Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 04.25.15

C_H__Spurgeon

.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

What to Leave Children

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. (Proverbs 20:7)

Anxiety about our family is natural, but we shall be wise if we turn it into care about our own character. If we walk before the Lord in integrity, we shall do more to bless our descendants than if we bequeathed them large estates. A father’s holy life is a rich legacy for his sons.

The upright man leaves his heirs his example, and this in itself will be a mine of true wealth, How many men may trace their success in life to the example of their parents!

He leaves them also his repute. Men think better of us as the sons of a man who could be trusted, the successors of a tradesman of excellent repute, Oh, that all young men were anxious to keep up the family name!

Above all, he leaves his children his prayers and the blessing of a prayer-hearing God, and these make our offspring to be favored among the sons of men. God will save them even after we are dead. Oh, that they might be saved at once!

Our integrity may be God’s means of saving our sons and daughters. If they see the truth of our religion proved by our lives, it may be that they will believe in Jesus for themselves. Lord, fulfill this word to my household!

Thank You For Visiting 879

Today’s Bible Verse 04.25.15

Your Word New

Colossians 1:27-28

“To them God has chosen to make known
among the Gentiles the glorious riches
of this mystery, which is Christ in you,
the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim,
admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Thank You For Visiting 784

Morning’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 04.25.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Saturday, April 25, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away.”—Song of Solomon 2:10.

LO, I hear the voice of my Beloved! He speaks to me! Fair weather is smiling upon the face of the earth, and He would not have me spiritually asleep while nature is all around me awaking from her winter’s rest. He bids me “Rise up,” and well He may, for I have long enough been lying among the pots of worldliness. He is risen, I am risen in Him, why then should I cleave unto the dust? From lower loves, desires, pursuits, and aspirations, I would rise towards Him.

He calls me by the sweet title of “My love,” and counts me fair; this is a good argument for my rising. If He has thus exalted me, and thinks me thus comely, how can I linger in the tents of Kedar and find congenial associates among the sons of men? He bids me “Come away.” Further and further from everything selfish, grovelling, worldly, sinful, He calls me; yea, from the outwardly religious world which knows Him not, and has no sympathy with the mystery of the higher life, He calls me. “Come away” has no harsh sound in it to my ear, for what is there to hold me in this wilderness of vanity and sin? O my Lord, would that I could come away, but I am taken among the thorns, and cannot escape from them as I would. I would, if it were possible, have neither eyes, nor ears, nor heart for sin.

Thou callest me to Thyself by saying “Come away,” and this is a melodious call indeed. To come to Thee is to come home from exile, to come to land out of the raging storm, to come to rest after long labour, to come to the goal of my desires and the summit of my wishes. But Lord, how can a stone rise, how can a lump of clay come away from the horrible pit? O raise me, draw me. Thy grace can do it. Send forth Thy Holy Spirit to kindle sacred flames of love in my heart, and I will continue to rise until I leave life and time behind me, and indeed come away.

Thank You For Visiting 615

Evening’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 04.24.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Friday, April 24, 2015

This Evening’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.”—Song of Solomon 2:12.

SWEET is the season of spring: the long and dreary winter helps us to appreciate its genial warmth, and its promise of summer enhances its present delights. After periods of depression of spirit, it is delightful to behold again the light of the Sun of Righteousness; then our slumbering graces rise from their lethargy, like the crocus and the daffodil from their beds of earth; then is our heart made merry with delicious notes of gratitude, far more melodious than the warbling of birds—and the comforting assurance of peace, infinitely more delightful than the turtle’s note, is heard within the soul.

Now is the time for the soul to seek communion with her Beloved; now must she rise from her native sordidness, and come away from her old associations. If we do not hoist the sail when the breeze is favourable, we shall be blameworthy: times of refreshing ought not to pass over us unimproved. When Jesus Himself visits us in tenderness, and entreats us to arise, can we be so base as to refuse His request? He has Himself risen that He may draw us after Him: He now by His Holy Spirit has revived us, that we may, in newness of life, ascend into the heavenlies, and hold communion with Himself. Let our wintry state suffice us for coldness and indifference; when the Lord creates a spring within, let our sap flow with vigour, and our branch blossom with high resolve.

O Lord, if it be not spring time in my chilly heart, I pray Thee make it so, for I am heartily weary of living at a distance from Thee. Oh! the long and dreary winter, when wilt Thou bring it to an end? Come, Holy Spirit, and renew my soul! quicken Thou me! restore me, and have mercy on me! This very night I would earnestly implore the Lord to take pity upon His servant, and send me a happy revival of spiritual life!

 

Thank You For Visiting 855

Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 04.24.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Friday, April 24, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

Condition of Blessing

Bring ye all of the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10)

Many read and plead this promise without noticing the condition upon which the blessing is promised. We cannot expect heaven to be opened or blessing poured out unless we pay our dues unto the Lord our God and to His cause. There would be no lack of funds for holy purposes if all professing Christians paid their fair share.

Many are poor because they rob God. Many churches, also, miss the visitation of the Spirit because they starve their ministries. If there is no temporal meat for God’s servants, we need not wonder if their ministry has been little food in it for our souls. When missions pine for means and the work of the Lord is hindered by an empty treasury, how can we look for a large amount of soul-prosperity?

Come, come! What have I given of late? Have I been mean to my God? Have I stinted my Savior? This will never do. Let me give my Lord Jesus His tithe by helping the poor and aiding His work, and then I shall prove His power to bless me on a large scale.

Thank You For Visiting 713

Today’s Bible Verse 04.24.15

Your Word New

Peter 1:18-19

“For you know that it was not with perishable things
such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from
the empty way of life handed down to you from your
ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ,
a lamb without blemish or defect.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Thank You For Visiting 771

Morning’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 04.24.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Friday, April 24, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“And because of all this we make a sure covenant.”—Nehemiah 9:38.

THERE are many occasions in our experience when we may very rightly, and with benefit, renew our covenant with God. After recovery from sickness when, like Hezekiah, we have had a new term of years added to our life, we may fitly do it. After any deliverance from trouble, when our joys bud forth anew, let us again visit the foot of the cross, and renew our consecration. Especially, let us do this after any sin which has grieved the Holy Spirit, or brought dishonour upon the cause of God; let us then look to that blood which can make us whiter than snow, and again offer ourselves unto the Lord.

We should not only let our troubles confirm our dedication to God, but our prosperity should do the same. If we ever meet with occasions which deserve to be called “crowning mercies” then, surely, if He hath crowned us, we ought also to crown our God; let us bring forth anew all the jewels of the divine regalia which have been stored in the jewel-closet of our heart, and let our God sit upon the throne of our love, arrayed in royal apparel. If we would learn to profit by our prosperity, we should not need so much adversity. If we would gather from a kiss all the good it might confer upon us, we should not so often smart under the rod.

Have we lately received some blessing which we little expected? Has the Lord put our feet in a large room? Can we sing of mercies multiplied? Then this is the day to put our hand upon the horns of the altar, and say, “Bind me here, my God; bind me here with cords, even for ever.” Inasmuch as we need the fulfillment of new promises from God, let us offer renewed prayers that our old vows may not be dishonoured. Let us this morning make with Him a sure covenant, because of the pains of Jesus which for the last month we have been considering with gratitude.

Thank You For Visiting 682

Evening’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 04.23.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Thursday, April 23, 2015

This Evening’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Lo, in the midst of the throne . . . stood a Lamb as it had been slain.”—Revelation 5:6.

WHY should our exalted Lord appear in His wounds in glory? The wounds of Jesus are His glories, His jewels, His sacred ornaments. To the eye of the believer, Jesus is passing fair because He is “white and ruddy” white with innocence, and ruddy with His own blood.

We see Him as the lily of matchless purity, and as the rose crimsoned with His own gore. Christ is lovely upon Olivet and Tabor, and by the sea, but oh! there never was such a matchless Christ as He that did hang upon the cross. There we beheld all His beauties in perfection, all His attributes developed, all His love drawn out, all His character expressed. Beloved, the wounds of Jesus are far more fair in our eyes than all the splendour and pomp of kings. The thorny crown is more than an imperial diadem.

It is true that He bears not now the sceptre of reed, but there was a glory in it that never flashed from sceptre of gold. Jesus wears the appearance of a slain Lamb as His court dress in which He wooed our souls, and redeemed them by His complete atonement. Nor are these only the ornaments of Christ: they are the trophies of His love and of His victory. He has divided the spoil with the strong. He has redeemed for Himself a great multitude whom no man can number, and these scars are the memorials of the fight. Ah! if Christ thus loves to retain the thought of His sufferings for His people, how precious should his wounds be to us!

“Behold how every wound of His
A precious balm distils,
Which heals the scars that sin had made,
And cures all mortal ills.
“Those wounds are mouths that preach His grace;
The ensigns of His love;
The seals of our expected bliss
In paradise above.”
 

 

Thank You For Visiting 752

Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 04.23.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

No Fear of Death

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (Revelation 2:11)

The first death we must endure unless the Lord should suddenly come to His temple. For this let us abide in readiness, awaiting it without fear, since Jesus has transformed death from a dreary cavern into a passage leading to glory.

The thing to be feared is not the first but the second death, not the parting of the soul from the body but the final separation of the entire man from God. This is death indeed. This death kills all peace, joy, happiness, hope. When God is gone, all is gone. Such a death is far worse than ceasing to be: it is existence without the life which makes existence worth the having.

Now, if by God’s grace we fight on to the end and conquer in the glorious war, no second death can lay its chill finger upon us, We shall have no fear of death and hell, for we shall receive a crown of life which fadeth not away. How this nerves us for the fight! Eternal life is worth a life’s battle. To escape the hurt of the second death is a thing worth struggling for throughout a lifetime.

Lord, give us faith so that we may overcome, and then grant us grace to remain unharmed though sin and Satan dog our heels!

Thank You For Visiting 732

Today’s Bible Verse 04.23.15

Your Word New

Romans 14:11

“It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’
says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Thank You For Visiting 1,018

Morning’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 04.23.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Thursday, April 23, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.”—Romans 8:37.

WE go to Christ for forgiveness, and then too often look to the law for power to fight our sins. Paul thus rebukes us, “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”

Take your sins to Christ’s cross, for the old man can only be crucified there: we are crucified with Him. The only weapon to fight sin with is the spear which pierced the side of Jesus. To give an illustration—you want to overcome an angry temper, how do you go to work? It is very possible you have never tried the right way of going to Jesus with it. How did I get salvation? I came to Jesus just as I was, and I trusted Him to save me. I must kill my angry temper in the same way? It is the only way in which I can ever kill it.

I must go to the cross with it, and say to Jesus, “Lord, I trust Thee to deliver me from it.” This is the only way to give it a death-blow. Are you covetous? Do you feel the world entangle you? You may struggle against this evil so long as you please, but if it be your besetting sin, you will never be delivered from it in any way but by the blood of Jesus. Take it to Christ. Tell Him, “Lord, I have trusted Thee, and Thy name is Jesus, for Thou dost save Thy people from their sins; Lord, this is one of my sins; save me from it!” Ordinances are nothing without Christ as a means of mortification. Your prayers, and your repentances, and your tears—the whole of them put together—are worth nothing apart from Him. “None but Jesus can do helpless sinners good;” or helpless saints either. You must be conquerors through Him who hath loved you, if conquerors at all. Our laurels must grow among His olives in Gethsemane.

Thank You For Visiting 607

Evening’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 04.22.15

C_H__Spurgeon

 Wednesday, April 22, 2015

This Evening’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night.”—Psalm 91:5.

WHAT is this terror? It may be the cry of fire, or the noise of thieves, or fancied appearances, or the shriek of sudden sickness or death. We live in the world of death and sorrow, we may therefore look for ills as well in the night-watches as beneath the glare of he broiling sun. Nor should this alarm us, for be the terror what it may, the promise is that the believer shall not be afraid. Why should he? Let us put it more closely, why should we? God our Father is here, and will be here all through the lonely hours; He is an almighty Watcher, a sleepless Guardian, a faithful Friend.

Nothing can happen without His direction, for even hell itself is under His control. Darkness is not dark to Him. He has promised to be a wall of fire around His people—and who can break through such a barrier? Worldlings may well be afraid, for they have an angry God above them, a guilty conscience within them, and a yawning hell beneath them; but we who rest in Jesus are saved from all these through rich mercy. If we give way to foolish fear we shall dishonour our profession, and lead others to doubt the reality of godliness. We ought to be afraid of being afraid, lest we should vex the Holy Spirit by foolish distrust.

Down, then, ye dismal forebodings and groundless apprehensions, God has not forgotten to be gracious, nor shut up His tender mercies, it may be night in the soul, but there need be no terror, for the God of love changes not. Children of light may walk in darkness, but they are not therefore cast away, nay, they are now enabled to prove their adoption by trusting in their heavenly Father as hypocrites cannot do.

“Though the night be dark and dreary,
Darkness cannot hide from Thee;
Thou art He, who, never weary,
Watchest where Thy people be.”
 

Thank You For Visiting 732

Worries Debut ~

worry-fades-away ~CHRISTian poetry by deborahann ~ used with permission IBible VErse
When worry makes,
 its debut . . .
 don't let fear
 take a hold of you.
Thrust it out,
 as far as it can go
 so in your mind
 it won't start to grow.
Then let God,
 take it from there
 it's His worry
 now to bear.
He'll come though,
 just as planned
 so leave your cares
 in His mighty hand.
God doesn't want,
 for you to stew . . .
 when worry makes
 its debut!
~~~~~~~
Isaiah 41:13
"For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand,
  saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee."
King James Version
 by Public Domain
Copyright 2014
 Deborah Ann Belka
Thank You For Visiting 1,648

Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 04.22.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

Power to Raise

The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down. (Psalm l46:8)

Am I bowed down? Then let me urge this word of grace before the Lord. It is His way, His custom, His promise, His delight, to raise up them that are bowed down. Is it a sense of sin and a consequent depression of spirit which distresses me? Then the work of Jesus is, in this case, made and provided to raise me up into rest. O Lord, raise me, for Thy mercy’s sake!

Is it a sad bereavement or a great fall in circumstances? Here again the Comforter has undertaken to console. What a mercy for us that one Person of the sacred Trinity should become the Comforter! This work will be well done since such a glorious One has made it His peculiar care.

Some are so bowed down that only Jesus can loose them from their infirmity, but He can, and He will, do it. He can raise us up to health, to hope, to happiness. He has often done so under former trials, and He is the same Savior and will repeat His deeds of lovingkindness. We who are today bowed down and sorrowful shalt yet be set on high, and those who now mock at us shall be greatly ashamed. What an honor to be raised up by the Lord! It is worthwhile to be bowed down that we may experience His upraising power.

Thank You For Visiting 826

Today’s Bible Verse 04.22.15

Your Word New

Romans 1:20

“For since the creation of the world
God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power
and divine nature—have been clearly seen,
being understood from what has been made,
so that people are without excuse.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Thank You For Visiting 703

Morning’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 04.22.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Him hath God exalted.”—Acts 5:31.

JESUS, our Lord, once crucified, dead and buried, now sits upon the throne of glory. The highest place that heaven affords is His by undisputed right. It is sweet to remember that the exaltation of Christ in heaven is a representative exaltation. He is exalted at the Father’s right hand, and though as Jehovah He had eminent glories, in which finite creatures cannot share, yet as the Mediator, the honours which Jesus wears in heaven are the heritage of all the saints.

It is delightful to reflect how close is Christ’s union with His people. We are actually one with Him; we are members of His body; and His exaltation is our exaltation. He will give us to sit upon His throne, even as He has overcome, and is set down with His Father on His throne; He has a crown, and He gives us crowns too; He has a throne, but He is not content with having a throne to Himself, on His right hand there must be His queen, arrayed in “gold of Ophir.” He cannot be glorified without His bride.

Look up, believer, to Jesus now; let the eye of your faith behold Him with many crowns upon His head; and remember that you will one day be like Him, when you shall see Him as He is; you shall not be so great as He is, you shall not be so divine, but still you shall, in a measure, share the same honours, and enjoy the same happiness and the same dignity which He possesses. Be content to live unknown for a little while, and to walk your weary way through the fields of poverty, or up the hills of affliction; for by-and-by you shall reign with Christ, for He has “made us kings and priests unto God, and we shall reign for ever and ever.” Oh!, wonderful thought for the children of God! We have Christ for our glorious representative in heaven’s courts now, and soon He will come and receive us to Himself, to be with Him there, to behold His glory, and to share His joy.

Thank You For Visiting 539

Evening’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 04.21.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

This Evening’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Who is even at the right hand of God.”—Romans 8:34.

HE who was once despised and rejected of men, now occupies the honourable position of a beloved and honoured Son. The right hand of God is the place of majesty and favour. Our Lord Jesus is His people’s representative. When He died for them they had rest; He rose again for them, they had liberty; when He sat down at His Father’s right hand, they had favour, and honour, and dignity.

The raising and elevation of Christ is the elevation, the acceptance, and enshrinement, the glorifying of all His people, for He is their head and representative. This sitting at the right hand of God, then, is to be viewed as the acceptance of the person of the Surety, the reception of the Representative, and therefore, the acceptance of our souls. O saint, see in this thy sure freedom from condemnation. “Who is he that condemneth?” Who shall condemn the men who are in Jesus at the right hand of God?
The right hand is the place of power. Christ at the right hand of God hath all power in heaven and in earth. Who shall fight against the people who have such power vested in their Captain? O my soul, what can destroy thee if Omnipotence be thy helper? If the aegis of the Almighty cover thee, what sword can smite thee? Rest thou secure. If Jesus is thine all-prevailing King, and hath trodden thine enemies beneath His feet; if sin, death, and hell are all vanquished by Him, and thou art represented in Him, by no possibility canst thou be destroyed.

“Jesu’s tremendous name
Puts all our foes to flight:
Jesus, the meek, the angry Lamb,
A Lion is in fight.
“By all hell’s host withstood;
We all hell’s host o’erthrow;
And conquering them, through Jesu’s blood
We still to conquer go.”
 

Thank You For Visiting 616

God’s Love Stays True ~

everlastinglove-CHRISTian poetry by deborah ann

God’s love never fails,
it won’t wither or pale
God’s love stays true
makes everything new.

God’s love is firm,
though we may squirm
God’s love is patient
when we’re complacent.

God’s love is kind,
though we’re resigned
God’s love is gentle
when we’re temperamental.

God’s love is just,
though we may not trust
God’s love is pure
when we’re insecure.

God’s love never ceases,
though we fall to pieces
God’s love is hope
when we can’t cope.

God’s love never pales,
though we may fail
God’s love stays true
whilst making us new!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Jeremiah 31:3
King James Version

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying,
Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love:
therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Thank You For Visiting 1,230

Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 04.21.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

God Repays

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. (Proverbs 19:17)

We are to give to the poor out of pity. Not to be seen and applauded, much less to get influence over them; but out of pure sympathy and compassion we must give them help.

We must not expect to get anything back from the poor, not even gratitude; but we should regard what we have done as a loan to the Lord. He undertakes the obligation, and, if we look to Him in the matter, we must not look to the second party. What an honor the Lord bestows upon us when He condescends to borrow of us! That merchant is greatly favored who has the Lord on his books. It would seem a pity to have such a name down for a paltry pittance; let us make it a heavy amount. The next needy man that comes this way, let us help him.

As for repayment, we can hardly think of it, and yet here is the Lord’s note of hand. Blessed be His name, His promise to pay is better than gold and silver. Are we running a little short through the depression of the times? We may venture humbly to present this bill at the bank of faith, Has any one of our readers [oppressed] the poor? Poor soul. May the Lord forgive him.

Thank You For Visiting 850

Today’s Bible Verse 04.21.15

Your Word New

John 10:28-30

“I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish; no one will snatch them out
of my hand. My Father, who has given them
to me, is greater than all; no one can
snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
I and the Father are one.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Thank You For Visiting 705

Morning’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 04.21.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“I know that my Redeemer liveth.”—Job 19:25.

THE marrow of Job’s comfort lies in that little word “My”—”My Redeemer,” and in the fact that the Redeemer lives. Oh! to get hold of a living Christ. We must get a property in Him before we can enjoy Him. What is gold in the mine to me? Men are beggars in Peru, and beg their bread in California. It is gold in my purse which will satisfy my necessities, by purchasing the bread I need. So a Redeemer who does not redeem me, an avenger who will never stand up for my blood, of what avail were such?

Rest not content until by faith you can say “Yes, I cast myself upon my living Lord; and He is mine.” It may be you hold Him with a feeble hand; you half think it presumption to say, “He lives as my Redeemer;” yet, remember if you have but faith as a grain of mustard seed, that little faith entitles you to say it. But there is also another word here, expressive of Job’s strong confidence, “I know.” To say, “I hope so, I trust so” is comfortable; and there are thousands in the fold of Jesus who hardly ever get much further.

But to reach the essence of consolation you must say, “I know.” Ifs, buts, and perhapses, are sure murderers of peace and comfort. Doubts are dreary things in times of sorrow. Like wasps they sting the soul! If I have any suspicion that Christ is not mine, then there is vinegar mingled with the gall of death; but if I know that Jesus lives for me, then darkness is not dark: even the night is light about me. Surely if Job, in those ages before the coming and advent of Christ, could say, “I know,” we should not speak less positively. God forbid that our positiveness should be presumption. Let us see that our evidences are right, lest we build upon an ungrounded hope; and then let us not be satisfied with the mere foundation, for it is from the upper rooms that we get the widest prospect. A living Redeemer, truly mine, is joy unspeakable.

Thank You For Visiting 637

Evening’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 04.20.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Monday, April 20, 2015

This Evening’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Fight the Lord’s battles.”—1 Samuel 18:17.

HE sacramental host of God’s elect is warring still on earth, Jesus Christ being the Captain of their salvation. He has said, “Lo! I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Hark to the shouts of war! Now let the people of God stand fast in their ranks, and let no man’s heart fail him.

It is true that just now in England the battle is turned against us, and unless the Lord Jesus shall lift His sword, we know not what may become of the church of God in this land; but let us be of good courage, and play the man. There never was a day when Protestantism seemed to tremble more in the scales than now that a fierce effort is making to restore the Romish antichrist to his ancient seat. We greatly want a bold voice and a strong hand to preach and publish the old gospel for which martyrs bled and confessors died. The Saviour is, by His Spirit, still on earth; let this cheer us.

He is ever in the midst of the fight, and therefore the battle is not doubtful. And as the conflict rages, what a sweet satisfaction it is to know that the Lord Jesus, in His office as our great Intercessor, is prevalently pleading for His people! O anxious gazer, look not so much at the battle below, for there thou shalt be enshrouded in smoke, and amazed with garments rolled in blood; but lift thine eyes yonder where the Saviour lives and pleads, for while He intercedes, the cause of God is safe. Let us fight as if it all depended upon us, but let us look up and know that all depends upon Him.
Now, by the lilies of Christian purity, and by the roses of the Saviour’s atonement, by the roes and by the hinds of the field, we charge you who are lovers of Jesus, to do valiantly in the Holy War, for truth and righteousness, for the kingdom and crown jewels of your Master. Onward! “for the battle is not yours but God’s.”

Thank You For Visiting 763

I Sit ~

BE STILL BY BRANDI WOOD FREE PHOTO #18120
Sometimes I sit,
in humble silence
I wait on the Lord
seeking His guidance.
I say not a thing,
give to Him my mind
knowing His will for me
is there for me to find.
Sometimes I sit,
in quiet solitude
till I have for Him
the right attitude.
I tune the world out,
His voice, I listen for
I give Him my heart
to search and explore.
Sometimes I sit,
humbled by His love
and in silence I wait . . .
for a word from above!
~~~~~~~~~~~
Psalm 46: 10a
“Be still, and know that I am God:”
King James Version
by Public Domain
Copyright 2015
Deborah Ann Belka
Thank You For Visiting 2,026

Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 04.20.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Monday, April 20, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

By Faith Not Feeling

The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:17)

I shall not die, I can, I do, believe in the Lord my God, and this faith will keep me alive. I would be numbered among those who in their lives are just; but even if I were perfect I would not try to live by my righteousness; I would cling to the work of the Lord Jesus and still live by faith in Him and by nothing else. If I were able to give my body to be burned for my Lord Jesus, yet I would not trust in my own courage and constancy, but still would live by faith.

Were I a martyr at the stake

I’d plead my Saviour’s name;

Intreat a pardon for His sake,

And urge no other claim.

To live by faith is a far surer and happier thing than to live by feelings or by works, The branch, by living in the vine, lives a better life than it would live by itself, even if it were possible for it to live at all apart from the stem. To live by clinging to Jesus, by deriving all from Him, is a sweet and sacred thing. If even the most just must live in this fashion, how much more must I who am a poor sinner! Lord, I believe. I must trust Thee wholly. What else can I do? Trusting Thee is my life….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank You For Visiting 769

Today’s Bible Verse 04.20.15

Your Word New

1 Corinthians 15:55-57

“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
he sting of death is sin,
and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God!
He gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Thank You For Visiting 836

Morning’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 04.20.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Monday, April 20, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“That through death He might destroy him that had the power of death.”—Hebrews 2:14.

Ochild of God, death hath lost its sting, because the devil’s power over it is destroyed. Then cease to fear dying. Ask grace from God the Holy Ghost, that by an intimate knowledge and a firm belief of thy Redeemer’s death, thou mayst be strengthened for that dread hour.

Living near the cross of Calvary thou mayst think of death with pleasure, and welcome it when it comes with intense delight. It is sweet to die in the Lord: it is a covenant-blessing to sleep in Jesus. Death is no longer banishment, it is a return from exile, a going home to the many mansions where the loved ones already dwell. The distance between glorified spirits in heaven and militant saints on earth seems great; but it is not so. We are not far from home—a moment will bring us there.

The sail is spread; the soul is launched upon the deep. How long will be its voyage? How many wearying winds must beat upon the sail ere it shall be reefed in the port of peace? How long shall that soul be tossed upon the waves before it comes to that sea which knows no storm? Listen to the answer, “Absent from the body, present with the Lord.” Yon ship has just departed, but it is already at its haven. It did but spread its sail and it was there. Like that ship of old, upon the Lake of Galilee, a storm had tossed it, but Jesus said, “Peace, be still,” and immediately it came to land.

Think not that a long period intervenes between the instant of death and the eternity of glory. When the eyes close on earth they open in heaven. The horses of fire are not an instant on the road. Then, O child of God, what is there for thee to fear in death, seeing that through the death of thy Lord its curse and sting are destroyed? and now it is but a Jacob’s ladder whose foot is in the dark grave, but its top reaches to glory everlasting.

Thank You For Visiting 643

Evening’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 04.19.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Sunday, April 19, 2015

This Evening’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“The Amen.”—Revelation 3:14.

THE word AMEN solemnly confirms that which went before; and Jesus is the great Confirmer; immutable, for ever is “the Amen” in all His promises. Sinner, I would comfort thee with this reflection. Jesus Christ said, “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” If you come to Him, He will say “Amen” in your soul; His promise shall be true to you.

He said in the days of His flesh, “The bruised reed I will not break.” O thou poor, broken, bruised heart, if thou comest to Him, He will say “Amen” to thee, and that shall be true in thy soul as in hundreds of cases in bygone years. Christian, is not this very comforting to thee also, that there is not a word which has gone out of the Saviour’s lips which He has ever retracted? The words of Jesus shall stand when heaven and earth shall pass away. If thou gettest a hold of but half a promise, thou shalt find it true. Beware of him who is called “Clip-promise,” who will destroy much of the comfort of God’s word.

Jesus is Yea and Amen in all His offices. He was a Priest to pardon and cleanse once, He is Amen as Priest still. He was a King to rule and reign for His people, and to defend them with His mighty arm, He is an Amen King, the same still. He was a Prophet of old, to foretell good things to come, His lips are most sweet, and drop with honey still—He is an Amen Prophet. He is Amen as to the merit of His blood; He is Amen as to His righteousness. That sacred robe shall remain most fair and glorious when nature shall decay. He is Amen in every single title which He bears; your Husband, never seeking a divorce; your Friend, sticking closer than a brother; your Shepherd, with you in death’s dark vale; your Help and your Deliverer; your Castle and your High Tower; the Horn of your strength, your confidence, your joy, your all in all, and your Yea and Amen in all.

Thank You For Visiting 569

If I Could Reach Into Your Heart ~

Holy Spirit by Michaela Baltazar free photo #4686

If I could reach into your soul,
I’d put Jesus into your heart
with the promise, that from you
He would never leave or depart.

I would assure you of the hope,
that now dwells inside of you
I’d tell you to count on Jesus
the rest of your life through.

If I could reach into your mind,
I’d put God’s peace into your thought
with the assurance, for your sins
on the cross, Jesus died and bought.

I would assure you of God’s grace,
how in your heart, He now lives
I’d tell you of God’s mercy
how through Jesus, He forgives.

If I could reach into your soul,
I’d put the love of Jesus into you
but, I know that it’s the work . . .
the Holy Spirit ~ needs to do!

~~~~~~~~~~~

John 15:26

“But when the Comforter is come,
whom I will send unto you from the Father,
even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth
from the Father, he shall testify of me:”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Thank You For Visiting 2,154

Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 04.19.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

An Expert Searcher

For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. (Ezekiel 34:11)

This He does at the first when His elect are like wandering sheep that know not the Shepherd or the fold. How wonderfully doth the Lord find out His chosen! Jesus is great as a seeking Shepherd as well as a saving Shepherd. Though many of those His Father gave Him have gone as near to hell-gate as they well can, yet the Lord by searching and seeking discovers them and draws nigh to them in grace. He has sought out us: let us have good hope for those who are laid upon our hearts in prayer, for He will find them out also.

The Lord repeats this process when any of His flock stray from the pastures of truth and holiness. They may fall into gross error, sad sin, and grievous hardness; but yet the Lord, who has become a surety for them to His Father, will not suffer one of them to go so far as to perish. He will by providence and grace pursue them into foreign lands, into abodes of poverty, into dens of obscurity, into depths of despair; He will not lose one of all that the Father has given Him. It is a point of honor with Jesus to seek and to save all the flock, without a single exception. What a promise to plead, if at this hour I am compelled to cry, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank You For Visiting 766

Today’s Bible Verse 04.19.15

Your Word New

1 Corinthians 15:20-22

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead,
the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since death came through a man, the resurrection
of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam
all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Thank You For Visiting 901

Morning’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 04.19.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Sunday, April 19, 2015

This Morning’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“Behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.”—Matthew 27:51.

NO mean miracle was wrought in the rending of so strong and thick a veil; but it was not intended merely as a display of power—many lessons were herein taught us. The old law of ordinances was put away, and like a worn-out vesture, rent and laid aside. When Jesus died, the sacrifices were all finished, because all fulfilled in Him, and therefore the place of their presentation was marked with an evident token of decay.

That rent also revealed all the hidden things of the old dispensation: the mercy-seat could now be seen, and the glory of God gleamed forth above it. By the death of our Lord Jesus we have a clear revelation of God, for He was “not as Moses, who put a veil over his face.” Life and immortality are now brought to light, and things which have been hidden since the foundation of the world are manifest in Him. The annual ceremony of atonement was thus abolished. The atoning blood which was once every year sprinkled within the veil, was now offered once for all by the great High Priest, and therefore the place of the symbolical rite was broken up. No blood of bullocks or of lambs is needed now, for Jesus has entered within the veil with his own blood.

Hence access to God is now permitted, and is the privilege of every believer in Christ Jesus. There is no small space laid open through which we may peer at the mercy-seat, but the rent reaches from the top to the bottom. We may come with boldness to the throne of the heavenly grace. Shall we err if we say that the opening of the Holy of Holies in this marvellous manner by our Lord’s expiring cry was the type of the opening of the gates of paradise to all the saints by virtue of the Passion? Our bleeding Lord hath the key of heaven; He openeth and no man shutteth; let us enter in with Him into the heavenly places, and sit with Him there till our common enemies shall be made His footstool.

Thank You For Visiting 616

Evening’s With Charles Spurgeon ~ 04.18.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Saturday, April 18, 2015

This Evening’s Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

“And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good.”—Genesis 32:12.

WHEN Jacob was on the other side of the brook Jabbok, and Esau was coming with armed men, he earnestly sought God’s protection, and as a master reason he pleaded, “And Thou saidst, I will surely do thee good.” Oh, the force of that plea! He was holding God to His word—”Thou saidst.” The attribute of God’s faithfulness is a splendid horn of the altar to lay hold upon; but the promise, which has in it the attribute and something more, is a yet mightier holdfast—”Thou saidst, I will surely do thee good.” And has He said, and shall He not do it? “Let God be true, and every man a liar.”

Shall not He be true? Shall He not keep His word? Shall not every word that cometh out of His lips stand fast and be fulfilled? Solomon, at the opening of the temple, used this same mighty plea. He pleaded with God to remember the word which He had spoken to his father David, and to bless that place. When a man gives a promissory note, his honour is engaged; he signs his hand, and he must discharge it when the due time comes, or else he loses credit. It shall never be said that God dishonours His bills. The credit of the Most High never was impeached, and never shall be.

He is punctual to the moment: He never is before His time, but He never is behind it. Search God’s word through, and compare it with the experience of God’s people, and you shall find the two tally from the first to the last. Many a hoary patriarch has said with Joshua, “Not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass.” If you have a divine promise, you need not plead it with an “if,” you may urge it with certainty. The Lord meant to fulfil the promise, or He would not have given it. God does not give His words merely to quiet us, and to keep us hopeful for awhile with the intention of putting us off at last; but when He speaks, it is because He means to do as He has said.

Thank You For Visiting 802

It’s All About Grace ~


amazing grace by mike h free photo #3348
It's all about grace,
 nothing about me
 it's all about Jesus . . .
 setting me free.
It's all about believing,
 grace, I'm unworthy of
 it's all about knowing
 the gift, of God's love.
It's all about grace,
 God's mercy unmerited
 it's all about Jesus . . .
 to whom, I'm indebted.
It's all about trusting,
 the Gospel as I do
 it's all about grace
 working its way through.
It's all about grace,
 undeservingly given
 it's all about Jesus . . .
 that my sins are forgiven!
~~~~~~~~
Ephesians 2:8-9
" For by grace are ye saved through faith;
  and that not of yourselves:
  it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast."
King James Version
 by Public Domain
Copyright 2014
 Deborah Ann Belka
Thank You For Visiting 2,171

Faith’s Check Book ~ C.H. Spurgeon 04.18.15

C_H__Spurgeon

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Faith’s Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

He Never Fails

I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. (Joshua 1:5)

This word to Joshua is often quoted; it is the basis of that New Testament word “He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Beloved, a life of warfare is before us, but the Lord of Hosts is with us. Are we called to lead a great but fickle people? This promise guarantees us all the wisdom and prudence that we shall need. Have we to contend with cunning and powerful enemies? Here is strength and valor, prowess and victory. Have we a vast heritage to win? By this sign we shall achieve our purpose; the Lord Himself is with us.

It would be woe to us indeed if Jehovah could fail us; but, as this can never be, the winds of disquietude are laid to sleep in the caverns of divine faithfulness. On no one occasion will the Lord desert us. Happen what may, He will be at our side. Friends drop from us, their help is but an April shower; but God is faithful, Jesus is the same forever, and the Holy Spirit abideth in us.

Come, my heart, be calm and hopeful today. Clouds may gather, but the Lord can blow them away. Since God will not fail me, my faith shall not fail; and as He will not forsake me, neither will I forsake Him. Oh, for a restful faith!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank You For Visiting 791

Today’s Bible Verse 04.18.15

Your Word New

Romans 10:9-10

“If you declare with your mouth,
“Jesus is Lord,” and believe
in your heart that God raised
him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you
believe and are justified, and it is
with your mouth that you profess
your faith and are saved.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Thank You For Visiting 801
1 2 … 426 427 428 429 430 431 432 433 434 … 442 443
  • Trust ~ Delight ~ Commit ~ Rest
%d bloggers like this: