A Heavenly Escort, January 30
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in places whither thou goest." - Genesis 28:15
DO we need journeying mercies? Here are choice ones - God's presence and preservation. In all places we need both of these, and in all places we shall have them if we go to the call of duty, and not merely according to our own fancy. Why should we look upon removal to another country as a sorrowful necessity when it is laid upon us by the divine will? In all lands the believer is equally a pilgrim and a stranger; and yet in every region the Lord is His dwelling place, even as He has been to His saints in all generations. We may miss the protection of an earthly monarch, but when God says, "I will keep thee," we are in no real danger. This is a blessed passport for a traveler, and a heavenly escort for an emigrant.
Jacob had never left his father's room before: he had been a mother's boy, and not an adventurer like his brother. Yet he went abroad, and God went with him. He had little luggage, and no attendants; yet no prince ever journeyed with a nobler bodyguard. Even while he slept in the open field, angels watched over him, and the Lord God spoke to him. If the Lord bids us go, let us say with our Lord Jesus, "Arise, let us go hence."
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Lets dwell on these thoughts. Agape.
"36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
30 January 2009
29 January 2009
Obedience Brings Blessing
Obedience Brings Blessing, January 29
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy God." - Deuteronomy 12:28
THOUGH salvation is not by the works of the law, yet the blessings which are promised to obedience are not denied to the faithful servants of God. The curses our Lord took away when He was made a curse for us, but no clause of blessing has been abrogated.
We are to note and listen to the revealed will of the Lord, giving our attention not to portions of it, but to "all these words." There must be no picking and choosing, but an impartial respect to all that God has commanded. This is the road of blessedness for the father and for his children. The Lord's blessing is upon His chosen to the third and fourth generation. If they walk uprightly before Him, He will make all men know that they are a seed which the Lord has blessed.
No blessing can come to us or ours through dishonesty or double dealing. The ways of worldly conformity and unholiness cannot bring good to us or ours. It will go well with us when we go well before God. If integrity does not make us prosper, knavery will not. That which gives pleasure to God will bring pleasure to us.
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Let us walk uprightly in obedience to the words of our Faithful Father and Lord. Let us walk boldly for the sake of the cross and do things to please the Lord, which will in turn, be a pleasure to our own hearts, to know that we've done well in the sight of the Lord. Grace&Peace.
"35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy God." - Deuteronomy 12:28
THOUGH salvation is not by the works of the law, yet the blessings which are promised to obedience are not denied to the faithful servants of God. The curses our Lord took away when He was made a curse for us, but no clause of blessing has been abrogated.
We are to note and listen to the revealed will of the Lord, giving our attention not to portions of it, but to "all these words." There must be no picking and choosing, but an impartial respect to all that God has commanded. This is the road of blessedness for the father and for his children. The Lord's blessing is upon His chosen to the third and fourth generation. If they walk uprightly before Him, He will make all men know that they are a seed which the Lord has blessed.
No blessing can come to us or ours through dishonesty or double dealing. The ways of worldly conformity and unholiness cannot bring good to us or ours. It will go well with us when we go well before God. If integrity does not make us prosper, knavery will not. That which gives pleasure to God will bring pleasure to us.
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Let us walk uprightly in obedience to the words of our Faithful Father and Lord. Let us walk boldly for the sake of the cross and do things to please the Lord, which will in turn, be a pleasure to our own hearts, to know that we've done well in the sight of the Lord. Grace&Peace.
"35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
28 January 2009
Tears Shall Cease
Tears Shall Cease, January 28
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." - Revelation 21:4
YES, we shall come to this if we are believers. Sorrow shall cease, and tears shall be wiped away. This i the world of weeping, but it passes away. There shall be a new heaven, and a new earth, so says the first verse of this chapter; and therefore there will be nothing to weep over concerning the fall and its consequent miseries. Read the second verse, and note how it peaks of the bride and her marriage. The Lamb's wedding is a time for boundless pleasure, and tears would be out of place. The third verse says that God Himself will dwell among men; and surely at His right hand there are pleasures forevermore, and tears can no longer flow.
What will our state be when there will be no more sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain? This will be more glorious than we can as yet imagine. O eyes that are red with weeping, cease your scalding flow, for in a little while ye shall know no more tears! None can wipe tears away like the God of love, but He is coming to do it. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Come, Lord, and tarry not; for now both men and women must weep!
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I am excited for the day where He will wipe away every tear from our eyes! The day where we will no longer see anything but His glory and be filled to the brim with the joy of the Lord. Come Lord, Come. We long for the day of no more fear, pain or tears! Agape.
"34. Resolved, in narrations never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." - Revelation 21:4
YES, we shall come to this if we are believers. Sorrow shall cease, and tears shall be wiped away. This i the world of weeping, but it passes away. There shall be a new heaven, and a new earth, so says the first verse of this chapter; and therefore there will be nothing to weep over concerning the fall and its consequent miseries. Read the second verse, and note how it peaks of the bride and her marriage. The Lamb's wedding is a time for boundless pleasure, and tears would be out of place. The third verse says that God Himself will dwell among men; and surely at His right hand there are pleasures forevermore, and tears can no longer flow.
What will our state be when there will be no more sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain? This will be more glorious than we can as yet imagine. O eyes that are red with weeping, cease your scalding flow, for in a little while ye shall know no more tears! None can wipe tears away like the God of love, but He is coming to do it. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Come, Lord, and tarry not; for now both men and women must weep!
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I am excited for the day where He will wipe away every tear from our eyes! The day where we will no longer see anything but His glory and be filled to the brim with the joy of the Lord. Come Lord, Come. We long for the day of no more fear, pain or tears! Agape.
"34. Resolved, in narrations never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Precious Repentance
Precious Repentance, January 27
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed." - Ezekiel 20:43
WHEN we are accepted of the Lord, and are standing in the place of favor, and peace, and safety, then we are led to repent of all our failures and miscarriages toward our gracious God. So precious is repentance that we may call it a diamond of the first water, and this is sweetly promised to the people of God as one most sanctifying result of salvation. He who accepts repentance also gives repentance; and He gives it not out of "the bitter box," but from among those "wafers made with honey" on which He feeds His people. A sense of blood-bought pardon and of undeserved mercy is the best means of dissolving a heart of stone. Are we feeling hard? Let us think of sin, and loathe sin - yea, we shall loathe ourselves for sinning against such infinite love. Let us come to God with this promise of penitence, and ask Him to help us remember, and repent, and regret and return. Oh, that we could enjoy the meltings of holy sorrow! What a relief would a flood of tears be! Lord, smite the rock, or speak to the rock, and cause the waters to flow!
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We are borned totally depraved due to the original sin of Adam and Eve. From the point of birth we are God haters, workers of iniquity deserving of hell. But God brings us to the point of repentance when He accepts us. What an amazing thing, that God would save any of us, as we are all wretched dirty sinners who on our own accord could do no righteous thing without the love and help of Jesus Christ. What an amazing Lord we serve. That He snatched us out of the pits of hell, showed us mercy, gave grace upon grace and died in our place! What an amazing God we serve. There have been many times where I have been grieved to tears due to the realization of the enormity of my sins and how black and putrid it is, in the comparison of a Holy God. I think those are beautiful tears, because its where true repentance happens and salvation is gained. Grace&Peace.
"33. Resolved, to do always, what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace, when it can be done without overbalancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed." - Ezekiel 20:43
WHEN we are accepted of the Lord, and are standing in the place of favor, and peace, and safety, then we are led to repent of all our failures and miscarriages toward our gracious God. So precious is repentance that we may call it a diamond of the first water, and this is sweetly promised to the people of God as one most sanctifying result of salvation. He who accepts repentance also gives repentance; and He gives it not out of "the bitter box," but from among those "wafers made with honey" on which He feeds His people. A sense of blood-bought pardon and of undeserved mercy is the best means of dissolving a heart of stone. Are we feeling hard? Let us think of sin, and loathe sin - yea, we shall loathe ourselves for sinning against such infinite love. Let us come to God with this promise of penitence, and ask Him to help us remember, and repent, and regret and return. Oh, that we could enjoy the meltings of holy sorrow! What a relief would a flood of tears be! Lord, smite the rock, or speak to the rock, and cause the waters to flow!
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We are borned totally depraved due to the original sin of Adam and Eve. From the point of birth we are God haters, workers of iniquity deserving of hell. But God brings us to the point of repentance when He accepts us. What an amazing thing, that God would save any of us, as we are all wretched dirty sinners who on our own accord could do no righteous thing without the love and help of Jesus Christ. What an amazing Lord we serve. That He snatched us out of the pits of hell, showed us mercy, gave grace upon grace and died in our place! What an amazing God we serve. There have been many times where I have been grieved to tears due to the realization of the enormity of my sins and how black and putrid it is, in the comparison of a Holy God. I think those are beautiful tears, because its where true repentance happens and salvation is gained. Grace&Peace.
"33. Resolved, to do always, what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace, when it can be done without overbalancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
God Routs Fear
God Routs Fear, January 26
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel." - Numbers 23:23
HOW this should cut up root and brach all silly, superstitious fears! Even if there were any truth in witchcraft and omens, they could not affect the people of the Lord. Those whom God blesses, devils cannot curse.
Ungodly men, like Balaam, may cunningly plot the overthrow of the Lord's Israel; but with all their secrecy and policy they are doomed to fail. Their powder is damp, the edge of their sword is blunted. They gather together; but as the Lord is not with them, they gather together in vain. We may sit still, and let them weave their nets, for we shall not be taken in them. Though they call in the aid of Beelzebub and employ all his serpentine craft, it will avail them nothing: the spells will not work; the divination will deceive them. What a blessing this is! How it quiets the heart! God's Jacobs wrestle with God, but none shall wrestle with them and prevail. God's Israels have power with God and prevail, but none shall have power to prevail against them. We need not fear the fiend himself, nor any of those secret enemies whose words are full of deceit and whose plans are deep and unfathomable. They cannot hurt those who trust in the living God. We defy the devil and all his legions.
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We are safe in the palm of God's hand! Agape.
"32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that, in Proverbs 20:6, A faithful man who can find may not be partly fulfilled in me." -Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel." - Numbers 23:23
HOW this should cut up root and brach all silly, superstitious fears! Even if there were any truth in witchcraft and omens, they could not affect the people of the Lord. Those whom God blesses, devils cannot curse.
Ungodly men, like Balaam, may cunningly plot the overthrow of the Lord's Israel; but with all their secrecy and policy they are doomed to fail. Their powder is damp, the edge of their sword is blunted. They gather together; but as the Lord is not with them, they gather together in vain. We may sit still, and let them weave their nets, for we shall not be taken in them. Though they call in the aid of Beelzebub and employ all his serpentine craft, it will avail them nothing: the spells will not work; the divination will deceive them. What a blessing this is! How it quiets the heart! God's Jacobs wrestle with God, but none shall wrestle with them and prevail. God's Israels have power with God and prevail, but none shall have power to prevail against them. We need not fear the fiend himself, nor any of those secret enemies whose words are full of deceit and whose plans are deep and unfathomable. They cannot hurt those who trust in the living God. We defy the devil and all his legions.
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We are safe in the palm of God's hand! Agape.
"32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that, in Proverbs 20:6, A faithful man who can find may not be partly fulfilled in me." -Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
He Acts on Honest Confession
He Acts on Honest Confession, January 25
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not, he will deliver his soul from goinginto the pit, and hisl ife shall see the light." - Job 33:27, 28
THIS is a word of truth, gathered from the experience of a man of God, and it is tantamount to a promise. What the Lord has done, and is doing, He will continue to do while the world standeth. The Lord will receive into His bosom all who come to Him with a sincere confession of their sin; in fact, He is always on the look-out to discover any that are in trouble because of their faults.
Can we not endorse the language here used? Have we not sinned, sinned peronally so as to say, "I have sinned"? Sinned willfully, having perverted that which is right? Sinned so as to discover that there is no profit in it, but an eternal loss? Let us, then go to God with this honest acknowledgment. He asks no more. We can do no less.
Let us plead His promise in the name of Jesus. He will deliver us from the pit of hell which yawns for us; He will grant us life and light. Why should we despair? Why should we even doubt? The Lord does not mock humble souls. He means what He says. The guilty can be forgiven. Those who deserve execution can receive free pardon. Lord, we confess, and we pray thee to forgive!
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I don't know why this hit me so hard. I think because my friend Liz and I were talking about the state of our nation, the state of the Christian church and how much filth is lurking in every corner. But its amazing to be reminded that those who truly are repentant, those that are truly humbled; are that way because God has shown them their own depravity and God will not mock them for that, but will hold to His promise of true forgiveness. This is encouraging because we know that when we preach the gospel to those around us - God is faithful to forgive a truly honest confession. God is amazing. Grace&Peace.
"31. Resolved, never to say any thing at all against any body, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not, he will deliver his soul from goinginto the pit, and hisl ife shall see the light." - Job 33:27, 28
THIS is a word of truth, gathered from the experience of a man of God, and it is tantamount to a promise. What the Lord has done, and is doing, He will continue to do while the world standeth. The Lord will receive into His bosom all who come to Him with a sincere confession of their sin; in fact, He is always on the look-out to discover any that are in trouble because of their faults.
Can we not endorse the language here used? Have we not sinned, sinned peronally so as to say, "I have sinned"? Sinned willfully, having perverted that which is right? Sinned so as to discover that there is no profit in it, but an eternal loss? Let us, then go to God with this honest acknowledgment. He asks no more. We can do no less.
Let us plead His promise in the name of Jesus. He will deliver us from the pit of hell which yawns for us; He will grant us life and light. Why should we despair? Why should we even doubt? The Lord does not mock humble souls. He means what He says. The guilty can be forgiven. Those who deserve execution can receive free pardon. Lord, we confess, and we pray thee to forgive!
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I don't know why this hit me so hard. I think because my friend Liz and I were talking about the state of our nation, the state of the Christian church and how much filth is lurking in every corner. But its amazing to be reminded that those who truly are repentant, those that are truly humbled; are that way because God has shown them their own depravity and God will not mock them for that, but will hold to His promise of true forgiveness. This is encouraging because we know that when we preach the gospel to those around us - God is faithful to forgive a truly honest confession. God is amazing. Grace&Peace.
"31. Resolved, never to say any thing at all against any body, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
24 January 2009
Care of Our Feet
Care of Our Feet, January 24
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"He will keep the feet of his saints." - 1 Samuel 2:9
THE way is slippery, and our feet are feeble, but the Lord will keep our feet. If we give ourselves up by obedient faith to be His holy ones, He will Himself be our guardian. Not only will He charge His angels to keep us, but He Himself will preserve our goings.
He will keep our feet from falling so that we do not defile our garments, wound our souls, and cause the enemy to blaspheme.
He will keep our feet from wandering so that we do not go into paths of error, or ways of folly, or courses of the world's custom.
He will keep our feet from swelling through weariness or blistering because of the roughness and length of the way.
He will keep our feet from wounding: our shoes shall be iron and brass, so that even though we tread on the edge of the sword or on deadly serpents, we shall not bleed or be poisoned.
He will also pluck our feet out of the net. We shall not be entangled by the deceit of our malicious and crafty foes.
With such a promise as this, let us run without weariness, and walk without fear. He who keeps our feet will do it effectually.
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Thank you, Jesus! Agape.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"He will keep the feet of his saints." - 1 Samuel 2:9
THE way is slippery, and our feet are feeble, but the Lord will keep our feet. If we give ourselves up by obedient faith to be His holy ones, He will Himself be our guardian. Not only will He charge His angels to keep us, but He Himself will preserve our goings.
He will keep our feet from falling so that we do not defile our garments, wound our souls, and cause the enemy to blaspheme.
He will keep our feet from wandering so that we do not go into paths of error, or ways of folly, or courses of the world's custom.
He will keep our feet from swelling through weariness or blistering because of the roughness and length of the way.
He will keep our feet from wounding: our shoes shall be iron and brass, so that even though we tread on the edge of the sword or on deadly serpents, we shall not bleed or be poisoned.
He will also pluck our feet out of the net. We shall not be entangled by the deceit of our malicious and crafty foes.
With such a promise as this, let us run without weariness, and walk without fear. He who keeps our feet will do it effectually.
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Thank you, Jesus! Agape.
"30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
A Completed Sacrifice
A Completed Sacrifice, January 24
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering: and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him" - Leviticus 1:4
IF by that laying on of his hand, the bullock became the offerer's sacrifice, how much more shall Jesus become ours by the laying on of the hand of faith.
"My faith doth lay her hand
On that dear head of Thine,
While like a penitent I stand,
And there confess my sin."
If a bullock could be accepted for him to make atonement for him, how much more shall the Lord jesus be our full and all-sufficient propitiation? Some quarrel with the great truth of substitution; but as for us, it is our hope, our joy, our boast, our all. Jesus is accepted for us to make atonement for us, and we are "accepted in the Beloved."
Let the reader take care at once to lay his hand on the Lord's completed sacrifice, that by accepting it he may obtain the benefit of it. If he has done so once, let him do it again. If he has never done so, let him put out his hand without a moment's delay. Jesus is yours now if you will have Him. Lean on Him; lean hard on Him; and He is yours beyond all question; you are reconciled to God, your sins are blotted out, and you are the Lord's.
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Let us daily press on in Jesus name and hold close to the ONLY one that can help us through this chaotic life, Jesus. Grace&Peace.
"29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering: and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him" - Leviticus 1:4
IF by that laying on of his hand, the bullock became the offerer's sacrifice, how much more shall Jesus become ours by the laying on of the hand of faith.
On that dear head of Thine,
While like a penitent I stand,
And there confess my sin."
If a bullock could be accepted for him to make atonement for him, how much more shall the Lord jesus be our full and all-sufficient propitiation? Some quarrel with the great truth of substitution; but as for us, it is our hope, our joy, our boast, our all. Jesus is accepted for us to make atonement for us, and we are "accepted in the Beloved."
Let the reader take care at once to lay his hand on the Lord's completed sacrifice, that by accepting it he may obtain the benefit of it. If he has done so once, let him do it again. If he has never done so, let him put out his hand without a moment's delay. Jesus is yours now if you will have Him. Lean on Him; lean hard on Him; and He is yours beyond all question; you are reconciled to God, your sins are blotted out, and you are the Lord's.
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Let us daily press on in Jesus name and hold close to the ONLY one that can help us through this chaotic life, Jesus. Grace&Peace.
"29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
21 January 2009
Christian Liberality
Christian Liberality, January 22
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble." - Psalm 41:1
TO think about the poor and let them lie on our hearts is a Christian man's duty; for Jesus put them with us and near us when He said, "The poor ye have always with you."
Many give their money to the poor in a hurry, without thought; and many more give nothing at all. This precious promise belongs to those who "consider" the poor, look into their case, devise plans for their benefit, and considerately carry them out. We can do more by care than by cash and most with the two together. To those who consider the poor, the Lord promises His own consideration in times of distress. He will bring us out of trouble if we help others when they are in trouble. We shall receive very singular providential help if the Lord sees that we try to provide for others. We shall have a time of trouble, however generous we may be: but if we are charitable, we may put in a claim for peculiar deliverance, and the Lord will not deny His own word and bond. Miserly curmudgeons may help themselves, but considerate and generous believers the Lord will help. As you have done unto others, so will the Lord do unto you. Empty your pockets.
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Let us consider the poor when we give on Sundays and within our daily lives. The first will be last and the last will be first, let us prefer those around us and trust God in His promise to provide for them. Love you, all. Agape.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble." - Psalm 41:1
TO think about the poor and let them lie on our hearts is a Christian man's duty; for Jesus put them with us and near us when He said, "The poor ye have always with you."
Many give their money to the poor in a hurry, without thought; and many more give nothing at all. This precious promise belongs to those who "consider" the poor, look into their case, devise plans for their benefit, and considerately carry them out. We can do more by care than by cash and most with the two together. To those who consider the poor, the Lord promises His own consideration in times of distress. He will bring us out of trouble if we help others when they are in trouble. We shall receive very singular providential help if the Lord sees that we try to provide for others. We shall have a time of trouble, however generous we may be: but if we are charitable, we may put in a claim for peculiar deliverance, and the Lord will not deny His own word and bond. Miserly curmudgeons may help themselves, but considerate and generous believers the Lord will help. As you have done unto others, so will the Lord do unto you. Empty your pockets.
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Let us consider the poor when we give on Sundays and within our daily lives. The first will be last and the last will be first, let us prefer those around us and trust God in His promise to provide for them. Love you, all. Agape.
"28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
20 January 2009
God's Enemies Shall Bow
God's Enemies Shall Bow, January 21
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord." - Exodus 7:5
THE ungodly world is hard to teach. Egypt does not know Jehovah, and therefore dares to set up its idols and even ventures to ask - "Who is the Lord?" Yet the Lord means to break proud hearts, whether they will or not. When His judgments thunder over their heads, darken their skies, destroy their harvest, and slay their sons, they begin to discern somewhat of Jehovah's power. There will yet be such things done in the earth as shall bring skeptics to their knees. Let us not be dismayed because of their blasphemies for the Lord can take care of His own name, and He will do so in a very effectual manner.
The salvation of his own people was another potent means of making Egypt know that the God of Israel was Jehovah, the living and true God. No Israelite died by any one of the ten plagues. None of the chosen seed were drowned in the Red Sea. Even so, the salvation of the elect and the sure glorification of all true believers will make the most obstinate of God's enemies acknowledge that Jehovah, He is the God.
Oh, that His convincing power would go forth by His Holy Spirit in the preaching of the gospel till all nations shall bow at the name of Jesus and call Him Lord.
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God, help us to go forth and spread your word and good news. We pray that your gospel will be on our tongues and at the forefront of our minds. Please provide us with ways and instances where we can tell others of your saving grace. Let us know that its your calling on their lives, nothing that we say and let us trust that even your enemies will bow and their tongues will confess. Thank you, Lord. Amen. Grace&Peace.
"27. Resolved, never willfully to omit any thing, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord." - Exodus 7:5
THE ungodly world is hard to teach. Egypt does not know Jehovah, and therefore dares to set up its idols and even ventures to ask - "Who is the Lord?" Yet the Lord means to break proud hearts, whether they will or not. When His judgments thunder over their heads, darken their skies, destroy their harvest, and slay their sons, they begin to discern somewhat of Jehovah's power. There will yet be such things done in the earth as shall bring skeptics to their knees. Let us not be dismayed because of their blasphemies for the Lord can take care of His own name, and He will do so in a very effectual manner.
The salvation of his own people was another potent means of making Egypt know that the God of Israel was Jehovah, the living and true God. No Israelite died by any one of the ten plagues. None of the chosen seed were drowned in the Red Sea. Even so, the salvation of the elect and the sure glorification of all true believers will make the most obstinate of God's enemies acknowledge that Jehovah, He is the God.
Oh, that His convincing power would go forth by His Holy Spirit in the preaching of the gospel till all nations shall bow at the name of Jesus and call Him Lord.
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God, help us to go forth and spread your word and good news. We pray that your gospel will be on our tongues and at the forefront of our minds. Please provide us with ways and instances where we can tell others of your saving grace. Let us know that its your calling on their lives, nothing that we say and let us trust that even your enemies will bow and their tongues will confess. Thank you, Lord. Amen. Grace&Peace.
"27. Resolved, never willfully to omit any thing, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
The Overcomer
The Overcomer, January 20
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." - Revelation 2:7
NO man may turn his back in the day of battle, or refuse to go to the holy war. We must fight if we would reign, and we must carry on the warfare till we overcome every enemy, or else this promise is not for us, since it is only for "him that overcometh." We are to overcome the false prophets who have come into the world and all the evils which accompany their teaching. We are to overcome our own faintness of heart and tendency to decline from our first love. Read the whole of the Spirit's word to the church at Ephesus.
If by grace we win the day, as we shall if we truly follow our conquering Leader, then shall be admitted to the very center of the paradise of God, and shall be permitted to pass by the cherub and his flaming sword, and come to that guarded tree, whereof if a man eat, he shall live forever. We shall thus escape that endless death which is the doom of sin and gain that everlasting life which is the seal of innocence, the outgrowth of immortal principles of God-like holiness. Come, my heart, pluck up courage! To flee the conflict will be to lose the joys of the new and better Eden; to fight unto victory is to walk with God in Paradise.
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Lets dwell on these thoughts as well. Agape.
"26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." - Revelation 2:7
NO man may turn his back in the day of battle, or refuse to go to the holy war. We must fight if we would reign, and we must carry on the warfare till we overcome every enemy, or else this promise is not for us, since it is only for "him that overcometh." We are to overcome the false prophets who have come into the world and all the evils which accompany their teaching. We are to overcome our own faintness of heart and tendency to decline from our first love. Read the whole of the Spirit's word to the church at Ephesus.
If by grace we win the day, as we shall if we truly follow our conquering Leader, then shall be admitted to the very center of the paradise of God, and shall be permitted to pass by the cherub and his flaming sword, and come to that guarded tree, whereof if a man eat, he shall live forever. We shall thus escape that endless death which is the doom of sin and gain that everlasting life which is the seal of innocence, the outgrowth of immortal principles of God-like holiness. Come, my heart, pluck up courage! To flee the conflict will be to lose the joys of the new and better Eden; to fight unto victory is to walk with God in Paradise.
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Lets dwell on these thoughts as well. Agape.
"26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Mouth Confession, Heart Belief
Mouth Confession, Heart Belief, January 19
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." - Romans 10:9
THERE must be confession with the mouth. Have I made it? Have I openly avowed my faith in Jesus as the Savior whom God has raised from the dead, and have I done it in God's way? Let me honestly answer this question.
There must also be belief with the heart. Do I sincerely believe in the risen Lord Jesus? Do I trust in Him as my sole hope of salvation? Is this trust from my heart? Let me answer as before God.
If I can truly claim that I have both confessed Christ and believed in him, then I am saved. The text does not say it may be so, but it is plain as a pikestaff and clear as the sun in the heavens; "Thou shalt be saved." As a believer and a confessor, I may lay my hand on this promise and plead is before the Lord God at this moment, and throughout life, and in the hour of death, and at the day of judgment.
I must be saved from the guilt of sin, the power of sin, the punishment of sin, and ultimately from the very being of sin. God hath said it: "Thou shalt be saved." I believe it. I shall be saved: I am saved. Glory be to God for ever and ever!
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Praise the Lord for His Gospel. Praise the Lord for salvation. God is so good. Agape.
"25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." - Romans 10:9
THERE must be confession with the mouth. Have I made it? Have I openly avowed my faith in Jesus as the Savior whom God has raised from the dead, and have I done it in God's way? Let me honestly answer this question.
There must also be belief with the heart. Do I sincerely believe in the risen Lord Jesus? Do I trust in Him as my sole hope of salvation? Is this trust from my heart? Let me answer as before God.
If I can truly claim that I have both confessed Christ and believed in him, then I am saved. The text does not say it may be so, but it is plain as a pikestaff and clear as the sun in the heavens; "Thou shalt be saved." As a believer and a confessor, I may lay my hand on this promise and plead is before the Lord God at this moment, and throughout life, and in the hour of death, and at the day of judgment.
I must be saved from the guilt of sin, the power of sin, the punishment of sin, and ultimately from the very being of sin. God hath said it: "Thou shalt be saved." I believe it. I shall be saved: I am saved. Glory be to God for ever and ever!
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Praise the Lord for His Gospel. Praise the Lord for salvation. God is so good. Agape.
"25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Christ and His Children
Christ and his Children, January 18
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed." - Isaiah 53:10
OUR Lord Jesus has not died in vain. His death was sacrificial: He died as our substitute because death was the penalty of our sins; and because his substitution was accepted of God, He has saved those for whom He made His soul a sacrifice. By death, He became like the corn of wheat which bringeth forth much fruit. there must be a succession of children unto Jesus; He is "the Father of everlasting age." He shall say, "Behold, I and the children whom thou hast given me."
A man is honored in his sons, and Jesus hath His quiver full of these arrows of the mighty. A man is represented in his children, and so is the Christ in Christians. In his seed, a man's life seems to be prolonged and extended; and so is the life of Jesus continued in believers.
Jesus lives, for He sees His seed. He fixes His eye on us; He delights in us; He recognizes us as the fruit of His soul travail. Let us be glad that our Lord does not fail to enjoy the result of His dread sacrifice, and that He will never cease to feast His eyes upon the harvest of His death. Those eyes which once wept for us are now viewing us with pleasure. Yes, He looks upon those who are looking unto Him. Our eyes meet! What a joy is this!
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Lets dwell on these thoughts! Grace&Peace.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed." - Isaiah 53:10
OUR Lord Jesus has not died in vain. His death was sacrificial: He died as our substitute because death was the penalty of our sins; and because his substitution was accepted of God, He has saved those for whom He made His soul a sacrifice. By death, He became like the corn of wheat which bringeth forth much fruit. there must be a succession of children unto Jesus; He is "the Father of everlasting age." He shall say, "Behold, I and the children whom thou hast given me."
A man is honored in his sons, and Jesus hath His quiver full of these arrows of the mighty. A man is represented in his children, and so is the Christ in Christians. In his seed, a man's life seems to be prolonged and extended; and so is the life of Jesus continued in believers.
Jesus lives, for He sees His seed. He fixes His eye on us; He delights in us; He recognizes us as the fruit of His soul travail. Let us be glad that our Lord does not fail to enjoy the result of His dread sacrifice, and that He will never cease to feast His eyes upon the harvest of His death. Those eyes which once wept for us are now viewing us with pleasure. Yes, He looks upon those who are looking unto Him. Our eyes meet! What a joy is this!
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Lets dwell on these thoughts! Grace&Peace.
"24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then, both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
18 January 2009
A Man without Fear
A Man without Fear, January 17
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And he said, Certainly I will be with thee." - Exodus 3:12
OF course, if the Lord sent Moses on an errand, He would not let him go alone. the tremendous risk which it would involve, and the great power it would require, would render it ridiculous for God to send a poor lone Hebrew to confront the mightiest king in all the world and then leave him to himself. It could not be imagined that a wise God would match poor Moses with Pharaoh and the enormous forces of Egypt. Hence He says, "Certainly I will be with thee," as if it were out of the question that He would send him alone.
In my case, also, the same rule will hold good. If I go upon the Lord's errand, with a simple reliance upon His power and a single eye to His glory, it is certain that He will be with me. His sending me binds Him to back me up. Is not this enough? What more can I want? If all the angels and archangels were with me, I might fail; but if He is with me, I must succeed. Only let me take care that I act worthily toward this promise. let me not go timidly, halfheartedly, carelessly, presumptuously. What manner of person ought he to be who has God with him? In such company it behoveth me to play the man and, like Moses, go in unto Pharaoh without fear.
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He is with us, we shall not fear! Agape.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And he said, Certainly I will be with thee." - Exodus 3:12
OF course, if the Lord sent Moses on an errand, He would not let him go alone. the tremendous risk which it would involve, and the great power it would require, would render it ridiculous for God to send a poor lone Hebrew to confront the mightiest king in all the world and then leave him to himself. It could not be imagined that a wise God would match poor Moses with Pharaoh and the enormous forces of Egypt. Hence He says, "Certainly I will be with thee," as if it were out of the question that He would send him alone.
In my case, also, the same rule will hold good. If I go upon the Lord's errand, with a simple reliance upon His power and a single eye to His glory, it is certain that He will be with me. His sending me binds Him to back me up. Is not this enough? What more can I want? If all the angels and archangels were with me, I might fail; but if He is with me, I must succeed. Only let me take care that I act worthily toward this promise. let me not go timidly, halfheartedly, carelessly, presumptuously. What manner of person ought he to be who has God with him? In such company it behoveth me to play the man and, like Moses, go in unto Pharaoh without fear.
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He is with us, we shall not fear! Agape.
"23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God' s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
17 January 2009
Even the Faintest Call
Even the Faintest Call, January 16
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered." - Joel 2:32
WHY do I not call on His name? Why do I run to this neighbor and that, when God is so near and will hear my faintest call? Why do I sit down, and devise schemes, and invent plans? Why not at once roll myself and my burden upon the Lord? Straight-forward is the best runner - why do I not run at once to the living God? In vain shall I look for deliverance anywhere else; but with God I shall find it; for here I have His royal shall to make it sure.
I need not ask whether I may call on Him or not, for that word "whosoever" is a very wide and comprehensive one. Whosoever means me, for it means anybody and everybody who calls upon God. I will therefore follow the leading of the text, and at once call upon the glorious Lord who has made so large a promise.
My case is urgent, and I do not see how I am to be delivered; but this is no business of mine. He who makes the promise will find out ways and means of keeping it. It is mine to obey His commands; it is not mine to direct His counsels. i am His servant, not His solicitor. I call upon Him, and He will deliver me.
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What an encouragement, no matter what, when we call upon His name - He is faithful to answer. To God be the Glory! Grace&Peace.
"
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered." - Joel 2:32
WHY do I not call on His name? Why do I run to this neighbor and that, when God is so near and will hear my faintest call? Why do I sit down, and devise schemes, and invent plans? Why not at once roll myself and my burden upon the Lord? Straight-forward is the best runner - why do I not run at once to the living God? In vain shall I look for deliverance anywhere else; but with God I shall find it; for here I have His royal shall to make it sure.
I need not ask whether I may call on Him or not, for that word "whosoever" is a very wide and comprehensive one. Whosoever means me, for it means anybody and everybody who calls upon God. I will therefore follow the leading of the text, and at once call upon the glorious Lord who has made so large a promise.
My case is urgent, and I do not see how I am to be delivered; but this is no business of mine. He who makes the promise will find out ways and means of keeping it. It is mine to obey His commands; it is not mine to direct His counsels. i am His servant, not His solicitor. I call upon Him, and He will deliver me.
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What an encouragement, no matter what, when we call upon His name - He is faithful to answer. To God be the Glory! Grace&Peace.
"
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
15 January 2009
Made Rich by Faith
Made Rich by Faith, January 15
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever." - Psalm 9:18
POVERTY is a hard heritage, but those who trust in the Lord are made rich by faith. They know that they are not forgotten of God; and though it may seem that they are overlooked in His providential distribution of good things, they look for a time when all this shall be righted. Lazarus will not always lie among the dogs at the rich man's gate, but he will have his recompense in Abraham's bosom.
Even now the Lord remembers His poor but precious sons. "I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me," said one of the old; and it is even so. the godly poor have great expectations. They expect the Lord to provide them all things necessary for this life and godliness; they expect to see all things working for their good; they expect to have all the clsoer fellowship with their Lord, who had no where to lay His head; they expect His second advent and to share its glory. This expectation cannot perish, for it is laid up in Christ Jesus, who liveth forever; and because he lives, it shall live also. The poor saint singeth many a song which the rich sinner cannot understand. Wherefore, let us, when we have short commons below, think of the royal table above.
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Thank you for not forgetting us, Lord! Agape.
"
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever." - Psalm 9:18
POVERTY is a hard heritage, but those who trust in the Lord are made rich by faith. They know that they are not forgotten of God; and though it may seem that they are overlooked in His providential distribution of good things, they look for a time when all this shall be righted. Lazarus will not always lie among the dogs at the rich man's gate, but he will have his recompense in Abraham's bosom.
Even now the Lord remembers His poor but precious sons. "I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me," said one of the old; and it is even so. the godly poor have great expectations. They expect the Lord to provide them all things necessary for this life and godliness; they expect to see all things working for their good; they expect to have all the clsoer fellowship with their Lord, who had no where to lay His head; they expect His second advent and to share its glory. This expectation cannot perish, for it is laid up in Christ Jesus, who liveth forever; and because he lives, it shall live also. The poor saint singeth many a song which the rich sinner cannot understand. Wherefore, let us, when we have short commons below, think of the royal table above.
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Thank you for not forgetting us, Lord! Agape.
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21. Resolved, never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him. (Resolutions 1 through 21 written in one setting in New Haven in 1722)" - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
14 January 2009
Rest Is A Gift
Rest Is A Gift, January 14
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28
WE who are saved find rest in Jesus. Those who are not saved will receive rest if they come to Him, for here He promises to give it. Nothing can be freer than a gift; let us gladly accept what He gladly gives. You are not to buy it, nor to borrow it, but to receive it as a gift. You labor under the lash of ambition, covetousness, lust, or anxiety: He will set you free from this iron bondage and give you rest. You are laden - yes, heavy laden - with sin, fear, care, remorse, fear of death; but if you come to Him He will unload you. He carried the crashing mass of our sin that we might no longer carry it. He made Himself the great Burden-bearer, that every heavy laden one might cease from bowing down under the enormous pressure.
Jesus gives rest. It is so. Will you believe it? Will you put it to the test? Will you do so at once? Come to Jesus by quitting every other hope, by thinking of Him, believing God's testimony about Him, and trusting everything with Him. If you thus come to Him, the rest which He will give you will be deep, safe, holy, and everlasting. He gives a rest which develops into heaven, and He gives it this day to all who come to Him.
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We can be extraordinary with the ordinary things in life because we know that even if we get tired from every day battles and trials - God will give us rest. Praise Him for His great love and peace. Grace&Peace.
"20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28
WE who are saved find rest in Jesus. Those who are not saved will receive rest if they come to Him, for here He promises to give it. Nothing can be freer than a gift; let us gladly accept what He gladly gives. You are not to buy it, nor to borrow it, but to receive it as a gift. You labor under the lash of ambition, covetousness, lust, or anxiety: He will set you free from this iron bondage and give you rest. You are laden - yes, heavy laden - with sin, fear, care, remorse, fear of death; but if you come to Him He will unload you. He carried the crashing mass of our sin that we might no longer carry it. He made Himself the great Burden-bearer, that every heavy laden one might cease from bowing down under the enormous pressure.
Jesus gives rest. It is so. Will you believe it? Will you put it to the test? Will you do so at once? Come to Jesus by quitting every other hope, by thinking of Him, believing God's testimony about Him, and trusting everything with Him. If you thus come to Him, the rest which He will give you will be deep, safe, holy, and everlasting. He gives a rest which develops into heaven, and He gives it this day to all who come to Him.
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We can be extraordinary with the ordinary things in life because we know that even if we get tired from every day battles and trials - God will give us rest. Praise Him for His great love and peace. Grace&Peace.
"20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
13 January 2009
Never Cast out
Never Cast Out, January 13
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." - John 6: 37
IS there any instance of our Lord's casting out a coming one? If there be so, we would like to know of it; but there has been none, and there never will be. Among the lost souls in hell, there is not one that can say, "I went to Jesus and He refused me." It is not possible that you or I should be the first to whom Jesus shall break His word. Let us not entertain so dark a suspicion.
Suppose we go to Jesus now about the evils of today. Of this we may be sure - He will not refuse us audience or cast us out. Those of us who have often been, and those who have never gone before - let us go together, and we shall see that He will not shut the door of His grace in the face of any one of us.
"This man receiveth sinners," but He repulses none. We come to Him in weakness and sin, with trembling faith, small knowledge, and slender hope; but He does not cast us out. We come by prayer, and that prayer broken; with confession, and that confession faulty; with prasie, and that prasie far short of His merits; but yet He receives us. We come diseased, polluted, worn out, and worthless; but He doth in no wise cast us out. Let us come again today to Him who never cast us out.
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Grace&Peace.
"19. Resolved, never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." - John 6: 37
IS there any instance of our Lord's casting out a coming one? If there be so, we would like to know of it; but there has been none, and there never will be. Among the lost souls in hell, there is not one that can say, "I went to Jesus and He refused me." It is not possible that you or I should be the first to whom Jesus shall break His word. Let us not entertain so dark a suspicion.
Suppose we go to Jesus now about the evils of today. Of this we may be sure - He will not refuse us audience or cast us out. Those of us who have often been, and those who have never gone before - let us go together, and we shall see that He will not shut the door of His grace in the face of any one of us.
"This man receiveth sinners," but He repulses none. We come to Him in weakness and sin, with trembling faith, small knowledge, and slender hope; but He does not cast us out. We come by prayer, and that prayer broken; with confession, and that confession faulty; with prasie, and that prasie far short of His merits; but yet He receives us. We come diseased, polluted, worn out, and worthless; but He doth in no wise cast us out. Let us come again today to Him who never cast us out.
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Grace&Peace.
"19. Resolved, never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Loved unto the End
Loved unto the End, January 12
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"For the Lord will not cast off forever." - Lamentations 3:31
HE may cast away for a season, but not for ever. A woman may leave off her ornaments for a few days, but she will not forget them nor throw them upon the dunghill. It is not like the Lord to cast off those whom He loves: for "having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end." Some talk of our being in grace and out of it, as if we were like rabbits that run in and out of their burrows: but, indeed, it is not so. the Lord's love is a far more serious and abiding matter than this.
He chose us from eternity, and He will love us throughout eternity. He loved us so as to die for us, and we may therefore be sure that His love will never die. His honor is so wrapped up in the salvation of the believer that he can no more cast him off than he can cast off His own robes of office as King of glory. No, no! The Lord Jesus, as a Head, never casts off His members; as a Husband, He never casts off His bride.
Did you think you were cast off? Why did you think so evil of the Lord who has betrothed you to Himself? Cast off such thoughts, and never let them lodge in your soul again. "The Lord hath not cast away his people which eh foreknew" (Romans 11:2). "He hateth putting away" (Malachi 2:16).
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I love knowing that even though He may feel far away - its only a season. Grace&Peace.
"18. Resolved, to live so, at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"For the Lord will not cast off forever." - Lamentations 3:31
HE may cast away for a season, but not for ever. A woman may leave off her ornaments for a few days, but she will not forget them nor throw them upon the dunghill. It is not like the Lord to cast off those whom He loves: for "having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end." Some talk of our being in grace and out of it, as if we were like rabbits that run in and out of their burrows: but, indeed, it is not so. the Lord's love is a far more serious and abiding matter than this.
He chose us from eternity, and He will love us throughout eternity. He loved us so as to die for us, and we may therefore be sure that His love will never die. His honor is so wrapped up in the salvation of the believer that he can no more cast him off than he can cast off His own robes of office as King of glory. No, no! The Lord Jesus, as a Head, never casts off His members; as a Husband, He never casts off His bride.
Did you think you were cast off? Why did you think so evil of the Lord who has betrothed you to Himself? Cast off such thoughts, and never let them lodge in your soul again. "The Lord hath not cast away his people which eh foreknew" (Romans 11:2). "He hateth putting away" (Malachi 2:16).
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I love knowing that even though He may feel far away - its only a season. Grace&Peace.
"18. Resolved, to live so, at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Faith Sees the Bow
Faith See's the Bow, January 11
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud." - Genesis 9:14
JUST now clouds are plentiful enough, but we are not afraid that the world will be destroyed by a deluge. We see the rainbow often enough to prevent our having any such fears. The covenant which the Lord made with Noah stands fast, and we have no doubts about it. Why, then, shall we think that the clouds of trouble, which now darken our sky, will end in our destruction? Let us dismiss such groundless and dishonoring fears.
Faith always sees the bow of covenant promise whenever sense sees the cloud of affliction. God has a bow with which He might shoot out His arrows of destruction. But see! it is turned upward. It is a bow without an arrow or a string; it is a bow hung out for show, no longer used for war. It is a bow of many colors, expressing joy and delight, and not a bow blood-red with slaughter, or black with anger. Let us be of good courage. Never does God so darken our sky as to leave His covenant without a witness; and even if He did, we would trust Him, since He cannot change, or lie, or in any other way fail to keep His covenant of peace. until the waters go over the earth again, we shall have no reason for doubting our God.
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Lets think on these words. Agape.
"17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud." - Genesis 9:14
JUST now clouds are plentiful enough, but we are not afraid that the world will be destroyed by a deluge. We see the rainbow often enough to prevent our having any such fears. The covenant which the Lord made with Noah stands fast, and we have no doubts about it. Why, then, shall we think that the clouds of trouble, which now darken our sky, will end in our destruction? Let us dismiss such groundless and dishonoring fears.
Faith always sees the bow of covenant promise whenever sense sees the cloud of affliction. God has a bow with which He might shoot out His arrows of destruction. But see! it is turned upward. It is a bow without an arrow or a string; it is a bow hung out for show, no longer used for war. It is a bow of many colors, expressing joy and delight, and not a bow blood-red with slaughter, or black with anger. Let us be of good courage. Never does God so darken our sky as to leave His covenant without a witness; and even if He did, we would trust Him, since He cannot change, or lie, or in any other way fail to keep His covenant of peace. until the waters go over the earth again, we shall have no reason for doubting our God.
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Lets think on these words. Agape.
"17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Divine Recompense
Divine Recompense, January 10
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"He that watereth shall be watered also himself." - Proverbs 11:25
IF I carefully consider others, God will consider me; and in some way or other, He will recompense me. Let me consider the poor, and the Lord will consider me. Let me look after little children, and the Lord will treat me as His child. Let e feed His flock, and He will feed me. Let me water His garden, and He will make a watered garden of my soul. This is the Lord's own promise; be it mine to fulfill the condition, and then to expect its fulfillment.
I may care about myself till I grow morbid; I may watch over my own feelings till I feel nothing; and I may lament my own weakness till I grow almost too weak to lament. It will be far more profitable for me to become unselfish and, out of love to my Lord Jesus, begin to care for the souls of those around me. My tank is getting very low; no fresh rain comes to fill it; what shall I do? I will pull up the plug, and let its contents run out to water the withering plants around me. What do I see? My cistern seems to fill as it flows. A secret spring is at work. While all was stagnant, the fresh spring was sealed; but as my stock flows out to water others, the lord thinketh upon me. Hallelujah!
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This is something I can see the hand of the Lord doing in our lives out here in HK. We take the bread to those that are starving and although we don't see the fruit of said labor, we know that God will recompense. Its just as amazing as being hands on because we know that some people have waited upwards of 3 years just to receive the bread they so desire and long for! Knowing that we put our selfishness aside and do this for them, although we could be doing even more. Its awesome. Grace&Peace.
"16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"He that watereth shall be watered also himself." - Proverbs 11:25
IF I carefully consider others, God will consider me; and in some way or other, He will recompense me. Let me consider the poor, and the Lord will consider me. Let me look after little children, and the Lord will treat me as His child. Let e feed His flock, and He will feed me. Let me water His garden, and He will make a watered garden of my soul. This is the Lord's own promise; be it mine to fulfill the condition, and then to expect its fulfillment.
I may care about myself till I grow morbid; I may watch over my own feelings till I feel nothing; and I may lament my own weakness till I grow almost too weak to lament. It will be far more profitable for me to become unselfish and, out of love to my Lord Jesus, begin to care for the souls of those around me. My tank is getting very low; no fresh rain comes to fill it; what shall I do? I will pull up the plug, and let its contents run out to water the withering plants around me. What do I see? My cistern seems to fill as it flows. A secret spring is at work. While all was stagnant, the fresh spring was sealed; but as my stock flows out to water others, the lord thinketh upon me. Hallelujah!
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This is something I can see the hand of the Lord doing in our lives out here in HK. We take the bread to those that are starving and although we don't see the fruit of said labor, we know that God will recompense. Its just as amazing as being hands on because we know that some people have waited upwards of 3 years just to receive the bread they so desire and long for! Knowing that we put our selfishness aside and do this for them, although we could be doing even more. Its awesome. Grace&Peace.
"16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
12 January 2009
Gaining by Giving
Gaining by Giving, January 9
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"The liberals soul shall be made fat." - Proverbs 11:25
IF I desire to flourish in soul, I must not hoard up my stores but must distribute to the poor. To be close and niggardly is the world's way to prosperity, but it is not God's way, for He saith, "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, and it tendeth to poverty." Faith's way of gaining is giving. I must try this again and again; and I may expect that as much of prosperity as will be good for me will come to me as a gracious reward for a liberal course of action.
Of course, I may not be sure of growing rich. I shall be fat, but not too fat. Too great riches might make me as unwieldy as corpulent persons usually are, and cause me the dyspepsia of worldliness, and perhaps bring on a fatty degeneration of the heart. No, if I am fat enough to be healthy, I may well be satisfied; and if the Lord grants me a competence, I may be thoroughly content.
But there is a mental and spiritual fatness which I would greatly covet, and these come as the result of generous thoughts toward my God, His church, and my fellow men. Let me not stint, lest I starve my heart. Let me be bountiful and liberal, for so shall I be like my Lord. He gave himself for me: shall I grudge Him anything?
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Agape.
"15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"The liberals soul shall be made fat." - Proverbs 11:25
IF I desire to flourish in soul, I must not hoard up my stores but must distribute to the poor. To be close and niggardly is the world's way to prosperity, but it is not God's way, for He saith, "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, and it tendeth to poverty." Faith's way of gaining is giving. I must try this again and again; and I may expect that as much of prosperity as will be good for me will come to me as a gracious reward for a liberal course of action.
Of course, I may not be sure of growing rich. I shall be fat, but not too fat. Too great riches might make me as unwieldy as corpulent persons usually are, and cause me the dyspepsia of worldliness, and perhaps bring on a fatty degeneration of the heart. No, if I am fat enough to be healthy, I may well be satisfied; and if the Lord grants me a competence, I may be thoroughly content.
But there is a mental and spiritual fatness which I would greatly covet, and these come as the result of generous thoughts toward my God, His church, and my fellow men. Let me not stint, lest I starve my heart. Let me be bountiful and liberal, for so shall I be like my Lord. He gave himself for me: shall I grudge Him anything?
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Agape.
"15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Purity of Heart and Life
Purity of Heart and Life, January 8
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." - Matthew 5:8
PURITY, even purity of heart, is the mai thing to be aimed at. We need to be made clean within through the Spirit and the Word, and then we shall be clean without by consecration and obedience. There is a close connection between the affections and the understanding: if we love evil, we cannot understand that which is good. If the heart is foul, the eye will be dim. Hwo can those men see a holy God who love unholy things?
What a privilege it is to see God here! A glimpse of Him to heaven below! In Christ Jesus, the pure in heart behold the Father. We see Him, His truth, His love, His purpose, His sovereignty, His covenant character, yea, we see Himself in Christ. But this is only apprehended as sin is kept out of the heart. Only those who aim at godliness can cry, "Mine eyes are ever towards the Lord." The desire of Moses, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory," can only be fulfilled in us as we purify ourselves from all iniquity. We shall "see him as he is," and "every one that hath this hope in him purifieth himself." The enjoyment of present fellowship and the hope of the beatific vision are urgent motives for purity of heart and life. Lord, make us pure in heart, that we may see Thee!
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Let us ponder these words today. I encourage you to read the Beatitudes as well. They are a great study! Agape.
"14. Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." - Matthew 5:8
PURITY, even purity of heart, is the mai thing to be aimed at. We need to be made clean within through the Spirit and the Word, and then we shall be clean without by consecration and obedience. There is a close connection between the affections and the understanding: if we love evil, we cannot understand that which is good. If the heart is foul, the eye will be dim. Hwo can those men see a holy God who love unholy things?
What a privilege it is to see God here! A glimpse of Him to heaven below! In Christ Jesus, the pure in heart behold the Father. We see Him, His truth, His love, His purpose, His sovereignty, His covenant character, yea, we see Himself in Christ. But this is only apprehended as sin is kept out of the heart. Only those who aim at godliness can cry, "Mine eyes are ever towards the Lord." The desire of Moses, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory," can only be fulfilled in us as we purify ourselves from all iniquity. We shall "see him as he is," and "every one that hath this hope in him purifieth himself." The enjoyment of present fellowship and the hope of the beatific vision are urgent motives for purity of heart and life. Lord, make us pure in heart, that we may see Thee!
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Let us ponder these words today. I encourage you to read the Beatitudes as well. They are a great study! Agape.
"14. Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Always Growing
Always Growing, January 7
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Thou shalt see greater things than these." - John 1:50
THIS is spoken to a childlike believer, who was ready to accept Jesus as the Son of God, the King of Israel, upon one convincing piece of argument. Those who are willing to see shall see: it is because we shut our eyes that we become come so sadly blind.
We have seen much already. Great things and unsearchable has the Lord showed unto us, for which we praise His name; but there are greater truths in His Word, greater depths of experience, greater heights of fellowship, greater works of usefulness, greater discoveries of power, and love, and wisdom. These we are not yet to see if we are willing to believe our Lord. The faculty of inventing false doctrine is ruinous, but power to see the truth is a blessing. Heaven shall be opened to us, the way thither shall be made clear to us in the Son of man, and the angelic commerce which goes on between the upper and the lower kingdoms shall be made more manifest to us. Let us keep our eyes open toward spiritual objects, and expect to see more and more. Let us believe that our lives will not drive down into nothing, but that we shall be always on the growing hand, seeing greater and still greater things, till we behold the Great God himself and never again lose the sight of Him.
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I can't wait to see our Dad move greatly in our lives as we continue to grow. Its an awesome thing! Grace&Peace.
"13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Thou shalt see greater things than these." - John 1:50
THIS is spoken to a childlike believer, who was ready to accept Jesus as the Son of God, the King of Israel, upon one convincing piece of argument. Those who are willing to see shall see: it is because we shut our eyes that we become come so sadly blind.
We have seen much already. Great things and unsearchable has the Lord showed unto us, for which we praise His name; but there are greater truths in His Word, greater depths of experience, greater heights of fellowship, greater works of usefulness, greater discoveries of power, and love, and wisdom. These we are not yet to see if we are willing to believe our Lord. The faculty of inventing false doctrine is ruinous, but power to see the truth is a blessing. Heaven shall be opened to us, the way thither shall be made clear to us in the Son of man, and the angelic commerce which goes on between the upper and the lower kingdoms shall be made more manifest to us. Let us keep our eyes open toward spiritual objects, and expect to see more and more. Let us believe that our lives will not drive down into nothing, but that we shall be always on the growing hand, seeing greater and still greater things, till we behold the Great God himself and never again lose the sight of Him.
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I can't wait to see our Dad move greatly in our lives as we continue to grow. Its an awesome thing! Grace&Peace.
"13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
06 January 2009
Help from Without
Help from Without, January 6
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Yea, I will help thee." - Isaiah 41:10
YESTERDAY'S promise secured us strength for what we have to do, but this guarantees us aid in cases where we cannot act alone. The Lord says, "I will help thee." Strength within is supplemented by help without. God can raise us up allies in our warfare if so it seems good in His sight; and even if He does not send us human assistance, He himself will be at our side, and this is better still. "Our August Ally" is better than legions of mortal helpers.
His help is timely: He is a very present help in time of trouble. His help is very wise: He knows how to give each man help meet and fit for him. His help is most effectual through vain is the help of man. His help is more than help, for he bears all the burden and supplies all the need. "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man can do unto me."
Because He has already been our help, we feel confidence in Him for the present and the future. Our prayer is, "Lord be thou my helper"; our experience is, "the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities"; our expectation is, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, whence cometh my help"; and our song soon will be, "Thou, Lord, hast holpen me."
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Praise Him for His unfailing love and His never failing help in time of need. Agape.
"12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"Yea, I will help thee." - Isaiah 41:10
YESTERDAY'S promise secured us strength for what we have to do, but this guarantees us aid in cases where we cannot act alone. The Lord says, "I will help thee." Strength within is supplemented by help without. God can raise us up allies in our warfare if so it seems good in His sight; and even if He does not send us human assistance, He himself will be at our side, and this is better still. "Our August Ally" is better than legions of mortal helpers.
His help is timely: He is a very present help in time of trouble. His help is very wise: He knows how to give each man help meet and fit for him. His help is most effectual through vain is the help of man. His help is more than help, for he bears all the burden and supplies all the need. "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man can do unto me."
Because He has already been our help, we feel confidence in Him for the present and the future. Our prayer is, "Lord be thou my helper"; our experience is, "the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities"; our expectation is, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, whence cometh my help"; and our song soon will be, "Thou, Lord, hast holpen me."
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Praise Him for His unfailing love and His never failing help in time of need. Agape.
"12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
05 January 2009
A Wonderful Guarantee
A Wonderful Guarantee, January 5
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"I will strengthen thee." - Isaiah 41:10
WHEN called to serve or to suffer, we take stock of our strength, and we find it to be less than we thought, and less than we need. But let not our heart sink within us while we have such a word as this to fall back upon, for it guarantees us all that we can possibly need. God has strength omnipotent; that strength He can communicate to us, and His promise is that He will do so. He will be the food of our souls and the health of our hearts; thus, He will give us strength. There is no telling how much power God can put into a man. When divine strength comes, human weakness is no more a hindrance.
Do we not remember seasons of labor and trial in which we received such special strength that we wondered at ourselves? In the midst of danger, we were calm; under bereavement, we were resigned; in slander, we were self-contained; and in sickness, we were patient. The fact is that God gives unexpected strength when unusual trials come upon us. We rise out of our feeble selves. Cowards play the man, foolish ones have wisdom given them, and the silent receive in the self-same hour what they shall speak. My own weakness makes me shrink, but God's promise makes me brave. Lord, strengthen me "according to Thy word."
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Lets focus on these words today. Grace&Peace.
"11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"I will strengthen thee." - Isaiah 41:10
WHEN called to serve or to suffer, we take stock of our strength, and we find it to be less than we thought, and less than we need. But let not our heart sink within us while we have such a word as this to fall back upon, for it guarantees us all that we can possibly need. God has strength omnipotent; that strength He can communicate to us, and His promise is that He will do so. He will be the food of our souls and the health of our hearts; thus, He will give us strength. There is no telling how much power God can put into a man. When divine strength comes, human weakness is no more a hindrance.
Do we not remember seasons of labor and trial in which we received such special strength that we wondered at ourselves? In the midst of danger, we were calm; under bereavement, we were resigned; in slander, we were self-contained; and in sickness, we were patient. The fact is that God gives unexpected strength when unusual trials come upon us. We rise out of our feeble selves. Cowards play the man, foolish ones have wisdom given them, and the silent receive in the self-same hour what they shall speak. My own weakness makes me shrink, but God's promise makes me brave. Lord, strengthen me "according to Thy word."
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Lets focus on these words today. Grace&Peace.
"11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
04 January 2009
In Calm Repose
In Calm Repose, January 4
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"I will make them to lie down safely." - Hosea 2:18
YES, the saints are to have peace. The passage from which this gracious word is taken speaks of peace "which the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground." This is peace with earthly enemies, with mysterious evils, and with little annoyances! Any of these might keep us from lying down, but none of them shall do so. The Lord will quite destroy those things which threaten His people: "I will break the bow and the sword, and the battle out of the earth." Peace will be profound indeed when all the instruments of disquiet are broken to pieces.
With this peace will come rest. "So he giveth his beloved sleep." Fully supplied and divinely quieted, believers lie down in calm repose.
This rest will be a safe one. It is one thing to lie down, but quite another "to lie down safely." We are brought to the land of promise, the house of the Father, the chamber of love, and the bosom of Christ: surely we may now "lie down safely." It is safer for a believer to lie down in peace than to sit up and worry.
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." We never rest till the Comforter makes us lie down.
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Wow! This goes straight with Psalm 23 as we were discussing in church today. God is so good to tie things together. Peace is given by God and that peace is something that will surpass all understanding. I loved this quote: "It is safer for a believer to lie down in peace than to sit up and worry." How true is that? When God gives you peace in a situation, that normally, in your flesh you'd be up worried and fretting over - why fret if God gives you the peace that passes understanding? That would say, "God, I don't trust you." Lord help us to deny our flesh and hold onto you, the One who gives peace and rest, the one to keep us safe. The one that makes us lie down in green pastures, the one that "restoreth my soul." We love you Lord, thank you! Agape.
"10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"I will make them to lie down safely." - Hosea 2:18
YES, the saints are to have peace. The passage from which this gracious word is taken speaks of peace "which the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground." This is peace with earthly enemies, with mysterious evils, and with little annoyances! Any of these might keep us from lying down, but none of them shall do so. The Lord will quite destroy those things which threaten His people: "I will break the bow and the sword, and the battle out of the earth." Peace will be profound indeed when all the instruments of disquiet are broken to pieces.
With this peace will come rest. "So he giveth his beloved sleep." Fully supplied and divinely quieted, believers lie down in calm repose.
This rest will be a safe one. It is one thing to lie down, but quite another "to lie down safely." We are brought to the land of promise, the house of the Father, the chamber of love, and the bosom of Christ: surely we may now "lie down safely." It is safer for a believer to lie down in peace than to sit up and worry.
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." We never rest till the Comforter makes us lie down.
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Wow! This goes straight with Psalm 23 as we were discussing in church today. God is so good to tie things together. Peace is given by God and that peace is something that will surpass all understanding. I loved this quote: "It is safer for a believer to lie down in peace than to sit up and worry." How true is that? When God gives you peace in a situation, that normally, in your flesh you'd be up worried and fretting over - why fret if God gives you the peace that passes understanding? That would say, "God, I don't trust you." Lord help us to deny our flesh and hold onto you, the One who gives peace and rest, the one to keep us safe. The one that makes us lie down in green pastures, the one that "restoreth my soul." We love you Lord, thank you! Agape.
"10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
03 January 2009
Rest on a Promise
Rest on a Promise, January 3
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"The land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it." - Genesis 28:13
NO promise is of private interpretation: it blongs not to one saint, but to all believers. If, my brother, thou canst in faith lie down upon a promise, and take thy rest thereon, it is thine. Where Jacob "lighted," and tarried, and rested, there he took possession. Stretching his weary length upon the ground, with the stones of that place for his pillows, he little fancied that he was thus entering into ownership of the land; and yet so it was. He saw in his dream that wondrous ladder which for all true believers unites earth and heaven; and surely where the foot of the ladder stood he must have a right to the soil, for otherwise he could not reach the divine stairway. All the promises of God are "Yea and Amen" in Christ Jesus; and as He is ours, every promise is ours if we will but lie down upon it in restful faith.
Come, weary one, use they Lord's words as thy pillows. LIe down in peace. Dream only of Him. Jesus is thy ladder of light. See the angels coming and going upon Him between thy soul and thy God; and be sure that the promise is thine own God-given portion, and that it will not be robbery for thee to take it to thyself, as spoken specially to thee.
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Knowing that God's promises are perfect and belongs to all of the Lord's children is an amazing truth. The promises of God are "Yea and Amen!" So encouraging. Grace&Peace.
"9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"The land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it." - Genesis 28:13
NO promise is of private interpretation: it blongs not to one saint, but to all believers. If, my brother, thou canst in faith lie down upon a promise, and take thy rest thereon, it is thine. Where Jacob "lighted," and tarried, and rested, there he took possession. Stretching his weary length upon the ground, with the stones of that place for his pillows, he little fancied that he was thus entering into ownership of the land; and yet so it was. He saw in his dream that wondrous ladder which for all true believers unites earth and heaven; and surely where the foot of the ladder stood he must have a right to the soil, for otherwise he could not reach the divine stairway. All the promises of God are "Yea and Amen" in Christ Jesus; and as He is ours, every promise is ours if we will but lie down upon it in restful faith.
Come, weary one, use they Lord's words as thy pillows. LIe down in peace. Dream only of Him. Jesus is thy ladder of light. See the angels coming and going upon Him between thy soul and thy God; and be sure that the promise is thine own God-given portion, and that it will not be robbery for thee to take it to thyself, as spoken specially to thee.
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Knowing that God's promises are perfect and belongs to all of the Lord's children is an amazing truth. The promises of God are "Yea and Amen!" So encouraging. Grace&Peace.
"9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
02 January 2009
Conquest to Victory
Conquest to Victory, January 2
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly." - Romans 16:20
THIS promise follows well upon that of yesterday. We are evidently to be conformed to our covenant Head not only in His being bruised in His heel, but in His conquest of the evil one. Even under our feet is the old dragon to be bruised. The Roman believers were grieved with strife in the church; but their God was "the God of peace," and gave them rest of soul. The arch-enemy tripped up the feet of the unwary, and deceived the hearts of the simple; but he was to get the worst of it and to be trodden down by those whom he had troubled. This victory would not come to the people of God through their own skill or power; but God Himself would bruise Satan. Though it would be under their feet, yet the bruising would be of the Lord alone.
Let us bravely tread upon the tempter! Not only inferior spirits, but the Prince of darkness himself must go down before us. In unquestioning confidence in God, let us look for speedy victory. "Shortly!" Happy word! Shortly we shall set our foot on the old serpent! What a joy to crush evil! What dishonor to Satan to have his head bruised by human feet! Let us by faith in Jesus tread the tempter down.
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Praise the Lord for His grace and protection and promises. Agape.
"8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly." - Romans 16:20
THIS promise follows well upon that of yesterday. We are evidently to be conformed to our covenant Head not only in His being bruised in His heel, but in His conquest of the evil one. Even under our feet is the old dragon to be bruised. The Roman believers were grieved with strife in the church; but their God was "the God of peace," and gave them rest of soul. The arch-enemy tripped up the feet of the unwary, and deceived the hearts of the simple; but he was to get the worst of it and to be trodden down by those whom he had troubled. This victory would not come to the people of God through their own skill or power; but God Himself would bruise Satan. Though it would be under their feet, yet the bruising would be of the Lord alone.
Let us bravely tread upon the tempter! Not only inferior spirits, but the Prince of darkness himself must go down before us. In unquestioning confidence in God, let us look for speedy victory. "Shortly!" Happy word! Shortly we shall set our foot on the old serpent! What a joy to crush evil! What dishonor to Satan to have his head bruised by human feet! Let us by faith in Jesus tread the tempter down.
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Praise the Lord for His grace and protection and promises. Agape.
"8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
01 January 2009
The Bible's First Promise
The Bible's First Promise, January 1
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." - Genesis 3:15
THIS is the first promise to fallen man. It contains the whole gospel and the essence of the covenant of grace. It has been in great measure fulfilled. The seed of the woman, even our Lord Jesus, was bruised in His heel, and a terrible bruising it was. How terrible will be the final bruising of the serpent's head! This was virtually done when Jesus took away sin, vanquished death, and broke the power of Satan; but it awaits a still fuller accomplishment at our Lord's second advent and in the day of judgment. To us the promise stands as a prophecy that we shall be afflicted by the powers of evil in our lower nature, and thus bruised in our heel: but we shall triumph in Christ, who sets His foot on the old serpent's head. Throughout this year we may have to learn the first part of this promise by experience, through temptations of the devil, and the unkindness of the ungodly who are his seed. They may so bruise us that we may limp with our sore heel; but let us grasp the second part of the text, and we shall not be dismayed. By faith let us rejoice that we shall still reign in Christ Jesus, the woman's seed.
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Let us dwell on these words and ask the Lord to show us its truths. Grace&Peace.
"7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
Author: Charles H. Spurgeon From the book: Faith's Checkbook
"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." - Genesis 3:15
THIS is the first promise to fallen man. It contains the whole gospel and the essence of the covenant of grace. It has been in great measure fulfilled. The seed of the woman, even our Lord Jesus, was bruised in His heel, and a terrible bruising it was. How terrible will be the final bruising of the serpent's head! This was virtually done when Jesus took away sin, vanquished death, and broke the power of Satan; but it awaits a still fuller accomplishment at our Lord's second advent and in the day of judgment. To us the promise stands as a prophecy that we shall be afflicted by the powers of evil in our lower nature, and thus bruised in our heel: but we shall triumph in Christ, who sets His foot on the old serpent's head. Throughout this year we may have to learn the first part of this promise by experience, through temptations of the devil, and the unkindness of the ungodly who are his seed. They may so bruise us that we may limp with our sore heel; but let us grasp the second part of the text, and we shall not be dismayed. By faith let us rejoice that we shall still reign in Christ Jesus, the woman's seed.
-----
Let us dwell on these words and ask the Lord to show us its truths. Grace&Peace.
"7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life." - Jonathan Edwards, 70 Resolutions.
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