His Name ...

Jesus has a name suiting every want, every need. Do you need wonders to be wrought for you? His name is Wonderful; look to Him so to do, for His name's sake. Do you need counsel and direction? His name is the Counselor; cast yourself on Him and His mighty name for this. Have you mighty enemies to engage? His name is the Mighty God; seek that He may exert His power for His name's sake. Do you need His fatherly pity? His name is the everlasting Father; as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him.  Plead His pity, for His name's sake. 

Do you need peace external, internal, or eternal? His name is the Prince of Peace; seek for His name's sake, that He may create peace. O sirs, His name is Jehovah-Rophi, the Lord, the healer and physician; seek, for His name's sake, that He may heal all your soul diseases. Do you need pardon? His name is Jehovah-Tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness; seek for His name's sake, that He may be merciful to your unrighteousness. Do you need defense and protection? His name is Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord your banner; seek, for His name's sake, that His banner of love and grace may be spread over you. Do you need provision in extreme want? His name is Jehovah-Jireh, in the mount to the Lord it shall be seen, the Lord will provide. 

Do you need His presence? His name is Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is there; Immanuel, God with us; look to Him to be with you, for His name's sake. Do you need an audience of prayer? His name is the Hearer of Prayer. Do you need strength? His name is the Strength of Israel. Do you need comfort? His name is the Consolation of Israel. Sit down and ponder your wants and needs - and you will find He has a name suitable for your supply; He has all wisdom to guide you, all power to keep you, all mercy to pity you, all holiness to sanctify you, all righteousness to justify you, all grace to adorn you, and all glory to crown you! 

[Ralph Erskine]

Proverbs 18:10 ... The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. ❤

The Bible is No Lazy Man's Book!

Strive to penetrate to the bottom of Divine truths and never be content with a superficial knowledge. 

[David Brainerd]

Proverbs 2:4-5 ...  If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

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(To his sister E.) 1807

Dear Sister, 

I was permitted for years to go on in my own strength, to let me see what mighty acts I could perform. A self-righteous spirit will lead us to make such a patch-work garment as will for a while conceal the filthy imaginations of the heart; and thus, we carefully preserve our reputation and honor and get the name of devout Christians; the chief of our food is the applause of those about us. If we are disposed to exercise our charity, we take care to blow the trumpet, lest we should not be seen by men; and leave nothing undone but the weightier matters of the law. But as God had purposes of grace towards me, I was not allowed to go on in this spirit to the end; for all my fair and fond hopes of keeping everything straight, shunning the cross, and appearing outwardly devout, were brought down being founded on my own strength and on my own wisdom. I was permitted to raise this airy tower until it reached nearly to Heaven but the Lord looked down and scattered all my lofty thoughts, and I was obliged to acknowledge that the wisdom of man is foolishness with God, and I was so hemmed in on every side as to be made to cry, "Lord, save me, or I perish!" 

In this frame of mind, I was allowed to continue for some time, until I was filled with my own devices (Proverbs 1:30). I felt much pity for myself and much enmity against God, and thought I was dealt harshly with; and began to look for nothing but the fiery indignation of the Lord. Every refuge seemed to fail me, every false confidence was destroyed; my life hung in perpetual doubt, and every outward providence untoward. But underneath all this there certainly was an almighty arm of mercy, so that though exceedingly perplexed, I was not in utter despair; and it was in the midst of the darkest outward providences that the Lord was pleased to raise my soul to a hope that Jesus would reveal himself to me as my friend; and in the strength of this I was enabled to go many days. For faith, though "as a grain of mustard seed," yet being of the operation of the Holy Spirit, will enable us to creep along fearful of our own strength, looking to Christ for strength, hoping and despairing. So it was with me, until at length be revealed himself to me as the sinner's all in all; and then I knew the Lord by this most glorious name "I AM THAT I AM." 

Yours affectionately, James Bourne

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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. ❤

Meditation and Prayer ...

Meditation and Prayer resemble the spies that went to search the land of Canaan: the one views, and the other cuts down; and both bring home a taste of the fairest and sweetest fruits of heaven. 

Meditation, like the eye views our mercies; and Prayer like the hand, grasps those mercies! Or, Meditation is like a land agent, who goes abroad to purchase what we need; and Prayer, like a ship, goes forth and brings in what we desire. Lord, it is my misery, that I cannot be so perfect as not to be in need; but it magnifies your mercy that I cannot be so miserable as not to be supplied. Meditation cannot find out a real need, but Prayer can obtain suitable comfort. 

Lord, if mercy is so free, I will labor to know my poverty that I may be enriched with your grace; and yet I will not rest, until you shall do more for me than I am able either to ask or think! Prayer was appointed to convey, the blessings God designs to give; Long as they live should Christians pray, for only while they pray, they live. 

[Thomas Sherman]

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Joshua 1:8 ... This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Proverbs 15:8 ... The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. ❤

Getting Even?

"I'll get even with that fellow if it takes ten years!" Thus declared a man about another who had wronged him, as his eyes flashed with anger and his teeth set firmly with resolve. In his heart he determined to do his enemy as great an injury as his enemy had done him. "Get even," I thought; "what does it mean to get even?" Then appeared before my mind's eye, a view of the various classes of humanity, each person in the scale of morality where his life had placed him. 

I saw the Christian on God's plane of holiness and truth. Far below him stood the moral though unchristian man. And down, down, step by step, my mental eye beheld man to the lowest depth of moral degradation. Vile and wrong deeds always degrade man to a lower state. Every evil deed, word, or thought lowers us in moral being. If someone has done evil toward us, he has lowered himself by that act; and for us to decide to "get even" by a similar act toward him is for us to decide that we will lower ourselves to his level. To "get even" means to get on the same level. It means to a base and degrade us. If we "get even," we are as bad as he, and worthy that others look upon us with the same feelings with which we regard him. 

If you want to get even with anyone, do not choose someone below you but someone above you in moral attainments, and labor to attain to his height, instead of the other's depths. This will ennoble you, make you better, and be worthy of a rational being. The principle of revenge has no part in Christianity. God refuses to let us avenge ourselves, no matter what the provocation nor how good the opportunity for vengeance. He says, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:17-21). "Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

When one who is a Christian so far forgets what is right that he stoops to take vengeance he is then upon the level of the sinner who did him evil, and is himself a sinner, and is fallen from his high position to the level of sin! God forbids us to threaten to "get even" with anyone. "Say not, I will do so to him as he has done to me, I will render to the man according to his work" (Proverbs 24:29). The spirit of Christianity is to render good for evil, blessing for cursing, and love for hatred. The blood of Christ will wash away the "get even" disposition from us; and until we are thus cleansed, let us not presume to call ourselves by that holy name of Him who "did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly." Good is stronger than evil. Evil used against evil, only begets eviler; but we may "overcome evil with good." 

I once asked a man why he did not become a Christian. He replied that there were so many in his business who were trying to get the financial advantage of him, that he could not do right but must do the same with them or he could not "keep even." But let us see what it really means to be "even." If a man lies about me, and to get even I lie about him then we are even. He is a liar, and I am a liar both on the same plane. He is going to the judgment to give account for his lie, and so am I for mine we are even again. If he does not repent, he will go to Hell for lying; and if I do not repent, I shall go, too. Yes, we may get even but I would rather not be so. If a man tricks me out of ten dollars, to get even I must watch my chance to do likewise to him. If I do not try to trick him to get even, he may have more money in his pocket than I; but if I turn the matter over for settlement to Him who said, "Vengeance is mine I will repay," (Romans 12:19) when the final account is rendered, I shall be ten dollars or more ahead. 

Let us not endeavor to be "even" with our enemies by taking vengeance but let us do right and win them to the gospel by overcoming evil with good. Let us get even by raising others up instead of lowering ourselves to their sinful level. Be a blessing to all. Set a right example. 

[Charles Naylor]

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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. ❤

Opening Flowers

Have you ever watched the development of a rose from the tiny bud to the open flower? The bud held little more promise of beauty, than the foliage about it; but day by day it grew until it was full and round. One day you saw a thread of color promise of the rose to be, peeping through the covering of green. Each morning you saw the thread of color widening until the bud burst asunder and the flower was revealed. 

You looked upon this bursting bud with admiration and delight, though yet you did not see the rose in its full size and beauty. You had to wait until it was full grown and fully open, until it had reached its maturity, before you could behold the complete flower. But in the opening blossom you had the beauty of the mature rose blended with the grace and charm of the bud. Girlhood is the opening flower of womanhood. It has charmed all its own. 

The wonderful change from the child to the woman, the marvelous blossoming of young, healthy girlhood will ever be God's great miracle in life's garden. Like a half-open rose is girlhood. We are charmed, both by the beauty of the bud, and by the wonderful coloring of the rose. We behold the familiar traits of childhood that have always charmed us and held our affections but blended with these in ever-changing variety are the graces and powers of womanhood. 

Do you, dear girls, appreciate the golden days in which you are living? You have your perplexities and vexations, of course yet you are enjoying the merry, carefree days of youth, which are generally the happiest days of the whole life. You are standing "where the brook and river meet," where childhood's days and childhood's toys are put aside, for the greater things of womanhood. 

[Mabel Hale]

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Ecclesiastes 11:9 ...  Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

Proverbs 31:30 ... Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

1 Peter 3:3-4 ... Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. ❤

"Joy-Suffering"

We are not called to rejoice at suffering in and of itself. Suffering is bad, suffering is hard, and suffering often comes at the hands of wicked people. Therefore, we do not rejoice in suffering because we love the suffering in and of itself. We rejoice in suffering because we look forward to what God is able to do through our suffering. Paul [in Romans 5:1-5] celebrated the fact that through our sufferings and afflictions God is bringing about endurance, proven character, and hope. 

[Heath Lambert]

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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.

1 Peter 4:13 ... But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

John 16:33 ... These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.❤

Seek! Strive!

Every day seek to lose yourself more in Christ, to live more completely in him, by him, for him, with him. Seek greater heights of holiness, deeper self-denial, braver service, more intense love, and more burning zeal. Strive to be more Godlike and Christlike. 

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

Proverbs 8:17 ... I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

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

Colossians 3:1 ... If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. ❤

Wealth...

The error of life into which men most readily fall is the pursuit of wealth as the highest good of existence. While riches command respect, win position, and secure comfort it is expected that they will be regarded by all classes with a strong desire. But the undue reverence, which is everywhere manifested for wealth the prestige, which is conceded to it, the homage, which is paid to it, the perpetual worship which is offered to it all tend to magnify its desirableness and awaken longings for its possession in the minds of those born without wealth. In society, as at present observed, the acquisition of money would seem to be the height of human aim the great object of living, to which all other purposes are made subordinate! 

Money, which exalts the lowly and sheds honor upon the exalted; money, which makes sin appear goodness and gives to viciousness the show of chastity; money, which silences evil report and opens wide the mouth of praise; money, which constitutes its possessor an oracle to whom men listen with deference; money, which makes deformity beautiful and sanctifies crime; money, which lets the guilty go unpunished and wins forgiveness for wrong; money, which makes manhood and old age respectable and is commendation, surety, and good name for the young.

 

How shall it be gained? by what schemes shall it gather in? by what sacrifice shall it secure? These are the questions which absorb the mind the practical answering of which engross the life of men. The schemes are too often those of fraud, and outrage upon the sacred obligations of being, the sacrifice, loss of the highest moral sense, the destruction of the purest susceptibilities of nature, the neglect of internal life and development, the utter and sad perversion of the true purposes of existence. Money is valued beyond its worth it has gained a power vastly above its deserving. 

Wealth is courted so slavishly, is flattered so servilely, is so influential in molding opinions and judgment, has such a weight in the estimation of character that men regard its acquisition as the most prudent aim of their endeavors, and its possession as absolute enjoyment and honor, rather than the means of honorable, useful, and happy life. While riches are thus over-estimated, and hold such power in the community, that men will forego ease, endure toil, sacrifice social pleasures, and abandon principle for the speedy acquirement of property! Money is not regarded as the means of living but as the object of life. 

All nobler ends will be neglected, in the eager haste to be rich. No higher pursuit will be recognized, than the pursuit of gold no attainment deemed so desirable, as the attainment of wealth. While the great man of every circle is the rich man in the common mind, wealth becomes the synonym of greatness. No condition is discernable superior, to that which money confers. No loftier idea of manhood is entertained, than that which embraces the extent of one's possessions. There is a wealth of heart better than gold. 

There is an interior adornment fairer than outward ornament. There is a splendor in upright life beside which gems are lusterless. There is a fineness of character whose beauty outvies the glitter of diamonds. Man's true riches are hidden in his virtues, and in their development and increase he will find his surest happiness!

[Timothy Shay Arthur] 

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1 Timothy 6:7-10 ... For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

 Proverbs 23:4-5 ... Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. ❤

His Lions

The devil wants to discourage the flow of love in order to bring death and defilement. Speak love to yourself and others. Rise up with His soundness of mind. Self-control is a fruit of His Spirit. A mind fixed on Him moves with power and great courage. And the fear of man has no hold on His Lions. 

The righteous are as bold as Lions. You were not created for fear and foolishness, but for bold righteous love. ‘Lights’ to affect a darkened world. Turn to Him and He will awaken your heart and mind to your true identity. He blows away the fog of fear and despair and warm your soul in the light of His love. Clarity, hope and perfect love are His rewards, and He longs to give His fullness. 

"I HAVE MADE YOU STRONG... I HAVE MADE YOU FAITHFUL... I HAVE MADE YOU FEARLESS... I HAVE MADE YOU BOLD... I HAVE MADE YOU DISCIPLINED." He has made you in His image…PERFECT LOVE. 

 Now, RISE UP! Fall into agreement and alignment with His Word, for Truth has spoken. Do not shrink back from this truth with an evil, unbelieving heart. He clothes you in His Righteousness! He washes shame and guilt away in His sacrificial love and acceptance of you. Awake Child and shake off the lies that separate you from His love. 

He is The Lion of the Tribe of Judah. RISE UP in His power and love. NEVER back down and never give up! Bold courageous love! You are His standard, BANNERS of His perfect love to a desperate world. 

[Troi Nelson Cockayne]

Proverbs 28:1 ... The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. ❤

Biblical Knowledge

Reader, remember this: if your biblical knowledge does not now affect your heart, it will at last, with a witness, afflict your heart. If it does not now endear Christ to you, it will at last provoke Christ the more against you. If it does not make all the things of Christ to be very precious in your eyes, it will at last make you the viler in Christ's eyes. 

[Thomas Brooks]

Proverbs 2:6 ... For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Colossians 1:10 ... That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

1 Timothy 2:4 ... Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. ❤

Heaven's Exchange

Exchange the empty for the full. The counterfeit for the real. The presents of the world for the presence of Heaven. Give Him your broken ways and your desperate desire for the worlds love that leaves you alone and uncovered. 

Come away in your open heart and look to the God who sees and hears your heart cries, and He alone will fill you with True Love that truly satisfies and heals your fractured heart and mind. He alone is able to restore your innocence, And crown you with His glory. 

[Troi Nelson Cockayne]

Proverbs 4:7-9 ... Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. ❤

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. ❤

My Real Name!!

 To Rev. John Newton,

Oh, what is man! How easily we spy the vanity and inconsistency in another, and how hardly we discern it in ourselves. The foulest stain, and worst absurdity in our nature, is pride! And yet this vile hedgehog so rolls himself up in his bristly coat, that we can seldom get a sight of his claws. Pride cleaves to us, like a shirt soaked in tar cleaves to the skin. No sharp ploughing and harrowing will clear the ground of it. This foul weed will be sure to spring up with the next rain!

Pride follows me like my shadow! This diabolical sin has brought more scourges on my back than everything else! It is of so insinuating a nature, that I know not how to rid myself of it. I hate it and love it. I quarrel with it and embrace it. I dread it and yet allow it to lie in my bosom. It pleads a right, through the fall, to be a tenant for life. It has such an amazing appetite that it can feed both on grace and garbage! It will be as warm and snug in a monastery, as a brothel and be as much delighted with a fine prayer, as a foul curse!

Lord, save me! If pride must dwell with me, let it not be a lordly master, but a loathed viper! Oh, that I could once say unto you, foul pride: "Farewell forever!"  There is no Christian grace, but pride will creep into its bosom and mix with it as freely as oil with oil. Nor is Lady Pride ever so delighted as when she becomes intimate with humility, and by soft caresses and kind speeches, encourages the sweet damsel to think highly of herself, even when she looks and talks humbly.

One moment she whispers and tells me that I am a fine fellow and then I am elated. By and by, she calls me a fool and then I am sullen. I can do no religious act, but pride is skulking at my elbow and much affecting me both by her smiles and frowns. This foul pride besieges my heart, besets all my steps, and meets me at every turn. Pride has more heads than a Hydra! (A mythological serpentine water monster which had many heads. Every time someone would cut off one of them, two more heads would grow out!) Pride has more shapes than Proteus! (A mythical Greek figure who could assume a different shape at will.)

It is such an odd mysterious evil that I can even be proud of loathing my pride. Henceforth if you ask my real name, it is Pride!

[John Berridge]

Proverbs 16:18 ... Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

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Commenting Upon the Bible

Chrysostom compares the Scripture to a garden every truth is a fragrant flower which we should wear, not on our bosom, but in our heart! David counted the Word "sweeter than honey and the honeycomb". There is that in Scripture which may breed delight. It shows us the way to riches, Deuteronomy 28:8, Proverbs 3:30; to long life, Psalm 34:42; to a Kingdom, Hebrews 12:28. 

Well then may we count those the sweetest hours, which are spent in reading the holy Scriptures. Well may we say with the prophet, "Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart!" (Jeremiah 15:16) Conform to Scripture. Let us lead Scripture lives. 

Oh, that the Bible might be seen printed in our lives! Do what the Word commands. Obedience is an excellent way of commenting upon the Bible. "Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth." (Psalm 86:11) Let the Word be the sundial by which you set your life. What are we the better for having the Scripture, if we do not direct all our speech and actions according to it? What are we the better for the rule of the Word, if we do not make use of it, and regulate our lives by it? What a dishonor is it to religion, for men to live in contradiction to Scripture! The Word is called a "light to our feet".  (Psalm 119:105) It is not only a light to our eyes to mend our sight but to our feet to mend our walk. 

Oh, let us lead Bible lives! Be thankful to God for the Scriptures. What a mercy is it that God has not only acquainted us what His will is, but that He has made it known by writing! The Scripture is our polestar to direct us to Heaven, it shows us every step we are to take. When we go wrong it instructs us; when we go right it comforts us. Adore God's distinguishing grace, if you have felt the power and authority of the Word upon your conscience if you can say as David, "Your Word has quickened me." (Psalm 119:50)

Christian, bless God that He has not only given you His Word to be a rule of holiness but His grace to be a principle of holiness. Bless God that He has not only written His Word, but sealed it upon your heart, and made it effectual. Can you say it is of divine inspiration, because you have felt it to be of lively operation? 

Oh, free grace! That God should send out His Word and heal you. That He should heal you, and not others! That the same Scripture which to them is a dead letter, should be to you a savor of life! 

[Thomas Watson] 

Psalm 119:97 ...  O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. ❤

By Wisdom and Knowledge ...

Houses have been sometimes built through wickedness but never established. By wisdom and knowledge, they are built as it were on a rock, to stand firm against every blast. Convenient furniture is desirable, as well as a sure house; and this also is a fruit of that wisdom and industry which belongs to religion.

Wicked men are represented by Solomon as entertaining their imaginations with high expectations of the precious substance, with which robbery and fraud will fill their houses. But what wicked men vainly expect godly men find, if God sees it to be good for them. Should the wicked prosper in their pursuits, their joy is mingled with the racks of a tormenting consciousness of guilt, and the apprehensions of a speedy end to the pleasures of sin. If godly men are disappointed in their expectations and wishes as to this world, they have the consolation of knowing that they have mansions of blessedness prepared for them in Christ's father's house, and that their substance is the better and enduring substance, laid up for them in Heaven.

Although the Old Testament dispensation of grace abounded in promises of earthly blessings yet many of the ancient saints met with innumerable crosses and afflictions. They were obliged to dwell in dens and caves of the earth. They were destitute, afflicted, tormented and still they believed that God was faithful to his word, although outward events contradicted it. Or if at any time, doubts of God's faithfulness and goodness arose in their minds, they resisted the abominable thoughts so derogatory to the Highest and called themselves brutes and idiots before God.

How inexcusable then must it be for us, who live in the sunshine of the Gospel, to give place to blasphemous doubts of the providence of God, and the truth of his word when God does not think fit to give splendid palaces and fine furniture to his people! The promises respecting this life, belong to godliness under the New Testament as well at the old but they are to be understood in a consistency with the nobler promises that respect spiritual blessings, and the happy influence which crosses of different kinds have in the accomplishment of these promises.

When God appoints poverty and losses to the wise and bereaves them of the native fruits of their honest labors and temperate course of life, he is not breaking, but fulfilling, his word. And the most afflicted saints will find reason to say in the end of their curse, "we know that all your judgments are righteous, and that you in faithfulness have afflicted us."

[George Lawson]

Proverbs 24:3-4 ... Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. ❤

Suit Up!!

If it seems ole devil is constantly trying to distract you from GOD, you are right! See, if ole slew foot can’t destroy you, he’ll figure out a way to distract you. His goal is simple ... “Steal-Kill & Destroy” (John 10:10) 

No doubt he is a formidable adversary but even he has weaknesses. If you pay close attention, he’s predictable and uses the same old tricks time and time again. It is up to us to stay alert so that we won't fall prey to this conniving joker. Even as busy as he is right now TRYING to take out Israel, trust me, he still has time for you. NEVER let your guard down! Don’t let anything or anyone take your focus off GOD and what GOD is doing in your life. 

Many times, I’ve warned you of his ways of distraction the biggest is speaking negative depressing and tempting thoughts into your head. Please understand when he speaks it’s always a lie! John 8:44 tells us, "There is no truth in him as he is the father of lies." You can discern his voice because he plants seeds that grow into fear and doubt. Ole devil will use anything he can-past wounds idols in your life-social media play on your weaknesses using GOD given desires and even your friends. If we fall for the distractions, you could easily become ineffective in our faith. Distractions have a way of popping their ugly heads up at a time when we need to have our undivided attention on what GOD is doing with us and within us. 

Proverbs 4:25 says, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your sight directly before you.” Friend-regardless of how you may feel, don't give into the feelings of frustration over things not going as you envisioned. Keeping doubt and discontent in your mind can be one of our biggest distractions and he knows it. Start your day with GOD in prayer suit up in your Spiritual Armor and declare Not Today Devil! 

If you don’t set the tone for your day ole devil will gladly set it for you. I pray you have a GREAT weekend and be sure to reflect the love of JESUS in everything you say and do. GOD Bless!! 

[Chaplain Dave Baker]

Ephesians 6:10 ...  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ❤

Why Should I Give You This?

Fathers, you love to hear the requests of your little children. You know very well that your little girl needs a new dress for school, and you are well aware that your little boy needs schoolbooks. There is no necessity whatever, that Mary should inform you about her clothes, or that Johnny should tell you about his books; for you know what they have need of, long before they ask you. But you like them to feel their needs, and to recognize that they are supplied by their father. 

Therefore, you like to hear them express their needs and desires to you. Sometimes you will stop a bit and say, "Why should I give you this?" You set them a-pleading, because you like to hear their little prattling voices, and to have them put their little arms around your neck and overcome you with kisses. You let them think that they master you with their pretty reasonings and fond embraces. It is pleasant to you, as well as to them. 

In the same way, God loves to have His redeemed children entreat Him! The Scriptures consistently affirm that God welcomes, listens to, delights in, and values the prayers of His redeemed children. He encourages them to approach Him in faith, in love, in humility, in sincerity. 

[Charles H. Spurgeon] 

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Proverbs 15:29 ... The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

Psalm 145:18-19 ... The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Hebrews 4:16 ...  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. ❤