Talk Is Cheap

We shall do so much in the years to come,
But what have we done today? 

We shall give out gold in a princely sum,
But what did we give today? 

We shall lift the heart and dry the tear, 

We shall plant a hope in place of fear, 

We shall speak with words of love and cheer,
But what have we done today? 

We shall be so kind in the afterwhile,
But what have we been today? 

We shall bring to each lonely life a smile,
But what have we brought today? 

We shall give to truth a grander birth, 

And to steadfast faith a deeper worth; 

We shall feed the hungering souls of earth, 

But whom have we fed today?


—Nixon Waterman.

Spiritual Blessings

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Eph 1:3

All blessings are not spiritual. Some are temporal, some physical, some financial, some social and some intellectual.

But spiritual blessings are the greatest of all blessings. They are blessings that are ours by the Holy Spirit. In other words, they come to us because of Christ's work on Calvary, are applied to us by the Holy Spirit, and are sanctifying in their benefits.

Spiritual blessings are best because they derive from God and draw us to God. They are also valuable to all—those who suffer physically, those handicapped intellectually, and those hemmed in by oppressive circumstances. There's always available to us the uplook and outreach. And God is forever looking down upon us— "the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous"—and the arm of the Lord is forever exercised on our behalf—"to show himself strong on behalf of them whose hearts are perfect toward him."

-George E. Failing

Turn And I Would Heal Them

For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them. Acts 28:27

You live in a world of cheating, imposition, and deception. Let no man deceive you about the necessity of repentance. Oh, that professing Christians would see, and know, and feel, more than they do—the necessity, the absolute necessity, of true repentance towards God! There are many things which are not needful. Riches are not needful. Health is not needful. Fine clothes are not needful. Noble friends are not needful. The favor of the world is not needful. Gifts and learning are not needful. Millions have reached heaven without these things. Thousands are reaching heaven every year without them. But no one ever reached heaven without "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."

-J.C. Ryle

http://jcrylequotes.com

Death, Where Is Thy Sting?

 by a Wesleyan Mother

Life is not worth living until one is prepared for death. This fact had been well implanted in our minds in our early parsonage training. We instilled this truth in our children only to learn how unprepared we were ourselves to face the reality of death.

We were an average family. Our girls were 10 and 12 and Jimmy was 8 years of age. It took but a few words to change our entire lives. Consulting a doctor concerning Jimmy, following a short illness, we were kindly but bluntly told that Jimmy was a victim of cancer and there was no hope for his life. How completely our small world was crushed!

At that time we seemed unable to comprehend the complete will of God. It would have been easier to accept had our aims and ambitions for him been selfish. Jimmy had been saved at a D.V.B.S. class when he was only five. He was a real witness for Christ, truly showing how much Christ can use a child's influence. He longed to become a missionary to Africa. We had very much to learn about the many ways of God's working.

Our first impulse was to consult other doctors, faith healers, or anyone who might help. We found the answer on our knees. The following 18 months could have been filled with heart­break and frustration. We obeyed God, stayed home, and those months became the most pre­cious, contented time of our life. Heaven be­came a reality to us as we sang, read, and talked of this home where Jimmy would soon be. In helping our son we found comfort and peace that no one else could give.

Our record player was consecrated to playing hymns only. Unable to attend church we found a solace for all of us that nothing of this world could give. As we recently read of that great statesman, John Foster Dulles, spending his last hours on earth listening to recorded gospel hymns, we were reminded that a great statesman and a child enter through the same door.

My husband and I talked and prayed about the great responsibility we had been given. We realized that some day we would stand before God and give an account of our treatment and training of this child who was so soon to be with Jesus. We decided to continue to punish Jimmy when, as a normal little boy, he was in need of discipline. We were well rewarded before his death by his "thank you for spanking me—I needed it." It repaid us in full measure for the heart-aches we had when punishment was necessary. We continue yet to hear of his patience and sweetness in the hospital.

The greatest lesson we learned was the importance of living but one day at a time. It seems only natural for parents to wish for their child to walk when he starts creeping and to look forward to his graduation when he enters kindergarten. With the future in full view we learned how precious each hour could be.

It would be impossible to relate the many, many times God answered prayer and gave us courage and faith. We found how precious the Word of God can be, especially to a child. God not only took the fear of death from Jimmy, but Jimmy longed to go home. God can truly do abundantly more than we could ask or think. Watching a child suffer can drive one completely away from God, or if we are willing, we can learn many "lessons God has in this for all of us. To remain true to God, regardless of circumstances, gives us the assurance that some day Christ will give our child back to us. We feel that it would truly be a privilege to be a child throughout eternity, never realizing the sin and sordidness of this world.

We, who could not understand at first, came to the place where we knelt together and asked God to take Jimmy home. The day following, Jimmy fell asleep and awoke in Glory. Now we can say with understanding, "O Death, where is thy sting; O Grave, where is thy victory?"

--The Wesleyan Methodist 04/06/1960

Be Resolved

 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I Cor 2:2

It has been very well remarked that there is a back door to hell, but there is none to heaven. The way to heaven is the king’s highway, a way which is not made for concealment, but for honest travelers who have nothing to hide. Believers must be seen, for they are the lights of the world; yet there are some who try to go to heaven up the back stairs, and serve the Lord only by night. It must not be. Strike the blood where all can see it, and let men know that you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice: whether they like it or no, let them know that this is all your salvation and all your desire....

-Spurgeon

The Spirit of Easter

...the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." Luke 3:22

As we cannot come to Christ unless we are drawn by the Spirit, so when we are drawn we are lifted up in mind and heart above our understanding. For the soul, illumined by him, takes on a new keenness, as it were, to contemplate the heavenly mysteries, whose splendor had previously blinded it. And man's understanding, thus beamed by the light of the Holy Spirit, then at last begins to taste those things which belong to the kingdom of God, having formerly been quite foolish and dull in tasting them.... Indeed, the Word of God is like the sun, shining upon all those to whom it is proclaimed, but with no effect among the blind. Now, all of us are blind by nature in this respect. Accordingly, it cannot penetrate into our minds unless the Spirit, as the inner teacher, through his illumination makes entry for it. -John Calvin

This Easter we will spend hours pouring over our sermons searching for just the right words.  We will work especially hard to make the worship experience the best we can possibly make it.  We will pay special attention to our Sunday best.  In fact, we will be ultra-sensitive to ever aspect of ours services, all in the hope that some might be saved.  But all of this will be for nothing if the Holy Spirit does not move in the midst of our hearts and the hearts of the lost.

May we not allow all of our Easter busyness to overshadow the most important work of all, the moving of the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of the cross in the hearts of those yet to receive Him.

God Bless,

Death Hath No More Dominion

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. Romans 6: 9

Death has dominion over every one of us. It is appointed unto man once to die, and the prospect is not a happy one.

Death, in fact, has pursued us from birth. Only by the goodness of God—doubtless also by the skill of some physician— have we resisted its claims thus far. Others have been defeated in their desire—and effort—to live. We have outlived them but we have not yet conquered death. One day death will claim us. Our tongues will be stilled; our activities will cease.

This conquest by death is not what God intended for us. We were created to live, not to die. Death was unknown to Adam— before he sinned. But Satan deceived Eve and overcame Adam. So, death entered by sin.

Many centuries after Adam, a Child was born to a virgin. Because God was His Father, this child was without hereditary sin. Never did sin infect His nature. And while He lived, never did He commit a sin.

Because this Second Adam knew no sin, it was not possible for death to exercise dominion over Him, the Prince of Life. However,. Christ Jesus lived among a dying race, and His great purpose was to destroy man's arch enemy, sin, and man's last foe, death.

In order to befriend and help us, He became obedient unto death. The soldiers did not kill Him on Calvary; He had already offered Himself to God a sacrifice for sin, tasting death for every man. In and through that dying, He conquered sin and overcame death itself. We inherit that twofold victory.

We are not, therefore, the helpless victims of sin, its pride, violence, and deceit. We are more than conquerors over sin, our first enemy.

Neither are we the victims of death, our last mortal enemy. Because He conquered sin and death, this Easter we experience deliverance from the bondage of death—fear. Moreover, we are confident that when death does overtake us, we shall be captive only a little while—until the shout of that great Resurrection Morning.

"Up from the grave He arose!" By His decree one day we too shall rise to die no more. Oh glorious Easter morning yet to come— the day of our resurrection; for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

-George E. Failing

You're Invited

Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit, why will you die...

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

I will save you from all you uncleanness.

For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord, Repent and live!

Eze 18:31-32; 36:26, 29

The goal of this is life is twofold.

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Ps 38:4

The goal of this life is twofold. One part we acquire, with the help of divine grace, through our efforts and virtuous works.  This is to offer God a pure heart, free from all stain of actual sin.  We do this when we are perfect and in Cherith, that is, hidden in the charity of which the wise man says, "Charity covers all sins."

The other part of the goal of this life is granted us as the free gift of God: namely, to taste somewhat in the heart and to experience in the soul, not only after death but even in this mortal life, the intensity of the divine presence and the sweetness of the glory of heaven.

This is to drink of the torrent of the love of God.

-John of the Cross

Path to the higher life.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matt 11:29

Here is the path to the higher life. Down, lower, down! This was what Jesus ever said to the disciples who were thinking of being great in the kingdom, and of sitting on His right hand and His left. Seek not, ask not for exaltation; that is God's work. Look to it that you abase and humble yourselves, and take no place before God or man but that of servant; that is your work; let that be your one purpose and prayer.

Men sometimes speak as if humility would rob us of what is noble and manlike. Oh, that we would believe that this is the nobility of the kingdom of heaven, that this is the royal spirit that the King of heaven displayed, that this is Godlike, to humble oneself, to become the servant of all! This is the path of gladness and the glory of Christ's presence ever in us, His power resting on us.

O Fountain of all good,

Destroy in me every lofty thought,

Break pride to pieces and scatter it to the winds,

Annihilate each clinging shred of self-righteousness,

Implant in me a fount of penitential tears,

Break me, then bind me up;

Thus will my heart be a prepared dwelling for my God;

Then can the Father take up his abode in me,

Then can the blessed Jesus come with healing in his touch,

Then can the Holy Spirit descend in sanctifying grace;

O Holy Trinity, three Persons and one God,

inhabit me, a temple consecrated to thy glory.

*Puritan Prayer*

-Andrew Murray

Know the Truth About Carrying the Cross

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Mark 8:34)

Christ would have all who profess and call themselves Christians reminded that they must carry the cross. They must lay their account to be despised, afflicted and tried, like their Master. He would have no person enlisted on false pretenses. He would have it distinctly understood that there is a battle to be fought, and a race to be run – a work to be done, and many hard things to be endured – if we propose to follow Him. Salvation He is ready to bestow, without money and without price. Grace by the way, and glory in the end, shall be given to every sinner who comes to Him. But He would not have us ignorant that we shall have deadly enemies – the world, the flesh, and the devil – and that many will hate us, slander us, and persecute us, if we become His disciples. He does not wish to discourage us, but He does wish us to know the truth.

~ J.C. Ryle

No Argument Here!

 "Is it not written: "'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? Mark 11:17





There should be meetings wholly devoted to prayer, and there is a serious flaw in the arrangements of a church when such gatherings are omitted or placed in a secondary position. These prayer-meetings should be kept to their object, and their great attraction should be prayer itself.

--Charles Spurgeon

Soak In The Word

I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.  I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.  Ps. 119:14-16

One thing more, and it is this. Let us, dear brethren, try to get saturated with the gospel. I always find that I can preach best when I can manage to lie a-soak in my text. I like to get a text, and find out its meaning and bearings, and so on; and then, after I have bathed in it, I delight to lie down in it, and let it soak into me. It softens me, or hardens me, or does whatever it ought to do to me, and then I can talk about it. You need not be very particular about the words and phrases if the spirit of the text has filled you; thoughts will leap out, and find raiment for themselves.


-Spurgeon   http://theoldguys.org

Human Trafficking Over 27 Million - Matt Redman and LZ7

The medicine of life!

 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."  Matt 22:36-40

We see the numberless follies and miseries of our fellow-creatures.  We see, on every side, either people of no religion at all, or people of lifeless, formal religion.  We a grieved at the sight; and should greatly rejoice, if by any means we might convince some that there is a better religion to be attained,--a religion worthy of the God that gave it.

And this we conceive to be no other than love; the love of God and of all mankind; the loving God with all our heart, and soul, and strength, as having first loved us, as the fountain of all the good we have received, and of all we ever hope to enjoy; and the loving every soul which God hath made, every person on earth, as our own soul.

This love we believe to be the medicine of life, the never-failing remedy for all the evils of a disordered world, for all the miseries and vices of men.  Wherever this is, there are virtue and happiness going hand in hand.  There is humbleness of mind, gentleness, long-suffering, the whole image of God; and at the same time a peace that passeth all understanding, and joy unspeakable and full of glory.

-John Wesley "The Writing of John Wesley" -- Mitchell

O Lord, Open Their Eyes

 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 2:16-17

Few things are ever the way they look, and the end of all scientific research, as of all spiritual insight, is to get behind the way things look to the way things are.


-Harry Fosdick "Christianity and Progress"

In and Out of Season

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Tim 4:2

Our worship of God must extend beyond the walls of the church. It must be experienced in everything that we do. How are we to worship God in the context of our homes, work places, all our activities and our relationships? And how does God convey Himself in all these venues? And can it be said that how we worship and perceive God in the every dayness of our lives is a part of our salvation?

--Eugene Peterson "The Pastor: Memoir"

What I Miss...

When I look around, I see many things missing among us, which Jesus loves.

I miss the meekness and gentleness of our Master—many of us are harsh, rough-tempered, and overly critical of others, and we flatter ourselves that we are faithful.

I miss real boldness in confessing Christ before men—we often think much more of the time to be silent, than the time to speak.

I miss real humility—not many of us like to take the lowest place, and esteem everyone better than ourselves, and our own strength perfect weakness.

I miss real charity—few of us have that unselfish spirit, which seeks not its own—there are few who are not more taken up with their own feelings and their own happiness than that of others.

I miss real thankfulness of spirit—we complain, and murmur, and fret, and brood over the things we have not, and forget the things we have. We are seldom content.

I miss decided separation from the world—the line of distinction is often rubbed out. Many of us, like the chameleon, are always taking the color of our company we become so like the ungodly, that it strains a man’s eyes to see the difference.

Reader, these things ought not so to be. If we want more hope, let us be zealous regarding good works.

-J.C. Ryle

http://jcrylequotes.com

Holy Women Who Hope In God

“A Christian woman does not put her hope in her husband, or in getting a husband. She does not put her hope in her looks or her intelligence or her creativity. She puts her hope in the promises of God.

She is described in Proverbs 31:25: ‘Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.’ She laughs at everything the future could bring because she hopes in God.

She looks away from the troubles and miseries and obstacles of life that seem to make the future bleak, and she focuses her attention on the sovereign power and love of God who rules in heaven and does on earth whatever He pleases (Ps. 115:3).

She knows her Bible, and she knows her theology of the sovereignty of God, and she knows His promise that He will be with her and will help her and strengthen her no matter what. This is the deep, unshakable root of Christian womanhood.”

-John Piper

http://tollelege.wordpress.com

There are no "pearls"...

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Psa 128:3

“There are no ‘pearls’ out there that you can use—no scripture verses to hand out, advice to guide, prayers to tap into. As we live and give witness to Jesus to our children and whoever else, we are handing out seeds, not pearls, and seeds need soil in which to germinate.

A meal is soil just like that. It provides a daily relational context in which everything you say and don’t say, feel or don’t feel, God’s Word and snatches of gossip, gets assimilated along with the food and becomes you, but not you by yourself—you and your words and acts embedded in acts of love and need, acceptance and doubt. Nothing is abstract or in general when you are eating a meal together. You realize, don’t you, that Jesus didn’t drop pearls around Galilee for people as clues to find their way to God or their neighbors. He ate meals with them. And you can do what Jesus did. Every evening take and receive the life of Jesus around your table.”

-Eugene Peterson "The Pastor: Memoir"