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Another mark of growth in grace, is increased spirituality of taste and mind. The man whose soul is growing, takes more interest in spiritual things every year.
He does not neglect his duty in the world. He discharges faithfully, diligently and conscientiously--every relation of life, whether at home or abroad. But the things he loves best, are spiritual things.
The amusements and recreations of the world, have a continually decreasing place in his heart. He does not condemn them as downright sinful--he only feels that they have a constantly diminishing hold on his own affections--and gradually seem smaller and more trifling in his eyes. Spiritual companions, spiritual occupations, spiritual conversation--are of ever-increasing value to him. Would anyone know if he is growing in grace? Then let him look within for increasing spirituality of taste.
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Regular and habitual communion with the Lord Jesus, is absolutely essential to growth in grace! I mean that daily habit of communion between the believer and his Savior, which can only be carried on by faith, prayer and meditation.
It is a habit, I fear, of which many believers know little. It is possible to have "union" with Christ--and yet to have little "communion" with Him. Communion . . .
between the Bridegroom--and His bride,
between the Head--and His members,
between the Physician--and His patients,
between the Advocate--and His clients,
between the Shepherd--and His sheep,
between the Master--and His scholars.
Communion implies a habit of daily application for things needed, and of daily pouring out and unburdening our hearts and minds. It is getting close to Him and laying hold on Him with confidence--as a loving, personal Friend.
Now I believe that no man will ever grow in grace, who does not know something experimentally of the habit of communion. We must seek to have personal intimacy with the Lord Jesus, and to deal with Him as a man deals with a loving friend. We must realize what it is . . .
to turn to Him first in every need,
to talk to Him about every difficulty,
to consult Him about every step,
to spread before Him all our sorrows,
to get Him to share in all our joys,
to do all as in His sight, and
to go through every day leaning on, and looking to Him!
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True Christianity! Let us mind that word "true." There is a vast quantity of religion current in the world which is not true, genuine Christianity. There are thousands of men and women who go to churches and chapels every Sunday and call themselves Christians. They make a "profession" of faith in Christ. Their names are in the baptismal register. They are reckoned Christians while they live. They are married with a Christian marriage service. They mean to be buried as Christians when they die.
But you never see any "fight" about their religion! Of spiritual strife and exertion and conflict and self-denial and watching and warring--they know literally nothing at all. Such Christianity may satisfy man, and those who say anything against it may be thought very hard and uncharitable; but it certainly is not the Christianity of the Bible. It is not the religion which the Lord Jesus founded, and His apostles preached. It is not the religion which produces real holiness. True Christianity is "a fight!"
The principal fight of the Christian is with . . .
the world,
the flesh, and
the devil.
These are his never-dying foes! These are the three chief enemies against whom he must wage war. With a corrupt heart, a busy devil and an ensnaring world--he must either "fight" or be lost!
To be at peace with the world, the flesh and the devil--is to be at enmity with God and in the broad way that leads to destruction! We have no choice or option. We must either fight--or be lost!
It is a fight of universal necessity. No rank or class or age can plead exemption, or escape the battle--all alike must carry arms and go to war.
All have by nature a heart full of pride, unbelief, sloth, worldliness and sin!
All are living in a world beset with snares, traps and pitfalls for the soul.
All have near them a busy, restless, malicious devil.
All, from the queen in her palace down to the pauper in the workhouse--all must fight, if they would be saved.
We may take comfort about our souls, if we know anything of an inward fight and conflict. It is the invariable companion of genuine Christian holiness.
The saddest symptom about many so-called Christians, is the utter absence of anything like conflict and fight in their Christianity. They eat, they drink, they dress, they work, they amuse themselves, they get money, they spend money, they go through a scanty round of formal religious services once or twice every week. But of the great spiritual warfare--its watchings and strugglings, its agonies and anxieties, its battles and contests--of all this they appear to know nothing at all.
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
The bitterest ingredient in the 'cup of divine displeasure'
Samuel Davies, insightful and powerful Play Audio!Download Audio
True sanctification does not consist in retirement from our place in life, and the renunciation of our social duties. In every age it has been a snare with many, to take up this line in the pursuit of holiness. Hundreds of hermits have buried themselves in some wilderness, and thousands of men and women have shut themselves up within the walls of monasteries and convents--under the vain idea that by so doing, they would escape sin and become eminently holy.
They have forgotten that no bolts and bars can keep out the devil; and that, wherever we go, we carry that root of all evil our own hearts!
True holiness does not make a Christian evade difficulties--but face and overcome them. Christ would have His people show that His grace is not a mere hot-house plant, which can only thrive under shelter--but a strong, hardy thing which can flourish in every relation of life. It is doing our duty, in that state to which God has called us--like salt in the midst of corruption, and light in the midst of darkness--which is a primary element in sanctification.
It is not the man who hides himself in a cave--but the man who glorifies God in the family and in the street, in business and in trade--who is the Scriptural type of a sanctified man.
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He who wishes to attain right views about Christian holiness--must begin by examining the vast and solemn subject of sin. He must dig down very low--if he would build high. A mistake here is most mischievous. Wrong views about holiness--are generally traceable to wrong views about human corruption.
The plain truth is, that a right understanding of SIN lies at the root of all saving Christianity. Without it, such doctrines as justification, conversion, sanctification, are "words and names" which convey no meaning to the mind.
The first thing, therefore, that God does when He makes anyone a new creature in Christ, is to send light into his heart and show him that he is a guilty sinner!
Dim or indistinct views of sin are the origin of most of the errors, heresies and false doctrines of the present day! If a man does not realize the dangerous nature of his soul's disease--you cannot wonder if he is content with false or imperfect remedies. I believe that one of the chief needs of the contemporary church has been, and is--clearer, fuller teaching about sin!
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
All will be pure, unmingled happiness--or pure, unmingled misery!
Samuel Davies, insightful and powerful. Play Audio!Download Audio
"The doctrine which is according to godliness" 1 Timothy 6:3
Sound doctrine is useless--if it is not accompanied by a holy life!
It is my firm impression that we need a thorough revival of Scriptural holiness.
I have had a deep conviction for many years, that practical holiness and consecration to God are not sufficiently attended to by modern Christians. Worldliness has eaten out the heart of vital piety in too many of us! The subject of personal godliness has fallen sadly into the background. The standard of Christian living has become painfully low in many quarters. The immense importance of "adorning the doctrine of God our Savior" (Titus 2:10), and making it lovely and beautiful by our daily habits and tempers--has been far too much overlooked!
The details and particular ingredients of which holiness is composed in daily life--ought to be fully set forth and pressed on believers. True holiness does not consist merely of believing--but of doing and a practical exhibition of the active and passive graces.
Our tongues,
our tempers,
our natural passions and inclinations,
our conduct at home and abroad,
our dress,
our employment of time,
our behavior in business,
our demeanor in sickness and health, in riches and poverty
--all, all these are matters which are fully treated by inspired writers. They go into particulars. They specify minutely, what a holy man ought to do an be in his own family, by his own fireside, and at the work-place.
True holiness is something of "the image of Christ" which can be seen and observed by others in our private life, and habits, and character, and doings!
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"For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven--is My brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:50
Every relation in which Jesus stands to His people, is precious. But there are some peculiarly so, especially under certain peculiar circumstances. He is not only our Savior--but our brother. Possessing our nature, being part of the same family, He watches over us with a brother's eye, and loves us with a brother's love.
Jesus is the "brother born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17. He takes the deepest interest in all our affairs, and watches over us to do us good. We may go to Him in all our troubles--and open our hearts to Him without the least reserve. We cannot go to one who loves us more--or one who is more able or willing to help us! He laid down his life for us, thereby proving the intensity of His love to us. He is gone into heaven, there to appear in the presence of God for us.
My tried Christian friend . . .
the eye of Jesus is upon you in your trial;
the ear of Jesus is open, to listen to your cries;
the heart of Jesus is affected with your griefs and woes; and
the tongue of Jesus is employed to intercede with His Father for you!
Sweet thought! We have a brother in heaven! A brother who knows all that we suffer, and who will . . .
frustrate the designs of our foes,
sanctify our troubles and trials to us, and
eventually make all things work together for our good!
His strong arm will defend us,
His merciful hand will supply us, and
His tender heart will ever sympathize with us!
He will guide us through life and death by His counsel, and afterwards receive, us to glory! Let us, therefore . . .
go to Him in every trouble,
plead with Him to supply our needs,
trust Him in every dark and dreary hour,
and expect Him to show a brother's love!
"Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers." Hebrews 2:11
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"I will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:18
Tried Christian, you are not an orphan! You have a Father! God, in all the glory of His nature and perfections, is your Father! He has adopted you for his own. He has regenerated you by his Spirit. He has called you out of the world, and has promised to do a father's part unto you. He says, "I will be a Father unto you!"
Do you need advice? Consult your Father.
Do you need supplies? Ask them of your Father.
Are you tormented with cares? Cast them on your Father.
Are you alarmed at foes? Cry unto your Father.
Do your difficulties appear insurmountable? Appeal to your Father.
We should . . .
exercise confidence in His love;
trust in His Word;
appeal to His paternal heart;
look for our supplies from His hand.
He loves to see His children . . .
confide in His care,
rely on His word,
expect His communications,
and acquiesce in His will.
Believer,
whatever trials may befall you,
whatever troubles may come upon you,
whatever enemies may rise up against you,
whatever changes may take place in your circumstances,
one thing can never befall you--you can never be fatherless; therefore you can never be friendless. You are God's child, however poor your circumstances, or trying your path.
What an unspeakable mercy!
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(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)
"I will be their God--and they will be My people!" Hebrews 8:10
So has Jehovah purposed in reference to all the chosen of His love! In this gracious and holy purpose, is wrapped up all present and future blessedness. He who has God to be his God--cannot lack any good thing; but he who has not God for his God--lacks everything really and truly good.
If Jehovah is your God--then all His glorious perfections are engaged and employed for your welfare:
His mercy will supply all your needs;
His power will conquer all your foes;
His wisdom will direct your way;
His faithfulness will answer your prayers;
His justice will maintain your cause; and
His infinite love and grace will be displayed in all His dealings with you!
If God is your God, then . . .
His promises--are your heritage,
His precepts--are your rule,
His doctrines--are your present paradise,
His Son--is your Savior and King,
His Spirit--is your Sanctifier and Tutor,
and He Himself--is your everlasting portion!
If God is your God, then He will freely confer on you all good things at present--and crown you at last with everlasting glory. He will . . .
guide you continually,
chasten you occasionally,
receive you graciously,
and bless you indeed!
If God is your God, then all things are yours; things present, things to come; life, death, the world--all are yours!
If God is your God, then all the resources of eternity and all the treasures of time--will, if necessary, be employed in your spiritual and eternal benefit. This is the highest point of blessedness and honor--and this honor have all His saints.
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"I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." Romans 7:18
"O What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" Romans 7:24
Let us always remember that a true Christian may have many a blemish, many a defect, many an infirmity--and yet be a true Christian nevertheless. We do not despise gold--because it is mixed with much dross. We must not undervalue grace--because it is accompanied by much corruption.
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(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)
"So do not be afraid--for I am with you;
do not be dismayed--for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand!"
Isaiah 41:10
God has arranged all our concerns with consummate wisdom, in the very best possible manner.
He overrules all events by His omnipotent power.
He directs all things by His paternal love.
If infinite wisdom, omnipotent power, and paternal love, are engaged for our present and eternal welfare--then our fears must be groundless, and our anxiety folly. Our fears only . . .
dishonor God,
distress the mind,
please Satan,
and grieve the godly.
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
He justifies us--but we condemn Him!
William Dyer, uplifting and convicting Play Audio!Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
An old-fashioned, narrow-minded, fossilized person!
There is a common complaint in these days, that there is a lack of power in Christianity, and that the church does not shake the world as it did in former years. Shall I tell you what the reason is, in plain words? It is the low tone of life which is so sadly prevalent among professing believers. I believe we fall far short in our standard of Christian practice.
The times require a higher standard of personal holiness, and an increased attention to practical religion in daily life.
I must honestly declare my conviction, that there never has been . . .
so much profession of religion--without practice,
so much talking about God--without walking with Him,
so much hearing God's Words--without doing them,
as there is at this present date!
Never were there so many empty tubs and tinkling cymbals!
Never was there so much formality--and so little reality!
The whole tone of men's minds on what constitutes practical Christianity seems lowered. The old golden standard of the behavior which befits a Christian, appears debased and degenerated. You may see scores of religious people (so-called) continually doing things which in days gone by, would have been thought utterly inconsistent with vital Christianity! They see no harm in such things as theater-going, dancing, incessant novel reading--and they cannot in the least understand what you mean by objecting to them! The ancient tenderness of conscience about such things seems dying away and becoming extinct, like the dodo-bird.
And when you venture to remonstrate with those who indulge in them, they only stare at you as an old-fashioned, narrow-minded, fossilized person, and say, "What is the harm?" In short, laxity and levity are the common characteristics of the rising generation of professors.
Where is . . .
the self-denial,
the redemption of time,
the absence of luxury and self-indulgence,
the unmistakable separation from earthly things,
the manifest air of being always about our Master's business,
the singleness of eye,
the simplicity of home life,
the high tone of conversation in society,
the patience, the humility, the universal love--
which marked Christians seventy or eighty years ago? Yes, where is it indeed? We have inherited their principles--but I fear we have not inherited their practice!
The Holy Spirit sees it--and is grieved! The world sees it--and despises us. The world sees it--and cares little for our testimony. It is life, life--a heavenly, godly, Christ-like life--depend on it, which influences the world!
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I believe that the time has come, when it is a positive duty to speak plainly about the reality and eternity of Hell. A flood of false doctrine has lately broken in upon us. Men are beginning to tell us that God is too loving and merciful to punish souls forever; and that all mankind, however wicked and ungodly some of them may be--will sooner or later be saved. We are invited to leave the old paths of apostolic Christianity. We are told that the views of our fathers about Hell, and the devil, and punishment--are obsolete and old-fashioned. We are to embrace what is called a "kinder theology"--and treat Hell as a pagan fable, or a bugbear to frighten children and fools!
Against such false teaching I desire, for one, to protest. I, for one, am resolved to maintain the old position, and to assert the reality and eternity of Hell.
It is a question which lies at the very foundation of the whole gospel. The moral attributes of God--His justice, His holiness, His purity--are all involved in it. Once let the old doctrine about Hell be overthrown--and the whole system of Christianity is unsettled, unscrewed, unpinned and thrown into disorder!
The Scripture has spoken plainly and fully on the subject of Hell.
If words mean anything--then there is such a place as Hell.
If texts are to be interpreted fairly--then there are those who will be cast into Hell.
If language has any sense belonging to it--then Hell is forever.
The drowning of the old world by the flood,
the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah,
the overthrow of Pharaoh and all his host in the Red Sea,
the judgment on Korah, Dathan and Abiram,
the utter destruction of the seven nations of Canaan--
all teach the same solemn truth. They are all given to us as beacons and signs and warnings--that we may not provoke God. They all remind us that there is such a thing as the wrath of God. They all tell us plainly that "the wicked shall be turned into Hell" (Psalm 9:17).
Settle it firmly in your mind, that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself has spoken most plainly about the reality and eternity of Hell. No lips have used so many words to express the dreadfulness of Hell, as the lips of Jesus.
Hell,
Hell-fire,
the damnation of Hell,
eternal damnation,
the resurrection of damnation,
everlasting fire,
the place of torment,
outer darkness,
the worm that never dies,
the fire that is never quenched,
the place of weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth,
everlasting punishment--
these, these are the words which the Lord Jesus Christ Himself employs! Away with the miserable nonsense which people talk in this day, who tell us that the ministers of the gospel should never speak of Hell!
He is the kindest friend--who tells me the whole extent of my danger!
The watchman who keeps silence when he sees a fire--is guilty of gross neglect!
The doctor who tells us we are getting well when we are dying--is a false friend!
The minister who keeps back Hell from his people--is a wicked and cruel man!
What is the use of hiding eternal punishment from the impenitent and the ungodly? Surely, it is helping the devil!
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"By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin." Hebrews 11:24-25
Is there any cross in your Christianity?
There is a common worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have--a cheap Christianity . . .
which offends nobody,
which requires no sacrifice,
which costs nothing--and is worth nothing!
But if you really are in earnest about your soul,
if your religion is something more than a mere fashionable Sunday cloak,
if you are determined to live by the Bible,
if you are resolved to be a New Testament Christian--
then you will soon find that you must carry a cross. You must endure hard things; you must suffer in behalf of your soul, as Moses did--or you cannot be saved.
The offense of the cross is not ceased!
God's true people are still a despised little flock.
True evangelical religion still brings with it reproach and scorn.
A real servant of God will still be thought an enthusiast and a fool by many.
If there is no cross--there will be no crown!
Moses left the ease and comfort of Pharaoh's court--and openly took part with the despised children of Israel. In fact, if ever a man seemed to be choosing pain, trials, poverty, distress, anxiety, perhaps even death, with his eyes open--Moses was that man!
Let us think how astonishing was this choice.
Flesh and blood naturally shrink from pain. We draw back by a kind of instinct from suffering, and avoid it if we can. If two courses of action are set before us, which both seem right--we take that which is the least disagreeable to flesh and blood.
But look here! Here is a man of like passions with ourselves, and he actually chooses affliction! Moses saw the cup of suffering that was before him if he left Pharaoh's court--and he chose it, preferred it, and took it up!
Faith told Moses that affliction and suffering are not real evils. They are . . .
the school of God, in which He trains the children of grace for glory;
the medicines, which are needful to purify our corrupt hearts;
the furnace, which must burn away our dross;
the knife, which must cut the ties which bind us to the world.
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"I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise!" Luke 23:43
The very moment that believers die, they are in paradise. Their battle is fought; their strife is over. They have passed through that gloomy valley which we must one day tread; they have gone over that dark river which we must one day cross. They have drunk that last bitter cup which sin has mingled for man; they have reached that place where sorrow and sighing are no more! Surely, we would not wish them back again! We should not weep for them--but for ourselves!
We are still warring--but they are at peace!
We are laboring--but they are at rest!
We are watching--but they are sleeping!
We are wearing our spiritual armor--but they have forever put it off!
We are at sea--but they are safe in harbor!
We have tears--but they have joy!
We are strangers and pilgrims--but they are at home!
Surely, better are the "dead in Christ"--than the living! Surely the very hour the poor saint dies--he is at once higher and happier than the happiest upon earth!
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"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. John 16:33
Following Christ will not prevent our having earthly sorrows and troubles.
Perhaps the disciples had expected that Christ's service would at any rate lift them above the reach of earthly trials. Perhaps they thought that He, who could raise the dead and heal the sick and feed multitudes with a few loaves, and cast out devils with a word--would never allow His servants to be sufferers upon earth. Perhaps they had supposed He would always grant them . . .
smooth journeys,
fine weather,
an easy course, and
freedom from trouble and care.
If they thought so--they were much mistaken! The Lord Jesus taught that a man may be one of His chosen servants--and yet have to go through many a trouble, and endure many a pain!
It is good to understand this clearly. It is good to understand that Christ's service never did secure a man from all the ills that flesh is heir to--and never will. If you are a believer, you must reckon on having your share . . .
of sickness and pain,
of sorrow and tears,
of losses and crosses,
of deaths and bereavements,
of partings and separations,
of vexations and disappointments
--so long as you are in the body. Christ never promises that you shall get to Heaven without these. He has promised that all who come to Him shall have all things pertaining to life and godliness; but He has never promised that He will make them prosperous, or rich, or healthy, and that death and sorrow shall never come to their family.
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(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)
"With God all things are possible!" Matthew 19:26
The omnipotence of Jehovah is ruled by His wisdom and holiness, His justice and love. He can do everything consistent with those attributes--but nothing contrary to them.
God's omnipotence is altogether on the believer's side. All that God consistently can do--He will do for His people. Nothing is too hard for the Lord.
He can make us contented in the most trying circumstances--and happy in the deepest affliction. He can so bring down our minds to our condition--that we shall glory in tribulation. He can turn darkness into light, and bitter into sweet; and bring the richest joy out of the deepest sorrow.
The omnipotent God is your God! His omnipotence is engaged for you!
Do not look at your difficulties--but at the omnipotent God as engaged for you!
Do not look too much at what you are--but at what your God can make you!
Do not dwell on your own weakness--but on the Lord's strength!
Call nothing impossible. "Is anything too hard for Me? Do not I fill Heaven and earth, says the Lord?" His ways are in the sea, His paths in the mighty waters, and His footsteps are not known! It is possible for God to hold you fast . . .
in the most slippery path,
when surrounded by the most determined foes,
and feeling the greatest weakness--and He will do so!
None shall be able to pluck you out of His hand!
It is possible for God to supply all your needs, in the most trying times; as He did Elijah by the ravens, and the poor widow by the increase of the oil and meal. And He will do so! Only seek the Lord, trust in the Lord, leave difficulties with the Lord--and you shall not lack any good thing. He will display His wisdom, sovereignty, pity, and power in dealing with you; and perhaps fill you with wonder, surprise, and love, at His ways.
All that God is--He is to you!
All He has--He has for you!
All He has promised--He will fulfill in you!
Ever, ever remember that all things are possible to . . .
your God,
your Father,
your Savior,
and your Friend!
"I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength!" Philippians 4:13
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From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
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"But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me." Psalm 131:2
The first object from which our heavenly Father weans his child, is the idol SELF! Of all idols, this he finds the hardest to abandon! When man in paradise aspired to be as God--God was dethroned from his soul, and the creature became as a deity to itself! From that moment, the idolatry of self has been the great and universal crime of our race!
In the soul of the regenerate, divine grace has done much to dethrone this idol--and to reinstate God. The work, however, is but partially accomplished. The dishonored and rejected rival is reluctant to relinquish his throne, and yield to the supreme control and sway of another. Thus, much still lingers in the heart which the Spirit has renewed and inhabits, of . . .
self-esteem,
self-confidence,
self-seeking,
and self-love.
From all this, our Father seeks to wean us!
From our own wisdom, which is but folly;
from our own strength, which is but weakness;
from our own wills, which are often as an uncurbed steed;
from our own ways, which are crooked;
from our own hearts, which are deceitful;
from our own judgments, which are dark;
from our own ends, which are narrow and selfish
--He would wean and detach us, that our souls may get more and more back to their original center of repose--God Himself!
From SELF, God would gently and tenderly, but effectually, wean us--that we may learn . . .
to rely upon His wisdom,
to repose in His strength,
to consult His honor, and
to seek His glory and smile, supremely and alone.
PUBLIC DOMAIN - Permission is not required to reproduce this material. Feel free to forward this on to your friends.
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From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
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