When a child of God looks at the hand of God, he does not see the sword of divine justice. He sees that sword buried to the hilt in the bosom of Christ his Substitute on the cross and justice completely satisfied on his behalf. But he sees in the hand of God the correcting rod of a loving Father. An instrument not to punish him but to preserve him. He is not to despise nor faint at the Father's chastening for "whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Chastisement is never at the moment of its application a thing we enjoy. But it is a mark of sonship and "if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." The end result and product of chastisement is of gracious benefit to God's child. "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: NEVERTHELESS afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." The absence of the sword of justice is what makes the presence of the rod of chastisement bearable and even a blessing! (Read Hebrews 12:5-13)

Gary Shepard

More and more I am made aware of the importance of worship, prayer, Bible study, and the fellowship of other believers during our earthly journey. "Then they that feared the Lord spake OFTEN one to another; and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name." (Mal. 3:16) I need HIM, HIS WORD, AND HIS PEOPLE! By His grace I shall NOT forsake the assembly of believers for any reason; and being like Joshua, the spokesman for my family, I can say, "AS for me AND MY HOUSE, we will serve the Lord." To be involved with this world in such a way that week after week, Sunday after Sunday passes by without worship, instruction in righteousness, and fellowship with other believers is UNTHINKABLE! Such would be a miserable existence for His sheep.

Henry Mahan

There is an Advocate and Intercessor always waiting to present the prayers of those who come to God through Him. That Advocate is the Lord Jesus Christ. He mingles our prayers with the incense of His own almighty intercession. Our prayers, as poor as they are in themselves, are mighty and powerful in the hands of our High Priest and Elder Brother. The bank note without a signature at the bottom is nothing but a worthless piece of paper. The stroke of the pen gives it all its value. The prayer of a poor child of Adam is a poor and feeble thing in itself; but once endorsed by the hand of the Lord Jesus, it availeth much.

Scott Richardson

As the Word, Christ has made manifest the invisible God. As the Word, Christ has communicated to us the life and love of God. As the Word, Christ reveals the attributes and perfections of God. In Christ, and nowhere else, is God fully and finally told out.

Arthur Pink

The safety of all God’s elect rests in Christ and that work of righteousness which He accomplished in His sufferings and death. When we look away from Him, all peace is lost. When we rely upon our feelings for assurance of salvation, all rest of soul ends. When we rely for an instant on what we’ve done or are doing, conscience can only condemn us. When we think about what we’ve not done, hope fades away, for even what we’ve not done becomes the enemy of what He has done! No, it is Christ that died.. It is His blood that God looks to and peace, assurance and joy can only be ours when we look to the One that God has looked to. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but WHOLLY lean on Jesus’ name.”

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We can easily manage if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it. But the load will be too heavy for us if we carry yesterday's burden over again today, and then add the burden of the morrow before we are required to bear it.

John Newton

Sons we are through God's election, Who in Jesus Christ believe

By eternal destination, Sov'reign grace we here receive

Lord thy mercy, Lord thy mercy, Does both grace and glory give

Lord thy mercy, Lord thy mercy, Does both grace and glory give

Ev'ry fallen soul by sinning, Merits everlasting pain

But thy love, without beginning, Has restored thy sons again

Countless Millions, Countless Millions, Shall in life through Jesus reign

Countless Millions, Countless Millions, Shall in life through Jesus reign

Pause, my soul, adore and wonder, Ask, O why such love for me?

Grace has put me in the number, Of the Savior's family

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Thanks, eternal thanks to thee!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Thanks, eternal thanks to thee!

Since that love had no beginning, And shall never, never cease

Keep, O keep me, Lord from sinning, Guide me in the way of peace!

Make me walk in, Make me walk in, All the paths of holiness.

Make me walk in, Make me walk in, All the paths of holiness.

When I leave this feeble mansion, And my soul returns to thee,

Let the pow'r of thy ascension, Manifest itself in me

Through thy Spirit, Through thy Spirit, Give the final victory!

Through thy Spirit, Through thy Spirit, Give the final victory!

When the angel sounds the trumpet, When my soul and body join

When my Savior comes to judgment, Bright in majesty divine

Let me triumph, Let me triumph, In thy righteousness as mine.

Let me triumph, Let me triumph, In thy righteousness as mine.

When in that blest habitation, Which my God has fore-ordained

When, in glory's full possession, I with saints and angels stand

Free grace only, Free grace only, Shall resound in heav'n's land

Free grace only, Free grace only, Shall resound in heav'n's land

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Tune: Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

Judge yourself at what Christ is rather than what you are. Consider the object of your faith rather than your faith. The promise of God standeth sure, He IS our surety. His oath and promise never fail.

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