Ownership Owned # 2
2. To seek His guidance in every undertaking. Not to do so is to act in a spirit of independence, which is as the worldling does. "The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God. God is not in all his thoughts" (Psalm 10:4). The clear implication of this is that God ought to be in all his thoughts, and that it is through pride that He is not. No matter how great or how small the undertaking may be, divine guidance should be definitely sought. "In everything by prayer and supplication" (Phil. 4:6). It is only as we so act, that God's lordship is owned by us in a practical way and He is really honored.
We are not only to "Trust in the Lord," count upon Him, but also to "acknowledge Him," seek His direction and help. Has not Christ, here as everywhere, left us an example? "I have set the Lord always before Me" (Psalm 16:8) was His confession. Ah, fellow Christians, is there any wonder that so many of our ways have turned out so disastrously? Let us daily seek grace to heed this word, "In all your ways acknowledge Him."
3. To seek His glory in everything. That this also must be regarded as being included within the scope of the word "acknowledge" is clear from 1 Corinthians 10:31. "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do - do all to the glory of God!" Ah, if only we did so, how very different many of our ways would be! If we more frequently paused and inquired, "Will this be to God's glory?" we would be withheld from much sinning and saved from much foolishness, with all the painful consequences.
Yet, right here, we need to give diligent heed to the clause preceding our text, "Do not lean on your own understanding" has a close connection with what follows, as well as that which goes before. God has not left us to decide and determine what will be to His glory. No, in His loving-kindness He has supplied us with an unerring standard by which everything may be tested, namely His Word.
4. To seek His blessing upon everything. Surely this is what the Christian desires above everything else. Without it, temporal prosperity, the approval and applause of our fellows, or the fleeting pleasure anything may bring you, is worse than worthless. But what right have we to expect God's blessing, if we have not prayerfully sought it?
Let us now observe that the Scriptures record examples of how men of God acknowledge Him in the manner indicated above.
First, behold how Davide, on two occasions, sought the Lord's permission concerning his actions, "And David inquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop?" (1 Sam. 30:8). "And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up" (2 Sam. 2:1).
Second, in the case of Abraham's servant, we have a blessed illustration of one who sought divine guidance on his undertaking, "Then he prayed: O Lord, God of my master Abraham, give me success today; and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a girl, "Please let down your jar that I may have a drink," and she says, Drink, and I'll water your camels too" - let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master" (Genesis 24:12-14).
Third, the outstanding case of one who sought God's glory was His incarnate Son, "Glorify your Son, that your Son also may glorify you" (John `17:1). - this ever actuated Him.
Fourth, in Romans 1:10, we find the apostle Paul seeking God's blessing on his journey.
On the other hand, Scripture mentions not a few instances where the Lord's people failed to acknowledge Him in all their ways, and records the disastrous consequences which attended their self-will. These things are written for our learning.
"In all your ways acknowledge Him." This precept applies to the arrangements of the home, our business affairs, our social life, our church relations, our service to Christ. And our obedience thereto determines the measure in which our lives are pleasing to God, glorifying to Him, and really blessed by Him. Then, let us, more earnestly, daily seek grace to conform to it in everything.
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
Saturday, September 28, 2019
God Securing His Inheritance # 2
God Securing His Inheritance # 2
"He will keep the feet of His saints" (1 Sam. 2:9). There is a threefold "leading" of the Lord:
EVANGELICAL. The Lord Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth and the life: no man comes unto the Father but by Me" (John 14:6). But again He said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (John 6:44). Here then is how God leads: He leads the poor sinner to Christ. Have you, my reader, been brought to the Saviour? Is Christ your only hope? Are you trusting in the sufficiency of His precious blood? If so, what cause have you to praise God for having led you to His blessed Son!
DOCTRINAL. The Lord Jesus declared, "When He the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13). We are not capable of discovering or entering into the Truth of ourselves, therefore do we have to be guided into it. "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (Romans 8:14). It is He who leads us beside the "still waters" of His promises. How thankful we ought to be for every ray of light which has been granted us from the lamp of God's Word.
PROVIDENTIAL. "Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take" (Neh. 9:19). Just as Jehovah led Israel of old, so today He leads us step by step through this wilderness-world. What a mercy this is. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delight in his way" ({Psalm 37:23). Yes, every detail of our lives is regulated by the Most High.
All my times are in Your hand,
All events at Your command,
All must come and last and end,
As does please our Heavenly Friend.
3. God INSTRUCTING His People.
"He instructed him." So He does us. It was to instruct us that God, in His great mercy, gave us the Scriptures. He has not left us to grope our way in darkness, but has provided us with a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Nor are we left to our own unaided powers in the study of God's Word. We are supplies with an infallible Instructor. The Holy Spirit is our teacher, "You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things...the anointing you have received of Him abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you" (1 John 2:20, 27).
Right views of God's truth are not an intellectual attainment, but a blessing bestowed upon us by God. It is written, "a man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven" (John 3:27). No matter how legibly a letter may be written, if the recipient be blind he cannot read it. So we are told, "the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor. 2:14). And spiritual discernment is imparted only by the Holy Spirit.
"He instructed him." How patiently God bears with our dullness! How graciously He repeats "line upon line and precept upon precept!" Yet slow as we are, He preserves us, for He has promised to perfect that which concerns us (Psalm 138:8). Has He "instructed" you, my reader? Has He taught you the total depravity of man and the utter inability of the sinner to deliver himself? Has He taught you the humbling truth "You must be born again," and that regeneration is the sole work of God - man having no part or hand in it (John 1:13). Has He revealed to you the infinite value and sufficiency of the atoning sacrifice of Christ, that His blood cleanses "from all sin"? Then what cause you have to be thankful for such Divine instruction.
4. God PRESERVING His People.
"He kept him as the apple of His eye." A religion of conditions, contingencies, and uncertainties is not Christianity. It is that God dishonoring, Scripture-repudiating, soul-destroying system of Popery - whose father is the devil - which prates about human merit, creature-ability, and a lot more blasphemous rubbish, and leaves its blinded dupes in the fogs and bogs of uncertainty. Christianity deals with certainties which originated in the purpose and love of an unchanging God, who when He begins a good work always completes it. "For the Lord loves justice, and He will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever" (Psalm 37:28). How blessed is this!
We "are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:5). The rage of heathen monarchs, with their den of lions and fiery furnaces, may be employed to try the faith of God's elect; but destroy them, harm them, they cannot. Oh brethren in Christ, what cause we have to praise the finding, instructing, and preserving, Triune Jehovah!
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
"He will keep the feet of His saints" (1 Sam. 2:9). There is a threefold "leading" of the Lord:
EVANGELICAL. The Lord Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth and the life: no man comes unto the Father but by Me" (John 14:6). But again He said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (John 6:44). Here then is how God leads: He leads the poor sinner to Christ. Have you, my reader, been brought to the Saviour? Is Christ your only hope? Are you trusting in the sufficiency of His precious blood? If so, what cause have you to praise God for having led you to His blessed Son!
DOCTRINAL. The Lord Jesus declared, "When He the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13). We are not capable of discovering or entering into the Truth of ourselves, therefore do we have to be guided into it. "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (Romans 8:14). It is He who leads us beside the "still waters" of His promises. How thankful we ought to be for every ray of light which has been granted us from the lamp of God's Word.
PROVIDENTIAL. "Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take" (Neh. 9:19). Just as Jehovah led Israel of old, so today He leads us step by step through this wilderness-world. What a mercy this is. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delight in his way" ({Psalm 37:23). Yes, every detail of our lives is regulated by the Most High.
All my times are in Your hand,
All events at Your command,
All must come and last and end,
As does please our Heavenly Friend.
3. God INSTRUCTING His People.
"He instructed him." So He does us. It was to instruct us that God, in His great mercy, gave us the Scriptures. He has not left us to grope our way in darkness, but has provided us with a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Nor are we left to our own unaided powers in the study of God's Word. We are supplies with an infallible Instructor. The Holy Spirit is our teacher, "You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things...the anointing you have received of Him abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you" (1 John 2:20, 27).
Right views of God's truth are not an intellectual attainment, but a blessing bestowed upon us by God. It is written, "a man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven" (John 3:27). No matter how legibly a letter may be written, if the recipient be blind he cannot read it. So we are told, "the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor. 2:14). And spiritual discernment is imparted only by the Holy Spirit.
"He instructed him." How patiently God bears with our dullness! How graciously He repeats "line upon line and precept upon precept!" Yet slow as we are, He preserves us, for He has promised to perfect that which concerns us (Psalm 138:8). Has He "instructed" you, my reader? Has He taught you the total depravity of man and the utter inability of the sinner to deliver himself? Has He taught you the humbling truth "You must be born again," and that regeneration is the sole work of God - man having no part or hand in it (John 1:13). Has He revealed to you the infinite value and sufficiency of the atoning sacrifice of Christ, that His blood cleanses "from all sin"? Then what cause you have to be thankful for such Divine instruction.
4. God PRESERVING His People.
"He kept him as the apple of His eye." A religion of conditions, contingencies, and uncertainties is not Christianity. It is that God dishonoring, Scripture-repudiating, soul-destroying system of Popery - whose father is the devil - which prates about human merit, creature-ability, and a lot more blasphemous rubbish, and leaves its blinded dupes in the fogs and bogs of uncertainty. Christianity deals with certainties which originated in the purpose and love of an unchanging God, who when He begins a good work always completes it. "For the Lord loves justice, and He will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever" (Psalm 37:28). How blessed is this!
We "are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:5). The rage of heathen monarchs, with their den of lions and fiery furnaces, may be employed to try the faith of God's elect; but destroy them, harm them, they cannot. Oh brethren in Christ, what cause we have to praise the finding, instructing, and preserving, Triune Jehovah!
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Ownership Owned
Ownership Owned
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths!" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
We are frequently the losers through failure to observe the order in which divine truth is set before us. For example, how obvious is the progression to be observed in, and how necessary it is that we should lay to heart, the fourfold injunction of Psalm 37:3-7).
First, "Trust in the Lord, and do good" (verse 3).
Second, "Delight yourself also in the Lord" (verse 4).
Third, "Commit your way unto the Lord" (verse 5).
Fourth, "Rest in the Lord" (verse 7).
So it is in the book from which our text is taken. These "proverbs" are not so many maxims strung together at random, but instead, they are presented according to a divine plan. And the more they are prayerfully pondered, the more will the wisdom and love which lie behind their arrangement be perceived by the anointed eye. Proverbs 3:5-6 is a case in point.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart" (verse 5). This comes first because it is the primary duty. Without this, everything else is vain.
"Trust" in His loving-kindness. Can He who is love, withhold anything which is really for your good?
"Trust" in His wondrous power. Is anything too hard for the Almighty? No matter how critical your situation, "Trust in the Lord."
"Trust" in His unchanging faithfulness. Has He not promised? Then will He not perform? Has He not said? Then will He not also do it?
"And do not lean on your own understanding" (verse 5). This comes next to put us on our guard concerning the principal enemy of faith. Just as we cannot serve two masters - so we cannot trust in the Lord and lean unto our own understanding. It is a word of warning against the inveterate tendency of our evil hearts. To rely upon our own wisdom, to follow the dictates of common sense - is the chief obstacle in our way against wholehearted trust in the Lord.
Then comes the word, "In all your ways acknowledge Him" (verse 6). This goes much farther than trusting in the Lord with all the heart, though, of necessity, it must be preceded by that. Unless our hearts are completely occupied with God, the acknowledgement of Him in our outward ways will be nothing more than a perfunctory performance, which is of no value in His sight. That which the Lord requires and desires is the obedience of love. Confidence in the Lord, is now to be translated into conformity to His will. Our "ways," that is, all the details of our walk, are to make manifest our unreserved trust in the Lord.
To "acknowledge" the Lord in all our ways signifies:
1. To seek His permission for everything you do. Dare we be so presumptuous as to act without His permission? We are but creatures - He is God. We are but servants - He is our Lord and Master. We are but purchased property - He is our Redeemer, "You are not your own" (1 Cor. 6:19). Therefore, we are not free to please ourselves, but under deepest obligation to be in subjection to the divine will.
God's permission should be asked even when a thing is lawful and right. A striking illustration of this is furnished in the prayer which Christ taught His disciples, and that so many have been puzzled by it only reveals the wicked independence of our hearts. We refer to the clause: "Give us this day our daily bread." Numbers of times has the inquiry been put to us, "How can I sincerely ask this, when bread for the day is already at hand?"
Let us draw a homely analogy. Here are cakes and tarts in the pantry. Shall I child enter and help itself? Not if it has been properly brought up. Though the food is there, it should first ask mother's permission before taking any. In like manner, God requires that we first ask of Him, "Give us this day our daily bread? (Matt. 6:11), lest like thieves we take without His permission.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths!" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
We are frequently the losers through failure to observe the order in which divine truth is set before us. For example, how obvious is the progression to be observed in, and how necessary it is that we should lay to heart, the fourfold injunction of Psalm 37:3-7).
First, "Trust in the Lord, and do good" (verse 3).
Second, "Delight yourself also in the Lord" (verse 4).
Third, "Commit your way unto the Lord" (verse 5).
Fourth, "Rest in the Lord" (verse 7).
So it is in the book from which our text is taken. These "proverbs" are not so many maxims strung together at random, but instead, they are presented according to a divine plan. And the more they are prayerfully pondered, the more will the wisdom and love which lie behind their arrangement be perceived by the anointed eye. Proverbs 3:5-6 is a case in point.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart" (verse 5). This comes first because it is the primary duty. Without this, everything else is vain.
"Trust" in His loving-kindness. Can He who is love, withhold anything which is really for your good?
"Trust" in His wondrous power. Is anything too hard for the Almighty? No matter how critical your situation, "Trust in the Lord."
"Trust" in His unchanging faithfulness. Has He not promised? Then will He not perform? Has He not said? Then will He not also do it?
"And do not lean on your own understanding" (verse 5). This comes next to put us on our guard concerning the principal enemy of faith. Just as we cannot serve two masters - so we cannot trust in the Lord and lean unto our own understanding. It is a word of warning against the inveterate tendency of our evil hearts. To rely upon our own wisdom, to follow the dictates of common sense - is the chief obstacle in our way against wholehearted trust in the Lord.
Then comes the word, "In all your ways acknowledge Him" (verse 6). This goes much farther than trusting in the Lord with all the heart, though, of necessity, it must be preceded by that. Unless our hearts are completely occupied with God, the acknowledgement of Him in our outward ways will be nothing more than a perfunctory performance, which is of no value in His sight. That which the Lord requires and desires is the obedience of love. Confidence in the Lord, is now to be translated into conformity to His will. Our "ways," that is, all the details of our walk, are to make manifest our unreserved trust in the Lord.
To "acknowledge" the Lord in all our ways signifies:
1. To seek His permission for everything you do. Dare we be so presumptuous as to act without His permission? We are but creatures - He is God. We are but servants - He is our Lord and Master. We are but purchased property - He is our Redeemer, "You are not your own" (1 Cor. 6:19). Therefore, we are not free to please ourselves, but under deepest obligation to be in subjection to the divine will.
God's permission should be asked even when a thing is lawful and right. A striking illustration of this is furnished in the prayer which Christ taught His disciples, and that so many have been puzzled by it only reveals the wicked independence of our hearts. We refer to the clause: "Give us this day our daily bread." Numbers of times has the inquiry been put to us, "How can I sincerely ask this, when bread for the day is already at hand?"
Let us draw a homely analogy. Here are cakes and tarts in the pantry. Shall I child enter and help itself? Not if it has been properly brought up. Though the food is there, it should first ask mother's permission before taking any. In like manner, God requires that we first ask of Him, "Give us this day our daily bread? (Matt. 6:11), lest like thieves we take without His permission.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
God Securing His Inheritance # 1
God Securing His Inheritance # 1
"He found him in a desert land and in the waste howling wilderness. He led Him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye" (Deut. 32:10).
In the previous verse we have the amazing statement that the Lord's "portion" is His people, and that there may be no misunderstanding, the same truth is expressed in another form: "Jacob is the lot of his inheritance." Here in our text we learn something of the pains which God takes to secure His heritage. There are four things to be noted and feasted upon.
1. Jehovah FINDING His people. "He found him in a desert land." It needs hardly to be said that the word "found" necessarily implies a "search." Here then we have presented to our view the amazing spectacle of a seeking God! Sin came in between the creature and the Creator, causing alienation and separation. Not only sin, but, as the result of the Fall, every human being enters this world with a mind that is "enmity against God." Consequently, there is none who seeks after God. Therefore, God, in His marvelous condescension and grace, becomes the Seeker.
The word "found" not only implies a search but, when we consider the sinful character and unworthiness of the objects of His search, it also tells of the love of the Seeker. The great God becomes the Seeker because He set His heart upon those whom He marked out to be the recipients of His sovereign favors. God had set His heart upon Abraham, and therefore did He seek and find him amid the heathen idolaters in Ur of Chaldea. God set His heart upon Jacob, and therefore did He seek out and find him as a fugitive from his brother's vengeance, when he lay asleep on the bare earth. So too it was because He had loved Moses with an everlasting love that the Lord sought out and found him in Midian, at "the backside of the desert." Equally true is this with every real Christian living in the world today: "I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me" (Romans 10:20). Has God found you? To help you answer this question, ponder the remainder of the first clause of our text: "He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness." Is that how this world appears unto you? Do you find everything under the sun only "vanity and vexation of spirit?" Are you made to groan daily at what you witness on every hand? Do you find that the world furnishes nothing to satisfy the heart, yes nothing to even minister to it? Is the world, really, a "waste howling wilderness" to you?
Let a second test be applied: when God truly "finds" one of His own He reveals Himself. He imparts to the soul a realization of His sovereign majesty, His awesome power, His ineffable holiness, His wondrous mercy. Has He? "This is life eternal, that they might know You, the One true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent" (John 17:3).
Here is a third test: If God has revealed Himself, He has given you a sight of yourself, for in His light we "see light." A most humbling, painful, and never to be forgotten experience this is. When God was revealed to Abraham, he said, "I am but dust and ashes" (Gen. 18:27). When He was revealed to Isaiah, the prophet said, "Woe is me for I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5). When God revealed Himself to Job, he said, "I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:6) - note, not merely I abhor my wicked ways, but my vile self. Is this your experience, my reader? Have you discovered your depravity and lost condition? Have you found there is not a single good thing in you? Have you seen yourself to be fit for and deserving only of hell? Have you, truly? Then that is good evidence, yes, it is proof positive that the Lord God has "found" you.
2. Jehovah LEADING His people. "He led him about." The "finding" is not the end, but only the beginning of God's dealings with His own. Having found him, He remains never more to leave him. Now that He has found His wandering child He teaches him to walk in the Narrow Way. There is a beautiful word on God "leading" in Hosea 11:3: "I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms." Just as a fond mother takes her little one, whose feet are yet too weak and untrained to walk alone, so the Lord takes His people by their arms and leads them in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Such is His promise: "He will keep the feet of His saints" (1 Sam. 2:9).
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
"He found him in a desert land and in the waste howling wilderness. He led Him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye" (Deut. 32:10).
In the previous verse we have the amazing statement that the Lord's "portion" is His people, and that there may be no misunderstanding, the same truth is expressed in another form: "Jacob is the lot of his inheritance." Here in our text we learn something of the pains which God takes to secure His heritage. There are four things to be noted and feasted upon.
1. Jehovah FINDING His people. "He found him in a desert land." It needs hardly to be said that the word "found" necessarily implies a "search." Here then we have presented to our view the amazing spectacle of a seeking God! Sin came in between the creature and the Creator, causing alienation and separation. Not only sin, but, as the result of the Fall, every human being enters this world with a mind that is "enmity against God." Consequently, there is none who seeks after God. Therefore, God, in His marvelous condescension and grace, becomes the Seeker.
The word "found" not only implies a search but, when we consider the sinful character and unworthiness of the objects of His search, it also tells of the love of the Seeker. The great God becomes the Seeker because He set His heart upon those whom He marked out to be the recipients of His sovereign favors. God had set His heart upon Abraham, and therefore did He seek and find him amid the heathen idolaters in Ur of Chaldea. God set His heart upon Jacob, and therefore did He seek out and find him as a fugitive from his brother's vengeance, when he lay asleep on the bare earth. So too it was because He had loved Moses with an everlasting love that the Lord sought out and found him in Midian, at "the backside of the desert." Equally true is this with every real Christian living in the world today: "I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me" (Romans 10:20). Has God found you? To help you answer this question, ponder the remainder of the first clause of our text: "He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness." Is that how this world appears unto you? Do you find everything under the sun only "vanity and vexation of spirit?" Are you made to groan daily at what you witness on every hand? Do you find that the world furnishes nothing to satisfy the heart, yes nothing to even minister to it? Is the world, really, a "waste howling wilderness" to you?
Let a second test be applied: when God truly "finds" one of His own He reveals Himself. He imparts to the soul a realization of His sovereign majesty, His awesome power, His ineffable holiness, His wondrous mercy. Has He? "This is life eternal, that they might know You, the One true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent" (John 17:3).
Here is a third test: If God has revealed Himself, He has given you a sight of yourself, for in His light we "see light." A most humbling, painful, and never to be forgotten experience this is. When God was revealed to Abraham, he said, "I am but dust and ashes" (Gen. 18:27). When He was revealed to Isaiah, the prophet said, "Woe is me for I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5). When God revealed Himself to Job, he said, "I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:6) - note, not merely I abhor my wicked ways, but my vile self. Is this your experience, my reader? Have you discovered your depravity and lost condition? Have you found there is not a single good thing in you? Have you seen yourself to be fit for and deserving only of hell? Have you, truly? Then that is good evidence, yes, it is proof positive that the Lord God has "found" you.
2. Jehovah LEADING His people. "He led him about." The "finding" is not the end, but only the beginning of God's dealings with His own. Having found him, He remains never more to leave him. Now that He has found His wandering child He teaches him to walk in the Narrow Way. There is a beautiful word on God "leading" in Hosea 11:3: "I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms." Just as a fond mother takes her little one, whose feet are yet too weak and untrained to walk alone, so the Lord takes His people by their arms and leads them in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Such is His promise: "He will keep the feet of His saints" (1 Sam. 2:9).
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Walking Through the Wilderness
Walking Through the Wilderness
"The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your walking through this vast wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything!" (Deuteronomy 2:7).
Israel's journey from Egypt to Canaan, very well represents and illustrates the believer's journey through the present world unto the promised rest. We have to cross the desert, to walk through a wilderness, to live in entire dependence on God, and to be led by His wise and gracious hand.
We may not encroach on the property of the men of this world, nor should we desire it. The reason given Israel for not touching, or taking, any of the land of the children of Esau, is the reason that may be given us, for the Lord your God "has watched your walking through this vast wilderness!" The Lord knows where we are, what we need, and is able to supply us. He is with us, has promised to provide for us - and therefore should be obeyed and honored by us.
The Place. "This vast wilderness." What that vast wilderness was to Israel - the world is, or should be, to us.
It was a barren spot - and such is the world; it yields no food for the soul; it gives no satisfaction to the mind. It was generally hot and sultry - and here we are tried by fierce temptations, or fiery afflictions. It is an exhausting and debilitating climate, and often weakens the pilgrim along his way.
It is wearying, as well as exhausting, so that the Christian tires of everything below, and often longs to flee away to a happier climate.
It is dangerous too; here the old serpent the devil, the roaring lion, and a thousand dangerous pitfalls have to be avoided or overcome! It is as perplexing as it is dangerous, so that unless led by a divine hand, we would never find the path, or reach the promised land. Its difficulties are great and numerous, and seems to increase the farther we advance. It lies between the plentiful and pleasant land of Egypt, which is left behind - and the more plentiful and pleasant land of Canaan, which is before us. It is often a long and tiresome, trying journey.
Yet we are not without comfort, nor have we any real reason to be discouraged, for the Lord knows our walking through this vast wilderness.
The Fact
The Lord knew where they were, and what they were. He knew that they were in the wilderness, for He appointed it; He led them into it, He had conducted them through it.
Just so, we are where we are by divine appointment. It was all arranged and settled in the everlasting covenant. We are not here by chance - but by God's divine decree. Our great comfort is, that Jesus has traveled the road before us. He knows what we are passing through.
The Christian's journey then is across a desert. He must walk every step of the road. The Lord knows all - his weakness and his woes, his fears and his cares, his faults and his follies - and provides for all.
What is the world to us? A pleasant spot - or a vast wilderness? A desirable residence - or a dreary desert? Are we settling down in it - or walking through it?
What is our great comfort here? Is it that the Lord our God knows where we are, what we need, and will supply us? Beloved, our God has so provided for us, that we may not envy the children of Esau, or any of the inhabitants of the land. As Israel was forbidden to beg or steal from their neighbors, because God had blessed them - so we should, "keep our lives free from the love of money and be content with what we have, because God has said: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you!" (Hebrews 13:5).
~James Smith~
(The End)
"The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your walking through this vast wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything!" (Deuteronomy 2:7).
Israel's journey from Egypt to Canaan, very well represents and illustrates the believer's journey through the present world unto the promised rest. We have to cross the desert, to walk through a wilderness, to live in entire dependence on God, and to be led by His wise and gracious hand.
We may not encroach on the property of the men of this world, nor should we desire it. The reason given Israel for not touching, or taking, any of the land of the children of Esau, is the reason that may be given us, for the Lord your God "has watched your walking through this vast wilderness!" The Lord knows where we are, what we need, and is able to supply us. He is with us, has promised to provide for us - and therefore should be obeyed and honored by us.
The Place. "This vast wilderness." What that vast wilderness was to Israel - the world is, or should be, to us.
It was a barren spot - and such is the world; it yields no food for the soul; it gives no satisfaction to the mind. It was generally hot and sultry - and here we are tried by fierce temptations, or fiery afflictions. It is an exhausting and debilitating climate, and often weakens the pilgrim along his way.
It is wearying, as well as exhausting, so that the Christian tires of everything below, and often longs to flee away to a happier climate.
It is dangerous too; here the old serpent the devil, the roaring lion, and a thousand dangerous pitfalls have to be avoided or overcome! It is as perplexing as it is dangerous, so that unless led by a divine hand, we would never find the path, or reach the promised land. Its difficulties are great and numerous, and seems to increase the farther we advance. It lies between the plentiful and pleasant land of Egypt, which is left behind - and the more plentiful and pleasant land of Canaan, which is before us. It is often a long and tiresome, trying journey.
Yet we are not without comfort, nor have we any real reason to be discouraged, for the Lord knows our walking through this vast wilderness.
The Fact
The Lord knew where they were, and what they were. He knew that they were in the wilderness, for He appointed it; He led them into it, He had conducted them through it.
Just so, we are where we are by divine appointment. It was all arranged and settled in the everlasting covenant. We are not here by chance - but by God's divine decree. Our great comfort is, that Jesus has traveled the road before us. He knows what we are passing through.
The Christian's journey then is across a desert. He must walk every step of the road. The Lord knows all - his weakness and his woes, his fears and his cares, his faults and his follies - and provides for all.
What is the world to us? A pleasant spot - or a vast wilderness? A desirable residence - or a dreary desert? Are we settling down in it - or walking through it?
What is our great comfort here? Is it that the Lord our God knows where we are, what we need, and will supply us? Beloved, our God has so provided for us, that we may not envy the children of Esau, or any of the inhabitants of the land. As Israel was forbidden to beg or steal from their neighbors, because God had blessed them - so we should, "keep our lives free from the love of money and be content with what we have, because God has said: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you!" (Hebrews 13:5).
~James Smith~
(The End)
The Imminent Danger and the Only Sure Resource of This Nation # 6 (and others)
The Imminent Danger and the Only Sure Resource of This Nation # 6 (and others)
The present likewise is a very important crisis. All that is dear to us, as men, as Christians, is threatened. Our enemies are inveterate and enraged! Our sins testify against us. But if we humble ourselves before God, forsake our sins, and unite in supplications for His mercy - who can tell, but that He may be entreated to give us that help which it would be in vain to expect from man? Yes, we have encouragement to hope, that if God will be for us - then none can prevail against us. (Romans 8:11). But without His blessing, our most powerful efforts, and best concerted undertakings, cannot succeed for a moment!
You who have access to the throne of grace, whose hearts are concerned for the glory of God, and who lament not only the temporal calamities attendant upon war - but the many thousands of souls who are yearly plunged by war into an eternal, unchangeable state - you, I trust, will show yourselves true friends to your country, by bearing your testimony, and exerting your influence against SIN - the procuring cause of all our sorrows; and by standing in the breach, and pleading with God for mercy, in behalf of yourselves, and of the nation. If ten people, thus disposed, had been found even in Sodom - it would have escaped destruction! (Genesis 18:32).
IV. There may be some people in this assembly, who are little concerned for their own sins, and are, of course, incapable of taking a proper part in the service of this day. Yet I am glad that you are here; I pity you, I warn you. If you should live to see a time of public distress - what will you do? To whom will you look, or where will you flee for help? All that is dear to you may be torn from you, or you from it!
Or if it pleases God to prolong our tranquility, you are liable to many heavy calamities in private life. And if you should be exempted from these, death is inevitable, and may be near! My heart wishes you the possession of those principles which would support you in all the changes of life, and make your dying pillow comfortable. Are you unwilling to be happy? Or can you be happy too soon? Many Christian people are now looking upon you - who once were as lost as you are now. And I doubt not - that they are praying that you may be as they now are. Try to pray for yourself! Our God is assuredly in the midst of us. His gracious ear is attentive to every supplicant. Seek Him while He is to be found. Jesus died for sinners, and He has said, "those who come to Me - I will never cast out." (John 6:37). He is likewise the author of that faith, by which alone you can come rightly to Him. If you ask Him for saving faith - he will give it to you; if you seek it, in the means of His appointment, you shall assuredly find it. (Matt. 7:7).
If you refuse this, there remains no other sacrifice for your sin. (Hebrews 10:26-27). If you are not saved by faith in His blood - you are lost forever! "Oh! Pay homage to the Son, or He will be angry, and you will perish in your rebellion; for His anger may ignite at any moment! Blessed are all who take refuge in Him!" (Psalm 2:12).
~John Newton~
(The End)
______________________
As Your Biblical Knowledge Widens
There are many who regard an increasing acquaintance with the text of the Bible, as an evidence of growth in grace.
Ask yourselves the solemn question. In proportion as you store your minds with biblical texts and biblical ideas - are you all the while seeking to have your heart filled with biblical feelings, and your life with biblical actions?
As you grow in acquaintance with the character of God - do you reverence Him more? As your ideas brighten on the person of Christ - do you love Him more? As you become more acquainted with the perfection and spirituality of God's Word - do you delight in it more? As you see more clearly the evil of sin - do you hate it with a more intense hatred?
As your Biblical knowledge widens, do you become more profoundly humble, more tenderly conscientious, more gentle, more spiritual?
Unless this is the case, you are in a fatal mistake by supposing that you are making progress in the divine life, merely because you are advancing in biblical knowledge.
~John Angell James~
(The End)
The present likewise is a very important crisis. All that is dear to us, as men, as Christians, is threatened. Our enemies are inveterate and enraged! Our sins testify against us. But if we humble ourselves before God, forsake our sins, and unite in supplications for His mercy - who can tell, but that He may be entreated to give us that help which it would be in vain to expect from man? Yes, we have encouragement to hope, that if God will be for us - then none can prevail against us. (Romans 8:11). But without His blessing, our most powerful efforts, and best concerted undertakings, cannot succeed for a moment!
You who have access to the throne of grace, whose hearts are concerned for the glory of God, and who lament not only the temporal calamities attendant upon war - but the many thousands of souls who are yearly plunged by war into an eternal, unchangeable state - you, I trust, will show yourselves true friends to your country, by bearing your testimony, and exerting your influence against SIN - the procuring cause of all our sorrows; and by standing in the breach, and pleading with God for mercy, in behalf of yourselves, and of the nation. If ten people, thus disposed, had been found even in Sodom - it would have escaped destruction! (Genesis 18:32).
IV. There may be some people in this assembly, who are little concerned for their own sins, and are, of course, incapable of taking a proper part in the service of this day. Yet I am glad that you are here; I pity you, I warn you. If you should live to see a time of public distress - what will you do? To whom will you look, or where will you flee for help? All that is dear to you may be torn from you, or you from it!
Or if it pleases God to prolong our tranquility, you are liable to many heavy calamities in private life. And if you should be exempted from these, death is inevitable, and may be near! My heart wishes you the possession of those principles which would support you in all the changes of life, and make your dying pillow comfortable. Are you unwilling to be happy? Or can you be happy too soon? Many Christian people are now looking upon you - who once were as lost as you are now. And I doubt not - that they are praying that you may be as they now are. Try to pray for yourself! Our God is assuredly in the midst of us. His gracious ear is attentive to every supplicant. Seek Him while He is to be found. Jesus died for sinners, and He has said, "those who come to Me - I will never cast out." (John 6:37). He is likewise the author of that faith, by which alone you can come rightly to Him. If you ask Him for saving faith - he will give it to you; if you seek it, in the means of His appointment, you shall assuredly find it. (Matt. 7:7).
If you refuse this, there remains no other sacrifice for your sin. (Hebrews 10:26-27). If you are not saved by faith in His blood - you are lost forever! "Oh! Pay homage to the Son, or He will be angry, and you will perish in your rebellion; for His anger may ignite at any moment! Blessed are all who take refuge in Him!" (Psalm 2:12).
~John Newton~
(The End)
______________________
As Your Biblical Knowledge Widens
There are many who regard an increasing acquaintance with the text of the Bible, as an evidence of growth in grace.
Ask yourselves the solemn question. In proportion as you store your minds with biblical texts and biblical ideas - are you all the while seeking to have your heart filled with biblical feelings, and your life with biblical actions?
As you grow in acquaintance with the character of God - do you reverence Him more? As your ideas brighten on the person of Christ - do you love Him more? As you become more acquainted with the perfection and spirituality of God's Word - do you delight in it more? As you see more clearly the evil of sin - do you hate it with a more intense hatred?
As your Biblical knowledge widens, do you become more profoundly humble, more tenderly conscientious, more gentle, more spiritual?
Unless this is the case, you are in a fatal mistake by supposing that you are making progress in the divine life, merely because you are advancing in biblical knowledge.
~John Angell James~
(The End)
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Oil In The Vessel # 3
Oil In The Vessel # 3
Second, oil softens. Oil was much used by the ancients for medicinal purposes, and we moderns might well take a leaf out of their books. It will melt caked wax in the ear; it will make tender a calloused bunion. It is very useful for tumors - repeated applications softening, then causing to burst, and then healing. Thus it is in the operation of the Holy Spirit. He finds the elect hard and obdurate by nature, and swollen with pride and self-conceit; but Divine grace softens them, melting their flinty hearts, bursting the tumors of self-righteousness, and imparting a contrite spirit. "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you - and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh" (Eze. 36:26).
When Divine grace has been imparted - the heart is supernaturally softened. But right here the sincere soul experiences still greater difficulty, and is ready to exclaim emphatically, "Then I must still be in an unregenerate state, for my heart is as hard as the neither millstone! Wait a moment, dear friend, and test the matter. What are the marks of a "hard heart" as given in Scripture? Are they not a total absence of a feeling sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, an utter unconcern whether God be pleased or displeased with my conduct, no mourning in secret when Christ has been dishonored by me? Is that true of you, who are so ready to conclude that you are still in a state of nature? If it is not, if sin is your burden and your soul grieves over your lack of conformity to Christ, then your heart must have been spiritually softened - the "oil" is in your vessel!
Third, oil heals. Hence we find the great Physician, under the figure of the good Samaritan, having compassion on the assaulted traveler, binding up his wounds and "pouring oil and wine" (Luke 10:34); and He is still caring thus for His people through the gracious ministry of the Holy Spirit. How often the blessed Comforter applies "the balm of Gilead" to the sin-afflicted people of God. What horrible bruises and putrefying sores - do sin and satan inflict upon the souls of the saints - yet how frequently and tenderly does the Spirit mollify and releave them. First, He works repentance in the heart, which is a purging grace, carrying away the foul and poisonous love of sin. Then He strengthens hope, which is a comforting grace so that the joy of the Lord once more becomes his strength. Divine grace removes the load of guilt from the conscience, applies the cordial of the promises, and gives the weary pilgrim a lift by the way - "Then He put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him" (Luke 10:34).
Here, then, is another property and effect of Divine grace - it heals the soul. We can well imagine some fearful reader exclaiming. "Alas, that cuts off my hope, for there is no soundness in me!" Listen, dear friend, no Christian is completely and perfectly healed from the disease of sin in this life - but he is delivered from the most fearful and fatal effects of it; and it is at this point you are to examine yourself. What are the worst things which the Fall had produced in man? Enmity against God, the love of sin, the idolizing of self. Test yourself by these things. Do you still hate God? If so, would you repine because you love Him so feebly? Are you still in love with sin? If so, why do you grieve over its workings? Is self now your idol? If so, why do you, at times, loath yourself! Sin has not been eradicated - but its wounds are being healed - the "oil" is in your vessel.
Oil makes the joints flexible and nimble, and therefore was much used by athletes; so grace enables the Christian to "serve in newness of spirit" (Romans 7:6) and run the race set before him. It is an excellent thing for those who have stiff joints, for it penetrates to the bones (Psalm 109:18).
Oil sweetens our persons, so that we are unto God a "sweet savor of Christ" (2 Cor. 2:15, whereas the wicked are a "smoke in His nostrils" (Isaiah 65:5).
Oil and water will not intermingle - the old man is not bettered by the new, nor is the new corrupted by the old. Oil cannot be made to sink beneath the water - but always floats on top; so grace in the believer is indestructible, and at the end it will be seen to have fully triumphed over sin.
Oil quiets troubled waters, giving relief to a ship in a storm - so grace often subdues the turbulent workings of sin. What a blessed promise is that in Psalm 92:10, "I shall be anointed with fresh oil" - new supplies of grace, blessed revivings are granted God's tried people. Yes, there is "oil" in the dwellings of the wise" virgins (Prov. 21;20. The Lord is pleased to add His blessing to this little Meditation.
[This article is not designed for the searching and exposing of empty professors - but for the establishing and comforting of "the living in Jerusalem." If the latter will prayerfully re-read its paragraphs and honestly measure themselves by their contents, they should be able to "prove" themselves (2 Cor. 13:5). It is not the absence of sin, nor the decreasing of its power within, which evidences regeneration -but the presence of a contrary and holy principle, which is known by its spiritual longings and efforts!]
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
Second, oil softens. Oil was much used by the ancients for medicinal purposes, and we moderns might well take a leaf out of their books. It will melt caked wax in the ear; it will make tender a calloused bunion. It is very useful for tumors - repeated applications softening, then causing to burst, and then healing. Thus it is in the operation of the Holy Spirit. He finds the elect hard and obdurate by nature, and swollen with pride and self-conceit; but Divine grace softens them, melting their flinty hearts, bursting the tumors of self-righteousness, and imparting a contrite spirit. "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you - and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh" (Eze. 36:26).
When Divine grace has been imparted - the heart is supernaturally softened. But right here the sincere soul experiences still greater difficulty, and is ready to exclaim emphatically, "Then I must still be in an unregenerate state, for my heart is as hard as the neither millstone! Wait a moment, dear friend, and test the matter. What are the marks of a "hard heart" as given in Scripture? Are they not a total absence of a feeling sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, an utter unconcern whether God be pleased or displeased with my conduct, no mourning in secret when Christ has been dishonored by me? Is that true of you, who are so ready to conclude that you are still in a state of nature? If it is not, if sin is your burden and your soul grieves over your lack of conformity to Christ, then your heart must have been spiritually softened - the "oil" is in your vessel!
Third, oil heals. Hence we find the great Physician, under the figure of the good Samaritan, having compassion on the assaulted traveler, binding up his wounds and "pouring oil and wine" (Luke 10:34); and He is still caring thus for His people through the gracious ministry of the Holy Spirit. How often the blessed Comforter applies "the balm of Gilead" to the sin-afflicted people of God. What horrible bruises and putrefying sores - do sin and satan inflict upon the souls of the saints - yet how frequently and tenderly does the Spirit mollify and releave them. First, He works repentance in the heart, which is a purging grace, carrying away the foul and poisonous love of sin. Then He strengthens hope, which is a comforting grace so that the joy of the Lord once more becomes his strength. Divine grace removes the load of guilt from the conscience, applies the cordial of the promises, and gives the weary pilgrim a lift by the way - "Then He put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him" (Luke 10:34).
Here, then, is another property and effect of Divine grace - it heals the soul. We can well imagine some fearful reader exclaiming. "Alas, that cuts off my hope, for there is no soundness in me!" Listen, dear friend, no Christian is completely and perfectly healed from the disease of sin in this life - but he is delivered from the most fearful and fatal effects of it; and it is at this point you are to examine yourself. What are the worst things which the Fall had produced in man? Enmity against God, the love of sin, the idolizing of self. Test yourself by these things. Do you still hate God? If so, would you repine because you love Him so feebly? Are you still in love with sin? If so, why do you grieve over its workings? Is self now your idol? If so, why do you, at times, loath yourself! Sin has not been eradicated - but its wounds are being healed - the "oil" is in your vessel.
Oil makes the joints flexible and nimble, and therefore was much used by athletes; so grace enables the Christian to "serve in newness of spirit" (Romans 7:6) and run the race set before him. It is an excellent thing for those who have stiff joints, for it penetrates to the bones (Psalm 109:18).
Oil sweetens our persons, so that we are unto God a "sweet savor of Christ" (2 Cor. 2:15, whereas the wicked are a "smoke in His nostrils" (Isaiah 65:5).
Oil and water will not intermingle - the old man is not bettered by the new, nor is the new corrupted by the old. Oil cannot be made to sink beneath the water - but always floats on top; so grace in the believer is indestructible, and at the end it will be seen to have fully triumphed over sin.
Oil quiets troubled waters, giving relief to a ship in a storm - so grace often subdues the turbulent workings of sin. What a blessed promise is that in Psalm 92:10, "I shall be anointed with fresh oil" - new supplies of grace, blessed revivings are granted God's tried people. Yes, there is "oil" in the dwellings of the wise" virgins (Prov. 21;20. The Lord is pleased to add His blessing to this little Meditation.
[This article is not designed for the searching and exposing of empty professors - but for the establishing and comforting of "the living in Jerusalem." If the latter will prayerfully re-read its paragraphs and honestly measure themselves by their contents, they should be able to "prove" themselves (2 Cor. 13:5). It is not the absence of sin, nor the decreasing of its power within, which evidences regeneration -but the presence of a contrary and holy principle, which is known by its spiritual longings and efforts!]
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
The Imminent Danger and the Only Sure Resource of This Nation # 5
The Imminent Danger and the Only Sure Resource of This Nation # 5
If the fast of this day is not confined to one day - but if, by his blessing, it may produce sincere repentance - then I am warranted to tell you, from His Word, that there is yet hope! You who tremble for God's ark, for the cause of God, whose eyes affect your hearts, who grieve for sin, and for the miseries which sin has multiplied upon the earth - take courage! Let the hearts of the wicked shake, like the leaves of the trees when agitated by a storm; (Isaiah 7:2) but you have no cause to tremble like them. The Lord God is your refuge and strength, your resting place, and your hiding place! Under the shadow of His wings - you shall be safe! (Psalm 46:1, Psalm 90:1, Psalm 119:114).
1. He who loved you and died for your sins - is the Lord of glory! All power in heaven and in earth is committed unto Him. The Lord reigns - though the earth be ever so agitated. All creatures are instruments of His will. The wrath of man, so far as it is permitted to act, shall praise Him; and shall be made subservient to the accomplishment of His great designs! And the remainder of that wrath, of all their projected violence, which does not coincide with His wise and comprehensive plan, He will restrain! (Matt. 28:18, Psalm 99:1, Psalm 76:10). In vain they rage, and fret, and threaten! They act under a secret commission, and can do no more than He permits them! If they attempt it - He has his hook and a bridle in their mouths! When the enemies would come in like a flood - He can lift up a standard against them. As He has set bounds and bars to the tempestuous sea, beyond which it cannot pass, saying, "This far you may come and no further; here is where your proud waves halt!" (2 Kings 19:28; Isaiah 59:19; Job 38:10-11; Psalm 65:7).
You do well to mourn for the sins and miseries - of those who know Him not. But if you make the Almighty God your fear and your dread - He will be a sanctuary to you, and keep your hearts in peace! "Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas!" (Isaiah 8:13-14; Psalm 46:2).
2. Your part and mine is to WATCH and PRAY. Let us pray for ourselves, that we may be found waiting, with our loins girded up, and our lamps burning, that we may be prepared to meet His will in every event. (Mark 13:35; Mark 14:38). Let us pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for God's church, which is dear to Him, as the pupil of His eye, for the spread of His gospel, and the extension of His kingdom - until His great name is known and adored from the rising to the setting of the sun, (Mal. 1:11) and the whole earth shall be filled with His glory!
Many splendid prophecies are yet unfulfilled; and He is now bringing forward their accomplishment. Light will undoubtedly arise out of this darkness. Let us earnestly pray for a blessing from on high, upon our counsels of government, and upon all subordinate authorities in church and state - that we may lead quiet and peaceful lives in all godliness and honesty, that true religion and good order may be established, and iniquity be put to shame and silence! Thus we may hope to be secured by the sure, though secret, mark of divine protection. The Lord will be our shield - though many should suffer or fall around us. The very hairs of our faith, and the power of His grace - He should permit us to share in common calamities, we may rely upon Him to afford us strength according to our day. He is always near to His people, a very present help in the time of trouble, and He can make the season of their greatest tribulations, to be the season of their sweetest consolations! (Ezekiel 9:4; Matt. 9:30; Deu. 33:25; 2 Cor. 1:5).
3. And let us pray in FAITH. Let us remember what great things the Lord has done in answer to prayer. When sin had given Sennacherib rapid success in his invasion of Judah, he did not know that he was no more than God's ax, or a saw in the hand of God. He ascribed his victories to his own prowess, and thought himself equally sure of capturing Jerusalem. But Hezekiah defeated him - upon his knees. He spread Sennacherib's blasphemous letter before the Lord in the temple and prayed - and the Assyrian army melted away like snow. (Isaiah 10:15, 37:14-36). When Peter was locked up and chained in prison - the chains fell from his hands, the locks and bolts gave way, and the iron gate opened - while the church was united in earnest prayer for his deliverance! (Acts 12:5-13).
We have had repeated proofs that God hears and answers prayer.
~John Newton~
(continued with # 6)
If the fast of this day is not confined to one day - but if, by his blessing, it may produce sincere repentance - then I am warranted to tell you, from His Word, that there is yet hope! You who tremble for God's ark, for the cause of God, whose eyes affect your hearts, who grieve for sin, and for the miseries which sin has multiplied upon the earth - take courage! Let the hearts of the wicked shake, like the leaves of the trees when agitated by a storm; (Isaiah 7:2) but you have no cause to tremble like them. The Lord God is your refuge and strength, your resting place, and your hiding place! Under the shadow of His wings - you shall be safe! (Psalm 46:1, Psalm 90:1, Psalm 119:114).
1. He who loved you and died for your sins - is the Lord of glory! All power in heaven and in earth is committed unto Him. The Lord reigns - though the earth be ever so agitated. All creatures are instruments of His will. The wrath of man, so far as it is permitted to act, shall praise Him; and shall be made subservient to the accomplishment of His great designs! And the remainder of that wrath, of all their projected violence, which does not coincide with His wise and comprehensive plan, He will restrain! (Matt. 28:18, Psalm 99:1, Psalm 76:10). In vain they rage, and fret, and threaten! They act under a secret commission, and can do no more than He permits them! If they attempt it - He has his hook and a bridle in their mouths! When the enemies would come in like a flood - He can lift up a standard against them. As He has set bounds and bars to the tempestuous sea, beyond which it cannot pass, saying, "This far you may come and no further; here is where your proud waves halt!" (2 Kings 19:28; Isaiah 59:19; Job 38:10-11; Psalm 65:7).
You do well to mourn for the sins and miseries - of those who know Him not. But if you make the Almighty God your fear and your dread - He will be a sanctuary to you, and keep your hearts in peace! "Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas!" (Isaiah 8:13-14; Psalm 46:2).
2. Your part and mine is to WATCH and PRAY. Let us pray for ourselves, that we may be found waiting, with our loins girded up, and our lamps burning, that we may be prepared to meet His will in every event. (Mark 13:35; Mark 14:38). Let us pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for God's church, which is dear to Him, as the pupil of His eye, for the spread of His gospel, and the extension of His kingdom - until His great name is known and adored from the rising to the setting of the sun, (Mal. 1:11) and the whole earth shall be filled with His glory!
Many splendid prophecies are yet unfulfilled; and He is now bringing forward their accomplishment. Light will undoubtedly arise out of this darkness. Let us earnestly pray for a blessing from on high, upon our counsels of government, and upon all subordinate authorities in church and state - that we may lead quiet and peaceful lives in all godliness and honesty, that true religion and good order may be established, and iniquity be put to shame and silence! Thus we may hope to be secured by the sure, though secret, mark of divine protection. The Lord will be our shield - though many should suffer or fall around us. The very hairs of our faith, and the power of His grace - He should permit us to share in common calamities, we may rely upon Him to afford us strength according to our day. He is always near to His people, a very present help in the time of trouble, and He can make the season of their greatest tribulations, to be the season of their sweetest consolations! (Ezekiel 9:4; Matt. 9:30; Deu. 33:25; 2 Cor. 1:5).
3. And let us pray in FAITH. Let us remember what great things the Lord has done in answer to prayer. When sin had given Sennacherib rapid success in his invasion of Judah, he did not know that he was no more than God's ax, or a saw in the hand of God. He ascribed his victories to his own prowess, and thought himself equally sure of capturing Jerusalem. But Hezekiah defeated him - upon his knees. He spread Sennacherib's blasphemous letter before the Lord in the temple and prayed - and the Assyrian army melted away like snow. (Isaiah 10:15, 37:14-36). When Peter was locked up and chained in prison - the chains fell from his hands, the locks and bolts gave way, and the iron gate opened - while the church was united in earnest prayer for his deliverance! (Acts 12:5-13).
We have had repeated proofs that God hears and answers prayer.
~John Newton~
(continued with # 6)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)