Grace Gems

[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/
___________________________________________

My salvation comes from Him!

(Alexander Smellie, "The Hour of Silence" 1899)

"My salvation comes from Him!" Psalm 62:1

I see many wonders in God's salvation. It is as many-sided as the ocean with its moods and waves.

There is the wonder of its origin. From HIM it takes its rise and source--oh pregnant pronoun!
From the King against whom I have revolted.
From the Friend whose wishes I have opposed.
From the thrice-holy One, to whom the smallest of my sins is absolutely hateful.
From the Father on whom I have turned my back.
It is He who approaches me with the white flag of peace.
It is He who sacrifices Himself to accomplish my deliverance!

And there is the wonder of its continuousness. Salvation keeps coming--it does not cease. It flows, and deepens, and broadens. God does not weary, though there are ten thousand reasons why He should. The Savior does not lose His sympathy and grace. The Holy Spirit goes on performing His good work. It is an "eternal salvation". Hebrews 5:9

And there is the wonder of its object. It is MY salvation--mine, incredible as that may seem. It is a miracle to me that my past guilt should be pardoned--such a terrible criminality there was in my heart. It is a miracle to me that my present imperfections should be borne with and overcome. Such a forbearing, conquering patience I need--for I am the chief of sinners!

And there is the wonder of its abundance. It is SALVATION which comes to me. Salvation is a palace with many rooms in it. It is a landscape in which many different elements of beauty are found--mountain, and river, and lush pasture-ground, and darker forest, and the silver streak of the sea.

I think of salvation from the divine side--and how much it cost God!

I think of salvation from the human side--and how much it brings to me!

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15

[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/
___________________________________________

Grace denial

(Octavius Winslow, "The Glory of the Redeemer in His People" )

Be cautious of grace denial.

You will need much holy wisdom here, lest you overlook the work of the Spirit within you.

You have thought, it may be, of the glory that Christ receives from . . .
   brilliant genius,
   and profound talent,
   and splendid gifts,
   and glowing zeal,
   and costly sacrifices,
   and extensive usefulness.

But have you ever thought of the glory, the far greater, richer glory, that flows to Him from . . .
   the contrite spirit,
   the broken heart,
   the lowly mind,
   the humble walk,
   the tear of godly repentance that falls when seen by no human eye,
   the sigh of godly sorrow that is breathed when heard by no human ear,
   the sin abhorrence,
   the self loathing,
   the deep sense of vileness, and poverty, and infirmity that takes you to Jesus with the prayer:
"Lord, here I am; I have brought to You . . .
   my rebellious will,
   my wandering heart,
   my worldly affections,
   my peculiar infirmity,
   my besetting and constantly overpowering sin.
Receive me graciously, put forth the mighty power of Your grace in my soul, and subdue all, and rule all, and subjugate all to Yourself! Will it not be for Your glory, the glory of Your great name . . .
   if this strong corruption were subdued by Your grace,
   if this powerful sin were nailed to Your cross,
   if this temper so volatile,
   if this heart so impure,
   if these affections so truant,
   if this mind so dark,
   if these desires so earthly,
   if these pursuits so carnal,
   if these aims so selfish,
were all entirely renewed by Your Spirit, sanctified by Your grace, and made each to reflect Your image? Yes, Lord, it would be for Your glory, through time and through eternity!"

[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/
___________________________________________

My dearest idol must be thrown down!

(Alexander Smellie, "The Hour of Silence" 1899)

"They served idols, concerning which the LORD had said to them: You shall not do this thing!" 2 Kings 17:12

"Everyone of the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his heart!" Ezekiel 14:4

"Their heart went after their idols!" Ezekiel 20:16

There is much danger lest I should fall into the same sin of idolatry.
Idolatry is as prevalent today--as in ancient times.
It is as prevalent in Christendom--no less than in heathendom.

There are the idols of wood and stone. Lurking in my heart I find too strong a sympathy with the grosser forms of evil--untold possibilities of heinous sin are within me still. But these impure gods must go!

There are the idols of silver and gold. I pay an undue deference to fashion and wealth. I covet a high position and a place among the prominent ones of the earth. But these gods too must be dethroned!

There are the carved images. I may easily be beguiled by the enchanting toys and trinkets of the world. Contagion and poison haunt its literature, its arts, its amusements. At whatever cost, these deities must be cast out!

There are the molten images. Sudden fires of appetite, swift flames of temptation, leap up within me; and before I know, I may be overcome by them. These powers of darkness must be conquered in a heavenlier strength than my own!

There are the teraphim--the idols made in the likeness of men. I am in peril of exalting friends, wife, children, to the seat which Jesus Christ alone should occupy. My dearest idol must be thrown down, and Jesus must be Lord of all.

May Zinzendorf's motto be mine: "I have one passion, and it is Jesus, Jesus only!"

"The dearest idol I have known,
 Whatever that idol be,
 Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
 And worship only Thee!"

[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/
___________________________________________

Noah's Ark!

(Edward Griffin, "NOAH'S ARK")

"HE wiped out every living thing that was on the surface of the ground, from mankind to livestock, to creatures that crawl, to the birds of the sky, and they were wiped off the earth! Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark!" Genesis 7:23

Finally, the frightful morning began! The heavens gathered blackness. Angry tempests conflicted in the skies. The lightnings flashed over the world! Word was spread, that Noah and his family had entered into the ark. The ungodly then began to fear!

Before long, floods of water poured from the sky. Some now began to turn their eyes towards the ark; others stood doubting; others still dared to scoff!

The waters go on to increase. The rivers fill--and start to overflow. The waters begin to rise in the streets. Some flee into their houses; others, more intimidated, hasten to the hills! Others are now convinced, and with dreadful fright, are seen wading towards the ark!

The fountains of the great deep are now broken up! The waters rise more rapidly, and begin to rush with impetuous force. With difficulty they stand against the stream. They struggle for their lives to reach the ark! Thousands come--some wading, some swimming, some sinking, some hanging onto the ark with the grasp of death--all screaming for admission!

But it is too late! Time was, when the ark was open and they might have entered in--but that time is past! Where are now those tongues which derided the enormous vessel and the man who built it? Now what do you think of him--who for more than a century has borne the character of a fool and madman! They would give a thousand worlds--to be in his condition now!

Those nearest to the ark, cry and plead for admission, but in vain! The waters roar! The ark is lifted up! They sink and are seen no more!

By this time, every wretch on earth is thoroughly convinced. Hear their cries from the tops of the houses, which are answered by wails from those on the hills. See the multitudes who have fled to the mountains. How like frightened sheep they crowd together! Now the waters, roaring and foaming, have reached their feet! They flee up to the highest ridge--but the floods pursue them there! Some are able to climb the lofty oaks--and the waves overtake them there! They flee to the highest branches, and for a moment have time to reflect on their former madness: "How could I disbelieve the Lord's prophet? Where is now the ark which I scorned? Where am I going? O eternity! eternity! What a dreadful God have I despised!" On the topmost bough, the impetuous torrent sweeps them away! Their hold is broken--and they sink to rise no more!

The ark floats by--and sails over the heads of the revilers and persecutors! Only that blessed family in the ark are safe!

The same terrors will seize an unbelieving world when Jesus comes again! "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and swept them all away! That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man!" Matthew 24:37-39

[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/
___________________________________________

The Christian's ambition!

(Alexander Smellie, "The Hour of Silence" 1899)

"So we make it our ambition to please Him" 2 Corinthians 5:9

"It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known" Romans 15:20

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands" 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Three times over in his Epistles, Paul speaks of the Christian's ambition. I may learn much from every one of his three messages.

What should be the ambition of my personal life? It should not be to be merely pardoned, nor simply permitted to escape from eternal wrath. "We make it our ambition," the apostle says, "to please Him."

What should be the ambition of my church life? It should be to further the prosperity and to enlarge the boundaries of my Lord's kingdom on earth. It should be to proclaim His Evangel, and to extend His realm, and to win some new captives and subjects for Him. "It has always been my ambition," the apostle says again, "to preach the gospel where Christ was not known."

And what should be the ambition of my social life? It should be, in my ordinary duties, in my simplest and lowliest occupations, to exhibit Christlikeness and my heavenly citizenship. If I cannot be holy at my daily work, it is scarcely worth while taking trouble to be holy at other times. "Make it your ambition," says the apostle to me once more, "to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands."

These are the apostolic ambitions. Lord, let them be mine. Towards such goals, to gain such prizes--I would lay aside every weight, and run the race with perseverance!

[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/
___________________________________________

Singled out by the sovereign grace of God!

(Frank Hall)

In the days of Noah the entire world was given over to ungodliness, sin, and corruption. Violence, hate, and wickedness had reached an all time high. All men without exception were proud, arrogant, and ungrateful. They, like all natural men, were opposed to the rule of God over them. These ignorant unthankful rebels sought to shove God off His throne, so that they, like Adam and Eve in the garden, might "be as gods."

Hear the Spirit's testimony concerning the days of Noah: "The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that He had made man on the earth, and His heart was filled with pain. So the LORD said, 'I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth--men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air--for I am grieved that I have made them!'But NOAH found grace in the eyes of the LORD." Genesis 6:5-9

As it was in the days of Noah, so it is now.
Our generation is just as wicked as Noah's generation.
Spiritually, men have not improved one iota.
Lost men are still corrupting God's truth and God's worship upon the earth.
Men still love darkness and hate light.
Men are still grieving God with their sin.
Every imagination of the thoughts of our heart are still evil continually.
Nothing has changed.
Men still serve themselves, not God.
They love themselves, and hate God.
They still oppose and exalt themselves above God.

But the day is fast approaching when God's fury will once again be unleashed upon all the children of disobedience . . .
  who will not have Christ to reign over them;
  who will not believe the gospel of His grace;
  who will not trust Him for life, righteousness, and salvation;
  who will not turn from their wicked ways to serve the only true God.

Noah was just like everyone else by nature:
  born dead in trespasses and sin;
  corrupt to the very core;
  self-serving, self-centered, self-willed, and self-righteous;
  wholly given over to the lusts of his own flesh;
  under the complete control and dominion of the prince of the power of the air.

The fact that Noah found grace in God's eyes, is proof enough that he was sinful and vile; for were he righteous and holy in himself, he wouldn't need God's grace. Noah was singled out by the sovereign grace of God to be saved from the flood of God's wrath! Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD . . .
  not because he was worthy of God's favor,
  not because he was better than others,
  and not because he deserved it--
but because God is gracious to whom He will be gracious!

"Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD!" What grace?
  Redeeming grace!
  Justifying grace!
  Sanctifying grace!
  Pardoning grace!
  Regenerating grace!
  Preserving grace!
  Glorifying grace!
  All grace!

"Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD!" What kind of grace?
  Free, undeserved grace!
  Eternal, everlasting grace!
  Almighty, overpowering grace!
  Effectual, irresistible grace!
  Saving grace!

If we would be . . .
  forgiven of our sins,
  saved from the wrath to come,
  cleansed from all our filth,
  protected from the avenger of blood,
  preserved forever from falling away, and
  live forever, blameless before the presence of God's glory,
then we must come to Christ by faith and receive from Him what only He can give--SOVEREIGN, FREE, AMAZING GRACE!

God's grace is distinguishing grace:
Noah was no better than any man who was destroyed in the flood. He was saved by God's sovereign, discriminating, distinguishing grace! God . . .
  set His heart on Noah,
  loved him by His grace,
  chose him by His grace,
  redeemed him by his grace,
  regenerated and called him by His grace,
  preserved him by His grace,
  and saved him by His grace.
The God of all grace made the difference, not Noah!

God's grace is effectual grace:
  grace that saves absolutely and everlastingly;
  grace that cannot successfully resisted or denied.
This grace, this irresistible grace . . .
  raises dead sinners to life,
  dispels the darkness of unbelief,
  causes sinners to trust Christ, and,
  keeps them from departing from Him.

Only effectual grace will save you--for it cannot be resisted, overturned, successfully opposed, or lost. The grace that chosen sinners find in the eyes of the LORD, is effectual 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/
___________________________________________

Put on a heart of compassion!

(Alexander Smellie, "The Hour of Silence" 1899)

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved--put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

"Put on a heart of compassion," says the wise apostle.

Some elect and gracious souls seem, indeed, to have this compassionate heart from the very outset of their lives. Love is their vital breath and their native air. It comes to them naturally and spontaneously . . .
  as the bird sings simply because it must,
  as the flower unfolds and cannot help itself,
  as the fountain bubbles up irresistibly to the surface.

But how good it is for me, who have no inborn faculty of loving, that I may put on a heart of compassion!

I can do it by asking God, day after day, to subdue my selfish, censorious, critical, untender, evil heart!

I can do it by perpetually recollecting Christ, who went about ever doing good, and who has left me an example that I should follow in His steps.

I can do it by begging, morning by morning, the grace of the Paraclete, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit.

I can do it by the endeavor to put myself in the place of others, and to comprehend their difficulties and temptations.

I can do it by watching always for opportunities of lifting up the bruised reed and of fanning the smoking flax.

I can do it, as Robert Levett with his single talent did, by "little unremembered acts of kindness and of love."

Thus the heart of compassion may grow and thrive, even within me! Thus my harsh and proud and critical spirit may spread its black wings and fly away from me, never to return again!

[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/
___________________________________________

Night after night my feet are begrimed and soiled!

(Alexander Smellie, "The Hour of Silence" 1899)

"A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet" John 13:10

Every disciple of Christ walks through the hot and dusty ways of this world. I spend my Christian life in hostile surroundings. When saved, I do not go at once to be with my Lord in heavenly glory. He leaves me here on earth for my own discipline, and for the benefit of others around me. So I wrestle on against storm and wind and tide!

Every disciple contracts defilement in his walk through the world. I am readily beguiled. My firmest purposes are shaken. Along the road, there are innumerable obstacles and relentless enemies. Night after night my feet are begrimed and soiled! Am I to despair then?

No, for Christ will cleanse His disciples. I have been bathed in the morning of my new life--I have passed through the great spiritual change--I have been fully forgiven.

But I need still to have my feet washed. When I come in at night from the fierce sun, and the dusty highway, and the jostling crowd, with mind chafed and disturbed--He waits to lead me into His secret place and to refresh and heal me.

Ah, I scarcely can tell which I should admire most:
  Jesus' passion for me--or His patience with me;
  His suffering for me--or His longsuffering with me!

[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/
___________________________________________

The birds and lilies teach me better!

(Alexander Smellie, "The Hour of Silence" 1899)

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

Let me not worry--the birds and lilies teach me better. God spreads a table for the sparrows, and clothes the wayside anemones with their exquisite beauty. And I am dearer to Him by far. I, who am made in His image, and for whom His Son has died, and whom He means to dwell with Him in His Heaven--I occupy a larger place in His heart of hearts.

Let me not worry--it serves no good purpose to fret and worry. I cannot, with all my solicitude, add a cubit either to my stature or to my age. Anxiousness will only plunge me into mental distress and annoyance and sorrow, without bringing me any compensating advantage whatever. It knows how to wound; but ah! it does not know how to heal.

Let me not worry--a child should have more confidence in his Father's wisdom and watchfulness and love. It may be excusable for worldly men and women to worry--but not a son in the royal and wealthy family of the King of kings! There is no justification for him if he goes worried and burdened during the day, and lies down to hours of sleeplessness at night.

"So do not worry . . . For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them!" Matthew 6:31-32

[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/
___________________________________________

I will never leave you nor forsake you!

(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit" 1840)

"God Himself has said: I will never leave you nor forsake you!" Hebrews 13:5

The Lord's redeemed people are never alone!

God is with them as an Observer. He notices their . . .
   every thought,
   every word,
   every action,
   every trial,
   every foe,
   every danger.

He is with His people . . .
  as a Father--loving and holding communion with them;
  as the Lord Almighty--having all power to help them;
  as a Guide--to wisely lead them;
  as an Advocate--to plead their cause;
  as a Friend--to supply and comfort them;
  as a Savior--to deliver and protect them;
  as a holy, sin-hating God--to purify them!

He is present with them . . .
  to try them,
  to reprove them,
  to humble them,
  to preserve them,
  to comfort them, and
  to save them with an everlasting salvation!

Beloved, let us remember that God is with us--everywhere and always! This precious truth will . . .
  check levity,
  prevent impatience,
  make us people of integrity,
  encourage prayerfulness,
  inspire us with fortitude,
  and produce diligence.

If God is with us thus--then He is for us! And if God is for us--then who can effectually be against us?

"So be strong and courageous! For the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you!" Deuteronomy 31:6

[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/
___________________________________________

God's all wise, gracious, and adorable providence!

"We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

(Frank Hall)

We often find ourselves in . . .
  trying circumstances,
  inexplicable difficulties,
  and perplexing situations.
Experience teaches us daily that life is filled, not with joy and happiness only, but with troubles, heartache, and pain. We prove the words of brother Job every single day of our lives, that, "Man who is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble!"

Is there consolation to be had in such times of trouble? Indeed there is! If there is a verse of Scripture that ministers comfort to my doubting fearful heart, it is the verse before us. Romans 8:28 is . . .
  help for the helpless,
  comfort for those in trouble, and
  a beacon of light that guides believers on the tumultuous sea of life.

My beloved brothers and sisters in trouble and strife, all remains well with our souls.
Not only has the Father elected us unto salvation,
not only has the Son redeemed us from our sins,
not only has the Spirit regenerated us and given us spiritual life,
but God our Father works all things together for our eternal good! God is our Father, and our God is on His throne ruling all things for the glory of His name, and the everlasting salvation of our immortal souls!

Who knows? Paul begins this comforting verse with two precious words, "WE know!"  The people of God know,
believers know,
the redeemed of the Lord know,
those who are "the called according to God's purpose" know.
This is knowledge that only the saints of God have.
They know, not with a bare theoretical head knowledge--but by faith rooted in their hearts.
They know because God has taught them this knowledge effectually by His Spirit and grace.
They know because they believe His infallible word of truth.
They know in such a way as to find solace and comfort in what He has revealed.

God's people are here identified by two distinct characteristics--they love God, and they are called according to His purpose.

1. All of God's people love God! They love His glorious person and rejoice in all of His perfections as God:
  His righteousness,
  His immutability,
  His holiness,
  His sovereignty,
  His wisdom,
  His power,
  His love,
  His grace.
They love . . . .
  His will,
  His word,
  His ways,
  His gospel,
  His Son,
  His Spirit,
  His purpose,
  His providence,
  and His people.
God's people love God--and all that pertains to God.

2. All of God's people are "called according to His purpose!" They are a particular, distinct, special people, here named the "called." They have been graciously and effectually called in grace, by God's Spirit through the gospel--not according to their works, merit, or choice--but according to God's eternal purpose which He purposed in Himself before the foundation of the world.

All things do not work together for the good of ALL men, but for God's people alone, because their God providentially rules over all things for their eternal good and salvation. God rules . . .
  all things,
  all men,
  all angels,
  all demons,
  all circumstances,
  all events,
  in every place,
  at all times--
and He does so for the good of His people!

What do we know? "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Things may appear to be against us, but it only seems that way. We should not judge God's purpose by His providence--but His providence by His purpose. If we judge using the former method, we are sure to misjudge and we will never have peace in this life.

All pleasures, joys, and delights are certainly ruled by our God--but that's only half of His rule. He rules all evil--as well as all good.
All death,
all opposition,
all sickness,
every disaster,
every problem,
all our pain, and
all our sorrow--
are sovereignly ruled, governed, ordered, and controlled by our God--to bring about eternal good for our souls. God does not tells us how He does this--only that He does.

Whatever my God brings to pass in time--is the outworking of His purpose of grace--and it's for my good, whether it be in my little sphere of existence, or in the universe at large.

Oh God help me to believe Your word! Teach me not only to submit to your providential rule--but to rejoice and rest in it! Set a watch upon my mouth, that I murmur not!  Arrest my heart by your grace, and give me peace! Keep me from sinning with my lips and complaining against Your all wise, gracious, and adorable providence, for it is good!

God controls and directs all things with . . .
  infinite power,
  absolute sovereignty, and
  unfailing wisdom and grace!
Nothing can . . .
  hinder Him from doing His will,
  keep Him from having His way, or
  stop Him from accomplishing His purpose.

"We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

[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/
___________________________________________

Lost unregenerate men know nothing of this struggle!

(Frank Hall)

"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 would." Galatians 5:17

In this one verse the apostle Paul describes the thing that continually plagues every Christian.
We, as the people of God, desire more than anything to love God perfectly, but can't.
We long to cease from sin and ungodliness, but can't.
We strive to worship our God with our entire being, but can't.
We try to do good and honor God in all things, but can't.

Why do we continually do, say, feel, and think things that are evil?
Why are we so hard-hearted, unforgiving, and ignorant?
Why can't we do what we desire most?

It's because we have two natures called . . .
  flesh and spirit,
  sin and righteousness,
  Adam and Christ.

We do indeed believe our God, but not as we would.
We do love our Savior, but not as we would.
We do live for His honor and glory, but not as we would.

Our flesh won't allow us. It always interferes. It keeps us from doing the things that we would. When we would do good--then evil is present with us.
Our most fervent faith, is mixed with unbelief.
Our most selfless sacrifices, are mixed with selfishness.
Our most ardent prayers and supplications, are marred by our infirmities.
Our most spiritual moments, are contaminated by our sickening carnality.
Our meekest hours of submission and dependence on God, are corrupted by our self-will and pride.
Every mountain top experience of spiritual pleasure, is tinged with shameful wanderings within.
Our clearest views of Christ are darkened by error, misconceptions, and preconceived notions.
Even when our hearts seem to be most fixed on God's glory, they are torn between this world and the next.

The reality is, that as long as we live in this world--we will be at war within ourselves! The flesh will not submit to the Spirit--and the Spirit will not submit to the flesh. We will be . . .
  pulled this way one moment--and that way the next;
  believing one moment--and doubting the next;
  praising God in the morning--then murmuring at night;
  seeking God's will today--and our will tomorrow.
As long as we live in this body of flesh there will be a constant struggle within us--a struggle between flesh and Spirit.

Lost unregenerate men know nothing of this struggle! This internal warfare is peculiar to believers. Unbelieving, unregenerate, impenitent, rebellious, lost sinners know nothing of this fight with SELF. They don't loathe themselves as all believers do; they love themselves. They have but one nature--and that is sin, which rules in their hearts supremely. Lost men do not have grace within, to oppose the works and motions of the flesh. All they have is a nature that is dead in trespasses and sin, that walks according to the course of this world.

The struggle doesn't begin within a man, until that man is born of God's Spirit and given the gift of life and faith in Christ.

This war between our flesh and Spirit is best for us. If it were not so, then God would not allow it. God is control of this fight, and has ordained it for us in His infinite wisdom and grace. This constant battle within our hearts is good for us, because it keeps us looking to Christ--ever seeking Him, His grace, His help, His power. This lifelong fight will make the prize that much sweeter--when Jesus will present us "to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless!" Ephesians 5:27

[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/
___________________________________________

God's workmanship!

(Frank Hall)

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

There is an infinite difference between the materials that men employ to construct and compose their masterpieces--and the materials that God uses to create sinners anew in Christ Jesus. Men work with the best of materials to showcase their talents, but God works with the worst--to showcase His power, wisdom, and skill.

The most gifted sculptors carve their creations out of the finest pieces of ivory, marble, and jade. The best jewelers seek only the finest gold and silver to form their bracelets and rings--they utilize only the most desirable gems to adorn their jewelry; rubies of the highest grade, diamonds of most exquisite clarity, and emeralds of impeccable luster. Da Vinci painted on a clean canvas with fresh paint when he painted the Mona Lisa. Beethoven and Bach chose blank sheets of clean white paper upon which to compose their symphonies.

But God is not like men. His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways. God employs, not the best, not the finest, not the most appealing of materials when creating His masterpieces--but the worst! He uses what no one else wants. He uses the offscouring of humanity--to display His handiwork and magnify His grace. God constructs His masterpiece, not from a perfectly shaped piece of ivory--but from a deformed, twisted, marred chunk of hard rough stone that has no attraction.

God has purposed to conform His redeemed people into the pristine image of His darling Son. While keeping His eye fixed upon His Son, using the chisel of His grace--God sculpts rebel sinners into the likeness of Christ!

God paints, not on a clean white canvas--but on a canvas that has been . . .
  stained with sin,
  spotted with corruption, and
  bespattered with the filth of the fall.
As the perfect Painter, God looks to Christ His Model, and, with the brush of omnipotent mercy in His ever steady hand of sovereign power--He begins to paint His children, one by one, into the family portrait; tracing every line with divine precision, filling in every grace with unfailing accuracy, accentuating every corner of their character with a whole array of heavenly hues:
  blues of faith and surrender,
  violets of honesty and godly fear,
  greens of tenderness and gratitude,
  reds of love and compassion,
  yellows of patience and perseverance--
painting them all in the similitude of Christ His beloved Son!

God does not compose His symphony on a blank piece of sheet music. Rather, He blots out the discordant notes of sin, rebellion, and impurity--and with the permanent ink of immutable grace, He rewrites the sorrowful sonnet of sin, transforming it into the song of salvation, inscribing on our hearts the heavenly notes of free forgiveness, eternal life, and everlasting righteousness through Christ our Savior! With heavenly wisdom and unseen skill, God makes the sad song of human misery--into a glorious gospel melody, a tune that sounds best when played on the broken instruments of contrite hearts!

Our God has . . . .
  done the unthinkable,
  saved the unsavable,
  fixed the unfixable!
He has created a masterpiece using a rotting chunk of fallen humanity as His workpiece! What a wonder! By the grace and power of God, "The king's daughter is all glorious within!"

When God's work is all done,
when His poem is finished,
when His symphony composed,
and His masterpiece complete--
He will present us to Himself holy and without blemish, "a glorious church, having no spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing!"

God's work of grace in us begins in regeneration and conversion. It continues until the day when our salvation is consummated in resurrection glory, when we will be perfectly conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ!

"For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son!" Romans 8:29

[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/
___________________________________________

All that we see within is foul, ugly, and grim!

(Frank Hall)

"You are complete in Him!" Colossians 2:10

Oh desponding Christian, is not your grief caused by looking within yourself? Is not that miserable feeling of failure and disappointment, caused by your strange fixation upon your hollow heart of iniquity? You look within, hoping to find something good, something pure, something precious, something clean--but what do you see? Nothing but sin! To stare into one's self--is to stare into a bottomless pit of despair and hopelessness! "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked!" Jeremiah 17:9

Will we ever learn this? There is nothing within us to give us hope, rest, or peace. Have we ever found anything within us that gave us joy? Of course not! Then why do we continue to stare into the darkness? All that we see within is foul, ugly, and grim! One glance within ought to sicken us. We would sooner find diamonds in a dunghill or roses growing in a sewer--than find goodness dwelling within!

In ourselves we are sinful, guilty, and vile! But bless God forever! Our standing before God is not in ourselves; it's in Christ! He is . . .
  our Salvation,
  our Righteousness,
  our Hope,
  our Holiness, and
  our Acceptance with God!

Change the direction of your gaze--and look up! Stop staring into the empty void of your heart--and fix your eyes upon Jesus your Lord, in whom all fullness dwells. Our hope is not within, but without, seated at the right hand of the Father! Lift up your head that is bowed down with guilt and shame! Behold Christ your Savior! Behold your glorious Redeemer! Bid sorrow goodbye and fear depart! Rejoice, for "You are complete in Him!"

Believers are perfect in Christ. To be complete in Christ is to be perfect in Christ. Perfect is not something that we will be, or strive to be--but something that we are right now, by virtue of our eternal union with God's darling Son.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are, by the free grace of God, complete in Christ our Savior!
We lack nothing!
All that He is--we are in Him!
All that He has--we have in Him!
All that He has done--we've done in Him!
We possess the infinite fullness of eternal life and everlasting salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord!

We are completely righteous in Him!
We are completely holy in Him!
We are completely forgiven in Him!
We are completely accepted in Him!
We are completely, everlastingly, perfectly sinless in Him!

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus!" Hebrews 12:2

"For every look at SELF--take ten looks at CHRIST!" Robert Murray M'Cheyne

[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/
___________________________________________

I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold!

(Alexander Smellie, "The Hour of Silence" 1899)

"I will bring this third part through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold!" Zechariah 13:9

I gather from this verse, that though the days are ever so evil, God will always have His chosen ones. There always is the third part--there always are the few in Sardis, who walk with Christ in white. I trust that I belong to the little flock.

I learn also that, though the members of His Church are insignificant in this evil world--they are very precious to Jesus. He compares them not to dull lead--but to silver and gold. He has Himself clothed them with their attractiveness. My Lord, I draw my silvery sheen and golden brightness from You alone.

But I see that, as beloved as His people are, it is His purpose to refine them. The jeweler uses every method to beautify the metals which he prizes most. If the citizens of this world escape the sharpness of God's discipline--the citizens of the heavenly Kingdom cannot. He chastens me, because He loves me!

And I find, too, that the sorrow may be very severe. He brings His children through the fire--the quivering and scorching fire! "I have refined you in the furnace of suffering!" Isaiah 48:10

"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it!" Hebrews 12:11. Oh that blessed Afterward! The fire purifies the dross from me; it kindles my hidden graces to life!