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« Reply #2235 on: September 11, 2012, 03:24:25 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
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___________________________________________ Anxious care
(James Smith, "The True Remedy!" 1856)
Another soul-disorder is anxious care. Worry or anxiety is prohibited by the gospel, because it is injurious to us, and reflects badly upon the care and kindness of God. Yet we, like Martha--are anxious and troubled about many things. We lose sight of the fact that God is our Father, and as such, He is engaged to provide for us. We forget that . . .
we are in our Father's world,
we are living under our Father's eye,
we are fed by our Father's hand, and
our interests lie near our Father's heart!
The true remedy for anxious care is to realize daily, and every hour of every day . . .
that the Lord cares for us,
that He knows where we are, and what we are,
that He has fixed the bounds of our habitation,
that His feeding the sparrows, is a proof that He will never neglect His children.
Anxiety! As a believer in Jesus, as a child of God--about what should I be anxious?
God is my Father, and He loves me--loves me just as He loves Jesus!
He cares for me--cares for me as much as He cared for the apostle Paul.
He watches over me, as a tender mother watches over her precious infant!
He keeps me--keeps me as the apple of His eye; and lest anything should hurt me, He will keep me night and day. He bids me cast every care upon Him. He exhorts me not to worry about anything--but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, to let my requests be made known unto Him.
This is the true remedy for anxious care:
to live in close and intimate fellowship with God, and cast all my cares upon Him as they come in;
to live realizing the fact, that I am the object of the constant, tender, loving care of God--that my God cares for me, for my best interests, for my everlasting welfare!
Yes, this is the only true remedy!
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« Reply #2236 on: September 12, 2012, 05:10:14 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
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___________________________________________ The stage
(Thomas Boston, "Human Nature in its Fourfold State")
"For I know that you will bring me to death, and
to the house appointed for all living." Job 30:23
Death is the great leveler!
Though their lifestyles along the way may be very
different--the king and the beggar must dwell in one
house, when they come to their journey's end.
"The small and the great are there." Job 3:19
We are all in this world as on a stage; it is no great
matter, whether a man acts the part of a prince or
a peasant; for when they have acted their parts, they
must both get behind the curtain, and appear no more.
"For I know that you will bring me to death, and
to the house appointed for all living." Job 30:23 |
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« Reply #2237 on: September 13, 2012, 02:54:17 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
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___________________________________________ Son, you are ever with Me, and all I have is yours!
(James Smith, "The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior's Grace Displayed!")
Jesus has revealed Himself as a Father to His people. Having begotten them again unto a living hope--He treats them as His children, and deals with them as a wise, kind, and tender parent. He cares for them--and bids them cast all their cares upon Himself. He has promised to provide for them--and encourages them to expect all necessary blessings from himself. They occupy His attention, and engage His mind every moment! He dwells among them and calls them His dear children. He expresses Himself most tenderly, and acts most wisely toward them. He . . .
corrects their errors,
instructs their minds,
feeds their souls,
and guides their feet;
but all in His own way.
No earthly father can take the interest of his children, which Jesus takes in His people; or make such provision for them, as He has made. All things pertaining to the present life are secured to them--along with a boundless inheritance beyond the grave! He bids them to enjoy what He has given to them, and offers them Himself as a constant feast. He invites them to . . .
tell Him all their troubles--and promises deliverance;
make known their grievances--that He may remedy them;
make known their needs--that He may supply them.
He never allows them to be out of His sight--nor out of his mind. The language of the prodigal's father to his elder son may be applied to them, "Son, you are ever with Me, and all I have is yours!"
O believer, what a privilege is yours! Jesus is not only your Friend--but your Father! He loves you, cares for you, and provides for you as such!
Trust in Him at all times;
depend on His care when everything around distresses you;
and look to His loving heart when creatures are cruel and unkind.
He says, "I will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters! I will not leave you orphans--I will come unto you! I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on Me! Fear not little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom!" |
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« Reply #2238 on: September 14, 2012, 07:47:56 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
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http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Christ's sleepless vigilance over His people!
(Octavius Winslow)
"Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age!" Matthew 28:20
What an exalted and endearing truth, is Christ's sleepless vigilance over His people! Imagine yourself threading your way along a most difficult and perilous path, every step of which is attended with pain and hazard, and is taken with hesitancy and doubt. Unknown to you and unseen--there is One hovering around you each moment . . .
checking each false step,
guiding each doubtful one,
soothing each sorrow,
and supplying each need.
All is calm and silent. Not a sound is heard, not a movement is seen; and yet, to your amazement, just at the critical moment--the needed support comes--you know not from where, you know not from whom! This is no picture of imagination--but a divine reality.
Are you a child of God on your pilgrimage to paradise, by an intricate and a perilous way? Jesus is near to you at each moment, unseen and often unknown! You have at times stood speechless with awe at the strange interposition on your behalf, of providence and of grace--when no visible sign indicated the source of your help. There was no echo of footfall at your side, no flitting of shadow athwart your path. No law of nature was altered nor suspended--the sun did not stand still, nor did the heavens open. And yet deliverance--strange and effectual deliverance--came at a moment most unexpected, yet most needed.
It was Jesus--your Redeemer, your Brother, your Shepherd, and your Guide! He it was who, hovering around you, unknown and unobserved--kept you as the apple of His eye, and sheltered you in the hollow of His hand. It was He who armed you with bravery for the fight--who poured strength into your spirit--and grace into your heart, when the full weight of calamity pressed upon them. Thus has He always been, to His children.
The eye which neither slumbers nor sleeps--was upon you! He knew in what furnace you were placed--and was there to temper the flame when it seemed the severest. He saw your frail vessel struggling through the tempest--and He came to your rescue at the height of the storm!
How has He proved this in seasons of difficulty and doubt! How often, at a crisis the most critical of your history--the Lord has appeared for you!
Your lack has been supplied,
your doubt has been solved, and
your perplexity has been guided.
He has delivered . . .
your soul from death,
your eyes from tears, and
your feet from falling!
You are never for an instant . . .
out of His heart,
out of His thoughts,
out of His hands,
or out of His eye!
Go then, and lay your weariness on Christ!
Take your bereaved, stricken and bleeding heart to Him!
What is your sorrow?
Has the hand of death smitten?
Is the beloved one removed?
Has the desire of your eyes been taken away with a stroke?
Who has done it?
Jesus has done it! Death was only His messenger. Your Jesus has done it! The Lord has given--and the Lord has taken away. And what has He removed?
Your wife? Ah, Jesus has all the tenderness that your wife ever had. Her love was only a drop from the ocean of love which is in His heart.
Is it your husband? Jesus is better to you than ten husbands.
Is it your parent, your child, your friend, your all of earthly bliss?
Is the cistern broken?
Is the earthen vessel dashed to pieces?
Are all your streams dry?
Jesus is still enough! He has not taken Himself from you--and never, never will.
Take your bereaved, stricken and bleeding heart to Him--and rest it upon His heart, which was once bereaved, stricken and bleeding, too! He knows how to . . .
bind up the broken heart,
heal the wounded spirit,
and comfort those who mourn.
What is your sorrow?
Has health failed you?
Has property forsaken you?
Have friends turned against you?
Are you tried in your circumstances?
Are you perplexed in your path?
Are providences thickening and darkening around you?
Are you anticipating seasons of approaching trial?
Are you walking in darkness, having no light?
Simply go to Jesus! He is an ever open door!
He is a tender, loving, faithful Friend, ever near.
He is a Brother born for your adversity.
His grace and sympathy are sufficient for you.
Go to Him in every trial.
Cast yourself upon Him every burden.
Take the infirmity, the corruption, the cross as it arises.
Simply and immediately to Jesus!
Go to Him at all times and under all circumstances! |
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« Reply #2239 on: September 16, 2012, 04:08:52 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ The world's standard of Christianity!
(J.C. Ryle, "Holiness, Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots" 1879)
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind!" Romans 12:2
Never be satisfied with the world's standard of Christianity!
"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world, rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:8 |
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« Reply #2240 on: September 16, 2012, 04:09:47 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ We should sweetly acquiescence in God's will
(J.R. Miller, "Intimate Letters on Personal Problems" 1914)
"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave--and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised!" Job 1:21
We should sweetly acquiescence in God's will, in faith that whatever He permits in our life, is right and best for us.
"He is the LORD; let Him do what seems good in His eyes!" 1 Samuel 3:18 |
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« Reply #2241 on: September 17, 2012, 01:49:33 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ A silent personal influence
(J. R. Miller, "In Green Pastures")
There is a silent personal influence, like a shadow, which goes out from everyone--and this influence is always leaving results and impressions wherever it touches. You cannot live a day--and not touch some other life. Wherever you go--your shadow falls on others, and they are either better or worse for your presence.
Our influence depends upon what we are--more than upon what we do. It is by living a beautiful life--that we bless the world. I do not under-estimate holy activities. Good deeds must characterize every true life. Our hands must do holy works. But if the life itself is noble, beautiful, holy, Christ-like, one that is itself a blessing and an inspiration--the worth of the influence is many times multiplied. |
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« Reply #2242 on: September 26, 2012, 11:15:04 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ The words of Jesus
(James Smith, "Daily Bible Readings for the Lord's Household")
"Remember how He spoke to you!" Luke 24:6
So said the angels to the women at the sepulcher, on the resurrection morning. This exhortation is most applicable to us--for we are apt to forget His words.
The words of Jesus ought to have the best place in our memories:
1. On account of their intrinsic value. There are no words like the words of Jesus, which exhibit the nature, will, and promises of God.
2. On account of their veracity. They are all true--the truth itself.
3. On account of their suitability. They . . .
check sin,
control fears,
produce confidence,
inspire with gratitude,
and fill us with love.
4. On account of their usefulness . . .
in our daily trials,
to direct our way,
to rule our expectations,
to comfort our hearts,
to feed and support our faith,
on the bed of sickness,
and at the hour of death.
Let us treasure up the words of Jesus carefully, diligently, and with much prayer.
Are our memories stored with Christ's words?
Do we meditate upon them?
Do we walk by them?
"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word." John 14:23
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away!" Luke 21:33 |
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« Reply #2243 on: September 26, 2012, 11:15:55 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ The littles
(Charles Spurgeon, "A Safe Prospective," 1869)
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!" Matthew 10:29-31
I would, with special earnestness, beg you to believe that God is in little things.
It is the little troubles of life that annoy us the most. A man can put up with the loss of a dear friend sometimes, better than he can with the burning of his fingers with a coal, or some little accident that may occur to him. The little stones in the sandal make the traveler limp; while great stones do him little hurt, for he soon leaps over them.
Believe that God arranges the littles. Take the little troubles as they come and bring them to your God, because they come from God. Believe that nothing is little to God, which concerns His people. To Him, indeed, your greatest concerns may be said to be little; and your little anxieties are not too small for His notice.
The very hairs of your head are all numbered; you may, therefore, pray to him about your smallest griefs. If not a sparrow hops upon the ground without your Father--you have reason to see that the smallest events in your career are arranged by Him, and it should be your joy to accept them as they come, and not make them causes of irritation, either to others or to yourselves.
This is a truth on which you may rely implicitly, and exercise yourselves continually, until you . . .
lull the sharpest pains,
calm the most feverish excitements, and
obtain the sweetest repose that a Christian can indulge in.
Everything in the future is appointed by God. All is in the hand of the great King. The Lord is King; let his people rejoice!
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« Reply #2244 on: September 26, 2012, 11:18:53 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Must we long for the onions of Egypt?
(by Thomas Adams)
"Christ in you, the hope of glory!" Colossians 1:27
"Christ lives in me!" Galatians 2:20
Is not the life of Christ in us--above all earthly sweetness?
He who has come to manhood--throws away his rattles and dolls! Are not the grapes of Canaan satisfying enough--but must we long for the onions of Egypt?
He who has the living waters of Jesus flowing in his heart--is foolish if he stoops to the puddles of vanity, or seeks contentment in the world. He will not suck on the breasts of this world, and seek to solace himself in its vanities! |
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« Reply #2245 on: September 26, 2012, 11:25:40 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
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http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Burn up all my levity, lukewarmness, and folly!
(The following in an excerpt from the diary of James Smith)
February, 1853. Though this week I have been the subject of deep searchings of heart. I have felt deeply that I do not realize . . .
the value of the soul,
the danger of the sinner,
the glories of Heaven, or
the horrors of Hell,
--as I ought. Surely I need more compassion, and more earnestness in my ministry--then I may hope to be more useful.
O that my heart glowed with love to souls! I want it to be like a consuming fire within me--to burn up all my levity, lukewarmness, and folly! |
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« Reply #2246 on: September 26, 2012, 11:26:34 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ I will deal well with you!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit")
"I will deal well with you!" Genesis 32:9
So the Lord promised Jacob; and the promises made unto our spiritual fathers--He will fulfill unto us, their children. But such a promise does not exclude:
great trials,
sore temptations,
deep personal afflictions,
fiery persecutions,
poverty,
disappointments,
and perplexity!
All these things may happen unto us--and yet the Lord is still dealing well with us. The promise secures . . .
the sanctification of our troubles,
the communication of necessary grace,
deliverance from all real evils,
the supply of all real needs, and
the satisfying of our best desires.
Is not this enough--to know that Jehovah will deal well with us . . .
in sickness and health;
in life and in death;
in time and through eternity?
This promise is . . .
Jehovah's bond,
the believer's plea,
the ground of the Christian's confidence,
a reason for contentment and gratitude,
and the cause of our enemies' confusion.
Jacob, though tried, found the Lord faithful--and so shall we! Let us therefore rejoice that our God has said, "I will deal well with you! I will make all My goodness pass before you. I will save you with an everlasting salvation. I will be your God, and your glory."
Gracious Lord, do as You have said! |
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« Reply #2247 on: September 26, 2012, 11:27:26 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
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___________________________________________ And we ought to be content with that!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Evening Visit")
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing--we will be content with that." 1 Timothy 6:6-8
We cannot really need more than food and clothing; and if God sees fit to withhold more--then we ought not even to wish for more.
But our food may be coarse--and our clothing very common. What then? If we have God's blessing, if we enjoy His presence--we are better off than if we possessed a kingdom without them! If God gives us no more--then we ought to believe that more would be injurious to us.
God either loves us--OR He does not. He either cares for us and provides for us--OR He leaves things to 'chance'.
If we are genuine believers, then . . .
God certainly does love us!
He certainly does care for us!
He certainly does provide for us!
He has . . . .
numbered the very hairs of our head,
fixed the bounds of our habitation, and
promised to supply all our needs!
He cannot have left anything to 'chance'.
Let us then be content with such things as our heavenly Father gives us. Let us learn to be content in every state and condition. Let us bear in mind that it is written, that "all things which pertain unto life and godliness," are given to us through the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. So that knowing Jesus--we may expect all that is necessary to a godly life--and we ought to be content with that! |
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« Reply #2248 on: September 26, 2012, 11:28:20 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ Live at the feet of Jesus
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit")
"And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to His teaching."
"But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part" Luke 10:39, 42
Let not the many trifles of time affect, distract, and bewilder you; but let the one thing needful be the constant object of pursuit and desire.
Live at the feet of Jesus--and you are safe.
Seek, above all things, to enjoy Jesus--and you will be happy.
Aim in all things to glorify Jesus--and you will be holy.
Look daily for the coming of Jesus--and you will be consistent.
Seek to . . .
know Him,
love Him,
believe Him,
obey Him, and
enjoy Him!
O Jesus! manifest Yourself to me; draw me to Your feet, and keep me there! |
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« Reply #2249 on: September 26, 2012, 11:29:09 PM » |
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__________________________________________
From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
___________________________________________ The great object of life!
(John Angell James, "Hindrances to Earnestness in Piety" 1847)
The great object of life to many professing Christians, seems to be to become rich. Their chief end does not appear to be so much to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever--as to obtain and enjoy the present world! Wealth is the center of their wishes--the invariable tendency of their desires. Jehovah is the God of their creed--but Mammon is the God of their hearts! They are devout adorers of the God of wealth.
"But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:9-10 |
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