PSALM 40 Words by Isaac Watts - Tune to Amazing Grace (arr. N. Johnson)
1. I waited patient for the Lord, He bowed to hear my cry; He saw me resting on His word, And brought salvation nigh.
2. He raised me from a horrid pit, Where mourning long I lay, And from my bonds released my feet, Deep bonds of miry clay.
3. Firm on a rock He made me stand, And taught my cheerful tongue To praise the wonders of His hand, In a new thankful song.
4. I'll spread His works of grace abroad; The saints with joy shall hear, And sinners learn to make my God Their only hope and fear. *****
The Sufferings of this Present Life Cheer up Christian, every day you are so much nearer to your eternal home! Never was the end of the journey so near as now; never were there so many troubles behind you, and so few before you, as now. It is all up hill until you reach the celestial city - you will therefore find it more or less difficult unto the end. But, when you arrive at home, when you enter into the holy city, when you see your precious Lord Jesus, when you enjoy the presence of God - then all will be well, and well forever! You will be in your Father's house - your holy, happy home! You shall know no lack, nor will your desires remain ungratified. There will be . . . no toil there, no crosses or burdens to carry there, no foes within nor without to face there, no tears or pains there, no conflicts to endure there. Five minutes with Jesus - and then what shall you think of all your earthly temptations, toils, trials, and troubles? One hour in Heaven, with the certainty of being forever holy, and forever happy - what will all your earthly afflictions be then? Then, then, shall you understand the apostle when he says, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). --James Smith 1860
***** “It Please God By the Foolishness of Preaching...” If the miraculous works claimed by popular preachers were genuine, we would be glad for their happening and give thanks to God for the good that comes by them. But, even if they were real (and they are not) they could not compare with the miracles that happen on a regular basis in the congregations of God's sheep. There you will find sinful men preaching the righteousness of God - corrupt men declaring the holiness of God. There you will witness dead sinners made alive by the power of the Holy Spirit. There you can see a slain Lamb that conquers like a Lion. There you will discover a gathering of people who were at one time rebellious, deaf, blind, and mute now reconciled to God, hearing His Word, seeing His glory in the face of Jesus Christ and calling on His Name and telling out His praises. I would not trade such miracles for any or even all of the so-called wonders of religious charlatans. – Pastor Joe Terrell
***** Grace, 'Tis a Charming sound - Harmonious to the Ear!
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2: 8 - 9
"Grace, 'tis a charming sound - harmonious to the ear!"
Grace pitied us in our guilty, helpless condition - and provided a Savior for us.
Grace instituted the ministry of gospel reconciliation - and brought the tidings of divine mercy to our ears.
Grace opened our blind eyes - and led us to see and feel our need of the precious blood of Christ.
Grace led us to cast away the filthy rags of our own righteousness - and to receive with thankfulness and joy, the spotless robe that Jesus wrought for us.
Grace brought us to the footstool of mercy, with the cry of the publican, "God be merciful to me a sinner!"
Grace enables us to live a life of dependence on Jesus alone, for all spiritual supplies.
Grace has begun a good work within us - and grace will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
By grace we are saved! We are "justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus!" Romans 3:24
'Tis not by works of righteousness Which our own hands have done. But we are saved by sovereign grace, Abounding through His Son! --Author unknown, 1872
Daily Readings - Oct 23-29, 2016 Sunday - Luke 4-5 Monday - Luke 6-7 Tuesday - Luke 8-9 Wednesday- Luke 10-11 Thursday - Luke 12-13 Friday - Luke 14-16 Saturday - Luke 17-18