Simultaneously Righteous, and a Sinner

"Simul justus et peccator". This insightful principle means:  "Simultaneously righteous, and a sinner."

That is a genuine believer in Jesus is simultaneously: 

1. RIGHTEOUS (justus) in the sight of God through faith in Christ, having received His imputed righteousness. This is our identity in Christ. "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith, apart from observing the law." (Romans 3:28) "However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness." (Romans 4:5) "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1) 

2. A SINNER (peccator) in his own sinful flesh, which remains unchanged even after conversion. "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do this I keep on doing." (Romans 7:18-19) "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." (Galatians 5:17) Hence every believer daily experience the constant battle between the flesh and the spirit the new spiritual nature in Christ. Though we are genuinely converted, our sinful flesh remains with us until we receive our resurrection bodies. "He will transform our lowly bodies, so that they will be like His glorious body!" (Philippians 3:21) 

 "Simultaneously righteous, and a sinner." What I am in Christ: RIGHTEOUS. What I am in my flesh: SINNER. 

In justification, God credits Christ's perfect righteousness to our account, while our sinful flesh remains with us. We live in constant tension: legally righteous before God, yet we have an ongoing struggle with our sinful flesh. Therefore, we are to be continually confessing our sins and failures, while at the same time continually clinging to God's grace and forgiveness. Our every sin has been imputed to Jesus, and His perfect righteousness has been imputed to us. As we are fully aware of our continual battle with sin so we must ever face our sinfulness. In ourselves, we remain greatly marred by our sinful flesh our indwelling corruption. Yet at that same moment, we are clothed in Christ's perfect righteousness. 

When our spotless Substitute hung on Calvary, He bore our sin and fully satisfied Divine justice. "God made Him who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21) This dual reality delivers us from both despair and self–reliance. We no longer strive to earn acceptance with God, for it is already ours in Christ. And we no longer revel in sin, for we love Him who first loved us. Thus, we confess sin and flee to the cross.

As we reflect on Luther's profound insight, we must understand that our flesh is far more sinful than we can ever know. We are likewise far more righteous in Christ, than we could ever imagine. These twin truths will humble us, comfort us, and give us great hope for what we soon will be when we will inhabit glorious, Christ-like bodies. Luther's profound principle will save us from a thousand theological and practical pitfalls, as it concisely explains the true Christian's continual paradox: Why do I have this constant battle with sin and so often fall into sin? 

 

"Simultaneously righteous, and a sinner." Think about it and commit it to memory.

[Martin Luther]

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All The Reasons ...

 All the reasons why you should not worry:

1. God.

1 Peter 1:7 ... Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Matthew 6:34 ... Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

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. ❤

Scarcely Saved!

The Bible states that "the righteous are scarcely saved." (1 Peter 4:18) 

Now how can this be? Is not such a man sure to be saved? Is not salvation promised to him? Is there any doubt about it? None whatever. "The righteous" here means not one who is righteous in himself for there is no such person in the world but a true Christian, a converted man, one who is justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and seeks daily to live to His glory. There is no doubt about such a person's salvation. He is a branch of the true Vine, a sheep of the flock of Christ; eternal life is given him by Christ; he shall never perish, and none shall pluck him out of the good Shepherd's hand! (John 10:28) 

What then does this "scarcely" mean? Take a case by way of illustration. A fire once broke out in one of the large houses in Hatton Garden, London. It was thought all the inhabitants were saved, when a man was seen hanging by his hands from one of the upper windowsills. The fire escape was immediately placed, but did not reach him. The fireman then climbed up and called to him to let himself drop on the top step of the escape, but the man did not answer he was deaf and dumb. With great difficulty the fireman managed, by standing on the top step, to reach high enough to touch his foot, and so attracted his attention. The man was saved but "scarcely saved." 

Take another case. It was a frosty day in winter; the ice seemed strong, and the pond was crowded with people. Suddenly, a sharp cracking sound was heard, and an instant after the cry arose, "A boy is under the ice!" One of the skaters had ventured too near a dangerous part; the ice had given way, and he had sunk beneath. Not a moment was lost. A line was formed to the shore, and those nearest the hole stretched themselves flat on the ice. The boy rose to the surface, the nearest hand laid hold on him, the line moved gently toward the shore, and in a few minutes the boy lay on the bank. But he was senseless. They took him to the nearest house and applied the usual means for recovery but all, as it seemed, in vain. The eyes were closed; the limbs were stiff and cold; the breath was gone. At length, when hope was almost past, signs of life appeared; the limbs began to glow; the stiffness relaxed, and he breathed again. The boy was saved, but only just saved, "scarcely saved." 

Either of these cases may serve to explain how the righteous is said to be scarcely saved. It is not that he is not quite saved and certainly saved; but it is because of the great danger he was in, and the great difficulties he has been brought through. He was by nature a child of wrath, dead in trespasses and sins, with no power or wish to turn to God. But through grace he has been led to see his danger and to seek Christ; a change of heart has been wrought in him by the Spirit of God; he has become a new creature in Christ Jesus and has passed from death unto life. But his difficulties are not over. Snares and temptations lie in his path; and his heart, though renewed by grace, is by no means free from sin. He finds the Christian life to be no smooth and easy course but a race, a strife, a warfare, from first to last; and often has he to mourn over his own backslidings and shortcomings. And probably he has trials of another kind too losses, sorrows, afflictions; for God does not leave His children unchastised. The chastisements He sends are proofs of love, rather than of anger and sometimes seem to fall heaviest on the best Christians. Thus, it is through danger and difficulty, temptation and trial that the Christian is saved. 

Many a rough place must he pass; many a battle must he fight; many a sorrow must he bear before his course be done. He is saved, but "scarcely saved." Yet it is surely though scarcely. Tried and harassed he may be but not lost. Worn, tempted, and persecuted but not cast away. God's love and faithfulness are engaged for his salvation. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone pluck them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and my father are one" (John 10:27-30) 

But now comes a solemn question: If the righteous is scarcely saved—then what will become of the unrighteous? It is the Bible that puts this question about the unrighteous. The words are these: "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, then where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" (1 Peter 4:18) They are in fact the words of God, though written by the apostle Peter. They are God's words to you, reader, if you are among the ungodly and the sinners God's solemn question to your soul. A question, but a question without an answer: the answer is left to you. 

"The ungodly and the sinner." Why are there two words instead of one? On purpose, it would seem, to take in sinners of all sorts the hardened transgressor, the man who lives in habits of sin, the bold wicked man the weak and wavering man, the light and careless, the worldly, the empty professor all who are living without God in the world, all who are not washed in the blood of Christ and renewed by the Spirit. It is quite plain that the apostle means here all who are not righteous; he puts the righteous on one side, and the ungodly and the sinner on the other side; and on one side or the other, he means to take in everybody. It is just the same as if he had said, "If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall all the rest appear?" 

Now, ask yourself honestly whether you are among the righteous. The question is not whether you are better or worse than your neighbors; that has nothing to do with it but are you righteous? Does what was said at the beginning apply to you? Are you converted? Do you believe with the heart? Are you seeking daily to live to God? If not, then this question about the ungodly and the sinner is for you. Perhaps you do not like either of these words. You do not pretend to be righteous, yet you are not so bad, you think, as those who are called ungodly or sinners. 

Then, reader, I ask you, if neither righteous nor ungodly what are you? Put your finger on that word in the Bible which describes you. You cannot. There is nothing in the Bible between righteous and unrighteous, godly and ungodly, reconciled and unreconciled. And if you are not righteous in God's sight, then before Him whatever you may be in your own eyes or in the eyes of the world before Him, you are ungodly or sinful. I beseech you weigh this well. And now we come to the question itself, "Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" 

But this question must not be taken by itself; it hangs upon what has gone before about the righteous: "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, then where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" The full meaning is this. Seeing that even the righteous man is scarcely saved, that his dangers and difficulties are great; that he finds it necessary to "put on the whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11), to "press toward the mark" (Philippians 3:14), to "strive to enter through the narrow gate" (Luke 13:24), and that, though saved to the uttermost by Jesus Christ yet it is as one is rescued from the water or the flames seeing all this, what will become of the wicked? 

Shall the righteous be scarcely saved and you so easily? Shall he reach Heaven by so rough a road and you by one so smooth? Shall he go in by the straight gate and the narrow way and shall you choose the broad gate and the wide road, and yet find it leads you at last to the same happy place? Shall he take up his cross and follow Christ and shall you follow nothing but your own will, and yet win Christ in the end? Never repenting, never turning, never believing and yet saved? Finding without seeking; not running the race, and yet winning the prize; wearing a crown, though never having taken up the cross? Impossible! Reason says so conscience says so, and, as plainly as words can speak, God Himself has said so. Have you never read of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:30), of the sheep and the goats, of the right hand and the left (Matthew 25:33)? 

I spoke just now of a broad road and a narrow road, a straight gate and a wide gate; do you remember what the Bible says about them, and about the places to which they lead? Here are the words our Lord's own words: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14) The righteous and the wicked are traveling different roads and will come to different ends. It is true, they are mixed now, as plants growing in one field are mixed; but it will not always be so. A great separation day is coming, when every plant which God has not planted shall be rooted up (Matthew 25:13); and all refuges of lies shall be swept away (Isaiah 28:17), and the true sheep of Christ from every quarter shall be gathered together into one-fold, into which no mere pretender shall ever come. 

 To that great day, this question itself seems to point, "Where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" Appear when? Why, on that very day when the Lord Jesus shall appear in His glory, and the saints who slept shall appear with Him, and His waiting people on earth shall appear with joy to meet Him. Then, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Appear they must, somewhere. They cannot hide themselves. "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye shall see Him, even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him." (Revelation 1:7) 

Oh, sinner! Careless and stout-hearted now where will you appear, and how will you feel then? In vain will you call upon the mountains and rocks to fall on you and hide you "from the face of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb!" (Revelation 6:16) You must come forth you cannot escape from that all-seeing eye you must meet the Judge. Where will you appear? I leave the question to your conscience. "If the righteous one is scarcely saved then where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" Look on to that great day so sure to come and coming so swiftly! Look on to it as if already come imagine yourself even now before the throne; imagine that, just as you are, you are suddenly called to stand there. Where do you appear? What do you feel? Which side are you placed on? What words do you hear? How does it fare with your soul? Can you think of this and yet continue in sin and still put off coming to Christ? 

Come with us. "We are setting out for the place of which the Lord said, 'I will give it to you.' Come with us, and we will treat you well; for the Lord has promised good things to Israel" (Numbers 10:29) His word cannot fail. Not one true believer shall be lost. "He is also able to save to the uttermost, those who come to God through Him" (Hebrews 7:25) and He will save them with an everlasting salvation. "Come with us." Turn from sin and the world. Leave the broad road and begin to walk in the narrow way. It is a safe way, though narrow the only safe way; and happy, though rough. And it is not always rough; it has many green spots, many pleasant places; and even when rough, one is with us in it, to help and cheer us by His presence. 

Oh, set out on this road without delay! Too much time has been lost already lose no more. No longer run the risk of appearing among the ungodly and the sinners at His coming flee to Christ at once; be instant and urgent at the mercy seat; pray for the Holy Spirit, for light, pardon, grace, and strength; and ask that, for Christ's sake, you may even now be reckoned among the righteous, and be saved in the day of the Lord! 

[Francis Bourdillon]

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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. ❤

We Really Need Very Little

Those who seek the Lord may be sick, or poor, or tried, in a variety of ways; but the Lord will send them supplies, OR give them the grace of contentment, so that they shall not lack any good thing. But how many mistake wishes for needs! And while the Lord has promised to supply all His people's needs. He has nowhere promised to gratify all their wishes. We really need very little. 

Therefore, the apostle says, "If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that!" (1 Timothy 6:8)   And again, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said: Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)   "They shall not lack any good thing." That is, they shall not lack whatever is really good for them at the time, and under the circumstances. 

Whatever will promote their holiness and happiness, shall certainly be conveyed to them. Those who seek the Lord are sure of necessary supplies, for four reasons: 

First, the Lord is ABLE to supply them. "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof." (Psalm 24:1)  He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think! (Ephesians 3:20)

Second, the Lord DESIRES to supply them. "Like as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." (Psalm 103:13-14)

Third, the Lord has PROMISED to supply them. "The Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11)  "My God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

Fourth, the Lord ALWAYS HAS supplied them. Look at Jacob, at David and at all who have already arrived in glory. If the question, put by the Lord Jesus, to His disciples when they returned from their missionary tour on which He sent them without purse or bag, was put to them: "Have you lacked anything?" Every one of them would readily answer, "Nothing, Lord!" (Luke 22:35) 

[James Smith]

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With Christ!

How marvelous is the transforming power of the religion of the Lord Jesus! Whatever it touches, it beautifies; and all that comes within its range receives a luster and a loveliness from the reflection of itself. Everything on which its light is cast, appears the very reverse of what it appeared before. Where there was darkness light springs into existence; where there were previous gloom brightness shines; and where there was sadness songs begin to abound. How true this is in reference to the heart. "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked!" (Jeremiah 17:9.) 

Behold your heart in its natural sinful state can you imagine anything more devoid of anything that is lovely? Can you think of anything drearier to the view? 'Tis a wilderness, a wilderness overgrown with briars and with thorns, while these are interlaced with poisonous plants, and in and out among them, there creep reptile lusts and serpent sins. It is enough to make an angel weep to look at such a sight! But behold! God's hour of mercy touches that heart saving grace enters it. See now the contrast.

Instead of the thorn there is the fir tree; and instead of the briar the myrtle tree sends forth its sweet perfume; while the birds of praise carol as they rest in the branches of the trees of the Lord's right-hand planting; and the serpents are either destroyed, or else they hide themselves in their holes. The religion of Jesus has touched that heart and at its touch there has been a magic transformation; where dreariness and death reigned, there is now beauty, delight and joy. 

[Archibald G. Brown]

Philippians 1:23 ... For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

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Know Him!!

Many grow up in church but never grow in Christ. 

They know a hymn but don't know Him.

Know Christ!

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Philippians 3:10 ... That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Ephesians 1:18 ... The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Ephesians 3:17-19 ...  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 

2 Peter 3:18 ...  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.❤

Be Like Christ!!

Christians should excel in the manifestation of Christ's character. The mind, which was in Jesus, should be in them. They should consider His character as a model of their own; and be conspicuous for their poverty of spirit, meekness, gentleness, and love. 

It is matter of surprise and regret, that many people seem to think that Christianity has nothing to do with character! And that provided they are free from gross sins, and have lively feelings in devotional exercises, they may be as petulant, irritable, and implacable as they please! This is a dreadful error and has done great mischief to the cause of God! 

A sour, ill-natured Christian is like a lamb with a wolf's head, or like a dove with a vulture's beak! If there be any one word which above all others should describe a Christian's character, it is that which represents his divine Father; and as it is said, that 'God is love', so should it be also affirmed, that a Christian is love embodied, an incarnation of love! His words, his conduct, his very looks should be so many expressions of love! 

[J. A. James]

Ephesians 5:2 ... And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 

Matthew 11:29 ... Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 

Philippians 2:5 ... Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ❤

Philippians 4:13

The Scripture reminds us that we have the ability to endure trials and hardships when we keep our eyes on Jesus. It’s not about what WE can do, but rather about what GOD can do.

Be content ~ not in your circumstances, but in the Lord Jesus.

 Philippians 4:13 ...  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. ❤

The Task

O my reader, be not deceived on this vital matter: to mortify the lusts of the flesh, to be crucified unto the world, to overcome the Devil, to die daily unto sin, to live unto righteousness, to be meek and lowly in heart, trustful and obedient, pious and patient, faithful and uncompromising, loving and gentle; in a word, to be a Christian, to be Christlike is a task far, far beyond the poor resources of fallen human nature! 

The demands of Christ are too humbling to our natural pride, too searching for the callous conscience, too exacting for our fleshly desires. A miracle of grace has to be wrought within us before this awful depravity of our nature, this dreadful state of affairs, is changed! 

[A. W. Pink]

John 15:5 ...  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Philippians 4:13 ...  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. ❤

Christ ~ The Incarnate Word

The Lord Jesus Christ assumed our nature, that He might sympathize with us in our sorrows; obtain our everlasting deliverance from sin, Satan, and Hell; and supply all our needs according to His glorious riches. (Philippians 4:19) He was rich yet for our sakes He became poor that we, through His poverty, might be rich. Unparalleled benevolence! (2 Corinthians 8:9) Unexampled love! Savior Jesus! fill us with wonder, gratitude, and love! He was made flesh; He wrapped His Godhead in a human form; He became one with us, and one of us that we might be one with Him, and one with the Father and the Holy Spirit through Him. 

He dwelt among His disciples, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) Full of truth to inform their judgments; full of grace to sanctify their hearts. He had truth to delight them, and grace to supply them. He is still full of grace and truth. He has grace to pardon all sin; grace to sanctify your polluted heart; grace to conquer your powerful corruptions; grace to subdue your rebellious will, and to bring every thought into subjection to His own blessed will. He gives freely without money and without price; He gives cheerfully without upbraiding; He gives frequently without complaining. 

Have you been thinking that your attainments are but small, that your evidence are but weak, that your spirituality is questionable? Jesus is full of grace! He is a fountain ever flowing a fountain to which you are welcome, for He says, "If any man thirsts let him come, and take of the fountain of life freely." (John 7:37)

The promises He has made are truth, they flowed from his heart; they express His mind at present; and He will make them good to every seeking soul. The supplies He sends us; the answers He gives us are confirmations of the truth of His word; they are the overflowing's of the grace that is in Him. He delights to bestow; He rejoices to impart; He cannot deny what He has promised. He will consult your welfare, and perhaps make you wait; but He will not falsify His word and leave you to want. Look at Jesus then, as full of grace, full of truth. You never read of His being full of wrath, full of vengeance, full of indignation; but you do read that He is full of grace, rich in mercy, plenteous in compassion, and waiting to be gracious! 

He wears your nature in Heaven. He is still as kind, as tender, as loving as when He had compassion on the widow of Nain, wept at the grave of Lazarus, or prayed for His cruel murderers. He is Jesus still the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) changes not, and therefore we are not consumed. He still says, "Look unto me, and be saved, all you end of the earth, for I am God, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:22)

As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so is the Son of man lifted up; that whoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. All things are delivered unto Him by His Father and He will use all to protect your person, supply your needs, and carry you safely to the realms of peace. Lord, we adore your boundless grace, The heights and depths unknown, Of pardon, life, and joy, and peace, In your beloved Son! 

Oh, wondrous gift of love divine, Oh source of every good! Jesus, in You what glories shine, how rich your flowing blood! Come, all you are pining, hungry poor, The Savior's bounty taste; Behold a never-failing store for every willing guest. Here shall our every need receive A free and full supply; He has unmeasured bliss to give, and joys that never die! 

[James Smith]

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An Outlet and An Inlet!

Death is an outlet and an inlet to a holy man. Death is an eternal outlet to all his sins, to all his sorrows, to all his shame, to all his sufferings, to all his afflictions, to all his temptations, to all his oppressions, to all his confusions, and to all his vexations. Death is an eternal inlet into the clear, full, and constant enjoyment of God, the sweetest pleasures, the purest joys, the highest delights, the strongest comforts, and the most satisfying contentment's. 

Death is the funeral of all a holy man's sins and miseries and the perfection of all his joys, graces, and spiritual excellencies. Death is not the death of the man but the death of his sin. Death is a Christian's discharge from all trouble and misery. Death came in by sin and sin goes out by death. Death cures all diseases: the aching head, and the unbelieving heart; the diseased body, and the defiled soul. Death will cure the holy man of all natural and spiritual afflictions. 

Death is God's gentle usher to conduct us to Heaven! Death to a holy man, is nothing but the changing of his grace, into glory; his faith, into sight; his hope, into fruition; and his love, into eternal rapture! 

Oh, who would not go through death to Heaven, to eternal life, to immortality and glory! Death to a Christian, is a welcome guest, a happy friend, a joyful messenger! 

[Thomas Brooks] 

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Philippians 1:21-23 ... For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

1 Corinthians 15:54 ... So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. ❤ 

God Always!!

For a better morning ~ talk to God first.

For a better night ~ talk with God last.

For a better life ~ talk with God all day.

[message from the Internet]

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

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. ❤

With Christ!!

How marvelous is the transforming power of the religion of the Lord Jesus! Whatever it touches, it beautifies; and all that comes within its range receives a luster and a loveliness from the reflection of itself. Everything on which its light is cast, appears the very reverse of what it appeared before. Where there was darkness, light springs into existence; where there was previous gloom, brightness shines; and where there was sadness songs begin to abound.  How true this is in reference to the heart. "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked!" (Jeremiah 17:9) 

Behold your heart in its natural sinful state can you imagine anything more devoid of anything that is lovely? Can you think of anything drearier to the view? 'Tis a wilderness, a wilderness overgrown with briars and with thorns, while these are interlaced with poisonous plants, and in and out among them, there creep reptile lusts and serpent sins. It is enough to make an angel weep to look at such a sight! But behold! God's hour of mercy touches that heart saving grace enters it. 

See now the contrast. Instead of the thorn there is the fir tree; and instead of the briar the myrtle tree sends forth its sweet perfume; while the birds of praise carol as they rest in the branches of the trees of the Lord's right-hand planting; and the serpents are either destroyed, or else they hide themselves in their holes. The religion of Jesus has touched that heart and at its touch there has been a magic transformation; where dreariness and death reigned, there is now beauty, delight and joy. 

[Archibald G. Brown]

Philippians 1:21 ... For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

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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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Ark of Presense

Soak in His instruction each day, then move out. Let the water of His words carry your boat into your day. It beats rowing on the sand of self. The Ark of His presence is the structure that carries the LIFE. All activity outside The Ark of His presence leads to death. 

Abide in His love and His wisdom. Divine Design and destiny are accomplished when you are in alignment with His Will and His word. The greatest pillars of faith are those who settle into His peace and His care, even in the storms of life. 

Rest in the boat of your mind, believing in His steadfast love for you. Rely on His care, not on the waves of this world. He has called you to perfect peace. He will speak “Peace” through you to calm fears and storms. To have His Spirit is to have His very Spirit. The works He did you will do also, by His Spirit. His peace passes all understanding. Abide in Him above all else and He will abide in you. 

[Troi Nelson Cockayne]

Isaiah 26:3 ... Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

John 15:7 ...  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Philippians 4:7 ... And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ❤

Have You Prayed Today?

Ever since you rose from your bed this morning, there has been an eye upon you. Wherever you have been and whatever you have been doing that eye has seen you. It has gone with you to your work; it has seen you with your companions; it has been on you when you were alone. It has seen not merely all that you have done, but why you did it. Your thoughts, your feelings, your motives, which even your nearest friend has not fully known have all been open to that eye of which I speak. For it is an all-seeing eye, the eye of God!

Have you thought of Him whose eye has been upon you? Have you given so much as one thought to Him, since the day began? Have you spoken to Him? Have you prayed to Him?

It is a duty to pray, for God has commanded you to pray.

"Pray to your Father who is in the secret place." (Matthew 6:6) 

"Watch and pray." (Matthew 26:41) 

"Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

"In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6) 

It is wrong therefore not to pray.

You have need to pray, great need, for you are dependent upon God for everything. You are entirely in His hand.

If you went to your work this morning strong and well it was only because God made you so and kept you so.

If you have had enough to eat today, if you are clothed comfortably and have a home to live in it is only because God supplies your needs. You would have nothing if God did not supply you.

You live only because He gives you life. He could take all your comforts from you if it pleased Him. He could lay you on a bed of sickness this very day. He could in a moment, strike you dead!

But you have need to pray also, because you are a sinner. Whether you feel it or not you are one. You have offended God. You have done what He told you not to do you have gone against His will, and that more times than can be numbered. And therefore, you need His forgiveness.

Yes, more than anything else, more than food and clothing, and health and strength more than all, you need God's forgiveness.

Will He forgive you? Yes, if you ask Him aright, pleading the merits of Christ your Savior. Then He will forgive you for every wrong thing you have ever done for every evil word you have ever said for every wicked thought that has ever been in your heart. He is quite ready to forgive you. For Christ died to save sinners His precious blood was shed to wash away their sins! You are a sinner, and you have to pray that your sins may be forgiven for His sake, and that you may be saved through Him; and God will hear that prayer. He will forgive you for Christ's sake.

But you need more still. What kind of a heart have you? People talk sometimes of "a good heart." "So-and-so," they say, "is a good-hearted man." I believe they mean a man of a kind heart, not ill-tempered, or malicious, as some are. But they would have to look far indeed before they found one who was really a "good-hearted" man for there is no such man. Our hearts are naturally not good but evil.

Have you not often done wrong? You know that you have! Well, what was it that led you to do wrong? Was it not your heart? And if your heart has led you to do wrong, can it be a good heart? You need a new heart. You need the Holy Spirit of God to change your heart, to lead you to think and feel and wish a right to dwell within you, inclining you always to what is good.

But when I speak of what you need and what you should therefore pray for I hardly know where to stop.

You need peace of mind.

You need comfort in times of trouble.

You need guidance in difficulty.

You need wisdom, help, and strength.

Perhaps all may be summed up in this you need God for your Father and Friend, your reconciled Father in Christ Jesus. If that blessing were yours then all would be yours.

God hears prayer yes, all prayer that is made to Him through Jesus Christ. We do not spend our words for nothing, when we pray. As unworthy as we are yet God promises to hear us when we pray in the name of His dear Son. The Lord Jesus is our Mediator and Advocate He pleads our cause and makes our poor prayers acceptable to God.

Now, with God's command that you should pray, and with so many needs daily needs, needs which none but He can supply, and with His promise to hear you for Christ's sake have you asked Him for anything today? Have you prayed?

You ought to have prayed. Before you entered upon the work and bustle of the day you ought to have gone on your knees. If you did not do so, then pray now. Perhaps at this moment you cannot kneel, but at least you can pray with your heart. Pray standing; pray sitting; pray walking; pray working; pray in any manner rather than not pray at all. Let no more of the day pass without prayer; too much of it has passed so already. Lift up your heart now and say to God, "God be merciful to me, a sinner! Forgive me for not praying. Forgive me for all my sins. Blot them out in my Savior's precious blood. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Give me a new heart. Teach me to pray. Watch over me this day; keep me from evil; keep me from sin. Bless me in my body and bless me in my soul. Make me Your own forever and be my Father in Christ Jesus. O God, hear me for Your dear Son's sake!"

[Francis Bourdillon]

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Power of Habit

A stagecoach driver had held the leather reins for so many years, that when he began to grow old, his hands were crooked into hooks, and his fingers were so stiffened into that shape that they could not be straightened out.  There is a similar process that goes on in men's minds and souls, when they continue to do the same things over and over. 

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

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

One who accustoms himself to think of pure and holy things, who sets his affections on things above, and strives to reach for things which are true, things which are honorable, things which are lovely will grow heavenward toward the things which he loves and thinks upon! But one who lets his mind turn habitually to debasing things, to unholy things, to impure things, to earthly things will find his whole soul bending downward and growing sinful, corrupt, and evil! 

[J. R. Miller] 

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.

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The Man Who Never Smiles ...

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

Think of a world of human beings with no laughter men and women always wearing grave, serious, solemn faces. Think of the laughter of childhood departing from the world how dull and dreary life would be!  Nothing on earth is more beautiful, than the merry laugh of childhood. Laughter has its place in every wholesome, healthy, holy life. 

The man who never smiles is morbid! He has lost the joy-chords out of his life. He has trained himself to think only of unpleasant things, to look only and always at the dark side. He has accustomed himself so long to sadness that the muscles of his face have become set in hard, fixed lines and cannot relax themselves. His thoughts of life are gloomy, and the gloom has entered his soul and darkened his eyes! Where there is no laughter all evils nest. Demons do not laugh! 

The man who never laughs, must not blame his fellows if they think there is something wrong with his life something dark within. If the streams which flow out are only bitter the fountain cannot be sweet! 

[J.R. Miller]

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Acts 13:52 ...  And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Proverbs 15:13 ... A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Philippians 4:4 ... Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. ❤

Your Own ...

Better worry about your own sin ...

 because God is not going to ask you about mine.

Philippians 2:12 ... Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

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