Grace Gems for MAY 2024

Their greatest obstacle in the way of spiritual growth and transformed character

(J.R. Miller, "The Transfigured Life!" 1893) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

Nothing helps more to develop the transfigured life in us, than work. Some people chafe because they have so much to do. Their days are filled from morning to night with dreary, monotonous task-work. With men it is the never-ending work of the farm, the office, the store, the shop, the mill. With women it is the thousand duties of the household, the care of the home, the tending of children, the weary chores of domestic life.

There are many people who think their greatest obstacle in the way of spiritual growth and transformed character—is in the drudgeries to which they are indentured by their condition. They imagine that if they could be freed from these and could have leisure for reading, for study, and for fellowship—then they would grow into far more radiant beauty of character.

But this is a mistaken impression. The only one perfect life the world has ever known, was not spent with a book—but with a hammer and a saw! The school of common task-work, with its perpetual round of dreary duties—is the best place in the world in which to attain noble spiritual culture. There is no other way in which one's life will be so surely, and so quickly transfigured—as in the faithful, cheerful doing of every-day tasks.

We need to remember that this world is not so much a place for doing things—as for developing character. Household life is not primarily a sphere for good cooking, tidy keeping of rooms, thorough sweeping and dusting, careful nursing and training of children, hospitable entertainment of friends, and the thousand things that must be done each day. It is a sphere for transforming women's souls into radiant beauty.

The shop, the mill, the factory, the store, the office, the farm—are not primarily places for making machines, selling goods, weaving cloths, building engines, and growing crops. They are, first of all, places for making men, building character, growing souls.

Right in the midst of what some people call drudgery—is the very best place to get the transformed, transfigured life! The doing of common tasks patiently, promptly, faithfully, cheerfully—makes the character beautiful and bright!

The universal principle!

(George Everard, "The Right Principle!" 1866) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do—do it all for the glory of God!" 1 Corinthians 10:31

This same principle is applicable in all common actions and every day affairs. No single moment of our lives, no single action—ought to be taken outside of the sphere of this rule.

Our rising up and lying down,
the disposal of our time,
the spending of our money,
our social gatherings,
our conversations,
our recreations,
the way of conducting the affairs of our household,
the books we read,
buying and selling,
business transactions of various kinds
—all these, and a multitude of other such-like matters, are all to be ordered under the daily guidance of this same principle.

We are to do all to glorify Him who is . . .
our Creator,
our Savior
our Preserver,
our most loving Father.

Reader, beware of neglecting to exercise this universal principle in little things. Great occasions for serving God occur but seldom; lesser ones arise every moment. Little things are not to be despised. "He who despises little things, shall fall little by little." Little omissions of duty, little acts of disobedience, as they may seem to us—may prove a great hindrance along our path.

A few grains of dust, or a small insect in the eye, will often cause great pain and annoyance. A little stone in a horse's foot will make it stumble again and again.

The Christian will find much the same thing from the indulgence of apparently trivial sins. They will . . .
harass the mind,
destroy the peace and comfort which he might enjoy,
prove a stumbling-block to him as he endeavors to run the heavenly race.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do—do it all for the glory of God!"

Let us abhor the very idea of play-acting and mask-wearing in our Christianity!

(J.C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Luke" 1858) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

Let us observe how abominable hypocrisy is in the eyes of Christ.

We are told that in the presence of all the people, Jesus said unto His disciples: "Beware of the teachers of the law! They like to walk around in flowing robes, and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses, and pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public." Luke 20:46-47

This was a bold and remarkable warning. It was a public denunciation, we must remember, of men who were the recognized teachers of the Jewish people.

No sin seems to be regarded by Christ as more wicked than hypocrisy! None certainly drew forth from His lips such frequent, strong and withering condemnation—during the whole course of His ministry.

He was ever full of mercy and compassion for the chief of sinners. "Fury was not in Him" when He saw:
Zacchaeus,
the penitent thief,
Matthew the tax-collector,
Saul the persecutor, and
the sinful woman in Simon's house.

But when He saw Scribes and Pharisees wearing a mere cloak of religion, and pretending to great outward sanctity, while their hearts were full of wickedness—His righteous soul seems to have been full of indignation. Eight times in Matthew chapter 23, we find Him saying: "Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees! You hypocrites!"

Whatever else we are in religion—let us be true. However feeble our faith, and hope, and love, and obedience may be—let us see to it that they are real, genuine and sincere. Let us abhor the very idea of play-acting and mask-wearing in our Christianity. At any rate, let us be genuine.

The hypocrite will have the lowest place in Hell! "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the damnation of Hell?" Matthew 23:33

(Octavius Winslow) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Our gospel came to you not simply with words,
but also with power,
with the Holy Spirit and
with deep conviction." 1 Thessalonians 1:5

The religion of the Lord Jesus is valuable only as its power is experienced in the heart. In this respect, and in this only, it may be compared to the physical sciences, which, however ingenious in structure, or beautiful in theory—yet, if not reduced or reducible to purposes of practical use, are of little worth.

It is so with the truth of Jesus.
The man of mere taste may applaud its external beauty,
the philosopher may admire its ethics,
the orator may admire its eloquence, and
the poet may admire its sublimity—
but if the Spirit of God does not take His own truth, and impress it upon the heart, as to the great design of its revelation—it avails nothing!

What numbers there are who rest in the mere 'theory' of Christianity!
But as a practical principle—they know nothing of it.
As a thing experienced in the heart—it is a hidden mystery to them.

They speak well of Christianity as a religious system; they believe its Divinity, and even defend its doctrines and extol its precepts—yet make no approaches towards a personal and practical obedience to its claims. In a word, they know nothing of repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.

It will surely appear to a spiritually-enlightened mind, a subject of vast and solemn importance that this delusion should be exposed—that this foundation of sand should be undermined; and that the absolute necessity of experimental religion, as necessary to an admission within the kingdom of glory, be strenuously and Scripturally enforced!

"They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved!" 2 Thessalonians 2:10

(Octavius Winslow) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners!"

What a gospel is this for a poor sinner! It speaks . . .
of pardon,
of acceptance,
of peace with God,
of full redemption here,
and unspeakable glory hereafter!

This glorious gospel proclaims . . .
a Savior to the lost,
a Redeemer to the captive,
a Physician to the sick,
a Friend to the needy,
an Advocate to the criminal.

All that a self-ruined, sin-filled, law-condemned, broken-hearted, justice-threatened sinner needs—this "glorious gospel of the blessed God" provides!

It reveals to the self-ruined, One in whom is his help.
It reveals to the sin-filled, One who can take away all sin.
It reveals to the law-condemned, One who saves from all condemnation.
It reveals to the broken-hearted, One who binds up and heals.
It reveals to the justice-threatened, One who is a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest!

That One is Jesus!
O name that is ever dear.
O name that is ever sweet.
O name that is ever precious.
O name that is ever fragrant.
O name that is ever healing to broken-hearted sinners!

All you can possibly need, is treasured up in Christ!

You have no cross, but Christ can bear it.
You have no sorrow, but Christ can alleviate it.
You have no corruption, but Christ can subdue it.
You have no guilt, but Christ can remove it.
You have no sin, but Christ can pardon it.
You have no need, but Christ can supply it!

Lift up your heads, you poor, you needy, you disconsolate!

Lift up your heads and rejoice that Christ is all to you . . .
all you need, in this valley of tears;
all you need, in the deepest sorrow;
all you need, under the heaviest affliction;
all you need, in lingering sickness;
all you will need, in the hour of death;
all you will need, in the day of judgment!

What more do you desire?

A merciful Father who loves you as the apple of His eye!

A gracious Savior to whom to go, moment by moment!

And a blessed indwelling, sanctifying, comforting Spirit!

Yes, "Happy indeed are those whose God is the Lord!"

"The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, and to release the oppressed." Luke 4:18

(Henrietta Wilson, "Little Things" 1852) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"All the days of the despondent are miserable, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast!" Proverbs 15:15

There is a class of little annoyances such as we make for ourselves by a complaining, or an overly fastidious temperament. There are some who make such a fuss about trifles, tormenting themselves, and worrying others by a perpetual fault-finding and discontent—as every trifling irritation is magnified to a mountain—that all pleasure is spoiled by their presence!

It is a good rule in little things, as well as great things, that "what can't be cured, should be endured"—and endured cheerfully!

I am not advocating slovenly and careless endurance of little vexations which may be remedied—let them be set right by all means, and the more quietly as well as quickly, the better. But I have observed people who were most ludicrously discomposed by trifles which neither they nor anyone else could remedy, and which should have been overlooked with a smile, if noticed at all.

There are many overly finicky people in the world, who groan over such trifling irritations. It is really ludicrous to hear the gravity with which some people will allude to the fact of the road being dusty, even alleging that as a reason for not going a walk! Others are as much afraid of a shower; others of too much sunshine; some are terrified at the idea of being over-heated.

There is no end to these idle fancies and fears! If you laugh at these miserable people—then they think you are unfeeling. If you sympathize with them—then they multiply and increase their petty annoyances!

Let us all beware of making much of little irritations. Let us learn to laugh at them, remembering how very annoying such complaints are to others, as well as bothersome to ourselves.

A cheerful person who refuses to notice trifles or be aggravated by them—soon ceases to feel them! While to those who seem to find a perverse pleasure in dwelling on, and being daunted by them—these little discomforts will actually become real cares, and will eat out half the comfort of their lives!

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)

As we awaken to the dawn of another day, let us turn our hearts and minds toward the boundless mercy of our Heavenly Father, poured out upon His redeemed people. In the quiet solitude of the morning, let us reflect upon the wondrous grace that has been bestowed upon us—undeserving, ill-deserving, and Hell-deserving, though we are.

We consider the depths of our transgressions, the countless times we have strayed from the path of righteousness—yet in His infinite love, God chose to extend His saving mercy to us It is a mercy that knows no bounds, reaching down to the depths of our souls, cleansing us of our sins, and redeeming us through the sin-atoning sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

In Lamentations 3:22-23, we are reminded that:
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
His mercies never come to an end,
they are new every morning,
great is Your faithfulness!"

Let us pause and meditate on these words, allowing them to penetrate our hearts and fill us with awe and gratitude for the infinite mercy of our God to us.

As His redeemed children, we are called to live lives that reflect His mercy and grace. Let us extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us, showing them the same compassion that our Heavenly Father has shown to us. Let us also strive to be vessels of mercy in this cruel world, sharing the wondrous love and grace of Christ with others.

In times of trial and tribulation, when we feel overwhelmed by the weight of our sins or the afflictions of life—let us remember the words of the psalmist: "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love!" Psalm 103:8

May we take comfort in the knowledge that His mercy endures forever, and that He is always there to lift us up and carry us through the darkest of times.

As we go forth into this day, let us do so with hearts full of gratitude for the boundless mercy of our God. Let us seek to walk in obedience to His will, knowing that His mercies are new every morning, and His faithfulness is great beyond measure!

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

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

Our nature is inherently sinful. Sin pervades all our faculties, whether of mind or body.

Our understanding is blinded by sin,
our will is rendered perverse by sin,
our affections are made earthly and sensual by sin,
our conscience is stupefied by sin,
our memory is enfeebled with respect to everything truly good.

By sin also, is the whole of our body defiled! Paul, with a remarkable particularity, specifies the subjection of our several members to this evil principle, from head to foot, in Romans 3:12-15.

Hence what the prophet speaks of the Jewish people, may well be said of us, "From the sole of the foot even to top of the head, there is no soundness in us—only wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores!" Isaiah 1:6

The whole man is corrupt! "The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time!" Genesis 6:5

All our members are instruments of unrighteousness unto sin! Romans 6:13. The Scripture expressly says, that "in us, that is, in our flesh, dwells no good thing!" Romans 7:18

We cannot so much as will what is good, and much less can we do it—unless God works within us to that end! Philippians 2:13. Nor have we a sufficiency even to think a good thought—unless it is put into our hearts by the only Giver of all good.

Sin receives assistance from everything around us! "All that is in the world" is summed up by the Apostle under these three designations:
"the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life!" 1 John 2:16

And what are these, but allies of the evil principle within us, giving it continually fresh scope for exercise, and soliciting it in every possible way to enslave our souls!

Everything we see, and everything we hear in the world, has a tendency . . .
to draw us from God,
to gratify our corrupt nature,
and to give to the evil principle within us, an advantage against us, to our destruction.

Sin conceals its influence under subtle names. There is not an evil which the corrupt principle does not lead us to palliate by some gentle name; while on vital godliness, it invariably casts reproach!

What will our corrupt principle not commend to us, under the idea of innocent amusement? What will it not sanction, under the terms conviviality? Covetousness, worldliness, carnal ambition, yes, and profligacy itself—all lose their hateful qualities under the less offensive terms of harmless amusement and entertainment!

Is it any wonder then, that men are led captive by sin and Satan; and that vital godliness is in so great a degree banished from the world?

If any man thinks that of himself he can turn unto the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and truth, let him first wash an Ethiopian white; and then he may hope to accomplish the task of converting his own soul, and of "creating himself anew after the Divine image, in righteousness and true holiness."

It is not a Sunday religion, but a week-day lifestyle!

(J.R. Miller, "What Is a Christian Life?") LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

A great many people seem to misunderstand Christianity and the Christian life.

In some cases, no more is implied than an intellectual belief of the doctrines of Christianity. Some people seem to think that a Christian is one who is "sound in the faith"—although the personal character may be very faulty, and there may be no practical application of the principles of the gospel to the conduct. Pride, bitterness, selfishness, malice, dishonesty, and harshness may abound. But because the person believes the facts of the gospel, he then considers himself to be a Christian man.

A Christian life is a regenerated life. Thus the teaching of the Scriptures is that a true Christian life is one that has come under new influences, a new life, a divine principle—entering the heart and changing all within, and then without. It is the Spirit entering into him and influencing his whole life.

In a true Christian life, the beliefs in the heart manifest themselves, in a greater or lesser measure—in the conduct and the character. Thus it is character which is the true and final test of religion. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control." These are the things that manifest one to be a Christian. Not those who say, "Lord, Lord"—but those who "obey His commandments," shall enter into Heaven.

Men talk about holiness and pray for it, as if it were something entirely apart from their everyday life—something that has nothing whatever to do with their conduct in their domestic, social, and business relations. But holiness is not a mere sentiment—it is the most real and practical thing in this world! If being holy means anything at all, it means being true, honest, upright, noble, pure, gentle, patient, unselfish.

Holiness is not only church-going and hymn-singing—it is life and conduct. It is not a Sunday religion, but a week-day lifestyle. We really have no more religion than we get into our everyday life—at home, in business, in all our conduct. We are Christians only so far as the Christ living in us, is manifested in a Christlike life!

Their hearts were devoted to their idols!

(Charles Spurgeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Son of man, these men have set up idols in their heart!" Ezekiel 14:3

"Their hearts were devoted to their idols!" Ezekiel 20:16

Whatever a man depends upon,
whatever rules his mind,
whatever governs his affections,
whatever is the chief object of his delight
—is his god.

Man is such an idolater that, if he cannot idolize anything else—he will idolize himself, and bow down and worship himself!

If you love anything better than God—you are idolaters.

If there is anything you would not give up for God—it is your idol.

If there is anything that you seek with greater fervor than God—that is your idol.

True conversion is a turning from every idol!

"They tell how you turned to God from idols—to serve the living and true God!" 1 Thessalonians 1:9

"Dear children, keep yourselves from idols!" 1 John 5:21

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

Romans 2:5, "Because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed!"

Every day they live, the unsaved increase the quantity of their iniquities, guilt, and misery! Hence, as strange as it may seem, immediate death, even though attended with immediate damnation, would be a mercy to them!

Who does not see that it would be far better for an unrepentant person to die and be cast into Hell immediately—than to live longer, only to heap up additional wrath for himself. For though his torments would come upon him a little sooner, yet the reprieve of punishment for a few additional months, or years, would bear no proportion to the increased intensity of misery that he must henceforth eternally endure!

Miserable man, whoever you are! It would have been better for you, if you had never been born!

(anonymous) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"He chose us in Christ before the creation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight!" Ephesians 1:4

"God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life." 1 Thessalonians 4:7

"God has saved us, and called us to a holy life!" 2 Timothy 1:9

Every follower of Christ is called to a life of holiness. This is not a suggestion, but a command. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has redeemed us from the pit of sin and Hell, and has set us apart for His own purpose. We are to be a people marked by . . .
a deepening desire for holiness of heart,
a growing hatred for sin, and
a fervent pursuit of righteousness.

Every aspect of life, from the most mundane tasks to the highest spiritual pursuits—should be done to the glory of God.

Let us ever strive to live a life worthy of the gospel.

Let us put to death the sins that so easily beset us.

Let us seek to be more and more transformed by the renewing of our minds, into the image of Jesus.

"Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;
for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16

(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)

"God has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." Acts 14:17

That sun which shines unremittingly every day, is a stupendous exertion of God's power—an astonishing exhibition of His omnipotence!

In adoring the providence of God, we are apt to be struck with what is new and out of the usual course, while we often overlook long, habitual, and uninterrupted mercies.

But common mercies, if less striking, are more valuable—because we always have them.

The ordinary blessings of life are overlooked for the very reason for which they ought to be most prized—because they are Divinely bestowed every moment.

Common mercies are most essential to our being. And when once they are withdrawn, we then find that they are also most essential to our comfort.

Nothing raises the price of a blessing like its removal, whereas it was its continuance which should have taught us its value.

Novelties usually awaken our gratitude, not considering that it is the duration of the common mercies which enhances their value.

We desire fresh excitements. We take for granted common mercies, as things to which we have a sort of presumptive claim; as if God had no right to withdraw what He has once bestowed, as if He were obliged to continue what He has once been pleased to confer.

"Praise the Lord, O my soul! With all that is within me, praise His holy name!
Praise the Lord, O my soul! May I never forget the good things He does for me!"
Psalm 103:1-2

Charles Spurgeon: "Let us praise God for common mercies, for they prove to be uncommonly precious, when they are once taken away! The common joys of this life which God blesses us with, ought to make us increase in gratitude, and ought to be a sufficient motive for the very highest form of consecration!"

"What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits to me?" Psalm 116:12

(Thomas Doolittle, "Love to Christ Necessary to Escape the Curse at His Coming!" 1693)

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"If any man does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed!" 1 Corinthians 16:22

Must they be cursed who do not love Christ? Then know that worldly prosperity may co-exist with the curse of God. A man might be prospering in this world—and cursed in the world to come!

Do you see many whose lives declare they have no sincere love to Christ in their hearts, thrive and abound in outward enjoyments?
They do not love Christ, and yet are strong and healthy!
They do not love Christ, and yet are rich!
They do not love Christ, and yet are honored!

What then? Might not a man be in health—and yet be a cursed man? Yes! The more strength he has, the more able he is to serve the devil—and so his strength is a curse unto him. The more worldly trinkets a man has to love—the more he enjoys of the world, and the more he loves it. And so his enjoyments are a curse unto him, when they keep him from placing his love upon Jesus Christ.

God threatens to curse wicked men's blessings: "I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them!" Malachi 2:2

Many are apt to think that the arrogant man is happy. "But now we call the arrogant, blessed. Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape!" Malachi 3:15

The rich, though evil—are thought by many to be happy. This is a great mistake! All men can see their outward blessings, but they have no eyes to behold the inward curses which lie under those outward blessings.
Is it not a curse to have riches, without saving grace?
Is it not a curse to have our portion and blessings, all in this life?
Is it not a curse to prosper in the world, and to be every moment in danger of falling into Hell?
Do you look upon it to be happiness:
to have all for the body, and nothing for the soul?
to have much of earth, and nothing of Heaven?

You read of some who "have their portion in this life"—and you read that their portion on earth is a cursed portion! It was so with the rich man spoken of in the gospel—who while on earth had his purple robes, and fine linen, and sumptuous costly dishes every day!

Oh, happy man! But wait until you hear the end. He died . . . and where then? To Hell! Where is now your happy man? What is his condition there? What! There he finds more pain than all the fleeting pleasures he had while on earth! There he feels more torment and terror, than he had pleasure and delight all his days on earth!

"Abraham said: Son, remember that in your life-time you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and you are tormented!" Luke 16:25
"Remember that your pleasures were short and sweet, but Hell is long and bitter!
Remember that Lazarus is now blessed, and you are now cursed!
Remember that he is eternally happy, and you are eternally miserable!"

Behold the change!

The world's blessed man—is now God's cursed man!

And he who was the miserable man in the esteem of the world—is now the blessed man!

(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)

"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. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered!" Matthew 10:29-30

Providence is God's gentle yet firm hand that orchestrates all of the events of our lives, weaving together our joys and sorrows, triumphs and trials, into a beautiful masterpiece! God's providence is the unseen force behind every moment, every decision, and every outcome.

Providence teaches us to trust in our unseen Creator, Sustainer, and Savior—and to surrender our fears and doubts to the One who holds all things in His hands, and "causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

As we journey through life, we may encounter obstacles that seem insurmountable, and moments of despair that threaten to overwhelm us. But even in the midst of chaos, divine Providence is at work, as God leads us through the darkness. He is the steady anchor that holds us firm amidst the storms of life.

To embrace the Providence of God is to embrace a life of faith, rooted not in our own strength or understanding, but in the unchanging nature of God Himself. It is to relinquish control and surrender to God's divine plan which is unfolding before us—knowing that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

In every season of life, whether we find ourselves on the mountaintop, or in the valley—we may take comfort in the Providence of God, trusting that He who began a good work in us, will be faithful to complete it. Our lives are held securely in His hands, and His tenacious love will never fail us!

(J.R. Miller, 1893) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

A stagecoach driver had held the leather reins for so many years, that when he began to grow old, his hands were crooked into hooks, and his fingers were so stiffened into that shape—that they could not be straightened out.

There is a similar process that goes on in men's minds and souls, when they continue to do the same things over and over.

If you are trained, and train yourself, from childhood . . .
to be gentle and patient,
to control your temper,
to resist all wrong—
then your life will grow into moral beauty, and the peacefulness of your heart will at length shine upon your very face!

If, on the other hand, you give way from childhood . . .
to all ugly tempers,
to resentful feelings,
to all bitterness and anger—
then your life will grow into permanent moral disfigurement.

One who accustoms himself to think of pure and holy things, who sets his affections on things above, and strives to reach for things which are true, things which are honorable, things which are lovely—will grow heavenward toward the things which he loves and thinks upon!

But one who lets his mind turn habitually . . .
to debasing things,
to unholy things,
to impure things,
to earthly things—
will find his whole soul bending downward—and growing sinful, corrupt, and evil!

(anonymous) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

In the quietness of this moment, I come before You with a heart heavy with the weight of my sins, and the brokenness they have caused. Lord, I confess that I have . . .
strayed from Your ways,
wandered from Your truth,
and turned my back on Your love.

In my weakness, I have stumbled and fallen—unable to lift myself from the depths of my despair.

Yet, in the midst of my brokenness, I find solace in Your promise that You are close to the brokenhearted. You, O Lord, are the healer of shattered souls, and the restorer of lost hope. Though I am unworthy, You extend Your hand of mercy to lift me from the pit of my sin, and set my feet upon the solid ground of Your grace.

Father, take my shattered pieces and fashion them into something beautiful according to Your will.
Heal the wounds of my heart,
mend the brokenness of my spirit, and
wash me clean with the blood of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

Grant me the strength to lay down my burdens at Your feet, and the courage to walk in Your truth. Help me to turn away from my sinful ways, and to follow You wholeheartedly, seeking Your will in all that I do.

Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit, that I may be empowered to live a life that honors and glorifies You. May Your mercy be the guiding light that leads me out of darkness and into the joy of Your presence.

Thank You, O Lord, for Your unending love and boundless grace. Though I may be broken, I am Yours—and in You, I find . . .
my strength,
my hope, and
my salvation!

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Can anyone hide in secret places, so that I cannot see him?
Do not I fill Heaven and earth?" Jeremiah 23:24

What folly it is to commit sin under the idea of secrecy!
That such stupidity prevails in the world, is manifest to all.

The thief takes advantage of his concealment to lay his hand upon his neighbor's property.

The adulterer watches for the return of night, when he may accomplish his wicked purposes without detection, Job 24:15-17

Sinners of every description commit in secret, what they would not dare to perpetrate, if they knew that the eyes of their fellow-creatures were upon them!

Why do they act thus—unless from the atheistic hope that God is not aware of their actions, or from an utter denial of His presence? Such conduct however is folly in the extreme; for "the eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good!" Proverbs 15:3

"Even the darkness will not be dark to Him; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to Him!" Psalm 139:12

As He observes all men—so He will also "bring to light what is hidden in darkness, and will expose the motives of men's hearts"—as a ground of that sentence which He will one day pass upon all the workers of iniquity! 1 Corinthians 4:5

Let this be remembered in reference to all the sins we have ever committed in secret; and let it teach us to seek the forgiveness of them while yet the door of mercy is still open to us.

How vain are the hopes of the hypocrite! "For what hope does the hypocrite have, when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?" Job 27:8

It is not a very difficult matter to deceive others. Yes, we may also deceive our own selves! But we can never deceive God! However deceptive our conduct may be—God will discern our corrupt motives and principles, and will judge us according to the real quality of our hearts.

There is one way, and only one, in which we can hide our sins from God—and that is by fleeing to the Lord Jesus Christ for refuge! Then, though God will behold the repentant sinner, He will not behold the sin; for it shall all be "blotted out as a morning cloud," and be "cast behind Him into the depths of the sea!"

The vilest sinner in the universe, if he is "found in Christ," shall be "complete in Christ," and "without spot or blemish before Him!"

Such a hiding-place is Christ! "A Man will be . . .
like a shelter from the wind,
and a refuge from the storm,
like streams of water in the desert,
and the shadow of a great rock in a parched land!" Isaiah 32:2

Such shall be the felicity of all who believe in Him! Acts 10:43

But it is in vain to hope that by any other means we shall escape the wrath of God. "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account!" Hebrews 4:13

Every sin not purged away by the blood of Jesus, shall be visited with just and everlasting judgments!

(J. R. Miller, "The Duty of Laughter") LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." Acts 13:52

"The fruit of the Spirit is joy" Galatians 5:22

The Wise Man says that there is "a time to laugh." That is, there is a time when laughter is right, when it is a duty—and when it would be wrong not to laugh. Perhaps we have not been accustomed to think of laughter in this way. We regard it as an agreeable exercise—but are not apt to class it among duties, like honesty or kindness.

It would be a sad thing, however, if laughter would be altogether crowded out of life. Think of a world of human beings with no laughter—men and women always wearing grave, serious, solemn faces. Think of the laughter of childhood departing from the world—how dull and dreary life would be! Nothing on earth is more beautiful, than the merry laugh of childhood.

Laughter has its place in every wholesome, healthy, holy life. The man who never smiles—is morbid! He has lost the joy-chords out of his life. He has trained himself to think only of unpleasant things, to look only and always at the dark side. He has accustomed himself so long to sadness—that the muscles of his face have become set in hard, fixed lines—and cannot relax themselves. His thoughts of life are gloomy—and the gloom has entered his soul and darkened his eyes!

Where there is no laughter—all evils nest. Demons do not laugh!

The man who never laughs, must not blame his fellows if they think there is something wrong with his life—something dark within.

If the streams which flow out are only bitter—the fountain cannot be sweet!

The Wise Man says:
"A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:13
"A cheerful heart has a continual feast." Proverbs 15:15
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace" Romans 15:13

"Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,
and desperately wicked! Who really knows how bad it is?"
Jeremiah 17:9

The deceitfulness of the human heart is seen in misrepresenting the nature of spiritual realities. But where shall we begin our illustration of this point?

If we look up to God, there is not a perfection or attribute of His nature which the unenlightened mind views aright! And as for those perfections which He exercises as the moral Governor of the universe—they are even held in abhorrence by the carnal mind!

His absolute sovereignty is denied, as though the exercise of it were an injustice to man.

His holiness and justice are imagined to be incapable of judging men for their sins.

His veracity is impeached, so as to save those who continue in rebellion against Him.

Some are so foolish and deceived, as to say, "There is no God!" And of those who acknowledge His existence, there is not one—unless he has been previously converted by Divine grace, who entertains worthy conceptions of Him in his heart!

If we turn our thoughts to the world around us—what is there that the heart of man views in its proper light?

All these, instead of being regarded as snares and worthless vanities, are perfectly idolized, and are sought after as constituting the chief happiness of man!

Do we look to morals? How erroneous are men's conceptions even of the plainest realities!

Pride, anger, and revenge—are held forth as noble and honorable principles!

While the virtues of humility, meekness, forbearance, and forgiveness—are despised, as indications of a weak and cowardly character.

As formerly, neither the Greeks nor Romans had a word in their language whereby to express the true notion of humility—so now the very idea of humility, as enjoined in the Scriptures, never enters into the mind of an unconverted man, unless it is to load it with ridicule and contempt!

Look at the gospel! That is considered as consisting in a profession of certain religious beliefs, and an observance of certain religious forms.

Entire devotion of the soul to God is deemed to be a foolish and improper excess—the effect of needless fears or of wild enthusiasm! Harsh and offensive names are used to characterize all true piety; while every sin is given soft names and plausible excuses.

In a word, the Scripture describes the heart of man in this precise view:
as "calling evil good, and good evil;
as putting darkness for light, and light for darkness;
as putting bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20

Yes, "the human heart is the most deceitful of all things!"

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life!" Proverbs 4:23

(J.C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Luke" 1858) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees—which is hypocrisy.
For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed,
nor hidden that will not be made known." Luke 12:1-2

The first thing that demands our attention in these verses, is Christ's warning against hypocrisy. This is a warning of which the importance can never be overrated. It was delivered by our Lord more than once, during His earthly ministry. It was intended to be a standing caution to His whole church in every age, and in every part of the world.

It was meant to remind us that the principles of the Pharisees are deeply ingrained in human nature—and that Christians should be always on their guard against them. Hypocrisy is a subtle leaven which the heart is always ready to receive! It is a leaven which once received into the heart, infects the whole character of a man's Christianity. Of this leaven, says our Lord, in a word that should often ring in our ears: Beware!

Let us firmly nail this caution in our memories, and bind it on our hearts. This plague is around us on every side! This danger is at all times. What is the essence of Romanism, and formalism, and ceremonialism? What is it all, but the leaven of the Pharisees under one shape or another? The Pharisees are not extinct! Pharisaism still lives.

If we would not become Pharisees—then let us cultivate a heart religion. Let us realize daily that the God with whom we have to do, looks far below the outward surface of our profession, and that He measures us by the state of our hearts. Let us be real and true in our Christianity. Let us abhor all part-acting, and affectation, and semblance of devotion—put on for public occasions, but not really felt within.

Our hypocrisy may deceive man, and get us the reputation of being very religious—but it can never deceive God! "For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be made known."

Whatever we are in religion—let us never wear a cloak or a mask of religion!

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account!" Hebrews 4:13

Catch the little foxes!

(J.C. Ryle) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Catch the little foxes that ruin the vineyards;
for our vines have tender grapes." Song of Songs 2:15

Resolve at once, by God's help, to break off every known sin, however small.

Look within, each one of you. Examine your own hearts. Do you see there any sinful habit which you know is wrong in the sight of God? If you do, resolve at once to cast it off!

Nothing darkens the eyes of the mind so much, and deadens the conscience so surely—as an allowed sin. It may be a little one, but it is not any less dangerous.

A small leak will sink a great ship.
A small spark will kindle a great fire.
In the same way, a little allowed sin will ruin an immortal soul.

Take my advice, and never spare a little sin! Israel was commanded to kill every Canaanite, both great and small. Act on the same principle—and show no mercy to little sins!

You can be sure that no wicked man ever meant to be so wicked at his first beginnings. But he began with allowing himself some little sins, and that led on to something greater, and that in time produced something greater still—and thus he became the miserable being that he now is.

Brethren, resist sin in its beginnings. Some sins may look small and insignificant, but mind what I say: resist them, make no compromise, let no sin lodge quietly and undisturbed in your heart. Remember the Apostle's words, "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough!" 1 Corinthians 5:6

Many a man could tell you with sorrow and shame, that he traces his ruin to the point I speak of—to giving way to sin in its beginnings. He began habits of deception and dishonesty in little things—and they grew on him. Step by step, he has gone on from bad to worse—until he has done such wicked things that at one time he would have thought impossible. At last he has lost his character, lost his peace, and almost lost his soul. He allowed a gap in the wall of his conscience, because it seemed a little one—and once allowed, that gap grew larger every day, until in time the whole wall came down!

Whatever the world may like to think, there are no little sins! All habits are formed by a succession of little acts, and the first little act is of mighty consequence.

The ax in the fable, only begged the trees to let him have one little piece of wood to make a handle—and he would never trouble them any more. He got it, and then he soon cut all the trees down!

The devil only wants to get the wedge of a little allowed sin into your heart—and you will soon be all his own.

There are two ways of going to Hell:

One is to walk into it with your eyes open—few people do that.

The other is to go down by the steps of little sins—and that way is only too common. Put up with a few little sins—and you will soon tolerate a few more. Even a heathen could say, "Who was ever content with only one sin?" If you put up with little sins, then your path in life will be worse and worse every year.

Jeremy Taylor very clearly described the progress of sin in a man:

First sin startles him,
then it becomes pleasing,
then it becomes easy,
then it becomes delightful,
then it becomes frequent,
then it becomes habitual,
then it becomes a way of life.
Then the man feels no guilt,
then he becomes obstinate,
and then he is damned!

Friends, if you don't want to come to this, remember the rule I give you this day—resolve at once to break off every known sin!

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Pride, that ancient sin, creeps into our hearts like a serpent!

(anonymous) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace—but with humility comes wisdom!" Proverbs 11:2

In the quiet chambers of every Christian's heart, a battle rages—a struggle as old as humanity itself. It is the battle . . .
between pride, and humility,
between the exaltation of self, and the surrender to God.

Let us peruse the Scriptures as we contemplate the dangers of pride and the virtues of humility.

Pride, that ancient sin, creeps into our hearts like a serpent—whispering lies of self-sufficiency and self-importance. It blinds us to our own faults, and leads us down the path of destruction. Pride is an ugly, mother-sin—which gives birth to a whole family of horrid sins.

Pride is the most deceitful sin! When pride reigns in the heart—it exalts the creature above the Creator, seeking its own glory rather than God's.

But oh, the beauty of genuine humility! Humility is the most lovely grace, and it is the mark of a soul surrendered to God. Humility is a sense of our own sinfulness and weakness, combined with a quiet confidence in God's sovereignty and sufficiency.

Humility is thought to be the chief virtue, for it is the gateway to wisdom and grace. With humility comes . . .
the fear of the Lord,
the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One.

Consider the example of Christ, the humble King who stooped down to wash His disciples' feet. In His humility, He demonstrated the true nature of greatness—not in power or prestige, but in service and self-sacrifice. We should strive to imitate Jesus in all things, including His humbleness. He commands us: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." Matthew 11:29

Let us then, heed the wisdom and the counsel of Scripture. Let us crucify the prideful desires of the flesh, and clothe ourselves with humility—that we may walk in wisdom and grace.

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When God dwelt all alone!

(Arthur Pink, "The Attributes of God") LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Before the mountains were born, before You gave birth to the earth and the world—from eternity to eternity, You are God!" Psalm 90:2

"The Lord is the true God; He is the living God, the eternal King!" Jeremiah 10:10

There was a time, if 'time' it could be called, when God dwelt all alone.

There was no Heaven, where His glory is now particularly manifested.

There was no earth to engage His attention.

There were no angels to hymn His praises.

There was no universe to be upheld by the word of His power.

There was nothing, no one, but God; and that, not for a day, a year, or an age—but "from all eternity." Psalm 93:2

During eternity past, God was alone:
self-contained,
self-sufficient,
self-satisfied,
in need of nothing.

Had a universe, had angels, had human beings been necessary to Him in any way—they would have been called into existence from all eternity. The creating of them when He did, added nothing to God essentially. "I the Lord do not change" therefore His essential glory can be neither augmented nor diminished.

"Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal!" Isaiah 26:24

"How great is God—beyond our understanding!
The number of His years is past finding out." Job 36:26

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God—be honor and glory for ever and ever! Amen. " 1 Timothy 1:17

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The boundless mercy of our Redeemer!

(anonymous) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love!" Psalm 145:8

In our quiet moments of reflection, let us ponder the boundless mercy of our Redeemer, whose love knows no end. As God's redeemed people, we are the recipients of His unfathomable grace, poured out upon us despite our wickedness and unworthiness.

In the depths of our sinfulness and rebellion—God in His mercy chose to save us and make us His sons and daughters! Truly, His mercy reaches beyond our understanding, cleansing us from every stain of sin and setting us free from the chains of guilt and shame!

Let us not take lightly the magnitude of our Redeemer's mercy towards us. It is a mercy that cost Him dearly—for it was through His sin-atoning sacrifice, that we have been redeemed. As we meditate on that wondrous cross, may we be overwhelmed by the depth of His love, and the extent of His mercy toward undeserving, ill-deserving, and Hell-deserving sinners such as we are.

In times of trial and temptation, let us cling to the promise of God's mercy. His mercy is our refuge and strength—a steadfast anchor in the storms of life!

May we never cease to marvel at the mercy of our Redeemer. Let us give thanks for His unending love and faithfulness. And may we strive to walk in obedience to His will, knowing that His mercy will sustain us through all the storms and sorrows of life!

"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

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The distinction between the righteous and the wicked!

(anonymous) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked; between those who serve God and those who do not!" Malachi 3:18

In this passage, Malachi speaks not only to his contemporaries but to all generations, proclaiming the day when the Lord will make a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked. This distinction is not according to mere human judgment, but of divine discernment. It is a separation wrought by the very hand of God, who sees into the depths of the human heart, and weighs our actions, our words, our thoughts, and our desires with perfect justice.

The righteous, those who serve the Lord with steadfast devotion, shall stand as witnesses to His glory. Their lives are marked by:
sincere faith in Jesus,
obedience to His commandments,
humility before His majesty, and
love for their fellow man.

Though they may endure trials and tribulations in this earthly pilgrimage, their reward is sure. For the Lord, in His infinite mercy, will preserve them and exalt them in due time.

But woe to the wicked—those who reject the ways of the Lord and walk in the paths of disobedience! Their hearts are filled with pride, and their deeds with iniquity. They scoff at the precepts of God, and mock the warnings of His prophets. Yet their laughter shall turn to lamentation, for the day of reckoning draws near. In that day, they shall be cast down into the abyss of darkness, where there is weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Matthew 25:46

Beloved, let us ponder these words of Malachi and take heed to our ways. Let us strive to walk in righteousness, knowing that our God is a God of justice, who will reward every man according to his deeds. May we be found faithful on that great and terrible day, when the righteous and the wicked shall be separated; and may we hear the blessed words, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord!"

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The constraining love of Jesus!

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"The love of Christ controls and urges and impels us . . . so that all those who live, might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him who died and was raised again for their sake!" 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (Amplified Bible)

The love of Jesus has a constraining power, which invincibly impels us to live unto Him. Let it once be "shed abroad in our hearts," and we shall instantly exclaim with rapture, "My Lord, and my God!"

"What have I to do any more with idols?" will be the natural effusion of our souls! Hosea 14:8

We will feel a holy indignation at the thought of having wickedly sinned against Him for so long, and shall address Him in the language of His repenting people, "O Lord, our God, other masters besides You have ruled over us, but we will acknowledge and mention Your name alone!" Isaiah 26:13

Walk with God as His dear children. Commit to Him your every care, and expect from Him a supply of all your needs!

Motivated by His all-constraining love, be ready to sacrifice every earthly consideration, and to even lay down life itself for Him!

"He gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works!" Titus 2:14

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

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The womb in which all evils are generated!

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

Genesis 6:5, "The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time!"

Jeremiah 17:9, "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?"

Mark 7:21-22, "For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly!"

In the above verses, we see that the heart is the womb in which all evils are generated!

Scripture delves deep into the core of our being, uncovering the hidden recesses of our hearts. It exposes the reality that sin isn't just an external force acting upon us, but a corrupting agent dwelling within us! Our secret thoughts, desires, and intentions are laid bare before God. We cannot hide behind a facade of external morality, while harboring inward corruption.

God notices our thoughts as much as He does our actions—and considers them as characterizing our state before Him. As we think in our hearts, so are we!

In Holy Writ, we learn that God is concerned with the state of our hearts to the highest degree:

1 Samuel 16:17, "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart!"

Psalm 90:8, "You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence!"

Psalm 94:11, "The Lord knows the thoughts of man."

Jeremiah 17:10, "I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives."

Ezekiel 11:5, "I know every thought that comes into your minds!"

1 Corinthians 4:5, "He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts!"

Ecclesiastes 12:14, "God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil!"

In light of this, let us never be content with mere external morality, but earnestly seek the Spirit's inward transformation . . .
purifying our hearts,
uprooting the weeds of sin,
and cultivating the fruits of holiness.

May we surrender our thoughts, desires, and ambitions to God—bowing to His supreme authority in every area of our lives.

As we meditate on the above Scriptures, may they serve as a call to self-examination, and a reminder of our desperate need for God's saving grace to wash away the hidden abominations of our hearts. May our hearts be cleansed, our minds renewed, and our lives transformed by the power of the gospel.

Proverbs 4:23, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life!"

This wise instruction from King Solomon reminds us that our heart—the seat of our thoughts, emotions, and desires—is the source of all our actions and decisions!

Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way!"

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(Samuel Clarke, "The Saint's Bouquet" 1642) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Here are some further sayings of the wise!" Proverbs 24:23

Sin is . . .
the spawn of the old Serpent,
the source of Hell, and
the vomit of the Devil!

Sin is more hateful to God than the Devil; for God hates the Devil for sin's sake—and not sin for the Devil's sake.

Sin is like a serpent in our bosoms, which cannot live—but by sucking out our life blood.

The godly hate sin—because of sin's defilement.
The ungodly fear sin—because of sin's punishment.

The godly hate sin—because it has filth in it to pollute the soul.
The ungodly fear sin—because it has fire in it to burn the soul!

The deluge of waters which overflowed all the world, washed away many sinners—but not one sin!

The world shall one day be all on fire—yet all that fire, and those flames in Hell which follow—shall not purge one sin!

All the evils in the world serve to give names to sin:
Sin is called poison—and sinners are called serpents.
Sin is called vomit—and sinners are called dogs.
Sin is called mire—and sinners are called hogs.
Sin is called darkness, blindness, shame, nakedness, folly, madness, death, and whatever is filthy, vile, infective, or painful!

A covetous man may have his house full of money—but he can never have his heart full of money.

An ambitious man may have titles enough to overload his memory—but never to fill his pride.

The Devil's last stratagem is, if he cannot beat us down to sin—to blow us up with pride!

Nothing will make God's children so pure, as to wash themselves every morning in tears of repentance.

Without sound repentance, sin is not seen as the greatest evil—nor Christ as the greatest good.

"Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise—apply your heart to what I teach!" Proverbs 22:17

[Note: We have left extended PAUSES between quotes, to allow the listener/reader to meditate on each of these gems.]

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