tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58466639142009865032024-03-13T16:54:33.317-05:00Sowing The Seeds Of TruthSowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.comBlogger775125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-9301270666900122572024-01-10T10:24:00.004-06:002024-01-10T11:07:52.563-06:00TOO TIMID To TELL The TRUTH<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Knp3eRpYtzasVuYO7HOllrplV6GIddkzvPp4OaulGFBEqa_b3wxeYIyARCH6cFRN81EFCzMlDYRSW0WVng2zl69gmYxmN0u_d84iN76B-dO-_iNpDbv-dbp3DmR0buSMh1-RC4SsyV7hOay8eaCAlqiukC2MgscCz5Q3Ro0jtSMMUH6v0xAKsNNXYlZX/s772/000000000000000boldness.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="772" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Knp3eRpYtzasVuYO7HOllrplV6GIddkzvPp4OaulGFBEqa_b3wxeYIyARCH6cFRN81EFCzMlDYRSW0WVng2zl69gmYxmN0u_d84iN76B-dO-_iNpDbv-dbp3DmR0buSMh1-RC4SsyV7hOay8eaCAlqiukC2MgscCz5Q3Ro0jtSMMUH6v0xAKsNNXYlZX/w502-h308/000000000000000boldness.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Contemporary Moral climate does not favor a Faith as Tough and </b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Fibrous as that taught by our Lord and His apostles.</b></span><p></p><div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Delicate, Brittle saints being produced in our Religious Hothouses today are hardly to be compared with the Committed, Expendable believers who once gave their witness among men.</b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>And the fault lies with our leaders. </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>They are too Timid to tell the people All the Truth.</b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>They are now asking men to give to God that which Costs Them Nothing.<br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br />
Our churches these days are filled (or one-quarter filled) with a Soft breed of Christian that must be Fed on a diet of Harmless Fun to keep them Interested.</b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>About theology they know little.</b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Scarcely any of them have read even one of the great Christian classics, but most of them are familiar with religious fiction and spinetingling films. </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>No wonder their moral and spiritual constitution is so frail. </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Such can only be called weak adherents of a faith they never really understood. <br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br />
When will Christians learn that to Love Righteousness it is Necessary to Hate Sin? </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>That to Accept Christ it is Necessary to Reject Self? </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>That to Follow the Good Way we must Flee from evil?</b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>That a Friend of the World is an Enemy of God?...</b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="adM"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>~A. W. Tozer </b></span><br /></div></div>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-12573320421295344672023-12-05T18:48:00.000-06:002023-12-05T18:48:40.351-06:00The Evil Of Not Fearing!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxUceBFoS0BpiXikLVVG3k8gyD3xHe_QgVorLppYuN6FtxAmDMw1y5T02zPgZXhZLtNNtX8AttCmDmnn2dMatpNfonIE3JaGorQ4mKnvs9E5tt_VF6fvQ9aYsn0HWFi9U-nZub6oZyKRATTRfq1W7Y73_fBlw8QmrBiSBd3AJOO_bpgXUaj4JAF9HTaw1/s284/FEAR%20OF%20THE%20LORD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxUceBFoS0BpiXikLVVG3k8gyD3xHe_QgVorLppYuN6FtxAmDMw1y5T02zPgZXhZLtNNtX8AttCmDmnn2dMatpNfonIE3JaGorQ4mKnvs9E5tt_VF6fvQ9aYsn0HWFi9U-nZub6oZyKRATTRfq1W7Y73_fBlw8QmrBiSBd3AJOO_bpgXUaj4JAF9HTaw1/w494-h247/FEAR%20OF%20THE%20LORD.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Now we pass over to the other side - the evil of not fearing. </span></b><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">But
this is another kind of fear, fear of the Lord, walking in the
fear of the Lord, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord,
submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of the Lord. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">"Great fear came upon the church" - with what result? </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It lost
heart, it became afraid, it was paralyzed? No! - the Name of the
Lord Jesus was glorified and the Church multiplied. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh, this then,
must be another kind of fear. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It operates in exactly the opposite
way from that of which we have been speaking.</span></b></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">What is this fear? </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, it is the fear of devotion to the Lord. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It is that fear which, in the first place, has all questions of
relationship with the Lord settled, has the whole matter of
acceptance by the Lord settled, the sin question is got out of the
way through the righteousness which is of faith. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Then the fear of
the Lord means recognition of His glory, recognition of His
greatness, recognition of His holiness, His majesty, and a humble
submission to Him in the fear that would not in any way work
against Him and His honor. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It is another kind of fear, the fear
of devotion to the Lord, and the chief characteristic of this fear
is meekness. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">And that is where the sin of not fearing is found in
the Word of God.</span></b></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">If you go through the Word and you find those various instances
where God came out in judgment because this fear was not there,
you will find that it was that those instances represented
something like this. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">In Numbers 16 you have Dathan and Abiram and
their company. What are they doing? </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">To Moses, the meekest of men,
the anointed servant of the Lord, they say, "You take too much on
yourself. You are not the only one through whom the Lord speaks.
We are as much the children of God as you are!" </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">That is how they
speak, and they fear not to put their hand upon that which is
anointed.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It is not that Moses is anything, but it is the
anointing. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It is something anointed of God and they were guilty of
the sin of spiritual assumption; it was due to a lack of meekness. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Lord came out in terrible judgment, showing for all time that
when the Lord anoints anyone or anything, that anointing is not
something that constitutes that person a special office or
officer. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The anointing is the Lord, the Lord Himself. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Lord is
on that, the Lord Himself is in that, the Lord is there, and when
you touch that, you touch the Lord; you touch that in word, you
touch the Lord, you touch that in deed, you touch the Lord. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">"He
reproved kings for their sakes, saying, Touch not Mine anointed
ones, and do My prophets no harm" (Psa. 105:14-15).
</span></b></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">If you and I ever have the slightest reason to conclude that the
Lord is anywhere or with any person or with anything or with any
people, we touch that to our peril if it is touching it other than
in the fear of the Lord.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It is a tremendous check. We read that
little bit from 1 Samuel. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, David was anointed, David was God's
chosen one, but Saul had been anointed and Saul was not yet dead. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Saul was not yet set aside finally, although potentially. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">David
got an opportunity and cut off the skirt of Saul's garment and
then it says, "David's heart smote him". </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">David's heart smote him. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">We in New Testament times in whom the Spirit dwells would say,
"The Lord rebuked me, smote me in my heart, in my spirit". </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Again
and again this comes up - exactly what happens in the case of the
bringing up of the ark. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">When Uzzah died before the Lord, what was
the reason? </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It was a lack of the fear of the Lord of the right
kind. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It was an assumption. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It was a putting forth of a hand to
touch holy things. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">That is terrible. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The evil of not fearing, you
see. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It comes from an insufficient apprehension of the sacredness
of what is of God.</span></b></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">But this fear is a holy fear. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Let no one think for a moment that
this fear of the Lord is death, bondage, useless and crushing. Not at all. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Wherever you find this fear of the Lord
you find joy, love, peace and liberty. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">People are not afraid of
the Lord. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">But they are careful not to grieve the Lord.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">They do not
take liberties with the Lord. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">They do not think of spiritual
liberty as spiritual license. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">They do not cast off restraint, they
do not ride rough-shod over all sacred things, calling it liberty. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">No, there is holy fear which restrains and in restraining keeps
things pure and keeps things clear and makes a straight way for
the Lord. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The true fear of the Lord is not dread. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It is a very
blessed and precious thing.
</span></b></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Now you notice these passages in the New Testament show us that
it was at such times when this kind of fear came in a special way
that there was something to the glory of God. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">You know, if you get
into the book of the Acts and you begin to see things happening,
getting to the realm of "things doing" as we say, the expression
and manifestation of divine power there is your peril. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">That was so
in the case of Ananias and Sapphira. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Things were happening. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">What a
peril when the Lord is doing something, for the flesh to just step
in and begin to sport itself in what God is doing, to take
advantage, to exploit the situation for its improvement, and the
Lord had to step in to save the situation. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">What did He do? </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Well,
what He did in the issue was to recover a wholesome fear, a fear
that would keep things pure and "fear fell upon all". </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">That kept
things pure. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It did not arrest the Lord. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It did not mean that
things had got to come under bondage again. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">No, it just kept
things pure, and so that was repeated from time to time. "Great
fear came upon all... the Name of the Lord was glorified and the
Church multiplied."</span></b></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">What I want to say is this, that a right kind of fear, a fear of
the Lord, is something which gives the Lord a very clear way to do
what He wants.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">"To this one will I look..." - and oh, what a lot
is bound up with that phrase. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It does not just mean that the Lord
takes a look at us, looks in our direction. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">When the Lord looks to
us, well, there is everything we want. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">All that we want is in the
light of His countenance. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">If the Lord looks upon us, it is like
the sun looking out with all the beneficent rays of warmth and
light and energy. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">"To this man will I look, even to him that is
poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembles at My word" (Isa.
66:2). </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Do you want, do I want, spiritual increase in
understanding, in knowledge, in revelation? </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Do we want spiritual
increase in strength from the Lord? </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Do we want fullness? </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Let me say
that this is going to come to the humble man, the weak, meek one
in the eyes of the Lord, the one who trembles at His word, who
does not assume.
</span></b></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh, let us ask the Lord that there may be found in us that true
holy fear which is love, not the fear which is contrary to love,
but the true holy fear which is love. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Lord will be able to go
on and lead us into all His fullness if He has that quality in us,
that in us which simply means that we honor Him, we recognize
Him, we trust Him, we have perfect confidence in Him, and that we
are very reserved either by word of criticism, or judgment, or by
any other way, to put a hand upon what is sacred to the Lord, even
a child of God. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">If it is a child of God, then the Lord is in that
one and we must be very careful. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">That is what it means, and this
matter of the blessing of the Lord which makes rich, this matter
of the light of His countenance, is a very practical matter. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It
may all hang upon some matter of our attitude towards another
child of God. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The whole of the fullness of Christ may be held up
and suspended for us because of some injurious way in which we
talk about what is precious to God, if we criticize it, judge it,
think that we can improve it. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Lord may stand back.</span></b></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us ask the Lord to put into our hearts His fear while on the
other hand He is seeking to root out of us that evil which is so
much to His dishonor. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">I simply bring this to you and urge upon
you further prayerful reflection. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Ask the Lord about this. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Do not
forget the enemy's drive along the line of fear...</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">But do not forget
that freedom from the enemy's kind of fear does not make us those
fire-eaters who care for nothing and simply trample all sacred
things down under foot because we are very bold. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">No, there is a
right boldness and a wrong boldness, a right fear and a wrong
fear. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Lord teach us the meaning of that! </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">T. Austin Sparks </span></b><br /></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-42329517071364404272023-10-14T21:53:00.000-05:002023-10-14T21:53:03.518-05:00DON'T Make A Vow And NOT Keep It!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwI_frl-iPB2B2OmynUijGzIBG5fjxbafDGrhpKQRiB2rVlJJvRn97Crh8HlrHcZY9ACg8nVenVJQzxWEdJSg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div> <br />Ecc 5:5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. <br /><p></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-9664566687349173052023-10-08T13:38:00.000-05:002023-10-08T13:38:41.862-05:00Mind The Checks!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsHy4eJl2szgSBAPZQ0cC5nIERHcNyAseZYeQ_Aw5vxdmV663qmk5OUWmKGTeHpohLvPu-YOZvqaSBKqPBwW0lkYNVzOozkFVDGx9fY0Gd4WrWvkbUQL3O6z9yemxx-XCJy2aWd7FglbOJzESxnXZo67z6LSy-XzGpCiRuA3awGoU57jIynCL1Dwl5W_l/s289/elijah%20covers%20his%20face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="289" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsHy4eJl2szgSBAPZQ0cC5nIERHcNyAseZYeQ_Aw5vxdmV663qmk5OUWmKGTeHpohLvPu-YOZvqaSBKqPBwW0lkYNVzOozkFVDGx9fY0Gd4WrWvkbUQL3O6z9yemxx-XCJy2aWd7FglbOJzESxnXZo67z6LSy-XzGpCiRuA3awGoU57jIynCL1Dwl5W_l/w450-h248/elijah%20covers%20his%20face.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>1Ki 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. <br /></i></span></b></span><p></p>
<p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
A soul, who made rapid progress in her understanding of the Lord, was
once asked the secret of her easy advancement. She replied tersely,
"Mind the checks."</span></b></p>
<p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
And the reason that many of us do not know and better understand Him
is, we do not give heed to His gentle checks, His delicate restraints
and constraints. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His is a still, small voice. A still voice can hardly
be heard. It must be felt. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A steady, gentle pressure upon the heart and
mind like the touch of a morning zephyr to your face. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A small voice,
quietly, almost timidly spoken in your heart, but if heeded growing
noiselessly clearer to your inner ear.</span></b></p>
<p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
His voice is for the ear of love, and love is intent upon hearing even
faintest whispers. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There comes a time also when love ceases to speak if
not responded to, or believed in. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He is love, and if you would know Him
and His voice, give constant ear to His gentle touches. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In conversation,
when about to utter some word, give heed to that gentle voice, mind the
check and refrain from speech.</span></b></p>
<p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
When about to pursue some course that seems all clear and right and
there comes quietly to your spirit a suggestion that has in it the force
almost of a conviction, give heed, even if changed plans seem highest
folly from standpoint of human wisdom.</span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Learn also to wait on God for the unfolding of His will. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let God form
your plans about everything in your mind and heart and then let Him
execute them. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Do not possess any wisdom of your own. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For many times His
execution will seem so contradictory to the plan He gave. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He will seem
to work against Himself. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Simply listen, obey and trust God even when it
seems highest folly so to do. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He will in the end make "all things work
together," but so many times in the first appearance of the outworking
of His plans...</span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>In His own world He is content To play a losing game.</i></span></b></p>
<p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
So if you would know His voice, never consider results or possible
effects. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Obey even when He asks you to move in the dark. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He Himself will
be gloriously light in you. </span></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And there will spring up rapidly in your
heart an acquaintanceship and a fellowship with God which will be
overpowering in itself to hold you and Him together, even in severest
testings and under most terrible pressures.<i> </i></span></b></p><p><span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>~Way of</i></span></b><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> Faith</i></span></b></span></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-21705475092246780262023-09-07T14:55:00.002-05:002023-09-07T14:55:28.825-05:00The Secret Of Joy Is Not To Wait Until You Feel Happy...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3y9CpUULVk8VoNlCcHceZTn-MXAlbXzBtYiyqWkR3b6OOxa2bnkL6SnW8nvcuhC2ONU9VHZLGaRj0n9eytgsD7YlpHaX2LSRnr3uiPlnRK06MOed7IWMGNaH714yKQmj-_jcd2bgAhgU8KSeOHnbIazgvCK5kQKMwJFcV1WbfGkEqu6Jy5h9bwOOHnWjf/s300/REJOICE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3y9CpUULVk8VoNlCcHceZTn-MXAlbXzBtYiyqWkR3b6OOxa2bnkL6SnW8nvcuhC2ONU9VHZLGaRj0n9eytgsD7YlpHaX2LSRnr3uiPlnRK06MOed7IWMGNaH714yKQmj-_jcd2bgAhgU8KSeOHnbIazgvCK5kQKMwJFcV1WbfGkEqu6Jy5h9bwOOHnWjf/w472-h218/REJOICE.jpg" width="472" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Secret of joy is not to wait until you Feel happy...</b></span></div></div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>But to rise, by an act of Faith, out of the depression which is dragging you down...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>And begin to praise God as an act of choice. <br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>This is the meaning of such passages as these: "Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, rejoice"!<br /><br />I do rejoice; yes, and I will rejoice. <br /><br />Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. <br /><br />In all these cases there is an evident struggle with sadness and then the triumphs of faith and praise.<br /> <br />Now, this is what is meant in part, at least by the sacrifice of praise. <br /><br />A sacrifice is that which costs us something.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>And when a man or woman has some cherished grudge or wrong...<br /><br />And is Harboring it, Nursing it, Dwelling on it, rolling it as a sweet morsel under the tongue...<br /><br />And quite determined to enjoy a miserable time in selfish morbidness and grumbling...<br /><br />It costs us no little sacrifice to throw off the morbid spell...<br /><br />To refuse the suggestions of injury, neglect and the remembrance of unkindness...<br /><br />To rise out of the mood of Self-Pity in wholesome and holy determination, and say...<br /><br />I will rejoice in the Lord and I will count it all joy.<br /><br />~A. B Simpson</b></span></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-79489623513710577822023-02-19T14:45:00.000-06:002023-02-19T14:45:03.333-06:00There Is A Limit To Affliction!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KgTmWKjNmOdrDcW4FFJv6a1z4m0MYLEGIRhpAn-DmosiY2YJ63HgL8AJyVPxGstYf2aFRAcj94ePX-h5quUNYWJj2CWU-83kYMiwXeTVvc8tqnqGlwXn_h1_XCCFMyGOjVygHpDpb0QBxC6SHthSXCYILbHWBn0ksPIJFpjV0avhNG95JNSwK7-Ssg/s480/MANY%20ARE%20THE%20AFFLICTIONS%20OF%20THE%20RIGHTEOUS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="480" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KgTmWKjNmOdrDcW4FFJv6a1z4m0MYLEGIRhpAn-DmosiY2YJ63HgL8AJyVPxGstYf2aFRAcj94ePX-h5quUNYWJj2CWU-83kYMiwXeTVvc8tqnqGlwXn_h1_XCCFMyGOjVygHpDpb0QBxC6SHthSXCYILbHWBn0ksPIJFpjV0avhNG95JNSwK7-Ssg/w502-h281/MANY%20ARE%20THE%20AFFLICTIONS%20OF%20THE%20RIGHTEOUS.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>There is a limit to affliction. </b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>God sends it, and God removes it. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>Do
you sigh and say, "When will the end be?" </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>Remember that our griefs will
surely and finally end when this poor earthly life is over...</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>Let us
quietly wait and patiently endure the will of the LORD till He cometh.</b></span><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>Meanwhile, our Father
in heaven takes away the rod when His design in using it is fully
served. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>When He has whipped away our folly, there will be no more
strokes. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>Or, if the affliction is sent for testing us, that our graces
may glorify God, it will end when the LORD has made us bear witness to
His praise. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>We would not wish the affliction to depart till God has
gotten out of us all the honor which we can possibly yield Him.</b></span><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>There may today be "a great calm." </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>Who knows how soon those raging
billows will give place to a sea of glass, and the sea birds sit on the
gentle waves?</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>After long tribulation
the Rail is hung up, and the wheat rests in the garner. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>We may, before
many hours are past, be just as happy as now we are sorrowful. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>It is not
hard for the LORD to turn night into day. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>He that sends the clouds can
as easily clear the skies. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>Let us be of good cheer. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>It is better on
before. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>Let us sing hallelujah by anticipation. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><b>~Charles Spurgeon</b></span><br /></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-22294906919125305222023-02-11T22:08:00.002-06:002023-02-11T22:14:54.988-06:00He Will Be Silent In His Love<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqd3ssfTX7aQRZmm4zWs4FNBHGc36Bwv-ISVAEA32nDQ6i0vSCnLAszwnpuX5MWA0jZTgZStc3ZxVf89B5Y6qLyROcIsFLRbph7V6iS62EPbBmCHY4spxC6wlUZa0EQ9azQgrBFF-E5UCCKT8ADy1QVHdc-cEpIws4S1cTWmh6USjBp23DWdZKNFFYg/s400/animated%20loneliness.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="301" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqd3ssfTX7aQRZmm4zWs4FNBHGc36Bwv-ISVAEA32nDQ6i0vSCnLAszwnpuX5MWA0jZTgZStc3ZxVf89B5Y6qLyROcIsFLRbph7V6iS62EPbBmCHY4spxC6wlUZa0EQ9azQgrBFF-E5UCCKT8ADy1QVHdc-cEpIws4S1cTWmh6USjBp23DWdZKNFFYg/s320/animated%20loneliness.gif" width="241" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mat 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. <br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
Zep 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. <br /></b></span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span><p>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It may be a child of God is reading these words who has had some great
crushing sorrow, some bitter disappointment, some heart-breaking blow
from a totally unexpected quarter. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>You are longing for your Master's
voice bidding you "Be of good cheer," but only silence and a sense of
mystery and misery meet you -"He answered her not a word."</b></span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
God's tender heart must often ache listening to all the sad,
complaining cries which arise from our weak, impatient hearts...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Because
we do not see that for our own sakes He answers not at all or otherwise
than seems best to our tear-blinded, short-sighted eyes. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The silences of
Jesus are as eloquent as His speech and may be a sign, not of His
disapproval, but of His approval and of a deep purpose of blessing for
you.</b></span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
Why art thou cast down, O… soul? <br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thou shalt yet praise Him, yes, even
for His silence. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Listen to an old and beautiful story of how one
Christian dreamed that she saw three others at prayer. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>As they knelt the Master drew near to them.</b></span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
As He approached the first of the three, He bent over her in tenderness
and grace, with smiles full of radiant love and spoke to her in accents
of purest, sweetest music. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Leaving her, He came to the next, but only
placed His hand upon her bowed bead, and gave her one look of loving
approval. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The third woman He passed almost abruptly without stopping for
a word or glance.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The woman in her dream said to herself, "How greatly He must love the
first one, to the second He gave His approval, but none of the special
demonstrations of love He gave the first...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And the third must have
grieved Him deeply, for He gave her no word at all and not even a
passing look.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I wonder what she has done, and why He made so much difference between
them?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>As she tried to account for the action of her Lord, He Himself
stood by her and said: "O woman! how wrongly hast thou interpreted Me. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The first kneeling woman needs all the weight of My tenderness and care
to keep her feet in My narrow way. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>She needs My love, thought and help
every moment of the day. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Without it she would fail and fall.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The second has stronger faith
and deeper love, and I can trust her to trust Me however things may go
and whatever people do. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The third, whom I seemed not to notice, and even
to neglect, has faith and love of the finest quality...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And her I am
training by quick and drastic processes for the highest and holiest
service.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>She knows Me so intimately, and trusts Me so utterly, that she is
independent of words or looks or any outward intimation of My approval. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>She is not dismayed nor discouraged by any circumstances through which I
arrange that she shall pass; </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>She trusts Me when sense and reason and
every finer instinct of the natural heart would rebel...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Because she
knows that I am working in her for eternity, and that what I do, though
she knows not the explanation now, she will understand hereafter.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I am silent in My love because I love beyond the power of words to
express, or of human hearts to understand...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And also for your sakes that
you may learn to love and trust Me in Spirit-taught, spontaneous
response to My love, without the spur of anything outward to call it
forth.</b></span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
He "will do marvels" if you will learn the mystery of His silence, and
praise Him, for every time He withdraws His gifts that you may better
know and love the Giver.<i> </i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>~Selected</i></b></span></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-43666671772749973572022-12-18T17:58:00.001-06:002022-12-18T17:58:23.858-06:00The Devil's Jackals!<p align="justify"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3uG-1qSiK5ne-h-inlkg9rSBRVDlB5859ddXAFHBPoOVLkjseCG9Q7qCyD--ekrjwAom81GN7dbk0ubpAZCRMskxYV0XSXXwp6e4NzgqymKGUuvIwMrmUUWKJg_Bs-MS7M5ar2xrVAxtgL6nC2Cb8auynqZwVE4abJmDeDh54fk3LjVh5tpAIJpqnQ/s310/demon%20jackal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="310" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3uG-1qSiK5ne-h-inlkg9rSBRVDlB5859ddXAFHBPoOVLkjseCG9Q7qCyD--ekrjwAom81GN7dbk0ubpAZCRMskxYV0XSXXwp6e4NzgqymKGUuvIwMrmUUWKJg_Bs-MS7M5ar2xrVAxtgL6nC2Cb8auynqZwVE4abJmDeDh54fk3LjVh5tpAIJpqnQ/w479-h247/demon%20jackal.jpg" width="479" /></a></div><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b><i>2Sa 11:2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. </i></b></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>At that hour David saw Bathsheba. <i> </i></b></span></span><p></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>We are never out of the reach of
temptation! </i> </b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Both at <i>home </i>and <i>abroad </i>we are
liable to meet with allurements to evil. </b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The <i>morning </i>opens
with peril, and the shadows of <i>evening </i>find us still in
jeopardy.</b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>They are well kept, whom God keeps!</i> </b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>But woe unto those who go
forth into the world, or even dare to walk their own house, Unarmed. </b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Those who think themselves secure, are more exposed to danger than any
others. </b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The armor-bearer of sin, is Self-Confidence.</i></b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>David should have been engaged in fighting the Lord's battles, instead
of which he tarried at Jerusalem, and gave himself up to luxurious
repose--for he arose from his bed in the <i>evening</i>.</b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Idleness and luxury
are <span>the devil's jackals</span>, and
find him abundant prey.</b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>In <i>stagnant</i> waters, noxious creatures swarm.</b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Neglected soil, soon yields a dense tangle of weeds and briers.</b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oh for
the constraining love of Jesus to keep us active and useful! <br /><br />When I see the King of Israel sluggishly leaving his couch at the close
of the day and falling at once into temptation, let <i>me</i> Take Warning,
and Set Holy Watchfulness to Guard the door!</b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Is it possible that the
king had mounted his housetop for <i>prayer </i>and <i>devotion?</i> </b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If so, what a caution is given us to count no place, however secret--a <i>sanctuary
from sin! </i><br /><br />While our hearts are so like a<i> tinder-box</i>, and <i>sparks
</i>so
plentiful--we had need use all diligence in all places, to prevent a <i>blaze</i>.</b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Satan can climb housetops, and enter prayer-closets!</b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And even if we could shut
out that foul fiend, our own corruptions are enough to work our
ruin--unless God's grace prevents it.<br /><br />Reader, beware of <i>evening temptations</i>. </b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Be not secure. The
<i>sun
</i>is down--but <i>sin </i>is up. </b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>We need a watchman for the <i>night</i>, as well as a guardian for the
<i>day</i>. <br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
O lessed Spirit, keep us
from all evil this night. Amen.</b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Charles Spurgeon </b></span></span><br /></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-63094709780559114112022-10-30T22:13:00.000-05:002022-10-30T22:13:41.965-05:00Fret Not Over Evil-Doers!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8VX1Qm7bkfQiju-lM8TqqLk0UEQXE7YwQueivofwJEC4NHTX-47INsAniQ5_euZqqpBdfTVeJjaRz_83bQuHichtILM0Aa6YeGpxjsLq9V5Nl-nZ1obLnKrMOs6b7PU0yTPvkxvKkc2PrEUFsuYiZvI38cgC-SVVvj0LdXA8TzCqy--v5sC3q2rKbA/s328/don't%20fret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="154" data-original-width="328" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8VX1Qm7bkfQiju-lM8TqqLk0UEQXE7YwQueivofwJEC4NHTX-47INsAniQ5_euZqqpBdfTVeJjaRz_83bQuHichtILM0Aa6YeGpxjsLq9V5Nl-nZ1obLnKrMOs6b7PU0yTPvkxvKkc2PrEUFsuYiZvI38cgC-SVVvj0LdXA8TzCqy--v5sC3q2rKbA/w514-h290/don't%20fret.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Psalm 37:1 A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.</b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do
not get into a perilous heat about things. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If ever heat were justified,
it was surely justified in the circumstances outlined in the Psalm. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Evil-doers were moving about clothed in purple and fine linen, and
faring sumptuously every day. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Workers of iniquity were climbing into
the supreme places of power, and were tyrannizing their less fortunate
brethren.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sinful men and women were stalking through the land in the
pride of life and basking in the light and comfort of great prosperity,
and good men were becoming heated and fretful.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fret
not thyself. Do not get unduly heated! Keep cool! </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Even in a good cause,
fretfulness is not a wise help-meet. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fretting only heats the bearings;
it does not generate the steam. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>It is no help to a train for the axles
to get hot; their heat is only a hindrance. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>When the axles get heated,
it is because of unnecessary friction; dry surfaces are grinding
together, which ought to be kept in smooth co-operation by a delicate
cushion of oil.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And is it not a suggestive fact that
this word "fret" is closely akin to the word "friction," and is an
indication of absence of the anointing oil of the grace of God?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>In
fretfulness, a little bit of grit gets into the bearings-some slight
disappointment, some ingratitude, some discourtesy-and the smooth
working of the life is checked. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Friction begets heat; and with the heat,
most dangerous conditions are created.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do not let
thy bearings get hot. Let the oil of the Lord keep thee cool, lest by
reason of an unholy heat thou be reckoned among the evil-doers.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> ~The
Silver Lining</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dear restless heart, be still; don't fret and worry so; God has a thousand ways His love and help to show;</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Just trust, and trust, and trust, until His will you know.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dear restless heart, be still, for peace is God's own smile, His love can every wrong and sorrow reconcile;</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Just love, and love, and love, and calmly wait awhile.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dear restless heart, be brave; don't moan and sorrow so, He hath a meaning kind in chilly winds that blow;</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Just hope, and hope, and hope, until you braver grow.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dear restless heart, repose upon His breast this hour, His grace is strength and life, His love is bloom and flower;</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Just rest, and rest, and rest, within His tender power.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dear restless heart, be still! Don't struggle to be free; God's life is in your life, from Him you may not flee;</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Just pray, and pray, and pray, till you have faith to see.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Edith Willis Linn</b></span></p><p><b></b></p><b><a href="http://devotionals.ochristian.com/Mrs.-Charles-Cowman-Devotional.-Streams-in-the-Desert/1029.shtml"></a></b>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-61168142427536479382022-10-22T19:59:00.003-05:002022-10-22T20:03:38.983-05:00GOD'S Multiplication Table<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnvKgmxjjfn7et6Lbhi3yYjrIyE1kW9_1OyNsu5lh24xY46C3NVmtnUS5SuUa_vsEdqwX10soRwtEVvfUzEhgsfCQ9wHPRLCSc9_gwXjY1NOC8m3Q9r262wLD6EOICDu9xyB9vJVT0B4kl_KhqyoHg4xmAD3OC6m7Hef_fbI8Fcaonf8rtMuXljohQA/s700/I%20WILL%20HASTEN%20IT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnvKgmxjjfn7et6Lbhi3yYjrIyE1kW9_1OyNsu5lh24xY46C3NVmtnUS5SuUa_vsEdqwX10soRwtEVvfUzEhgsfCQ9wHPRLCSc9_gwXjY1NOC8m3Q9r262wLD6EOICDu9xyB9vJVT0B4kl_KhqyoHg4xmAD3OC6m7Hef_fbI8Fcaonf8rtMuXljohQA/w519-h320/I%20WILL%20HASTEN%20IT.jpg" width="519" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Works
for the LORD often begin on a small scale, and they are none the worse
for this. </span></b><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Feebleness Educates Faith, brings God near, and Wins Glory for
His Name. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Prize promises of increase! </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mustard seed
is the smallest among seeds, and yet it becomes a treelike plant, with
branches which lodge the birds of heaven. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">We may begin with one, and
that "a little one," and yet it will "become a thousand." </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">The LORD is
great at the multiplication table. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">How often did He say to His lone
servant, "I will multiply thee!" </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Trust in the LORD, ye ones and twos...</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">For He Will Be in the midst of you If you are gathered In His Name. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">A
small one. What can be more despicable in the eyes of those who count
heads and weigh forces! </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Yet This Is The Nucleus Of A Great Nation. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Only
one star shines out at first in the evening, but soon the sky is crowded
with Countless lights. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Nor need we think the prospect of increase to be
remote, for the promise is, "I Jehovah Will Hasten It In His Time."</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">There will be No Premature Haste, like
that which we see at excited meetings...</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">It Will Be All In Due Time, But Yet There Will Be No Delay. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">When The LORD Hastens, His Speed Is Glorious.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">~Charles Spurgeon </span></b><br /></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-52489103232765891482022-09-23T21:03:00.000-05:002022-09-23T21:03:06.054-05:00Deliverance From Dust And Chaff <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivibC09DgaYXpGT4Beq5XM6dTYBrmM9HaiEreGV_HE5l_9Aoh5T32lN9TMnfVYMSIVU-hp2dRHgbhk7h2OQyLME8DwE9WcwKyZ-XEv1VwSJpx2ateo4H2J3Lrt2t8SbhFyMF20NiPlrIAM35V4inkqYjgUTS6HiOXh4oGeyEBmIAyWkXkwR_6nZ9doQ/s264/CHAFF-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="166" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivibC09DgaYXpGT4Beq5XM6dTYBrmM9HaiEreGV_HE5l_9Aoh5T32lN9TMnfVYMSIVU-hp2dRHgbhk7h2OQyLME8DwE9WcwKyZ-XEv1VwSJpx2ateo4H2J3Lrt2t8SbhFyMF20NiPlrIAM35V4inkqYjgUTS6HiOXh4oGeyEBmIAyWkXkwR_6nZ9doQ/w515-h380/CHAFF-002.jpg" width="515" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Amos 9:9 For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. </em><br /></strong></span></b><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">
The Sifting Process Is Going On Still. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Wherever we go, we are Still
being Winnowed and Sifted. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">In all countries God's people are being Tried
"like as corn is sifted in a sieve." </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes the devil holds the
sieve and tosses us up and down at a great rate, with the earnest desire
to get rid of us forever.</span></b></p><b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">
Unbelief is not slow to Agitate our heart and mind with its Restless Fears. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">The world lends a willing hand at the same process and shakes us
to the right and to the left with great vigor. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Worst of all, the church,
so largely Apostate as it is, comes in to give a more Furious Force to
the sifting process. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Well, well! Let it go on. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Thus is the Chaff Severed
from the Wheat. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Thus Is The Wheat Delivered From Dust And Chaff.</span></b></p><b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">
And how great is the Mercy which comes to us in the text, "Yet shall
not the least grain fall upon the earth"! </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">All shall be Preserved that is Good, True, Gracious. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Not one of the least of believers lose anything
worth calling a loss. </span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">We shall be So Kept in the Sifting that it shall
be a Real Gain to us Through Christ Jesus.</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">~Charles Spurgeon <br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-71523566394494195402022-08-21T19:59:00.000-05:002022-08-21T19:59:03.944-05:00How Long Will You Love Vanity?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QOX4oj50NeK2aLlz4NX14d5uaG3pNNX6XaB83-Z6vaIXCbAc-yUEXRx_r9t0n378mXUn8HnxnrVEvuxn1bsl19pOYG0Ls5-F7uwGVAWoT0oDRUAf55O6jAJ5lWMYzV1_ZkZHMTZWozetDecfZbuzju82pZarDbbYiI3GT5dxIrIn9gLAM3qMVStH_A/s480/THE%20VANITY%20OF%20THE%20WORLD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="480" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QOX4oj50NeK2aLlz4NX14d5uaG3pNNX6XaB83-Z6vaIXCbAc-yUEXRx_r9t0n378mXUn8HnxnrVEvuxn1bsl19pOYG0Ls5-F7uwGVAWoT0oDRUAf55O6jAJ5lWMYzV1_ZkZHMTZWozetDecfZbuzju82pZarDbbYiI3GT5dxIrIn9gLAM3qMVStH_A/w544-h363/THE%20VANITY%20OF%20THE%20WORLD.jpg" width="544" /></a></div><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Psalm 4:2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. <br /><br />The Lord is often represented in
His word as <i>reasoning </i>with us.</span></b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">He manifests the deepest interest,
shows intense pity, and uses many means to draw us back from the <i>vortex
of ruin</i>. <br /><br />But man, thoughtless man, silly man rushes on his way, trifles with his soul, and plays on the brink of the most dreadful precipice! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">He is in love with his <i>sin</i>...</span></span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">And therefore in love with his own<i>
destruction! </i></span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">But God does not abandon him to despair-but touchingly,
tenderly, lovingly, He reasons with him and asks, <i>"How long will you
love vanity?"</i><br /><br />Man by nature sets his heart upon what is vain and
worthless-that which is not suited to, or required by, his immortal nature. </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Vanity represents that which is light, Changeable, and of Brief duration. <i> </i></span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Man displays his love of vanity</i> by preferring human
friendship, to God's friendship...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">By thinking much more of the
creature, than the Creator..</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">By preferring earthly riches, to
heavenly riches...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">By preferring carnal pleasures, to spiritual
delights!<br /><br />Nor only so, but he manifests his foolishness by <i>
indulging in sin</i>, the worst of vanities!<br /><br />Look at the profane
swearer, the drunkard, the glutton, the proud, the lover of pleasure. </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">They
are in love with vanity! </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">They imagine that they shall have pleasure and
enjoy happiness...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">But they never ponder the questions...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><i>What shall it
profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? <br /></i></span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><i>What
shall a man give in exchange for his soul?</i> </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">God asks the lover of
vanity,<i> "How Long!" </i></span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">How long will you love vanity?</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">You have been
doing so for years. </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Some for twenty, some for forty, and some for sixty
years! </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">You have manifested love to vanity...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Though warned...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Though convinced
you were doing wrong...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Though you have often promised to reform. </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">You are <i>
still </i>loving vanity though <i>mortality </i>is at work
within you, though <i>death </i>is very near to you, though <i>eternity </i>is within a step of you, though <i>Hell </i>
is ready to receive you! <br /><br />You persevere in loving vanity...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">While a <i>pardon </i>is presented to you...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">While <i>peace with
God</i> may be enjoyed by you...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">While <i>holiness </i>may be
obtained by you...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">And while <i>Heaven </i>is within your
reach!<i> </i></span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><i>How long will you love vanity?</i></span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Until some <i>
affliction </i>unfits you to seek the world?</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Until <i>God's Spirit </i>
no longer strives with you?</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Until <i>Satan </i>fills your heart?</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Until <i>God laughs</i> at your calamity?</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Until some sudden stroke takes
you away to Hell? </span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">How long?</span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Let your past foolishness
suffice...</span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">And now, while the <i>door of mercy</i> is open, enter!</span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Now, while the way of escape is clear, Flee for your life! <br /><br />No one
ever came too soon, thousands have Delayed too long!</span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">No one ever regretted
that he was saved too early...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Millions have Cursed their folly that they were
not saved at all!</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Myriads wish that they had never been born, because they
persevered in such folly. </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Beware then, Beware-lest you Bitterly Regret your folly too
late! </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Love Vanity No Longer!</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">~James Smith </span></b></span><br /></span></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-53987047060798532702022-08-08T23:11:00.004-05:002022-08-08T23:11:46.457-05:00Swallowed Up In A Worldly Church!<p align="justify"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNDXXwGIG6fnIq_ZsOkXp6mQ3sMgE-iunAS7aOtlNqkVfeqljblEswenRGtJaQwejFB8vPgF_0QIPKqHBrED2xJrNkzo85MvjrofoQnLo0KyWrxbg3REzppCk28O-qDcZqeeEXztbSc1BUTalA5qKRBtc061nT8fdmnJNSHPcJalWIfkHA2lv5NdVHQ/s225/if%20the%20world%20hate%20you-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="225" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNDXXwGIG6fnIq_ZsOkXp6mQ3sMgE-iunAS7aOtlNqkVfeqljblEswenRGtJaQwejFB8vPgF_0QIPKqHBrED2xJrNkzo85MvjrofoQnLo0KyWrxbg3REzppCk28O-qDcZqeeEXztbSc1BUTalA5qKRBtc061nT8fdmnJNSHPcJalWIfkHA2lv5NdVHQ/w527-h382/if%20the%20world%20hate%20you-001.jpg" width="527" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I</b><b>f the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me
first. </b></span><p></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you belonged to the world, it would love you
as its own. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>That is
why the world hates you!</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. <br /></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Such is the testimony of the Lord Jesus. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Real Christians</span> </i>have Never been favorites of the
world-and while it continues what it is, they Never can
be. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nor can the pure and simple <i>gospel </i>be pleasant
to the world, because it lays the sinner in the dust
and exalts God as supreme and sovereign. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let us not be
surprised then, if we hear worldlings speak against the <i>gospel</i>, and <span><span>speak badly of or tell lies about </span></span> the
<i>Lord's people</i>. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For what the Romans told Paul, is in a good measure true
in the present day, "For concerning <i>this 'sect'</i>,
we are aware that it is<i> spoken against everywhere!"</i> </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Act 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. <br /></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This "sect' originated with Jesus, the hated Nazarene...</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Who came into the world for its good, and to save His
people from their sins. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>He gathered around Him many, but
they were principally the poor and unlearned. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>There was
nothing <i>in</i> them, or <i>about</i> them-to recommend them to the
proud and sensual world. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>They were begotten of God, and made New creatures in
Christ. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>They embraced the <i>Truth </i>that He taught. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>They observed the <i>Precepts
</i>that He gave.</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>They copied the <i>Example </i>that
He set.</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their creed consisted pretty much in these facts
...</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>That man is a lost sinner, that salvation by <i>works </i>is impossible, and
therefore it must be all of grace, or not at all...</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>That the Lord Jesus came into the world to take the
sinner's place, fulfill the law in the sinner's stead,
and die as the sinner's substitute.</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>By such hopes, they
were animated; by such rules, they walked; and at such objects, they aimed.</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And yet, they were spoken against and despised, because
<i>they poured contempt on the luxuries, pride, and honors
of this world</i>. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>They were treated as the off-scouring of
all things-unfit for society, unfit to live. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1Jn 3:13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.<br /><br />And yet, like Israel in Egypt, the more they were
persecuted, the more they multiplied and grew...</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Until at
length they spread not only over the Roman empire, but
nearly over the world. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And, had they retained...</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The
<i>simplicity </i>of their lives, the <i>spirituality </i>of their minds, and the
<i>correctness </i>of their creed, they would no doubt have encircled the globe!<br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />But at length they were...</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Courted by royalty, loaded with wealth,
became intoxicated with worldly honors, and then their glory departed!<br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />They drank into the spirit of the world, conformed to its maxims and customs,
sought its approbation and applause...</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And so fell from their exalted station, and lost their real
dignity. <br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
The <i>'sect' </i>that had been spoken
against everywhere, with the exception of a few-was
swallowed up in a worldly
church!<br /><br />There are still some, who, like the
<i>ancient sect of
the Nazarenes</i>, are spoken against everywhere. <i> </i></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>They
will not swim with the stream.</i> </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>They will not compromise
their Master's honor, or give up their Master's Truth. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>According
to the light they have, they walk; and they rejoice to exalt the
Savior, humble the sinner, and proclaim salvation, all of grace. </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>They rejoice that they are counted worthy to suffer shame, for
His dear name.<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Reader! Do you belong to this sect?</i> </span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Is there Anything in
your religion that is distasteful to the world?</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anything that
draws forth its opposition, or excites its contempt? </b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Carnal
mind is Still Enmity against God; and if we are godlike, that
enmity will manifest itself against us!<br /><br />If we copy Christ's example, as set before us in the gospel...</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If
we testify against the world, that its works are evil, and call
upon it to repent, as Christ did-we shall soon be hated by the
world!</b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~James Smith</b></span><br /></p>
<p align="left">
</p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-61794305162645878632022-06-20T11:58:00.006-05:002022-06-20T21:22:19.954-05:00Christ's Sword!<p><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHWzP6qwcJf-0hv4_hpT-17zluhnXawJPoSqJ9VgNHI3g3p3huQmzpNtrMd8tK31XN_GOXzQVLhDrb3va_H_121zVGD2XJrq2ZH-q2GQNfCD4Dk7se0V0fSnr3-IkGK0yJa2Nu8VCIROtMMCabINli8Zykzxd-t7PTXgnPKYCsX-RyoNKqTu3xicnzw/s550/SWORD%20OF%20THE%20LORD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="550" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHWzP6qwcJf-0hv4_hpT-17zluhnXawJPoSqJ9VgNHI3g3p3huQmzpNtrMd8tK31XN_GOXzQVLhDrb3va_H_121zVGD2XJrq2ZH-q2GQNfCD4Dk7se0V0fSnr3-IkGK0yJa2Nu8VCIROtMMCabINli8Zykzxd-t7PTXgnPKYCsX-RyoNKqTu3xicnzw/w492-h326/SWORD%20OF%20THE%20LORD.jpg" width="492" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. <br /></b></span><p></p><p><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Not peace, but a sword! </b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lord Jesus, this is a Hard saying! </b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Teach
me to <i>Believe </i>it, and to <i>Submit </i>to the
ordeal-Sharp and Piercing and Painful though it may be.</b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Between me and
my world, Christ's Sword may pierce with its remorseless edge. </b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>He <i>Separates
</i>me From old sinful habits...</b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>From old sinful employments...</b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>From old sinful pleasures...</b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>From old sinful friendships.</b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>He Divides me from the society in which I was Accustomed
to move.<i> </i></b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Your home is no longer there!</i> He says. </b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And I go
out from the familiar surroundings, into an Untrodden region and
realm.</b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Between me and my nearest and dearest,
<span>Christ's sword</span> may pierce
pitilessly. </b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Perhaps the loved ones of my own house will have
nothing to do with my Redeemer and Lord. </b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Perhaps they see no
beauty in Him, that they should desire Him. </b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Then, in the deepest
and noblest things, they and I will stand apart-a sundering tide
rolling between us. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b>And how immeasurably sad that will be!</b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Between me and
myself, <span>Christ's sword</span> is sure to Pierce with a Blade that Does Not Spare! </b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The I, The Self, which used to be so Vain,
so Confident, so Proud-Must Be Slain Outright! </b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Its days of <i>Pride, Pleasure </i>and <i>Selfishness </i>must end--until I can
say<i>...</i></b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>It is No More I who live</i>, <i>but He-my Prophet, my Priest,
my King-who lives in me!</i></b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>What a change that is!</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>What a
martyrdom!</i></b></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span>It is painful, this stroke of
<span>Christ's sword</span>. </span></span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">But the old confessor was right: "The nearer the
sword-the nearer Heaven!"</span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">If I am <i>victim-</i>I am <i>victor</i>
too. </span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i>Smitten down by Jesus</i>-I am not destroyed, but <i>Crowned!</i></span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i>~Alexander Smellie </i></span></b></span></p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><p></p><p></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-70980206858639771842022-04-28T11:27:00.000-05:002022-04-28T11:27:56.583-05:00What Is Satan's LIE In Connection With Life?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KC-y-3ScM4dkCJLBB3G6yawj6mnFjctBy6WCmWYJ7u3OCBl0z6IlmgrSW054oUtL-kjH-xOfkUCnlzzffbfI6xEyL_sBci2X8nP0x7DNCEcoeKnfeZLXf3Pn2xKDcLCkDM3-i2SaRf0OGC3py33odr-f4SVxWn_nwoY34ES0HnNNSh93ScfHTCNfjw/s289/devil%20is%20a%20liar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="157" data-original-width="289" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KC-y-3ScM4dkCJLBB3G6yawj6mnFjctBy6WCmWYJ7u3OCBl0z6IlmgrSW054oUtL-kjH-xOfkUCnlzzffbfI6xEyL_sBci2X8nP0x7DNCEcoeKnfeZLXf3Pn2xKDcLCkDM3-i2SaRf0OGC3py33odr-f4SVxWn_nwoY34ES0HnNNSh93ScfHTCNfjw/w512-h286/devil%20is%20a%20liar.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What is Satan's LIE in connection with life? </span></b><p></p><div><div class="" dir="auto"><div class="ecm0bbzt hv4rvrfc dati1w0a e5nlhep0" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id="jsc_c_jd"><div class="j83agx80 cbu4d94t ew0dbk1b irj2b8pg"><div class="qzhwtbm6 knvmm38d"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">He OFFERS False life, Another Kind of life that Looks Like the True one. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Satan FALSIFIES true life, and, instead of being Spiritual life, it is just SOUL life. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Do you know the difference between Spiritual life and Soul life?</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Satan attacked the soul life of Adam. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">You know what the soul is, do you not? </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is your Reason, your Emotions, your Will. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Satan began by REASONING with Adam, and, oh, what a Dangerous thing it is to argue with Satan! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">NEVER Reason with the devil, or, in other words, Do Not Listen To His Arguments! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">There Is A Sting In His Tail! </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">So Satan first came to man's Reason and started an argument: "Yea, Hath GOD Said?". </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? <br /></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Immediately a QUESTION about GOD was Lodged in the mind. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">There is a Terrible Destiny bound up with that Question!</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Then Satan Appealed to Adam's FEELINGS, and, pointing to the Fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he said: 'You see how Lovely and Full of juice that fruit is! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">How much it is to be Desired!' </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">So Adam Looked at the fruit and said: 'How Lovely! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I think I would like some of that.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">His Emotions went out to it, and when Satan has got your Mind and your Emotions, it is not far to your WILL! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">The next thing was that Adam Took the fruit. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">He used his Will, and the Damage was done.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">It is all symbolic, but, you see, it contains Eternal Principles. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">The whole kingdom and reign of Satan are built upon that basis. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">The Mind, the Heart and the Will of humanity are captured by the devil, but it is False life. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">What about all the Emotion in the world, even in Christianity? </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">There is a Vast Difference between Spiritual, Eternal Life, and Soul life. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">There is such a thing as False life, and that thing is the Master-Stroke of Satan!</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">You will remember that there was a time in the history of Israel in the wilderness when certain sons of Aaron brought False fire and offered it upon GOD'S Altar. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">You Know What Happened! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">You know all about GOD'S Jealousy. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">There is a vast amount of False fire in this world today. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">It looks like True Life, True Fire, what is of GOD, But There Is A LIE In It...</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">And The Fruit Of That Tree Is Bitter Fruit In The end.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">~T. Austin Sparks~</div></div></span></span></b></div></div></div></div></div>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-62070423588273116682022-04-10T09:42:00.000-05:002022-04-10T09:42:28.720-05:00So Many Millions Of Nominal Christians!<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;"></span></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrTXyAS-H8UNDD3TripRC22S-Bnx24Jf8XNi_SHZIU9Xonbh91tAkUj_6BBjOIyygprWHdOZ0GWtYTDIGfELN6r0Q6XSNYaAaTrwty3QywDWhrANmqjlclwMEmusdn-SUQZBo2TMK2lgPhcgx9Hp_JT-1eHofOm2-ja4QslKGAOq6E5Cd1Kfp32-JMg/s225/TICKET%20TO%20HEAVEN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="224" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrTXyAS-H8UNDD3TripRC22S-Bnx24Jf8XNi_SHZIU9Xonbh91tAkUj_6BBjOIyygprWHdOZ0GWtYTDIGfELN6r0Q6XSNYaAaTrwty3QywDWhrANmqjlclwMEmusdn-SUQZBo2TMK2lgPhcgx9Hp_JT-1eHofOm2-ja4QslKGAOq6E5Cd1Kfp32-JMg/w527-h367/TICKET%20TO%20HEAVEN.jpg" width="527" /></a></span></span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. </span></span></span></b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-size: x-large;"><span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.</span></span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Never have there been
so many millions of
<i>nominal</i> Christians as there are today.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>And never has
there been such a small percentage of Real believers. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Never has
Christendom been so crowded with those who have <i>a Form Of Godliness</i>, but who are strangers to its transforming power. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>We
seriously doubt whether there has ever been a time in the history of
this Christian era when there were such multitudes of Deceived souls
within the churches...</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Who truly believe that all is well with their
souls, when in fact the wrath of God abides on them!</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It is not that those empty professors who call themselves Christians
are all conscious hypocrites, rather they <i>are deceived </i>souls...</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>And the
tragic thing is that in most churches there is nothing in the
preaching which is at all calculated to un-deceive them...</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Instead,
there is only that which bolsters them up in their delusion! </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>There is a large class in Christendom today who are satisfied with a <i>Bare Profession</i>. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>They have heard some of the fundamentals of
the Christian faith, and have given an<i> intellectual assent </i>thereto,
and they mistake that for a<i> saving knowledge</i> of the Truth. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Their <i>Minds </i>are Instructed-but their <i>Hearts </i>are Not Reached, Nor their <i>Lives </i>Transformed! </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>They are Still Worldly in their affections and ways. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>There is No Real Subjection to God...</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>No Holiness of walk...</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>No Fruit to Christ's Glory.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span></span></b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="ind"><i>Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:</i></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="ind"><i>Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.</i></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="ind"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: large;">~Arthur Pink</span></span><br /></span></span></b></span></span></p><p></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-23193709828971862642022-02-25T11:48:00.005-06:002022-02-25T11:52:25.764-06:00The TESTING Of EVERYTHING!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigR8E3lb15DWTVDlT6d-sKVs-OGcOoG3NIWFwLypO6rBoqhG7eK9q_HQwzt_I8NfKNwDvkQ5OCVhfZzaHACu6FY13_WeYjmtGXTtzjKJdfRVdCo8LYvesQ87vkIaaRVjdOT6dZhXgssuodkVL4-IKJXj5cJ3lpXWEY_n8IB6p17SygG7EkasXW9rlupA=s612" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="612" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigR8E3lb15DWTVDlT6d-sKVs-OGcOoG3NIWFwLypO6rBoqhG7eK9q_HQwzt_I8NfKNwDvkQ5OCVhfZzaHACu6FY13_WeYjmtGXTtzjKJdfRVdCo8LYvesQ87vkIaaRVjdOT6dZhXgssuodkVL4-IKJXj5cJ3lpXWEY_n8IB6p17SygG7EkasXW9rlupA=w520-h346" width="520" /></a></div><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Heb 12:26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. </span></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b></span><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">EVERYTHING is going to be shaken in earth and in
heaven, with a view to finding out just How Much There Is Of Christ Living In It. </span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">These Jewish believers were going to see the temple and
the whole temple system wrecked..</span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">And then they would Discover just how
much they had got of Christ...</span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Or how much of their life was Bound Up
with earthly things. </span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">They would see what was left when that was all
gone. </span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">God is not only going to shake Judaism, but this heavenly thing. </span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He will shake heaven and earth...</span> </span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">And we shall find out by that shaking
what we have left when the earthly system passes...</span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">When even the
representation of heavenly things in Christianity is Tested (for
Christianity has developed a representation of heavenly things, just as
Judaism has). </span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Men have made an earthly representation of the New
Testament revelation of the church, and ministry, and priesthood. </span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It Is All Going To Be Tested. </b></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">For many it is now in the Melting Pot. </span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The
issue is the Shaking of heaven and earth.</span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What have we got left? </span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The
issue is Christ.</b></span></span></p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b></span><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Whether you like all that we have said, or agree
with it or not, does not worry me...</span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">But I am concerned that we have come
to Christ...</span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">To show that Christ in heaven is Our Life...</span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Christ in heaven
is Our All...</span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">And appointed to be so by God, and Nothing Here can take
the place of Christ. </span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">God will bring everything to an End that takes the
place of Christ. </span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">He has determined from eternity that in all things
Christ should have the preeminence, and have the fullness...</span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">And that Nothing shall glory before Him or take His Place. </span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Lord bring us into
a Larger measure of Christ, and a Larger measure of Christ into us.</span></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">~T. Austin Sparks </span></b></span><br /></p>
</span></span></span><p></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-75850716059795082892021-12-27T11:24:00.000-06:002021-12-27T11:24:13.731-06:00Iron Saints<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEYiQF89wfXEnuxG-JlTcWHisL9meOlA022MPdk2YlTOBGjzpuqtHdFrlinB1kPRe6JQ5wG1j3SwFkIQBSt7t8aaPurHshinYfxYTsXF5o57M54NDEcWA6jVtQ1EDsYQvkdv6f48wI_WQW1emn9fLI30bCNqCwpKippGIIA36gmStNEUUmUHeW0GhHVw=s416" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="416" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEYiQF89wfXEnuxG-JlTcWHisL9meOlA022MPdk2YlTOBGjzpuqtHdFrlinB1kPRe6JQ5wG1j3SwFkIQBSt7t8aaPurHshinYfxYTsXF5o57M54NDEcWA6jVtQ1EDsYQvkdv6f48wI_WQW1emn9fLI30bCNqCwpKippGIIA36gmStNEUUmUHeW0GhHVw=w515-h353" width="515" /></a></div><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><em>Psalm 105:18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: <br /></em></b></span>
</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
Turn that about and render it in our language, and it reads thus, “Iron
entered his soul.” </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Is there not a truth in this? </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>That sorrow and
privation, the yoke borne in the youth, the soul’s enforced restraint,
are all conducive to an iron tenacity and strength of purpose, and
endurance or fortitude, which are the indispensable foundation and
framework of a noble character.</b></span></span></p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span></span><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
Do not flinch from suffering; bear it silently, patiently, resignedly;
and be sure that it is God’s way of infusing iron into your spiritual
life. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The world wants iron dukes, iron battalions, iron sinews, and
thews of steel. God wants iron saints; and since there is no way of
imparting iron to the moral nature but by letting people suffer, He lets
them suffer.</b></span></span></p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span></span><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
Are the best years of your life slipping away in enforced monotony? </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Are
you beset by opposition, misunderstanding, and scorn, as the thick
undergrowth besets the passage of the woodsman pioneer? </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Then take heart;
the time is not wasted...</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>God is only putting you through the iron
regimen. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The iron crown of suffering precedes the golden crown of glory. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And iron is entering into your soul to make it strong and brave.<em> </em></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><em>~F. B. Meyer</em></b></span></span></p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span></span><p>
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><em>But you will not mind the roughness nor the steepness of the way, Nor the chill, unrested morning, nor the searness of the day...</em></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><em>And you will not take a turning to the left or the right, But go straight ahead, nor tremble at the coming of the night...</em></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><em>For the road leads home.</em></b></span></span></p><p>
</p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-44395193547135403762021-11-14T09:55:00.002-06:002021-11-14T09:59:12.143-06:00The Things Which Are Seen Are Temporary<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9i2ImNynJM/YZExFHQdZ7I/AAAAAAAAD8c/kwP27zDbqTwjipqxhe3dZbqC7Rf62xCdACLcBGAsYHQ/s259/TEMPORARY.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="259" height="350" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9i2ImNynJM/YZExFHQdZ7I/AAAAAAAAD8c/kwP27zDbqTwjipqxhe3dZbqC7Rf62xCdACLcBGAsYHQ/w562-h350/TEMPORARY.jpg" width="562" /></a></div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.</i></b></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>How
strong is the snare of the things that are seen... </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And how necessary for
God to keep us in the things that are unseen! </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If Peter is to walk on the
water, he must walk...</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If he is going to swim, he must swim...</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>But he
cannot do both. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If the bird is going to fly it must keep away from the
fences and the trees, and trust to its buoyant wings.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>But if it tries to Keep Within Easy Reach Of The Ground, it will make poor work of flying.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>God
had to bring Abraham to the End of his own strength, and to let him see
that in his own body he could do nothing. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>He had to consider his own
body as good as dead, and then take God for the whole work...</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And when he Looked Away From Himself, and Trusted God Alone...</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Then He became Fully Persuaded that what He had promised, He was Able Also To Perform.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>This
is what God is teaching us...</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And He has to Keep Away Encouraging Results
until we learn to Trust Without Them...</b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And then He loves to make His
word Real in Fact as well as Faith.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let us look only to Him To-day to do All things as He shall Choose and in the Way He shall Choose.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~A. B. Simpson </b></span></span><br /></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-24253261403963994192021-11-01T14:13:00.002-05:002021-11-01T19:10:31.572-05:00Faith Seeks The Glory That Comes From GOD!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWLonCNS8wY/YYA7u5P7GHI/AAAAAAAAD8U/lNgaJfUmb2otnHnSH6pqAyHCTz5JzXrJACLcBGAsYHQ/s480/animated%2Bclouds%2Band%2Bman.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="345" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWLonCNS8wY/YYA7u5P7GHI/AAAAAAAAD8U/lNgaJfUmb2otnHnSH6pqAyHCTz5JzXrJACLcBGAsYHQ/w542-h345/animated%2Bclouds%2Band%2Bman.gif" width="542" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Faith seeks the glory that comes from God, that only comes where God is All. </span></b><p></p><div><div dir="auto"><div class="ecm0bbzt hv4rvrfc e5nlhep0 dati1w0a" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id="jsc_c_8j"><div class="j83agx80 cbu4d94t ew0dbk1b irj2b8pg"><div class="qzhwtbm6 knvmm38d"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh a8c37x1j keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">As long as we Take Glory from one another...</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">As long as ever We Seek and Love and Jealously Guard the glory of this life...</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">The honor and reputation that comes from men...</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">We Do Not Seek, And Cannot Receive The Glory That Comes From God. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Pride Renders Faith Impossible. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Salvation comes through a cross and a crucified Christ. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Salvation is the fellowship with the crucified Christ in the Spirit of His cross. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Salvation is union with and delight in, salvation is participation in, the humility of Jesus. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Is it a wonder that our faith is so feeble when Pride Still Reigns So Much..?</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">And we have scarce learnt even to Long or Pray for Humility as the Most Needful and Blessed part of salvation?</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">~Andrew Murray~</div></div></span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-39591723561285122532021-09-15T12:29:00.003-05:002021-09-15T12:44:47.206-05:00The Forces At Work!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_MiiIVY99o/YUItJL8sfxI/AAAAAAAAD8A/yctOQd8vziMotw399iWUXdlvj9s-nNDwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s700/SPIRITUAL%2BWARFARE%2BAGAINST%2BTHE%2BDRAGON-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="700" height="338" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_MiiIVY99o/YUItJL8sfxI/AAAAAAAAD8A/yctOQd8vziMotw399iWUXdlvj9s-nNDwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w490-h338/SPIRITUAL%2BWARFARE%2BAGAINST%2BTHE%2BDRAGON-001.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The forces which are at work to bring a soul to ruin...</b></span><p></p><div><div dir="auto"><div class="ecm0bbzt hv4rvrfc e5nlhep0 dati1w0a" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id="jsc_c_8t"><div class="j83agx80 cbu4d94t ew0dbk1b irj2b8pg"><div class="qzhwtbm6 knvmm38d"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh a8c37x1j keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">To prevent a man or a woman reaching God’s appointed and desired haven...</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Are far greater and more terrible and persistent than anything that has ever been encountered in the natural realm of storms.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Of course, you do not know that until you definitely set yourself in the direction of God’s will. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">A great many people in this world seem to be getting along very well, with not very much trouble...</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">And think that they are going (in that easygoing, carefree way) to get where God wants them to be. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">That is an illusion. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Never yet has there been a definite and serious association with the will of God, the purpose of God...</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Except there has been the rising of terrific conflict and tempest to make that realization impossible...</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">And I say when a man or a woman does seriously have an understanding with God that His will and purpose is to be realized in their life...</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">And that they are abandoned to Him for that...</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Then such a life will know that it is not all plain sailing, easygoing. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">There will be forces which were not imagined arising to hinder that, to make that impossible.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">~T. Austin Sparks~</div></div></span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div><div><div class="stjgntxs ni8dbmo4 p13mx040 l82x9zwi uo3d90p7 h905i5nu monazrh9"><div class="l9j0dhe7"><div class="bp9cbjyn m9osqain j83agx80 jq4qci2q bkfpd7mw a3bd9o3v kvgmc6g5 wkznzc2l oygrvhab dhix69tm jktsbyx5 rz4wbd8a osnr6wyh a8nywdso s1tcr66n"><div class="bp9cbjyn j83agx80 buofh1pr ni8dbmo4 stjgntxs"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span aria-label="See who reacted to this" class="du4w35lb" role="toolbar"><span class="bp9cbjyn j83agx80 b3onmgus" id="jsc_c_8w"><span class="np69z8it et4y5ytx j7g94pet b74d5cxt qw6c0r16 kb8x4rkr ed597pkb omcyoz59 goun2846 ccm00jje s44p3ltw mk2mc5f4 qxh1up0x qtyiw8t4 tpcyxxvw k0bpgpbk hm271qws rl04r1d5 l9j0dhe7 ov9facns kavbgo14"><span class="t0qjyqq4 jos75b7i j6sty90h kv0toi1t q9uorilb hm271qws ov9facns"><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41"></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></div></div></div><div><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41"><br /></span></div>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-51340874745091922352021-07-25T11:45:00.001-05:002021-07-25T11:45:33.264-05:00It Is Radical, Revolutionary, Lasting!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSHg1r8WzgA/YP2UI2QKuWI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/Z_6sKQ6kA5QgYlPMeznhiq1KjKncOzNnACLcBGAsYHQ/s700/ALL%2BTHINGS%2BNEW888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="700" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSHg1r8WzgA/YP2UI2QKuWI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/Z_6sKQ6kA5QgYlPMeznhiq1KjKncOzNnACLcBGAsYHQ/w539-h452/ALL%2BTHINGS%2BNEW888.jpg" width="539" /></a></div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> <br /> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">In the new birth, God exerts a
<i>quickening </i>influence or
power upon His own elect. </span></b></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Regeneration is very, very much more than
simply shedding a few tears because of some<i> temporary remorse</i>
over sin. </span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It is far more than<i> changing our course of life</i>, the
leaving off of bad habits and the substituting of good ones. </span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It is
something different from the mere cherishing and practicing of <i>noble
ideals</i>. </span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It goes infinitely deeper than coming forward to take some
popular evangelist by the hand, signing a pledge-card, or "joining the
church." </span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The new birth is no mere <i>turning over a new leaf</i>, but
is the inception and reception of a <i>new life!</i> </span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It is no mere <i>reformation</i>,
but a radical <i>transformation</i>. </span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In short, the new birth is a
miracle, the result of the supernatural operation of God.
</span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It is Radical, Revolutionary, Lasting! <br /><br />
In the new birth:<br /><br />God lays hold of one who is<i> spiritually dead</i>, and quickens him
into newness of life!<br /><br />God takes up one who was <i>shaped
in iniquity and conceived in sin</i>, and conforms him to the image of
His Son! <br /><br />God seizes a <i>drudge of the Devil</i>, and makes him a member of His holy family!
<br /><br />God picks up a <i>destitute beggar</i>, and makes him
joint-heir with Christ! <br /><br />God comes to one who is<i> full of enmity against Him</i>, and
gives him a new heart that is full of love for Him! <br /><br />God stoops to one who by nature is a
<i>rebel</i>, and
works in him both to will and to do of His good pleasure!<br /><br />By His irresistible power,
God transforms... A sinner-into a saint;</span></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">An enemy-into His friend; A drudge of the Devil-into His beloved child!<br />
</span></b></span></span></p><p align="left"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">~Arthur Pink</span></span></b></span></span><br /></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-76311467575004394922021-07-18T19:13:00.000-05:002021-07-18T19:13:07.531-05:00You Were Running Well - Who Hindered You From Obeying The Truth?<p><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span></span></b></p><p align="justify"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEvP0Qxc1uo/YPS_ojJ7U8I/AAAAAAAAD6k/lKCwBDqPV2wY7HGzC7r2n0Fa86Qp7sJYACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/WHO%2BHINDERED%2BYOU-001.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="400" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEvP0Qxc1uo/YPS_ojJ7U8I/AAAAAAAAD6k/lKCwBDqPV2wY7HGzC7r2n0Fa86Qp7sJYACLcBGAsYHQ/w517-h398/WHO%2BHINDERED%2BYOU-001.webp" width="517" /></a></span></span></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Gal 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? <br /></span><p></p></span></span></span></b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Something had Broken In and Interrupted their running
in the Spiritual race. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">This was Extremely serious and disturbed Paul
to the depths of his being. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">It seems that in the case of the Galatians
it was again the natural man, but this time in the realm of natural
emotions. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">They seem to have been of that temperamental constitution
which corresponds to Christ's words in the parable about seed falling
into shallow soil. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The seed was received quickly and earnestly, but did
not go on to produce a harvest. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">There are some people who make an
enthusiastic start in this way and make quite a stir about it, but then
do not go steadily on. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">These Galatians were like that...</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">They made a
tremendous response...</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">They loudly protested their devotion...</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">And then
they were Very Quick to Drop Out Of The Race. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Why? </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Because they lived
on their emotions, on their feelings, and these were changeable. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">This
may well be a matter of temperament, but in fact something of such a
characteristic can be found in most of us. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We respond to an appeal,
come under the power of a great emotion, and then slack off. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">In the
words of the Lord Jesus: "When tribulation or persecution ariseth... he
is offended"</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mat 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. <br /></span></b></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="color: #d9ead3;">Clearly, then, if you and I are going to persevere to the end we must
have a Greater Power than that of our natural emotional life. </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The only
hope is that it may be true of us, as of Paul: "The love of Christ
constraineth".</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">2Co 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: <br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">There is all the difference between
the natural and the spiritual in this matter of the energy of love. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">So it is that the love of Christ should hold or grip us,
conquering our natural emotions by the mighty power of the Spirit. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Our
feelings come and go. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">They may be strong at times but they can also
grow very weak. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">If we do not know something of the Mighty Grip of
Christ's love, we will never go right through to the end of this
strenuous race. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">After all it is the love of Christ which makes for the
fullness of Christ. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">If we finally come to that fullness it can only be
by the constraint and holding power of His love. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ye were running well:
who did hinder you?</b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The answer is, You ran in the strength of your
own emotions...</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">You ran as your enthusiastic response to God's call
because it affected your feelings for the time.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The letter to the
Galatians is devoted to emphasizing the place of the Holy Spirit in the
life of the believer...</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">For He alone can supply the necessary energy of
love for us to go on running well.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">~T. Austin Sparks </span></b></span><br /></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">
</span> </span></span><p></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-16548357110880128512021-07-11T09:05:00.000-05:002021-07-11T09:05:38.932-05:00 Where There's A Will There's a Way<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvslGCmAwVk/YOr5qjZYvlI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/MqfHkookWToIQEzxPypxo9louwn1dypUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s480/zacchaeus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="480" height="429" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvslGCmAwVk/YOr5qjZYvlI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/MqfHkookWToIQEzxPypxo9louwn1dypUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w520-h429/zacchaeus.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Luke 19:2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. </b></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Luke 19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Luke 19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. <br /></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jesus was
at the height of His popularity. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wherever He moved the narrow streets
were crowded. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>It would have taken a Saul to have seen Him well...</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>There
seemed no hope for a small man like Zacchaeus...</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And had Zacchaeus had a
small heart in his bosom, he would have gone home and said it was
impossible. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>But Zacchaeus had had a great will to grow rich, and he had
found there was a way to that...</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And now he had a great will to see Jesus,
and he was not the sort of person to be stopped. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>He quite forgot
himself, says Matthew Henry. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>He climbed the sycamore like a schoolboy. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Perhaps he had heard that except we become as children we cannot see the
kingdom of heaven-or the King. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>At any rate he was earnestly bent on
seeing Jesus, and as a result he saw Him and was seen. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>All of which has
been written down to teach us that the whole-hearted search for God is
always crowned. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What texts lay stress on that? </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mat 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pro 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. <br /></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~George H. Morrison</b></span></span><br /></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5846663914200986503.post-11845942315240904092021-06-15T05:36:00.003-05:002021-06-15T06:31:25.147-05:00The Principle Of Holding On Exemplified By Christ's Life<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpXGRAtVs8k/YMiCOcLGRbI/AAAAAAAAD5U/SxaWmw3ztVMNZUDGLE8-H1V4HN73aNStQCLcBGAsYHQ/s225/HOLD%2BON.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="378" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpXGRAtVs8k/YMiCOcLGRbI/AAAAAAAAD5U/SxaWmw3ztVMNZUDGLE8-H1V4HN73aNStQCLcBGAsYHQ/w530-h378/HOLD%2BON.jpg" width="530" /></a></b></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. <br /></span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Not
only did our LORD Insist on this...</span></b></span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>He Emphasized it in His life. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">For all
His meekness, Nothing Could Divert Him from the Allotted Path of His
vocation. </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Think, for instance, of that day when He was summoned to the
bed of Jairus' daughter. </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">In the crowded street a woman touched Him, and
He instantly felt that "virtue had gone out of him." </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">But the original is
far more striking in the light it sheds upon the Lord...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>He felt that the Power had gone out of Him. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">All of us are familiar with such seasons,
when Power seems to be utterly exhausted. </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">In such seasons we cannot face
the music; the grasshopper becomes a Burden. </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">And the Beautiful thing
about our LORD is how, after such an experience as that...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>He Held To It In Quiet Trust On GOD. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">He knew, in all its strength, the recurring
temptation to give over. </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">He had to Reinforce His Will Continually for
the Great Triumph of Continuing. </span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Through days of weakness...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Through
seasons of exhaustion...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Through hours when His soul was sorrowful unto
death...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>He Held To The Task Given Him Of GOD. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">It is Very Easy to Hold On
when we are Loved and Honored and Appreciated...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">When our strength is
equal to our problem...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">When the birds are singing in the trees...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">But to Hold To It when All the sky is Dark is the Finest Heroism in the world,...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>And that was the Heroism of the LORD. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">~George Morrison </span></b></span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b></p>Sowing Seedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14828844131223335090noreply@blogger.com0