Bane of The Zodiacal Approach
Timrufus
“Immediately after the distress of those days “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ -Matthew 24:29
As the Israelites crossed over the Red Sea and came to Mount Sinai, The LORD said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” So Moses got the congregation to wash their clothes and there he consecrated them. On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. (Exodus 19:10-16)
Have you ever been scared out of your wits by thunder and lightning before? During Temujin’s times, thunderstorms is a cultural fear and clothes washing is a taboo for the ancient Mongols. The Mongols believed that their Tengri (The sky’s father) abhorred it when people washed their clothes and the Tengri they knew of always expressed his wrath through nature phenomena such as thunderstorms. On second thoughts, their fear may not be baseless after all but to associate their belief with clothes washing is sheer paganism and we cannot imagine how many Israelites would have refrained themselves from clothes washing, or at least not until the next call for consecration.
I remembered the real life's story told of two young toddlers who died a most gruesome death in their home when a cruel archenemy of their father took a hammer and crushed the skulls of the two young kiddos while no one was around. A day before the news came out in the media, skies surrounding the entire land were darken and heaven broke out crimson red. Does God speak through signs in the sky? I believe the nature of God does express Himself through signs in the sky and sometimes He also express His wrath through natural catastrophes and calamities through hard fallen times of men. (Genesis 19:23-25; 1 Samuel 7:10; 2 Samuel 22:14-15; Nahum 1:3,5-6)
The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night they reveal knowledge. Our God is a righteous Judge. Yes, He is a God Who is indignant every day, and if a man does not turn and repent, He (God) does not relent and will sharpen His sword. He will bend and string his bow and made it ready by treading it with His foot. (Psalm 7:11-12)
Similar story was also told of Constantine I who won the miraculous battle of the Milvian Bridge. The Roman Emperor Constantine I was commanded in a dream to delineate the heavenly sign on the shields of his soldiers followed by a vision of the cross of light above the sun reflected with it the Greek words "Εν Τούτῳ” (meaning “In this sign, you shall conquer.” – The Sign of Christ).
Astrology however as defined by Wikipedia, in its broadest sense, is “the search for meaning in the sky.” Yet God in a broader sense to them, is not Jesus or Jehovah God but nonetheless a deity and one "divine being" such as the tengri who reveals himself to mankind either through dreams or signs from the sky. (NKJ , Thus says the Lord: “Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them. For the customs of the peoples are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. -Jeremiah 10:2-3)
There will come a day whereby God's divine wrath will be revealed to all mankind even when the conscience of men would sometimes as if seared as with a hot iron, man ought to always be conscious of (God) and of the divine judgment that is coming upon the surface of the earth. In ancient times, phenomenon that originates outside the atmosphere of Earth may help serves as a guideline to lead the ancient men who had had so much a lower intellectual approach than the modern men, and hopefully in the midst of it all, they may understand and know that (Divine) Providence does exists and that men will eventually be held accountable for all sin of grievances that fell to their hands.
For long enough I find it amazing that humans in ancient times had their own unique way of calculating the most accurate almanacs for weather forecasts, farmers' planting dates, tide tables, and tabular information in a particular field or fields often arranged according to the calendar. And all these could be made possible because of accurate astronomical data and various statistics that provides information to calculations such as the times of the rising and setting of the sun and moon, eclipses, hours of full tides and timelines etc. The scientists understood it as astronomy and the modern man call it natural sciences.
The LORD alone is the Maker of the constellations, the Bear, Orion, and the loose cluster of Pleiades, and the vast starry spaces of the south. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. (Job 9:9, Psalm 147:4) He is the ONE God who expresses His wrath and concerns through signs in the heavens and He is the ONE God who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners. (Isaiah 44:25-26) The LORD is the One who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense but carries out the words of His servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers.
Verse For Meditation: 2 Peter 3:8-10
LORD, You are altogether the One Glorious, Wonderful, Mighty Creator of the Heavens and the Earth. We thank you for the Holy Spirit you have given to us, so that the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night are no longer needed today as we look to your Word for guidance and there Your Holy Presence's with us, every moment and every second of our life. In Jesus Most Mighty Name. Amen.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
From Everlasting To Everlasting
From Everlasting To Everlasting
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
"Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."—Micah 5:2
THE Lord Jesus had goings forth for His people as their representative before the throne, long before they appeared upon the stage of time. It was "from everlasting" that He signed the compact with His Father, that He would pay blood for blood, suffering for suffering, agony for agony, and death for death, in the behalf of His people; it was "from everlasting" that He gave Himself up without a murmuring word. That from the crown of His head to the sole of His foot He might sweat great drops of blood, that He might be spit upon, pierced, mocked, rent asunder, and crushed beneath the pains of death.
His goings forth as our Surety were from everlasting. Pause, my soul, and wonder! Thou hast goings forth in the person of Jesus "from everlasting." Not only when thou wast born into the world did Christ love thee, but His delights were with the sons of men before there were any sons of men.
Often did He think of them; from everlasting to everlasting He had set His affection upon them. What! my soul, has He been so long about thy salvation, and will not He accomplish it? Has he from everlasting been going forth to save me, and will He lose me now? What! has He carried me in His hand, as His precious jewel, and will He now let me slip from between His fingers? Did he choose me before the mountains were brought forth, or the channels of the deep were digged, and will He reject me now?
Impossible! I am sure He would not have loved me so long if He had not been a changeless Lover. If He could grow weary of me, He would have been tired of me long before now. If He had not loved me with a love as deep as hell, and as strong as death, He would have turned from me long ago. Oh, joy above all joys, to know that I am His everlasting and inalienable inheritance, given to Him by His Father or ever the earth was! Everlasting love shall be the pillow for my head this night. Amen!
THE Lord Jesus had goings forth for His people as their representative before the throne, long before they appeared upon the stage of time. It was "from everlasting" that He signed the compact with His Father, that He would pay blood for blood, suffering for suffering, agony for agony, and death for death, in the behalf of His people; it was "from everlasting" that He gave Himself up without a murmuring word. That from the crown of His head to the sole of His foot He might sweat great drops of blood, that He might be spit upon, pierced, mocked, rent asunder, and crushed beneath the pains of death.
His goings forth as our Surety were from everlasting. Pause, my soul, and wonder! Thou hast goings forth in the person of Jesus "from everlasting." Not only when thou wast born into the world did Christ love thee, but His delights were with the sons of men before there were any sons of men.
Often did He think of them; from everlasting to everlasting He had set His affection upon them. What! my soul, has He been so long about thy salvation, and will not He accomplish it? Has he from everlasting been going forth to save me, and will He lose me now? What! has He carried me in His hand, as His precious jewel, and will He now let me slip from between His fingers? Did he choose me before the mountains were brought forth, or the channels of the deep were digged, and will He reject me now?
Impossible! I am sure He would not have loved me so long if He had not been a changeless Lover. If He could grow weary of me, He would have been tired of me long before now. If He had not loved me with a love as deep as hell, and as strong as death, He would have turned from me long ago. Oh, joy above all joys, to know that I am His everlasting and inalienable inheritance, given to Him by His Father or ever the earth was! Everlasting love shall be the pillow for my head this night. Amen!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Five Ways God Uses Problems
Five Ways God Uses Problems
The Daily Encourager
The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you – depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring.
Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:
1. God uses Problems to Direct You
Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways. Physical punishment cleanses away evil;such discipline purifies the heart. (Proverbs 20:30)
2. God uses Problems to Inspect You
People are like tea bags…if you want to know what’s inside them, just drop them into hot ever water! Has God tested your faith with a problem What do problems reveal about you? When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way,consider it an opportunity for great joy.For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (James 1:2-3)
3. God uses Problems to Correct You
Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It’s likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something…health, money, a relationship… by losing it. It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to Your laws. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. (Psalm 119:71-72)
4. God uses Problems to Protect You
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem – but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management’s actions were eventually discovered. You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good… You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. (Genesis 50:20)
5. God uses Problems to Perfect You
Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you’re going to take with you into eternity. We can rejoice when we run into problems… they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (Romans 5:3-4)
Here’s the point:God is at work in your life – even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it’s much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him.
Verse of The Day: Psalm 66:12
The Daily Encourager
The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you – depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring.
Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:
1. God uses Problems to Direct You
Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways. Physical punishment cleanses away evil;such discipline purifies the heart. (Proverbs 20:30)
2. God uses Problems to Inspect You
People are like tea bags…if you want to know what’s inside them, just drop them into hot ever water! Has God tested your faith with a problem What do problems reveal about you? When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way,consider it an opportunity for great joy.For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (James 1:2-3)
3. God uses Problems to Correct You
Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It’s likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something…health, money, a relationship… by losing it. It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to Your laws. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. (Psalm 119:71-72)
4. God uses Problems to Protect You
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem – but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management’s actions were eventually discovered. You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good… You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. (Genesis 50:20)
5. God uses Problems to Perfect You
Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you’re going to take with you into eternity. We can rejoice when we run into problems… they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (Romans 5:3-4)
Here’s the point:God is at work in your life – even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it’s much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him.
Verse of The Day: Psalm 66:12
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Set Me Apart Lord!
Set Apart For The Lord
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
Ye shall be named the priests of the Lord. -Isaiah 61:6
This literal promise to Israel belongs spiritually to the seed after the Spirit, namely, to all believers. If we live up to our privileges, we shall live unto God so clearly and distinctly that men shall see that we are set apart for holy service and shall name us the priests of the Lord. We may work or trade as others do, and yet we may be solely and wholly the ministering servants of God. Our one occupation shall be to present the perpetual sacrifice of prayer, and praise, and testimony, and self-consecration to the living God by Jesus Christ.
This being our one aim, we may leave distracting concerns to those who have no higher calling. "Let the dead bury their dead." It is written, "Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vine-dressers," They may manage politics, puzzle out financial problems, discuss science, and settle the last new quibbles of criticism; but we will give ourselves unto such service as becomes those who, like the Lord Jesus, are ordained to a perpetual priesthood.
Accepting this honorable promise as involving a sacred duty, let us put on the vestments of holiness and minister before the Lord all day long.
This literal promise to Israel belongs spiritually to the seed after the Spirit, namely, to all believers. If we live up to our privileges, we shall live unto God so clearly and distinctly that men shall see that we are set apart for holy service and shall name us the priests of the Lord. We may work or trade as others do, and yet we may be solely and wholly the ministering servants of God. Our one occupation shall be to present the perpetual sacrifice of prayer, and praise, and testimony, and self-consecration to the living God by Jesus Christ.
This being our one aim, we may leave distracting concerns to those who have no higher calling. "Let the dead bury their dead." It is written, "Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vine-dressers," They may manage politics, puzzle out financial problems, discuss science, and settle the last new quibbles of criticism; but we will give ourselves unto such service as becomes those who, like the Lord Jesus, are ordained to a perpetual priesthood.
Accepting this honorable promise as involving a sacred duty, let us put on the vestments of holiness and minister before the Lord all day long.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Unbroken Fellowship Essential
Unbroken Fellowship Essential
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
lf ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. -John 15:7
Of necessity we must be in Christ to live unto Him, and we must abide in Him to be able to claim the largesse of this promise from Him. To abide in Jesus is never to quit Him for another love or another object, but to remain in living, loving, conscious, willing union with Him.
The branch is not only ever near the stem but ever receiving life and fruitfulness horn it. All true believers abide in Christ in a sense; but there is a higher meaning, and this we must know before we can gain unlimited power at the throne. "Ask what ye will" is for Enochs who walk with God, for Johns who lie in the Lord's bosom, for those whose union with Christ leads to constant communion.
The heart must remain in love, the mind must be rooted in faith, the hope must be cemented to the Word, the whole man must be joined unto the Lord, or else it would be dangerous to trust us with power in prayer. The carte blanche can only be given to one whose very life is, "Not I, but Christ liveth in me."
O you who break your fellowship, what power you lose! If you would be mighty in your pleadings, the Lord Himself must abide in you, and you in Him.
Of necessity we must be in Christ to live unto Him, and we must abide in Him to be able to claim the largesse of this promise from Him. To abide in Jesus is never to quit Him for another love or another object, but to remain in living, loving, conscious, willing union with Him.
The branch is not only ever near the stem but ever receiving life and fruitfulness horn it. All true believers abide in Christ in a sense; but there is a higher meaning, and this we must know before we can gain unlimited power at the throne. "Ask what ye will" is for Enochs who walk with God, for Johns who lie in the Lord's bosom, for those whose union with Christ leads to constant communion.
The heart must remain in love, the mind must be rooted in faith, the hope must be cemented to the Word, the whole man must be joined unto the Lord, or else it would be dangerous to trust us with power in prayer. The carte blanche can only be given to one whose very life is, "Not I, but Christ liveth in me."
O you who break your fellowship, what power you lose! If you would be mighty in your pleadings, the Lord Himself must abide in you, and you in Him.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
God The Covenantal
God The Covenantal
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
"His bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." -Genesis 49:24
THAT strength which God gives to His Josephs is real strength; it is not a boasted valour, a fiction, a thing of which men talk, but which ends in smoke; it is true—divine strength. Why does Joseph stand against temptation? Because God gives him aid. There is nought that we can do without the power of God. All true strength comes from "the mighty God of Jacob."
Notice in what a blessedly familiar way God gives this strength to Joseph—"The arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." Thus God is represented as putting His hands on Joseph's hands, placing His arms on Joseph's arms. Like as a father teaches his children, so the Lord teaches them that fear Him.
He puts His arms upon them. Marvellous condescension! God Almighty, Eternal, Omnipotent, stoops from His throne and lays His hand upon the child's hand, stretching His arm upon the arm of Joseph, that he may be made strong! This strength was also covenant strength, for it is ascribed to "the mighty God of Jacob."
Now, wherever you read of the God of Jacob in the Bible, you should remember the covenant with Jacob. Christians love to think of God's covenant. All the power, all the grace, all the blessings, all the mercies, all the comforts, all the things we have, flow to us from the well-head, through the covenant. If there were no covenant, then we should fail indeed; for all grace proceeds from it, as light and heat from the sun.
No angels ascend or descend, save upon that ladder which Jacob saw, at the top of which stood a covenant God. Christian, it may be that the archers have sorely grieved you, and shot at you, and wounded you, but still your bow abides in strength; be sure, then, to ascribe all the glory to Jacob's God.
THAT strength which God gives to His Josephs is real strength; it is not a boasted valour, a fiction, a thing of which men talk, but which ends in smoke; it is true—divine strength. Why does Joseph stand against temptation? Because God gives him aid. There is nought that we can do without the power of God. All true strength comes from "the mighty God of Jacob."
Notice in what a blessedly familiar way God gives this strength to Joseph—"The arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." Thus God is represented as putting His hands on Joseph's hands, placing His arms on Joseph's arms. Like as a father teaches his children, so the Lord teaches them that fear Him.
He puts His arms upon them. Marvellous condescension! God Almighty, Eternal, Omnipotent, stoops from His throne and lays His hand upon the child's hand, stretching His arm upon the arm of Joseph, that he may be made strong! This strength was also covenant strength, for it is ascribed to "the mighty God of Jacob."
Now, wherever you read of the God of Jacob in the Bible, you should remember the covenant with Jacob. Christians love to think of God's covenant. All the power, all the grace, all the blessings, all the mercies, all the comforts, all the things we have, flow to us from the well-head, through the covenant. If there were no covenant, then we should fail indeed; for all grace proceeds from it, as light and heat from the sun.
No angels ascend or descend, save upon that ladder which Jacob saw, at the top of which stood a covenant God. Christian, it may be that the archers have sorely grieved you, and shot at you, and wounded you, but still your bow abides in strength; be sure, then, to ascribe all the glory to Jacob's God.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Lord of all Seasons
God of all Times
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil." -Matthew 4:1
A holy character does not avert temptation—Jesus was tempted. When Satan tempts us, his sparks fall upon tinder; but in Christ's case, it was like striking sparks on water; yet the enemy continued his evil work.
Now, if the devil goes on striking when there is no result, how much more will he do it when he knows what inflammable stuff our hearts are made of. Though you become greatly sanctified by the Holy Ghost, expect that the great dog of hell will bark at you still. In the haunts of men we expect to be tempted, but even seclusion will not guard us from the same trial.
Jesus Christ was led away from human society into the wilderness, and was tempted of the devil. Solitude has its charms and its benefits, and may be useful in checking the lust of the eye and the pride of life; but the devil will follow us into the most lovely retreats. Do not suppose that it is only the worldly-minded who have dreadful thoughts and blasphemous temptations, for even spiritual-minded persons endure the same; and in the holiest position we may suffer the darkest temptation.
The utmost consecration of spirit will not insure you against Satanic temptation. Christ was consecrated through and through. It was His meat and drink to do the will of Him that sent Him: and yet He was tempted! Your hearts may glow with a seraphic flame of love to Jesus, and yet the devil will try to bring you down to Laodicean lukewarmness.
If you will tell me when God permits a Christian to lay aside his armour, I will tell you when Satan has left off temptation. Like the old knights in war time, we must sleep with helmet and breastplate buckled on, for the arch-deceiver will seize our first unguarded hour to make us his prey. The Lord keep us watchful in all seasons, and give us a final escape from the jaw of the lion and the paw of the bear.
Verse For Meditation: Zechariah 10:1
A holy character does not avert temptation—Jesus was tempted. When Satan tempts us, his sparks fall upon tinder; but in Christ's case, it was like striking sparks on water; yet the enemy continued his evil work.
Now, if the devil goes on striking when there is no result, how much more will he do it when he knows what inflammable stuff our hearts are made of. Though you become greatly sanctified by the Holy Ghost, expect that the great dog of hell will bark at you still. In the haunts of men we expect to be tempted, but even seclusion will not guard us from the same trial.
Jesus Christ was led away from human society into the wilderness, and was tempted of the devil. Solitude has its charms and its benefits, and may be useful in checking the lust of the eye and the pride of life; but the devil will follow us into the most lovely retreats. Do not suppose that it is only the worldly-minded who have dreadful thoughts and blasphemous temptations, for even spiritual-minded persons endure the same; and in the holiest position we may suffer the darkest temptation.
The utmost consecration of spirit will not insure you against Satanic temptation. Christ was consecrated through and through. It was His meat and drink to do the will of Him that sent Him: and yet He was tempted! Your hearts may glow with a seraphic flame of love to Jesus, and yet the devil will try to bring you down to Laodicean lukewarmness.
If you will tell me when God permits a Christian to lay aside his armour, I will tell you when Satan has left off temptation. Like the old knights in war time, we must sleep with helmet and breastplate buckled on, for the arch-deceiver will seize our first unguarded hour to make us his prey. The Lord keep us watchful in all seasons, and give us a final escape from the jaw of the lion and the paw of the bear.
Verse For Meditation: Zechariah 10:1
When Criticism Hurts
When Criticism Hurts
Dr Harold J. Sala
"Let all things be done unto edifying." -1 Corinthians 14:26
How do you respond to criticism? Some are extremely sensitive to the slightest bit of criticism and they respond very negatively to it; others couldn't care less what people say of them. Some world leaders are keenly aware of the press, and when the news media criticize them they vindictively lash out, deeply hurt – or they seek revenge. Others, though, take the attitude of Frederick the Great, who was asked how he felt about the sharp criticism that he had drawn. He replied, "I go through my appointed daily stage, and I care not for the curs who bark at me along the road."
Most of us do not have quite as thick a hide as did Frederick the Great. We do care what others are saying, and down in our hearts, we often care a great deal more than we are willing to admit.
What can you do when you are criticized? I see at least five clear responses. There are many variations, but five choices confront you. First, you can resent the criticism. You can say that you were not deserving of the criticism, and that the person is entirely wrong. You can say that his motives were not right. And you may be correct, but letting your hatred turn to poison in your heart brings only suffering to YOU and, accordingly, YOU are the one who has been hurt.
There is a second choice: You can lash out at the one who criticized you. It is easy to do - you feel that you have been hurt. However, answering your critics is seldom the thing to do. If you believe that you were right, your actions need no defense; let them speak for themselves. To answer your critics may look as if you were wrong and are now trying to find reasons to buttress what you did. Truth needs no defense.
Lives of great men indicate that they seldom stooped to the level of their critics. They knew what they were doing, and resolutely, but firmly, they kept at their task and did not lose time by answering criticism. This, though, does not mean that you are indifferent to criticism, so the third choice that is open to you is to analyze the criticism. Look at it carefully, and try to sift out the personal bias.
It is probably true that what your critics may have said was said out of a wrong spirit - a vindictive attempt to hurt you. Look at it carefully, and try to determine what is bias and what is truth. Again, it is possible that the criticism was meant to be constructive, and you can profit a great deal from that situation which leads us to the fourth choice: Learn from the criticism.
Regardless of how it was offered, is there something that you can learn from it? Perhaps you are in the wrong! Look at the criticism carefully. If you were wrong, it takes a big person to acknowledge it, but you will want to do it.
The fifth choice that is open is simply forget the criticism and put it behind you. There are times when this is by far the best course of action. If you know you were right, forget it and do not let it be a weight that hangs around your neck. Do not let criticism make you vindictive; do not let it be a poison that blights your outlook on life.
There are times when others may not understand you; but if you are right, commit that criticism to God, and keep on keeping on. Travelers in the northern lanes of ocean traffic have often seen icebergs moving in one direction when the winds were ferociously blowing in the opposite direction. The explanation is simple: Eight-ninths of their hulk is under water, and the current deep in the ocean was moving it forward- no matter which way the wind was blowing. Be sure that you are right.
Let God's Word, the Bible, provide the guideline for your life, and then, regardless which way the winds of criticism may blow, stay with your convictions. Do not retaliate! Just analyze and profit from criticism, then forget it.
Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 16:9-10
Dr Harold J. Sala
"Let all things be done unto edifying." -1 Corinthians 14:26
How do you respond to criticism? Some are extremely sensitive to the slightest bit of criticism and they respond very negatively to it; others couldn't care less what people say of them. Some world leaders are keenly aware of the press, and when the news media criticize them they vindictively lash out, deeply hurt – or they seek revenge. Others, though, take the attitude of Frederick the Great, who was asked how he felt about the sharp criticism that he had drawn. He replied, "I go through my appointed daily stage, and I care not for the curs who bark at me along the road."
Most of us do not have quite as thick a hide as did Frederick the Great. We do care what others are saying, and down in our hearts, we often care a great deal more than we are willing to admit.
What can you do when you are criticized? I see at least five clear responses. There are many variations, but five choices confront you. First, you can resent the criticism. You can say that you were not deserving of the criticism, and that the person is entirely wrong. You can say that his motives were not right. And you may be correct, but letting your hatred turn to poison in your heart brings only suffering to YOU and, accordingly, YOU are the one who has been hurt.
There is a second choice: You can lash out at the one who criticized you. It is easy to do - you feel that you have been hurt. However, answering your critics is seldom the thing to do. If you believe that you were right, your actions need no defense; let them speak for themselves. To answer your critics may look as if you were wrong and are now trying to find reasons to buttress what you did. Truth needs no defense.
Lives of great men indicate that they seldom stooped to the level of their critics. They knew what they were doing, and resolutely, but firmly, they kept at their task and did not lose time by answering criticism. This, though, does not mean that you are indifferent to criticism, so the third choice that is open to you is to analyze the criticism. Look at it carefully, and try to sift out the personal bias.
It is probably true that what your critics may have said was said out of a wrong spirit - a vindictive attempt to hurt you. Look at it carefully, and try to determine what is bias and what is truth. Again, it is possible that the criticism was meant to be constructive, and you can profit a great deal from that situation which leads us to the fourth choice: Learn from the criticism.
Regardless of how it was offered, is there something that you can learn from it? Perhaps you are in the wrong! Look at the criticism carefully. If you were wrong, it takes a big person to acknowledge it, but you will want to do it.
The fifth choice that is open is simply forget the criticism and put it behind you. There are times when this is by far the best course of action. If you know you were right, forget it and do not let it be a weight that hangs around your neck. Do not let criticism make you vindictive; do not let it be a poison that blights your outlook on life.
There are times when others may not understand you; but if you are right, commit that criticism to God, and keep on keeping on. Travelers in the northern lanes of ocean traffic have often seen icebergs moving in one direction when the winds were ferociously blowing in the opposite direction. The explanation is simple: Eight-ninths of their hulk is under water, and the current deep in the ocean was moving it forward- no matter which way the wind was blowing. Be sure that you are right.
Let God's Word, the Bible, provide the guideline for your life, and then, regardless which way the winds of criticism may blow, stay with your convictions. Do not retaliate! Just analyze and profit from criticism, then forget it.
Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 16:9-10
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Prayer The ForeRunner (19 Feb)
Prayer The ForeRunner
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
Thus saith the Lord God; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them." -Ezekiel 36:37
PRAYER is the forerunner of mercy. Turn to sacred history, and you will find that scarcely ever did a great mercy come to this world unheralded by supplication. You have found this true in your own personal experience. God has given you many an unsolicited favour, but still great prayer has always been the prelude of great mercy with you.
When you first found peace through the blood of the cross, you had been praying much, and earnestly interceding with God that He would remove your doubts, and deliver you from your distresses. Your assurance was the result of prayer.
When at any time you have had high and rapturous joys, you have been obliged to look upon them as answers to your prayers. When you have had great deliverances out of sore troubles, and mighty helps in great dangers, you have been able to say, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."
Prayer is always the preface to blessing. It goes before the blessing as the blessing's shadow. When the sunlight of God's mercies rises upon our necessities, it casts the shadow of prayer far down upon the plain. Or, to use another illustration, when God piles up a hill of mercies, He Himself shines behind them, and He casts on our spirits the shadow of prayer, so that we may rest certain, if we are much in prayer, our pleadings are the shadows of mercy.
Prayer is thus connected with the blessing to show us the value of it. If we had the blessings without asking for them, we should think them common things; but prayer makes our mercies more precious than diamonds. The things we ask for are precious, but we do not realize their preciousness until we have sought for them earnestly.
"Prayer makes the darken'd cloud withdraw;
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw;
Gives exercise to faith and love;
Brings every blessing from above."
PRAYER is the forerunner of mercy. Turn to sacred history, and you will find that scarcely ever did a great mercy come to this world unheralded by supplication. You have found this true in your own personal experience. God has given you many an unsolicited favour, but still great prayer has always been the prelude of great mercy with you.
When you first found peace through the blood of the cross, you had been praying much, and earnestly interceding with God that He would remove your doubts, and deliver you from your distresses. Your assurance was the result of prayer.
When at any time you have had high and rapturous joys, you have been obliged to look upon them as answers to your prayers. When you have had great deliverances out of sore troubles, and mighty helps in great dangers, you have been able to say, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."
Prayer is always the preface to blessing. It goes before the blessing as the blessing's shadow. When the sunlight of God's mercies rises upon our necessities, it casts the shadow of prayer far down upon the plain. Or, to use another illustration, when God piles up a hill of mercies, He Himself shines behind them, and He casts on our spirits the shadow of prayer, so that we may rest certain, if we are much in prayer, our pleadings are the shadows of mercy.
Prayer is thus connected with the blessing to show us the value of it. If we had the blessings without asking for them, we should think them common things; but prayer makes our mercies more precious than diamonds. The things we ask for are precious, but we do not realize their preciousness until we have sought for them earnestly.
"Prayer makes the darken'd cloud withdraw;
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw;
Gives exercise to faith and love;
Brings every blessing from above."
Powerful Evangelism
Go and do Likewise
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
"He first findeth his own brother Simon." -John 1:41
THIS case is an excellent pattern of all cases where spiritual life is vigorous. As soon as a man has found Christ, he begins to find others. I will not believe that thou hast tasted of the honey of the gospel if thou canst eat it all thyself.
True grace puts an end to all spiritual monopoly. Andrew first found his own brother Simon, and then others. Relationship has a very strong demand upon our first individual efforts. Andrew, thou didst well to begin with Simon. I doubt whether there are not some Christians giving away tracts at other people's houses who would do well to give away a tract at their own—whether there are not some engaged in works of usefulness abroad who are neglecting their special sphere of usefulness at home.
You may or you may not be called to evangelize the people in any particular locality, but certainly you are called to see after your own servants, your own kinsfolk and acquaintance.
Let thy religion begin at home. Many tradesmen export their best commodities—the Christian should not.
He should have all his conversation everywhere of the best savour; but let him have a care to put forth the sweetest fruit of spiritual life and testimony in his own family. When Andrew went to find his brother, he little imagined how eminent Simon would become. Simon Peter was worth ten Andrews so far as we can gather from sacred history, and yet Andrew was instrumental in bringing him to Jesus.
You may be very deficient in talent yourself, and yet you may be the means of drawing to Christ one who shall become eminent in grace and service. Ah! dear friend, you little know the possibilities which are in you. You may but speak a word to a child, and in that child there may be slumbering a noble heart which shall stir the Christian church in years to come.
Andrew has only two talents, but he finds Peter. Go thou and do likewise.
THIS case is an excellent pattern of all cases where spiritual life is vigorous. As soon as a man has found Christ, he begins to find others. I will not believe that thou hast tasted of the honey of the gospel if thou canst eat it all thyself.
True grace puts an end to all spiritual monopoly. Andrew first found his own brother Simon, and then others. Relationship has a very strong demand upon our first individual efforts. Andrew, thou didst well to begin with Simon. I doubt whether there are not some Christians giving away tracts at other people's houses who would do well to give away a tract at their own—whether there are not some engaged in works of usefulness abroad who are neglecting their special sphere of usefulness at home.
You may or you may not be called to evangelize the people in any particular locality, but certainly you are called to see after your own servants, your own kinsfolk and acquaintance.
Let thy religion begin at home. Many tradesmen export their best commodities—the Christian should not.
He should have all his conversation everywhere of the best savour; but let him have a care to put forth the sweetest fruit of spiritual life and testimony in his own family. When Andrew went to find his brother, he little imagined how eminent Simon would become. Simon Peter was worth ten Andrews so far as we can gather from sacred history, and yet Andrew was instrumental in bringing him to Jesus.
You may be very deficient in talent yourself, and yet you may be the means of drawing to Christ one who shall become eminent in grace and service. Ah! dear friend, you little know the possibilities which are in you. You may but speak a word to a child, and in that child there may be slumbering a noble heart which shall stir the Christian church in years to come.
Andrew has only two talents, but he finds Peter. Go thou and do likewise.
The Designer's Rod
Better Farther On
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more. -Nahum 1:12
There is a limit to affliction. God sends it, and God removes it. Do you sigh and say, "When will the end be?" Remember that our griefs will surely and finally end when this poor earthly life is over, Let us quietly wait and patiently endure the will of the Lord till He cometh.
Meanwhile, our Father in heaven takes away the rod when His design in using it is fully served. When He has whipped away our folly, there will be no more strokes. Or, if the affliction is sent for testing us, that our graces may glorify God, it will end when the Lord has made us bear witness to His praise.
We would not wish the affliction to depart till God has gotten out of us all the honor which we can possibly yield Him. There may today be "a great calm." Who knows how soon those raging billows will give place to a sea of glass, and the sea birds sit on the gentle waves?
After long tribulation the Rail is hung up, and the wheat rests in the garner. We may, before many hours are past, be just as happy as now we are sorrowful. It is not hard for the Lord to turn night into day. He that sends the clouds can as easily clear the skies.
Let us be of good cheer. It is better on before. Let us sing hallelujah by anticipation.
There is a limit to affliction. God sends it, and God removes it. Do you sigh and say, "When will the end be?" Remember that our griefs will surely and finally end when this poor earthly life is over, Let us quietly wait and patiently endure the will of the Lord till He cometh.
Meanwhile, our Father in heaven takes away the rod when His design in using it is fully served. When He has whipped away our folly, there will be no more strokes. Or, if the affliction is sent for testing us, that our graces may glorify God, it will end when the Lord has made us bear witness to His praise.
We would not wish the affliction to depart till God has gotten out of us all the honor which we can possibly yield Him. There may today be "a great calm." Who knows how soon those raging billows will give place to a sea of glass, and the sea birds sit on the gentle waves?
After long tribulation the Rail is hung up, and the wheat rests in the garner. We may, before many hours are past, be just as happy as now we are sorrowful. It is not hard for the Lord to turn night into day. He that sends the clouds can as easily clear the skies.
Let us be of good cheer. It is better on before. Let us sing hallelujah by anticipation.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
The Drive To Respond
The Drive To Respond
Chip Brogden
Chip Brogden
"In the world you'll have trouble.But cheer up! I have overcome the world." -John 16:33
In the world we will experience temptations, testings, and trials. We will experience persecution, tribulation, and afflictions of soul and body. We will experience mistreatment and misunderstanding. It is not a question of God allowing or not allowing things to happen. It is part of living. Some things we do to ourselves, other things we do to each other.
Our Father knows about every bird which falls to the ground, but He does not always prevent it from falling. What are we to learn from this? That our response to what happens is more important than what happens.
Here is a mystery: one man's experience drives him to curse God, while another man's identical experience drives him to bless God. Your response to what happens is more important than what happens.
In the world we will experience temptations, testings, and trials. We will experience persecution, tribulation, and afflictions of soul and body. We will experience mistreatment and misunderstanding. It is not a question of God allowing or not allowing things to happen. It is part of living. Some things we do to ourselves, other things we do to each other.
Our Father knows about every bird which falls to the ground, but He does not always prevent it from falling. What are we to learn from this? That our response to what happens is more important than what happens.
Here is a mystery: one man's experience drives him to curse God, while another man's identical experience drives him to bless God. Your response to what happens is more important than what happens.
Friday, February 17, 2012
The Well of Delights
Where Thou seest me
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
"Isaac dwelt by the well Lahai-roi." -Genesis 25:11
HAGAR had once found deliverance there and Ishmael had drank from the water so graciously revealed by the God who liveth and seeth the sons of men; but this was a merely casual visit, such as worldlings pay to the Lord in times of need, when it serves their turn. They cry to Him in trouble, but forsake Him in prosperity. Isaac dwelt there, and made the well of the living and all-seeing God his constant source of supply.
The usual tenor of a man's life, the dwelling of his soul, is the true test of his state. Perhaps the providential visitation experienced by Hagar struck Isaac's mind, and led him to revere the place; its mystical name endeared it to him; his frequent musings by its brim at eventide made him familiar with the well; his meeting Rebecca there had made his spirit feel at home near the spot; but best of all, the fact that he there enjoyed fellowship with the living God, had made him select that hallowed ground for his dwelling. Let us learn to live in the presence of the living God; let us pray the Holy Spirit that this day, and every other day, we may feel, "Thou God seest me."
May our LORD God be as a well to us, delightful, comforting, unfailing, springing up unto eternal life. The bottle of the creature cracks and dries up, but the well of the Creator never fails; happy is he who dwells at the well, and so has abundant and constant supplies near at hand.
The Lord has been a sure helper to others: His name is Shaddai, God All-sufficient; our hearts have often had most delightful intercourse with Him; through Him our soul has found her glorious Husband, the Lord Jesus; and in Him this day we live, and move, and have our being; let us, then, dwell in closest fellowship with Him.
Glorious Lord, constrain us that we may never leave Thee, but dwell by the well of the living God.
HAGAR had once found deliverance there and Ishmael had drank from the water so graciously revealed by the God who liveth and seeth the sons of men; but this was a merely casual visit, such as worldlings pay to the Lord in times of need, when it serves their turn. They cry to Him in trouble, but forsake Him in prosperity. Isaac dwelt there, and made the well of the living and all-seeing God his constant source of supply.
The usual tenor of a man's life, the dwelling of his soul, is the true test of his state. Perhaps the providential visitation experienced by Hagar struck Isaac's mind, and led him to revere the place; its mystical name endeared it to him; his frequent musings by its brim at eventide made him familiar with the well; his meeting Rebecca there had made his spirit feel at home near the spot; but best of all, the fact that he there enjoyed fellowship with the living God, had made him select that hallowed ground for his dwelling. Let us learn to live in the presence of the living God; let us pray the Holy Spirit that this day, and every other day, we may feel, "Thou God seest me."
May our LORD God be as a well to us, delightful, comforting, unfailing, springing up unto eternal life. The bottle of the creature cracks and dries up, but the well of the Creator never fails; happy is he who dwells at the well, and so has abundant and constant supplies near at hand.
The Lord has been a sure helper to others: His name is Shaddai, God All-sufficient; our hearts have often had most delightful intercourse with Him; through Him our soul has found her glorious Husband, the Lord Jesus; and in Him this day we live, and move, and have our being; let us, then, dwell in closest fellowship with Him.
Glorious Lord, constrain us that we may never leave Thee, but dwell by the well of the living God.
The Lord was There
The Lord was There
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
"Whereas the Lord was there" -Ezekiel 35:10
EDOM'S princes saw the whole country left desolate, and counted upon its easy conquest; but there was one great difficulty in their way -quite unknown to them -"The Lord was there"; and in His presence lay the special security of the chosen land.
Whatever may be the machinations and devices of the enemies of God's people, there is still the same effectual barrier to thwart their design. The saints are God's heritage, and He is in the midst of them, and will protect His own. What comfort this assurance yields us in our troubles and spiritual conflicts! We are constantly opposed, and yet perpetually preserved!
How often Satan shoots his arrows against our faith, but our faith defies the power of hell's fiery darts; they are not only turned aside, but they are quenched upon its shield, for "the Lord is there."
Our good works are the subjects of Satan's attacks. A saint never yet had a virtue or a grace which was not the target for hellish bullets: whether it was hope bright and sparkling, or love warm and fervent, or patience all-enduring, or zeal flaming like coals of fire, the old enemy of everything that is good has tried to destroy it. The only reason why anything virtuous or lovely survives in us is this, "the Lord is there."
If the Lord be with us through life, we need not fear for our dying confidence; for when we come to die, we shall find that "the Lord is there"; where the billows are most tempestuous, and the water is most chill, we shall feel the bottom, and know that it is good: our feet shall stand upon the Rock of Ages when time is passing away. Beloved, from the first of a Christian's life to the last, the only reason why he does not perish is because "the Lord is there."
When the God of everlasting love shall change and leave His elect to perish, then may the Church of God be destroyed; but not till then, because it is written, JEHOVAH SHAMMAH, "The Lord is there."
Verse for meditation: Pslam 121:1-4
EDOM'S princes saw the whole country left desolate, and counted upon its easy conquest; but there was one great difficulty in their way -quite unknown to them -"The Lord was there"; and in His presence lay the special security of the chosen land.
Whatever may be the machinations and devices of the enemies of God's people, there is still the same effectual barrier to thwart their design. The saints are God's heritage, and He is in the midst of them, and will protect His own. What comfort this assurance yields us in our troubles and spiritual conflicts! We are constantly opposed, and yet perpetually preserved!
How often Satan shoots his arrows against our faith, but our faith defies the power of hell's fiery darts; they are not only turned aside, but they are quenched upon its shield, for "the Lord is there."
Our good works are the subjects of Satan's attacks. A saint never yet had a virtue or a grace which was not the target for hellish bullets: whether it was hope bright and sparkling, or love warm and fervent, or patience all-enduring, or zeal flaming like coals of fire, the old enemy of everything that is good has tried to destroy it. The only reason why anything virtuous or lovely survives in us is this, "the Lord is there."
If the Lord be with us through life, we need not fear for our dying confidence; for when we come to die, we shall find that "the Lord is there"; where the billows are most tempestuous, and the water is most chill, we shall feel the bottom, and know that it is good: our feet shall stand upon the Rock of Ages when time is passing away. Beloved, from the first of a Christian's life to the last, the only reason why he does not perish is because "the Lord is there."
When the God of everlasting love shall change and leave His elect to perish, then may the Church of God be destroyed; but not till then, because it is written, JEHOVAH SHAMMAH, "The Lord is there."
Verse for meditation: Pslam 121:1-4
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Secrets of Life
Focus On Scripture, Not Worries
Rick Warren
Rick Warren
“I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” -Job 23:12b
The Bible repeatedly urges us to meditate on who God is, what he has done, and what he has said. It is impossible to be God’s friend apart from knowing what he says. You can’t love God unless you know him, and you can’t know him without knowing his Word.
The Bible says God “revealed himself to Samuel through his word” (1 Samuel 3:21). God still uses that method today. While you cannot spend all day studying the Bible, you can think about it throughout the day, recalling verses you have read or memorized and mulling them over in your mind.
Meditation is often misunderstood as some difficult, mysterious ritual practiced by isolated monks and mystics. But meditation is simply focused thinking — a skill anyone can learn and use anywhere. When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, that’s called worry. When you think about God’s Word over and over, that’s meditation.
If you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate! You just need to switch your attention from your problems to Bible verses. The more you meditate on God’s Word, the less you will have to worry about. The reason God considered Job and David his close friends was that they valued his Word above everything else, and they thought about it continually throughout the day. Job admitted, “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread” (Job 23:12).
When you read your Bible or hear a sermon or listen to a CD, don’t just forget it and walk away. Develop the practice of reviewing the truth in your mind, thinking about it over and over. The more time you spend reviewing what God has said, the more you will understand the “secrets” of this life that most people miss.
The Bible repeatedly urges us to meditate on who God is, what he has done, and what he has said. It is impossible to be God’s friend apart from knowing what he says. You can’t love God unless you know him, and you can’t know him without knowing his Word.
The Bible says God “revealed himself to Samuel through his word” (1 Samuel 3:21). God still uses that method today. While you cannot spend all day studying the Bible, you can think about it throughout the day, recalling verses you have read or memorized and mulling them over in your mind.
Meditation is often misunderstood as some difficult, mysterious ritual practiced by isolated monks and mystics. But meditation is simply focused thinking — a skill anyone can learn and use anywhere. When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, that’s called worry. When you think about God’s Word over and over, that’s meditation.
If you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate! You just need to switch your attention from your problems to Bible verses. The more you meditate on God’s Word, the less you will have to worry about. The reason God considered Job and David his close friends was that they valued his Word above everything else, and they thought about it continually throughout the day. Job admitted, “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread” (Job 23:12).
When you read your Bible or hear a sermon or listen to a CD, don’t just forget it and walk away. Develop the practice of reviewing the truth in your mind, thinking about it over and over. The more time you spend reviewing what God has said, the more you will understand the “secrets” of this life that most people miss.
Ever Mindful
Ever Mindful
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us. -Psalm 115:12
I can set my seal to that first sentence. Cannot you? Yes, God has thought of us, provided for us, comforted us, delivered us, and guided us. In all the movements of His providence He has been mindful of us, never overlooking our mean affairs.
His mind has been full of us—that is the other form of the word mindful. This has been the case all along and without a single break. At special times, however, we have more distinctly seen this mindfulness, and we would recall them at this hour with overflowing gratitude. Yes, yes, "the Lord hath been mindful of us."
The next sentence is a logical inference from the former one. Since God is unchangeable, He will continue to be mindful of us in the future as He has been in the past; and His mindfulness is tantamount to blessing us. But we have here not only the conclusion of reason but the declaration of inspiration; we have it on the Holy Ghost's authority—"He will bless us."
This means great things and unsearchable. The very indistinctness of the promise indicates its infinite reach. He will bless us after His own divine manner, and that forever and ever,
Therefore, let us each say, "Bless the Lord, O my soul!"
I can set my seal to that first sentence. Cannot you? Yes, God has thought of us, provided for us, comforted us, delivered us, and guided us. In all the movements of His providence He has been mindful of us, never overlooking our mean affairs.
His mind has been full of us—that is the other form of the word mindful. This has been the case all along and without a single break. At special times, however, we have more distinctly seen this mindfulness, and we would recall them at this hour with overflowing gratitude. Yes, yes, "the Lord hath been mindful of us."
The next sentence is a logical inference from the former one. Since God is unchangeable, He will continue to be mindful of us in the future as He has been in the past; and His mindfulness is tantamount to blessing us. But we have here not only the conclusion of reason but the declaration of inspiration; we have it on the Holy Ghost's authority—"He will bless us."
This means great things and unsearchable. The very indistinctness of the promise indicates its infinite reach. He will bless us after His own divine manner, and that forever and ever,
Therefore, let us each say, "Bless the Lord, O my soul!"
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
At The Table of Grace
A Daily Supply
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life." -2 Kings 25:30
JEHOIACHIN was not sent away from the king's palace with a store to last him for months, but his provision was given him as a daily pension. Herein he well pictures the happy position of all the Lord's people. A daily portion is all that a man really wants. We do not need tomorrow's supplies; that day has not yet dawned, and its wants are as yet unborn.
The thirst which we may suffer in the month of June does not need to be quenched in February, for we do not feel it yet; if we have enough for each day as the days arrive we shall never know want. Sufficient for the day is all that we can enjoy. We cannot eat or drink or wear more than the day's supply of food and raiment; the surplus gives us the care of storing it, and the anxiety of watching against a thief.
One staff aids a traveller, but a bundle of staves is a heavy burden. Enough is not only as good as a feast, but is all that the veriest glutton can truly enjoy. This is all that we should expect; a craving for more than this is ungrateful. When our Father does not give us more, we should be content with his daily allowance. Jehoiachin's case is ours, we have a sure portion, a portion given us of the king, a gracious portion, and a perpetual portion.
Here is surely ground for thankfulness. Beloved Christian reader, in matters of grace you need a daily supply. You have no store of strength. Day by day must you seek help from above. It is a very sweet assurance that a daily portion is provided for you. In the word, through the ministry, by meditation, in prayer, and waiting upon God you shall receive renewed strength.
In Jesus all needful things are laid up for you. Then enjoy your continual allowance. Never go hungry while the daily bread of grace is on the table of mercy.
JEHOIACHIN was not sent away from the king's palace with a store to last him for months, but his provision was given him as a daily pension. Herein he well pictures the happy position of all the Lord's people. A daily portion is all that a man really wants. We do not need tomorrow's supplies; that day has not yet dawned, and its wants are as yet unborn.
The thirst which we may suffer in the month of June does not need to be quenched in February, for we do not feel it yet; if we have enough for each day as the days arrive we shall never know want. Sufficient for the day is all that we can enjoy. We cannot eat or drink or wear more than the day's supply of food and raiment; the surplus gives us the care of storing it, and the anxiety of watching against a thief.
One staff aids a traveller, but a bundle of staves is a heavy burden. Enough is not only as good as a feast, but is all that the veriest glutton can truly enjoy. This is all that we should expect; a craving for more than this is ungrateful. When our Father does not give us more, we should be content with his daily allowance. Jehoiachin's case is ours, we have a sure portion, a portion given us of the king, a gracious portion, and a perpetual portion.
Here is surely ground for thankfulness. Beloved Christian reader, in matters of grace you need a daily supply. You have no store of strength. Day by day must you seek help from above. It is a very sweet assurance that a daily portion is provided for you. In the word, through the ministry, by meditation, in prayer, and waiting upon God you shall receive renewed strength.
In Jesus all needful things are laid up for you. Then enjoy your continual allowance. Never go hungry while the daily bread of grace is on the table of mercy.
Lord Abide In Us
Mercy Abounds
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
He that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. -Psalm 32:10
O fair reward of trust! My Lord, grant it me to the full! The truster above all men feels himself to be a sinner; and lo, mercy is prepared for him: he knows himself to have no deservings, but mercy comes in and keeps house for him on a liberal scale. O Lord, give me this mercy, even as I trust in Thee!
Observe, my soul, what a bodyguard thou hast! As a prince is compassed about with soldiery, so art thou compassed about with mercy. Before and behind, and on all sides, ride these mounted guards of grace. We dwell in the center of the system of mercy, for we dwell in Christ Jesus.
O my soul, what an atmosphere dost thou breathe! As the air surrounds thee, even so does the mercy of thy Lord. To the wicked there are many sorrows, but to thee there are so many mercies that thy sorrows are not worth mentioning. David says, "Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous; and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."
In obedience to this precept my heart shall triumph in God, and I will tell out my gladness. As Thou hast compassed me with mercy, I will also compass Thine altars, O my God, with songs of thanksgiving!
O fair reward of trust! My Lord, grant it me to the full! The truster above all men feels himself to be a sinner; and lo, mercy is prepared for him: he knows himself to have no deservings, but mercy comes in and keeps house for him on a liberal scale. O Lord, give me this mercy, even as I trust in Thee!
Observe, my soul, what a bodyguard thou hast! As a prince is compassed about with soldiery, so art thou compassed about with mercy. Before and behind, and on all sides, ride these mounted guards of grace. We dwell in the center of the system of mercy, for we dwell in Christ Jesus.
O my soul, what an atmosphere dost thou breathe! As the air surrounds thee, even so does the mercy of thy Lord. To the wicked there are many sorrows, but to thee there are so many mercies that thy sorrows are not worth mentioning. David says, "Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous; and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."
In obedience to this precept my heart shall triumph in God, and I will tell out my gladness. As Thou hast compassed me with mercy, I will also compass Thine altars, O my God, with songs of thanksgiving!
Monday, February 13, 2012
The Stone
The very first Stone
Timrufus
“.. his heart failed him and he became like a stone.” -1 Samuel 25:37
At the dessert of En Gedi, David cut off a corner of King Saul’s robe and shortly after he did that, the bible said he became conscience-stricken. David knew that he should not have done that of the LORD’s anointed but here we see that David was also trying to prove that he was not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. (1 Samuel 24:11) For someone with a background such as Saul, one may have expect him to reprove David harshly, but in this strange phenomenon here, it so concluded that he didn’t. (1 Samuel 24:18)
Still David was afraid and after the prophet Samuel had died, David moved down into the Desert of Paran, where he and his men helped to guard the sheep and goats of a certain man named Nabal. Now Nabal was a very rich but foolish man, and although David had all the while been protecting him and guarding him of his assets, he actually hurled insults at the messengers that David had send to him from the wilderness. (1 Samuel 25:14-15) From the above two story narrated, we saw two very great contrast here between King Saul and the common man called Nabal.
Now, King Saul, was the one who had been seeking David’s own life from the very time he was a shepherd boy (1 Samuel 18:6-7), actually pardoned David greatly for this insolence act of cutting off the corner of his robe. On the other end, Nabal whom David and his men used their life in helping to protect him, was found hurling insults at him. It is no wonder then that the Lord God Jesus said to Simon, “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
Jesus said, “Whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” and to some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable. “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ (Luke 18:9-14)
Likewise how do we apply it in our biblical walk with the Lord? Jesus said, “Whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” It is only when we can realize how merciful the Lord has been to us that we can learn to be merciful towards other by their own faults. (Hosea 6:6) For when God judges us in our very own wrong doings, he does not sees us in the light of the magnitude of our very sin (Psalm 143:2) but rather the magnitude of our heart towards others. (Luke 6:37-38)
How easy is it for us to cast that very first stone today! and how difficult it is for us to pay attention at the very own plank in our eyes rather than that speck of sawdust in our brother’s eye indeed. Jesus said, "For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Verse for today: Proverbs 28:14
Father we thank you for disciplining us today for no one is righteous and just before you. Grant us an undivided heart that we may fear Your Name. Help us to acknowledge that Your way and not our way is always right. Let Your Word in us melts away our every fear and pride. Let God be for us, your Word O LORD, is the truth. Chastise us but in judgment and in just measure. Not in Your anger, lest we are diminished and are no more. Soften our heart this day. In Jesus mighty Name. Amen and amen.
Timrufus
“.. his heart failed him and he became like a stone.” -1 Samuel 25:37
At the dessert of En Gedi, David cut off a corner of King Saul’s robe and shortly after he did that, the bible said he became conscience-stricken. David knew that he should not have done that of the LORD’s anointed but here we see that David was also trying to prove that he was not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. (1 Samuel 24:11) For someone with a background such as Saul, one may have expect him to reprove David harshly, but in this strange phenomenon here, it so concluded that he didn’t. (1 Samuel 24:18)
Still David was afraid and after the prophet Samuel had died, David moved down into the Desert of Paran, where he and his men helped to guard the sheep and goats of a certain man named Nabal. Now Nabal was a very rich but foolish man, and although David had all the while been protecting him and guarding him of his assets, he actually hurled insults at the messengers that David had send to him from the wilderness. (1 Samuel 25:14-15) From the above two story narrated, we saw two very great contrast here between King Saul and the common man called Nabal.
Now, King Saul, was the one who had been seeking David’s own life from the very time he was a shepherd boy (1 Samuel 18:6-7), actually pardoned David greatly for this insolence act of cutting off the corner of his robe. On the other end, Nabal whom David and his men used their life in helping to protect him, was found hurling insults at him. It is no wonder then that the Lord God Jesus said to Simon, “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
Jesus said, “Whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” and to some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable. “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ (Luke 18:9-14)
Likewise how do we apply it in our biblical walk with the Lord? Jesus said, “Whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” It is only when we can realize how merciful the Lord has been to us that we can learn to be merciful towards other by their own faults. (Hosea 6:6) For when God judges us in our very own wrong doings, he does not sees us in the light of the magnitude of our very sin (Psalm 143:2) but rather the magnitude of our heart towards others. (Luke 6:37-38)
How easy is it for us to cast that very first stone today! and how difficult it is for us to pay attention at the very own plank in our eyes rather than that speck of sawdust in our brother’s eye indeed. Jesus said, "For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Verse for today: Proverbs 28:14
Father we thank you for disciplining us today for no one is righteous and just before you. Grant us an undivided heart that we may fear Your Name. Help us to acknowledge that Your way and not our way is always right. Let Your Word in us melts away our every fear and pride. Let God be for us, your Word O LORD, is the truth. Chastise us but in judgment and in just measure. Not in Your anger, lest we are diminished and are no more. Soften our heart this day. In Jesus mighty Name. Amen and amen.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
God Delights to Give
God Delights to Give
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
And the Lord said unto Abraham, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward, for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. -Genesis 13:14-15
A special blessing for a memorable occasion. Abram had settled a family dispute. He had said, "Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between thee and me, for we be brethren"; and hence he received the blessing which belongs to peacemakers. The Lord and giver of peace delights to manifest His grace to those who seek peace and pursue it. If we desire closer communion with God, we must keep closer to the ways of peace.
Abram had behaved very generously to his kinsman, giving him his choice of the land. If we deny ourselves for peace's sake, the Lord will more than make it up to us. As far as the patriarch can see, he can claim, and we may do the like by faith. Abram had to wait for the actual possession, but the Lord entailed the land upon him and his posterity.
Boundless blessings belong to us by covenant gift. All things are ours. When we please the Lord, He makes us to look everywhere and see all things our own, whether things present or things to come, all are ours, and we are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
A special blessing for a memorable occasion. Abram had settled a family dispute. He had said, "Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between thee and me, for we be brethren"; and hence he received the blessing which belongs to peacemakers. The Lord and giver of peace delights to manifest His grace to those who seek peace and pursue it. If we desire closer communion with God, we must keep closer to the ways of peace.
Abram had behaved very generously to his kinsman, giving him his choice of the land. If we deny ourselves for peace's sake, the Lord will more than make it up to us. As far as the patriarch can see, he can claim, and we may do the like by faith. Abram had to wait for the actual possession, but the Lord entailed the land upon him and his posterity.
Boundless blessings belong to us by covenant gift. All things are ours. When we please the Lord, He makes us to look everywhere and see all things our own, whether things present or things to come, all are ours, and we are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
When troubles troubled
The Spade of Trouble
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." -2 Corinthians 1:5
THERE is a blessed proportion. The Ruler of Providence bears a pair of scales—in this side He puts His people's trials, and in that He puts their consolations. When the scale of trial is nearly empty, you will always find the scale of consolation in nearly the same condition; and when the scale of trials is full, you will find the scale of consolation just as heavy.
When the black clouds gather most, the light is the more brightly revealed to us. When the night lowers and the tempest is coming on, the Heavenly Captain is always closest to His crew. It is a blessed thing, that when we are most cast down, then it is that we are most lifted up by the consolations of the Spirit. One reason is, because trials make more room for consolation. Great hearts can only be made by great troubles.
The spade of trouble digs the reservoir of comfort deeper, and makes more room for consolation. God comes into our heart—He finds it full—He begins to break our comforts and to make it empty; then there is more room for grace. The humbler a man lies, the more comfort he will always have, because he will be more fitted to receive it. Another reason why we are often most happy in our troubles, is this—then we have the closest dealings with God.
When the barn is full, man can live without God: when the purse is bursting with gold, we try to do without so much prayer. But once take our gourds away, and we want our God; once cleanse the idols out of the house, then we are compelled to honour GOD.
"Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord." There is no cry so good as that which comes from the bottom of the mountains; no prayer half so hearty as that which comes up from the depths of the soul, through deep trials and afflictions.
Hence they bring us to God, and we are happier; for nearness to God is happiness. Come, troubled believer, fret not over your heavy troubles, for they are the heralds of weighty mercies.
THERE is a blessed proportion. The Ruler of Providence bears a pair of scales—in this side He puts His people's trials, and in that He puts their consolations. When the scale of trial is nearly empty, you will always find the scale of consolation in nearly the same condition; and when the scale of trials is full, you will find the scale of consolation just as heavy.
When the black clouds gather most, the light is the more brightly revealed to us. When the night lowers and the tempest is coming on, the Heavenly Captain is always closest to His crew. It is a blessed thing, that when we are most cast down, then it is that we are most lifted up by the consolations of the Spirit. One reason is, because trials make more room for consolation. Great hearts can only be made by great troubles.
The spade of trouble digs the reservoir of comfort deeper, and makes more room for consolation. God comes into our heart—He finds it full—He begins to break our comforts and to make it empty; then there is more room for grace. The humbler a man lies, the more comfort he will always have, because he will be more fitted to receive it. Another reason why we are often most happy in our troubles, is this—then we have the closest dealings with God.
When the barn is full, man can live without God: when the purse is bursting with gold, we try to do without so much prayer. But once take our gourds away, and we want our God; once cleanse the idols out of the house, then we are compelled to honour GOD.
"Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord." There is no cry so good as that which comes from the bottom of the mountains; no prayer half so hearty as that which comes up from the depths of the soul, through deep trials and afflictions.
Hence they bring us to God, and we are happier; for nearness to God is happiness. Come, troubled believer, fret not over your heavy troubles, for they are the heralds of weighty mercies.
Grace of The Above
Grace of The Above
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
"He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever." -John 14:16
GREAT Father revealed Himself to believers of old before the coming of His Son, and was known to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the God Almighty. Then Jesus came, and the ever-blessed Son in His own proper person, was the delight of His people's eyes.
At the time of the Redeemer's ascension, the Holy Spirit became the head of the present dispensation, and His power was gloriously manifested in and after Pentecost. He remains at this hour the present Immanuel—God with us, dwelling in and with His people, quickening, guiding, and ruling in their midst. Is His presence recognized as it ought to be?
We cannot control His working; He is most sovereign in all His operations, but are we sufficiently anxious to obtain His help, or sufficiently watchful lest we provoke Him to withdraw His aid? Without Him we can do nothing, but by His almighty energy the most extraordinary results can be produced: everything depends upon his manifesting or concealing His power.
Do we always look up to Him both for our inner life and our outward service with the respectful dependence which is fitting? Do we not too often run before His call and act independently of His aid? Let us humble ourselves this evening for past neglects, and now entreat the heavenly dew to rest upon us, the sacred oil to anoint us, the celestial flame to burn within us.
The Holy Ghost is no temporary gift, He abides with the saints. We have but to seek Him aright, and He will be found of us. He is jealous, but He is pitiful; if He leaves in anger, He returns in mercy. Condescending and tender, He does not weary of us, but awaits to be gracious still.
Sin has been hammering my heart unto a hardness, void of love, Let supplying grace to cross his art Drop from above.
GREAT Father revealed Himself to believers of old before the coming of His Son, and was known to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the God Almighty. Then Jesus came, and the ever-blessed Son in His own proper person, was the delight of His people's eyes.
At the time of the Redeemer's ascension, the Holy Spirit became the head of the present dispensation, and His power was gloriously manifested in and after Pentecost. He remains at this hour the present Immanuel—God with us, dwelling in and with His people, quickening, guiding, and ruling in their midst. Is His presence recognized as it ought to be?
We cannot control His working; He is most sovereign in all His operations, but are we sufficiently anxious to obtain His help, or sufficiently watchful lest we provoke Him to withdraw His aid? Without Him we can do nothing, but by His almighty energy the most extraordinary results can be produced: everything depends upon his manifesting or concealing His power.
Do we always look up to Him both for our inner life and our outward service with the respectful dependence which is fitting? Do we not too often run before His call and act independently of His aid? Let us humble ourselves this evening for past neglects, and now entreat the heavenly dew to rest upon us, the sacred oil to anoint us, the celestial flame to burn within us.
The Holy Ghost is no temporary gift, He abides with the saints. We have but to seek Him aright, and He will be found of us. He is jealous, but He is pitiful; if He leaves in anger, He returns in mercy. Condescending and tender, He does not weary of us, but awaits to be gracious still.
Sin has been hammering my heart unto a hardness, void of love, Let supplying grace to cross his art Drop from above.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The Dross Purged
The Dross Purged
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried; they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God. -Zechariah 13:9
Grace transmutes us into precious metal, and then the fire and the furnace follows as a necessary consequence. Do we start at this? Would we sooner be accounted worthless, that we might enjoy repose, like the stones of the field! This would be to choose the viler part—like Esau, to take the pottage and give up the covenant portion. No, Lord; we will gladly be cast into the furnace rather than be cast out from Thy presence!
The fire only refines; it does not destroy. We are to be brought through the fire, not left in it. The Lord values His people as silver, and therefore He is at pains to purge away their dross. If we are wise, we shall rather welcome the refining process than decline it. Our prayer will be that our alloy may be taken from us rather than that we should be withdrawn from the crucible.
O Lord, Thou triest us indeed! We are ready to melt under the fierceness of the flame. Still, this is Thy way, and Thy way is the best. Sustain us under the trial and complete the process of our purifying, and we will be Thine forever and ever.
Grace transmutes us into precious metal, and then the fire and the furnace follows as a necessary consequence. Do we start at this? Would we sooner be accounted worthless, that we might enjoy repose, like the stones of the field! This would be to choose the viler part—like Esau, to take the pottage and give up the covenant portion. No, Lord; we will gladly be cast into the furnace rather than be cast out from Thy presence!
The fire only refines; it does not destroy. We are to be brought through the fire, not left in it. The Lord values His people as silver, and therefore He is at pains to purge away their dross. If we are wise, we shall rather welcome the refining process than decline it. Our prayer will be that our alloy may be taken from us rather than that we should be withdrawn from the crucible.
O Lord, Thou triest us indeed! We are ready to melt under the fierceness of the flame. Still, this is Thy way, and Thy way is the best. Sustain us under the trial and complete the process of our purifying, and we will be Thine forever and ever.
Jesus Saves Satan Be Gone
Jesus Saves Satan Be Gone!
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
"He shall save His people from their sins."-Matthew 1:21
MANY persons, if they are asked what they understand by salvation, will reply, "Being saved from hell and taken to heaven." This is one result of salvation, but it is not one tithe of what is contained in that boon. It is true our Lord Jesus Christ does redeem all His people from the wrath to come; He saves them from the fearful condemnation which their sins had brought upon them; but His triumph is far more complete than this.
He saves His people "from their sins." Oh! sweet deliverance from our worst foes. Where Christ works a saving work, He casts Satan from his throne, and will not let him be master any longer. No man is a true Christian if sin reigns in his mortal body. Sin will be in us—it will never be utterly expelled till the spirit enters glory; but it will never have dominion.
There will be a striving for dominion—a lusting against the new law and the new spirit which God has implanted—but sin will never get the upper hand so as to be absolute monarch of our nature. Christ will be Master of the heart, and sin must be mortified. The Lion of the tribe of Judah shall prevail, and the dragon shall be cast out.
Professor! is sin subdued in you? If your life is unholy your heart is unchanged, and if your heart is unchanged you are an unsaved person. If the Saviour has not sanctified you, renewed you, given you a hatred of sin and a love of holiness, He has done nothing in you of a saving character. The grace which does not make a man better than others is a worthless counterfeit. Christ saves His people, not in their sins, but from them.
"Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." If not saved from sin, how shall we hope to be counted among His people. Lord, save me now from all evil, and enable me to honour my Saviour.
MANY persons, if they are asked what they understand by salvation, will reply, "Being saved from hell and taken to heaven." This is one result of salvation, but it is not one tithe of what is contained in that boon. It is true our Lord Jesus Christ does redeem all His people from the wrath to come; He saves them from the fearful condemnation which their sins had brought upon them; but His triumph is far more complete than this.
He saves His people "from their sins." Oh! sweet deliverance from our worst foes. Where Christ works a saving work, He casts Satan from his throne, and will not let him be master any longer. No man is a true Christian if sin reigns in his mortal body. Sin will be in us—it will never be utterly expelled till the spirit enters glory; but it will never have dominion.
There will be a striving for dominion—a lusting against the new law and the new spirit which God has implanted—but sin will never get the upper hand so as to be absolute monarch of our nature. Christ will be Master of the heart, and sin must be mortified. The Lion of the tribe of Judah shall prevail, and the dragon shall be cast out.
Professor! is sin subdued in you? If your life is unholy your heart is unchanged, and if your heart is unchanged you are an unsaved person. If the Saviour has not sanctified you, renewed you, given you a hatred of sin and a love of holiness, He has done nothing in you of a saving character. The grace which does not make a man better than others is a worthless counterfeit. Christ saves His people, not in their sins, but from them.
"Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." If not saved from sin, how shall we hope to be counted among His people. Lord, save me now from all evil, and enable me to honour my Saviour.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Worship Series
Jesus Thy Charming Name
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
"Thou shalt call his name Jesus." -Matthew 1:21
WHEN a person is dear, everything connected with him becomes dear for his sake. Thus, so precious is the person of the Lord Jesus in the estimation of all true believers, that everything about Him they consider to be inestimable beyond all price.
"All Thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia," said David, as if the very vestments of the Saviour were so sweetened by His person that he could not but love them.
Certain it is, that there is not a spot where that hallowed foot hath trodden—there is not a word which those blessed lips have uttered—nor a thought which His loving Word has revealed—which is not to us precious beyond all price. And this is true of the names of Christ—they are all sweet in the believer's ear. Whether He be called the Husband of the Church, her Bridegroom, her Friend; whether He be styled the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world—the King, the Prophet, or the Priest—every title of our Master—Shiloh, Emmanuel, Wonderful, the Mighty Counsellor—every name is like the honeycomb dropping with honey, and luscious are the drops that distil from it.
But if there be one name sweeter than another in the believer's ear, it is the name of Jesus. Jesus! it is the name which moves the harps of heaven to melody. Jesus! the life of all our joys. If there be one name more charming, more precious than another, it is this name. It is woven into the very warp and woof of our psalmody.
Many of our hymns begin with it, and scarcely any, that are good for anything, end without it. It is the sum total of all delights. It is the music with which the bells of heaven ring; a song in a word; an ocean for comprehension, although a drop for brevity; a matchless oratorio in two syllables; a gathering up of the hallelujahs of eternity in five letters. "Jesus, I love Thy charming name, 'Tis music to mine ear."
WHEN a person is dear, everything connected with him becomes dear for his sake. Thus, so precious is the person of the Lord Jesus in the estimation of all true believers, that everything about Him they consider to be inestimable beyond all price.
"All Thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia," said David, as if the very vestments of the Saviour were so sweetened by His person that he could not but love them.
Certain it is, that there is not a spot where that hallowed foot hath trodden—there is not a word which those blessed lips have uttered—nor a thought which His loving Word has revealed—which is not to us precious beyond all price. And this is true of the names of Christ—they are all sweet in the believer's ear. Whether He be called the Husband of the Church, her Bridegroom, her Friend; whether He be styled the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world—the King, the Prophet, or the Priest—every title of our Master—Shiloh, Emmanuel, Wonderful, the Mighty Counsellor—every name is like the honeycomb dropping with honey, and luscious are the drops that distil from it.
But if there be one name sweeter than another in the believer's ear, it is the name of Jesus. Jesus! it is the name which moves the harps of heaven to melody. Jesus! the life of all our joys. If there be one name more charming, more precious than another, it is this name. It is woven into the very warp and woof of our psalmody.
Many of our hymns begin with it, and scarcely any, that are good for anything, end without it. It is the sum total of all delights. It is the music with which the bells of heaven ring; a song in a word; an ocean for comprehension, although a drop for brevity; a matchless oratorio in two syllables; a gathering up of the hallelujahs of eternity in five letters. "Jesus, I love Thy charming name, 'Tis music to mine ear."
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Return from backsliding
Return from Backsliding
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up. -Job 22:23
Eliphaz, in this utterance, spoke a great truth, which is the summary of many an inspired Scripture. Reader, has sin pulled you down? Have you become like a ruin? Has the hand of the Lord gone out against you so that in estate you are impoverished and in spirit you are broken down? Was it your own folly which brought upon you all this dilapidation? Then the first thing to be done is to return to the Lord. With deep repentance and sincere faith find your way back from your backsliding.
It is your duty, for you have turned away from Him whom you professed to serve. It is your wisdom, for you cannot strive against Him and prosper. It is your immediate necessity, for what He has done is nothing compared to what He may do in the way of chastisement, since He is Almighty to punish.
See what a promise invites you! You shall be "built up." None but the Almighty can set up the fallen pillars and restore the tottering walls of your condition; but He can and He will do it if you return to Him. Do not delay. Your crushed mind may quite fail you if you go on to rebel; but hearty confession will ease you, and humble faith will console you. Do this, and all will be well.
Eliphaz, in this utterance, spoke a great truth, which is the summary of many an inspired Scripture. Reader, has sin pulled you down? Have you become like a ruin? Has the hand of the Lord gone out against you so that in estate you are impoverished and in spirit you are broken down? Was it your own folly which brought upon you all this dilapidation? Then the first thing to be done is to return to the Lord. With deep repentance and sincere faith find your way back from your backsliding.
It is your duty, for you have turned away from Him whom you professed to serve. It is your wisdom, for you cannot strive against Him and prosper. It is your immediate necessity, for what He has done is nothing compared to what He may do in the way of chastisement, since He is Almighty to punish.
See what a promise invites you! You shall be "built up." None but the Almighty can set up the fallen pillars and restore the tottering walls of your condition; but He can and He will do it if you return to Him. Do not delay. Your crushed mind may quite fail you if you go on to rebel; but hearty confession will ease you, and humble faith will console you. Do this, and all will be well.
God's way of healing
The way of Amnesia
Timrufus
Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” -Genesis 41:51
I am sure no one really likes to remember the wrong others did to him or her. However, what if the wrong done to you were of members of your own household or peoples whom you once held in high regards or peoples whom you once loved, be it of Phileo or of agape; that feeling of anger and injustice would be very much intensified.
Joseph ought to hate his brothers deeply but he chose to forget his father’s household. What caused him to make such a prayer? Firstly, it wasn’t any other households but his own father’s household. Being made the second-in-command of Pharaoh’s Kingdom, Joseph had absolute authority in the world to send an army of soldiers to Canaan and bring back all of his nemesis to ruin but he didn’t and all because it was his father’s household. - He chose the way of amnesia.
There was a time when I had some grievances with members of the same Household of God. I have not hated anyone in my life but The Lord showed me that I would die if I persist in my way and I got all the more angrier because I thought it not fair. Each time I saw how these religiously religion leaders could have trampled on other just because it is in their power to do so, make me wonder, is God really in control?
But once I realize the focus point was wrong, I asked the Lord for a new heart and a new spirit. The LORD however made me forgot everything in one day. At that point of time, my mind was in a total blank. I cannot recalled anything that has happened. There were some doubts of course, but I thought it was a dream.
However, over the weeks, as I continued to listen intensively into what these peoples had been saying furthermore, I realize that it was not a dream after all. (Psalm 73:20) Each time I prayed to the Lord, I loved them from the bottom of my heart but each time they repeat the same matter again and again, it just make me more and more angrier. That injustice I carried until one day a colleague sent me a short messaging. The text read, “Jesus came not to a throne but a manger; not as a king but as a servant; chose not a kingdom but a cross; gave not just a little but everything!”
Jesus – the man who carried all our infirmities, he bled and died for us on the cross, is not a man but the Son of God! He was sinless yet he died for selfish men like you and I. He was led like a sheep to be slaughtered and yet he shouted no injustice. May God made us like Joseph today, instead of remembering how others had played sin on us, may God make us forget all our troubles and even the names and faces of our nemesis!
Verse of the day: Proverbs 17:9
Yes LORD, let the morning brought forth word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life. In your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust myself. May the place where you are leading, be a place flowing with honey and milk. Your Word to me O LORD, are sweeter, more sweeter than honey from the honeycomb. Precious, more precious than much pure gold and Your love O Lord, is better, more better than life itself. In Jesus mighty Name. Amen!
Timrufus
Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” -Genesis 41:51
I am sure no one really likes to remember the wrong others did to him or her. However, what if the wrong done to you were of members of your own household or peoples whom you once held in high regards or peoples whom you once loved, be it of Phileo or of agape; that feeling of anger and injustice would be very much intensified.
Joseph ought to hate his brothers deeply but he chose to forget his father’s household. What caused him to make such a prayer? Firstly, it wasn’t any other households but his own father’s household. Being made the second-in-command of Pharaoh’s Kingdom, Joseph had absolute authority in the world to send an army of soldiers to Canaan and bring back all of his nemesis to ruin but he didn’t and all because it was his father’s household. - He chose the way of amnesia.
There was a time when I had some grievances with members of the same Household of God. I have not hated anyone in my life but The Lord showed me that I would die if I persist in my way and I got all the more angrier because I thought it not fair. Each time I saw how these religiously religion leaders could have trampled on other just because it is in their power to do so, make me wonder, is God really in control?
But once I realize the focus point was wrong, I asked the Lord for a new heart and a new spirit. The LORD however made me forgot everything in one day. At that point of time, my mind was in a total blank. I cannot recalled anything that has happened. There were some doubts of course, but I thought it was a dream.
However, over the weeks, as I continued to listen intensively into what these peoples had been saying furthermore, I realize that it was not a dream after all. (Psalm 73:20) Each time I prayed to the Lord, I loved them from the bottom of my heart but each time they repeat the same matter again and again, it just make me more and more angrier. That injustice I carried until one day a colleague sent me a short messaging. The text read, “Jesus came not to a throne but a manger; not as a king but as a servant; chose not a kingdom but a cross; gave not just a little but everything!”
Jesus – the man who carried all our infirmities, he bled and died for us on the cross, is not a man but the Son of God! He was sinless yet he died for selfish men like you and I. He was led like a sheep to be slaughtered and yet he shouted no injustice. May God made us like Joseph today, instead of remembering how others had played sin on us, may God make us forget all our troubles and even the names and faces of our nemesis!
Verse of the day: Proverbs 17:9
Yes LORD, let the morning brought forth word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life. In your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust myself. May the place where you are leading, be a place flowing with honey and milk. Your Word to me O LORD, are sweeter, more sweeter than honey from the honeycomb. Precious, more precious than much pure gold and Your love O Lord, is better, more better than life itself. In Jesus mighty Name. Amen!
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Intercessor's Prayer
The Intercessor's Prayer
C.H.Spurgeon
C.H.Spurgeon
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. -James 5:16
As an encouragement cheerfully to offer intercessory prayer, remember that such prayer is the sweetest God ever hears, for the prayer of Christ is of this character.
In all the incense which our Great High Priest now puts into the golden censer, there is not a single grain for Himself. His intercession must be the most acceptable of all supplications—and the more like our prayer is to Christ's, the sweeter it will be; thus while petitions for ourselves will be accepted, our pleadings for others, having in them more of the fruits of the Spirit, more love, more faith, more brotherly kindness, will be, through the precious merits of Jesus, the sweetest oblation that we can offer to God, the very fat of our sacrifice.
Remember, again, that intercessory prayer is exceedingly prevalent. What wonders it has wrought! The Word of God teems with its marvellous deeds. Believer, thou hast a mighty engine in thy hand, use it well, use it constantly, use it with faith, and thou shalt surely be a benefactor to thy brethren.
When thou hast the King's ear, speak to Him for the suffering members of His body. When thou art favoured to draw very near to His throne, and the King saith to thee, "Ask, and I will give thee what thou wilt," let thy petitions be, not for thyself alone, but for the many who need His aid. If thou hast grace at all, and art not an intercessor, that grace must be small as a grain of mustard seed. Thou hast just enough grace to float thy soul clear from the quicksand, but thou hast no deep floods of grace, or else thou wouldst carry in thy joyous bark a weighty cargo of the wants of others, and thou wouldst bring back from thy Lord, for them, rich blessings which but for thee they might not have obtained:—
"Oh, let my hands forget their skill,
My tongue be silent, cold, and still,
This bounding heart forget to beat,
If I forget the mercy-seat!"
As an encouragement cheerfully to offer intercessory prayer, remember that such prayer is the sweetest God ever hears, for the prayer of Christ is of this character.
In all the incense which our Great High Priest now puts into the golden censer, there is not a single grain for Himself. His intercession must be the most acceptable of all supplications—and the more like our prayer is to Christ's, the sweeter it will be; thus while petitions for ourselves will be accepted, our pleadings for others, having in them more of the fruits of the Spirit, more love, more faith, more brotherly kindness, will be, through the precious merits of Jesus, the sweetest oblation that we can offer to God, the very fat of our sacrifice.
Remember, again, that intercessory prayer is exceedingly prevalent. What wonders it has wrought! The Word of God teems with its marvellous deeds. Believer, thou hast a mighty engine in thy hand, use it well, use it constantly, use it with faith, and thou shalt surely be a benefactor to thy brethren.
When thou hast the King's ear, speak to Him for the suffering members of His body. When thou art favoured to draw very near to His throne, and the King saith to thee, "Ask, and I will give thee what thou wilt," let thy petitions be, not for thyself alone, but for the many who need His aid. If thou hast grace at all, and art not an intercessor, that grace must be small as a grain of mustard seed. Thou hast just enough grace to float thy soul clear from the quicksand, but thou hast no deep floods of grace, or else thou wouldst carry in thy joyous bark a weighty cargo of the wants of others, and thou wouldst bring back from thy Lord, for them, rich blessings which but for thee they might not have obtained:—
"Oh, let my hands forget their skill,
My tongue be silent, cold, and still,
This bounding heart forget to beat,
If I forget the mercy-seat!"
The many prayers of Gratitude
The many prayers of Gratitude
C.H. Spurgeon
C.H. Spurgeon
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." -Ephesians 6:18
What multitudes of prayers we have put up from the first moment when we learned to pray. Our first prayer was a prayer for ourselves; we asked that God would have mercy upon us, and blot out our sin.
He heard us. But when He had blotted out our sins like a cloud, then we had more prayers for ourselves. We have had to pray for sanctifying grace, for constraining and restraining grace; we have been led to crave for a fresh assurance of faith, for the comfortable application of the promise, for deliverance in the hour of temptation, for help in the time of duty, and for succour in the day of trial.
We have been compelled to go to God for our souls, as constant beggars asking for everything. Bear witness, children of God, you have never been able to get anything for your souls elsewhere. All the bread your soul has eaten has come down from heaven, and all the water of which it has drank has flowed from the living rock—Christ Jesus the Lord.
Your soul has never grown rich in itself; it has always been a pensioner upon the daily bounty of God; and hence your prayers have ascended to heaven for a range of spiritual mercies all but infinite.
Your wants were innumerable, and therefore the supplies have been infinitely great, and your prayers have been as varied as the mercies have been countless. Then have you not cause to say, "I love the Lord, because He hath heard the voice of my supplication"?
For as your prayers have been many, so also have been God's answers to them. He has heard you in the day of trouble, has strengthened you, and helped you, even when you dishonoured Him by trembling and doubting at the mercy-seat.
Remember this, and let it fill your heart with gratitude to God, who has thus graciously heard your poor weak prayers. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."
What multitudes of prayers we have put up from the first moment when we learned to pray. Our first prayer was a prayer for ourselves; we asked that God would have mercy upon us, and blot out our sin.
He heard us. But when He had blotted out our sins like a cloud, then we had more prayers for ourselves. We have had to pray for sanctifying grace, for constraining and restraining grace; we have been led to crave for a fresh assurance of faith, for the comfortable application of the promise, for deliverance in the hour of temptation, for help in the time of duty, and for succour in the day of trial.
We have been compelled to go to God for our souls, as constant beggars asking for everything. Bear witness, children of God, you have never been able to get anything for your souls elsewhere. All the bread your soul has eaten has come down from heaven, and all the water of which it has drank has flowed from the living rock—Christ Jesus the Lord.
Your soul has never grown rich in itself; it has always been a pensioner upon the daily bounty of God; and hence your prayers have ascended to heaven for a range of spiritual mercies all but infinite.
Your wants were innumerable, and therefore the supplies have been infinitely great, and your prayers have been as varied as the mercies have been countless. Then have you not cause to say, "I love the Lord, because He hath heard the voice of my supplication"?
For as your prayers have been many, so also have been God's answers to them. He has heard you in the day of trouble, has strengthened you, and helped you, even when you dishonoured Him by trembling and doubting at the mercy-seat.
Remember this, and let it fill your heart with gratitude to God, who has thus graciously heard your poor weak prayers. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."
Renewing our Mind
Be Renewed In The Spirit Of Your Mind
Edward Powell
Edward Powell
"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." -Ephesians 4:22-24
You can gauge the depth of a Christian's spiritual life by the things he puts first. Tell me his priorities and you tell me the focus of his life and his relationship with the Lord. Matthew said, "Wherefore by their fruits you will know them."
The voice from the world says, "Don't tell me how spiritual you are; show me by the way you live. Don't tell me how much you pray, show me the effect of prayer by the power of God being manifested in your daily walk. Don't tell me how much you read the Bible, show me how you have applied it by a righteous life and holy living. Don't tell me how much you love the Lord; show me how His love abounds in your life unto others. Don't tell me you are a Christian; show me the evidence through your godly character and committed life to Christ."
They have had their full, and more, of superficial, shallow, uncommitted, ineffective religious professions. They are looking for and are influenced by a Christian whose life reveals a personal relationship with Christ and manifests the fruit of the Spirit. And what is the fruit of the Spirit? It is "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance" (Galatians 5:22).
Can these virtues be evidenced in our lives by our doing? Absolutely not! This "fruit" is initiated and manifested by the power of God living within the believer. It is the manifestation of His indwelling Spirit in our lives. It's the result of being made a new creation in Christ, but there's more! Paul says, "Put off the old man and make no provision for the flesh; put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
The "old man" is what we are by birth, by nature, through inheritance, and by our actions. We are fallen, depraved, corrupt, sinful, and with a bias against God for evil. Our habits, associations, worldly interests, lifestyle, and our whole concept of life and God are from a "fallen nature."
Therefore, Paul says, "Put off the old man." These things are incompatible with the "new man." Get rid of them! WHY? Because they belong to the sinful life of our past, the way we once lived.
What a radical difference in the way we were and the way God wants us to be! Paul knows what can happen when we "put off the old man and put on the new man." He's been there, done that, and his life was transformed from a persecutor of the Christians to an apostle of Christ. He went from one end of the spectrum to the other. BUT SO CAN WE! When we yield the control of our lives to His lordship, He clothes us with His righteousness and holiness! This is not our doing; IT IS GOD'S!
Let us adorn our lives with the fruit of the Spirit by the power of the Holy Spirit, being renewed daily in the spirit of our minds, and strengthened with His might by the Spirit in the inner man, that we may magnify Christ and impact lives for eternity. "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit" (John 15:16)
You can gauge the depth of a Christian's spiritual life by the things he puts first. Tell me his priorities and you tell me the focus of his life and his relationship with the Lord. Matthew said, "Wherefore by their fruits you will know them."
The voice from the world says, "Don't tell me how spiritual you are; show me by the way you live. Don't tell me how much you pray, show me the effect of prayer by the power of God being manifested in your daily walk. Don't tell me how much you read the Bible, show me how you have applied it by a righteous life and holy living. Don't tell me how much you love the Lord; show me how His love abounds in your life unto others. Don't tell me you are a Christian; show me the evidence through your godly character and committed life to Christ."
They have had their full, and more, of superficial, shallow, uncommitted, ineffective religious professions. They are looking for and are influenced by a Christian whose life reveals a personal relationship with Christ and manifests the fruit of the Spirit. And what is the fruit of the Spirit? It is "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance" (Galatians 5:22).
Can these virtues be evidenced in our lives by our doing? Absolutely not! This "fruit" is initiated and manifested by the power of God living within the believer. It is the manifestation of His indwelling Spirit in our lives. It's the result of being made a new creation in Christ, but there's more! Paul says, "Put off the old man and make no provision for the flesh; put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
The "old man" is what we are by birth, by nature, through inheritance, and by our actions. We are fallen, depraved, corrupt, sinful, and with a bias against God for evil. Our habits, associations, worldly interests, lifestyle, and our whole concept of life and God are from a "fallen nature."
Therefore, Paul says, "Put off the old man." These things are incompatible with the "new man." Get rid of them! WHY? Because they belong to the sinful life of our past, the way we once lived.
What a radical difference in the way we were and the way God wants us to be! Paul knows what can happen when we "put off the old man and put on the new man." He's been there, done that, and his life was transformed from a persecutor of the Christians to an apostle of Christ. He went from one end of the spectrum to the other. BUT SO CAN WE! When we yield the control of our lives to His lordship, He clothes us with His righteousness and holiness! This is not our doing; IT IS GOD'S!
Let us adorn our lives with the fruit of the Spirit by the power of the Holy Spirit, being renewed daily in the spirit of our minds, and strengthened with His might by the Spirit in the inner man, that we may magnify Christ and impact lives for eternity. "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit" (John 15:16)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Never Despair
Never Despair
C. H. Spurgeon
C. H. Spurgeon
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings. -Malachi 4.2
Fulfilled once in the first advent of our glorious Lord, and yet to have a fuller accomplishment in His second advent, this gracious word is also for daily use. Is it dark with the reader? Does the night deepen into a denser blackness? Still let us not despair: the sun will yet rise. When the night is darkest, dawn is nearest.
The sun which will arise is of no common sort. It is the Sun—the Sun of Righteousness, whose every ray is holiness. He who comes to cheer us, comes in the way of justice as well as of mercy, comes to violate no law even to save us. Jesus as much displays the holiness of God as His love. Our deliverance, when it comes, will be safe because righteous.
Our one point of inquiry should be—"Do we fear the name of the Lord? Do we reverence the living God and walk in His ways?" Then for us the night must be short; and when the morning cometh, all the sickness and sorrow of our soul will be over forever.
Light, warmth, joy, and clearness of vision will come, and healing of every disease and distress will follow after. Has Jesus risen upon us? Let us sit in the sun. Has He hidden His face? Let us wait for His rising. He will shine forth as surely as the sun.
Believing What You Hear
This is The Way, walk in it
Timrufus
Timrufus
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” -Isaiah 30:21
In 1 Kings 13, a man of God came from Judah to Bethel and by the word of The LORD cried out and prophesied against Jeroboam son of Nebat. The bible account revealed, even as the young man prophesied, the altar split apart and its ashes poured out according to the sign given by the man of God by the word of the LORD. Again by his intercession, the shriveled hand of Jeroboam was restored and the LORD warned the young prophet not to eat bread or drink water or return by the way he came.
But a certain old prophet was mischievous about the Word concerning the LORD. He came to the man of God and tested him saying, “I too am a prophet, as you are and an angel said to me by the word of the LORD: ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” (But he was lying to him.)
So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house. Once a long time back, an ex-school friend of mine asked me to send my details to a certain employee of a company whom I do not know. They promise me a vacancy with my expected salary. But the conviction in my heart was, “Don’t send.” I asked God the second time and He gave me the same reply, “Don’t send.”
Thoughts like these ran through my mind, “This could be God’s open door for you.” or “You could have just send.” I received many messaging morning and evening those few days. (my contact number was given away without my knowledge.) I prayed in tongue often and many a times kept “bothering” The LORD with the same question over and over again.
For the last time, The LORD said to me, “If you want, you send.” I notice, God did not say, “You can send.” But rather “You want. You send.” I recalled the story of Balaam. (Numbers 22:20) Today, I am glad that I did not follow the advice of this friend that seem to echo anything but well wishes for me, yet the soft still voice of God that speak into my heart, “This is the way, walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)
You may be a well established counselor, a well known federal judge or even the big boss of a conglomerate and there can be many voices going on in your lives today. - The echoes of our friends, trends of the world but for though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. We are Christ's ambassador, so ask and pray for God’s gracious hand to move mightily on our behalf. (Psalm 118:25, 3 John 1:2)
We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments against the knowledge of God. Hosanna, save O LORD! May the Spirit of truth and the Spirit of God helps us and to guide us into all truth today. (The ministry of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:11-21) With His help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. This is the way, walk in it.
In 1 Kings 13, a man of God came from Judah to Bethel and by the word of The LORD cried out and prophesied against Jeroboam son of Nebat. The bible account revealed, even as the young man prophesied, the altar split apart and its ashes poured out according to the sign given by the man of God by the word of the LORD. Again by his intercession, the shriveled hand of Jeroboam was restored and the LORD warned the young prophet not to eat bread or drink water or return by the way he came.
But a certain old prophet was mischievous about the Word concerning the LORD. He came to the man of God and tested him saying, “I too am a prophet, as you are and an angel said to me by the word of the LORD: ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” (But he was lying to him.)
So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house. Once a long time back, an ex-school friend of mine asked me to send my details to a certain employee of a company whom I do not know. They promise me a vacancy with my expected salary. But the conviction in my heart was, “Don’t send.” I asked God the second time and He gave me the same reply, “Don’t send.”
Thoughts like these ran through my mind, “This could be God’s open door for you.” or “You could have just send.” I received many messaging morning and evening those few days. (my contact number was given away without my knowledge.) I prayed in tongue often and many a times kept “bothering” The LORD with the same question over and over again.
For the last time, The LORD said to me, “If you want, you send.” I notice, God did not say, “You can send.” But rather “You want. You send.” I recalled the story of Balaam. (Numbers 22:20) Today, I am glad that I did not follow the advice of this friend that seem to echo anything but well wishes for me, yet the soft still voice of God that speak into my heart, “This is the way, walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)
You may be a well established counselor, a well known federal judge or even the big boss of a conglomerate and there can be many voices going on in your lives today. - The echoes of our friends, trends of the world but for though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. We are Christ's ambassador, so ask and pray for God’s gracious hand to move mightily on our behalf. (Psalm 118:25, 3 John 1:2)
We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments against the knowledge of God. Hosanna, save O LORD! May the Spirit of truth and the Spirit of God helps us and to guide us into all truth today. (The ministry of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:11-21) With His help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. This is the way, walk in it.
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