Its secret is a glad heart.

"Finally, brothers,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable —
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy —
think about such things!" Philippians 4:8

There are sublime and magnificent scenes of unparalleled grandeur before us!

(Albert Barnes)

"For the Lord Himself will come down from Heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God — and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever!" 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

There are sublime and magnificent scenes of unparalleled grandeur before us! Great events are brought together here, any one of which is more grand than all the pomp of this world:
  the glory of the descending Judge of all mankind;
  the attending retinue of angels;
  the loud shout of the descending host;
  the blast of the archangel's trumpet;
  the bursting open of graves;
  the coming forth of the millions there entombed;
  the rapid, sudden, glorious change on the millions of living men;
  the consternation of the wicked;
  the ascent of the innumerable host through the air;
  and the solemn process of the judgment there!

Has anything ever occurred so magnificent as these events?

How strange it is that the thoughts of men are turned away from these bright and glorious realities — to the trifles, the vain show, the shadow, the glitter, the empty pageantry of this poor world!

"Therefore encourage each other with these words!" 1 Thessalonians 4:18 

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The above excerpt was taken from William Nicholson's uplifting short article, "Second Coming Comfort".

Pilfering of another's time

Pilfering of another's time

(Hannah More)

"Redeeming the time." Ephesians 5:16

Christians should especially be on their guard against a spirit of idleness, and a slovenly habitual wasting of time. We must guard against a habitual frivolousness at home; and an abundance of unprofitable small-talk, idle reading, inane drowsiness, and a quiet and dull frittering away of time.

We must seriously consider—what a large portion of life we have unwisely squandered; what days and nights we have wasted, if not sinfully—yet selfishly; if not loaded with evil—yet destitute of good. In the day of judgment, the thin disguise which our treacherous heart now casts over vanity and sloth, will then be torn off.

We are guilty of the strange inconsistency of being most wasteful of what we best love—and of throwing away what we most fear to lose—that TIME of which life is made up. It is not so much a lack of time—as a wasting of our time—which prevents life from answering all the ends for which God has given it to us.

Few things make us so useful of the world, as the prudent use of our precious time. We should not only be careful not to waste our own time—but that others do not rob us of it! The "stealing of our purse" is a serious wrong to us. But the "stealing of our time" should grieve us even more! Pilfering of another's time is a felony for which no restitution can be made—for time is not only invaluable, but irrecoverable!

Every particle of time is valuable. No day can be insignificant—when every day is to be accounted for. Each one possesses weight and importance. What a scene will open upon us, when, from our eternal state—we shall look back on the use we have made of time—when we shall take a clear retrospect of all we have done, and all we ought to have done!

"Almighty God, I adore Your infinite patience, which has not cut me off in the midst of my follies. Let me no longer abuse that precious treasure, time. Let me bid adieu to all those vain amusements, those trifling entertainments and sinful diversions—which have robbed me of many valuable hours. Let me no longer waste my time in ease and pleasure, in unprofitable studies and conversation; but grant, that by moderation and temperance in my enjoyments, I may be able to give a good account of it in the day of judgment, and be accepted in and through the merits of Jesus Christ, my only mediator and advocate. Amen."

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold!

(Alexander Smellie, "The Hour of Silence" 1899)

"How much better is it to get wisdom than gold!" Proverbs 16:16

How much better — for wisdom buys what gold cannot procure. Wisdom — the mind which hearkens to God and the heartwhich yields to Him — brings me . . .
His divine favor,
His forgiving grace,
His power to shield me,
His guidance to lead me,
His knowledge to inspire me,
His glory to crown me!

Wisdom secures for me a wealth beside which the greatest treasures of the world are but dross!

Wisdom penetrates where gold cannot go. It carries pardon and peace into the deepest recesses of my spirit — while gold can do nothing but deck my body and my home. It gives me the strongest and the tenderest influence over others — while gold cannot dispel their griefs and answer their doubts. It lifts me into communion with the Most High God — and gold is powerless to lead me there, to that glorious country far beyond the stars!

Wisdom endures when gold is gone. This world's riches take to themselves wings and flee away — almost every day furnishes me with a new instance of how fleeting and perishable they are. But wisdom makes mine the possessions which never perish, which are never withdrawn, which through life and death and eternity, are certain to gladden my soul!

"Wisdom is supreme — so get wisdom!" Proverbs 4:7

Chance is a base heathenish idea!

(Charles Spurgeon, "The Sick Man Left Behind!"1880)

"But Trophimus have I left at Miletus sick." 2 Timothy 4:20

From the fact that Paul left Trophimus at Miletus sick, we learn that it is the will of God that some holy men should be sick. Whatever the malady may have been which affected Trophimus, Paul could certainly have healed him if God had permitted him. Paul had raised up Eutychus from death, and he had given the use of his limbs to the cripple at Lystra.

Not so, however, had the Lord willed; the good fruit-bearing vine must be pruned — and Trophimus must suffer. There were holy ends to be answered by his sickness, which could not be compassed by his health. Instantaneous restoration could have been given, but it was withheld under divine direction.

This doctrine leads us away from the vain idea of chance. We are not wounded by arrows shot at a venture — but we smart by the determinate counsel of the God of Heaven. An overruling hand is everywhere present — preventing or permitting affliction. No one shaft of disease is ever let fly by stealth, from the bow of death. It was a wise providence which selected Trophimus to be sick.

We cannot always see the hand of God in providence, but we may be always sure that it is there. If not a sparrow falls to the ground without our Father — then surely not a child of the divine family is laid low without His sacred will. Chance is a base heathenish idea, which cannot live in the presence of an everywhere present, living, and working God. Away with it from every Christian mind! It is alike dishonoring to the Lord — and grievous to ourselves!

Also, we may not think a shade the less of Trophimus because he is sick at Miletus; he is probably a far better man than any of us, and perhaps for that very reason he is more tried.
There is gold in him, which pays for putting into the crucible;
he bears such rich fruit, that he is worth pruning;
he is a diamond of so pure, that he will repay the lapidary's toil.

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

Why is it?

(Arthur Pink, "Fearing God in His Sovereign Majesty")

"An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes!" Psalm 36:1

Why is it that, today, the masses are so utterly unconcerned about spiritual and eternal things, and that they are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God?

Why is it that defiance of God is becoming more open, more blatant, more daring?

Why is it that even among those who profess to be the Lord's people, that there is so little real subjection to His Word, and that its precepts are so lightly esteemed and so readily set aside?

The answer is, because "There is no fear of God before their eyes!" Romans 3:18

Ah! what needs to be stressed today — is that God is a God to be feared! Happy is the person who has been awed by a view of God's majesty, who has had a vision of . . .

  God's unutterable greatness,
  His ineffable holiness,
  His perfect righteousness,
  His irresistible power,
  His sovereign grace!

Time was, when it was the general custom to speak of a believer as "a God-fearing man". That such an appellation has become extinct, only serves to show where we have drifted. Nevertheless, it still stands written, "Like as a father pities His children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him!" Psalm 103:13

When we speak of godly fear, of course, we do not mean a servile fear, such as prevails among the heathen in connection with their gods. No! We mean that spirit which Jehovah is pledged to bless, that spirit to which the prophet referred when he said, "To this man will I look — even to him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at My Word." Isaiah 66:2

Nothing will foster this godly fear, like a recognition of the sovereign majesty of God!

"I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into Hell. Yes, I tell you — this is the One to fear!" Luke 12:4-5

"Our God is a consuming fire!" Hebrews 12:29

"It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!" Hebrews 10:31

The empty, oilless, flameless lamp?

(Winslow, "The God of Light") See to it that your religious knowledge is not borrowed from a Church, or from a minister, or from a creed, but is derived directly and only from Christ. Let your knowledge of Christ, your faith in Christ, your love to Christ, your obedience to Christ, be the test and the measure of the light that is in you. Is there not a great danger of borrowing, our religious thoughts, sentiments, and phraseology, from others? And was not this the case with the foolish virgins in the parable, when they exclaimed, "Please give us some of your oil because  our lamps are going out." Matthew 25:8 Oh, it is of the utmost importance that our religious light is not a borrowed or false light. See that your religion is your own; the personal, vital experience of your own heart. It is easy; nothing easier, more deceptive or fatal; than to make a religious profession, adopt a religious ceremonial, imitate the experience, and quote the language of others. A borrowed or a counterfeit religion is of all religions, the most ensnaring and dangerous. Do not go to the grave clad in the religious habiliments of others; but robed in Christ's true and joyous garments of salvation, "girded with the golden girdle" of truth, holiness, and love. Bear not to death's gate the empty, oilless, flameless lamp of a mere religious profession.

You have saved the best until now!

(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"Everyone brings out the choice wine first . . . But you have saved the best until now!" John 2:10

The world gives its best first — and the worst comes afterwards!

It is so in all sinful pleasures: first exhilaration — and then bitter remorse.

It is so in the chase for wealth, power, and fame: gratification first — and then painful disappointment. At first money brings gladness — a sort of satisfaction. But as time rolls on and wealth increases — cares multiply, anxieties thicken, burdens grow heavier, and at last — the rich man finds that in all his riches, he has less satisfaction than he had in the days when he was just a poor boy!

It is so in all mere worldly ambitions: the first cups of fame are sweet — but soon they pall upon the taste.

This truth holds especially in the sinful life: we need not deny that at the beginning, sin is sweet — but bitterness is found at the bottom of the cup!

In grace, however, this is reversed — the good wine is kept to the last! Christ Himself first had humiliation, darkness, and the shame of the cross — and then exaltation, power, glory!

In the Christian life, the same law holds:

First there comes bitterness — but out of the bitterness, sweetness flows.

There is first the deep sorrow of penitence — but this gives way to the blessed joy of forgiveness.

First comes self-denial and cross-bearing — but out of these experiences comes a holy peace which fills all the heart.

Sorrows are to be endured — but the good wine of comfort is poured into the emptied cup.

There is also a constant progression in the blessings of the divine life. We never get to the end of them! Indeed, we never get to the best! There is always something better yet to come. Christ keeps the really best wine until the very last — in Heaven! As sweet as Christ's peace now is to the Christian — he will never know the fullness of the love of God, until he gets home to the Father's house!

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I shall forget all the toils of my journey!

(James Meikle, "A Secret Survey into the State of the Soul" April 13, 1779)

There is one thing which is needful — and only one thing. Henceforth let me attend to it with diligence and care, and not to maketrifles such matters of concern.

If I am traveling to my Father's house, I should attend closely to my journey, and not consume myself with anxiety about the climate, whether it it fair or foul; whether the road is good or bad; and whether I join agreeable company, or walk alone. For my Father's house will make me completely happy, so happy that I shall forget all the toils of my journey!

"Heaven will make amends for all!"

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The clock of Providence!

(Charles Spurgeon, "Flowers from a Puritan's Garden" 1883)

"There is a clock with which Providence keeps time and pace — and God Himself sets it!"

Our time is always now, for we are in selfish haste. But everything happens according to God's divine time-table. Our sovereign God is never before His time — and never too late. We may well admire the punctuality of Heaven.

Our trials come in due season — and leave at the appointed moment. Our fretfulness will neither hasten nor delay the purposes of our sovereign God.

We are in hot haste to order all our affairs. But the Lord has the leisure of omnipotence and unerring wisdom — and it will be well for us to learn to wait. The clock will not strike until the hour; but when the instant comes, we shall hear the bell.

My soul, trust in God, and wait patiently when He says, "My time has not yet come — but your time is always here!" John 7:6

     

Must we long for the onions of Egypt?

Must we long for the onions of Egypt?


(by Thomas Adams)

"Christ in you, the hope of glory!" Colossians 1:27

"Christ lives in me!" Galatians 2:20

Is not the life of Christ in us — above all earthly sweetness?

He who has come to manhood — throws away his rattles and dolls! Are not the grapes of Canaan satisfying enough — but must we long for the onions of Egypt?

He who has the living waters of Jesus flowing in his heart — is foolish if he stoops to the puddles of vanity, or seeks contentment in the world. He will not suck on the breasts of this world, and seek to solace himself in its vanities!

Excelsior!

Excelsior! Spurgeon, "Christ's People- Imitators of Him" The fact that perfection is beyond our reach, should not diminish the fervor of our desire after it. The Christian man; though he feels he never can mount to the heights of complete excellence, and perceives that he never can on earth become the exact image of Christ, still holds it up before him, and measures his own deficiencies by the distance between himself and Jesus. This will he do; forgetting all he has attained, he will press forward, crying, 'Excelsior!' going upwards still, desiring to be conformed more and more to the image of Christ Jesus!

"You do not know on what day your Lord will come!" Matthew 24:42

The Hour of Silence

By Alexander Smellie, 1899

"You do not know on what day your Lord will come!" Matthew 24:42

So many and so different are the days of my earthly life — and on any one of them my Lord may come! This is a thought to hallow them all.

It may be a day of ordinary business and toil. Then whatever I do I, must do heartily, as unto my Master. If He should surprise me when I am engaged in my usual task, He must find the task honorably and faithfully and fully discharged. Let mine be the eye which "winces at false work, and loves the true."

It may be a day of weakness and suffering. Then I must suffer patiently, meekly, quietly, even thankfully. I must kiss the cross which He has laid on my shoulders. I must show that His grace has a marvelous power to sustain me. How sorrow-stricken I shall be if, when He comes, He hears me murmur and complain!

It may be a day bright with a special gladness and success. Then I must trace my joy to no secondary and subordinate cause — but to Him, and must praise Him for it. I must glory not in myself — but in His goodness and mercy. It will be an eternal regret to me, if He should discover me ungrateful, boastful or proud!

It may be a day of worship and prayer. Then there must be the heart-reality behind the form of religion. No fair external, must cover a hollow and insincere heart. How infinitely mournful it will be if, in His searching eyes — if my religion should be hypocrisy, and my holy things a falsehood!

Lord, give me grace to live as though You were coming at any moment!

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He does not come in the sunshine only!

(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"When they saw Him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking He was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw Him!" Mark 6:49-50

It seems strange to us, that the disciples would ever have been afraid of their own Master. They had been in great distress all through the night — just because He was not with them. There was nothing they had desired so much all through those long dark hours — as that Jesus would come to them. Yet now, when He did come — they were in terror at the sight of Him. It was because they did not know that it was Jesus — as His very unusual presence so affrighted them.

It is ofttimes just so with us. We are in some need or danger, and Jesus does not come to us. We call upon Him, and most earnestly desire His coming; yet He does not come. At length He comes, but often it is not as we had expected — in lovely visage and gentle deportment — but in the form of terror! It is in some great trial — that He comes. Death enters our door and carries away a loved one. Or we experience some loss or some misfortune — at least it seems to us, loss or misfortune. We cry out in terror! We do not know that it is Jesus, veiled in the dark robe, who has come! We do not know that this is the answer to our prayer for His presence and His help. We are affrighted at the unusual form that moves over the waters in the dark night. We think it is new danger — when really it is the very divine love and divine help — for which we have been longing and pleading!

We ought to learn that Jesus is in every providence that comes to us. He does not come in the sunshine only; quite as frequently — it is in the dark night that He draws near. It is our duty as Christians to train ourselves to see Christ in every event. Then, whether it is sorrow or joy which knocks at our door — we shall give it loving welcome, knowing that Jesus Himself is veiled in whatever form it is, that He enters. Then we shall find, that when we welcome Him in the somber garments of affliction — He will always have a rich blessing for our lives!

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NEEDFUL GRACE

 
 (John MacDuff, "The Faithful Promiser")
 
"As your days — so shall your strength be." Deuteronomy 33:25
 
God does not give grace — until the hour of trial comes. But when it does come — the amount of grace, and the nature of the special grace required — is granted. My soul! do not dwell with painful apprehension on the future. Do not anticipate coming sorrows, or perplex yourself with the grace needed for future emergencies. Tomorrow will bring its promised grace — along with tomorrow's trials. 
 
God, wishing to keep His people humble, and dependent on Himself — does not give a stock of grace. He metes it out for every day's exigencies, that they may be constantly traveling between . . .
   their own emptiness — and Christ's fullness;
   their own weakness — and Christ's strength.  
But when the exigency comes, you may safely trust an Almighty arm to bear you through! 
 
Is there now some "thorn in the flesh" sent to lacerate you? You may have been entreating the Lord for its removal. Your prayer has, doubtless, been heard and answered; but not in the way, perhaps, either expected or desired by you. The "thorn" may still be left to goad, the trial may still be left to buffet; but "more grace" has been given to endure them! Oh! how often have His people thus been led to glory in their infirmities, and triumph in their afflictions — seeing that the power of Christ rests more abundantly upon them! The strength which the hour of trial brings — often makes the Christian a wonder to himself!

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The process was not easy!

The process was not easy!

(J. R. Miller, "The Friendships of Jesus" 1897)

"Jesus looked at him and said--You are Simon, son of John.
You will be called Cephas (which means 'Rock')." John 1:42

"You are Simon." That was his name then.
"You will be called Cephas." That was what he would become.

This did not mean that Simon's character was changed instantly into the quality which the new name indicated. It meant that this would be his character by and by--when the work of grace in him was finished. The new name was a prophecy of what he was to become--the man that Jesus would make of him. Now he was only Simon--rash, impulsive, self-confident, vain--and therefore weak and unstable.

The process was not easy!

Simon had many hard lessons to learn!
Self-confidence had to be changed into humility.

Impetuosity had to be disciplined into quiet self-control.

Presumption had to be awed and softened into reverence.

Heedlessness had to grow into thoughtfulness.

Rashness had to be subdued into prudence.

Weakness had to be tempered into calm strength.

Thus lesson after lesson did Simon have to learn, each one leading to a deeper humility.

It took a great deal of severe discipline to make him into the strong, firm man of rock, that Jesus set out to produce in him. But who will say today, that it was not worth while? The splendid Christian manhood of Peter, has been now before the eyes of the world for twenty centuries--as a type of character which believers should emulate--a vision of life whose influence has touched millions with its inspiration. The price which had to be paid to attain this nobleness of character and this vastness of holy influence--was not too great.

But how about ourselves? It may be quite as hard for some of us to be made into the image ofbeauty and strength, which the Master has set for us. It may require that we shall pass through experiences of loss, trial, temptation and sorrow.

Life's great lessons are very long, and cannot be learned in a day; nor can they be learned easily. But at whatever cost, they are worth while. It is worth while for the gold to pass through the fire--to be made pure and clean. It is worth while for the gem to endure the hard processes necessary to prepare it for shining in its dazzling splendor. It is worth while for a Christian to submit to whatever severe discipline may be required-- to bring out in him the likeness of the Master, and to fit him for noble living and serving.

There is no such a word in the 'dictionary of faith'

There is no such a word in the 'dictionary of faith'

(Letters of John Newton)

"Godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6 

There is many a thing which the world calls 'disappointment', but there is no such a word in the 'dictionary of faith'. What to others are disappointments, are divine appointments to believers.

If two angels were sent down from heaven—one to conduct an empire, and the other to sweep a street—they would feel no inclination to change employments. 

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 need." Philippians 4:11-12

Strength equal to the day

(Theodore Cuyler, "Beulah-Land" or, Words of Cheer for Christian Pilgrims)

"Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:34
Faith does not shed tears over sorrows which may never come. God never made a Christian strong enough to stand the strain oftoday's duties — and all the load of tomorrow's anxieties piled upon the top of them. The apostle Paul himself would have broken down, if he had attempted the foolish experiment. We have a right to ask our Heavenly Father for strength equal to the day — but we have no right to ask him for one extra ounce of strength beyond it! Faith . . .
carries present loads,
meets present battles,
feeds on present promises, and
commits the future to a faithful God!

We should not penetrate into the secrets which tomorrow hides — if we could. It is far better to know Whom we trust, and that He is able to keep all that we commit to Him, until the last great day.

We cannot live on yesterday's meals. As the children of Israel gathered fresh manna every morning — so must we look upward for a fresh supply of heavenly rations for the day's march. The secret of happy days is not in our outward circumstances — but in our own heart life. A large draught of Bible taken every morning, a throwing open of the soul's windows to the precious promises of the Master, a few words of fervent prayer, a deed or two of kindness to the first person you meet — will brighten your countenance and make your feet "like hinds feet" for the day's march.

"As your days — so shall your strength be." Deuteronomy 33:25

There are few things at which people enact greater farces!

There are few things at which people enact greater farces!

(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"Then Jesus said to His disciples: If anyone would come after Me — he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me!"Matthew 16:24

There are few things at which people enact greater farces — than in their feeble and foolish efforts at self-denial. Very few seem to have the remotest conception of what self-denial is!

One does without meat on Fridays, eating fish instead — and thinks that he has denied himself in a most commendable way.

Another gives up candy or a certain amusement for forty days in Lent — and is proud of over his great self-denial.

Others make themselves miserable in various ways: inflicting pain, making useless and uncalled-for sacrifices — as if God were somehow pleased when they suffer!

But none of these things constitute self-denial. There is no merit or virtue in . . .
giving up anything,
suffering any loss or pain, or
making any sacrifice — merely for its own sake.

True self-denial is the renouncing of SELF — and the yielding of the whole life to the will of Christ. It is SELF — coming down from the heart's throne, laying crown and scepter at the Master's feet — and thenceforth submitting the whole life to His sway.
True self-denial is living — not to please ourselves, not to advance our own personal interests — but to please our Lord and do His work. It is denying ourselves anything which is sinful in His sight. It is the glad making of any sacrifice which loyalty to Him requires. It is the giving up of any pleasure or comfort for the good of others — which the living out of His gospel may demand. The essential thing is that SELF gives way altogether to CHRIST — as the purpose and end of life.

True self-denial, like all other traits of Christlikeness, is unconscious of itself. We deny ourselves when we follow Christ with joy and gladness, through cost and danger and suffering — wherever He leads!

Our great lesson!

Our great lesson!

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

"I will instruct you." Psalm 32:8

At best we know but little—and we are slow to learn. But the Lord has promised to instruct us. The Lord's teaching always produces . . .
humility,
self-loathing,
confidence in God,
zeal for His glory, and
heart devotion to Christ!

The Lord's teaching always . . .
brings us to the feet of Jesus, and
delivers us from the present evil world.

Under Divine instruction we learn . . .
the true nature of sin,
the vanity of the world,
the emptiness of creatures, and
the fullness and preciousness of Christ!

Is God willing to instruct us? Then let us be early and often at His throne of grace, praying, as the Psalmist did, "Show me Your ways, O LORD, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me—for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4-5. Then shall we exclaim, as Elihu did, "God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him!" Job 36:22

The Lord will teach us to profit, and sanctify us through the truth He imparts. Christ is our great lesson—and to know Him rightly—is life, peace and joy!

Is Jesus your Teacher? Then . . .
sit at His feet,
treasure up His Words,
and show forth His praise!

He says, "Learn of Me." Learn to . . .
know Him,
love Him,
obey Him, and
live upon Him!

"Teach me Your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path!" Psalm 27:11

Overcoming the world

Overcoming the world

(Arthur Pink, "Faith as an Overcomer")

"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4


One of the fruits of the new birth, is a faith which not only enables its possessor to overcome the sensual and sinful customs, and the carnal maxims and policies by which the profane world is regulated—but also the lying delusions and errors by which the professing world is fatally deceived.

The only thing which will or can "overcome the world" is a God-given—but self-exercised faith.

Faith overcomes the world firstly, by receiving into the heart God's infallible testimony of the world. He declares that "the world" is a corrupt, evanescent, hostile thing, which shall soon be destroyed by Him. His Holy Word teaches that the world is "evil" (Galatians 1:4); that "all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father—but is of the world" (1 John 2:16); that "the whole world lies in wickedness" (1 John 5:19) and shall yet be "burned up" (2 Peter 3:10). As faith accepts God's verdict of the world, the mind is spiritually enlightened; and its possessor views it as a worthless, dangerous, and detestable thing!

Faith overcomes the world secondly, by obeying the Divine commands concerning it. God has bidden us, "Do not be conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2); "Do not love the world, neither the things that are in the world" (1 John 2:15); and warns us that "Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world, becomes an enemy of God." (James 4:4). By heeding the Divine precepts, its magic spell over the heart is broken.

Faith overcomes the world thirdly, by occupying the soul with more glorious, soul-delighting and satisfying objects. The more the substance of the heavenly world engages the heart—the less hold will the shadows of this earthly world have upon it. "For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10).

Faith overcomes the world fourthly, by drawing out the heart unto Christ. As it was by fleeing to Him for refuge, that the soul was first delivered from the power and thraldom of this world—so it is throughout the Christian life. The more we cultivate real communion with Christ—the less attraction will the baubles of this world have for us! The strength of temptation lies entirely in the bent of our affections, "for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21). While Christ is beheld as "the chief among ten thousand" (Song 5:10) and as "altogether lovely" (Song 5:16) —the things which charm the poor worldling, will repel us.

The world gains the victory over the unregenerate by captivating their affections and capturing their wills. But the Christian overcomes the world, because his affections are set upon Christ and his will yielded to Him.

Here—then, we have a sure criterion by which we may determine our Christian progress or spiritual growth. If the things of this world have a decreasing power over me—then my faith is becoming stronger. If I am holding more lightly the things most prized by the ungodly—then I must be increasing in an experimental and soul-satisfying knowledge of Christ. If I am less cast down when some of the riches and comforts of this world are taken from me—then that is evidence they have less hold upon me.

Continue earnestly in prayer

Continue earnestly in prayer

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

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2

Prayer is always necessary, and it is always profitable. In prayer . . .
we do homage to the perfections of God,
we exercise faith on His omnipresence,
we express our dependence on Him for our supplies,
we evince the sincerity of our profession,
we acknowledge our poverty and weakness,
we unburden the mind of our secret trials,
we give vent to our feelings of joy and sorrow, of gratitude and grief,
we give utterance to our desires, and spread our case before the Lord,

we . . .
confess our sins,
acknowledge our backslidings,
and obtain pardon and restoring grace.

Prayer is the medium of communication between God and our souls:

We communicate our thoughts, feelings, fears, and desires.
He communicates light, strength, comfort, and grace to us.

Prayer is a very important duty; it is a great privilege.

Prayer should be . . .
constant,
fervent,
believing,
hopeful, and
incessant.

God loves it,
Satan hates it, and
every true Christian values it.

We should be always in a praying frame — though we cannot be always in a praying posture.

True prayer is always . . .
necessary,
profitable and
acceptable to God.

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

This flattering enemy!

This flattering enemy!

(Thomas Watson, "The Christian's Charter")

"Don't you know that friendship with the world is
 hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a
 friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."
    James 4:4

The world is a deadly enemy.

This enemy courts us.

It smiles—that it may deceive.

It kills—by embracing!

The world's music enchants us.

It has a golden apple in one hand
—and a dagger in the other hand!

Riches are but golden dust, which will sooner choke
us, than satisfy us. Riches are called thick clay, which
will sooner break our back, than lighten our heart.

Marcia gave poison in sweet wine, to the emperor
Commodus. Such an aromatic cup does the world
present us with—that we may drink and die.

The ivy, while it clasps about the oak, sucks away
the heart of it; such are the world's embraces.

Judas-like, whom the world kisses—it betrays.

The world is a silken halter.

The world is a golden fetter.

Some have been drowned in the sweet waters of
pleasure! Others have been choked in silver mines!

Oh arm, arm against this flattering enemy!

The divinest ministries

(J.R. Miller, "The Glory of the Commonplace")


"The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28 

We must not make the mistake of thinking that Christian service consists merely in prayers, devotions, and acts of worship. 

The divinest ministries of each day are the small services of love which God sends across our way. The half-hour the busy man takes from his business . . .
  to comfort a sorrow,
  to help a discouraged brother to start again,
  to lift up one who has fainted by the way,
  to visit a sick neighbor and minister consolation, or
  to give a young person needed counsel — 
is the half-hour of the day that will shine the most brightly when the records of life are unrolled before God.

The secret of abundant helpfulness, is found in the desire to be a help, a blessing, to all whom we meet. We begin to be like Christ only when we begin to wish to be helpful. Where this desire is ever dominant, the life is an unceasing benediction. Rivers of water are pouring out from it continually to bless the world.

"Serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13

The Church WITHOUT The Spirit

By Samuel Chadwick

      The Church is the Body of Christ, and the Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. He fills the Body, directs its movements, controls its members, inspires its wisdom, supplies it's strength. He guides into truth, sanctifies its agents, and empowers for witnessing. The Spirit has never abdicated His authority nor relegated His power. Neither Pope nor Parliament, neither Conference nor Council is supreme in the Church of Christ. The Church that is man-managed instead of God-governed is doomed to failure. A ministry that is College-trained but not Spirit-filled works no miracles. The Church that multiplies committees and neglects prayer may be fussy, noisy, enterprising, but it labors in vain and spends its strength for nought. 

It is possible to excel in mechanics and fail in dynamic. There is a superabundance of machinery; what is wanting is power. To run an organization needs no God. Man can supply the energy, enterprise, and enthusiasm for things human. The real work of a Church depends upon the power of the Spirit. The Presence of the Spirit is vital and central to the work of the Church. Nothing else avails. Apart from Him, wisdom becomes folly, and strength weakness. The Church is called to be a "spiritual house" and a holy priesthood. Only spiritual people can be its "living stones," and only the Spirit-filled its priests.

      The Church always fails at the point of self-confidence. When the Church is run on the same lines as a circus, there may be crowds, but there is no Shekinah. That is why prayer is the test of faith and the secret of power. The Spirit of God travails in the prayer-life of the soul. Miracles are the direct work of His power, and without miracles the Church cannot live. 

The carnal can argue, but it is the Spirit of God that convicts. Education can civilize, but it is being born of the Spirit that saves. The energy of the flesh can run bazaars, organize amusements, and raise millions; but it is the presence of the Holy Spirit that makes a Temple of the Living God. The root-trouble of the present distress is that the Church has more faith in the world and in the flesh than in the Holy Ghost, and things will get no better till we get back to His realized presence and power. The breath of the four winds would turn death into life and dry bones into mighty armies, but it only comes by PRAYER!

Self-righteousness?

Self-righteousness? The following is from Spurgeon's sermon, "The Interest of Christ and His People in Each Other"  Self-righteousness will destroy you, my friend. I tell you, honestly and plainly, that you might as well hope to get to heaven by flying up in a balloon, as to get there by your 'good works'. You may as soon sail to India in a sieve, as get to glory by your own goodness. Away with your rags, your filthy, rotten rags. They are only a harbor for the parasites of unbelief and pride. Away with your rotten self righteousness, your counterfeit gold, your forged wealth. It is of no worth whatever in the sight of God. Come to him, empty, poor, and naked! It grates on your proud ear, does it? Better to lose your pride, than to lose your soul! Why be damned for pride's sake? Why carry your head so high that it must be cut off? Why feed your pride on your soul's blood? Surely there is cheaper stuff than that for pride to drink! Why let it suck the very marrow out of your bones? Be wise! Bow, stoop, stoop to be saved.

The result has been . . .

The result has been . . .

(Arthur Pink, "An Exposition of the Gospel of John")

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you!" John 15:18-19

"Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you!" 1 John 3:13

The professing Church has boasted that it would convert the world. To accomplish this aim, it has sought to "popularize" religion. Innumerable devices have been employed to attract the ungodly — many of which even a sense of propriety should have suppressed!

The result has been that the world has converted the professing Church!

But notwithstanding this, it still remains true that the world hates the true followers of the Lamb. And nowhere is this more plainly evident, than in those who belong to what we may term the religious world!

If you resolve that by Divine grace you will live godly in Christ Jesus — then know you that persecution must be your portion. And that persecution will come upon you not from atheists and infidels — but from those bearing the name of Christians. It will issue from those who still keep up a form (or semblance) of godliness, but who are strangers to its living power. It will come to you from empty professors whose compromising ways are condemned by your refusal to conform thereto; whose worldliness and carnality is rebuked by your spirituality.

Remember, it was the religious leaders who hounded the Savior to His death!

It is a part of the cross!

(J.C. Ryle)

Let it be a settled principle in our minds, that the true Christian must always enter the kingdom of God "through much tribulation" (Acts 14:22). If we are faithful and decided servants of Christ — the world will certainly hate us, as it hated our Master. In one way or another, true grace will always be persecuted. No consistency of conduct, however faultless; no kindness and amiability of character, however striking — will exempt a believer from the world's dislike, so long as he lives. It is foolish to be surprised at this. It is mere waste of time to murmur at it. It is a part of the cross, and we must bear it patiently. The children of Cain will hate the children of Abel, as long as the earth continues.

"Marvel not, my brethren," says John, "if the world hates you." "If you were of the world," says our Lord, "the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world — therefore the world hates you!" (1 John 3:13; John 15:18-19)

This world is not our home!

Our best things are yet to come!