Grace Gems for FEBRUARY

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"I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far!" Philippians 1:23

Once departed from this poor world, every true believer will regard himself as the greatest monument of mercy and grace that is to be found in Heaven!

Only then will each glorified saint fully understand:
what a vile sinner he once was,
what he now is by sovereign grace,
what a precious Savior he now has,
what an accursed Hell he was delivered from, and
what a glorious eternal inheritance he now has!

O! what songs of praise and thanksgiving will he then pour forth to God and to the Lamb forever!

Revelation 5:12-13, "In a loud voice they sang:
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!
To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"

"And so we will be with the Lord forever!" 1 Thessalonians 4:17

And when life's journey is over,
And I the dear Savior shall see,
I'll praise Him for ever and ever,
For saving a sinner like me!
Charles Butler

(Newman Hall) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"It was good for me that I have been afflicted." Psalm 119:71

One of the precious fruits of sanctified affliction is humility.

If pride is the Christian's greatest foe—then anything that rebukes it is our great friend.

Pride in our 'strength' is rebuked by infirmity.

Pride in our 'beauty' is rebuked by disease.

Pride in our 'wealth' is rebuked by losses.

Pride in our 'fame' is rebuked by slander.

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

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

"I know, O Lord, that Your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me!" Psalm 119:75

(Octavius Winslow, "Evening Thoughts") LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

It is utterly impossible to savingly know Jesus, and not become inspired with a desire . . .
to love Him supremely,
to serve Him devotedly,
to resemble Him closely,
to glorify Him faithfully here, and
to enjoy Him fully hereafter.

And oh, how worthy is the Savior . . . .
of our most exalted conceptions;
of our most implicit confidence;
of our most self-denying service;
of our most fervent love!

When He could give us no more, and the fathomless depths of His love and the boundless resources of His grace would not be satisfied by giving us less—He gave us Himself!

Robed in our nature,
laden with our curse,
oppressed with our sorrows,
wounded for our transgressions,
and slain for our sins—
He gave His entire self for us!

"I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!" Galatians 2:20

"Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God!" Ephesians 5:2

(Horatius Bonar, "Bible Thoughts & Themes") LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"He died for our sins, just as God our Father planned—in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live." Galatians 1:4

This world is evil, yet it is fair to look upon, with . . .
its pleasures,
its gaieties,
its riches,
its glories,
its pomps,
its glitter,
its songs,
its magnificent palaces,
its gorgeous array.

This world is intoxicating to the unregenerate heart!

This world's religion is decked out in its beauty of temple, picture, statue, and image of every kind.

The world's wisdom is seen in . . .
its astronomy,
its natural science,
its mechanical arts,
its architecture,
its skill in ornament,
with all fascinations for the natural man, all stimulants for . . .
the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eye,
and the pride of life.

All natural knowledge, natural beauty, natural progress, are here. Intellect, power, greatness, pomp, splendor—all are here in the world.

We loved this present evil world, and delighted in its vanities—it was the home of our hearts.

But God called us out of this evil world. With His own almighty voice He called us. We could not but obey—it was irresistible. Hence He made us willing in the day of his power.

"He died for our sins, just as God our Father planned—in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live." Galatians 1:4

(Thomas Reade, "Christian Meditations") LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

Everything here below is fleeting and transitory.

While journeying through this wilderness of troubles, few verdant spots are to be found on which the weary traveler can repose.

The earth lies under the curse.

Thorns and thistles cover the ground.

Storms and tempests agitate the air.

Disease and death dissolve the dearest ties.

Everything around me bespeaks the Fall, and testifies that this is not my rest. Why, then, should my foolish heart repose itself on any creature comfort? Have I still to learn that all of this world is less than nothing and vanity?

"Oh! blessed Jesus, reveal Yourself to my heart—soften, melt, and renew it. Consume all the dross which it contains, and transform it, wholly, after Your image; that, while surrounded by evils of every name, and sorrows of every kind, which abound in this rebellious, dying world—I may enjoy the light of Your countenance, and the purifying influence of Your love. Fill me with Your love; satiate my soul with Your goodness; and make me an everlasting trophy of your grace!"

"Arise and depart! For this is not your resting place, because it is defiled—it is ruined beyond all remedy!" Micah 2:10

(Thomas Reade, "Christian Meditations") LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit; while every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful!" John 15:2

To the true believer, afflictions are blessings in disguise. Every trial is intended for my good.

My foolish heart would be too much attached to the earth, if the spade were not inserted to loosen the fibers, and disengage the root—that when transplanted, I may bear a richer fruit in the Paradise above.

My heavenly Father, whose love and wisdom are infinite—knows exactly what I need, and how much suffering is needed to promote the spirituality of my heart and mind.

Shall I then repine at His dispensations of love?

A murmuring spirit . . .
increases every evil,
doubles the affliction,
and adds a sting to sorrow.

If our hearts are in Heaven, then the trials of earth will be light and momentary—for the Savior's love will . . .
sweeten every care,
lighten every cross,
and disarm affliction of its sting!

Oh! that we may learn wisdom by every afflictive Providence, and yield more fruit by every application of the pruning knife!

"Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace, for those who have been trained by it!" Hebrews 12:10-11

The doctrine of creature merit

(Octavius Winslow, "The God of Grace") LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Salvation is of the Lord!" Jonah 2:9

Salvation is but the unfolding of the boundless grace of God—to lost, vile, and Hell-deserving sinners.

All the religions of men; and their name is "legion"; are based upon the principle of human merit.

All are founded upon some 'imagined good and power' in the creature, the effect of which is totally to set aside the Atonement of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in the soul.

In fact, the doctrine of creature merit is the fatal element of man's religion—the moral poison of his soul; the remedy for which, is only found in a believing reception and heart-felt experience of the free grace salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The whole plan of salvation is based upon free grace—or, in other words, God's unpurchased favor to sinners.

This idea, of course, repudiates and ignores all worth and worthiness whatever on the part of the creature, man.

Human merit, therefore, is entirely excluded as an element entering into our salvation; the whole scheme, from first to last, being by grace!

"And if by grace, then it is no longer by works;
if it were, grace would no longer be grace." Romans 11:6

Christ died, not for saints—but for sinners.

He receives, not the worthy—but the unworthy.

He came to heal, not the whole—but the sick.

He came to call, not the righteous—but sinners, to repentance!

Salvation, from first to last, is of free grace!

(Charles Spurgeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Our God is in Heaven; He does whatever pleases Him! But their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.
They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but they cannot see;
they have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but they cannot smell;
they have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but they cannot walk;
nor can they utter a sound with their throats!
Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them!" Psalm 115:3-8

Many are very busy trying to construct a god for themselves—such as they think God ought to be.

And it generally turns out that they fashion a god like themselves, for that saying of the Psalmist concerning idols and 'idol makers' is still true: "And those who make them are just like them, as are all who trust in them!" Psalm 135:18

These modern manufacturers of gods make them . . .
  blind because they are themselves blind,
and deaf because they are deaf,
and dead because they are spiritually dead!

Some quarrel with God as a Sovereign, and no doctrine makes them grind their teeth like the glorious truth of Divine Sovereignty!

They profess to want a god, but . . .
he must not be on a throne;
he must not be King;
he must not be absolute and universal Monarch.
He must do as His creatures tell Him, not as He Himself wills.

Their effeminate deity is not worthy to be known by the name of God!

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"They think: The Lord will do nothing, either good or bad!" Zephaniah 1:12

He says to himself: "God has forgotten; He covers his face and never sees!" Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself: "He won't call me to account?" Psalm 10:11, 13

"They say: The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed!" Psalm 94:7

"They say: How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" Psalm 73:11

"Yet you say: What does God know? Does He judge through such darkness?" Job 22:13

The prevailing idea among unbelievers, is that however wickedly they may live, they have nothing to fear. They imagine that God is too merciful to inflict punishment on them—and especially the punishment of everlasting torments, which no sins of theirs can be reasonably supposed to merit.

"Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the Lord, who do their work in darkness and think: Who sees us? Who will know?" Isaiah 29:15

"In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them to the uttermost!" 1 Thessalonians 2:16

"God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day! If a man does not repent, He will sharpen His sword; He has bent His bow and made it ready!" Psalm 7:11-12

"If I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand takes hold on justice—I will render vengeance on My adversaries, and I will repay those who hate Me!" Deuteronomy 32:41

"Vengeance is Mine, and retribution! In due time their foot will slip. For the day of their calamity is near, and their doom comes swiftly!" Deuteronomy 32:35

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"The unsearchable riches of Christ!" Ephesians 3:8

Who can estimate the misery from which Jesus has redeemed us?

Who can estimate the glorious inheritance which Jesus has prepared for us?

We must know all the glories of Heaven and the horrors of Hell, before we can fully appreciate the greatness of His wondrous salvation!

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you—the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints!" Ephesians 1:18

"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love Him!"
1 Corinthians 2:9

"And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is! May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!" Ephesians 3:18-19

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually!" Genesis 6:5

"Every inclination of man's heart is evil from childhood!" Genesis 8:21

"Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil!" Jeremiah 13:23

As the world by its maxims, so sin by its allurements—fetters and controls us! So interwoven with all our faculties is sin, that we cannot resist its influence. Sooner might an Ethiopian change the color of his skin, or a leopard take away its spots—than the natural man break forth from the dominion of sin! Though he may not yield to sin in a gross and shameless way—yet his thoughts and desires are altogether vitiated by it! Nor is so much as one inclination or affection free from sin's malignant taint. A principle of evil resides within him, and dictates every imagination of his heart!

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved!" Ephesians 2:1-5

(Letters of John Newton) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes!" Romans 1:16

The Gospel of Christ, the glorious Gospel of the blessed God—is the only effectual means for reforming mankind.

The Gospel removes difficulties insurmountable to human power.
It causes the blind to see,
it causes the deaf to hear,
it softens the heart of stone,
and raises the dead in trespasses and sins, to a life of holiness.

No force but that of the Gospel is sufficient . . .
to remove the mountainous load of guilt from the soul,
to calm the violence of tumultuous passions,
to raise a vile worldling from groveling in the mire of sensuality or avarice—to a spiritual and divine life, a life of communion with God.

No system but the Gospel can communicate motives, encouragements, and prospects—sufficient to withstand and counteract all the snares and temptations with which the spirit of this world, by its frowns or its smiles—will endeavor either to intimidate us, or to bribe us from the path of duty.

In a word, gospel salvation will expand the narrow selfish heart and fill it with a spirit of love to God, cheerful unreserved obedience to His will, and benevolence to mankind!

True patriotism!

(Letters of John Newton) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

Dear friend,
Allow me to say that it excites both my wonder and concern, that a Christian minister such as yourself, should think it worth his while to attempt political reforms. When I look around upon the present state of the nation, such an attempt appears to me, to be no less vain and foolish, than it would be to paint the cabin—while the ship is sinking! Or to decorate the parlor—while the house is on fire!

When our Lord Jesus was upon earth, He refused to get involved in disputes or politics. "Friend, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?" Luke 12:14. "My kingdom is not of this world! If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight!" John 18:36

God's children belong to a kingdom which is not of this world; they are strangers and pilgrims upon earth, and a part of their Scriptural character is, that they are the "quiet in the land." Psalm 35:19

Satan has many contrivances to amuse people, and to divert their thoughts from their real danger!

My dear sir, my prayer to God for you, is that He may induce you to employ the talents He has given you, in pointing out sin as the great cause and source of every existing evil; and to engage those who love and fear Him, (instead of wasting time in political speculations, for which very few of them are competent,) to sigh and cry for our abounding abominations, and to stand in the breach, by prayer, that God's wrath may yet be averted, and our national mercies prolonged! This, I think, is true patriotism—the best way in which people in private life may serve their country.

I consider the ungodly as saws and hammers in the hand of the Lord. So far as they are His instruments, they will succeed—but not an inch further! Their wrath shall praise Him, and be subservient to His designs!

If our lot is so cast that we can exercise our ministry free from stripes, fines, imprisonments, and death—it is more than the gospel has promised to us! If Christians were quiet when under the cruel governments of Nero and other wicked persecutors, when they were hunted down like wild beasts—then we ought to be not only quiet but very thankful now! It was then accounted an honor to suffer for Christ and the 'offence of the cross'!

Those are to be greatly pitied, who boast of their 'liberty'—and yet they do not consider that they are in the most deplorable bondage as the slaves of sin and Satan, under the curse of God's law and His eternal wrath! Oh! for a voice to reach their hearts, that they may know their true and dreadful state—and seek deliverance from their horrific thralldom! May you and I labor to direct them to the one thing which is absolutely needful, and abundantly sufficient.

If I had the wisdom or influence to soothe the angry passions of mankind—I would gladly employ them! But I am a stranger and a pilgrim here in this world. My charter, my rights and my treasures, are all in Heaven—and there my heart ought to be. In a very short time, I may be removed (and perhaps suddenly) into the unseen and eternal world—where all that now causes so much bustle upon earth, will be of no more importance to me—than the events which took place among those who lived before the flood!

In the hour when death shall open the door into eternity—many things which now assume an 'air of importance', will be found as light and unsubstantial as a child's dream!

How crucial then, is it for me to be found watching, with my lamp burning, diligently engaged in my proper calling! For the Lord has not called me to set governments right—but to preach the gospel, to proclaim the glory of His name, and to endeavor to win souls! "Let the dead bury their own dead—but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God!" Luke 9:60. Happy is that servant, whom his Master finds so doing when He returns!

As you have forced me to respond—both duty and love have obliged me to be faithful and free in giving you my thoughts.

I recommend you to the care and blessing of the great Shepherd and Savior; and remain for His sake, your affectionate friend and brother,
John Newton

The only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied!

(Jonathan Edwards) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"In Your presence is fullness of joy!
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore!" Psalm 16:11

"Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and
made him glad with the joy of Your presence!" Psalm 21:6

Spiritual delight in God arises chiefly from His beauty and perfection—and not from the blessings which He gives us.

God is the highest good of the reasonable creature—and the enjoyment of Him is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied!

To go to Heaven, fully to enjoy God—is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here in this poor world. This is better than fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of any, or all earthly friends.

These are but drops, God is the ocean!

The godly are destined for infinite and inconceivable happiness—for those who have Christ, have all that they need, and need no more!

"We know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him,
for we shall see Him as He really is! 1 John 3:2

"I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far!" Philippians 1:23

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered!" Matthew 10:29-30

The doctrine of God's all-disposing Providence is most comforting to the mind of man. If everything were left to chance, or were at the disposal of mortal men—we would have nothing to cheer us in adversity, or to moderate our pride in prosperity.

What a comfort is the thought that all things are directed by our all-wise God, who "does according to His will with all the angels of Heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth!" Whatever the designs of men may be, the fact that "His counsel shall surely stand" preserves our minds composed and peaceful in every situation, and in every condition.

We must not think that God interposes only in great concerns, such as the fate of empires. He equally interests Himself in all the events that are daily and hourly occurring, even in the most trivial matters.

Whatever trials we have, or whatever blessings we enjoy—God must be regarded as the true and only source of all!

We must learn how to judge of everything, whether prosperous or adverse, in our own affairs. We must always look to the eternal outcome!

What will prosperity benefit us, if it draws us away from God, and leads us, like the rich fool, to fix our happiness on things below?

On the other hand, what reason can we have to complain of afflictions, if they are sanctified to our spiritual and eternal good? Our severest afflictions are intended to humble us, and to bring us to the footstool of our God.

We should receive all of our personal afflictions as from Him; and, having done so, we should "hear the rod, and Him who appointed it."

Were we but attentive to God's voice in afflictive dispensations, we would say to the instruments of our trials, as Joseph did to his brethren, "It was not you who sent me here, but God!" Instead of quarreling with second causes, we should kiss the divine hand that smote us!

Do not then be so much concerned to get rid of present trials, as to have them made subservient to the good of your souls.

Only trust in Him who orders all of our affairs with unerring wisdom and unbounded love!

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

(Charles Naylor) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

What is God's attitude toward unregenerate man?

It has been said that God hates sin, but He loves the sinner. Is this true?

Let us hear the voice of inspiration:

"You hate all workers of iniquity . . . The Lord abhors murderers and deceitful men!" Psalm 5:5, 6
Does that express an attitude of love on God's part?

Again, we read, "The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence, His soul hates. On the wicked He will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot!" Psalm 11:5-6

"Because they did all these things, I abhorred them!" Leviticus 20:23

"I will destroy your high places, cut down your incense altars and pile your dead bodies on the lifeless forms of your idols, and I will abhor you." Leviticus 26:30

"And when the LORD saw it, He abhorred them!" Deuteronomy 32:19

We read further, "God is angry with the wicked every day!" Psalm 7:11

"The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished!" Proverbs 16:5

God is not so meek and indulgent that nothing will arouse His indignation. He hates all that is sinful. He could not love righteousness, without hating iniquity. He could not love the righteous, without hating the wicked. To love both, would be to abolish all moral distinctions. Of the impenitent sinner it is said, "The wrath of God abides on him!" John 3:36. It is only sin that renders him hateful, but man is responsible for his state of sinfulness and chooses evil; therefore to deal with the sin, God must deal with the man.

Not only does God hate man's sin, every sinful word, thought, and deed—but He also hates every evil desire.

The natural man loves evil. That love of evil, which is a part of his nature—God abhors! All desire that runs out after impurity or for that which is unholy—merits and excites God's indignation and abhorrence. Every evil ambition that arises in his soul, repels God. Every evil disposition, every evil feeling, hatred, envy, malice, revenge, selfishness, pride, jealousy, deceit, hypocrisy, and all the long catalog of evil things, of which man's heart is the source—are obnoxious to God. All tendency to oppose the will of God, all rebellion at His providences—can only excite hatred in God.

God can love only what is pure and holy. All else He hates, and must hate with all the strength of His righteous character!

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more will they malign the members of his household!" Matthew 10:25

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

The ungodly have always hated the saints in proportion as they bear the divine image, and appear to be the objects of God's saving love. "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted!" 2 Timothy 3:12

In the days of the Apostles, the saints were looked upon "as the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world!" 1 Corinthians 4:13

In fact, there is no one thing which will render people more universally despised, than vital godliness. Every description of men, the moral and the immoral, the proud Pharisee and the scoffing Infidel—are alike hostile to the true Christian! The whole world will hate a genuine follower of Christ!

To the whole world, Jesus Himself was a butt of ridicule, and all who designated Him 'Beelzebub' will be sure to find some sufficiently debasing name, for the purpose of characterizing His faithful disciples.

"All men will hate you because of Me, but he who endures to the end will be saved!" Matthew 10:22

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you!" Matthew 5:11-12

(Robert Murray McCheyne) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved—and this is my Friend!" Song of Solomon 5:16

Learn much of the Lord Jesus. For every look at yourself—take ten looks at Christ!

Such infinite majesty, and yet such meekness and grace—and all for sinners, even the chief!

Unfathomable oceans of grace are in Christ for you! Dive and dive again—you will never come to the bottom of these depths! Yes, He is altogether lovely!

Live much in His smiles—bask in His beams. Feel His all-seeing eye settled on you in love, and repose in His almighty arms!

Live near to Him—and all worldly things will appear little to you in comparison!

Lord, make me as holy as a pardoned sinner can be!

(Don Fortner) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength!" Philippians 4:11-13

Here are five things which, if God the Holy Spirit is pleased to establish them in our hearts, will surely give every believer contentment:

1. The purpose of God. All things that have ever come to pass in this world . . .
both great and small,
both prosperous and adverse,
both pleasing and painful,
both good and evil—
come to pass according to God's eternal, immutable, unalterable purpose. Learn this in your heart, and you will learn to be content. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:36

2. The providence of God. Everything in Heaven, earth and Hell is sovereignly ruled, governed and manipulated by God in infinite wisdom, according to His own holy purpose for the eternal, spiritual good of His people. Nothing in this universe breathes or moves without God's decree and God's direction. "We know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

3. The power of God. Our God is almighty. He has purposed to do us good, and He has the power to accomplish His purpose. He cannot be frustrated or defeated. "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the powers of Heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: What have you done?" Daniel 4:35. He is God almighty! You can safely trust Him.

4. The presence of God. "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said: I will never leave you! I will never forsake you!" Hebrews 13:5. Can you get a sense of this fact? If you are one of God's believing children—then the omnipotent, eternal God is with you! Surely, the presence of God with you should give your heart contentment at all times.

5. The promises of God. Open the book of God's promises, and find a rich source of contentment for your soul. To all who are in Christ Jesus, "He has given us His very great and precious promises!" 2 Peter 1:4

"Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." 1 Timothy 6:6-8

(Charles Spurgeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"My meditation of Him shall be sweet." Psalm 104:34

"Of Him"—that is, of the Well-Beloved of the Father, of the Well-Beloved of my own soul—of Him who loved me, in whose blood I have washed my robes and made them white.

It is meditation "of Him" that is sweet—not merely of doctrine about Him—but of Him, of Himself. Not merely of His offices, and His work, and all that concerns Him—but of His own dear Self! There lies the sweetness!

The closer we come to His blessed Person—the more truly have we approached the very center of bliss!

"Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend!" Song of Songs 5:16!

(Letters of William Romaine, 1714-1795) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

When the Holy Spirit takes of the things of Christ and preaches them to the heart—oh, what a sweet peace follows! The believer then finds himself saved from all the miseries of sin, and entitled to all the blessings of eternal glory.

Being thus persuaded of his safety by believing in the sin-atoning death of our Great High Priest, the Holy Spirit then teaches him how to live upon Christ, and how to make use of Christ's fullness. On our learning this lesson, depends our comforting walk heavenward. For Christ does not give us a stock of grace and expect us to improve it by being faithful to grace given. No, no, that is not His way. Our souls must depend upon Him, just as our bodies do upon the elements of this world. We must live by faith in Jesus, and be every moment receiving grace upon grace out of His fullness.

And this is our happiness—to have all in Christ!

A beggar in myself, but rich with unsearchable eternal riches in Him.

Ignorant still in myself, but led and taught by His unerring wisdom.

A sinner still, but saved by His blood and righteousness.

Weak and helpless still, but kept by His Almighty love.

Nothing but sorrow in myself, nothing but joy in Him.

Oh, this is a blessed life!

No tongue can tell what a Heaven it is, thus to live by faith in the Son of God. Thanks be to Him, that I do know a little of it. Surely I could not have thought, some years ago, that there was such a Heaven upon earth as I now find.

"I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!" Galatians 2:20

The one game most universally played!

(A.W. Tozer) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

Most church people play at religion, as they play at their games!

Religion itself, is the one game most universally played.

The Church has its "fields" and "rules" and its "equipment" for playing the game of religion.

It has its devotees, both laymen and professionals, who support the game with their money and encourage it with their presence, but who are no different in life or character from many who take no interest in religion at all!

As an athlete uses a ball, so do many of us use religious words. We throw them swiftly across the field, and learn to handle them with dexterity and grace. We gain as our reward—the applause of those who have enjoyed the game.

In the secular games which people play, there are no moral benefits. They simply are a pleasant activity which changes nothing, and settles nothing of any importance.

Sadly, it is much the same in the game of religion. After the pleasant meeting, no one is basically any different from what he had been before!

"How I wish one of you would shut the Temple doors so that these worthless sacrifices could not be offered! I am not pleased with you," says the LORD Almighty, "and I will not accept your offerings!" Malachi 1:10

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"Though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's Word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!" Hebrews 5:12

"An infant, if he should continue an infant always—would be a monster!" However pleased the parents had been with the little one when it was a babe, they would soon be deeply distressed if year after year it still remained a tiny thing. Indeed, they would consider it a great calamity to be the parents of a dwarf.

What, then, shall we say of those professors who never grow? They are no more holy after fifty years! They are spiritual infants at sixty years of age!

I have in my house, pictures of my twin sons, taken on their birthdays for twenty-one years. They began in the cradle, and end as full-grown young men.

But, alas, I have spiritual children whom I wheeled about in the stroller twenty years ago—and they are babies still, needing as much care as ever, and are not able to walk alone! Ah me, that so many who ought to be warriors, are weaklings; that those who should be men of six feet tall, are so stunted as to be mere 'Tom Thumbs' in grace!

O for grace to grow in grace, and especially in the knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God save us from a life which does not grow, and from a growth which is not healthy!

"For this very reason, make every effort to add . . .
to your faith, goodness;
and to goodness, knowledge;
and to knowledge, self-control;
and to self-control, perseverance;
and to perseverance, godliness." 2 Peter 1:5-6

"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk—so that by it you may grow up in your salvation!" 1 Peter 2:2

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her Beloved?" Song of Solomon 8:5

Ask yourselves, "Am I this blessed person?"

Do I so live in this world, that others notice the holiness of my walk, and my entire devotion to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

Do I, instead of loving the world, account it a dreary wilderness?

Do I renounce the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, and the sinful lusts of the flesh?

"Am I dying unto the world"—to its cares, its pleasures, its maxims, its habits, its friendship?

Am I "crucified unto the world, and is the world crucified unto me by the cross of Christ," so that I value it no more than a man does who is in the very throes of death? Galatians 6:14

In my passage through this wilderness world, am I leaning constantly on my beloved Savior, saying, "In the Lord I have righteousness and strength!" Isaiah 45:24

If these things are true of you, then as your sympathetic high priest, in every time of need, He will be with you:
to counsel you by His wisdom,
to uphold you by His power, and
to enrich you with His benefits!

What an all-sufficient support you have in this dreary wilderness world! Your ever-present Savior shields you, and cares for you, and guards you as the apple of His eye!

Your beloved Lord Jesus, "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with exceeding joy!" Jude 24

(Charles Spurgeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Do you understand what you read?" Acts 8:30

We would be better teachers of others, and less liable to be carried about by every wind of doctrine—if we sought to have a more intelligent understanding of the Word of God. As the Holy Spirit, the Author of the Scriptures, is He who alone can enlighten us rightly to understand them—we should constantly ask His teaching and His guidance into all truth.

When the prophet Daniel would interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream, what did he do? He set himself to earnest prayer that God would open up the vision. The apostle John, in his vision at Patmos, saw a book sealed with seven seals which none was found worthy to open, or so much as to look upon. The book was afterwards opened by the Lion of the tribe of Judah; but it is written first, "I wept much!" The tears of John, which were his liquid prayers, were, so far as he was concerned, the sacred keys by which the sealed book was opened!

Therefore, if, for your own and others' profiting, you desire to be "filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding," then remember that prayer is your best means of study!

Like Daniel, you shall understand the dream, and the interpretation thereof—when you have sought unto God.

And like John, you shall see the seven seals of precious truth unloosed—after you have wept much.

Stones are not broken, except by an earnest use of the hammer; and the stone-breaker must go down on his knees. Use the hammer of diligence, and let the knee of prayer be exercised—and there is not a stony doctrine in Scripture, which is useful for you to understand, which will not fly into shivers under the exercise of prayer and faith! You may force your way through anything—with the chisel of prayer. Prayer is the crowbar which forces open the iron chest of sacred mystery, that we may get the treasure hidden within! So shall you grow healthy, strong, and happy in the divine life!

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"This Man receives sinners!" Luke 15:2

The beings whom Jesus sought out and drew around Him, were . . .
the burdened,
the bowed down,
the disconsolate,
the poor,
the friendless,
the helpless,
the ignorant,
the weary.

He loved to lavish upon such, the fullness of His benevolent heart;
and to exert upon such, the skill of His wonder working power.

Earth's weary sons repaired to His out stretched arms for shelter, and the world's ignorant and despised, clustered around His feet to be taught and blessed.

Sinners of every character, and the disconsolate of every grade—attracted by His renown, pressed upon Him from every side.

"This Man receives sinners!" was the name and the character by which He was known. It was new and strange.

Uttered by the lip of the proud and disdainful Pharisee—it was an epithet of reproach and an expression of ridicule.
But upon the ear of the poor and wretched outcast, the sons and daughters of sorrow, ignorance, and woe—it fell sweeter than the music of the spheres.

It passed from lip to lip; it echoed from shore to shore: "This Man receives sinners!" It found its way into the abodes of misery and need; it penetrated the dungeon of the prisoner, and the cell of the maniac; and it kindled an unearthly light in the solitary dwelling of the widow and the orphan, the unpitied and the friendless.

Thus received its accomplishment, the prophecy that predicted Him as the "Plant of renown," whom Jehovah would raise up. Thousands came, faint, and weary, and sad—and sat down beneath His shadow; and thousands more since then have pressed to their wounded hearts the balm that flowed from His bleeding body—and have been healed!

"This Man receives sinners!"

Take your guilt to His blood.

Take your vileness to His righteousness.

Take your sins to His grace.

Take your burdens to His arm.

Take your sorrows to His heart.

This Man receives sinners!