CHRISTmas Controversy ~

For God So Loved the World ~ CHRISTian poetry by deborah ann
CHRISTmas’ controversy,
is upon us once again . . .
but this year from it
I am going to abstain.
You see I don’t care,
what the argument is about
I only care about getting
the name of Christ out.
No other name brings,
such debate and discussion
no other birth has such . . .
an everlasting repercussion.
Let the season battle start,
in the stores and on-line
let the papers and media
on the name of Christ decline.
So go ahead and fight,
let the CHRISTmas Wars begin
for there’s no better time . . .
to remind man of their sin!
~~~~~~~~~~
John 3.16
"For God so loved the world,
 that he gave his only begotten Son,
 that whosoever believeth in him should
 not perish, but have everlasting life.”
King James Version
by Public Domain
Copyright 2015
Deborah Ann Belka
Thank You For Visiting 1,587

Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 12.09.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Wednesday, December 09, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Therefore will the Lord wait that He may be gracious unto you.”
~ Isaiah 30:18 ~

GOD often DELAYS IN ANSWERING PRAYER. We have several instances of this in sacred Scripture. Jacob did not get the blessing from the angel until near the dawn of day—he had to wrestle all night for it. The poor woman of Syrophenicia was answered not a word for a long while. Paul besought the Lord thrice that “the thorn in the flesh” might be taken from him, and he received no assurance that it should be taken away, but instead thereof a promise that God’s grace should be sufficient for him. If thou hast been knocking at the gate of mercy, and hast received no answer, shall I tell thee why the mighty Maker hath not opened the door and let thee in? Our Father has reasons peculiar to Himself for thus keeping us waiting.

Sometimes it is to show His power and His sovereignty, that men may know that Jehovah has a right to give or to withhold. More frequently the delay is for our profit. Thou art perhaps kept waiting in order that thy desires may be more fervent. God knows that delay will quicken and increase desire, and that if He keeps thee waiting thou wilt see thy necessity more clearly, and wilt seek more earnestly; and that thou wilt prize the mercy all the more for its long tarrying. There may also be something wrong in thee which has need to be removed, before the joy of the Lord is given.

Perhaps thy views of the Gospel plan are confused, or thou mayest be placing some little reliance on thyself, instead of trusting simply and entirely to the Lord Jesus. Or, God makes thee tarry awhile that He may the more fully display the riches of His grace to thee at last. Thy prayers are all filed in heaven, and if not immediately answered they are certainly not forgotten, but in a little while shall be fulfilled to thy delight and satisfaction. Let not despair make thee silent, but continue instant in earnest supplication.

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Today’s Bible Verse 12.09.15

Your Word My Light

John 15:5,8

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.

15.8
“Herein is my Father glorified,
that ye bear much fruit;
so shall ye be my disciples.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

~ To God Be the Glory ~

Thank You For Visiting 654

Morning’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 12.09.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Wednesday, December 09, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Therefore will the Lord wait that He may be gracious unto you.” ~ Isaiah 30:18 ~

GOD often DELAYS IN ANSWERING PRAYER. We have several instances of this in sacred Scripture. Jacob did not get the blessing from the angel until near the dawn of day—he had to wrestle all night for it. The poor woman of Syrophenicia was answered not a word for a long while. Paul besought the Lord thrice that “the thorn in the flesh” might be taken from him, and he received no assurance that it should be taken away, but instead thereof a promise that God’s grace should be sufficient for him. If thou hast been knocking at the gate of mercy, and hast received no answer, shall I tell thee why the mighty Maker hath not opened the door and let thee in?

Our Father has reasons peculiar to Himself for thus keeping us waiting. Sometimes it is to show His power and His sovereignty, that men may know that Jehovah has a right to give or to withhold. More frequently the delay is for our profit. Thou art perhaps kept waiting in order that thy desires may be more fervent. God knows that delay will quicken and increase desire, and that if He keeps thee waiting thou wilt see thy necessity more clearly, and wilt seek more earnestly; and that thou wilt prize the mercy all the more for its long tarrying. There may also be something wrong in thee which has need to be removed, before the joy of the Lord is given.

Perhaps thy views of the Gospel plan are confused, or thou mayest be placing some little reliance on thyself, instead of trusting simply and entirely to the Lord Jesus. Or, God makes thee tarry awhile that He may the more fully display the riches of His grace to thee at last. Thy prayers are all filed in heaven, and if not immediately answered they are certainly not forgotten, but in a little while shall be fulfilled to thy delight and satisfaction. Let not despair make thee silent, but continue instant in earnest supplication.

Thank You For Visiting 656

Evening’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 12.08.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Tuesday, December 08, 2015

This Evening’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Thou, O God, hast prepared of Thy goodness for the poor.”
~ Psalm 68:10 ~

ALL God’s gifts are prepared gifts laid up in store for wants foreseen. He anticipates our needs; and out of the fulness which He has treasured up in Christ Jesus, He provides of His goodness for the poor. You may trust Him for all the necessities that can occur, for He has infallibly foreknown every one of them. He can say of us in all conditions, “I knew that thou wouldst be this and that.”

A man goes a journey across the desert, and when he has made a day’s advance, and pitched his tent, he discovers that he wants many comforts and necessaries which he has not brought in his baggage. “Ah!” says he, “I did not foresee this: if I had this journey to go again, I should bring these things with me, so necessary to my comfort.” But God has marked with prescient eye all the requirements of His poor wandering children, and when those needs occur, supplies are ready. It is goodness which He has prepared for the poor in heart, goodness and goodness only. “My grace is sufficient for thee.” “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.”

Reader, is your heart heavy this evening? God knew it would be; the comfort which your heart wants is treasured in the sweet assurance of the text. You are poor and needy, but He has thought upon you, and has the exact blessing which you require in store for you. Plead the promise, believe it and obtain its fulfillment. Do you feel that you never were so consciously vile as you are now? Behold, the crimson fountain is open still, with all its former efficacy, to wash your sin away. Never shall you come into such a position that Christ cannot aid you. No pinch shall ever arrive in your spiritual affairs in which Jesus Christ shall not be equal to the emergency, for your history has all been foreknown and provided for in Jesus.

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My Gift of Trust ~

Lord, I don’t have gold or frankincense,
 and it seems, I am all out of myrrh
 but I have a gift just as wonderful
 and I know You’ll agree and concur.
For what I have to offer You,
 is more precious to You then these
 so, I come to You with my treasure
 and offer it to You on bended knees.
Lord, I am giving You my entire life,
 and all my worldly possessions
 I am going to make You the Lord
 over all of my material obsessions.
I am giving You my eternal hope,
 with joyfulness and thankful praise
 I am giving You my soul’s devotion
 for the rest of my living days.
Lord, I am giving You the gift of trust,
 no matter what may come my way
 and I’m going to worship and adore You
 as if each moment ~ was Christmas Day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Matthew 2:11
 King James Version
“And when they were come into the house,
  they saw the young child with Mary his
  mother, and fell down, and worshipped him:
  and when they had opened their treasures,
  they presented unto him gifts; gold, and
  frankincense and myrrh.”
Copyright 2012
 Deborah Ann Belka
Thank You For Visiting 1,022

Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 12.08.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Tuesday, December 08, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

Following Leads to Honor

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. (John 12:26)

The highest service is imitation. If I would be Christ’s servant I must be His follower. To do as Jesus did is the surest way of bringing honor to His name. Let me mind this every day.

If I imitate Jesus I shall have His company: if I am like Him I shall be with Him. In due time He will take me up to dwell with Him above, if, meanwhile, I have striven to follow Him here below. After His suffering our Lord came to His throne, and even so, after we have suffered a while with Him here below, we also shall arrive in glory. The issue of our Lord’s life shall be the issue of ours: if we are with Him in His humiliation we shall be with Him in His glory. Come, my soul, pluck up courage and put down thy feet in the blood-marked footprints which thy Lord has left thee.

Let me not fail to note that the Father will honor those who follow His Son. If He sees me true to Jesus, He will put marks of favor and honor upon me for His Son’s sake. No honor can be like this. Princes and emperors bestow the mere shadows of honor; the substance of glory comes from the Father. Wherefore, my soul, cling thou to thy Lord Jesus more closely than ever.

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Today’s Bible Verse 12.08.15

Your Word My Light

John 14:6

“Jesus saith unto him,
I am the way, the truth,
and the life: no man
cometh unto the Father,
but by me.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

~ To God Be the Glory ~

Thank You For Visiting 548

Morning’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 12.08.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Tuesday, December 08, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.”~ Revelation 3:4 ~

WE may understand this to refer to justification. “They shall walk in white”; that is, they shall enjoy a constant sense of their own justification by faith; they shall understand that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to them, that they have all been washed and made whiter than the newly-fallen snow.

Again, it refers to joy and gladness: for white robes were holiday dresses among the Jews. They who have not defiled their garments shall have their faces always bright; they shall understand what Solomon meant when he said “Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart. Let thy garments be always white, for God hath accepted thy works.” He who is accepted of God shall wear white garments of joy and gladness, while he walks in sweet communion with the Lord Jesus. Whence so many doubts, so much misery, and mourning? It is because so many believers defile their garments with sin and error, and hence they lose the joy of their salvation, and the comfortable fellowship of the Lord Jesus, they do not here below walk in white.

The promise also refers to walking in white before the throne of God. Those who have not defiled their garments here shall most certainly walk in white up yonder, where the white-robed hosts sing perpetual hallelujahs to the Most High. They shall possess joys inconceivable, happiness beyond a dream, bliss which imagination knoweth not, blessedness which even the stretch of desire hath not reached. The “undefiled in the way” shall have all this—not of merit, nor of works, but of grace. They shall walk with Christ in white, for He has made them “worthy.” In His sweet company they shall drink of the living fountains of waters.

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Evening’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 12.07.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Monday, December 07, 2015

This Evening’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”—1 Corinthians 9:22.

PAUL’S great object was not merely to instruct and to improve, but to save. Anything short of this would have disappointed him; he would have men renewed in heart, forgiven, sanctified, in fact, saved. Have our Christian labours been aimed at anything below this great point? Then let us amend our ways, for of what avail will it be at the last great day to have taught and moralized men if they appear before God unsaved? Blood-red will our skirts be if through life we have sought inferior objects, and forgotten that men needed to be saved. Paul knew the ruin of man’s natural state, and did not try to educate him, but to save him; he saw men sinking to hell, and did not talk of refining them, but of saving from the wrath to come.

To compass their salvation, he gave himself up with untiring zeal to telling abroad the gospel, to warning and beseeching men to be reconciled to God. His prayers were importunate and his labours incessant. To save souls was his consuming passion, his ambition, his calling. He became a servant to all men, toiling for his race, feeling a woe within him if he preached not the gospel. He laid aside his preferences to prevent prejudice; he submitted his will in things indifferent, and if men would but receive the gospel, he raised no questions about forms or ceremonies: the gospel was the one all-important business with him.

If he might save some he would be content. This was the crown for which he strove, the sole and sufficient reward of all his labours and self-denials. Dear reader, have you and I lived to win souls at this noble rate? Are we possessed with the same all-absorbing desire? If not, why not? Jesus died for sinners, cannot we live for them? Where is our tenderness? Where our love to Christ, if we seek not His honour in the salvation of men? O that the Lord would saturate us through and through with an undying zeal for the souls of men.

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The Gift That Keeps Giving ~


Christmas Memories used with Permission IBible Verses
I have for you a gift,
that keeps on giving
I bet it’s like no other
that you’ll be getting.
It takes a whole lifetime,
to discover its full measure
ah, but what is inside
you will forever treasure.
There is no real price,
anyone can put on it
it’s so enormous in value
that everyone it fits.
It’s bundled up and swaddled,
in mercy and eternal grace
wrapped up so ever tightly
is God’s love for you to embrace.
Please won’t you take it,
this gift is for just for you
open it up and you will see
salvation makes all things new.
It will keep on giving,
each day you’ll find more
of Jesus’ undying love
to unwrap and explore!
~~~~~~~~~~
Matthew 1:21
 King James Version
“And she shall bring forth a son,
 and thou shalt call his name Jesus:
 for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka
Thank You For Visiting 1,388

Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 12.07.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Monday, December 07, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

Gift of Strength; Peace to Bless

The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11)

David had just heard the voice of the Lord in a thunderstorm and had seen His power in the hurricane whose path he had described; and now, in the cool calm after the storm, that overwhelming power by which heaven and earth are shaken is promised to be the strength of the chosen. He who wings the unerring bolt will give to His redeemed the wings of eagles; He who shakes the earth with His voice will terrify the enemies of His saints and give His children peace. Why are we weak when we have divine strength to flee to?

Why are we troubled when the Lord’s own peace is ours? Jesus, the mighty God, is our strength; let us put Him on and go forth to our service. Jesus, our blessed Lord, is also our peace; let us repose in Him this day and end our fears. What a blessing to have Him for our strength and peace both now and forever!

That same God who rides upon the storm in days of tempest will also rule the hurricane of our tribulation and send us, before long, days of peace. We shall have strength for storms and songs for fair weather. Let us begin to sing at once unto God, our strength and our peace. Away, dark thoughts! Up, faith and hope!

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Today’s Bible Verse 12.07.15

Your Word My Light

John 11:25

“Jesus said unto her,
I am the resurrection,
and the life:
he that believeth in me,
though he were dead,
yet shall he live:”

King James Version
by Public Domain

~ To God Be the Glory ~

Thank You For Visiting 688

Morning’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 12.07.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Monday, December 07, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Base things of the world hath God chosen.”—1 Corinthians 1:28.

WALK the streets by moonlight, if you dare, and you will see sinners then. Watch when the night is dark, and the wind is howling, and the picklock is grating in the door, and you will see sinners then. Go to yon jail, and walk through the wards, and mark the men with heavy over-hanging brows, men whom you would not like to meet at night, and there are sinners there. Go to the Reformatories, and note those who have betrayed a rampant juvenile depravity, and you will see sinners there. Go across the seas to the place where a man will gnaw a bone upon which is reeking human flesh, and there is a sinner there. Go where you will, you need not ransack earth to find sinners, for they are common enough; you may find them in every lane and street of every city, and town, and village, and hamlet.

It is for such that Jesus died. If you will select me the grossest specimen of humanity, if he be but born of woman, I will have hope of him yet, because Jesus Christ is come to seek and to save sinners. Electing love has selected some of the worst to be made the best. Pebbles of the brook grace turns into jewels for the crown-royal. Worthless dross He transforms into pure gold. Redeeming love has set apart many of the worst of mankind to be the reward of the Saviour’s passion. Effectual grace calls forth many of the vilest of the vile to sit at the table of mercy, and therefore let none despair.

Reader, by that love looking out of Jesus’ tearful eyes, by that love streaming from those bleeding wounds, by that faithful love, that strong love, that pure, disinterested, and abiding love; by the heart and by the bowels of the Saviour’s compassion, we conjure you turn not away as though it were nothing to you; but believe on Him and you shall be saved. Trust your soul with Him and He will bring you to His Father’s right hand in glory everlasting.

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Evening’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 12.06.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Sunday, December 06, 2015

This Evening’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Girt about the paps with a golden girdle.”—Revelation 1:13.

ONE like unto the Son of Man” appeared to John in Patmos, and the beloved disciple marked that He wore a girdle of gold. A girdle, for Jesus never was ungirt while upon earth, but stood always ready for service, and now before the eternal throne He stays not His holy ministry, but as a priest is girt about with “the curious girdle of the ephod.” Well it is for us that He has not ceased to fulfil His offices of love for us, since this is one of our choicest safeguards that He ever liveth to make intercession for us. Jesus is never an idler; His garments are never loose as though His offices were ended; He diligently carries on the cause of His people. A golden girdle, to manifest the superiority of His service, the royalty of His person, the dignity of His state, the glory of His reward. No longer does He cry out of the dust, but He pleads with authority, a King as well as a Priest. Safe enough is our cause in the hands of our enthroned Melchisedek.

Our Lord presents all His people with an example. We must never unbind our girdles. This is not the time for lying down at ease, it is the season of service and warfare. We need to bind the girdle of truth more and more tightly around our loins. It is a golden girdle, and so will be our richest ornament, and we greatly need it, for a heart that is not well braced up with the truth as it is in Jesus, and with the fidelity which is wrought of the Spirit, will be easily entangled with the things of this life, and tripped up by the snares of temptation. It is in vain that we possess the Scriptures unless we bind them around us like a girdle, surrounding our entire nature, keeping each part of our character in order, and giving compactness to our whole man. If in heaven Jesus unbinds not the girdle, much less may we upon earth. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.

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The Wise Still Seek Him ~

The Wise Still Seek Him ~ CHRISTian poetry by deborah ann
The wise still seek Him,
 they look to the Morning Star
 they follow where He leads
 no matter how far.
They come to praise Him,
 to worship and adore
 the wise still seek Him
 wherever they are.
The wise still offer Him,
 gifts from their hearts
 faith, trust and love
 nothing keeps them apart.
They seek His love,
 His mercy and grace
 the wise still seek Him
 His Word they embrace.
The wise still seek Him,
 this Babe, the Child, their Christ
 for they know His life . . .
 came at a great price!
~~~~~~~~~
Matthew 2:9-10
 King James Version
“When they had heard the king, they departed; and,
 lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them,
 till it came and stood over where the young child was.
 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
Copyright 2013
 Deborah Ann Belka
Thank You For Visiting 1,385

Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 12.06.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Sunday, December 06, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

“Through,” Not Engulfed

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (Isaiah 43:2)

Bridge there is none: we must go through the waters and feel the rush of the rivers. The presence of God in the flood is better than a ferryboat. Tried we must be, but triumphant we shall be; for Jehovah Himself, who is mightier than many waters, shall be with us. Whenever else He may be away from His people, the Lord will surely be with them in difficulties and dangers. The sorrows of life may rise to an extraordinary height, but the Lord is equal to every occasion.

The enemies of God can put in our way dangers of their own making, namely, persecutions and cruel mockings, which are like a burning, fiery furnace. What then? We shall walk through the fires. God being with us, we shall not be burned; nay, not even the smell of fire shall remain upon us.

Oh, the wonderful security of the heaven-born and heaven-bound pilgrim! Floods cannot drown him, nor fires burn him. Thy presence, O Lord, is the protection of Thy saints from the varied perils of the road. Behold, in faith I commit myself unto Thee, and my spirit enters into rest.

 

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Today’s Bible Verse 12.06.15

Your Word My Light

John 10:14-15

“I am the good shepherd,
and know my sheep,
and am known of mine.

As the Father knoweth me,
even so know I the Father:
and I lay down
my life for the sheep.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

~ To God Be the Glory ~

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Morning’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 12.06.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Sunday, December 06, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“As is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.”
~ 1 Corinthians 15:48 ~

THE head and members are of one nature, and not like that monstrous image which Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream. The head was of fine gold, but the belly and thighs were of brass, the legs of iron, and the feet, part of iron and part of clay. Christ’s mystical body is no absurd combination of opposites; the members were mortal, and therefore Jesus died; the glorified head is immortal, and therefore the body is immortal too, for thus the record stands, “Because I live, ye shall live also.”

As is our loving Head, such is the body, and every member in particular. A chosen Head and chosen members; an accepted Head, and accepted members; a living Head, and living members. If the head be pure gold, all the parts of the body are of pure gold also. Thus is there a double union of nature as a basis for the closest communion. Pause here, devout reader, and see if thou canst without ecstatic amazement, contemplate the infinite condescension of the Son of God in thus exalting thy wretchedness into blessed union with His glory. Thou art so mean that in remembrance of thy mortality, thou mayest say to corruption, “Thou art my father,” and to the worm, “Thou art my sister”; and yet in Christ thou art so honoured that thou canst say to the Almighty, “Abba, Father,” and to the Incarnate God, “Thou art my brother and my husband.”

Surely if relationships to ancient and noble families make men think highly of themselves, we have whereof to glory over the heads of them all. Let the poorest and most despised believer lay hold upon this privilege; let not a senseless indolence make him negligent to trace his pedigree, and let him suffer no foolish attachment to present vanities to occupy his thoughts to the exclusion of this glorious, this heavenly honour of union with Christ.

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Evening’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 12.05.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Saturday, December 05, 2015

This Evening’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“And the Lord shewed me four carpenters.” ~ Zechariah 1:20 ~

IN the vision described in this chapter, the prophet saw four terrible horns. They were pushing this way and that way, dashing down the strongest and the mightiest; and the prophet asked, “What are these?” The answer was, “These are the horns which have scattered Israel.” He saw before him a representation of those powers which had oppressed the church of God. There were four horns; for the church is attacked from all quarters. Well might the prophet have felt dismayed; but on a sudden there appeared before him four carpenters. He asked, “What shall these do?” These are the men whom God hath found to break those horns in pieces. God will always find men for His work, and He will find them at the right time.

The prophet did not see the carpenters first, when there was nothing to do, but first the “horns,” and then the “carpenters.” Moreover, the Lord finds enough men. He did not find three carpenters, but four; there were four horns, and there must be four workmen. God finds the right men; not four men with pens to write; not four architects to draw plans; but four carpenters to do rough work. Rest assured, you who tremble for the ark of God, that when the “horns” grow troublesome, the “carpenters” will be found. You need not fret concerning the weakness of the church of God at any moment; there may be growing up in obscurity the valiant reformer who will shake the nations: Chrysostoms may come forth from our Ragged Schools, and Augustines from the thickest darkness of London’s poverty.

The Lord knows where to find His servants. He hath in ambush a multitude of mighty men, and at His word they shall start up to the battle; “for the battle is the Lord’s,” and He shall get to Himself the victory. Let us abide faithful to Christ, and He, in the right time, will raise up for us a defence, whether it be in the day of our personal need, or in the season of peril to His Church.

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Taking CHRIST out of CHRISTmas

Merry CHRISTmas ~ CHRISTian poetry by deborah ann
You can take Christ out of CHRISTmas,
 by saying happy holidays . . .
 you can omit Christ’s name
 with any other merry phrase.
You can remove Christ’s name,
 from your advertisements
 you can skip Christ’s name
 because of your entitlements.
You can refuse Christ’s name,
 it is your prerogative and right
 you can delete Christ’s name
 in your yearly xmas fight.
But one thing you cannot do,
 is take Christ away from me
 for it is because of His name
 from my sins I’m set free.
You can take Christ out of CHRISTmas,
 by saying happy holidays . . .
 you can omit Christ’s name
 but my joy, it will not phase!
~~~~~~~~
Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself
 shall give you a sign;
 Behold, a virgin shall conceive,
 and bear a son, and shall call
 his name Immanuel.”
King James Version
 by Public Domain
Copyright 2015
 Deborah Ann Belka
Thank You For Visiting 966

Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 12.05.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Saturday, December 05, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

High Places of Defense

He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. (Isaiah 33:16)

The man to whom God has given grace to be of blameless life dwells in perfect security.

He dwells on high, above the world, out of gunshot of the enemy, and near to heaven. He has high aims and motives, and he finds high comforts and company. He rejoices in the mountains of eternal love, wherein he has his abode.

He is defended by munitions of stupendous rock. The firmest things in the universe are the promises and purposes of the unchanging God, and these are the safeguard of the obedient believer.

He is provided for by this great promise: “Bread shall be given him.” As the enemy cannot climb the fort, nor break down the rampart, so the fortress cannot be captured by siege and famine. The Lord, who rained manna in the wilderness, will keep His people in good store even when they are surrounded by those who would starve them.

But what if water should fail? That cannot be. “His waters shall be sure.” There is a never-failing well within the impregnable fortress. The Lord sees that nothing is wanting. None can touch the citizen of the true Zion. However fierce the enemy, the Lord will preserve His chosen

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Today’s Bible Verse 12.05.15

Your Word My Light

John 10:7, 9-10

10.7

“Then said Jesus unto them again,
Verily, verily, I say unto you,
I am the door of the sheep.”

9-10

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in,
he shall be saved, and shall go in and out,
and find pasture. The thief cometh not,
but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:
I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it more abundantly.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

~ To God Be the Glory ~

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Morning’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 12.05.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Saturday, December 05, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Ask, and it shall be given you.”~ Matthew 7:7 ~

WE know of a place in England still existing, where a dole of bread is served to every passerby who chooses to ask for it. Whoever the traveller may be, he has but to knock at the door of St. Cross Hospital, and there is the dole of bread for him. Jesus Christ so loveth sinners that He has built a St. Cross Hospital, so that whenever a sinner is hungry, he has but to knock and have his wants supplied. Nay, He has done better; He has attached to this Hospital of the Cross a bath; and whenever a soul is black and filthy, it has but to go there and be washed. The fountain is always full, always efficacious.

No sinner ever went into it and found that it could not wash away his stains. Sins which were scarlet and crimson have all disappeared, and the sinner has been whiter than snow. As if this were not enough, there is attached to this Hospital of the Cross a wardrobe, and a sinner making application simply as a sinner, may be clothed from head to foot; and if he wishes to be a soldier, he may not merely have a garment for ordinary wear, but armour which shall cover him from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. If he asks for a sword, he shall have that given to him, and a shield too. Nothing that is good for him shall be denied him. He shall have spending-money so long as he lives, and he shall have an eternal heritage of glorious treasure when he enters into the joy of his Lord.

If all these things are to be had by merely knocking at mercy’s door, O my soul, knock hard this morning, and ask large things of thy generous Lord. Leave not the throne of grace till all thy wants have been spread before the Lord, and until by faith thou hast a comfortable prospect that they shall be all supplied. No bashfulness need retard when Jesus invites. No unbelief should hinder when Jesus promises. No cold-heartedness should restrain when such blessings are to be obtained.

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The CHRISTmas Clause ~

The CHRISTmas Clause ~ CHRISTian poetry by deborah ann'
For many the season,
is all about Santa Claus . . .
the presents that he brings
on which to lay their claws.
They get all excited,
over all the bright lights
often sparking in them
sounds of their delights.
What joy they all have,
over trimming a fir-tree
and listening to Jingle Bells
fills them with much glee.
For some the season,
reminds them of God’s favor
how He sent to all the Gift . . .
of Christ Jesus, their Savior.
We get all excited,
when hearing of the True Light
sparkling from the Star
that shone one winter’s night.
What joy we all have,
over the Branch and the Vine
and listening to Silent Night
fills us up with New Wine.
For many the season,
is all about Santa Claus
but for some it’s all about . . .
Salvation’s only clause!
~~~~~~~~~~~
“And there shall come forth a rod
 out of the stem of Jesse, and a
 Branch shall grow out of his roots:”
Copyright 2015
Deborah Ann Belka
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Evening’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 12.04.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Friday, December 04, 2015

This Evening’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” ~Romans 8:23 ~

THIS groaning is universal among the saints: to a greater or less extent we all feel it. It is not the groan of murmuring or complaint: it is rather the note of desire than of distress. Having received an earnest, we desire the whole of our portion; we are sighing that our entire manhood, in its trinity of spirit, soul, and body, may be set free from the last vestige of the fall; we long to put off corruption, weakness, and dishonour, and to wrap ourselves in incorruption, in immortality, in glory, in the spiritual body which the Lord Jesus will bestow upon His people. We long for the manifestation of our adoption as the children of God.

“We groan,” but it is “within ourselves.” It is not the hypocrite’s groan, by which he would make men believe that he is a saint because he is wretched. Our sighs are sacred things, too hallowed for us to tell abroad. We keep our longings to our Lord alone. Then the apostle says we are “waiting,” by which we learn that we are not to be petulant, like Jonah or Elijah, when they said, “Let me die”; nor are we to whimper and sigh for the end of life because we are tired of work, nor wish to escape from our present sufferings till the will of the Lord is done. We are to groan for glorification, but we are to wait patiently for it, knowing that what the Lord appoints is best. Waiting implies being ready. We are to stand at the door expecting the Beloved to open it and take us away to Himself. This “groaning” is a test. You may judge of a man by what he groans after.

Some men groan after wealth—they worship Mammon; some groan continually under the troubles of life—they are merely impatient; but the man who sighs after God, who is uneasy till he is made like Christ, that is the blessed man. May God help us to groan for the coming of the Lord, and the resurrection which He will bring to us.

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Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 12.04.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Friday, December 04, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

Covered and Protected

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. (Psalm 91:4)

A condescending simile indeed! Just as a hen protects her brood and allows them to nestle under her wings, so will the Lord defend His people and permit them to hide away in Him. Have we not seen the little chicks peeping out from under the mother’s feathers? Have we not heard their little cry of contented joy? In this way let us shelter ourselves in our God and feel overflowing peace in knowing that He is guarding us.

While the Lord covers us, we trust. It would be strange if we did not. How can we distrust when Jehovah Himself becomes house and home, refuge and rest to us?

This done, we go out to war in His name and enjoy the same guardian care. We need shield and buckler, and when we implicitly trust God, even as the chick trusts the hen, we find His truth arming us from head to foot. The Lord cannot lie; He must be faithful to His people; His promise must stand. This sure truth is all the shield we need. Behind it we defy the fiery darts of the enemy.

Come, my soul, hide under those great wings, lose thyself among those soft feathers! How happy thou art!

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Today’s Bible Verse 12.04.15

Your Word My Light

John 8:12

“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.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

~ To God Be the Glory ~

Thank You For Visiting 1,154

Morning’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 12.04.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Friday, December 04, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“I have much people in this city.” ~Acts 18:10 ~

THIS should be a great encouragement to try to do good, since God has among the vilest of the vile, the most reprobate, the most debauched and drunken, an elect people who must be saved. When you take the Word to them, you do so because God has ordained you to be the messenger of life to their souls, and they must receive it, for so the decree of predestination runs. They are as much redeemed by blood as the saints before the eternal throne. They are Christ’s property, and yet perhaps they are lovers of the ale-house, and haters of holiness; but if Jesus Christ purchased them He will have them. God is not unfaithful to forget the price which His Son has paid. He will not suffer His substitution to be in any case an ineffectual, dead thing. Tens of thousands of redeemed ones are not regenerated yet, but regenerated they must be; and this is our comfort when we go forth to them with the quickening Word of God.

Nay, more, these ungodly ones are prayed for by Christ before the throne. “Neither pray I for these alone,” saith the great Intercessor, “but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.” Poor, ignorant souls, they know nothing about prayer for themselves, but Jesus prays for them. Their names are on His breastplate, and ere long they must bow their stubborn knee, breathing the penitential sigh before the throne of grace. “The time of figs is not yet.” The predestinated moment has not struck; but, when it comes, they shall obey, for God will have His own; they must, for the Spirit is not to be withstood when He cometh forth with fulness of power—they must become the willing servants of the living God. “My people shall be willing in the day of my power.” “He shall justify many.” “He shall see of the travail of His soul.” “I will divide him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong.”

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Evening’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 12.03.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Thursday, December 03, 2015

This Evening’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“The Lord mighty in battle.” ~Psalm 24:8 ~

WELL may our God be glorious in the eyes of His people, seeing that He has wrought such wonders for them, in them, and by them. For them, the Lord Jesus upon Calvary routed every foe, breaking all the weapons of the enemy in pieces by His finished work of satisfactory obedience; by His triumphant resurrection and ascension He completely overturned the hopes of hell, leading captivity captive, making a show of our enemies openly, triumphing over them by His cross. Every arrow of guilt which Satan might have shot at us is broken, for who can lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? Vain are the sharp swords of infernal malice, and the perpetual battles of the serpent’s seed, for in the midst of the church the lame take the prey, and the feeblest warriors are crowned.

The saved may well adore their Lord for His conquests in them, since the arrows of their natural hatred are snapped, and the weapons of their rebellion broken. What victories has grace won in our evil hearts! How glorious is Jesus when the will is subdued, and sin dethroned! As for our remaining corruptions, they shall sustain an equally sure defeat, and every temptation, and doubt, and fear, shall be utterly destroyed. In the Salem of our peaceful hearts, the name of Jesus is great beyond compare: He has won our love, and He shall wear it. Even thus securely may we look for victories by us. We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. We shall cast down the powers of darkness which are in the world, by our faith, and zeal, and holiness; we shall win sinners to Jesus, we shall overturn false systems, we shall convert nations, for God is with us, and none shall stand before us. This evening let the Christian warrior chant the war song, and prepare for to-morrow’s fight. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.

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Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 12.03.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Thursday, December 03, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

Peace Whatever Exposure

I will make them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. (Ezekiel 34:25)

It is the height of grace that Jehovah should be in covenant with man, a feeble, sinful, and dying creature. Yet the Lord has solemnly entered into a faithful compact with us, and from that covenant He will never turn aside. In virtue of this covenant we are safe. As lions and wolves are driven off by shepherds, so shall all noxious influences be chased away. The Lord will give us rest from disturbers and destroyers; the evil beasts shall cease out of the land. O Lord, make this Thy promise good even now!

The Lord’s people are to enjoy security in places of the greatest exposure: wilderness and woods are to be as pastures and folds to the flock of Christ. If the Lord does not change the place for the better, He will make us the better in the place. The wilderness is not a place to dwell in, but the Lord can make it so; in the woods one feels hound to watch rather than to sleep, and yet the Lord giveth His beloved sleep even there. Nothing without or within should cause any fear to the child of God. By faith the wilderness can become the suburbs of heaven and the woods the vestibule of glory.

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Today’s Bible Verse 12.03.15

Your Word My Light

John 6:35

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life:
he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that
believeth on me shall never thirst.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

~ To God Be the Glory ~

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Morning’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 12.03.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Thursday, December 03, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“There is no spot in thee.” ~ Song of Solomon 4:7 ~

HAVING pronounced His Church positively full of beauty, our Lord confirms His praise by a precious negative, “There is no spot in I thee.” As if the thought occurred to the Bridegroom that the carping world would insinuate that He had only mentioned her comely parts, and had purposely omitted those features which were deformed or defiled, He sums up all by declaring her universally and entirely fair, and utterly devoid of stain. A spot may soon be removed, and is the very least thing that can disfigure beauty, but even from this little blemish the believer is delivered in his Lord’s sight.

If He had said there is no hideous scar, no horrible deformity, no deadly ulcer, we might even then have marvelled; but when He testifies that she is free from the slightest spot, all these other forms of defilement are included, and the depth of wonder is increased. If He had but promised to remove all spots by-and-by, we should have had eternal reason for joy; but when He speaks of it as already done, who can restrain the most intense emotions of satisfaction and delight? O my soul, here is marrow and fatness for thee; eat thy full, and be satisfied with royal dainties.

Christ Jesus has no quarrel with His spouse. She often wanders from Him, and grieves His Holy Spirit, but He does not allow her faults to affect His love. He sometimes chides, but it is always in the tenderest manner, with the kindest intentions: it is “my love” even then. There is no remembrance of our follies, He does not cherish ill thoughts of us, but He pardons and loves as well after the offence as before it. It is well for us it is so, for if Jesus were as mindful of injuries as we are, how could He commune with us? Many a time a believer will put himself out of humour with the Lord for some slight turn in providence, but our precious Husband knows our silly hearts too well to take any offence at our ill manners.

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Evening’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 12.02.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Wednesday, December 02, 2015

This Evening’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Behold, all is vanity.”—Ecclesiastes 1:14.

NOTHING can satisfy the entire man but the Lord’s love and the Lord’s own self. Saints have tried to anchor in other roadsteads, but they have been driven out of such fatal refuges. Solomon, the wisest of men, was permitted to make experiments for us all, and to do for us what we must not dare to do for ourselves. Here is his testimony in his own words: “So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” What! the whole of it vanity? O favoured monarch, is there nothing in all thy wealth? Nothing in that wide dominion reaching from the river even to the sea? Nothing in Palmyra’s glorious palaces? Nothing in the house of the forest of Lebanon? In all thy music and dancing, and wine and luxury, is there nothing? “Nothing,” he says, “but weariness of spirit.” This was his verdict when he had trodden the whole round of pleasure.

To embrace our Lord Jesus, to dwell in His love, and be fully assured of union with Him—this is all in all. Dear reader, you need not try other forms of life in order to see whether they are better than the Christian’s: if you roam the world around, you will see no sights like a sight of the Saviour’s face; if you could have all the comforts of life, if you lost your Saviour, you would be wretched; but if you win Christ, then should you rot in a dungeon, you would find it a paradise; should you live in obscurity, or die with famine, you will yet be satisfied with favour and full of the goodness of the Lord.

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Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 12.02.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Wednesday, December 02, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

Our Holiest Example

I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. (Psalm 16:8)

This is the way to live. With God always before us, we shall have the noblest companionship, the holiest example, the sweetest consolation, and the mightiest influence. This must be a resolute act of the mind. “I have set,” and it must be maintained as a set and settled thing. Always to have an eye to the Lord’s eye and an ear for the Lord’s voice—this is the right state for the godly man. His God is near him, filling the horizon of his vision, leading the way of his life, and furnishing the theme of his meditation. What vanities we should avoid, what sins we should overcome, what virtues we should exhibit, what joys we should experience if we did indeed set the Lord always before us! Why not?

This is the way to be safe. The Lord being ever in our minds, we come to feel safety and certainty because of His being so near. He is at our right hand to guide and aid us; and hence we are not moved by fear, nor force, nor fraud, nor fickleness. When God stands at a man’s right hand, that man is himself sure to stand. Come on, then, ye foemen of the truth! Rush against me like a furious tempest, if ye will. God upholds me. God abides with me. Whom shall I fear?

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  • Trust ~ Delight ~ Commit ~ Rest
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