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"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:18
Growth in grace is evidenced by a more habitual vigilance against besetting sins and temptations, and by greater self-denial in regard to personal indulgence. A growing conscientiousness in regard to what may be called minor Christian duties is also a good sign. (The counterfeit of this is an over-scrupulous conscience, which sometimes haggles at the most innocent gratifications, and has led some to hesitate about taking their daily food.)
Increasing spiritual-mindedness is a sure evidence of progress in piety; and this will always be accompanied by increasing deadness to the world.
Continued aspirations for God, indicate the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, by whose agency all progress in sanctification is made.
Increasing solicitude for the salvation of men, sorrow on account of their sinful and miserable condition, and a disposition tenderly to warn sinners of their danger--evince a growing state of piety.
It is also a strong evidence of growth in grace, when you can bear injuries and provocations with meekness, and when you can from the heart desire the temporal and eternal welfare of your bitterest enemies.
An entire and confident reliance on the promises and providence of God, however dark may be your horizon, or however many difficulties environ you--is a sign that you have learned to live by faith.
Humble contentment with your condition, though it is one of poverty and obscurity--shows that you have profited by sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Diligence in the duties of our secular calling, with a view to the glory of God, is an evidence not to be despised.
Indeed, there is no surer standard of spiritual growth than a habit of aiming at the glory of God in everything.
Increasing love to the brethren is a sure sign of growth; for as brotherly love is a proof of the existence of grace, so is the exercise of such love a proof of vigor in the divine life.
A victory over besetting sins by which the person was frequently led away--shows an increased vigor in grace.
Sometimes the children of God grow faster when in the fiery furnace than elsewhere. As metals are purified by being cast into the fire--so saints have their dross consumed and their graces brightened--by being cast into the furnace of affliction.
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"Thanks be to God that, though you used to be
slaves to sin--you wholeheartedly obeyed the
form of teaching to which you were entrusted."
Romans 6:17
Certainly, gospel-obedience is a grace of much
worth, and of great force upon the whole man;
for when it is once wrought in the heart, it works
a conformity to all God's holy will.
That obedience which springs from saving faith,
is a transforming obedience. It mightily alters
and changes a man:
from impurity--to purity,
from sin--to sanctity,
from unrighteousness--to righteousness,
from earthly-mindedness--to heavenly-mindedness,
from pride--to humility,
from hypocrisy--to sincerity, etc.
Those who are not savingly changed, are still
in the gall of bitterness, and bond of iniquity.
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(Theodore Cuyler, "Wayside Springs from the Fountain of Life" 1883)
"Do not be conformed to the world." Romans 12:2
The sin of modern civilization has been well described as "making more of status than it does of character." But the very essence of Bible religion, is to make character everything--and conduct the test and evidence of character.
Our godless society needs a strict, pure, honest, self-denying, godly-minded church! Conformity to the world--will never convert the world! We are not to accommodate Christianity to the thought and fashion of the times--but to keep it stoutly and steadily up to its original standards. We must stand fast, not only to the faith once delivered to the saints, but to the practices which are enjoined in God's Word.
Social life, with increase of wealth, has a trend towards demoralization. Luxury weakens morality. Popular amusements become sensualized and offer their temptations to the church. "Do not be conformed to the world" applies to the theater, the ball-room, the wine-cup, and to everything that would turn God's earth into a "Vanity Fair." Conformity to the world amounts, in the end, to more than the corruption of Christ's church. It puts out the light which Christ has kindled; it destroys the very leaven which He has prepared to purify and sweeten and save a "world lying in wickedness."
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"And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow Me, cannot be My disciple." Luke 14:27
Do you wish your soul to be saved?
Then remember, you must choose who you will serve.
You cannot serve both God and mammon.
You cannot be on two sides at once.
You cannot be a friend of Christ--and a friend of the world at the same time.
You must come out from the people of this world, and be separate; you must put up with much ridicule, trouble, and opposition--or you are lost forever. You must be willing to think and do things which the world considers foolish, and to hold opinions which are only held by a few. It will cost you something! The stream is strong--and you have to stem it. The way is narrow and steep--and it is no use saying it is not. But depend on it, there can be no saving religion without sacrifices and self-denial.
"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:17-18
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
We should learn a lesson from the old heathen artist!
by J.R. Miller, very helpful. Play Audio!Download Audio
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(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)
"Our Father in Heaven!" Matthew 6:9
This is the 'golden gate' of the temple of prayer!
When our Lord taught His disciples how to pray--it was thus He said they should begin. They were not to come to infinite power, or to unknowable mystery, or to inaccessible light--but to tender fatherhood. This precious name "Father" at the gateway--makes the approach to God easy and sure.
The name "Father" assures us of divine love and care. Does a true parent have care for his child? Much more does our Father in Heaven care for His children on the earth! He even cares for the birds--feeding them their daily food. He even cares for the flowers--weaving, with colorful threads, the lovely robes which they wear. He surely cares more for His children! So the precious name "Father" assures us that we shall never be neglected nor overlooked in this great world.
The name "Father" also gives us assurance of unhindered access to the Divine presence. The children of a great earthly king are not kept waiting at their father's door, as strangers are. Just so, God's children have perfect liberty in His presence. They can never come at an untimely hour. He is never too busy to see them and to listen to their words of love and prayer. In the midst of the innumerable affairs of the vast universe--He thinks of His lowliest child! Amid all the confusion and noise of this great world--He hears and recognizes the faintest cry that rises from the lips of the least and lowliest of His little ones.
The name "Father" also interprets for us, the grace and mercy of our God. We are always conscious of sin. How, then, can we gain access to a holy God? Ah! He is our Father! We know that even an earthly father does not shut the door on his erring child. The candle is left burning in the window through the long dark nights--that the wanderer out in the blackness and longing to return, seeing the bright beams--may be assured of love and a waiting welcome. Infinitely more gracious, is "our Father in Heaven!"
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
Love bound Him to the cross and held Him there!
by John Eadie, most precious Play Audio!Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
That last river which we all must pass over!
(Thomas Sherman, "Divine Breathings; Or, a Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ")
The Israelites were necessitated first to pass over the Jordan River, before they could enter Canaan, the promised land. But no sooner had the feet of the priests, who bore the ark of the covenant, rested in the water--but the proud waves saw it and fled, and the swelling streams were driven back, and congealed in heaps to enable them to pass over with safety.
Every child of God resembles an Israelite in this respect; he is passing through the wilderness of this world, and traveling to the land of promise. DEATH is that Jordan River which runs between this wilderness world--and our heavenly Canaan. Death is that swelling stream which overflows the banks of every mortal creature. It is that last river which we all must pass over!
But this is the happiness which believers have--that Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who bears the everlasting covenant upon His shoulders, has already dipped His feet in the streams of this water, so that the streams of bitterness are diverted, the sting of death plucked out, the waters of the salt sea dried up; yes, the power of the curse cut off, so that death is but a sure step to glory!
Why then am I afraid to die? The channel is dry! I see the footsteps of my Savior at the bottom--and Heaven and happiness on the other side! The waters cannot overwhelm my soul!
They may go over my sins,
they may go over my foes,
they may go over my miseries,
they may go over my troubles,
but my soul shall pass over to its eternal rest!
Lord, therefore fit and sanctify me for death--and then take down my earthly tent. I cannot be with You too soon!
"I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far!" Philippians 1:23
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(William Schenck, "Nearing Home; Comforts and Counsels for the Aged" 1868 )
"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green!" Psalm 92:12-14
The palm tree, to which God's people are compared in this Psalm, is remarkable for its lengthened and increasing fruitfulness. The best dates are said to be gathered when it has reached a hundred years of age. How beautiful an emblem of the aged believer, growing in grace and maturing in holiness to the close of his earthly existence! Each day, each year, added to his life--adds to the loveliness and perfection of his Christian virtues. His character has a mellowness and sweetness, which it lacked in earlier seasons.
He is ripening for Heaven! In knowledge, in wisdom, in love, in humility, in gentleness, in patience, in peace, in usefulness, in happiness--he is steadily and constantly advancing. He is filled with the Spirit, and therefore brings forth the fruits of the Spirit.
Is this portraiture of an aged Christian yours, reader? Alas, it does not belong to all who profess and call themselves by the Savior's name.
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"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised!" Job 1:21
O my Father, let me feel, even amid the troublous changes of life, that what I am apt to call painful vicissitudes--are the sovereign decrees and allotments of Your infinite wisdom!
Let me rejoice that every bitter drop in the 'cup of life'--is appointed by my Heavenly Father! May I submissively drink it, saying, "May Your will be done!"
What I cannot now comprehend--be it mine to wait the disclosures of that blessed morning when, standing at the luminous portals of Heaven, I shall joyfully acknowledge that, "You have done all things well!"
I look forward to that time when all Your inscrutable dealings will be unfolded, when inner meanings and purposes now undiscerned by the eye of sense--will be brought to light, and all discovered to be full of infinite love! Other refuges may fail--but I am as secure in You, as everlasting love and wisdom and power can make me!
Blessed Jesus! I would seek to cleave closer and closer to Your cross! May I follow You, O Lamb of God--wherever You see fit to lead me. May I never feel as if I would wish one jot or tittle regarding me to be altered--when the reins of universal empire are in Your hands!
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
Trust His heart--even when you can't trace His hand!
John MacDuff, uplifting and comforting Play Audio!Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Run to your Father's arms and nestle in His bosom!
This is God's message to His people, even during the most terrible convulsions of nature, the most cruel wars, and the most painful trials! The Lord reigns and works, even in the most dreadful circumstances.
The Lord is constantly doing His will, and accomplishing His purposes--and He never forgets His promises.
Be childlike. Run to your Father's arms and nestle in His bosom! Realize safety in your Father's love and power. He will tenderly . . .
hold you in the hollow of His hand,
hide you under His wings, and
carry you in His bosom as the shepherd does the lamb.
"Be still," for though painful at present--your trial will soon be over. Know that God is supreme and works all things after the counsel of His own will. Know that God never loses sight of you, or forgets your frame and your weakness. Exercise patience, relieve your burdened heart by prayer--and wait in full expectation of a blessing.
As the darkest cloud, often bears the most fruitful shower--so the darkest circumstances, often usher in the choicest mercies. Only . . .
yield yourself to God,
keep close to the loving heart of God,
and submit to the will of God.
Then you will be able to . . .
carry any cross,
bear any trial, or
endure any affliction!
Be silent, be calm, be still--the Lord rules as King forever!
Do not complain--for it will displease the Lord.
Do not murmur--for it will grieve Him.
Do not fear--for it will dishonor Him.
Instead, be still--for your safety is provided for.
Be still--for your needs shall be supplied.
Be still--for all things shall work together for your good.
Be still--for God bids you, and all will end well.
Take me into Your nearness, dear Lord, and help me to be still. Calm my foolish fears and my fearful imaginations. In all of life, help me, O Lord, to be still.
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"God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness." Hebrews 12:10
How would the great work of sanctification go on in a person--if they had no trials?
Trouble is often the only fire which will burn away the dross which clings to our hearts.
Trouble is the pruning-knife which Christ employs in order to make us fruitful in good works. The harvest of the Lord's field is seldom ripened by sunshine only. It must go through its days of wind and rain and storm.
"Before I was afflicted I went astray--but now I obey Your Word." Psalm 119:67
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No man is able fully to meet and reciprocate a true woman's love. The best of men, with all their willingness, with all their efforts, fail. There are deep places of her heart unreached--aching voids unfilled. And yet it is astonishing how small a return will seem to satisfy a woman, and make her heart glow with sunlight. A pleasant word, a tender look, a kiss of love--ah! these seem but small returns for the deep tenderness that ever burns in her bosom! And yet, alas! too often even these are withheld--and the selfish, reserved, cold, and at times morose "lord of creation," comes in and goes out daily--never dreaming that by this very coldness, reserve, and moroseness--he is breaking the heart of her who loves him better than her own life!
But it is ever so. Hundreds, thousands, yes, tens of thousands of wives, are performing their round of duties hourly and daily--unblessed by smiles that warm the bosom, or words that make the heart tremble with inner joy; while, all unconscious of their cruel indifference--those who provide fine houses, fine furniture, and fine garments for their victims, proudly imagine that they are the best of husbands!
Maiden--innocent, loving maiden!--do not turn away from this picture now, or else the time may come when you will seek to turn from it, and shall not be able. When one comes asking your love--know well if he is worthy of such love as you can give. Do not look alone at his attractive exterior; seek to know what ends actuate him. It is the loveliness of pure, high principles that remains verdant the longest--yes, forever verdant. These, and these alone, can make you permanently happy. Without them, an angel's grace, an angel's form would lose its attractions; with them, the plainest exterior soon grows beautiful to the eye of a loving wife. Lay this up in your heart; think of it in the morning, and when your head presses your pillow at night. It may save you from a woman's hardest lot--that of being bound for life to a man who does not even try to make her happy!
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Thus the infinitely wise God appeals to us--His poor foolish creatures.
We want our own way.
We wish to carve for ourselves.
But God loves us too well, to allow us to do so!
He has drawn the plan of our lives.
He has marked out the paths we are to tread.
He has fixed the bounds of our habitation.
Yes, He has numbered the very hairs of our head!
He has arranged everything to secure our spiritual and eternal good. This He has told us in His Word--and yet we are not satisfied. But, "Should it be according to your mind?"
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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
He may be on earth at noon,
but in Hell at night!
by James Smith, powerful Play Audio!Download Audio
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
God's beauty!
(Stephen Charnock)
Power is God's hand or arm,
omniscience is God's eye,
mercy is God's delight,
eternity is God's duration,
but holiness is God's beauty!
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"He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all--how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:32
Would I learn how to be contented and cheerful under all the cares and anxieties of life? What school shall I go to? How shall I attain this state of mind most easily? Shall I look at the sovereignty of God, the wisdom of God, the providence of God, the love of God? It is well to do so; but I have a better argument still.
I will look at Calvary and the crucifixion. I feel that He who spared not His only begotten Son but delivered Him up to die for me--will surely with Him give me all things that I really need. He who endured that pain for my soul--will surely not withhold from me anything that is really good. He who has done the greater things for me--will doubtless do the lesser things also. He who gave His own blood to procure me a home in Heaven--will unquestionably supply me with all that is really profitable for me by the way. Ah, reader, there is no school for learning contentment that can be compared with Calvary and the foot of the cross!
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"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye--
and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3
It is strange how oblivious we can be of our own faults and blemishes--and how clearly we can see those of other people! One old writer says: "Men are rather more apt to use a magnifying glass to behold the faults of others--than a mirror to behold their own." A man can see a little speck of dust in his neighbor's eye--while utterly unaware of the great plank in his own eye! He observes the most minute fault in his brother--while unconscious of his own far greater fault!
We would say that a plank in a man's eye would so blind him--that he could not see the speck in another's eye. As our Lord represents it, however--the man with the plank, is the very one who sees the speck and thinks himself competent to remove it!
So it is in morals. No man is so sharp at seeing a fault in another--as he who has the same or a similar fault of his own!
A vain man--is the first to detect the indications of vanity in another.
A bad-tempered person--is most apt to be censorious toward a neighbor who displays bad temper.
One with a sharp uncontrolled tongue--has the least patience with another whose speech is full of poisoned arrows.
A selfish man--discovers even specks of selfishness in others.
Rude people--are the very first to be hurt and offended by rudeness in a neighbor.
So it is always. If we are quick to perceive blemishes and faults in others--the probability is, that we have far greater blemishes and faults in ourselves! This truth ought to make us exceedingly careful in our judgments, and exceedingly modest in our expressions of censure--for we really are telling the world our own faults! It is wiser, as well as more in accordance with the spirit of Christ--for us to find lovely things in others, and to be silent regarding their faults!
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"Be content with such things as you have." Hebrews 13:5
We may not always have what we desire--but we certainly have what our God thinks is best for us. Every mercy we have, is directed by His infinite wisdom and eternal love.
Let us therefore remember, that our God has chosen our inheritance for us, and it befits us to be content; yes, to be very grateful.
We have infinitely more than we deserve! We have more than many of our fellow-believers.
We have liberty--while the Apostles were shut up in prison.
We have a home--while many of the primitive Christians wandered about in dens and caves of the earth.
Our lives are safe--while the martyrs were burned at the stake.
We live in the sure hope of Heaven--while many are lifting up their eyes in Hell, being in torment!
Let us strive to be content with present things, and endeavor to learn Paul's lesson, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
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(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)
"But when you give to the needy--do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret." Matthew 6:3-4
There are some people who want every good thing they do, to be well advertised. If they give money to some good cause--they want to have it noticed in the papers. If they are kind to the poor or relieve some case of distress--they are particular that the matter should be duly published. They take pains that their charities shall not fail to be credited to themselves.
But this is not the kind of spirit which our Lord enjoined on His disciples. He told them that seeking publicity marred the beauty of their charities; that instead of announcing to others what they had done--they should not even let their own left hand know that their right hand had been doing commendable things.
Of course, Christ did not mean that we should never give to charities--except where the act would be absolutely secret. It is the heart-motive that Christ was enforcing. His disciples should never give for the sake of men's praise. Our good works instantly lose all their value--when any motive but the honor of God and desire for His approval, is in our heart. We should not even think about our charities ourselves--but should forget them, as the tree forgets the fruits it drops.
We should train ourselves therefore to do our good deeds--without seeking the praise or recognition of men. We should not be so anxious to have our name posted on every gift we send. We ought to be willing to do good, and let Christ have all the glory--while we stay back unknown and unrecognized.
Florence Nightingale, having gone like an angel of mercy among the hospitals in the Crimea until her name was enshrined in every soldier's heart--asked to be excused from having her picture taken--that she might be forgotten, and that Christ alone might be remembered as the author of all the blessings which her hand had distributed!
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