Grace Gems

[nChrist]

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Delighting in God!

(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)

"Delight yourself in the Lord--and He shall give you the desires of your heart!" Psalm 37:4

Delighting in worldly things--effectually prevents our delighting in God. Therefore it is often the case, that the Lord strips us of these things, or incapacitates us to enjoy them--in order to bring us back to delight in Himself.

He delights in His people--and He desires that His people to delight in Him. In order to accomplish this, He has revealed Himself in the most amiable characters, as . . .
  a Husband;
  a Friend;
  a Brother;
  a Savior;
  a Shepherd, and so forth--
all on purpose to endear Himself to us!

Surely if our hearts were right--we would delight in Him on account of . . .
  His glorious perfections;
  His unalterable love;
  the perfect atonement made for our sins;
  the promises made for our comfort and encouragement;
  the gift of the Holy Spirit;
  the communion we are urged to hold with Himself;
  and the glorious paradise of blessedness set before us--where we shall forever . . .
    view the unfolding of His glories,
    enjoy the riches of His grace, and
    drink of the river of His pleasures!

Sick Christian, Jesus bids you to delight in Him!
Delight in Him as your Savior, Friend, and Brother!
Delight in His person and glories!
Delight in His perfect work!
Delight in His glorious fullness!
Delight in your salvation in Him, union to Him, and claim upon Him.
Oh, delight in Jesus!
You will have no permanent peace or solid satisfaction--but as you are delight in Him, and rejoice in Him, saying, "You are my portion, O Lord!"

He who delights in God has the desires of His heart--because they are in accordance with the purpose, promise, and pleasure of God.

The mind is thrown into the mold of God's mind, and the soul cries from its inmost recesses, "Not my will--but may Your will be done!" Its pleasures are spiritual, permanent, and satisfactory. The desire for earthly things becomes very contracted--a little of the things of this poor world will satisfy a soul that is delighting in Jehovah.

Delighting in God always produces resignation and holy contentment. Whatever they have--they enjoy it as the undeserved gift of God; and they feel obligated and thankful for all. They would rather be conformed to God's will--than have their own will. They know that His appointments are best--because they are infinitely wise, holy, and gracious. They can say, "I trust in You, O Lord, for You are my God! My times are in Your hand!" They find that godliness with contentment is great gain; and say with one of old, "The little that a righteous man has--is better than the riches of many wicked!" "Better a little with the fear of the Lord--than great treasure with turmoil."

The presence, the promise, and the smile of God--are to them inestimably valuable; but other things are not so important. They seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness--and all other necessary things are added unto them. They live at the fountain--when all the streams are dried up! They delight in God--when creatures fade and wither!

O Lord! I would delight in Thee,
And on Your care depend;
To You in every trouble flee,
My best, my only Friend!

No good in creatures can be found,
But may be found in Thee;
I must have all things and abound,
While God is God to me!

[nChrist]

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What a solemn charge is here!

(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)

"You have become weary of Me!" Isaiah 43:22

What a solemn charge is here! And yet who can plead, 'Not guilty'?

To be wearied of man--weak, vain, fickle, changing man--is no wonder; but to be weary of God is truly astonishing! How does this charge set forth the deep and awful depravity of human nature. Yet you yourself have known times when you have felt, and manifested this weariness!

Note your too frequent neglect of public worship; or your deadness, indifference, or wanderings therein!

Note your backwardness to draw near to God in private; or the short time which satisfies you to be found upon your knees before Him!

Note your seldom opened Bible, or the lack of interest in its contents; the reluctance with which you sometimes take it up, and the readiness with which you lay it down!

Surely these things, rightly interpreted, say, "You have become weary of Me!"

If your weariness arises from physical weakness--it is infirmity.
But if weariness arises from disinclination--it is a shameful sin! And can it be, that we have been weary of our God . . .
   whom angels always delight to obey;
   whose service is perfect freedom,
   whose smile is Heaven--and whose frown is Hell?
Oh yes--we have too frequently been weary of God!
Let us confess it with shame, contrition, and remorse!
Let us not attempt to excuse so fearful a crime--but let us come afresh to that precious blood which cleanses from all sin.

One hope remains--yes, there I'll cling;
I'll crouch beneath my Savior's wing!
I'll clasp His cross; and kneeling there,
Even me, redeeming love may spare!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

An infallible test!
Samuel Davies, insightful
Play Audio! Download Audio

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You will soon end your tedious, tiresome journey!

(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth!" Hebrews 11:13

Every believer is a pilgrim. He is traveling to his Father's house! He is presently a stranger in a strange land, surrounded by temptations, trials, and foes. His journey lies through a great and terrible wilderness. Therefore he must not expect a very smooth path, or many comfortable accommodations. He will have much to grieve and distress him. His heart will be often burdened with grief, and filled with sorrow--tears are common to the Christian. He feels the unsuitableness of the things of time to his spirit, profession, and aim. And therefore he confesses, "I am a stranger and a pilgrim--as all my fathers were!" Psalm 39:12

Weariness and painfulness are his portion now--but a rest remains for him! It is a glorious rest. It embraces and includes all that the believer has prayed for--or can desire!
It waits for him at the end of his journey,
it was prepared for him from the foundation of the world,
it is now promised to him in the faithful word, and
it will be bestowed upon him when he has fought the good fight, and finished his course.

Everything at present may appear gloomy and distressing; but ahead of you, believer, everything is glorious, magnificent, and blessed! Press on then--fight the good fight of faith. Travel on in the strength of Jesus! You are going home--and you have a glorious home to go to!

The minute after you have entered your rest--you will forget all the fatigue, all the dangers, and all the difficulties of the way! You will perhaps be filled with wonder, that you should ever have allowed such trifles to vex you, or such little trials to discourage you--with such a glorious end before you.

Fellow-pilgrim, expect trouble--but also expect mercy to help you in time of need! Expect to feel your circumstances to be trying--but also expect your Savior's strength to be perfected in your weakness! You will soon end your tedious, tiresome journey--and enter into the joy of your Lord!

Never forget you are now a pilgrim--a stranger--only a sojourner here in this poor world. Here you have no continuing city--but you seek for one to come.

Nothing can make this poor world your rest--it will always be a wilderness to you. Be content then, to wait until you get home! There you shall enjoy--and always enjoy, all your desires! There will not be one unfulfilled want, wish, or desire there! All will be satisfied--all will be full. In a little while--you will see the portal of your Father's house, and hear Him say, "Come in, you who are blessed of the Lord, tarry no longer outside! Come, dwell forever with Me!"

[nChrist]

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Without supplies of grace from Christ

(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)

Jehovah is emphatically called . . .
   the God of all grace,
   the Father of mercies,
   the God of all comfort,
   the God of peace,
   the God of hope,
   the God of salvation.
All of these titles are full of comfort, and are calculated to inspire our souls with love, gratitude, and pleasure.

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you--so that in all things at all times, having all that you need--you will abound in every good work!" 2 Corinthians 9:8

All grace dwells in God--and flows freely from Him. He is glorified in the communications of His grace to the most unworthy. You have received a little--He is able to make all of His grace abound toward you. The aboundings of His grace will produce . . .
   strong faith,
   great patience,
   deep humility,
   holy contentment,
   ardent love,
   joyful hope,
   warm zeal,
   Scriptural courage,
   and spiritual fortitude.

It is divine grace which . . .
   first quickened us to feel our lost state;
   led us to Jesus;
   gives us a good hope;
   conquers our corruptions;
   enables us to act for the Lord's glory.

In reference to all these things--you feel miserably deficient; you cannot produce them. But God can make His grace abound to you. He can give you a sufficiency of grace . . .
   to support you under every trial,
   to strengthen you under every burden,
   to qualify you for every duty, and
   to fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

You have perhaps set about doing good works--and have found yourself unable to perform them. You feel ashamed of what you have done; you have condemned yourself, and perhaps have given way to fear and despondency. Good works can only be performed through grace received from the Lord.

Without God's grace--the wisest miscarry.
With grace--the most simple succeed!

We can only serve God rightly--when we serve Him with His own grace.

You are not sufficient of yourself so much as to think a good thought! Without supplies of grace from Christ--you can do nothing to please Him.

There is no good work, but you may perform it--if you receive God's grace!

There is no sin, but you may fall into--if you trust to yourself, and neglect the supplies of grace.

God invites you to His throne of grace. He promises you a supply. He is able to make all grace to abound toward you. He is the God of all grace--and until He changes in His nature, forfeits His word, or refuses to give--you have no ground of complaint or despondency.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Would it not be better for you to be a cat or dog?
by Samuel Davies,  Play Audio!  Download Audio

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What an ocean of glory is here!

(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory!" Romans 8:17

The spiritual mind is like a bird locked up in a cage, while burdened with a body of sin and death. We cannot do the things that we desire--so we long, pant, and pray for liberty.

Liberty, glorious liberty is before us!

Perfect and entire freedom from all sin--and temptation to sin!

Every corruption will be slain, and completely rooted out of body and soul!

No dark clouds of ignorance will any more hover over the understanding.

No sinful or selfish principles will any more influence the will.

No corroding guilt will again obtain a place in the conscience.

No unworthy objects will be presented, or have power to captivate any of the affections.

No profane or forbidden subjects will any more be found in the memory.

Reason will be correctly informed. "Now we know in part, and prophesy in part--but then shall we know even as also we are known."

Holiness will enter into the very nature of body and soul!

We shall be separated completely and forever, from everything that is painful, defiling, or injurious--and united closely and forever to all that is holy, happy, and beneficial.

Tried believer! What an ocean of glory is here! Adam's paradise was nothing compared to this!

All things are yours!

God is yours!

Heaven is yours!

The glory of Jesus is yours!

Your end will be glorious--though your present situation is painful and distressing. You will soon be delivered . . .
  from every fear,
  from every foe,
  from every impediment, and
  from evil in every shape and form!

"No eye has seen,
 no ear has heard, and
 no mind has imagined--
 what God has prepared for those who love Him!"
    1 Corinthians 2:9

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

The thread of life is held by the divine hand alone!
by Samuel Davies, sobering
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Surely there was no more royal moment in all of Christ's life!

(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"Today shall you be with Me in paradise!" Luke 23:43

This was the second saying of the Savior on the cross. Something touched the heart of one of the robbers--may it not have been the Savior's prayer for His murderers? He became penitent in his dying hour, and cried to Jesus for mercy: "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." Quickly from the lips of the dying Redeemer came the gracious response, "Today shall you be with Me in paradise!" The words are full of meaning, of which only broken hints can here be given.

Though in the agony of death--Jesus could yet give life to a dead soul. Though draining the dregs of the cup of woe--He could give a cup of blessedness to a penitent sinner. Though His hand was nailed to the cross--it yet carried the key of paradise, and opened the gate to allow a repentant soul to enter. Surely there was no more royal moment in all of Christ's life, than this!

The promise itself tells us what death is for the believer. "Today shall you be with Me!" There is no long, dark passage, therefore, through which the freed soul must go to reach blessedness. There is no "purgatory" in which it must punished for its sins for long years--before it can enter Heaven. At once, the redeemed spirit goes into the presence of Christ!

Paul teaches us the same truth when he describes death as departing to be with Christ; and says that to be absent from the body--is to be at home with the Lord. That same day, said Jesus--this penitent would be in paradise! We ought not then, to be afraid to die--if we are Christ's redeemed and holy ones.

The words tell us also, what Heaven's blessedness really consists of. "You shall be with Me." Being with Christ--is glory! No sweeter, more blessed Heaven can be conceived of!

We know but little about Heaven as a place--where it is, what it is like; but this much we know--that there we shall be with Christ! Is not that enough to know?

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Where am I bound for? For heaven--or for hell?
by Samuel Davies, most powerful
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Troubles, troubles, troubles! (part 1)

(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)


"Call upon Me in the day of trouble! I will deliver you--and you shall glorify Me!" Psalm 50:15

Believer, in this portion of the divine Word, you will discover:
   1. your present portion--trouble;
   2. your constant privilege--prayer;
   3. your future prospect--deliverance.

1. Your present portion is TROUBLE. You must expect trouble, and will certainly be deceived if you expect to escape it. Sin is the parent of trouble--and our sin-cursed earth its fruitful soil. Trouble springs up all around us, and appears in an almost infinite variety of forms.

Every connection we form,
every character we bear,
every office we fill, and
every relation we sustain--
is a fruitful source of trouble!

We shall have . . .
   trouble in mind,
   trouble in circumstances,
   trouble in body;
   trouble from almost every quarter!

This poor world is not our rest--for it is polluted!
This poor world is not our home--for we are poor pilgrims!
This poor world is not our country--for we are strangers and aliens!

Every day has its peculiar troubles. Often when we look for a certain comfort--we only find peculiar distress and vexation! Everything declares, "Happiness is not in me!" You may look on the right hand--but you will find no permanent peace; and on the left hand--disappointment awaits you. Only in Jesus is . . .
   solid peace,
   holy satisfaction, and
   permanent comfort to be found.

If we could rightly interpret the various voices around us, we would find them all saying, "Go to Jesus! Abide in Jesus! Derive all from Jesus--or be wretched, miserable, and disappointed!"

In youth, manhood, and old age--trouble and tribulation is the Christian's lot. Our God feeds us with the heritage of Jacob our father; but if we carefully read his history, we shall find that some very bitter herbs grew on it:
   Joseph is lost,
   Rachel dies,
   Simeon is imprisoned,
   Benjamin must go,
   Simeon and Levi slay the Shechemites--
   and all these things appear against him!

Just so with us, troubles and trials follow each other, at times, almost like Job's messengers, treading on each other's heels, and we are almost overwhelmed! But,

2. Your constant privilege is PRAYER (coming tomorrow!)

3. Your future prospect is DELIVERANCE

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Where is there a more sinful spot to be found upon our guilty globe?
by Samuel Davies, very insightful.  Play Audio!  Download Audio

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Troubles, troubles, troubles! (part 2)

(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)


"Call upon Me in the day of trouble! I will deliver you--and you shall glorify Me!" Psalm 50:15

Believer, in this portion of the divine Word, you will discover:
   1. your present portion--trouble,
   2. your constant privilege--prayer,
   3. your future prospect--deliverance.

1. Your present portion is TROUBLE. (posted yesterday)

2. Your constant privilege is PRAYER--to visit the throne of grace, and wait upon our God. He says, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble!" Troubles . . .
   furnish us with messages to our Father's throne,
   quicken us in our supplications, and
   oblige us to entreat His favor!

His throne of grace is always accessible, and His ear is always open; but in times of trouble, He especially invites us to draw near. He says:
Call upon Me in trouble, call for whatever you need!
Are you perplexed--then call for wisdom;
are you weak--then call for strength;
are you guilty--then call for pardon;
are you miserable--then call for comfort;
are you in darkness--then call for light;
are you in bondage--then call for freedom and relief.

Call upon Me, for I am always on the throne of grace!

Call upon Me, for I am glad to see you!

Call upon Me, for I am ready to help you!

Call upon Me, for I wait to be gracious unto you!

Call upon Me--upon Me first, before you run to others!

Call upon Me--and you will have no occasion to go anywhere else, for I have all that you can possibly need.

Call upon Me freely--without reserve.

Call upon Me boldly--without fear.

Call upon Me importunately--without doubt!

The promise encourages us,
the invitation allures us--but
trouble impels us to call upon our God!

Our troubles are frequently the instruments the Holy Spirit employs to carry on His sacred work in our hearts. By troubles, He . . .
   empties us of self,
   weans us from the world, and
   endears Jesus and His salvation to us!

Oh, believer, make use of your privilege in every time of trouble--and fully expect what Your God has promised!

3. Your future prospect is DELIVERANCE. (coming tomorrow!)

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

George is dead!
Samuel Davies, challenging
Play Audio! Download Audio

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Troubles, troubles, troubles! (part 3)

(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble! I will deliver you--and you shall glorify Me!" Psalm 50:15

Believer, in this portion of the divine word, you will discover:
   1. your present portion--trouble,
   2. your constant privilege--prayer,
   3. your future prospect--deliverance.

1. Your present portion is TROUBLE (already posted)
2. Your constant privilege is PRAYER (already posted)

3. Your future prospect is DELIVERANCE. The prospect is opened up, "I will deliver you--and you shall glorify Me!" Here God comes under engagement to deliver His calling child. Can we, then, be too confident, or expect deliverance with too much assurance? Surely not! Only let us beware lest we dictate to God as to time, means, or manner of deliverance--and then we cannot be too certain. He will deliver, and in such a way as to . . .
   put honor on your faith,
   pour confusion on your unbelief, and
   secure the glory to His blessed self!

God's delivering mercies are all brought forth on jubilee days--for the deliverances which He affords, proclaim a jubilee in the soul.

"I WILL!"--this promise is . . .
   more durable than earth,
   more stable as the pillars of Heaven,
   and as changeless as the nature of Jehovah.

"I will DELIVER!"--this is at once . . .
   the food, warrant, and plea of faith;
   the lattice through which hope directs the eye, and
   the prime argument which the soul uses before God.

"I will deliver YOU!" This is the laying of God's hand on His needy child.

My poor brother--are you in trouble? Are you calling upon God? The Lord says, "I will deliver YOU!" You are the person God had in His eye and in His heart--when He caused this precious portion to be penned. Take up the language, and say, "He will deliver ME!" And you, being delivered, proving God to be faithful, realizing the power of prayer, and enjoying delivering mercy--shall, though Satan will try to hinder, and unbelief would gladly shut your mouth--you shall glorify Me!

How truly blessed, how pleasant, how satisfactory is this! Every believer must say: "It is just as I would have it! I get all the mercy--and God gets all the glory!"

Brethren in Jesus . . .
   expect your portion--troubles,
   prize your privilege--prayer, and
   look forward to your prospect--deliverance!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

You are devilized already!
Samuel Davies, powerful
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Salvation is by free grace alone!

(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)

"By grace you are saved!" Ephesians 2:8

Salvation is by free grace alone! In eternity past, the Lord fixed upon the objects whom He intended to deliver from sin, Satan, and the curse--and whom He designed to raise to holiness, happiness, and honor. He assigns no reason but His sovereign good pleasure: "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion!"

He chose His people out of the vast mass--and recorded their names in the book of life. He gave them to our dear and adorable Immanuel--to be His care, charge, and bride. He appointed them to life, sonship, and conformity to Jesus--and all of free grace!

Grace scatters blessings upon millions--but never utters a curse against any. She provides salvation for her objects--but is in no sense the cause of the damnation of the rest. Her language is SAVE; but never DESTROY.

Sovereign grace, rightly viewed--embodies everything that is sweet, pleasant, charming, and delightful. It is like . . .
  music to the ear,
  honey to the palate,
  beautiful prospects to the eye,
  and fragrance to the smell.

Sovereign grace is . . .
  as free as the summer breeze,
  as pure as the sun's bright ray,
  and as pleasant as the morning light!
All who know it--love it,
all who have seen it--admire it,
and all who enjoy it--adore it!

Grace finds . . .
  a depth for our sins,
  a fountain for our needs,
  a covering for our persons, and
  a Heaven for our eternal habitation.

Oh that Heaven would coin language sufficiently grand, and furnish ideas sufficiently noble--to speak of the glories of sovereign grace, or to show forth half its praise!

Salvation, then, . . .
originates in the free grace of God,
flows in the channel of the Redeemer's blood, and
aims at the glorification of Jehovah in all His perfections.

Salvation was . . .
planned in eternity,
executed in time, and
shall be realized and enjoyed until eternity can end!

Salvation is . . .
divine in its contrivance, execution, and application;
holy in its character, tendency, and design;
and free in its bestowment and operations.

Salvation is of God, by grace, to holiness--forever!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

The only effectual reformer of the world!
Samuel Davies, very insightful and helpful
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

What a mercy--to be out of Hell!

(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)

"Because of the Lord's mercies, we are not consumed--for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" Lamentations 3:22-23

You are sometimes tempted to think that your lot is hard, and that your trials are greater than others--but do not think thus. Rather think, "But for the mercy of God--I would have been in Hell this moment, lifting up my eyes in torments; and in the agony of despair, cursing my God and King! It is all of mercy, that I am not now in the flames of Hell, surrounded by infuriated devils, and assailed on every hand by the groans of the damned, and the dreadful cursings of the lost!"

HELL! Who shall attempt to describe what is wrapped up in that fearful word? Yet all that it contains was your righteous desert; and but for sovereign mercy--must have been your eternal portion!

What a mercy--to be out of Hell! Yes, even though you are now in the sorest trials, in the greatest pains!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Tomorrow comes--and they are in Hell!
Samuel Davies, very powerful
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

There is an end to all your troubles, trials, and temptations

(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)

"Surely there is on end; and your expectation shall not be cut off." Proverbs 23:18

Christian! There is an end to all your troubles, trials, and temptations--you will survive them all, and rise superior to them.

There is an end to all your enemies, and their designs to injure you. They will either be converted to friends, or be everlastingly destroyed from the presence of the Lord, and the glory of His power.

There is an end to all your disappointments and vexations--you will soon be disappointed for the last time, and shall know vexation no more.

There is an end to your sickness--it is not eternal. Your pains are of short duration--but your pleasures shall forever flow!

Oh, think of this and be grateful! Your expectation of being forever . . .
  freed from sin,
  delivered from Satan,
  raised above the world,
  placed beyond the reach of sorrow,
  and of being forever with the Lord
--shall not be cut off!

Your troubles are confined to this howling wilderness--but can never enter the paradise into which you will shortly dwell. There will be an end of all you complain of, mourn over, or seek deliverance from. There will be a beginning--but no end, to all that you ardently desire, long, and pray for! Jesus will soon complete His redemption, by eradicating sin, sickness, and sorrow--and by raising His saints incorruptible, and perfectly conformed to Himself!

Look beyond your present sufferings--and anticipate the glory that is to be revealed.

Time will soon fade away before the unfading glories of eternity!

Time bounds your trials--but only eternity bounds your possessions, pleasures, and glories!

Grace be swallowed up in glory forever!

[nChrist]

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

Who is this amazing spectacle of woe and torture?
Samuel Davies, precious quote about Christ's sufferings
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

He was crushed for our iniquities!

(J.C. Ryle, "Coming Events and Present Duties")

"But 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

Let us live as if every allowed sin, was . . .
   one more thorn in Christ's head,
   one more nail in His feet,
   one more spear in His side!

[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:

If you dare!
Samuel Davies, challenging
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Let me try to draw a picture of Biblical holiness

(J.C. Ryle, "Holiness, Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots")

"Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord!"  Hebrews 12:14

Are we holy? Shall we see the Lord?

In this hurrying, bustling world--let us stand still for a few minutes and consider the matter of holiness. It is a solemn thing to hear the Word of God saying, "Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord!"

A man may go great lengths in religion--and yet never reach true holiness.

What is true practical holiness?
It is not knowledge--Balaam had that.
It is not great profession--Judas Iscariot had that.
It is not doing many things--Herod had that.
It is not zeal for certain matters in religion--Jehu had that.
It is not morality and outward respectability of conduct--the rich young ruler had that.
It is not taking pleasure in hearing preachers--the Jews in Ezekiel's time had that.
It is not keeping company with godly people--Joab and Gehazi and Demas had that.

Yet none of these were holy people! These things alone, are not holiness. A man may have any one of them--and yet never see the Lord!

Let me try to draw a picture of Biblical holiness, that we may see it clearly before the eyes of our minds.

1. Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find His mind described in Scripture.

2. A holy man will endeavor to shun every known sin, and to keep every known commandment.

3. A holy man will strive to be like our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. A holy man will follow after meekness, patience, gentleness, patience, kind tempers, and government of his tongue.

5. A holy man will follow after temperance and self-denial.

6. A holy man will follow after love and brotherly kindness.

7. A holy man will follow after a spirit of mercy and benevolence towards others.

8. A holy man will follow after purity of heart.

9. A holy man will follow after the fear of God.

10. A holy man will follow after humility.

11. A holy man will follow after faithfulness in all the duties and relations in life.

12. Last--but not least, a holy man will follow after spiritual-mindedness.

The above is merely the "outline" of Ryle's picture. If you desire to see the whole picture drawn out--you will have to read the first several pages from his outstanding chapter, "Holiness".

[nChrist]

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

Where shall you find a rock?
Samuel Davies, insightful
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

A woman who had lived a sinful life

(J.C. Ryle, "Coming Events and Present Duties")

"When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house; she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them." Luke 7:37-38

We can never be too well acquainted with our own sinfulness and vileness. The spring of all humility, thankfulness, grateful love to Christ, and close walk with God--is real, thorough, Scriptural knowledge of the wickedness of our own hearts. The soul that loves much--is the soul that feels its sin-debt is great, and that much has been forgiven.

"Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:47