I believe there is a time coming in this world that shall be dark and shall be gloomy and even the children of God shall fall asleep. Beloved ones, there is a danger of that, as Christ here stated that they all slumbered and slept. (Matthew 25)
And it might be that the darkest night will be one that we don't even know and don't even see and don't even perceive. It might be that when they shout 'peace and safety' and everything shall seem to be quiet and good and, even, daylight around us -- that might be the kind of night that He spoke of here. And men's eyes shall be blinded and their hearts shall be hardened and their ears shall be deaf.
Perhaps this is the kind of night He is speaking of here, when we will need oil to be able to see right from wrong, good from evil; that we will be able to see the right road to go, so that we do not stumble and fall by the wayside. That might be a night like that, beloved ones, and so we will need to have gathered oil -- faith in Christ and love for God and a striving for things that are eternal, and not only a longing for things of this world that shall only choke out the good seed.
Let us strive. Let us pray. If we feel that we are becoming careless and indifferent, if we can feel that the things of this world are choking out the good seed -- the good fruit -- we have that much more reason to pray to God, to go into our closet and fall upon our knees and ask God that He would be gracious and keep our eyes, ears and our hearts open that we might perceive the right way that we shall go. And to have the love of God, the joys and peace that we shall have with our fellow men, with our Savior and our God.
Beloved ones, we will have to strive. We will have to try and will have to watch and pray, or we might also fall asleep and our oil might run out and our lamps might go out. And then when the time comes at midnight, we will have nothing to show. That would be a sad thing, would it not?
But to all those who are sincere, whether we have found the Savior or those who are still outside, it is time today yet to hasten -- to make haste and come while the day is yet here before that night comes when man can work no more. May God help us to keep ourselves open to the truth -- the whole truth.
--Sermon Excerpt: Unknown (1953)
Note: True preaching of the Word of God is timeless and is as applicable today as it was 50 years ago.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Dying to Self
Seven Laws of Dying to Self
When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient loving silence, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any impunctuality, or any annoyance; when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility...and endure it as Jesus endured it, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, and interruption by the will of God, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself, and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
--Author Unknown
When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient loving silence, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any impunctuality, or any annoyance; when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility...and endure it as Jesus endured it, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, and interruption by the will of God, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself, and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
--Author Unknown
Be Strong!
Be strong!
We are not here to play, to dream, to drift,
We have hard work to do, and loads to lift,
shun not the struggle; face it,
'Tis God's gift.
Be strong!
Say not the days are evil - who's to blame?
And fold the hands and acquiesce -- O shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely,
In God's name.
Be strong!
It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day how long,
Faint not, fight on!
Tomorrow comes the song.
-Maltbie D. Babcock
We are not here to play, to dream, to drift,
We have hard work to do, and loads to lift,
shun not the struggle; face it,
'Tis God's gift.
Be strong!
Say not the days are evil - who's to blame?
And fold the hands and acquiesce -- O shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely,
In God's name.
Be strong!
It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day how long,
Faint not, fight on!
Tomorrow comes the song.
-Maltbie D. Babcock
Thursday, July 30, 2009
False Doctrine Fashions Itself Like the Truth
II John 10: "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed."
Gentle, kind-hearted John now seems stern, hard and uncharitable toward dissenters. Yet one must needs be so because of all the temptation that lurks in the dark.
Outwardly, in word, false doctrine fashions itself so like the truth that without close examination of its substance (whether it’s silver and gold) one cannot discern a difference (even as counterfeits imitate as accurately as possible the impression of genuine metal currency) but the intrinsic worth has been adulterated.
With the true doctrine of Christ, the believers become rich in Him and are saved; with false doctrines the unbelievers are deceived and lost. And because all falsification comes from the wicked one, we may not treat it with indulgence and consideration but must be strict with ourselves, for "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump . . . (Galatians 4)," and if one safeguards himself as well as he can against a contagious disease, then how much more against the pestilence from hell. But no one can notice a departure from the doctrine of Christ unless through the Holy Ghost he has the apostolic doctrinal example dwelling vibrantly in him.
Two things are required for preservation:
(1) We must be well acquainted with the written word of God, which is the standard of life even as it is of faith, from which we may not depart, and this written word of God is the word of the Holy Ghost (the only weapon of attack) wherewith it is possible to smite the wicked one. For this, we must search the word diligently so that we may know what is written (Matthew 4; Acts 17; John 5), not only as precisionists and scribes but as the taught of God.
(2) For this further is required the Holy Spirit as the only expounder of what is written, so that we may not become confused by false application of the word. Even inconsiderable complaisance is dangerous and destructive. We may accept nothing except what is written.
-Excerpt: Writings of Samuel Froehlich
Gentle, kind-hearted John now seems stern, hard and uncharitable toward dissenters. Yet one must needs be so because of all the temptation that lurks in the dark.
Outwardly, in word, false doctrine fashions itself so like the truth that without close examination of its substance (whether it’s silver and gold) one cannot discern a difference (even as counterfeits imitate as accurately as possible the impression of genuine metal currency) but the intrinsic worth has been adulterated.
With the true doctrine of Christ, the believers become rich in Him and are saved; with false doctrines the unbelievers are deceived and lost. And because all falsification comes from the wicked one, we may not treat it with indulgence and consideration but must be strict with ourselves, for "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump . . . (Galatians 4)," and if one safeguards himself as well as he can against a contagious disease, then how much more against the pestilence from hell. But no one can notice a departure from the doctrine of Christ unless through the Holy Ghost he has the apostolic doctrinal example dwelling vibrantly in him.
Two things are required for preservation:
(1) We must be well acquainted with the written word of God, which is the standard of life even as it is of faith, from which we may not depart, and this written word of God is the word of the Holy Ghost (the only weapon of attack) wherewith it is possible to smite the wicked one. For this, we must search the word diligently so that we may know what is written (Matthew 4; Acts 17; John 5), not only as precisionists and scribes but as the taught of God.
(2) For this further is required the Holy Spirit as the only expounder of what is written, so that we may not become confused by false application of the word. Even inconsiderable complaisance is dangerous and destructive. We may accept nothing except what is written.
-Excerpt: Writings of Samuel Froehlich
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Do Not Yield to Discouragement
They looked ... and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. --Exodus 16:10
Get into the habit of looking for the silver lining of the cloud and when you have found it, continue to look at it, rather than at the leaden gray in the middle.
Do not yield to discouragement, no matter how sorely pressed or beset you may be. A discouraged soul is helpless. He can neither resist the wiles of the enemy himself, while in this state, nor can he prevail in prayer for others.
Flee from every symptom of this deadly foe as you would flee from a viper. And be not slow in turning your back on it, unless you want to bite the dust in bitter defeat.
Search out God's promises and say aloud of each one: "This promise is mine." If you still experience a feeling of doubt and discouragement, pour out your heart to God and ask Him to rebuke the adversary who is so mercilessly nagging you.
The very instant you wholeheartedly turn away from every symptom of distrust and discouragement, the blessed Holy Spirit will quicken your faith and breathe divine strength into your soul.
At first you may not be conscious of this, still as you resolutely and uncompromisingly 'snub' every tendency toward doubt and depression that assails you, you will soon be made aware that the powers of darkness are falling back.
Oh, if our eyes could only behold the solid phalanx of strength, of power, that is ever behind every turning away from the hosts of darkness towards God, what scant heed would be given to the effort of the wily foe to distress, depress, discourage us!
All the marvelous attributes of the Godhead are on the side of the weakest believer, who in the name of Christ, and in simple childlike trust, yields himself to God and turns to Him for help and guidance.
--Selected from Streams in the Desert
Get into the habit of looking for the silver lining of the cloud and when you have found it, continue to look at it, rather than at the leaden gray in the middle.
Do not yield to discouragement, no matter how sorely pressed or beset you may be. A discouraged soul is helpless. He can neither resist the wiles of the enemy himself, while in this state, nor can he prevail in prayer for others.
Flee from every symptom of this deadly foe as you would flee from a viper. And be not slow in turning your back on it, unless you want to bite the dust in bitter defeat.
Search out God's promises and say aloud of each one: "This promise is mine." If you still experience a feeling of doubt and discouragement, pour out your heart to God and ask Him to rebuke the adversary who is so mercilessly nagging you.
The very instant you wholeheartedly turn away from every symptom of distrust and discouragement, the blessed Holy Spirit will quicken your faith and breathe divine strength into your soul.
At first you may not be conscious of this, still as you resolutely and uncompromisingly 'snub' every tendency toward doubt and depression that assails you, you will soon be made aware that the powers of darkness are falling back.
Oh, if our eyes could only behold the solid phalanx of strength, of power, that is ever behind every turning away from the hosts of darkness towards God, what scant heed would be given to the effort of the wily foe to distress, depress, discourage us!
All the marvelous attributes of the Godhead are on the side of the weakest believer, who in the name of Christ, and in simple childlike trust, yields himself to God and turns to Him for help and guidance.
--Selected from Streams in the Desert
Monday, July 27, 2009
No More Complaining
No more complaining, no more grieving,
But grateful praise shall be my lot;
Although chastised, amid oppression,
Thy love and grace forsake me not.
The paths that seem to us the darkest
Are blessings rich, although disguised;
All things for good shall work together
To them that love Thee, Jesus Christ.
--Zion's Harp #66 vs. 7
But grateful praise shall be my lot;
Although chastised, amid oppression,
Thy love and grace forsake me not.
The paths that seem to us the darkest
Are blessings rich, although disguised;
All things for good shall work together
To them that love Thee, Jesus Christ.
--Zion's Harp #66 vs. 7
Friday, July 24, 2009
When We See Christ
Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,
We're tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;
But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,
All tears forever over in God's eternal day.
Refrain:
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Sometimes the sky looks dark with not a ray of light,
We're tossed and driven on, no human help in sight;
But there is One in Heav'n who knows our deepest care,
Let Jesus solve your problem - just go to Him in pray'r.
Refrain:
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Life's day will soon be o'er, all storms forever past,
We'll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last;
We'll share the joys of heav'n - a harp, a home, a crown,
The tempter will be banished, we'll lay our burden down.
Refrain:
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
--Words and music by Esther Kerr Rusthoi
We're tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;
But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,
All tears forever over in God's eternal day.
Refrain:
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Sometimes the sky looks dark with not a ray of light,
We're tossed and driven on, no human help in sight;
But there is One in Heav'n who knows our deepest care,
Let Jesus solve your problem - just go to Him in pray'r.
Refrain:
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Life's day will soon be o'er, all storms forever past,
We'll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last;
We'll share the joys of heav'n - a harp, a home, a crown,
The tempter will be banished, we'll lay our burden down.
Refrain:
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
--Words and music by Esther Kerr Rusthoi
Friday, July 10, 2009
As in Adam All Die
"As in Adam all die..." That is an established fact, there is no further speculation as to that. All die in Adam. If and except, the Lord comes suddenly before our span of life is ended, we will all die, we might just as well accept it, sooner or later, at God's appointed time.
And so in Christ shall all be made alive. ALL -- not only the righteous. But the unrighteous shall also have part in a resurrection - of damnation. It is completely an erroneous thought that death will ever conceal an individual from judgment; he will have it to face.
John writes he beheld the great white throne and they that stood before him small and great, and the books were opened, and they were judged according to their works, and those who were not found written in the book of life were cast into the lake of fire. We read there that the sea gave up the dead, and death gave up the dead, and hell gave up the dead, wherever they were spending this interval of time, they came forth, and will come forth out of their respective hideouts and they will have to apear in the presence of God who knows all things.
That is why life is so serious. That's why our mothers always have been so concerned that we not live in vain.
--Sermon Excerpt: Elder Bro. N.S.
And so in Christ shall all be made alive. ALL -- not only the righteous. But the unrighteous shall also have part in a resurrection - of damnation. It is completely an erroneous thought that death will ever conceal an individual from judgment; he will have it to face.
John writes he beheld the great white throne and they that stood before him small and great, and the books were opened, and they were judged according to their works, and those who were not found written in the book of life were cast into the lake of fire. We read there that the sea gave up the dead, and death gave up the dead, and hell gave up the dead, wherever they were spending this interval of time, they came forth, and will come forth out of their respective hideouts and they will have to apear in the presence of God who knows all things.
That is why life is so serious. That's why our mothers always have been so concerned that we not live in vain.
--Sermon Excerpt: Elder Bro. N.S.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Palm Trees
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree..." -Psalm 92:12
How meaningless this statement is by the psalmist, unless you are acquainted with palm trees. People who live in tropical and semitropical areas are so familiar with their graceful towering beauty, they are a very common tree to them. But I am sure that few realize what meanings the characteristics of this stately tree have.
The first simile is life. The life of the tree comes through its center or heart. Just as all the other trees, it draws its moisture up through its roots from the earth. But instead of the sap going up on the outside between the bark and the wood of the tree, and so on up into the branches and twigs, as is true in most other trees, in the palm tree the sap goes up the very heart of the tree.
Most trees can be killed by simply severing the bark completely around the tree about an inch or two. The life of the palm, however, does not lie so close under the surface, and is not affected by surface injury. It must be completely cut off to be killed.
The same applies to "palm-tree Christians." The Word of God states this so aptly in Romans 10:10, "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness." A "palm-tree Christian" is not affected by outward environment, but draws his life and strength through the heart.
The palm tree is perennially green. Life flows within its being continually. Those who are considered "palm-tree Christians" never change. They are the same vibrant witnesses of God's grace day in and day out, because Jesus Christ Himself is "the same yesterday, today and forever."
It is impossible to graft a palm tree into another palm tree. It will die. This is a unique characteristic for "palm-tree Christians" as well. "No man can serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24). There is but one God and Him only shalt thou serve.
--Selected from Streams in the Desert II
How meaningless this statement is by the psalmist, unless you are acquainted with palm trees. People who live in tropical and semitropical areas are so familiar with their graceful towering beauty, they are a very common tree to them. But I am sure that few realize what meanings the characteristics of this stately tree have.
The first simile is life. The life of the tree comes through its center or heart. Just as all the other trees, it draws its moisture up through its roots from the earth. But instead of the sap going up on the outside between the bark and the wood of the tree, and so on up into the branches and twigs, as is true in most other trees, in the palm tree the sap goes up the very heart of the tree.
Most trees can be killed by simply severing the bark completely around the tree about an inch or two. The life of the palm, however, does not lie so close under the surface, and is not affected by surface injury. It must be completely cut off to be killed.
The same applies to "palm-tree Christians." The Word of God states this so aptly in Romans 10:10, "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness." A "palm-tree Christian" is not affected by outward environment, but draws his life and strength through the heart.
The palm tree is perennially green. Life flows within its being continually. Those who are considered "palm-tree Christians" never change. They are the same vibrant witnesses of God's grace day in and day out, because Jesus Christ Himself is "the same yesterday, today and forever."
It is impossible to graft a palm tree into another palm tree. It will die. This is a unique characteristic for "palm-tree Christians" as well. "No man can serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24). There is but one God and Him only shalt thou serve.
--Selected from Streams in the Desert II
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
