*** “Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: Thy blessing is upon Thy people. Selah.” Psalm 3:8
Head or Heart? A person may have well balanced theology, and his general views of truth would be considered evangelical and orthodox. And yet, thus far may he proceed in the deepest 'self deception'. With all this "form of knowledge," this lodgment of the truth in the understanding, this subscription of the intellect to the doctrines of revelation, he is an utter stranger to that 'heart transformation', that inward illumination of the Holy Spirit, without which the soul is spiritually dead, the heart is unrenewed and unholy, and the whole man is unfit for the kingdom of heaven. In short, we have here the case of one who, while his judgment assents to the truth, his heart entirely rejects it. The Gospel is to him a thing of intellectual subscription, and not of heart experience. Not a single truth of the Bible has become an element of life and holiness in his soul. --Octavius Winslow
***** Comfort in Trouble Being a believer in Jesus Christ and resting in His good providence does not exempt us from trouble, trial, sorrow and heartache in this life. Our Lord said, "In this world you shall have tribulation" (John 16:33). But here is our comfort and help, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psa. 46:1). Our blessed Lord said, "Come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16). Our gracious God has promised wisdom to understand the trial (James 1:5). Grace to endure and bear the trial (2Cor.12:9). Faith to trust and believe God through the trial (Rom.4:19-20). Peace to rest in His purpose, knowing that this trial works to our eternal good (Rom. 8:28-35). Hope to rejoice in our Lord and Savior, Who said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" (Heb. 13:5). Surely, we must conclude that we are needy creatures and that the Lord Jesus Christ is our only resource of help and hope (Phil. 4:19)! --Copied
**** While others are congratulating themselves, I have to lie humbly at the foot of Christ's cross & marvel that I am saved at all. --Charles Spurgeon
**** A man's god is that which . . . has the greatest influence over him; he sets the highest value upon; he chiefly devotes himself and his energies. --Henry Law
***** The Description of a Christian Were I to define a Christian, or rather to describe him at large, I know of no text I would choose, sooner than Galatians 5:17, "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." A Christian has noble aims—which distinguish him from the bulk of mankind. His leading principles, motives, and desires—are all supernatural and divine. Could he do as he desires—there is not a angel before the Eternal Throne, that would excel him in holiness, love, and obedience! He would tread in the very footsteps of his Savior, fill up every moment of time in His service, and employ every breath in His praise! This he would do—but, alas! he cannot! Against these spiritual desires, there is a contrary desire and working of a corrupt nature, which meets him at every turn! He has a beautiful copy set before him in the Scriptures—he is enamored with it, and though he does not expect to equal it, he writes carefully after it, and longs to attain to the nearest possible imitation. But indwelling sin and Satan continually jog his hand, and spoil his strokes! Therefore, the most spiritual and gracious people confess themselves as vile and worthless! One eminent branch of our holiness, is a sense of shame and humiliation for those evils which are only known to ourselves, and to Him who searches our hearts! In proportion as the Lord enables you to live more simply upon the blood, righteousness, and grace of the Mediator—you will possess a more stable peace. The nearer you are brought to Him—the more lively sense you will have of your vileness and worthlessness; and your continual need of Him. Thereby your admiration of His power, love, and compassion, will increase from year to year. (From the Letters of John Newton)
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