His Fathers Hand!!

The providence of God is His care of and provision which He makes for His creatures; with His supervision and superintendence of them. The providence of God in His government of the world is a subject of deep importance to the Christian, for by proper views thereof, he will learn to see God's activities in the daily works of His hands. 

Yet, though Christians assent to this truth, nevertheless they are prone to overlook it in exercise, and thereby to be deprived in great measure of that poise of mind and comfort of heart, which a deep and constant improvement of this doctrine is calculated to impart. Nothing is more strengthening to faith, stabilizing to the mind, and tranquilizing to the heart of a Christian than for him to be enabled to discern his Father's hand guiding, shaping, and controlling everything which enters his life; and not only so, but that He is also governing this world, and all people and events in it. 

Alas, we are living in an age of terrible skepticism, when most of what happens is attributed to natural causes, while God is more and more banished from the world, in the consideration of His creatures. It is not only a fact that God governs the world in a general sense, but He also regulates all its affairs and controls all creatures in it. God is not troubled by anything that is now taking place in His world either in its political, social, or religious sphere; nor should we be troubled. 

The helm is still in His hand; and Satan himself cannot so much as touch a hair of our heads, without His direct permission. 

[A.W. Pink]

Ephesians 1:11 ... In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Psalm 104:27-28 ...  These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.  That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. 

2 Chronicles 20:6 ...  And said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? ❤

As Well Might a Babe ...

As well might a worm seek to resist the tread of an elephant; as well might a babe step between the railroad tracks and attempt to push back the on-rushing train; as well might a child seek to prevent the ocean from rolling as for a creature to try and resist the outworking of the purpose of the Lord God! 

Ah, my reader, this is the first great lesson we have to learn: that God is the Creator, and we are the creature; that He is the Potter, and we are the clay! 

The sovereignty of God may be defined as the exercise of His supremacy. Being infinitely elevated above the highest creature He is the Highest, Lord of Heaven and earth. Subject to none, influenced by none He is absolutely independent. God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, and always as He pleases. None can thwart Him; none can hinder Him. 

[A.W. Pink] 

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Daniel 4:35 ... And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Psalm 115:3 ... But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

Psalm 135:5–6 ... For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.❤

Spiritual Power

The secret to Spiritual Power is not a secret. It can only be discovered in The Secret Place of The Most High, abiding under the shadow of The Almighty. Dwelling (living, remaining there consistently) in the secret place of the Most High, abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)

When you come to a place in your life where you’re tired of people ‘performing’ and calling it church. When the gifts of the Spirit start operating in services again. When people are getting SET FREE from demonic oppression and getting up out of wheelchairs again. When we hunger for God’s presence more than our next breath. When we hunger for His word more than our necessary food. And when we cry out for the needs of others before our own needs, and lay aside bitterness, malice, and wrath and learn to forgive. When we start to pray again, and repent for our sins, and turn from our wicked ways. Then, we will see God’s Spirit poured out upon us, He will hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Revival begins in our hearts, not at a revival meeting because someone called it that but because that’s how God said it’s going to happen.

It’s time for the church to Arise, Shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you; And His glory will be seen upon you.

The Gentiles (unsaved) shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.

[Mark Pothier]

Isaiah 60:1-3 ... Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.  And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

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A Step Between the Railroad Tracks

As well might a worm seek to resist the tread of an elephant; as well might a babe step between the railroad tracks and attempt to push back the on-rushing train; as well might a child seek to prevent the ocean from rolling as for a creature to try and resist the outworking of the purpose of the Lord God! 

Ah, my reader, this is the first great lesson we have to learn: that God is the Creator, and we are the creature; that He is the Potter, and we are the clay! "O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in Heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You!" (2 Chronicles 20:6)   

The sovereignty of God may be defined as the exercise of His supremacy. Being infinitely elevated above the highest creature He is the Most High, Lord of Heaven and earth. Subject to none, influenced by none He is absolutely independent. God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, and always as He pleases. None can thwart Him; none can hinder Him. 

[Arthur Pink]

Daniel 4:35 ... And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

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The Trials and Sufferings of The Godly

God's own people often suffer great afflictions! "This is what the wicked are like always carefree, they increase in wealth. Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. For I am afflicted all day long!" (Psalm 73:12-14)  

How can this be consistent with God's justice? God's ways of judgment are sometimes secret, but never unjust! The Lord never afflicts His people without a cause; He cannot be unjust towards them. There is some good in the godly therefore the wicked afflict them. There is some evil in them therefore God afflicts them! God's own children have their blemishes. "But aren't you also guilty of sins against the Lord your God?" (2 Chronicles 28:10) 

These spiritual diamonds have they no flaws? Do we not read of the spots of God's children? Are not they guilty of much pride, passion, worldliness? Though, by their profession, they should resemble the birds of paradise, to fly above, and feed upon the dew of heaven—yet, as the serpent, they often lick the dust! The sins of God's people do more provoke God than the sins of others. "The Lord saw this and was filled with loathing. He was provoked to anger by His own sons and daughters." (Deuteronomy 32:19)

The sins of others pierce Christ's side. The sins of His people wound His heart! Therefore, is not God just in all the afflictions which befall them? "You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore, I will punish you for all your sins." (Amos 3:2) I will punish you sooner, surer, sorer than others. 

The trials and sufferings of the godly, are to refine and purify them. God's furnace is in Zion. Is it any injustice in God to put His gold into the furnace to purify it? Is it any injustice in God, by afflicting His people, to make them partakers of His holiness? What more proclaims God's faithfulness than to take such a course with them as may make them more holy? 

[Thomas Watson] 

Psalm 119:75 ...  I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

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Hardest Battles

God does not give the hardest battles to His toughest soldiers.

He creates the toughest soldiers through life's hardest battles.

Deuteronomy 20:1 ... When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 32:8 ... With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Isaiah 41:10 ... Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. ❤

The Godhood of God!

As well might a worm seek to resist the tread of an elephant; as well might a babe step between the railroad tracks and attempt to push back the on-rushing train; as well might a child seek to prevent the ocean from rolling, as for a creature to try and resist the outworking of the purpose of the Lord God! 

Ah, my reader, this is the first great lesson we have to learn: that God is the Creator and we are the creature; that He is the Potter and we are the clay!

The sovereignty of God may be defined as the exercise of His supremacy. Being infinitely elevated above the highest creature, He is the Most High, Lord of Heaven and earth. Subject to none, influenced by none, He is absolutely independent. God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, and always as He pleases.  None can thwart Him, none can hinder Him.

[A.W. Pink]

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Isaiah 64:8 ... But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Daniel 4:35 ...  And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

2 Chronicles 20:6 ...  And said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? ❤

Your Thoughts

Oh how ashamed you would be if men could see your thoughts!  Is not the eye of God ten thousand times more to be regarded?

[Richard Baxter]

2 Chronicles 6:30 … Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)

Job 21:27 … Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.

Psalm 44:21 … Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

Proverbs 15:11 … Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?❤

The President Asks For Prayer

It is a man who, as flawed as he might be, still seeks the guidance of God through his people, will find refuge in a time of trouble. This is why I respect this current President, not because of his policies, his ideas, or even his obvious character issues; it's his willingness to seek spiritual guidance from those who are his (God's) servants and desires from them their prayers. That is the sign of a man who God can use for the good of a nation.

[Christopher Gregory]

2 Chronicles 7:14 … If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.❤

The Beauty of Holiness

Holiness appeared to me to be of a sweet, pleasant, charming, serene, calm nature; which brought an inexpressible purity, brightness, peacefulness and ravishment to the soul.

[Jonathan Edwards]

2 Chronicles 20:21 … And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalm 96:9 … O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

Ephesians 4:24 … And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.❤

In The Heart

Two people endure the same experience. One comes out praising God. The other comes out blaming God. The difference lies in the heart.

[Colin Smith]

2 Chronicles 30:19 ... That prepareth his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.

1 Corinthians 14:25 ... And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

Psalm 51:10 ... Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.❤

Resting

Resting on the faithfulness of Christ our Lord,

Resting on the fullness of His own sure word;

Resting on His power, on His love untold;

Resting on His covenant secured of old.

Resting and believing, let us onward press,

Resting in Himself, the Lord our Righteousness;

Resting and rejoicing, let His saved ones sing,

Glory, glory, glory be to Christ our King!

[Frances Ridley Havergal]

Isaiah 32:18 ... And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

2 Chronicles 6:41 ... Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

Matthew 11:28 ... Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.❤

Universal Monarchy

Jesus Christ is King in the world today.  The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice!

Jesus Christ wears the crown of universal monarchy!  Nothing happens but that which Jesus permits, ordains, and overrules!

Let empires go to wreck, it is Christ who breaks them with a rod of iron and shivers them like potters' vessels. Let conflagrations burn down cities, let diseases devastate nations, let war follow war, let pestilence follow to famine, yet still Jesus rules all things well, and we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to His purpose!

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

2 Chronicles 20:6 ... And said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

Psalm 103:19 ... The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

Revelation 17:14 .. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.❤

Pay Close Attention

Asa was not completely obedient in the outward, visible areas of his life. He was obedient in what he considered the most important areas, but he was not entirely right. Beware of ever thinking, “Oh, that thing in my life doesn’t matter much.” The fact that it doesn’t matter much to you may mean that it matters a great deal to God. Nothing should be considered a trivial matter by a child of God. How much longer are we going to prevent God from teaching us even one thing? But He keeps trying to teach us and He never loses patience. You say, “I know I am right with God,” yet the “high places” still remain in your life. There is still an area of disobedience. Do you protest that your heart is right with God, and yet there is something in your life He causes you to doubt? Whenever God causes a doubt about something, stop it immediately, no matter what it may be. Nothing in our lives is a mere insignificant detail to God.

Are there some things regarding your physical or intellectual life to which you have been paying no attention at all? If so, you may think you are all correct in the important areas, but you are careless, you are failing to concentrate or to focus properly. You no more need a day off from spiritual concentration on matters in your life than your heart needs a day off from beating. As you cannot take a day off morally and remain moral, neither can you take a day off spiritually and remain spiritual. God wants you to be entirely His, and it requires paying close attention to keep yourself fit. It also takes a tremendous amount of time. Yet some of us expect to rise above all of our problems, going from one mountaintop experience to another, with only a few minutes’ effort.

[Oswald Chambers]

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2 Chronicles 15:17 ... But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.




Colossians 3:2-3 ... Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.


Hebrews 12:1 ... Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,❤

The Christian's Never-Failing Resort

Prayer is the Christian's never-failing resort in any case, in every plight. When you cannot use your sword you may take to the weapon of all-prayer! Your gun-powder may be damp, your bow-string may be broken but the weapon of all-prayer need never be out of order.

 

Leviathan laughs at the javelin but he trembles at prayer. Sword and spear need furbishing but prayer never rusts; and when we think it most blunt it cuts the best. Prayer is an open door which none can shut!

 

Devils may surround you on all sides but the way upward is always open, and as long as that road is unobstructed, you will not fall into the enemy's hand. We can never be taken by force or storm so long as Heavenly help comes down to us, to support us in the time of our necessities.

 

Prayer is never out of season in summer and in winter its merchandise is precious. Prayer gains an audience with God in the dawn of morning, in the heat of noonday, in the midst of business, in the shades of evening, in the dead of night. In every condition whether of poverty, or sickness, or obscurity, or slander, or sin your covenant God will welcome your prayer and answer it from His holy place.

 

 

Prayer is never futile. True prayer is evermore true power. You may not always get what you ask but you shall always have your real needs supplied. When God does not answer His children according to the letter, He does so according to the spirit.

 

If you ask for coarse meal will you be angered because He gives you the finest flour? If you seek bodily health, should you complain if instead thereof He makes your sickness turn to the healing of spiritual maladies? Is it not better to have the affliction sanctified, than removed? My soul, do not forget to offer your petition and request for the Lord is ready to grant you your desires!

 

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

 

 

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2 Chronicles 30:27 ... Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.

 

 

James 5:16 ... Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 

 

Philippians 4:6 ... Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.❤

God is Strong

God is not waiting to show us strong in His behalf but Himself strong in our behalf. That makes a lot of difference. He is not out to demonstrate what we can do but what He can do. But God is on the lookout for candidates with hearts perfect toward Him. He is not a talent scout looking for somebody strong enough or good enough. He is looking for someone with a heart set on pleasing Him and an eye single to His glory. He will do the rest.

 

What a wonder that God will use our lives to demonstrate Himself! But we like to demonstrate ourselves and do great exploits in God’s behalf. That reverses the process and God does not get the glory. We have seen enough of what men can do for God; we need to see more of what God can do through men.

 

 

He has shown Himself strong in our behalf many a time. And what He has done for others, He will do for you.

 

[Vance Havner]

 

 

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2 Chronicles 16:9 ... For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

 

 

Isaiah 52:10 ... The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

 

 

Psalm 138:8 ... The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

 

 

 

Philippians 1:6 ... Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:❤ 

God Every Day

I believe with all my heart that standing up for America means standing up for the God who has so blessed our land. We need God's help to guide our nation through stormy seas. But we can't expect Him to protect America in a crisis if we just leave Him over on the shelf in our day-to-day living.

[Ronald Reagan]

2 Chronicles 7:14 ...  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 ...  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Psalm 34:16-17 ... The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. ❤

The Happy Man

The happy man was born in the city of Regeneration in the parish of Repentance unto Life. He has a large estate in the county of Christian Contentment.

He was educated at the School of Obedience and often does jobs of Self-denial.

He wears the garment of Humility, and has another suit to put on when he goes to Court, called the Robe of Christ's Righteousness.

He is necessitated to travel through the world on his way to heaven but he walks through it as fast as he can. All his business along the way is to make himself and others happy. He often walks in the valley of Self-Abasement, and sometimes climbs the mountains of Heavenly-mindedness.

He breakfasts every morning on Spiritual Prayer, and sups every evening on the same. He has food to eat, which the world knows nothing of and his drink is the sincere milk of the Word of God.

Thus happy he lives—and happy he dies.

Happy is he who has  Gospel submission in his will,  the love of God in his affections,  true peace in his conscience,  sincere Divinity in his breast,  the Redeemer's yoke on his neck,  the vain world under his feet, and  a crown of glory over his head!

Happy is the life of that man who believes firmly,  prays fervently,  walks patiently,  labors abundantly,  lives holy,  dies daily,  watches his heart,  guards his senses,  redeems his time,  loves Christ, and  longs for glory!

[Lachlan MacKenzie]

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2 Chronicles 9:7 ... Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.

 

 

Job 5:17 ...  Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:

 

 

Psalm 144:15 ... Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.❤

Zemaraim

And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which is in mount Ephraim, and said, Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel; Ought ye not to know that the Lord God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?  2 Chronicles 13:4-5

Zemaraim [Hebrew] ~ double fleece of wool. ♛

In This House We ...

Trust God.

Think good thoughts.

 Try to do better.

Say I'm sorry.

Believe in grace.

Love one another.

Show respect.

Never give up.

Pray always.

[message from the Internet]

2 Chronicles 6:20 ... That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place.

Acts 16:31 ... And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Joshua 24:15 ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.❤