Sin No More!!

Sin dwells in hell, and holiness in heaven. Remember that every temptation is from the devil, to make you like himself. Remember when you sin, that you are learning and imitating of the devil and are so far like him. And the end of all, is that you may feel his pains. If hellfire be not good, then sin is not good. 

[Richard Baxter]

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James 4:7 ... Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

John 8:11-12 ... She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

1 Peter 1:16 ... Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. ❤

Right Place, Right Time!!

If you seek nothing but the will of God, He will always put you in the right place at the right time.

[Smith Wigglesworth]

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Matthew 6:33 ... But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Proverbs 3:5-6 ... Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Isaiah 30:21 ... And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

James 1:5 ...  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. ❤

A Christians End ...

Wise agents always propound their end before they commence their work: and then direct their actions to that end which they propounded. If a mariner sails it is that he may arrive at a certain harbor: therefore, he sails by compass, that he may compass that for which he sails. A Christian should always have one eye upon his end and the other eye upon his way. 

That man lives a brutish life who knows not what he lives for. And that man acts a fool's part who aims at heaven, and lives at random. The end for which a wise Christian life is that he may live without end; and therefore, his way of living is, that he may live to spend his life continually in the ways of life. He is always walking in those paths in which he can see heaven before him. 

O my soul, what do you aim at? Is it a full enjoyment of your God? Why then, while you are present in the body be always drawing near unto the Lord. Just so, when you shall be absent from the body you shall be always present with the Lord. 

[Thomas Sherman]

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James 4:8 ... Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Hebrews 12:2 ...  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Corinthians 9:24 ... Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.  ❤

Keep Watch Over the Door of My Lips!

That which is here forbidden, is the saying of anything, be it true or false, to the harm of another. God requires that our words should be governed by "the law of kindness" (Proverbs 31:26) and anything which would hurt or injure the reputation of another, is to be rigidly shunned. 

Whenever I cannot speak well of my brother or sister, I must say nothing at all. To speak evil of others, proceeds from ill will or malice desiring that they should be made odious in the esteem of others. It is devilish to take delight in exposing the faults of fellow-Christians and stirring up prejudice and bitter feelings against them. (Revelation 12:10) God requires that our words should agree with love as well as with truth. 

Since Christians are brethren, the last thing they should be guilty of is defaming one another! Except where the glory of God plainly requires it, and the good of that person demands it we must refrain from all evil speaking of others. If we are duly occupied with and humbled over our own many faults, we shall have neither time nor inclination to dwell upon or publish those of others! If we properly heed the exhortation of Philippians 4:8, we shall cultivate the habit of admiring the graces in our brethren instead of being like filthy flies, settling on their sores! 

[A. W. Pink] 

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Philippians 4:8 ... Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

James 4:11 ... Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

Psalm 141:3 ... Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. ❤

"The Attributes of God" 2

13. The Grace of God “By grace you have been saved, through faith.” Ephesians 2:8 God's GRACE is His freely giving salvation and Heaven to un-deserving, ill-deserving and Hell-deserving sinners. It was grace that chose us, grace that redeemed us, grace that sustains us. We contributed nothing but sin. Grace shatters pride and fuels worship. The believer lives by grace, serves by grace, and will be glorified by grace. Soli Deo Gloria! 

14. The Mercy of God “His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 God's MERCY is His not giving damnation and Hell to un-deserving, ill-deserving and Hell-deserving sinners. It is God's tender heart moved to act on behalf of the miserable. The cross is the mercy seat where justice and mercy met. Every sinner awakened to his dreadful plight must flee there. Let us thank God daily that He delights in mercy and extend that mercy to others. 

15. The Loving-kindness of God “Because Your loving-kindness is better than life…” Psalm 63:3 God's loving-kindness is His steadfast, covenant love expressed in action. It reaches to the heavens, surrounds the believer, and never let's go. It comforts in sorrow, and disciplines in love. The soul that rests in His loving-kindness knows a joy deeper than any worldly pleasure. May it lead you to praise, obedience, and peace. 

16. The Love of God “God is love.” 1 John 4:8 God's love is holy, sovereign, and everlasting. He does not love because of who we are, but because of who He is. This love sent Christ to die for enemies, to purchase a people for Himself. It is a love that transforms and keeps. Rest in it. Rejoice in it. Reflect it to others. 

17. The Love of God to Us “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3 That the holy God would love sinful men, is staggering. His love to us is personal, sacrificial, and unbreakable. It is the fountain of every spiritual blessing. Not even death can separate us from it. When all else fails, His love remains. Cling to it in the dark; rejoice in it in the light. 

18. The Wrath of God “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven…” Romans 1:18 God's wrath is His holy hatred of sin. It is not uncontrolled rage, but righteous justice. It burned against sin at the cross, and it will be poured out eternally on the unrepentant. Tremble before it but run to Christ, who bore it for all who believe. To ignore God's wrath is spiritual suicide. 

19. The Contemplation of God “Fix your thoughts on Jesus…” Hebrews 3:1 To contemplate God is the highest occupation of the soul. In beholding His glory, we are transformed. The more we meditate on His attributes, the more we are lifted from this world's vanities. Let your thoughts be filled with His greatness. You become what you behold gaze on God and be changed. 

20. The Blessings of God “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” James 1:17 All blessings flow from God's fatherly hand spiritual and temporal, earthly and eternal. But the greatest blessing is Himself. To have God is to have all. Blessings are not earned but graciously given in Christ. Receive them with gratitude, steward them with faithfulness, and let them turn your heart to the Giver. 

21. The Cursing of God “If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed!” 1 Corinthians 16:22 God's curse is the solemn sentence upon sin. It reveals the seriousness of transgression. Yet Christ became a curse for us, that we might be freed from condemnation. The believer no longer fears the curse, for it has fallen on Another. But let us warn others, for outside of Christ, the curse remains. 

22. The Gifts of God “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 God gives freely, fully, and forever. The gift of His Son is the fountain of every other gift. He gives wisdom, strength, righteousness, and eternal life. We deserve nothing—yet He gives us everything in Christ. Receive His gifts with reverence and use them for His glory. 

23. The Guidance of God “He guides the humble in what is right.” Psalm 25:9 God does not leave His people to wander. He guides by His Word, His Spirit, and His providence. His paths may not be smooth, but they are always good. Seek His direction in prayer, submit to it with joy, and trust that He leads with perfect wisdom and fatherly care. 

24. The Gospel of the Grace of God “The gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16 The gospel is not advice, but divine announcement God saves sinners! It is grace from first to last planned by the Father, accomplished by the Son, applied by the Spirit. It humbles the proud, exalts Christ, and transforms the heart. Proclaim it, cherish it, and never move beyond it.

[A. W. Pink]

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Feeble Nature

Oh! how do I groan in this body of clay this clog of humanity!  When I would serve God with gladness, feeble nature hinders me; my strength is exhausted, and I must be again refreshed with sleep.  Grace had not only sin to fight against, but it has bodily infirmity to struggle with.  And I have no way of getting comfort under my calamities of this kind, which are so many, but by beholding with the eye of faith, through the telescope of Scripture the glories of the world above, when this mortal shall put on immortality, and death shall be swallowed up in life. 

There my weary eyes shall never seek to be refreshed with sleep, amidst the engaging glories of the higher house! The mirth of this present evil world, like an enchantress, lulls men asleep to everlasting destruction; but the songs of the inner temple rouse to all eternity. With the strength of an angel shall I step along the hills of glory and walk over the paradise of God. With greater ease shall I go on with the highest acts of adoration, than here give over the ordinary acts of devotion; for it shall be life to my soul, and vigor to all my powers, to be so employed! 

There he who pours the new wine into the saints, capacitates, strengthens, and supports the soul, to receive the eternal weight of glory. Meditation shall never tire my thoughts in tracing all the mazes of redeeming love! Everlasting hallelujahs shall dwell on my tongue; and how shall I improve in the song above, while I rest not day or night to sing, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive glory, and honor, blessings and power, dominion and praise, forever and ever!" (Revelation 5:12-13)

There is the uninterrupted vision of him, to whom when I see him, I shall be assimilated shall strengthen my eyes, that they shall be able to receive the images of all the celestial glories. No weariness there, where the exercise of worship renders happy. No weakness, where Jehovah is my strength. No lack of subject, where the Lord God and the Lamb are my song! 

Oh! shall I be able to praise and worship God through eternity? To sing his being and attributes, his love and his mercy, his righteousness and his truth, even a whole God, and a full glory! This will be my consummate happiness, and continual enjoyment! Well then, what though the hours of time steal from me unknown? I rejoice that I shall not lose one moment through weariness, while eternity rolls forever on. Oh! may I improve this to prepare for that; for if eternity is not secured before time is spent, I am undone in both. Roll on, O Day of love, to perfect strength in my weakness, and crown a poor expectant with eternal glory! 

[James Meikle]

James 1:12 ... Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

2 Timothy 4:8 ... Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

1 Peter 5:4 ... And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. ❤

God's True Grace

But if we attend to what the Bible says of grace, we shall discover that the True Grace of God is different from what man conceives. Instead of its being an enemy to holiness grace is the root on which holiness grows, the fountain from which holiness springs, and the principle that produces holiness in the heart. 

True grace brings home the Word with power, conviction, and demonstration to the soul! Acts 14:3 

True grace works faith in the hearts of poor sinners, who are said "to believe through grace!" Acts 18:27 

True grace calls its objects out of a state of nature, sin, and rebellion against God and teaches them to pray, and mourn before the Lord! Galatians 1:15; Zechariah 12:10 

True grace makes obedient to the faith and leads the soul to receive "grace upon grace" out of the fullness of Jesus! Romans 1:5; John 1:16 

True grace destroys the love and dominion of sin and leads us from the law to the gospel! Romans 6:14 

True grace brings home a sense of pardon to the soul and imparts everlasting consolation! Ephesians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:16 

True grace removes condemnation, and justifies us freely, fully, and eternally! Romans 3:24; Titus 3:7 

True grace strengthens, supports, and carries the Christian through all his conflicts, tribulations, and trials! 2 Corinthians 12:9 

True grace builds up and establishes its possessor in truth, in faith, and in love! Acts 20:32; Hebrews 13:9 

True grace leads to holy, scriptural, and consistent practice! Titus 2:11-15 

True grace will make a man labor for God and the good of immortal souls! 1 Corinthians 15:10 

True grace will regulate his lifestyle according to gospel precepts! 2 Corinthians 1:12 

True grace will make him generous and liberal in the Lord's cause, and to the poor! 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:6-14 

True grace flows in abundance, saves all its objects, and raises them to reign in life! Romans 5:17; Ephesians 2:6-8 

True grace is always a gift and is invariably free! Romans 11:6; Ephesians 4:7 

True grace communicates more and more to its possessor, until the victory and conquest is complete! James 4:6 

The man that possesses the True Grace of God and is living under its sacred influence mourns over his state as a sinner, longs for perfection as a believer, and cannot be perfectly happy until purged from all pollution. 

[James Smith]

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The Silly Moth is Caught!

Why is this world such a wide sea of evil? Why do earth's multitudes roll so easily to Hell? The tastes of the mass of the human race are groveling and vile.  They only care to sip the vulgar cup of time and sense.  Their sin-soiled garments and polluted feet prove that they wallow in defiling mire. 

See the worldling.  A temptation meets him.  A gilded bait allure.   A sweet indulgence opens its inviting arms.  What follows?  The silly moth is caught! 

Pleasure whispers, "Come and partake!" Desire acquiesces. Nature surrenders. Thus, Satan leads his crowds down misery's downward slope. Quickly, easily, they glide along. The rolling pebble has no power to stop. The downhill torrent is incapable of turning. To them, liberty is unknown. 

The clash of heavy chains attests their bondage. Satan drags them and they must obey. The world gives laws they tremblingly submit. They crouch, the slaves of many an insulting tyrant! 

[Henry Law]

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1 Corinthians 10:13 ... There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

James 1:14 ... But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. ❤

Life Preserver

Come close to His love in this hour. Evil must be judged, and those who cling to it are in danger. Drop all sin and cling to His holy ways. The path of real life is found in His counsel. True Love [is the benefit] for those who cling to His life. 

But He must have your whole heart. Patterns of brokenness must be broken by the breaking of ‘your boxes’. Idols are like cages to the mindset of those who live in them. Fire purifies. Trust Him in the trials and He, the risen Lord, will indeed deliver you. Storms are coming and lo they are here. 

He is your reliable life preserver. All idols will sink in the rising waves of this hour. All who cling to them will sink with them. And so, He says, “COME AWAY FROM YOUR EMPTY IDOLS AND COME TO ME”. He is your reliable Savior, for He Alone is Faithful and True. 

[Troi Nelson Cockayne] 

Jeremiah 4:1-2 ... If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the Lord, return unto me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight, then shalt thou not remove. And thou shalt swear, The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

Ephesians 4:31-32 ... Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

James 4:8 ... Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. ❤

Called to Suffering?

If your Lord calls you to suffering, do not be dismayed, for He will provide a deeper portion of Christ in your suffering. The softest pillow will be placed under your head though you must set your bare feet among thorns. Do not be afraid at suffering for Christ, for He has a sweet peace for a sufferer. God has called you to Christ's side, and if the wind is now in His face, you cannot expect to rest on the sheltered side of the hill. 

You cannot be above your Master who received many an innocent stroke. The greatest temptation out of hell is to live without trials. A pool of standing water will turn stagnant. Faith grows more with the sharp winter storm in its face. Grace withers without adversity. You cannot sneak quietly into heaven without a cross. Crosses form us into His image. They cut away the pieces of our corruption. Lord cut, carve, wound; Lord does anything to perfect Your image in us and make us fit for glory! 

We need winnowing before we enter the kingdom of God. O what I owe to the file, hammer, and furnace! Why should I be surprised at the plough that makes such deep furrows in my soul? Whatever direction the wind blows, it will blow us to the Lord. His hand will direct us safely to the heavenly shore to find the weight of eternal glory. As we look back to our pains and suffering, we shall see that suffering is not worthy to be compared to our first night's welcome home in heaven. 

If we could smell of heaven and our country above, our crosses would not bite us. Lay all your loads by faith on Christ, ease yourself, and let Him bear all. He can, He does, and He will bear you. Whether God comes with a rod or a crown, He comes with Himself. "Have courage, I am your salvation!" Welcome, welcome Jesus! 

[Samuel Rutherford]

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1 Peter 3:14 ... But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

Romans 8:17 ... And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

James 1:2 ... My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;❤

Harder To Tame Than Wild Beasts!

The tongue is a very troublesome member! It is a very important member, however and with it we can do great good. Our words, if they are true and loving carry blessings wherever they are heard. But the tongue is hard to control. When we have really gotten our tongue under control, we are almost perfect. One who can govern his speech can govern every other part of his life.  A small bit keeps a spirited horse in check and a little rudder turns a great ship in its course. 

Just so the tongue, though so small a member, controls the whole life! The tongue is harder to tame than wild beasts! There has been but one Man who never spoke foolishly, rashly, bitterly. Jesus never did His words were always pure, sweet, helpful, and inspiring. We ought to set ourselves the task of mastering our tongues for then we can do untold good with them. Only Christ can help us to do it. He mastered everything demons, diseases, winds, waves, death itself. He alone can help us to master the unruliest tongue! 

[J. R. Miller] 

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Proverbs 18:21 ... Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

James 3:6-8 ... And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ❤

"Your Life is a Vapor"

This image was requested by one of my followers, anonymous, who has recently had to say goodbye to her husband of many years. While there are many passages in the Scriptures that relate to grief, she said she keeps coming back to this phrase "Your life is a vapor". 

Our lives are so short, and she wants to encouragement everyone to make the most of your time. Thank you for allowing me to work on this image for you. 

[Kevin Carden]

www.ChristianPhotoshops.com

James 4:14 ... Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. ❤

Five Sharp Stings!

Many love sin, more than God. What is there in sin that any should love it? Sin is a debt. "Forgive us our debts." (Matthew 6:12) Sin is a debt which binds over to the wrath of God! And will you love sin? Does any man love to be in debt? Sin is a disease. "Your whole head is injured; your whole heart is sick. From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness-only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil." (Isaiah 1:5-6) And will you love sin? Will any man hug a disease? Will he love his plague sores? Sin is a pollution. The apostle calls it "filthiness." (James 1:21) It is compared to leprosy and to poison of asps! 

Sin is a hideous monster. Lust makes a man brutish-and malice makes him devilish! What is in sin to be loved? Shall we love deformity? God's heart rises against sinners. "My soul loathed them!"(Zechariah 11:8)  

Sin is an enemy. It is compared to a "serpent". Sin has five sharp stings: shame, guilt, horror, death, damnation! Will a man love that which seeks his death? Surely then it is better to love God than sin. God will save you, but sin will damn you! 

Is he not a fool who loves damnation! But love to God will never let sin thrive in the heart. The love of God withers sin. The flower of love kills the weed of sin! How should we labor for that grace of love to God-which is the only corrosive to destroy sin! 

[Thomas Watson]

Romans 1:28-32 ... And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. ❤

One Small Sin

Just get one small error into your minds, get one small evil into your thoughts, commit one small act of sin in your life- permit these things to be dandled, and fondled, favored, petted, and treated with respect, and you cannot tell whereunto they may grow. They are small in their infancy: they will be giants when they come to their full growth. 

You little know how near your soul may be to destruction, when you wantonly indulge in the smallest act of sin! Dread sin; though it be never so small, dread it. You cannot see all that is in it. It is the mother of ten thousand mischiefs. The mother of mischief, they say, is as small as a midge's egg; and certainly, the smallest sin has ten thousand mischiefs sleeping within its bowels. 

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

James 1:14-16 ... But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.  Do not err, my beloved brethren.

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Let Go!!

Morning friends. I’m sitting here reflecting on a conversation I had with a very frustrated young lady. She just couldn’t figure out why God wasn’t answering her prayers. We often find ourselves asking God for healing, for deliverance, or for freedom from the pain we’re going through. Yet, how many times do we hold onto the very thing that is causing us pain? Whether it’s a toxic relationship, a sinful habit, or a mindset that keeps us trapped, we can’t truly heal while we remain loyal to what is hurting us. 

In John 5, Jesus asked the paralyzed man, “Do you want to be healed?” It seems like an odd question, who wouldn’t want to be healed? But Jesus was getting to the heart of the matter. Healing requires change, and change is uncomfortable. Sometimes, we hold onto what’s familiar, even if it’s harmful, because the pain we know feels safer than the unknown healing God offers. You can’t keep begging God to heal you while refusing to let go of what’s breaking you. 

James 1:8 tells us that “a double-minded person is unstable in all their ways.” You can’t ask for peace while clinging to chaos. You can’t pray for freedom while staying shackled to what enslaves you. God desires to heal you, but He also calls you to participate in that healing by surrendering what is keeping you bound. 

Today, take a hard look at your life. What are you holding onto that’s preventing your healing? What are you loyal to that’s keeping you from freedom? God is ready to heal you, but it requires letting go. Trust that His plans for you are greater than anything you’re holding onto. Release what’s hurting you, and step into the wholeness He offers. True healing begins with surrender. Let go and let God. 

 [Cowboys 4 Christ]

Psalm 46:10 ... Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. ❤

Nominal Christians ...

It is to be feared that the great mass of nominal Christians is nothing but unconverted worldlings! "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not from the father, but is from the world!" (1 John 2:15-16)  

The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life; that is, pleasure, and riches, and honor. These are the great objects of worldly ambition to which every godless heart is attached to! "If after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 2:20) The Apostle here takes for granted, that this effect will universally and invariably follow that all who know the adorable Savior will escape the pollutions of the world. There never was, nor ever will be, one exception to this truth. 

All who savingly know Christ, will no longer supremely love the world, but escape from its enticements and pollutions. Yet it is to be feared that there are many professing Christians who have never been delivered from the pollutions of the world. Their desires, and hopes, and joys, and pursuits are all worldly. Be assured that you cannot love the world, and God also; for they are diametrically opposed to each other. "You cannot serve God and Mammon." (Matthew 6:24)

Know that while you love and desire and pursue earthly vanities then you have not yet truly devoted yourselves to the Lord Jesus. Whatever your situation or circumstances may be, God's view of worldliness is the same: "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God! (James 4:4) "Remember Lot's wife!" (Luke 17:32)

Scripture paints the world, and all who love it, in darksome colors. O that all the votaries of gaiety, and fashion, and pleasure, would realize what Scripture compares them to: "Swine wallowing in the mire!" and "Dogs returning to their own vomit!" (Proverbs 26:11)  

Yes, this is the feast to which your earthly friends invite you! Learn to view the world as God views it! Regard it as a country infected with the plague! Let your great concern be to get through it in safety. 

[Charles Simeon]

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2 Corinthians 6:17 ... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

Galatians 1:4 ... Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:  ❤

The Dirty Lane!

Look upon your dying day as a gainful day. There is no gain compared to that which comes in by death. A Christian gets more by death, than he does by life. To be in Christ is very good, but to be with Christ is best of all, "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far!" (Philippians 1:23) It was a mighty blessing for Christ to be with Paul on earth, but it was the top of blessings for Paul to be with Christ in Heaven!

Seriously consider these things: By death you shall gain incomparable crowns!

  a crown of life, ... Revelation 2:10, James 1:12
  a crown of righteousness, ... 2 Timothy 4:8
  an incorruptible crown ... 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
  a crown of glory ...   1 Peter 5:4
There are no crowns compared to these crowns!

By death you shall gain a glorious kingdom! "It is your Father's pleasure to give you a kingdom!" (Luke 12:32) We must put off the rags of mortality, that we may put on our robes of glory! There is no entering into paradise, but under the flaming sword of this angel, death, which stands at the gate.

Death is the dirty lane through which the saint passes to a kingdom, to great kingdom,
 to a glorious kingdom, to a peaceful kingdom, to an unshaken kingdom, to a lasting kingdom, yes, to an everlasting kingdom!

Death is the dark, short way, through which the saints pass to the marriage-supper of the Lamb!
 

[Thomas Brooks]

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In Prayer...

In prayer, I must wrestle like Jacob, and pant like David, and hope like Elijah, and be persistent like Bartimeus, and cry with tears like my blessed Lord! Prayer must be of the right sort: very humble very expectant very persevering. Lord, teach me to pray!

[Alexander Smellie] 

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.

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Time Catches All...

There’s a certainty in life that no one can escape, so do everything you can to make your dreams reality, because time catches us all eventually. 

[Christopher Gregory]

Psalm 90:12 ... So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

1 John 2:17 ...  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

James 4:14... Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. ❤

Say, Is Not This Lovely?

Great and rich believers, along with lowly and poor believers are all one in Christ and are equal with each other!  The same confessions of sin, however humiliating they may proceed equally from the hearts of all. The same petitions for grace, for mercy, for strength are asked by all. The same devout gratitude for spiritual blessings is poured forth by all. The Word is pronounced with the same authority to all, and entire submission to it is required from them all. The same exceedingly great and precious promises are guaranteed to them all. The same priceless inheritance is reserved in Heaven for all who by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, receive and obey the Gospel. 

View both rich and poor believers, sitting down together at the table of the Lord as guests equally invited, and equally accepted by the great Master of the feast! All eating of the same bread; all drinking of the same cup; all receiving into their souls, the same divine blessings. Say, is not this lovely? Is it not a true picture of Heaven itself, where the poor beggar Lazarus, whose sores the dogs once licked, because he had not a friend to bind them up now sits down with all the Prophets and Apostles of the Lord at the marriage supper of the Lamb! Yes! 

Thus, it is in the Church below. The rich and the poor meet together, for the Lord is the Redeemer of them all, the Father of them all, the Friend of them all, the portion of them all! In Christ's church on earth, both poor and rich are all in a measure poor in spirit, mournful over their sinfulness, meek and humble, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, holy and Christly! 

In the body of Christ, there is no place for despising the poor, or envying the rich as the same honor and blessedness belong to all! 

[Charles Simeon] 

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James 1:9-10 ... Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

Galatians 3:28 ... There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:11 ... Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Romans 12:5 ... So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. ❤