Posts Tagged 'Christian Living'
May My Cry Be Always, Only Jesus! Only Jesus!
O God, I bless thee for the happy moment when I first saw thy law fulfilled in Christ, wrath appeased, death destroyed, sin forgiven, my soul saved. Ever since, thou hast been faithful to me: daily have I proved the power of Jesus’ blood, daily have I known the strength of the Spirit, my teacher, director, sanctifier. I want no other rock to build upon than that I have, desire no other hope than that of gospel truth, need no other look than that which gazes ...
An Old Man on a Shelf
A friend of mine expressed concern that his aging father is battling thoughts of suicide. “Dad used to be a juggernaut of activity, always engaged in business, church projects, and helping others. But now his aging body is breaking down, and he’s been set aside on a sick bed shelf. He feels worthless.” But he’s not. Suppose a statue on its shelf capable of speech, and ask of it, “Why are you there?” It would reply, “Because my ...
“Keep Those You Have Given Me”
They are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name …so that they may be one as we are one.—John 17:11 This Scripture contains the first preparation of Christ for death, where he sets his house in order, prays for his people, and blesses them before he dies. ((John Flavel, “Of Christ’s Humiliation unto Death, in His First Preparative Act for It,” sermon 20 ...
Motto For the New Year: “Look Up!”
"Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near!" Luke 21:28 We are entering upon a new year, we shall have new toils, new trials, new temptations, and new troubles. In whatever state, in whatever place, into whatever condition we may be brought this year--let us seek grace to follow our Lord's loving advice, and "look up!" Do not look back--as Lot's wife did. Do not look within—as too many do. Do not look around—as David did. But "look up!" Look up to ...
Motto For the New Year: “Look Up!”
"Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near!" Luke 21:28 We are entering upon a new year, we shall have new toils, new trials, new temptations, and new troubles. In whatever state, in whatever place, into whatever condition we may be brought this year--let us seek grace to follow our Lord's loving advice, and "look up!" Do not look back--as Lot's wife did. Do not look within—as too many do. Do not look around—as David did. But "look up!" Look up to ...
God’s Purpose and Faith in Exercise in View of Sickness and Death
III.—To the Viscountess of Kenmure, on occasion of illness and spiritual depression. ACQUIESCENCE IN GOD’S PURPOSE—FAITH IN EXERCISE—ENCOURAGEMENT IN VIEW OF SICKNESS AND DEATH—PUBLIC AFFAIRS. Madam, —All dutiful obedience in the Lord remembered. I have heard of your Ladyship’s infirmity and sickness with grief; yet I trust ye have learned to say, “It is the Lord, let Him do whatsoever seemeth good in His eyes.” It is now many years since the apostate angels made a question, ...
God’s Purpose and Faith in Exercise in View of Sickness and Death
III.—To the Viscountess of Kenmure, on occasion of illness and spiritual depression. ACQUIESCENCE IN GOD’S PURPOSE—FAITH IN EXERCISE—ENCOURAGEMENT IN VIEW OF SICKNESS AND DEATH—PUBLIC AFFAIRS. Madam, —All dutiful obedience in the Lord remembered. I have heard of your Ladyship’s infirmity and sickness with grief; yet I trust ye have learned to say, “It is the Lord, let Him do whatsoever seemeth good in His eyes.” It is now many years since the apostate angels made a question, ...
Thy Presence Alone Can Make Me Holy
O God, Most high, most glorious, the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me, for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, but Thou art for ever at perfect peace. Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfilment, they stand fast as the eternal hills. Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint. Thou bringest order out of confusion, and my defeats are Thy victories: The Lord God omnipotent reigneth. I come to Thee as a sinner ...
Thy Presence Alone Can Make Me Holy
O God, Most high, most glorious, the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me, for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, but Thou art for ever at perfect peace. Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfilment, they stand fast as the eternal hills. Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint. Thou bringest order out of confusion, and my defeats are Thy victories: The Lord God omnipotent reigneth. I come to Thee as a sinner ...
For Christian Parents on the Death of Their Offspring
II.—To a Christian Gentlewoman on the death of her daughter. CHRIST’S SYMPATHY WITH, AND PROPERTY IN US—REASONS FOR RESIGNATION Mistress —My love in Christ remembered to you. I was indeed sorrowful at my departure from you, especially since ye were in such heaviness after your daughter’s death. Yet I do persuade myself, ye know that the weightiest end of the cross of Christ that is laid upon you lieth upon your strong Saviour; for Isaiah saith, “In all ...
For Christian Parents on the Death of Their Offspring
II.—To a Christian Gentlewoman on the death of her daughter. CHRIST’S SYMPATHY WITH, AND PROPERTY IN US—REASONS FOR RESIGNATION Mistress —My love in Christ remembered to you. I was indeed sorrowful at my departure from you, especially since ye were in such heaviness after your daughter’s death. Yet I do persuade myself, ye know that the weightiest end of the cross of Christ that is laid upon you lieth upon your strong Saviour; for Isaiah saith, “In all ...
Reading the Writings of a Man Acclimated with the Rapturous Loveliness of Christ
In the past few days I have been exposed to quotes and excerpts from the writings of the 16th century Scottish reformer, Samuel Rutherford. I was brought at a wonder, for scarcely have I ever read expressions of heavenly delights from the pen of men, as similar as he was to myself, in desperate need for grace. And yet with much grace and wisdom, he would lift up gems and precious stones from the pages of ...
Reading the Writings of a Man Acclimated with the Rapturous Loveliness of Christ
In the past few days I have been exposed to quotes and excerpts from the writings of the 16th century Scottish reformer, Samuel Rutherford. I was brought at a wonder, for scarcely have I ever read expressions of heavenly delights from the pen of men, as similar as he was to myself, in desperate need for grace. And yet with much grace and wisdom, he would lift up gems and precious stones from the pages of ...
More Than a “Calvinist”; More Than “Calvinism”
A theoretical knowledge of Scripture truth without it being applied to the human life is as useless as royal garments on rotting flesh. If knowledge produces little love for Christ, little compassion for those who are His, then better be dumb with a mere two talents while being faithful to it. The only theology worth believing, worth studying worth giving one's life toward is that which thrusts us to a life of perpetual doxology. To be ...
More Than a “Calvinist”; More Than “Calvinism”
A theoretical knowledge of Scripture truth without it being applied to the human life is as useless as royal garments on rotting flesh. If knowledge produces little love for Christ, little compassion for those who are His, then better be dumb with a mere two talents while being faithful to it. The only theology worth believing, worth studying worth giving one's life toward is that which thrusts us to a life of perpetual doxology. To be ...