Grace Gems

[nChrist]

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

This pleasure-loving, pleasure-seeking, and pleasure-inventing age!
by J.A. James, insightful and challenging
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The best preacher of the gospel

(Theodore Cuyler, "Wayside Springs from the Fountain of Life" 1883)

Let us go down to the core. The only basis of good character, is a renewed heart--a heart in which Jesus Christ lives, a heart which is in the habit of obeying Christ's commandments. Such a man draws his motives of action from his deep, abiding love to Jesus. Up from the very roots--comes his daily devotion to those things which are pure and honest and lovely and of good report. Rooted into Christ, he is not easily shaken. He does not bend to trickery or yield to temptation. The world cannot move such a man. What does he care for its changing, frivolous fashions; his fashion is to do the will of his holy Master.

An honest, consistent, godly character, is a sermon all the week. The godly Christian--pure of heart and unspotted by the world--is the best preacher of the gospel. The revival which is most urgently needed, is a revival of practical godliness. Sunday preaching is not enough; we need more "sermons all through the week."

[nChrist]

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

Constant multiplication of corrupted copies
by J.A. James, Superb!
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Three looks at Jesus!

(J.C. Ryle)

Reader, remember these three looks at Jesus: backward, upward, forward; and make use of them every day.

The first is the secret of peace of conscience: no peace unless we look backward at the cross of Christ!

The second is the secret of real daily strength and comfort in our walk with God: little solid comfort unless we look upward to Christ's intercession!

The third is the secret of bright and cheerful hope in a dark world: no bright prospect unless we look forward to Christ coming again!

Backward, upward, forward--these are the three ways in which we should look at Jesus.
The person that looks at the cross is a wise person;
the person that looks at the cross and the intercession also, is wiser still;
but those who look at all three, the cross, the intercession, and the coming of Jesus--they are wisest of all.

[nChrist]

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

Satan's workshop!
by J.A. James, on the evils of the media
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Morality will keep you out of jail

(Charles Spurgeon)

Morality will keep you out of jail--but only the blood of Jesus will keep you out of Hell!

"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him!" John 3:36

[nChrist]

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

Other Baals!
by J.A. James, insightful
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Is this your religion?

(J.C. Ryle, "Reality")

"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit." Matthew 7:16-17

If you would know whether your religion is real, try it by the FRUIT it bears in your heart and life. The Christianity which is from above--will always be known by its fruits. It will produce in the man who has it: repentance, faith, hope, love, humility, spirituality, kind temper, self-denial, unselfishness, forgivingness, temperance, truthfulness, brotherly-kindness, patience, and forbearance. The degree in which these various graces appear, may vary in different believers. The germ and seeds of them will be found in all who are the children of God. By their fruits--they will be known.

Is this your religion? If not, you may well doubt whether it is real.

Your religion, if it is real, and given by the Holy Spirit--must be in your HEART.
It must occupy the citadel.
It must hold the reins.
It must sway the affections.
It must lead the will.
It must direct the tastes.
It must influence the choices and decisions.
It must fill the deepest, lowest, inmost seat in your soul.

Is this your religion? If not, you may well doubt whether it is real and true.

[nChrist]

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

What a Heaven!
by J.A. James, uplifting
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How blessed is my condition!

(Gleanings from the Inner Life of Ruth Bryan)

This is just the experience I love--willing to be nothing, that Christ may be all in all.

How blessed is my condition! Though so vile a sinner in myself; yet chosen and beloved in Christ from all eternity--every blessing for time, all glory for eternity--secured to me in Him!
Himself my blissful portion!
Himself my endless treasure!
Himself my ocean of love, my God and my glory!

My Lord, these hands and feet, this heart and tongue, and my whole self--afresh I consecrate to You. Oh, to spend and be spent in service for Your glory!

[nChrist]

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From Grace Gems:
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

I follow like a little blind child!
by J.A. James, very comforting
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A living personal Jesus

(Archibald Brown)

Christianity is all centered in a person.

Conversion is not a mere change of human opinion; it is the devotion of heart to a person. A converted man is not a man who just changes his views concerning certain facts, or theories, or doctrines--but he is a man whose heart has become devoted to a living Christ. All of your religion, if it is worth anything, will just be centered in a living personal Jesus.

[nChrist]

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The worldling's trash!

(Mary Winslow)

"We have a priceless inheritance--an inheritance that is reserved in Heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay!" 1 Peter 1:4

God will not put us off with the worldling's trash. He has higher enjoyments for His children!

No weeping in Heaven! Blessed be God for the hope He has given us beyond this scene of sin and sorrow. Let us arise, and travel on!

"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory!" Colossians 3:2-4

[nChrist]

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

He who trifles with it is a fool!
by J.A. James, powerful
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The world's standard of Christianity

(J.C. Ryle, "Holiness, Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots" 1879)

"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." Matthew 16:24

Let me warn everyone who wants to be saved--not to be content with the world's standard of Christianity. Surely no man with his eyes open, can fail to see that the Christianity of the New Testament is something far higher and deeper than the Christianity of most professing Christians. That formal, easy-going, do-little thing, which most people call 'religion'--is evidently not the religion of the Lord Jesus. The things which He praises--are not praised by the world. The things which He blames--are not things in which the world sees any harm. Oh, if you would follow Christ--do not be content with the world's Christianity! Tremble, tremble and repent!

[nChrist]

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

Men may see something of God in me!
by J.A. James, very challenging
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I cannot be trusted for one moment!

The following in an excerpt from the diary of James Smith:

March, 1943.
This day my convictions of sin are deep--and my discovery of my follies is painful. It is in reference to prayer and watchfulness, that I principally fail.

How much I require to humble me, empty me, and keep me in my proper place! How often do I perceive that but for the Lord's keeping--I would be undone! I cannot be trusted for one moment! I see it, I feel it, I confess it before God; and yet if others were to say so of me, or to me--how would my pride be hurt!

What a mercy have I found the throne of grace, yesterday and today! I know not when I visited it so often. O that I was as powerfully drawn to it by love--as I am driven to it by trouble!

I feel more like a child--as to wisdom, prudence, strength, and courage--than I ever did, for I seem to have none! O that I felt as much like a child--in reference to confidence, dependence, and love to my Heavenly Father!

O that I was thoroughly holy, truly wise, really prudent--then I think I would be happy, and make others happy!

It grieves me, that I not only procure trouble to myself--but that I trouble others; and if God were to withhold His grace--I would do but little else! However, God has promised grace--and grace will pardon what it does not prevent. But the pardon is often preceded by bitter experience, arising from conviction, self-reproach, fear, darkness, bondage, and distance from God. O for preventing grace--as well as pardoning grace!

[nChrist]

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From Grace Gems:
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

The light of heavenly truth!
by J.A. James, insightful
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The prayer of Agur

(John MacDuff, "Thoughts for the Quiet Hour")

There is a true and deep philosophy in the prayer of Agur--"Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs." Proverbs 30:8

[nChrist]

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From Grace Gems:
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

The last pang, and groan, and tear!
by J.A. James, very comforting
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The power of true religion!

(Thomas Reade)

The power of true religion is so little felt by the bulk of professing Christians.

There are four evils which mark the decaying state of Christians in general:
  their love of the world;
  their love of ease;
  their fear of man;
  their distrust of God's providence.

The New Testament believers were just the reverse of all this:
they despised the world, and its flattering allurements;
they took up the cross, and denied themselves;
they boldly confessed Christ, and suffered for His sake;
they trusted God for all things, and so took joyfully the the confiscation of your property.

And what was the blessed fruit?
They abounded in consolation;
they grew in grace;
they shone as lights in the world;
they felt joy and peace in believing.

But now we see professing Christians, even many of whom we charitably hope well . . .
  languid in their graces,
  timid in their confession,
  afraid of consequences,
  and fearful of trusting God.

Sad symptoms these, of spiritual decay!

[nChrist]

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From Grace Gems:
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

A cold chill fell upon their hearts!
by J.A. James, very insightful
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The aged believer's cordial

(James Smith, "The Aged Believer's Cordial")

"Hearken unto Me! I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime--until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you!" Isaiah 46:3-4

This passage of Scripture is the aged believer's cordial. Let us look at the beautiful images employed.

God is our parent--a kind and tender-hearted parent. He is peculiarly attached to His people--they are dear to Him, precious in His sight. They are His portion. He prizes them above all creation. He is strong to sustain, to defend, and support them. His strong arm, tender heart, and watchful eye--are all employed for them--and especially so in old age.

The aged believer is as a child. He is weak. He feels exposed and defenseless. He is timid and fearful. But the Lord, as a tender parent, engages to take him up in the arms of His power--and carry him in the bosom of His love! Like a tender lamb in the shepherd's bosom, on a cold and frosty night, borne across a bleak and snow-covered wasteland--so the believer, in the winter of old age, shall be carried in the bosom of his God, across the bleak and cheerless desert of time.

God will carry him tenderly--hushing the weak one's fears. He will bear him carefully--so that nothing shall harm or hurt him. He will soothe him with gentle words, and encourage him with kind acts--until He safely introduces him at Home!

Dear aged Christian, you have nothing to fear! Your God says, "I will be your God throughout your lifetime--until your hair is white with age! I am your Father--your Friend--your solace--and your confidence! Look unto Me--even to old age, I will carry you. I will bear you up under all that you feel and fear. I will carry you through all that discourages or distresses you. I will deliver you from foes, fears, dangers, and death itself! Nothing shall by any means hurt you! My arm is strong enough--trust in it. My bosom is your resting-place--lean on it, lean hard! Do not be afraid . . .
  love dwells there,
  pity rules there,
  your name is engraved there!
Trust me, I will never leave you nor forsake you!

"Hearken!" Believer, your God bids you to "hearken." His words are true and faithful. He speaks to banish your fears. He speaks to strengthen your faith. He speaks to comfort your poor drooping heart. He speaks to clothe your care-worn brow, with the light of hope, with the cheerfulness which confidence imparts.

Hearken to Him--not to unbelief!
Hearken to Him--not to carnal reason!
Hearken Him--not to Satan!
Hearken to Him--not to erroneous men!
Hearken, it is your Savior who speaks;
it is the Guide of your youth who addresses you;
it is your tender Parent who seeks to cheer your heart.

"As one whom his mother comforts"--so does your God comfort you.
He is near you--near you every moment;
He will carry you--carry you every step;
He will deliver you--deliver you from every danger, trouble, and foe!

[nChrist]

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

Holiness
by J.A. James
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The soul's hardest lesson

(MacDuff, "Thoughts for the Quiet Hour")

"Not my will, but Your will," is the soul's
hardest lesson; and, when learned, it is
its highest achievement!

[nChrist]

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

A poor, weak, and trembling creature
by J.A. James, very uplifting
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The only condition of soul health

(F.B. Meyer, "The Blessed Life")

"From the fullness of His grace, we have all received
 one blessing after another!" John 1:16

Our Lord Jesus is the perfect reservoir of everything the
soul of man requires for a blessed and holy life. To . . .
  make much of Him,
  abide in Him,
  draw from Him,
  receive each moment from the fullness of His grace--
is therefore the only condition of soul health.

[nChrist]

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

A lamb with a wolf's head!
by J.A. James, challenging
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An infant's breath might blow it out!

(Charles Spurgeon)

"He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick." Matthew 12:20

What is weaker than the bruised reed--or the smoldering wick?

A reed that grows in the marsh--let but the wild duck land upon it, and it snaps; let but the foot of man brush against it, and it is bruised and broken; every wind that flits across the river--moves it to and fro. You can conceive of nothing more frail or brittle, or whose existence is more in jeopardy, than a bruised reed.

Then look at the smoldering wick--what is it? It has a spark within it, it is true--but it is almost smothered; an infant's breath might blow it out; nothing has a more precarious existence than its flame.

Weak things are here described--yet Jesus says of them, "I will not break a bruised reed; I will not put out a smoldering wick." Some of God's children are made strong to do mighty works for Him; God has His Samsons here and there--who can pull up Gaza's gates, and carry them to the top of the hill; He has a few mighties who are lion-like men. But the majority of His people are a timid, trembling race. They are like starlings, frightened at every passer-by. They are a little fearful flock. If temptation comes--they are captured like birds in a snare. If trial threatens--they are ready to faint. Their frail skiff is tossed up and down by every wave; they drift along like a sea bird on the crest of the billows--weak things, without strength, without wisdom, without foresight.

Yet, as weak as they are--and because they are so weak--they have this promise made specially to them! Herein is grace and graciousness! Herein is love and loving-kindness! How it reveals the compassion of Jesus to us--so gentle, tender, considerate! We need never shrink back from His touch. We need never fear a harsh word from Him--though He might well chide us for our weakness. Bruised reeds shall have no blows from Him, and the smoldering wick no damping frowns!