| "All these things are against me" (Gen. 42:36). "All things work together for good to them that love God" (Rom. 8:28). | |
Many people are wanting power. Now how is power produced? The other day we passed the great works where the trolley engines are supplied with electricity. We heard the hum and roar of the countless wheels, and we asked our friend, "How do they make the power?" "Why," he said, "just by the revolution of those wheels and the friction they produce. The rubbing creates the electric current." And so, when God wants to bring more power into your life, He brings more pressure. He is generating spiritual force by hard rubbing. Some do not like it and try to run away from the pressure, instead of getting the power and using it to rise above the painful causes. Opposition is essential to a true equilibrium of forces. The centripetal and centrifugal forces acting in opposition to each other keep our planet in her orbit. The one propelling, and the other repelling, so act and re-act, that instead of sweeping off into space in a pathway of desolation, she pursues her even orbit around her solar centre. So God guides our lives. It is not enough to have an impelling force--we need just as much a repelling force, and so He holds us back by the testing ordeals of life, by the pressure of temptation and trial, by the things that seem against us, but really are furthering our way and establishing our goings. Let us thank Him for both, let us take the weights as well as the wings, and thus divinely impelled, let us press on with faith and patience in our high and heavenly calling. --A. B. Simpson (Originally from Streams in Desert) link | |
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Spiritual Force - A.B. Simpson
Monday, July 18, 2011
The OFFICES of Christ
(James Smith, "Christ Exalted, Saints Comforted, and Sinners Directed" 1855)
If we look at the OFFICES of Christ — it endears Him to our hearts.
He is a PROPHET, to . . .
instruct the ignorant,
lead the blind, and
make the foolish, wise.
He . . .
unfolds the Father's mind,
opens the everlasting covenant,
and teaches all His people to profit.
He is a PRIEST, to . . .
atone for the guilty,
reconcile those who are enemies, and
intercede on behalf of transgressors.
He . . .
satisfies justice,
magnifies mercy, and
brings a holy God and polluted sinners into an honorable union.
He is a KING, and as such He . . .
receives the discontented,
rules over innumerable penitent criminals,
and defends all His subjects from danger.
His power is omnipotent,
His resources are boundless,
His government is peaceful, and
all the statutes of His kingdom are wise, merciful, and just.
He is also our husband — who loves, cherishes, and honors His beloved blood-bought bride. He . . .
loves her as He loves Himself,
treats her with unutterable kindness, and
will allow nothing to separate her from His love.
This causes us to sing:
"Jesus my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest, and King,
My Lord, my life, my way, my end,
Accept the praise I bring!"
If we look at the OFFICES of Christ — it endears Him to our hearts.
He is a PROPHET, to . . .
instruct the ignorant,
lead the blind, and
make the foolish, wise.
He . . .
unfolds the Father's mind,
opens the everlasting covenant,
and teaches all His people to profit.
He is a PRIEST, to . . .
atone for the guilty,
reconcile those who are enemies, and
intercede on behalf of transgressors.
He . . .
satisfies justice,
magnifies mercy, and
brings a holy God and polluted sinners into an honorable union.
He is a KING, and as such He . . .
receives the discontented,
rules over innumerable penitent criminals,
and defends all His subjects from danger.
His power is omnipotent,
His resources are boundless,
His government is peaceful, and
all the statutes of His kingdom are wise, merciful, and just.
He is also our husband — who loves, cherishes, and honors His beloved blood-bought bride. He . . .
loves her as He loves Himself,
treats her with unutterable kindness, and
will allow nothing to separate her from His love.
This causes us to sing:
"Jesus my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest, and King,
My Lord, my life, my way, my end,
Accept the praise I bring!"
~ ~ ~ ~
The sanctification of the Spirit
(James Smith, "The Great Comforter" 1858)
"God has chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit." 2 Thessalonians 2:13
To sanctify, is to separate and set apart for holy purposes and holy uses. The Lord has separated His people, by choosing them in Christ to be holy; and He sanctifies them now for Himself — by the power, operation, and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
In sanctification, a work is commenced which is to make us exactly like Christ. A sanctified person has . . .
his heart changed,
his will renewed,
his understanding enlightened,
his conscience purified, and
his affections spiritualized.
Sanctification extends to the whole man, soul and body; and is carried on through . . .
the Word,
the ordinances, and
the providence of God.
Sanctification has its seat in the heart; but it regulates the whole man, and appears in his conduct in every-day life. If a man experiences the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, then . . .
sin grieves him,
Satan tries him,
the world troubles him,
and Heaven attracts him.
Spirit of Jesus, sanctify us deeply, thoroughly — that we may be just like Jesus! Sanctify us . . .
by every trial,
by every affliction,
by every privilege,
by every comfort!
"God has chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit." 2 Thessalonians 2:13
To sanctify, is to separate and set apart for holy purposes and holy uses. The Lord has separated His people, by choosing them in Christ to be holy; and He sanctifies them now for Himself — by the power, operation, and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
In sanctification, a work is commenced which is to make us exactly like Christ. A sanctified person has . . .
his heart changed,
his will renewed,
his understanding enlightened,
his conscience purified, and
his affections spiritualized.
Sanctification extends to the whole man, soul and body; and is carried on through . . .
the Word,
the ordinances, and
the providence of God.
Sanctification has its seat in the heart; but it regulates the whole man, and appears in his conduct in every-day life. If a man experiences the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, then . . .
sin grieves him,
Satan tries him,
the world troubles him,
and Heaven attracts him.
Spirit of Jesus, sanctify us deeply, thoroughly — that we may be just like Jesus! Sanctify us . . .
by every trial,
by every affliction,
by every privilege,
by every comfort!
~ ~ ~ ~
We are all born proud!
(J. C. Ryle)
Humility is one of the strongest evidences of the indwelling of the Spirit of God. We know nothing of humility by nature — for we are all born proud.
To convince us of sin,
to show us our own vileness and corruption,
to put us in our right place,
to make us humble and self-abased
— these are among the principal works which the Holy Spirit works in the soul of man.
Few of our Lord's sayings are so often repeated as the one which closes the parable of the Pharisee and Tax-collector, "Everyone whoexalts himself shall be humbled — and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:14) To have great gifts, and do great works for God, is not given to all believers. But all believers ought to strive to be clothed with humility.
"All of you — clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5
Humility is one of the strongest evidences of the indwelling of the Spirit of God. We know nothing of humility by nature — for we are all born proud.
To convince us of sin,
to show us our own vileness and corruption,
to put us in our right place,
to make us humble and self-abased
— these are among the principal works which the Holy Spirit works in the soul of man.
Few of our Lord's sayings are so often repeated as the one which closes the parable of the Pharisee and Tax-collector, "Everyone whoexalts himself shall be humbled — and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:14) To have great gifts, and do great works for God, is not given to all believers. But all believers ought to strive to be clothed with humility.
"All of you — clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
God's children run home when the storm comes on!
(Charles Spurgeon)
"O that I knew where I might find Him!" Job 23:3
In Job's uttermost extremity — he cried after the Lord. Just so, the longing desire of an afflicted child of God — is once more to see his Father's face! His first prayer is not, "O that I might be healed of the disease which now festers in every part of my body!" Nor even, "O that I might see my children restored from the jaws of the grave, and my property once more brought from the hand of the spoiler!" But the first and uppermost cry is, "O that I knew where I might find HIM who is my God! O that I might come even to His presence!"
God's children run home when the storm comes on! It is the heaven-born instinct of a gracious soul — to seek shelter from all troubles, beneath the wings of Jehovah. "He who has made God his refuge," might serve as the title of a true believer.
A hypocrite, when afflicted by God, resents the infliction and, like a slave, would run from the Master who has scourged him! But not so with the true heir of heaven — he kisses the hand which smote him — and seeks shelter from the rod, in the bosom of the God who frowned upon him!
Job's desire to commune with God was intensified, by the failure of all other sources of consolation. The patriarch turned away from his sorry friends, and looked up to the celestial throne — just as a traveler turns from his empty water bottle, and betakes himself with all speed to the well. He bids farewell to earth-born hopes, and cries, "O that I knew where I might find my God!"
Nothing teaches us so much the preciousness of the Creator — as when we learn the emptiness of all created things. Turning away with bitter scorn from earth's hives, where we find no honey — but many sharp stings; we rejoice to turn to Him whose faithful Word is sweeter than honey from the honeycomb.
In every trouble, we should first seek God's presence with us. Only let us enjoy His smile — and we can bear our daily cross with a willing heart, for His dear sake!
"O that I knew where I might find Him!" Job 23:3
In Job's uttermost extremity — he cried after the Lord. Just so, the longing desire of an afflicted child of God — is once more to see his Father's face! His first prayer is not, "O that I might be healed of the disease which now festers in every part of my body!" Nor even, "O that I might see my children restored from the jaws of the grave, and my property once more brought from the hand of the spoiler!" But the first and uppermost cry is, "O that I knew where I might find HIM who is my God! O that I might come even to His presence!"
God's children run home when the storm comes on! It is the heaven-born instinct of a gracious soul — to seek shelter from all troubles, beneath the wings of Jehovah. "He who has made God his refuge," might serve as the title of a true believer.
A hypocrite, when afflicted by God, resents the infliction and, like a slave, would run from the Master who has scourged him! But not so with the true heir of heaven — he kisses the hand which smote him — and seeks shelter from the rod, in the bosom of the God who frowned upon him!
Job's desire to commune with God was intensified, by the failure of all other sources of consolation. The patriarch turned away from his sorry friends, and looked up to the celestial throne — just as a traveler turns from his empty water bottle, and betakes himself with all speed to the well. He bids farewell to earth-born hopes, and cries, "O that I knew where I might find my God!"
Nothing teaches us so much the preciousness of the Creator — as when we learn the emptiness of all created things. Turning away with bitter scorn from earth's hives, where we find no honey — but many sharp stings; we rejoice to turn to Him whose faithful Word is sweeter than honey from the honeycomb.
In every trouble, we should first seek God's presence with us. Only let us enjoy His smile — and we can bear our daily cross with a willing heart, for His dear sake!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Beloved, are you in the fire?
(James Smith, "Daily Bible Readings for the Lord's Household")
"Glorify the Lord in the fires!" Isaiah 24:15
The fires are afflictions. These are intended . . .
to try us,
to purify us, and
to endear the Lord Jesus to us.
Every saint must pass through the fire, and our only concern should be to pass through honorably and usefully.
Beloved, are you in the fire?
Is the fire in your business?
Is the fire in your family?
Is the fire in your body?
Is the fire in your soul?
Wherever it is — let it be your one desire to glorify God in it. You may do so . . .
by patiently enduring,
by trusting the Lord's Word,
by speaking of His character and love,
by expecting His support and supplies,
by holding fast your integrity.
Beware that you do not lose the benefit of the affliction — but cry mightily to God that it may be sanctified.
Have you never been in the fire? If you belong to Christ, you will be! "He will sit as a Refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify theLevites and refine them like gold and silver!" Malachi 3:3
They who are not purified in the furnace of affliction on earth — will be cast as reprobate silver into the fire of hell forever!
"Glorify the Lord in the fires!" Isaiah 24:15
The fires are afflictions. These are intended . . .
to try us,
to purify us, and
to endear the Lord Jesus to us.
Every saint must pass through the fire, and our only concern should be to pass through honorably and usefully.
Beloved, are you in the fire?
Is the fire in your business?
Is the fire in your family?
Is the fire in your body?
Is the fire in your soul?
Wherever it is — let it be your one desire to glorify God in it. You may do so . . .
by patiently enduring,
by trusting the Lord's Word,
by speaking of His character and love,
by expecting His support and supplies,
by holding fast your integrity.
Beware that you do not lose the benefit of the affliction — but cry mightily to God that it may be sanctified.
Have you never been in the fire? If you belong to Christ, you will be! "He will sit as a Refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify theLevites and refine them like gold and silver!" Malachi 3:3
They who are not purified in the furnace of affliction on earth — will be cast as reprobate silver into the fire of hell forever!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Triumphant Living Even in Difficult Situations by Bob Hoekstra
When I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia. Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:12-14)
Triumphant living is one of the characteristics that God wants to develop in us by the work of His grace. Even when we are in difficult situations, the Lord wants us to learn to walk in the victory that is available to us in Christ.
The Apostle Paul encountered a very difficult situation in Troas, as he traveled on one of his missionary journeys. "When I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit." As Paul arrived in Troas, it was apparent that the Lord had granted an open door to preach the gospel. Nevertheless, Paul was distressed within his heart. The reason for the turmoil within was the absence of a key ministry partner. "I did not find Titus my brother." In some situations, ministry cannot be conducted properly, if all of the strategic parts of the body of Christ are not fully engaged. So, Paul left that city, leaving Troas for another time. "Taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia."
Circumstantially, this looked like a defeat. Yet, Paul had a more profound perspective than what the eyes of man could see or what the mind of man could conceive. "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ." Paul gave thanks to the Lord for a truth that was greater than the obviously difficult situation that he had just experienced. Whenever we look to the Lord to be the one leading our lives, He "always leads us in triumph in Christ." Paul was rejoicing in the fact that he was yielded to Christ as His Lord, his leader. Thus, he knew that the Lord was leading Him in triumph, because when Jesus is counted upon to lead us, He "always leads" us triumphantly.
Christ leads us in triumph; we do not accomplish this ourselves. This triumph is a spiritual victory that belongs to us by being in Christ. "Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ." Jesus won the victory at His death, burial, and resurrection. Now, He wants us to look to Him to lead us in that victory day by day.
Dear Jesus, my victorious Lord, how often I have attempted to be the one who directs my life. I confess that when I lead, victory is not the result. Lord, help me to count on You to lead me in Your triumph, even in the difficult situations that I frequently encounter. In Your triumphant name, I pray, Amen.
link
Triumphant living is one of the characteristics that God wants to develop in us by the work of His grace. Even when we are in difficult situations, the Lord wants us to learn to walk in the victory that is available to us in Christ.
The Apostle Paul encountered a very difficult situation in Troas, as he traveled on one of his missionary journeys. "When I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit." As Paul arrived in Troas, it was apparent that the Lord had granted an open door to preach the gospel. Nevertheless, Paul was distressed within his heart. The reason for the turmoil within was the absence of a key ministry partner. "I did not find Titus my brother." In some situations, ministry cannot be conducted properly, if all of the strategic parts of the body of Christ are not fully engaged. So, Paul left that city, leaving Troas for another time. "Taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia."
Circumstantially, this looked like a defeat. Yet, Paul had a more profound perspective than what the eyes of man could see or what the mind of man could conceive. "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ." Paul gave thanks to the Lord for a truth that was greater than the obviously difficult situation that he had just experienced. Whenever we look to the Lord to be the one leading our lives, He "always leads us in triumph in Christ." Paul was rejoicing in the fact that he was yielded to Christ as His Lord, his leader. Thus, he knew that the Lord was leading Him in triumph, because when Jesus is counted upon to lead us, He "always leads" us triumphantly.
Christ leads us in triumph; we do not accomplish this ourselves. This triumph is a spiritual victory that belongs to us by being in Christ. "Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ." Jesus won the victory at His death, burial, and resurrection. Now, He wants us to look to Him to lead us in that victory day by day.
Dear Jesus, my victorious Lord, how often I have attempted to be the one who directs my life. I confess that when I lead, victory is not the result. Lord, help me to count on You to lead me in Your triumph, even in the difficult situations that I frequently encounter. In Your triumphant name, I pray, Amen.
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