Grace Gems

[nChrist]

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From Grace Gems:
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

While we may
by J.R. Miller, very helpful.
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

It is difficult to say which is the more astonishing!

(James Smith, "Daily Food for the Lord's Flock!" 1848)

"You are my portion, O Lord!" Psalm 119:57

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!" Psalm 73:26

It is difficult to say which is the more astonishing:
  that God should be our portion, or
  that He should take us to be His portion!

"The Lord's portion is His people!" Deuteronomy 32:9

"Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine!" Isaiah 43:1

[nChrist]

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From Grace Gems:
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Your spots and blots!
Thomas Brooks, very encouraging.
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O suffering saint!

(John MacDuff, "The Promised Land" 1859)

"And the days of your mourning shall be ended!" Isaiah 60:20

The present world is a valley of tears--a wilderness of woe. While passing through it, we are exposed to sorrows and sufferings of various kinds. Pain and disease beset us on every side; and many, in the extremity of their anguish, wish for death rather than life.

Here we are subject to innumerable troubles; our fondest hopes may be blasted, and we may be called to survey the wreck of all that we once possessed.

Here the dearest friends are snatched from each other's embrace! The ruthless spoiler respects neither rank nor age--he tears asunder the very heart-strings of our nature, and seems to delight in trampling upon the tenderest sympathies of the soul. The parent is called to weep over the remains of a much-loved child; the husband has to mourn the loss of the partner of his life; the lover and friend are cut off by a stroke--and the desire of our eyes is taken away.

From a thousand sources, do our present distresses spring; and the streams of sorrow, in all their sad variety, follow us, more or less, through the whole course of our earthly pilgrimage.

But in Heaven, all our troubles will be over! No sorrow will be there. All temporal and all spiritual evils will be entirely banished. No disappointment, no anxiety, will be there. No wearisome nights, no dismal moanings, no tossings to and fro until the dawning of the day--will be there. There will be no sickness to blast--and no death to devour there. There will be no Rachel weeping for her children, no broken-hearted father exclaiming, "O Absalom, my son, my son," there. There will be no separation from those we love there. There will be no faithless friends to wound our hearts and betray our confidence there. There will be no being vexed from day to day with the filthy lives of the wicked there. There will be . . .
   no temptations there;
   no fightings without--or fears within;
   no hardness of heart--or stings of conscience;
   no obscuring clouds, or contrary winds, or tossing waves, there.

No, nothing to grieve, nothing to cause a single sigh to rise from the bosom, or a single tear to fall from the eye--will be there.

But joy and peace will be there; and cheerful hearts and beaming countenances will be there; and the conqueror's song, and waving palms, and harps of gold, and robes of spotless white, will be there.

O suffering saint! Think much of what is there--it will help you to bear up and to press on under your load of sorrow here. It is only for a little while, that you will have to traverse this howling desert; and then, having passed the narrow stream of death--you shall know Heaven by happy experience! "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined--what God has prepared for those who love Him!"

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

All the sins of all the saints!
Thomas Brooks, very comforting.
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Trust His heart--even when you can't trace His hand!

(John MacDuff, "The Promised Land!" 1859)

"And He led them forth by the right way--that they might go to a city of habitation." Psalm 107:5

God's thoughts are not as our thoughts--neither are His ways as our ways! This truth is strikingly exemplified in the manner in which He led the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land. We would have chosen the way that was nearest and most direct--but God decided otherwise. He led them round about through the wilderness, and that for the space of forty years! And not merely was it the most distant way--but it was the most dangerous way as well. It was a land of deserts and of pits--a land of drought and death--a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt.

But, as strange as it appeared, we are fully justified in saying that it was wisely arranged.
Their long detainments;
their tiresome and circuitous wanderings;
their fierce conflicts with the Moabites and the Amalekites;
the bitter waters which they had to drink; and
the fiery serpents with which they were stung--
all fulfilled the high purposes of Him who is excellent in counsel, as well as wonderful in working. However contrary His way might have been to theirs--yet "He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation."

And His dealings with His people now, are still as unusual, and as much opposed to all their preconceived plans--as were His dealings with the Israelites! He has crossed their own schemes, and thwarted their most fondly-cherished purposes! He always effects His own ends--in His own way!

Christian, what is your duty?

It is to cherish high thoughts of God in all His inscrutable dealings towards you.

It is to trust His heart--even when you can't trace His hand; believing that "all the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, unto such as keep His covenant and His testimonies."

It is to follow His guidance continually; for as He led His people of old with "the cloud by day, the pillared fire by night"--so He has promised to direct all your steps, and preserve all your goings.

It is to wait His time; for although the way may appear long and tedious--yet remember, "all is well, that ends well." And what will the end be? "And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads! They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away!"

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Get out of My sight!
Thomas Brooks, most powerful.
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O wondrous transformation!

(John MacDuff, "Heavenly Aspirations")

"He shall be lifted up, and extolled, and be greatly exalted!" Isaiah 52:13

This sure word of prophecy was literally and most gloriously verified, when the incarnate Redeemer, after having finished the work which was given Him to do, was taken up into Heaven, and sat down on the right hand of God--with angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him. We now gaze upon the throne on which He reigns!

That meek and lowly One, who had been despised and rejected--is now adored by all the heavenly hosts!

That face, once covered with spittle, and furrowed with tears--is now gazed upon with transporting admiration!

That brow, once bound with thorns--is now encircled with a splendor before which suns turn pale!

Those hands which were nailed to the bloody tree--now grasp the scepter of universal dominion!

That ignominious cross--is exchanged for Heaven's highest throne!

That crown of thorns--is exchanged for a diadem of everlasting glory!

O wondrous transformation!

"On His robe at His thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords!" Revelation 19:16

"God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!" Philippians 2:9-11

[nChrist]

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From Grace Gems:
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

A whole Christ with a whole heart!
Thomas Brooks, very insightful.
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A most soul-ruining sin!

(J. C. Ryle)

"I hate pride and arrogance!" Proverbs 8:13

It is a dreadful fact, whether we like to allow it or not--that PRIDE is one of the common sins which beset human nature. We are all born Pharisees. We all naturally think far better of ourselves than we ought. We all naturally imagine that we deserve something better than we have.

Pride is an old sin. It began in the garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve thought they had not got everything that their merits deserved.

Pride is a subtle sin. It rules and reigns in many a heart without being detected, and can even wear the garb of humility.

Pride is a most soul-ruining sin. It prevents repentance, keeps men back from Christ, checks brotherly love, and nips spiritual desires in the bud.

Let us watch against pride, and be on our guard.

Of all garments, none is so graceful, none wears so well, and none is so rare--as true humility. "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud--but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

This incomparable book!
Thomas Brooks, edifying.
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God at work!

(James Smith, "Nothing Too Hard for God!" 1864)

"There is nothing too hard for You!" Jeremiah 32:17

There is nothing too hard for God to EFFECT:

"Is anything too hard for Me, says the Lord?"

"I know that You can do everything."

"He does according to His will among the armies of Heaven, and the inhabitants of the earth."

"He works all things after the counsel of His own will."

Nothing is too hard for God--no change in providence--however it may appear improbable, or impossible to us. He could bring water out of the flinty rock. He could supply quail to satisfy the needs, and gratify the lusts of His people in the desert. He could feed Elijah for twelve months by ravens, and for two years and a half more, by a handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in the widow's cruse. He could inundate Samaria with plenty--in the midst of famine and fearful desolation. If He wills it . . .
  the fire shall not burn the three Hebrew youths,
  nor the lions injure Daniel,
  nor death hold Lazarus in the tomb.

What He has done--He can do; for He is the same. And if necessary for the glory of His name--He will do it, for He will not allow His name to be polluted.

"Providence" is simply God at work--at work for . . .
  the accomplishment of His decrees,
  the fulfillment of His promises,
  the manifestation of His character, and
  the present and eternal welfare of His people.
He can . . .
   give whatever we need,
   do whatever we need, and
   glorify Himself in giving to us, and working for us!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

When He shows no anger!
Thomas Brooks, powerful and insightful.
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The desires of the righteous!

(John MacDuff, "Brief Thoughts for the Followers of Jesus" 1855)

"For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you cannot do the things that you wish." Galatians 5:17

How true is this! How exactly does it accord with the experience of the believer! "As in water, face answers to face," so in God's Word, we have the inmost feelings of His people clearly reflected.

O, what would the Christian do--if he could! He would serve God perfectly. He would have his way directed to keep all His statutes. He would have all his faculties and feelings in complete subjection to the Divine Will. He would live, not to himself--but to Him who died for him and rose again. He would consecrate every moment to His service, and employ every breath in His praise.

In a word, he would rise to the seraphic sanctity of the Paradise above, and present to God those offerings which would be unmixed with any earthly dross; which would be uncontaminated and untinctured by any of the frailties of his fallen nature.

Could the Christian do as he would--there is not a glorified spirit before the Heavenly throne, who would excel or outstrip him! He would love as they do--serve as they do--admire and adore as they do. But here, alas! his infirmities are a constant clog about him--and hence his longings for that better world, where his desires and his doings will be one and the same!

Do we want a striking emblem of the child of God, as he is situated at present? We have it in that majestic bird, the eagle; not as it roams at large in the enjoyment of its native freedom--but when, as a poor captive, it is fastened down with a chain! It is an interesting object, under any circumstances, to gaze upon; but especially so, when its former soarings are contrasted with its present fettered state. The fire of its eye clearly indicates its longings for those lofty regions, far beyond the clouds, where it felt so much at home, and where its wings were often bathed in the burning splendors of the sun's meridian rays. But no sooner is the attempt made to mount aloft; no sooner does it begin to ruffle its plumes, and spread its wings, in order to prepare for the flight--than the touch of the chain is instantly felt!

Just so with the believer. At times how soaring are his aspirations! How would he rise, as on eagles' wings, above earth's turmoils on the one hand, and his manifold imperfections on the other! But, alas! how the chains of time and sense fetter his soul, and fasten it down to this earth! Then his cry is, "My soul cleaves unto the dust! Quicken me according to Your Word!" "O that I had wings like a dove, for then I would fly away and be at rest! I would hasten my escape from the stormy wind and tempest!"

A person is known--by his doings. But, in addition to this external and practical proof, a man's desires may be regarded as a strong index of his character. "As he thinks in his heart--so is he." There is undoubtedly sin--in the desire of sin; the actual commission of the outward act not being requisite to render us guilty in the sight of God. And there is undoubtedly grace--even in the desire of grace!

What then are the desires of my soul? Am I of the number of those who are walking according to the course of this world, and who are gratifying the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature? Or are my desires God-ward and Heaven-ward?

Let me remember, for my encouragement, that the Lord will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him. Let me seek Him then; let me trust in Him, and wait patiently for Him. "Delight yourself in the Lord--and He shall give you the desires of your heart!" "The desire of the righteous will be granted!" Proverbs 10:24

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

They chained and nailed their god Apollo to a post!
Thomas Brooks, very insightful.
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

He is the infinite, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent,
gracious, just, holy, and unchangeable I AM!

(James Smith, "The Love of Christ!")

The Lord Jesus Christ is God--possessed of all divine attributes, and entitled to all divine honors. He is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit--God over all, and blessed for evermore! He is naturally, essentially, perfectly, and eternally possessed of everything peculiar to Deity.

He owes His existence to none. He says, "I am Jehovah, and beside Me there is no Savior!" He is God--and there is no other. There is no other name given under Heaven, or among men, whereby we can be saved. He is the Rock of Ages. He is the infinite, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, gracious, just, holy, and unchangeable I AM!

Angels worship Him,
devils obey Him,
saints love Him, and
sinners will bow to Him!

He is the author of . . .
  Creation,
  Providence,
  Redemption,
  and Glorification!

He . . .
  produced all things by His power,
  formed them by His wisdom,
  supplies them by His bounty,
  rules them by His instruments, and
  employs them according to His sovereign will.

He is above all--in the glory of His nature.
He possesses all--by essential right.
He will judge all--according to His righteousness.

All things are dependent upon Him, and
all rational beings are accountable to Him.

Nothing can escape His eye;
none can fly out of His hand!

He is exalted above all,
and remains King forever!

He is . . .
  the King of kings,
  the Lord of lords, and
  the only supreme Law-giver of the universe!

He is naturally, essentially, and eternally God:
  one with the Father,
  equal to the Father,
  and infinite as the Father.

Thus, the Scriptures reveal Him; as such, saints acknowledge Him, and join the angelic host in worshiping, praising, and adoring Him!

As such, He loves all His people--yes, He is love to them.

As such, they love Him--and trust their eternal interests into His hands!

No person can have right views of the love of Christ--who has not right views of the deity of Christ. His divinity gives lustre and glory--to His love. If He were not God--His love would be only a passion like ours, and would fluctuate and change. But being divine--His love is an infinite perfection, and remains immutably the same!

He loves with all the majesty of God--and with all the tenderness of man!

His love has the strength of God--and the gentleness of sinless man!

He is all-loving--and altogether lovely!

"Having loved His own who were in the world--He loved them unto the end!" John 13:1

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Watch His hand!
James Smith, very comforting.
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

A friend whose door is always open!

(John MacDuff, "Brief Thoughts for the Followers of Jesus" 1855)

"Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend!" Song of Songs 5:16

A Friend! How endearing the title! There is music in the very sound. But if there is something so sweet and precious in having an earthly friend--then what is it to have a Heavenly one! It is of such, that the spouse is here speaking, even of Him who is the chief among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely one! O my soul, let me think of the Lord Jesus as my friend--
  my true friend,
  my loving friend,
  my faithful friend,
  my powerful friend,
  my seasonable friend,
  my unchanging friend,
  my friend who sticks closer than a brother,
  my friend who loves me at all times, and on all occasions!

In the enjoyment of the Savior's friendship, there are many precious privileges involved. One is, freedom of access to Him at all seasons, and under all circumstances. In our fellowship with strangers, it is proper that some degree of reserve should be maintained. But it is not so with a well-known and thoroughly tested friend--his heart and home are always open! Just so, Jesus is always ready to receive us, just as we are--guilty, polluted, and wretched!

Christian, the Lord Jesus is a friend whose door is always open! Knock whenever you will--you are sure to be welcome. It is true--He sits upon a throne--but it is the throne of grace; and you are called upon to approach it, not in a spirit of fear and trembling--but with filial confidence, that you may receive from His fullness, and find grace to help in time of need.

O my soul, what a friend have you in Christ!

"I have called you friends!" John 15:15

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Our path is often slippery!
James Smith, insightful and uplifting.
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Such poor, depraved, insignificant creatures!

(James Smith, "The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior's Grace Displayed!")

"I have loved you, My people, with an everlasting love! With unfailing love, I have drawn you to Myself!" Jeremiah 31:3

The love of Christ is unending; it is not a passion of His humanity--but a perfection of His divinity. He has always existed--and He has always loved His people. His people . . .
  always had a place in His thoughts,
  have ever been before His eye, and
  have always been loved by Him!

He has loved them--ever since He knew them--and He foreknew them from eternity! His love ran through the boundless ages of eternity past--and fixed upon poor sinners who were to appear during the existence of time; and having fixed upon them--His love maintains its hold!

When He created the earth, spread abroad the Heavens, and gave His decree to the sea--His love was fixed upon His people! Their welfare, in connection with His Father's glory--was the object which He sought in all things.

Wonder, O heavens, and be astonished, O earth! That Jesus should have fixed His love upon such poor, depraved, insignificant creatures--and that from eternity past!

When we meditate upon eternity past--we can say in reference to the most distant periods, "My Savior loved me then! He loved me from all eternity!" Glorious truth! He always loved me--and He always will love me! He loved me . . .
  before angels existed,
  before devils appeared,
  before sin was committed!

He loved me--when the Godhead dwelt all alone! O the depths! Surprising mystery! It seems almost too good to be true! But God has said it, and my soul shall rejoice in it and praise Him for it!

His love to me is as eternal as His nature--without beginning of days, or end of years. From His love, as from a mighty ocean, flows . . .
  all the acts of His power,
  all the displays of His benevolence,
  all the manifestations of His grace, and
  all the provisions of His gospel.

It is sweet, to silently meditate upon the thought, of such a vile and insignificant creature as I am--that Jehovah-Jesus not only thought of me--but eternally loved me with all the strength of His Deity! He so loved me, as to be willing, when it became necessary--to take my nature, and to save me by His humiliation, sufferings, and death!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Look up! by James Smith,  Play Audio!  Download Audio
(Please pass this most uplifting gem onto others who are experiencing severe trials!)

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Who could have thought!

(James Smith, "The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior's Grace Displayed!")

"But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people!" Psalm 22:6

How wondrously did Jesus display His love--when He assumed our nature, took upon Him the form of a slave, and was found in appearance as a man! What love--to stoop so low as to . . .
  be conceived in a virgin's womb,
  be brought forth in pain, and
  experience all the weakness and ignorance of infancy!

Yes, He was brought forth in poverty--a stable for His birth-place, and a feeding-trough for His bed! He passed by the palaces of the noble, and the mansions of the great--yes, even the comfortable cottages of the poor--and was born in circumstances of misery and degradation!

Who could have thought, if they had entered that stable and seen that infant weeping on His mother's bosom--that that infant was the mighty God, the everlasting Father, and the Prince of peace! That all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt in that little babe! That it was love--incomparable and inconceivable love, which brought Deity and humanity together in such a wonderful and indescribable union! This is the mystery of Godliness! The mystery of love! He left . . .
  the bright abodes of blessedness and glory,
  the songs of Cherubim and Seraphim,
  the bosom of His Father, and
  the infinite delights which He had eternally enjoyed--
to be a worm and not a man; to be scorned and despised by all!

Jesus was once a helpless infant, a feeble child; and yet, at the same moment--He was the Almighty, the self-sufficient God!

What privations He suffered, even from the very beginning of His career on earth! What pain He endured--from His birth unto His death! He went sorrowing, sighing, and groaning--from the stable, to gloomy Calvary; where He . . .
  finished His work,
  proved His love,
  conquered His foes,
  delighted His Father, and
  merited everlasting honors and glories for His people!

O mystery of mercy!

Here is love beyond measure and degree!

O my soul, admire and adore!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

His teaching makes practical Christians!
by James Smith, very insightful.
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Can Jesus delight in such worms?

(James Smith, "The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior's Grace Displayed!")

Jesus presents Himself unto us as the Bridegroom of our souls. He says, "I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord!" He here promises to bring us into the nearest possible union. He becomes one with us. He says, "I will be your portion--and you shall be My possession!"

He manifests His beauties--to attract us,
He sends His Spirit--to prepare us,
He gives His sweet gospel--to allure us,
He puts forth His power and draws us--and then makes Himself over to us in an everlasting covenant.

He calls us by every sweet appellation, such as "My beloved, My dove, My sister, My darling, My flawless one, My delight, My spouse!" (Song of Songs 5:2)

He gives us . . .
  His person,
  His unsearchable riches, and
  a share in His eternal glories and honors!

He loves us most tenderly, constantly, and prudently.

He assures us . . .
  that He will never leave us,
  that He will come and commune with us,
  and that He will withhold no good thing from us!

He says, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed--yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor My covenant of peace be removed--says the Lord, who has compassion on you!" "No weapon formed against you shall prosper. For your Maker is your Husband--the Lord Almighty is His name!"

"As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride--so will your God rejoice over you! I will take delight in My people!" What love is here!

Can Jesus delight in such worms?

Can He rejoice over such unworthy creatures?

Can He enter into a marriage contract with such depraved beings?

Yes! He loved His Church and gave Himself for it! He has redeemed it unto Himself by His blood--and will everlastingly rejoice over it, to bless it and honor it!

Jesus, the Heavenly Lover, gave
His life, my wretched soul to save!
Resolved to make His mercy known,
He kindly claims me for His own!

Lost in astonishment, I see
Jesus, Your boundless love to me!
With sin and self, I freely part,
And gladly yield to You, my heart!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Afterwards you will understand!
by James Smith, very comforting.
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

It takes a long and painful process to purge it out!

(James Smith, "The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior's Grace Displayed!")

"I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering!" Isaiah 48:10

The love of Jesus will not preserve His people from trials--but rather, assures them of trials! All whom He loves--He chastens! He has a furnace to purge our dross, and refine our souls. His Word and the Spirit reveal to us our defilement and impurity--and His grace and providence co-operate to remove them. "I am the Lord God, who sanctifies you."

It is divine love which . . .
  prepares the furnace,
  kindles the flame,
  brings the Christian into it,
  superintends the whole process, and
  brings him out as gold, seven times purified!

"From all your filthiness and from all your idols, I will cleanse you!" He cleanses them in the laver of the Word by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit. But He also cleanses them by a variety of afflictive dispensations, through which He causes them to pass.

Our sin calls for trials--His love sends them!

Our nature repines at trials--but grace submits to them!

Our corruption is enraged at trials--but the Spirit sanctifies them to our good, and our Savior's glory.

He makes His people choice ones--in the "furnace of affliction!" He says, "I will put you into the fire--and will purely purge away your dross."

Believer, never repine at your trials, nor be over-anxious for their removal. They are appointed by Jesus as your Purifier--and are choice blessings in disguise!

Seek their sanctification,
wrestle with God that you may see His love in every stroke, and
look to Jesus that you may enjoy His presence when passing through the flame!

Nothing can hurt you--while Jesus is near you; and He is never nearer to you--than when you are in the furnace! For He sits right there as the Refiner . . .
  watching the process,
  regulating the heat, and
  waiting to effect a gracious deliverance--when the ends of His love are answered.

He is only preparing you for fresh manifestations of His glory--and fitting you for larger communications of His love.

In the furnace, you will lose nothing that is worth keeping--but you will obtain what is truly valuable!

The flesh and the soul need constant cleansings--for corruption is so deeply rooted in our nature, that it takes a long and painful process to purge it out! But in reference to the furnace, your Lord says, "The Lord did this to purge Israel's wickedness, to take away all her sin!"

[nChrist]

__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

He never thought that he would sink into Hell!
by James Smith, powerful.
Play Audio! Download Audio

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

A family of such vile, polluted, and wretched beings!

(James Smith, "The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior's Grace Displayed!")

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us--that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1

Those whom Jesus loves, being chosen of God to holiness here on earth, and happiness in eternity--are predestined to the adoption of His children--to the praise of the glory of His grace. They are predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son--they are to . . .
  partake of His nature,
  receive of His spirit,
  wear His image, and
  be associated with Him in honor and glory forever!

Jesus calls them, His brethren--heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Himself! Being related to Him, they . . .
  have a saving interest in Him,
  are loved by Him,
  are in union with Him, and
  shall never be separated from Him!

O wondrous mercy! That God should condescend to make up a family of such vile, polluted, and wretched beings as we are!

O wondrous mercy! That He should write our names in His book of life, give us the gift of the Holy Spirit, privilege us to claim relationship at His throne, and associate us with Jesus as fellow-heirs!

O wondrous mercy! That all this should have been fixed upon and settled--before the world began, and all for the praise of His glorious grace!

[nChrist]

__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Felix has had some eighteen hundred years in Hell to rue his folly!
by James Smith, powerful and insightful.
Play Audio! Download Audio

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

And to what is this astonishing change to be ascribed?

(James Smith, "The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior's Grace Displayed!")

"Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears--we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!" 1 John 3:2-3

Let us endeavor to realize our present sonship; it will produce . . .
  boldness at His throne of grace;
  contrition at His cross;
  confidence in His Word;
  love to His person;
  contentment with out lot;
  victory over the world,
  zeal for His glory; and
  encouragement under all our trials and troubles!

We are either children of God--or enemies of God! Every child of God . . .
  mourns over sin,
  flies to the Savior, and
  departs from iniquity!
God is now his Father.
All the promises are his.
The eternal inheritance is his.

Let us look back to the rock from whence we were hewn, and to the hole of the pit from whence we were dug:
How base our origin--the dust!
How degraded our condition--slaves of sin and Satan!
How fearful our character--enemies to God!
How dreadful our eternal doom--the lake which burns with brimstone and fire!

Contrast this with . . .
our present relation--children of God;
our high standing--in heavenly places in Christ;
our glorious privilege--justified from all things;
our fixed destiny--to be forever with the Lord!

And to what is this astonishing change to be ascribed? To love--the love of God in Christ Jesus! "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us--that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1

What a mystery of mercy is this!


But if we are unbelievers--then we are . . .
  God's enemies,
  children of wrath,
  under the curse,
  in imminent danger!
Satan is our father!
Sin is our element!
Hell is our eternal portion!

Reader, are you a child of God?

If not, then you are the child of Satan!