Grace Gems

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

A vexing vanity!
By Thomas Watson, insightful
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How long will you love vanity?

(James Smith, "Important Questions" 1858 )

"How long will you love vanity?" Psalm 4:2

Vanity represents the light, changeable, carnal, and fading things of time. Upon these things, the natural heart is set; around them, the unsanctified affections gather. What a vanity it is to prefer . . .
  human friendship--to divine friendship,
  earthly riches--to Heavenly riches,
  carnal honors--to spiritual honors, and
  the pleasures of a day--to the joys of eternity!

Vanity appears in the intoxicating cup, the mirthful and costly attire, and trifling with God. Surely every worldly man walks in a vain show, like an actor on the stage--and displays the most consummate folly!

Reader! are you in love with vanity? Do you love that which leads from God, keeps Him out of the thoughts, and binds you down to earth? This is vanity! How long will you love it? You have been doing so for years--though warned, convinced, and having promised to reform. You are doing so now, though . . .
   mortality is at work within you,
   death is very near you,
   Hell is open before you, and
   eternity is within a step of you!

You love vanity, when you may . . .
   obtain divine mercy,
   enjoy peace with God,
   receive sanctifying grace, and
   walk in the way to Heaven.

"How long will you love vanity?" Until . . .
   some sudden stroke takes you away;
   or some affliction puts you beyond the reach of mercy;
   or God's Spirit ceases to strive with you;
   or Satan fills your heart as he did the heart of Judas;
   or God laughs at your calamity?

How long? God your Creator would ask you. "Why will you die?"

Will you carefully consider this question, and give the Lord an answer? Will you tell Him why you prefer . . .
   eternal death--to eternal life,
   sin--to holiness, and
   Satan--to Himself?

"They who observe lying vanities, forsake their own mercy!" Jonah 2:8 

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

As proud and carnal as ever!
By Thomas Watson, challenging
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See the cause of my happiness

(James Smith, "My Savior!" 1860)

My soul, meditate for a few moments on what Jesus is to you, and what Jesus has done for you. Look back and glance at the circumstances in which He found you--and the deliverance which He wrought for you.

1. The circumstances in which Jesus found you. Jesus found me out of the way. God by His law had marked out a way in which His creatures should walk--its character was holiness, and its end His glory. But all we like sheep had gone astray, we had turned every one to his own way. We were in the path of death and destruction, and on the way to Hell.

We were not only out of the way--but we were enslaved. We were . . .
  slaves of sin,
  the drudges of the world, and
  led captive by the Devil at his will.

We were diseased--as well as enslaved. We were leprous from head to foot. We had the plague of the heart! The whole head was sick, and the whole heart was faint.

We were imprisoned, as well as diseased. We were shut up in unbelief and sin. Our cell was cold and damp, dark and narrow--and our imprisonment was not merely for a few years--it was forever!

We were dead, though still conscious, and to some things alive. Dead in trespasses and sins.

In this state we were--and we loved it well. We neither desired, nor sought deliverance. Left to ourselves . . .
  we would have wandered on in darkness, until we had perished in our sins;
  we would have continued the slaves of sin and Satan forever;
  our disease would have preyed upon our vitals to all eternity;
  our prison walls would have enclosed us still;
  we would have remained dead in sin,
  we would have suffered all the pangs of damnation forever!

2. The deliverance which Jesus wrought for you. Jesus saved me!

He saved me from the roaring lion, who goes about seeking to devour me!

He saved me from my raging lusts, so that sin shall not have dominion over me!

He saved me from righteous wrath, and I, being justified by His blood, shall be saved from wrath through Him!

He saved me from death, the 'king of terrors,' depriving the monster of his sting, and giving me the victory over him!

He has also saved me from the flaming furnace of Hell--from that lake of fire, and those floods of flame in which the lost must welter forever!

See the cause of my happiness--
I have a Savior!
A Savior who is divine.
A Savior who has ever loved me.
A Savior who lived, labored, and died for me.
A Savior who pleads for me before the throne of His Father.
A Savior who is in His Father's house, preparing a place for me.
A Savior who will soon come and receive me to Himself, that so I may be forever with Him! Yes, I have a Savior--one who . . .
  watches over me,
  walks through the wilderness with me,
  and rejoices to do me good.

Reader, have you a Savior?
Can you use these two precious words, "My Savior"?
Have you realized that you were lost?
Have you fled to His cross?
Have you fallen into His arms?
Have you been cleansed by His blood, and clothed in His righteousness?
Do you possess His Holy Spirit?

Make sure work, O make sure work!
Eternity is just at hand!
Death is coming!
Judgment follows!
And then--an eternity of happiness or woe!
Your eternal all depends on having Jesus for your Savior!
No one can save you but Jesus.
No one can . . .
  support you in sickness,
  comfort you in death, or
  give you victory over the grave--but Jesus!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

You blind fools!
By Thomas Watson
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

A most influential sermon!

(James Smith, "Good News for All" 1860)

"You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life,
 and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my
 patience, my love, and my endurance." 2 Timothy 3:10

A holy life is a most influential sermon!

"You ought to live holy and godly lives!" 2 Peter 3:11

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

He welcomes them to Hell!
By Thomas Watson, powerful
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WHY does He love me?

(James Smith, "Loved and Blessed" 1860)

To love, and be loved--is real happiness. Our highest honor, and our sweetest happiness below--is to be beloved of God. For if God loves us--He will withhold no truly good thing from us.

"I will heal their waywardness and love them freely--for My anger has turned away from them!" Hosea 14:4

What will God do for His people? He will love them freely!

He will prefer you to all others--setting His eye and His heart upon you.

He will take you into fellowship--the nearest, dearest, sweetest fellowship with Himself.

He will make you happy with the persuasion of the facts . . .
  that He has loved you with an everlasting love,
  that He delights in His love to you, and
  that He will forever love you freely!

O blessed state--that the great, the infinite, the holy Lord God, will love a worm like me . . .
  preferring me even to the angels;
  indulging me with the freest, sweetest fellowship with Himself;
  and sweetly persuading my soul of His eternal love to me!

WHY does He love me? Just because He will. The cause, the reason--is to be found in His loving heart, and sovereign will alone. Not because I am good, or amiable, or can repay His love--for He loves freely, and fixes His love on the most unlikely and unworthy objects!

How precious the Lord's people are to Him!
Notwithstanding all their unworthiness and sinfulness.
Notwithstanding all their departures from Him, and unkindness to Him.
There is nothing on earth, or in heaven, except His only begotten Son--that is as precious to the heart of God, as His people are!

God's love is always free and unchangeable. Everything outside of God will change--but His love is immutable!

"Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you!" Jeremiah 31:3

Lord, help me to believe the love which You have for me--and to love You in return! O shed abroad Your sweet love in my heart, and fill that heart with glowing love to You!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

It makes men so filthy!
By Thomas Watson
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I am dying!

(James Smith, "Joseph's Dying Words" 1860)

The words of the dying, are often striking and impressive. We remember them, and derive benefit from them. This has always been the case, especially with the saints of God.

The words of the patriarch Joseph to his brethren, when he was dying, are so peaceful, so prophetic, so encouraging--that I feel inclined to meditate on them a little. His sun was going down in a calm clear sky: all behind was mercy--all before was glory. His brethren are gathered around him to see him depart, and he said, "I am dying. But God shall surely visit you, and bring you out of this land, unto the land which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." Genesis 50:24.

"I am dying." Death is always solemn. It generally awakens painful reflections. It is often attended with the sweetest joys.

"I am dying," that is, I am about to leave . . .
  the wilderness--for the promised land;
  the strange country--for my pleasant home;
  the field of conflict--for the abode of peace!

"I am dying," that is, I will soon . . .
  heave my last sigh,
  utter my last groan,
  feel my last pain,
  taste the cup of sorrow for the last time!

"I am dying," that is, I am about . . .
  to depart to be with Christ,
  to enjoy the glorious presence of God,
  and to be one with all the glorified forever!

"I am dying," that is, I will soon bid an eternal farewell . . .
  to all my doubts and fears,
  to all my sins and sorrows,
  to all my foes and follies, and
  enter into peace, safety, and perfect holiness!

To me, as a believer in Jesus . . .
  death has no sting,
  the grave has no terrors,
  eternity awakens no alarms!

My sins are pardoned, for His name's sake,
my soul is justified, by His blood, and
my person is in eternal union with His.

To die is gain!

To die is to be perfectly holy and happy!

To die, is simply to go home to my Father's house--to inherit and inhabit the place that Jesus has prepared for me!

"I am dying." Shall I regret it? Shall I dread it? Oh, no! May the Lord give me grace, to hail my dying day with pleasure, and to rejoice in the thought of being absent from the body, and present with the Lord!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Only the blood of Christ can soften it!
By Thomas Watson, very helpful
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Pierced!

(James Smith, "Looking Upon the Pierced One" 1860)

"He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed!" Isaiah 53:5

If we would enjoy peace, grow in grace, and walk with God--there is one object on which the eye of the mind should be constantly fixed. Therefore it is written, as the language of our crucified Lord, "They shall look upon Me whom they have pierced!" Zechariah 12:10.

Pierced! WHO pierced Him? WE did--and pierced Him to the heart! Nor were we satisfied with piercing Him once--for we have pierced Him often, and pierced Him through and through!
Our unbelief pierces Him;
our ingratitude pierces Him;
the coldness of our love pierces Him;
our forgetfulness pierces Him;
our preferring the world to Him pierces Him;
our disobedience to His Word pierces Him;
and our doubting of His love pierces Him!

It was WE who pierced Him on Calvary!
We put the nails and the hammer into the hands of the executioners!
We put the spear into the hand of the Roman soldier!
Yes, it was we who . . .
  gathered the thorns,
  picked out the sharpest,
  formed them into a mock crown,
  thrust it on His head, and
  with the staff beat the thorns into His temples!

See, see, there He hangs! Pierced in His head, hands, feet, and side--pierced for us--pierced by us!

Look, my soul, at the pierced One!

God's holy Son hangs on that cross!

O my soul, look at Jesus!
He is your Substitute.
He is there for you!
He is suffering death for you!
He is bearing the desert of your sins in His body on the tree!
He is enduring your curse, being made accursed for you!

He is revealing . . .
what is in man's nature,
what is in God's heart, and
what He is willing to do and suffer--rather than I should perish!

Yes, Jesus is there for me!
He represents my person!
He answers for my crimes!
He dies in my stead!

O Savior, was ever any love, was ever any agony, was ever any death--like Yours!

Look, my soul, look to Jesus, the pierced One!

Look, and mourn--because your sins degraded, disgraced, and put Him to grief!

Look, and rejoice, for you shall have . . .
  dignity by His degradation,
  honor by His disgrace, and
  life by His death!

Look, and be sorry that you have ever sinned, and so caused Jesus to suffer!
Look, and rejoice that you shall live forever to glorify and praise His name!

O my soul, Jesus was wounded for your transgressions, and bruised for your iniquities!
His blood has made your peace with God,
His righteousness gives you a title to eternal life,
and His death delivers you from dying!

I fix my eye intently on Jesus on the Hill Calvary, and marking all His tears, wounds, and agonies--I feel that I was the cause of all. I myself did it! Yes, I MYSELF . . .
  bruised Him,
  scourged Him,
  spit on Him,
  crowned Him with thorns,
  smote Him with the fist, and
  nailed Him to the cursed tree!
I inflicted it all.

Yet, O wonder of wonders! I derive pardon, holiness, and eternal life from it!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Milk-white!
By Thomas Watson
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

God shall surely visit you!

(James Smith, "Joseph's Dying Words" 1860)

"I am dying. But God shall surely visit you, and bring you out of this land, unto the land which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." Genesis 50:24

"God shall surely visit you." When I can visit my beloved Christian friends no more--God will. He visits all of His children, walking in the midst of the golden candlesticks. When His people meet--He meets with them, whether in public assemblies, or in the social circle.
His church is His garden, in which He takes His pleasant walks.
It is His city, in which He loves to dwell.
It is His family, with which He feels at home.

He visits every individual Christian also.

To the babes--He shows tender care, and nurse-like kindness.

To the young men--He imparts strength and courage.

To the fathers--He opens his heart, and shows them the depths of His infinite love.

To the afflicted--He manifests sympathy.

To the tempted--He affords support.

And to the poor--He brings supplies.

He visits His children . . .
  in the prayer-closet,
  at the family altar, and
  in the house of prayer.

He visits them as they sit around His table, and sing His praise.

He visits them in the valley of trouble--where they sigh and weep.

He visits them when oppressed--to support and set them free.

He visits them in sickness--to comfort and make their bed.

He visits them when they backslide--to restore them.

He visits them in the valley of the shadow of death--to conduct them safely through.

The Lord has visited me at times in the past--and, blessed be His name, He will surely visit me in the future. He will visit . . .
  to sweeten every bitter cup,
  to sanctify every trying dispensation, and
  to enable me patiently to bear every cross.

He will visit, to bring me up out of this land--this land of trial and tribulation, this land of sins and sorrows. His last visit will be the sweetest, as introductory to His eternal presence and glory!

He will surely visit His children--but it may be to bereave. It may be to remove some idol. Or it may be, to strip me of something which encumbers and hinders me in my journey.

He will visit, and His visits will be in mercy--whether He comes . . .
  to commend--or reprove;
  to comfort--or grieve;
  to give--or take away;
  to clothe--or strip;
  to fill the mouth with songs--or the eyes with tears!
Our prayers call for mercies, and our sins call for stripes--and He will surely answer our call.

Blessed, forever blessed, be His holy name . . .
  for every visit He has paid me,
  for every loving look He has given to me,
  for every sweet word He has spoken to me, and
  for every blessing He has conferred upon me!

And now, O Lord, visit me often, stay with me long--and manifest Yourself to me more fully, and more gloriously than you have ever done! Especially visit me when on the bed of sickness, and in the hour of death, when I am descending into the grave, that land of darkness and corruption! Then, then let me hear the voice of mercy saying, "God shall surely visit you, and bring you out of this land!"

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Treasures and pleasures!
By Thomas Watson
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!

(James Smith, "Good News for All" 1860)

"Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!" Psalm 55:6

The trials of a believer are often severe. Many a storm has he to endure, many a river to ford, and many a fire to pass through--in his way home to the promised land. Little did the Christian think, when he first stepped into the liberty of the gospel--that there were such rough roads, dark nights, and terrible storms before him; but, more or less, every traveler to Mount Zion must experience them. It is generally found to be a rough road, which leads to the celestial city. Many a Christian has found his courage fail him, and his heart misgive him, on his way home.

The darkness is sometimes so dense,
the cross is at times so heavy,
the disappointment is at some seasons so great--
that the stoutest heart quails, and unites with the timid spirit, in exclaiming, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!"

These trials are necessary, to . . .
   try our sincerity,
   exercise our graces, and
   render the promises sweet and precious.

When all goes smooth, and everything is pleasant . . .
  we attach but little importance to the promises,
  have little power in prayer, and
  are too apt to over-value ourselves.
But trying times . . .
   endear the throne of grace,
   strip us of pride and self-importance,
   and strengthen our trust in Jesus.

Never is Christ so precious--as in times of peculiar trial. Never is the Bible so valued--as in the day of trouble and distress. The wilderness with its barren burning sands, its storms and tempests, its dangers and its difficulties--endears the promised land; and makes the pilgrim occasionally to cry out, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!"

Rest! O how sweet is the thought of rest--to the weary, way-worn, exhausted traveler! Rest! O how sweet is the thought of rest--to the afflicted, tried, and tempted Christian! He most generally thinks of Heaven as a place of rest:
   rest from suffering,
   rest from sorrow,
   rest from toil, and
   rest from conflict.

Rest with Jesus.

Rest in the home of God.

Rest, perfect and perpetual rest.

Peaceful and glorious rest.

We have the foretastes of it occasionally now, which makes us at times long for its fullness and perfection. Like the grapes of Eshcol, which when tasted, stimulates us to hasten across the wilderness, that we may take possession of the promised land; so the inward calm, the secret repose, the rest at times enjoyed in the soul--urges us on, and makes us cry out, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

The way to be like Jesus
By Thomas Watson
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Going to hell in a more devout manner!

(Thomas Watson, "The Upright Man's Character")

"You desire truth in the inward parts." Psalm 51:6

Sincerity is of utmost importance to a Christian. It is the sauce which seasons piety and makes it savory. Sincerity is the jewel that God is most delighted with.

To speak plainly--all our pompous show of holiness, without this soul of sincerity to enliven it--is but 'pious folly'. It is but going to hell in a more devout manner than others!

"My son, give Me your heart." Proverbs 23:26. If the heart is for God, then our tears, our alms--all are for God.

A godly man does not have two hearts--a heart for God, and a heart for sin.

God loves a broken heart, not a divided heart.

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

A panacea!
By Thomas Watson
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

O the wonders couched in electing love!

(James Smith, "God's Special Treasure" 1860)

"For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth--the Lord your God has chosen you to be His own special treasure!" Deuteronomy 7:6

God highly prizes His people. Yes, it is impossible to say how highly He prizes them. Those are wondrous words, "For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His own special treasure!" Psalm 135:4

Did the shepherd prize his flock? God calls His people, "His flock, His beautiful flock."

Does the miser prize his wealth? God says of His people, "You shall be a special treasure unto Me above all people; for all the earth is mine."

Does the prince prize his jewels? God says of His people, "They shall be Mine, in that day when I make up My jewels!"

Does the bridegroom prize his beloved and dearly purchased bride? It is written, "As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride--so shall your God rejoice over you!"

Does the reigning monarch prize his crown? God has said, "You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God."

What wondrous love, such expressions as these represent! How precious must the Lord's people be to Him! Truly they are His special treasure!

God CHOSE them to be special unto Himself. He chose them out from among others. He chose them in preference to others.

He chose them out from others, on purpose that they may be a special people unto Himself. And in so doing, He acted FREELY. It was not on account of anything He saw in them, or on account of anything He expected from them; but in the exercise of His most free and holy sovereignty--He chose them to participate in the glory of His Son!

In choosing them, He acted also DELIBERATELY. It was no hasty choice. His thoughts had been eternally filled with them. His heart had been eternally set upon them. Therefore He chose them in Christ before the foundation of the world!

In choosing them, He acted WISELY--as He really desired to have them. For each one of them is ready to confess that if God had not chosen them--that they would never have chosen Him! The nature regulates the choice; and as our nature is carnal and impure--we would never have chosen God, who is spiritual and holy.

His choice was just an early expression of His LOVE. The love which chose them--would do anything for them, and give anything to them! Therefore God spared not His own Son--but delivered Him up for them all; and in so doing, gave them the assurance that He will also freely give them all things in Christ.

O the wonders couched in electing love!

This act of choosing such creatures as we are, to be a special people unto Himself, displays . . .
  such grace,
  such condescension,
  such infinite wisdom and love!

God's election says, "The Lord loves you!" Loves us! Yes, and with a love that is eternal, immutable, sovereign, infinite, and free! All the love of God is lavished upon us as His special people in Christ. Oh, those wondrous words of Jesus, "You have loved them--even as You have loved Me!" John 17:23

But few among the worldly wise,
But few of nobler race,
Obtain the favor of Your eyes,
Almighty King of grace!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

What a comfort is this!
By Thomas Watson
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The sanctification of the Spirit

(James Smith, "The Great Comforter" 1858 )

"God has chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit." 2 Thessalonians 2:13

To sanctify, is to separate and set apart for holy purposes and holy uses. The Lord has separated His people, by choosing them in Christ to be holy; and He sanctifies them now for Himself--by the power, operation, and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

In sanctification, a work is commenced which is to make us exactly like Christ. A sanctified person has . . .
  his heart changed,
  his will renewed,
  his understanding enlightened,
  his conscience purified, and
  his affections spiritualized.

Sanctification extends to the whole man, soul and body; and is carried on through . . .
  the Word,
  the ordinances, and
  the providence of God.

Sanctification has its seat in the heart; but it regulates the whole man, and appears in his conduct in every-day life. If a man experiences the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, then . . .
  sin grieves him,
  Satan tries him,
  the world troubles him,
  and Heaven attracts him.

Spirit of Jesus, sanctify us deeply, thoroughly--that we may be just like Jesus! Sanctify us . . .
  by every trial,
  by every affliction,
  by every privilege,
  by every comfort!

[nChrist]

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Christ Exalted!

(James Smith, "Christ Exalted, Saints Comforted, and Sinners Directed" 1855)

If we look at the comparisons which are made use of by the Holy Spirit to set Christ forth--we behold something more of His loveliness.

He is compared to a MOTHER, and is said to have more than a mother's tenderness, kindness, and care.
His concern for His people is constant,
He never loses sight of them for a moment, and
He pledges His Word that He will never forget them!

He is the CITY of REFUGE, with . . .
  the broad and clear road,
  the gates wide open, and
  the hearty welcome awaiting every sinner who approaches to escape the threatened vengeance!

He is the STRONGHOLD, which emboldens, supplies, and secures all the prisoners of hope.

He is the ROCK, which shades, shelters, and refreshes the weary traveler.

He is the DAY-STAR, which betokens brighter scenes, and guides the vessel of mercy across the boisterous deep--to the haven of perfect redemption and safety.

He is the SUN of RIGHTEOUSNESS, whose rising . . .
  cheers the benighted pilgrim,
  makes glad the weary citizen of Heaven, and
  produces moral beauty and fruitfulness in our world.

He is the APPLE-TREE among the trees of the forest . . .
  whose blossoms are beautiful,
  whose shade is refreshing, and
  whose fruit is sweet to the taste.

He is the BREAD of LIFE, which came down from heaven . . .
  satisfying the hungry,
  strengthening the weak, and
  giving life unto the world.

He is the BRAZEN SERPENT, which heals easily, instantly, and perfectly--all who look to Him by faith.

He is the WATER of SALVATION, which . . .
  cleanses the filthy,
  refreshes the weary, and
  makes glad the city of God.

He is the only WAY, which leads from sin, condemnation, and wrath--to life, holiness, and heaven!

He is the HEAD, which thinks, plans, and contrives for the welfare of the whole of His mystical body.

He is the DOOR, which admits to . . .
  the pastures of Divine truth,
  the privileges of His Church below,
  and His Father's glorious presence!

He is the FOUNDATION on which all must build for eternity, and which alone is able to support our hopes and sustain our souls--amidst the wreck of matter and the crash of worlds!

He is the CORNER-STONE, which unites, beautifies, and strengthens the whole building of divine mercy.

He is the TEMPLE, where God . . .
  meets with us,
  accepts us, and
  imparts His blessing to us.

He is the ALTAR, which sanctifies both the gift and the giver.

He is the VINE, which communicates life, nourishment, and fruitfulness to all its branches.

He is the ROSE of SHARON and the LILY of the VALLEY--fragrant, lovely, attractive, perfuming, and unequaled in beauty and grace!

He is the FORERUNNER, who is gone before His flock . . .
  removing the obstacles,
  marking out the road, and
  ready to receive them as they finish their course.

He is the FRIEND . . .
  who loves at all times,
  whose mind never changes,
  whose love never cools, and
  who never neglects a friend in distress.

He is the greatest, best, and most glorious GIFT of GOD--including, securing, and conferring--every good thing upon those who sincerely receive Him.

He is the KINSMAN . . .
  who redeems the forfeited inheritance,
  who ransoms all His poor relatives from slavery,
  and whose name is held in renown.

He is the LAMB of GOD, who took up, expiated, and forever put away--the sins of all who trust in His blood.

He is the MESSENGER of the COVENANT, who . . .
  brings good news from God,
  carries all our requests to God, and
  ever stands as a Mediator between us and God.

He is the PEARL of GREAT PRICE, or the priceless pearl, which . . .
  all who sincerely seek--find,
  all who find--may claim, and
  all who possess--are enriched forever!

He is the PHYSICIAN, who . . .
  heals all disorders,
  restores every patient to perfect health,
  and bestows medicine and care, freely.

He is the RANSOM, which . . .
  procured our release,
  ensures our liberty, and
  preserves us from going down into the pit!

He is the RIGHTEOUSNESS, which . . .
  justifies us from all charges,
  entitles us to eternal life, and
  enables us to lift up our heads with boldness in God's presence.

He is the TRUTH, which . . .
  enlightens the mind,
  purifies the heart, and
  regulates the life.

He is the FIRE, which . . .
  purges our dross,
  brightens our graces, and
  cleanses our consciences from works which deserve death.

He is the SHEPHERD, who . . .
  knows every sheep,
  watches over the whole flock, and
  never loses a lamb, by disease, accident, or beast of prey.

He is the CAPTAIN of SALVATION, who . . .
  collects His soldiers,
  disciplines His troops, and
  leads them forth to certain victory over sin, the world, and the devil.

He is the LADDER, by which we . . .
  rise from this earth,
  lose sight of carnal things, and
  ascend to the presence of God!

He is the SURETY . . .
  who engaged for us in the everlasting covenant,
  who is held responsible for our salvation,
  who has pledged to set us before His father's throne forever.

He is the WALL of FIRE, which surrounds, enlightens and infallibly protects--all His redeemed people!

He is the chief among ten thousand, and the ALTOGETHER LOVELY ONE!

Precious Lord Jesus, allow me . . .
  to know You more fully,
  to trust You more heartily,
  to serve You more diligently,
  to enjoy You more frequently,
  to imitate You more closely,
  to exalt You more highly, and
  to show forth Your salvation from day to day!

Your love--is my heaven,
Your presence--is my delight, and
Your service--is the joy of my heart!

Let me daily . . .
  walk with You,
  work for You,
  and bring glory to You!

Oh, send Your Spirit to my poor heart . . .
  to exalt You,
  to honor You,
  to endear You to my soul!

Use me to bring . . .
  lost sinners to Your cross,
  believers to Your throne of grace,
  backsliders to the path of obedience.

Be my . . .
  strength in life,
  solace in death, and
  eternal portion beyond the grave!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

The net by which he drags millions to Hell!
By Thomas Watson
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

We soon grow dull, cold, lifeless, and inactive!

(James Smith, "The Great Comforter" 1858 )

"It is the Spirit who quickens; the flesh profits nothing." John 6:63

All real religion begins with the quickening of the Spirit. When we experience this . . .
  we begin to breathe after spiritual things;
  we open our eyes in a new world;
  we hunger and thirst after righteousness;
  and at length taste that the Lord is gracious.
We then have . . .
  new thoughts,
  new desires,
  new hopes,
  new fears,
  new joys, and
  new sorrows.
The eye fixes on Christ,
the heart goes out to Christ, and
the chief desire of the soul is to be like Christ.

The Spirit not only quickens us at first--but all through life we need and are dependent on the Spirit's quickening. He quickens us to pray, and He quickens us in prayer. It is His quickening which puts . . .
  life into our graces,
  energy into our prayers,
  confidence into our expectations, and
  enables us to resist Satan, steadfast in the faith.

If His quickening power is withheld--we soon grow dull, cold, lifeless, and inactive! We have . . .
  no power in prayer,
  no enjoyment in ordinances,
  no liberty in speaking to the saints,
  nor profit in reading God's Word.
Every duty becomes a task,
every privilege becomes a burden, and
every cross appears insupportable!

While under the quickening operation of the Spirit--we can do all things; but without His quickening--we can do nothing.

Often, very often, have we to cry out from bitter experience, "My soul cleaves unto the dust; quicken me according unto Your Word!" Psalm 119:25

Quickening Spirit, daily quicken my soul!

[nChrist]

__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Strewing flowers on a dead corpse!
By Thomas Watson
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The OFFICES of Christ

(James Smith, "Christ Exalted, Saints Comforted, and Sinners Directed" 1855)

If we look at the OFFICES of Christ--it endears Him to our hearts.

He is a PROPHET, to . . .
  instruct the ignorant,
  lead the blind, and
  make the foolish, wise.
He . . .
  unfolds the Father's mind,
  opens the everlasting covenant,
  and teaches all His people to profit.

He is a PRIEST, to . . .
  atone for the guilty,
  reconcile those who are enemies, and
  intercede on behalf of transgressors.
He . . .
  satisfies justice,
  magnifies mercy, and
  brings a holy God and polluted sinners into an honorable union.

He is a KING, and as such He . . .
  receives the discontented,
  rules over innumerable penitent criminals,
  and defends all His subjects from danger.
His power is omnipotent,
His resources are boundless,
His government is peaceful, and
all the statutes of His kingdom are wise, merciful, and just.

He is also our husband--who loves, cherishes, and honors His beloved blood-bought bride. He . . .
  loves her as He loves Himself,
  treats her with unutterable kindness, and
  will allow nothing to separate her from His love.

This causes us to sing:
"Jesus my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,
  My Prophet, Priest, and King,
  My Lord, my life, my way, my end,
  Accept the praise I bring!"

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

If God left us
By Thomas Watson, superb!
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The garment which the Savior always wore

(James Smith, "Christ Exalted, Saints Comforted, and Sinners Directed" 1855)

HUMILITY is a most precious grace--it is filled with beauty, loveliness, and glory. This is the garment which the Savior always wore. This is the grace which gave such a charm to all that He did and said. It is one of our best garments, and without it the soul is generally naked. "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another." 1 Peter 5:5.

For lack of humility--the Church is rent and torn with divisions. For lack of humility--believers bring many trials and crosses on themselves, and sow the bitter seeds of trouble and remorse.

If I were truly humble, I must be happy, for it is with such Jehovah dwells: "For this is what the high and lofty One says--He who lives forever, whose name is holy: I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and humble in spirit." Isaiah 57:15. To such He looks with esteem, love, and delight: "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My Word." Isaiah 66:2.

"I hate pride and arrogance!" Proverbs 8:13. Pride is . . .
  most loathsome to God,
  injurious to men, and
  a stronghold of Satan within us.

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble!" James 4:6. He keeps the proud at a distance, and will not allow them to approach him: "Though the Lord is great, He cares for the humble--but He keeps His distance from the proud!" Psalm 138:6. He threatens them with everlasting destruction. "The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished!" Proverbs 16:5

Lord, give me true humility, and let me be clothed with it from day to day!