Sunday, October 31, 2021

HYMN OF THE DAY

Jehovah God, I bless His name,
Whose love forever is the same;
The mercies of His gracious care
Open, and crown, and close each year.

We midst ten thousand dangers stand,
Upheld by His Almighty hand,
And see, when we review our ways,
Ten thousand monuments of praise.

By day, by night, at home, abroad,
Still are we guarded by our Lord,
By His sufficient bounty fed,
By His unerring counsel led.

Our grateful souls, on Jordan's shore,
Shall raise one sacred pillar more;
Then bear in His bright courts above
Inscriptions of immortal love.

Tune: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” pg. 118

SPIRITUAL EPHESIANS 1:3

There are some things I know that are certain and sure. One is that all gifts and blessings God has for any sinner He has purposed to give to them in Christ (Eph. 1:3).

Secondly, I know these blessings are spiritual. Consider this, that spiritual is all there is…the spiritual is all that will last. Everything we see, everything we touch, every material possession, every relationship – these will all someday cease. The spiritual will last forever! The earth, as we know it, will cease. There will be a new heaven, a new earth, only righteousness will dwell there. Only those who were made new creatures in Christ will be there – only those who are spiritual, and mind the things of the Spirit – those who delight in spiritual blessings, only those who have been made spiritual by being united to Christ by the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 12:13). Which do you mind, the spirit or the flesh? (Rm. 8:5). – Pastor

OUR DEPARTURE

I recently conversed with a faithful brother with whom I have been friends for many years. We discussed the recent departure to glory of another longtime brother and faithful disciple. This led to a discussion of others whom we knew long ago, and who we then considered to be faithful disciples, but later had departed from the truth.

Old people see things they thought they would never see, and things they wish they had never seen.

Brothers and sisters, let our departure be to Christ, never from Christ. – Daniel Parks

Don’t let me put confidence in my preaching, or office, or position, or dress.If being an apostle did not make Judas a saint, neither will preaching, or position, or dress make me one. In fact, unless I first have inward holiness, and have sought it from God alone, it may be that my religious office and dress, etc. will only render my damnation greater.

Don’t let me love money! It will disable both my eyes and ears, and make me worse to deal with than a wild beast. It will cause me to harden my conscience, betray friendships, forsake fellowship, and neglect the salvation of my precious soul. Oh, give me grace to be content with such things as are needful for this life, knowing that I must soon leave all and go to my long home.

Don’t let me betray my Savior. Don’t let me say with Judas, “What will you give me, and I will deliver him unto you?” What will you give me for the time I spend in private prayer to Him? My time of seeking Him in His Word? What will you give me for my love to Him; my time of fellowship with His people; what will you give me and I will deliver HIM TO YOU?” Oh Lord, I am such a wretch, I will prove like Judas at last, if you do not love me, and pray for me, and keep me, and not let me be a Judas IN MY HEART. – Bruce Crabtree