By James Smith
Showing posts with label trials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trials. Show all posts
22 August, 2014
The Hiding Place
Sometimes dangerous errors,
He will hide us from . . .
Hail, sovereign love which first began,
Against the God who rules the sky,
Enwrapt in thick Egyptian night,
But thus the eternal counsel ran:
Indignant Justice stood in view;
E'er long, a heavenly voice I heard,
Should sevenfold storms of thunder roll,
On Him almighty vengeance fell,
A few more rolling suns at most,
04 July, 2014
When You Are Hemmed In On Every Sides By Life Circumstances!
You know, my life seems to be an
endless invitation for hardships to come and surround me. For some reasons I am
constantly facing hopeless circumstances. Often I feel like I am hemmed in by
God on all sides. I guarantee you that I
do not go out of my ways to get in trouble with God. If I want to be honest with
all of you, I would have to confess that sometimes I ask myself if Christianity
is all in my imagination because my heart, common sense, and wisdom cannot
comprehend how is it, a God that is called a “God of love” would allow so much
to come into one’s life and for so long. So, the only logical conclusion is “the
whole Christianity thing is a hoax”
But, I thank my God that those
moments when my strength fails to carry me through, I can find refuge and
comfort in knowing:
1)
He
will carry me through
2)
My
common sense and finite understanding will never take me to the heights He has
in mind for me.
3)
Christianity
is truly a sacrificial life to the highest degree.
4)
Because
I am not privy to God’s higher purpose, my part in all this is to endure my lot
with my mouth shut and my heart opened wide to take it in, according to His
will.
5)
Christ
never misled His true followers and never promised a bed of roses down here on
earth.
6)
For
all I know, my endurance of it all could be something between God and Satan,
like in Job’s situation. So, not trusting Him all the way, no matter how
painful and lengthy of a process I am in, could be causing God to lose face vis
a vis Satan.
7)
Through
watching my painful life unfolding, I can see God’s hand on me, taking me back
to the God that I know, the invisible God that I have seen with my heart and
soul. He does that to reassure my soul and alleviate the pain. So, today, the Spirit
told me “have you noticed how life got more difficult for Jesus? Think about His pain to leave heaven behind! The
pain of being dependent on earthly parents to care for Him as in infant! The
humiliation of being obedient as a child and earthly parents! Think about what
it must have been like for Him living over thirty years in obscurity amongst his
brothers and sisters in His households!”
Then, the
Spirit continued by saying “think about how bad and painful things got for Him
when He reached the culminating point of His ministry, did things get easier? No,
because every day was a test, a trial, opportunity for more shame, more
persecution, less acceptance of Him and who He was in me? ‘WHY SHOULD YOUR LIFE BE DIFFERENT?’”
I also learned something else. Often
times when we are going through hardships and life is tossing us like a ping
pong ball, it is hard to put our hands on who to grab onto through the Bible’s
heroes. If you are like me, you try to find whether Paul life would do better
or Abraham, or David, or Joseph etc. But, the Spirit said to me the closer you
get to me and the deeper this life in me, the more you need to let go of your
role models and grab onto Christ.
Perhaps you are not like me and this
is my own weakness that God has to deal with. But I knew He had put His fingers
on one of my weaknesses that needed to change. This weakness of mine is that I
am constantly seeking to model myself after one of those heroes of the Bible
like Abraham, David, the Apostles etc. I am always trying to find out how one
of them would handle the situation that I am in, so that I can walk with God. Understand
that I aim to please Him. But, secretly in my heart, I am hoping that He would
apply their timeline to my hardship so that I could see an end to it. I also
try to convince myself why my timeline should be much less, because I am not in
their league. Cultivating this kind of frame of mind causes me to always expect
to be free as soon as possible, because I put in my time.
God made it clear to me that it was
not up to me to hang onto those heroes and expect the outcome to turn good for
me, like He did for them. i.e, everything was restored to Job, David received
his crown, Joseph got his days in the sun, etc. He basically told me that it
was not my business how and when He decide this awful life I have been living
most of my Christian life with Him.
He taught me, as you and I grow
spiritually, we reach a time where it is not enough to model after Paul or Joseph,
or Abraham. The only source of hope, faith, trust and the only one who can
write the ending of our circumstances, is Him and that should be sufficient for
me. “LOOK ONTO ME”
This lesson happened early this
morning as I woke up kind of nostalgic and with such a mood to meditate on Him before
I do anything else. So, I started reading my devotion books and I was surprised
to see Oswald Chamber’s devotion. I could not help smiling because I realized
once again His sense of humor and His way of making provision for the hour,
will always get me.
The lesson I learned today, even
though my situation seems desperate and painful, and even though I need God to
come to my rescue today, right now and even though He remains silent. I cannot
fret.
I FEEL LIKE I AM SITTING ON THE
TRAIN TRAC KS, THE TRAIN IS ONLY A FEW STEPS
AWAY FROM ME, AT FULL SPEED,YET GOD IS TELLING ME DON’T MOVE, TRUST ME, &
DO NOT FRET!
30 June, 2014
Christ in Suffering
Octavius Winslow, 1863
"Surely, I am with you always — even unto the end of the world!" Matthew 28:20
Christ is ever with you — in suffering. He Himself was a sufferer. Oh, suffering never looked so lovely, martyrdom never wore a crown so resplendent — as when the Son of God bowed His head and drank the cup of woe for us! Himself a sufferer — is there a being in the universe who could take His place at your side in all the scenes of mental, spiritual, and bodily suffering through which your Heavenly Father leads you, comparable to Christ? What are your sufferings — contrasted with His? And what was there in the unparalleled greatness and intensity of His sufferings — to disqualify Him from entering with the warmest love and deepest sympathy into yours?
Suffering for His sake, or suffering His will — He is with you to sustain, to mitigate, to sanctify. It is given to you not only to believe — but also to suffer for Christ. Removed from the active sphere of your Christianity — the sphere and the service which, perhaps, you too fondly idolized — He has placed you in the school of passive endurance — a position the most irksome and trying to you. Look into the burning, fiery furnace of the three children of Israel: "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed — and the fourth looks like the Son of God!" (Daniel 3:25) So is Christ with you in suffering. You shall pass through the furnace — the flames only destroying your bonds and setting you free from some dominant sin, some potent spell, some slavish fear — bringing you more fully into the happy, holy, realization of your adoption, pardon, and acceptance of God. Treading that furnace at your side, controlling its flames, tempering its heat — is the same Son of God who trod it with them, and who says to you, "Surely, I am with you always!"
The blessed Savior is never more with His people than in suffering. He himself has been a sufferer, and He knows how to pity His people when they suffer; and if best for them — He can send them quick relief.
29 June, 2014
Christ in Adversities
Octavius Winslow, 1863
"Surely, I am with you always — even unto the end of the world!" Matthew 28:20
In the temporal calamities and adversities of this life, in the vicissitudes of commerce, in the pressure of poverty — it is equally our privilege to plead in prayer and faith, this appropriate and precious promise of the Savior, and invoke His interposition, support, and aid.
Our Lord, when on earth, never showed Himself indifferent to the temporal necessities of man. We read that He had compassion on the multitude, because they had nothing to eat; and in the exercise of His sympathy, and in the interposition of His power — fed thousands with bread. He is still the same today.
Have your commercial transactions met with a reverse? Are you actually under the pressure of poverty — your wife and your little ones crying for bread? Go in prayer, my brother, and plead in childlike faith this gracious promise of Jesus, "Surely, I am with you always," and you shall not plead in vain.
Ah, yes! He has sent, He has permitted this calamity but to show you how near He is to you, how He will, as of old, tenderly compassionate your need, and then, in the boundlessness of His divine resources, abundantly supply it. See Christ, and Christ alone — in your present distress. Bow uncomplainingly, cheerfully, to His will. Lean confidingly, unwaveringly upon His arm. Trust His goodness, faithfulness, and power. And, oh, if this temporal calamity, this worldly sorrow — but draws your soul to Christ; if now you are aroused to prayer, and are led to turn to God, to seek spiritual blessing, the "bread of life," without which you perish, the "true riches" of grace on earth and of glory in heaven — then through eternity you will praise the Savior for the overwhelming calamity which saved your soul, as by fire.
Turn now, amid crushed hopes, wrecked fortune, the biting and the cries of poverty — to Him whose providence can cause the barrel of meal and the cruse of oil not utterly to fail, and whose grace can so sanctify your affliction and chasten your sorrow — as to make this present adversity the sweetest, holiest, costliest blessing of your life.
Yes! Christ is with you always — all your days! He is with you in the inexperience and temptations of your youth — to counsel and keep you! He is with you in the cares and anxieties of manhood — to sustain and soothe you! He is with you the feebleness, infirmity, and loneliness of old age — to be your staff and comfort. Christ is ever with you in widowhood — to vindicate your nights and cheer your desolation! He is with you in your lonely orphanage — to be to you as a father and a friend! He is with you in all the adversities and vicissitudes of life, its changing scenes and dying friends!
In the total absence of the kind sympathy for which you yearn, the affection for which you pant, the counsel and protection which you need — Christ will in your experience make good to the letter, His precious promise, "Surely, I am with you always!" Oh! to have His presence with you in these circumstances, you can well afford to part with all others.
You are perhaps anticipating a trial, and, like the disciples in the transfiguration — you fear as you enter into the cloud, the portentous shadow of which is darkening and closing around you. But how groundless were their fears! and equally so are yours. Christ was with them in the cloud, and a Father's voice issued from its bosom. Never were they more honored, or more safe. The same Christ, the same almighty, loving Friend — is with you in the cloud which now you so much dread. Oh, trust your trembling soul to Him!
Is it the heart's wrench you fear? Is it mental despondency you dread? Is it bodily suffering from which you shrink? Is it temporal loss you anticipate? "I am with you always!" is the soothing, assuring promise with which Jesus would have you meet it. He will strengthen, sustain, soothe, and comfort you — with His blissful presence at the moment of the trial. Trust Him now! He never yet belied Himself, never broke this precious promise in a solitary instance.
"As your day — so shall your strength be." "As your day!" His presence will dissipate the gloom, quell the fear, hush the murmur, deaden the suffering; and, thus encircled by His arms — He will bear you through it, to the eternal praise and glory of His name!
In all our distresses and adversities — Christ is ever with us. Friend of sinners! Lord of saints! my trembling spirit shrinks; I fear as I enter into this cloud! Be sensibly near me. Let me feel Your hand, hear Your voice, realize Your presence — then shall I fear no evil, for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff will support and comfort me. "Surely, I am with you; I will be with you. Fear not." Enough, my gracious Lord! I will now enter into the cloud; I will gird me for the trial, and, supported by Your grace and soothed by Your love — will glorify You in the fire!
24 June, 2014
Christ in Sickness
"Surely, I am with you always — even unto the end of the world!" Matthew 28:20
Octavius Winslow, 1863
Christ is ever with you — in sickness. There are some trials which in an especial manner bring Christ near to us. There is a secret in all sorrow — there is a deep secret in sickness. To whom can the sufferer confide it? The disease, perhaps, perplexes the judgment or baffles the skill of the physician.
The nervous irritability, the mental sensitiveness, the extreme weakness, the acute agony which renders the sound of the gentlest footfall too powerful for the frame — may be but little understood by the most considerate, tender watchers at your side. They, perhaps — but little know what heroic fortitude, what patient endurance of spirit — lie concealed beneath all this uncomplaining suffering, what an incessant conflict is waging, and by what a superhuman struggle — the mastery is obtained of the mind over the body, and of God's grace over both.
How difficult it is to suppress irritation, and how hard to express gratitude, when even the smile of love and the tear of compassion can awaken no responsive feeling — where all is pain, uneasiness, and despondency!
But Christ is ever with you in your sickness! You may not always be sensible of it. Your physical infirmities may absorb all thought and consciousness, but that of suffering and languor, depriving you of the sensible enjoyment of the Lords presence. Notwithstanding, He is at your side, watching you with sleepless love, supporting with His own grace — the spiritual depression of your soul; and mitigating with His own power — the anguish of your bodily sufferings.
Think of the human and tender considerateness of Christ! He knows your frame, and remembers that you are dust, and does not exact and expect from you, more than you are capable of experiencing. Blessed sickness — that leads the mind more fully into the conscious presence of Christ — that pillows the restless head upon His changeless love — that realizes the encircling of His omnipotent arm beneath the sinking frame — that attunes the discordant will into sweeter and more perfect harmony with His — that gently molds the soul to His own meek and patient spirit! Oh, holy lessons, precious truths, costly blessings — learned and experienced on a bed of sickness and of suffering! And were this the only blessing — the clinging, soothing, sustaining presence of Christ with the sick one He loves, it were enough.
18 December, 2013
Treasures from James Smith (A collection of choice quotes from his works) - Part 4
He may be on earth at noon — but in Hell at night!
"They walk on in darkness!" Psalm 82:5
The minds of sinners make progress — but it is in the wrong path! They started wrong. They will not believe that they are wrong. Therefore they walk on to their own destruction. It is a painful sight to see thousands, and tens of thousands of travelers, passing through this world — and all going wrong! Every step they take, leaves us less hope — and gives the Prince of darkness more power over them. In temporal things — they see clearly enough; but in spiritual things — they are stone-blind! "They walk on in darkness."
Darkness is the emblem of IGNORANCE. They are ignorant . . .
of their true state before God,
of the character of the God who made them,
of the just desert of sin,
of the only Savior who can deliver them,
of the way of escape opened up before them,
and of the dreadful doom that awaits them!
They walk on in ignorance! If they were not so ignorant — they would surely fly to the Lord Jesus to save them.
Darkness is also the emblem of SIN. They live . . .
in the violation of God's holy law,
neglecting Christ's gracious gospel, and
making SELF the end of their existence.
They live to themselves,
they live for themselves,
they neglect God's requirements,
they despise His invitations,
they turn their backs on His throne of grace,
they treat His Book with contempt,
they waste their time in idleness and folly
— and yet talk as if they expected that He would have mercy upon them at last! They walk on in sin — and yet hope to arrive in Heaven at last!
Darkness represents DANGER. These people are in imminent danger! Disease may arrest them at any hour! Death may remove them out of this world at any moment!
Disease introduces death,
death ushers into the presence of God,
and God dooms the careless sinner to Hell!
He may be in health in the morning — but a corpse at noon!
He may be on earth at noon — but in Hell at night!
He walks upon snares. He is surrounded by the officers of justice. He may be seized any moment. Once seized . . .
hope departs,
despair approaches, and
outer darkness closes up the scene!
And yet they walk on in thoughtlessness! They . . .
fool away their time,
neglect their opportunities of escape,
disregard the warning voice, and
perish in their own deceivings!
Beast-like — they have no concern for any of these things. They say they shall not be worse off than others — as if it were any relief to be no worse than others, where all are in misery, agony and endless woe! Not worse off than others! Yes, they will — for it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for them. Not worse off than others! Indeed they will — for the men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment and condemn them. Not worse off than others! This is a mistake — for careless, indifferent, Christ-rejecting sinners, "will receive the greater damnation!"
"They walk on in darkness," but if they persevere in doing so — then how fearful will their end be. It will be . . .
misery without mercy,
darkness without light,
despair without prospect of deliverance —
and all the result of a willful determination to "walk on in darkness!"
~ ~ ~ ~
It is difficult to say which is the more astonishing!
"You are my portion, O Lord!" Psalm 119:57
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!" Psalm 73:26
It is difficult to say which is the more astonishing:
that God should be our portion, or
that He should take us to be His portion!
"The Lord's portion is His people!" Deuteronomy 32:9
"Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine!" Isaiah 43:1
~ ~ ~ ~
The poor Christian!
"Hearken, my beloved brethren, has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him?" James 2:5
Poverty is not spirituality — but sanctified poverty is a great friend to it.
Poverty is no sin — but it is sometimes a preventive to sin.
Poverty has its temptations — but it has also its consolations.
The poor ought not to repine at poverty — because God in His infinite wisdom has appointed it, and is able to render it the greatest blessing. God's chosen are generally found among the poor. Not that He chose them because they were poor; but choosing them in Christ — He appointed poverty as the best thing for them.
God's enemies have their full portion in this life — here, they have their good things. Not so with God's children! Here on earth, they have their evil things — and their best things are yet to come!
The poor Christian has . . .
a rich Father in whom to trust;
the fullness of Jesus to supply him;
the precious promises on which to depend;
the Holy Spirit to be his Comforter; and a
glorious inheritance to anticipate and forever dwell in!
All Christians are "heirs of the kingdom" —
the kingdom of grace here — and of glory hereafter;
the kingdom in which Jesus will reign;
the kingdom where they will be princes — yes, kings and priests;
the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world!
My poor brother — my poor sister! Look up! Look forward!
Your cottage will soon be exchanged for a mansion!
Your sickness will soon be exchanged for health!
Your poverty will soon be exchanged for wealth!
Your sin will soon be exchanged for perfect holiness!
Your earth will soon be exchanged for Heaven!
You will not always be poor! You will not be poor for long. Jesus will soon come — and then you will reign with Him!
For you — an inheritance is reserved in Heaven!
For you — a mansion is being prepared!
For you — glory, honor, immortality, even eternal life, are in reserve!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Suffering Christian!
"God will wipe every tear from their eyes! There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!" Revelation 21:4
How much pain many of the Lord's people are called to suffer — and how severe that pain often is! There are times when pain is hard to bear — when our spirits are exhausted and we are sorely tempted to doubt the pity and tender love of our Heavenly Father. Then it is sweet to look forward to the place, and anticipate the time — when God will wipe every tear from our eyes — and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!
Suffering Christian! Your pain will soon end — and your sufferings will soon be over! Jesus will come and fetch you from your bed of pain, your chamber of affliction, and yourhouse of mourning! Absent from the body — you will be present with the Lord!
Seek grace from the Lord to suffer patiently. There is an end of every pain — and soon you will bless the Lord for the very pains which now cause you to sigh and groan! The songs of Heaven will be sweetened by the groans of earth; and the pleasures of eternity will be heightened by the pains of time!
Every pain endured — leaves one less pain to suffer. And every hour that passes — brings us one hour nearer to the time when the ransomed of the Lord shall leave behind this land of darkness and death, and go home to their Father's house with everlasting joy, while sorrow and sighing shall forever flee away!
"You will weep no more!" Isaiah 30:19
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All that we can need for life or death, time or eternity!
"There is no lack to those who fear Him!" Psalm 34:9
They are not truly wealthy — who appear to be so — or who boast of being so.
The lost sinner must be poor. He has . . .
no God to comfort him;
no Savior to deliver him;
no Guide to conduct him;
no Advocate to plead for him;
no inward peace to support him;
no title to Heaven to encourage him.
He is poor. He is in need. He will need . . .
confidence and comfort in death;
a wedding garment, in which to appear before God;
and a comfortable home throughout eternity!
Every lost sinner is indeed poor. His resources will soon be exhausted, and he will find himself "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked!" He may have the appearance of prosperity — but not the reality. True riches belong to another family.
The Lord's people all fear Him; that is, they fear to offend Him, and desire above all things to please Him. And though they may appear poor — they are really rich! God has provided all good things for them — and He gives all good things to them.
They have a solid peace, flowing from a knowledge of acceptance with God, through the blood of Jesus.
They have a joyful hope, which blooms with immortality.
They are assured of strength equal to their day; and of sanctifying grace to make all their troubles work for their good.
They are content with God's wise and holy appointments; and godliness with contentment is a good fortune.
They acquiesce in the will of God; and are often filled with joy which flows from His presence.
They obtain victory over the temptations which would ensnare them.
They live above the world, which would allure and beguile them.
They are sure of support in death.
They look forward to a joyful resurrection.
They rightly anticipate Heaven as their portion forever!
There is no lack to them, for all that they can truly need, is promised — and every promise is confirmed by the blood of Jesus!
Jehovah is theirs — along with all that He is, and has!
His power is their support!
His wisdom is their guide!
His fullness is their fortune!
His mercy is their friend!
His love is their Heaven.
"Happy are the people who are in such a case!" All the Lord's people are really in this case — and therefore they are all happy!
Just think of having Almighty God for your present, constant, eternal Friend!
Think of having the wealth of Deity to supply and satisfy you!
And if you sincerely fear God — then this is the reality of your case! No truth is more clearly revealed in Scripture. No subject is more rich with consolation!
Strength may be exhausted,
health may decline,
courage may fail,
riches may flee,
friends may forsake,
enemies may increase,
all circumstances may change for the worse — but
"those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing!"
Sweet promise of a faithful God!
Here, pilgrim, is your staff — take it and travel home!
Here, saint, is your cordial — drink and forget your misery!
Here, believer, is your fortune — take it and live upon it, while a resident here below.
Here, fearful soul, is your antidote — use it to dispel your fears and cheer your fainting heart!
"The young lions may lack food and go hungry — but there is no lack to those who fear Him!"
Here is wealth! Here is comfort!
Here is all that we can need for life or death, time or eternity!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A remedy for heart trouble!
"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God — believe also in Me!" John 14:1
We often trouble ourselves. We often allow our hearts to be tossed about like the waves of the sea, without any real cause. Our Savior forbids it. He forbids it in tender love. He forbids it because it is injurious. It lays us open to temptations, and fosters unbelief and anxiety. Our Lord would have us be calm, patient, and composed; therefore He says, "Let not your heart be troubled!"
He prescribes a remedy for heart trouble, or inward anxiety:
1. "Believe in God." Believe in God as your Father — as loving you, acting for you, and rejoicing in your welfare. See Him . . .
ordering all events with consummate wisdom;
overruling all with infinite skill; and
sanctifying all to your welfare, by His sovereign grace.
There is no room for 'chance' — for His government is perfect.
There can be no unkindness — for His love is infinite.
All will be directed right — for He personally superintends every detail in the universe!
The floating of the atom,
the rolling of the sea, and
all the movements of every mind —
are alike under His control and direction!
"He works all things after the counsel of His own will."
2. "Believe also in Me!" Believe. . .
that I sympathize with you;
that I feel the deepest interest in your welfare;
that I never withdraw my eye or heart from you for one moment;
that I will support you in every place, and under every trial;
that My arm shall be stretched out for you to lean upon, as you come up out of the wilderness of this world;
that I will save you to the uttermost;
that I will show you a brother's love;
that I will stand by you as a firm friend in every distress;
that I will overturn all the designs of your foes against you.
Remember Jesus, that Jesus who . . .
lived for you,
labored for you,
suffered for you,
died for you,
rose for you, and
is now in Heaven pleading for you —
says, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God — believe also in Me!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Open wide your mouth — and I will fill it!
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth — and I will fill it!" Psalm 81:10
Our great privilege is to have God for our God:
to know Him,
to love Him,
to adore Him,
and to trust in Him.
If God is ours — then all must be well. If God has delivered us from . . .
the Egypt of this world,
the power of sin, and
the tyranny of Satan —
then He is our God indeed.
He says, "I am Jehovah — the compassionate God . . .
who sympathizes with My people in their sorrows,
who counts their tears,
who feels their groans, and
who records their prayers."
"I am Jehovah — the God of power . . .
who delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage;
whose strength is as infinite as My nature,
for whom nothing is too hard."
"I am Jehovah — the God of love . . .
whose resources are boundless,
whose pity is tender, and
who never fails or forsakes those who trust in Him."
"I am Jehovah — your God . . .
pledged to you by promise;
engaged for you by covenant;
and bound to you by oath!
As I am your God . . .
look to Me,
trust in Me,
expect from Me."
"Open your mouth wide!" That is, "Ask LARGELY — ask for great, numerous, and costly blessings! Do not be afraid of asking for too much!
My heart is large,
My love is great,
My wealth is unbounded!
Ask BOLDLY — do not be afraid — but come boldly to My throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ask FREQUENTLY — I am always ready to give! I am never weary of listening to your prayers. Come whenever you are in need — I rejoice to do you good. No parent ever delighted to give to a darling child — as I delight to give to you! Therefore ask and receive, that your joy may be full.
"Open your mouth wide — and I will fill it!" That is, "I have the very blessings which you need. They are from Me — they are for you! I have the disposition to give! Do not doubt My benevolence, for this grieves My heart. I give you My word, that I will bestow My favors upon you freely, plentifully, and frequently! My Word is plain — read it; it is faithful — trust it; it is honest — plead it; it is sure — expect the fulfillment of it. I will do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think!"
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth — and I will fill it!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Oh, how dreadful the thought — to go to Hell through the church of God!
"A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it — but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard: For three years now, I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree — and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil!" Luke 13:6-7
Let us look at Christ's figure a little:
A fig-tree — or a professor of the religion of Christ.
A fruitless fig-tree — or a barren, useless professor.
A fig-tree with leaves of profession — but not the fruit of holiness.
No place is as dangerous for an unconverted person — as the church of God! It is to be feared that many join the church before they are truly converted; and yet very, very few are ever converted after.
Once under a profession — God expects you to live up to that profession.
If you are planted in His vineyard — God expects you to bring forth fruit.
The owner of the vineyard comes and seeks fruit; He comes again, and again; and if He find none, He passes this solemn sentence, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil!"
Concerning every fruitless professor God says, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil! It drains the ground of its nourishment, for no good purpose. Labor is but lost upon it; expectation is disappointed by it; therefore, Cut it down! My patience and forbearance are worn out; I have come three years seeking fruit — and find none; so, Cut it down!"
It is a fearful sentence! God gives the command to some disease — He says, "Go, cut that barren professor down!" He sendsdeath, like the woodsman with his sharpened axe — at length he strikes the fatal blow; and then the fruitless professor falls!
This command of God is fearful — it is full of terror — it includes utter destruction!
This command is irresistible — we cannot evade it — we cannot brave it out — the boldest heart fails — the strongest body yields to God's "Cut it down!"
This command is final! There is all that is dreadful wrapped up in it — even a certain, fearful expectation of God's judgment, and the raging fire that will consume His enemies!
The fruitless professor is to be cut down and committed to the eternal flames of Hell!
Here is wrath — fearful wrath!
Here is justice — inflexible justice!
Here is vengeance — the vengeance of an infinite God!
O fruitless professor. . .
Consider!
Fear!
Tremble!
Repent!
God looks for fruit from every professor. He will certainly punish — if there is no fruit.
Fruitless professor — where will you be soon? The axe lies at your root, even now! The executioner is only awaiting the command!
Divine mercy will soon urge her last plea; the year of reprieve will soon expire — and then, "Cut it down!" is all that remains! Oh, how dreadful the thought — to go to Hell through the church of God! To profess that you are traveling to Heaven — when in reality you are going with the lost multitude to eternal perdition!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The worthless sinner's place!
"Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her!" Luke 10:42
We often manifest our folly in our choices — but Mary displayed her wisdom. She chose to sit at the feet of Jesus as a humble learner — she . . .
loved His person,
admired His preaching,
desired to learn His doctrine,
and above all to imbibe His spirit.
Her object was communion with Him — in which we become conformed unto His image. In her choice she revealed . . .
great spirituality of mind;
true wisdom and discernment;
attachment to her Lord and His doctrine;
deadness to the world and its vain formalities;
a concern for the present welfare of her own soul;
and a willingness to renounce all for Jesus.
Happy Mary! Honorable woman! May you be my pattern! Your choice was wise; your part was a worthy portion; and your example is held up for our imitation!
At the feet of Jesus we are safe — no enemy can overcome us there!
At the feet of Jesus we are holy — no sin can gain dominion there!
At the feet of Jesus we are happy — no trouble can be too much for us there!
My soul, choose Mary's place — and Mary's portion.
There is a place at the feet of Jesus for you!
Your sin is no obstacle in the way — for Jesus will pardon that!
Your unworthiness is no barrier — for it is the worthless sinner's place!
Oh, take your place at His feet now!
Listen to His sweet voice,
receive His holy doctrines,
taste His precious love,
rest your soul on His atoning blood —
and Heaven will immediately begin in your soul!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
God's sweetest attribute!
Men are deficient in mercy — but God, our God in Jesus, will display the greatest kindness and compassion to His children. This renders Him so amiable, suitable, and glorious in the estimation of His people. Mercy is God's sweetest attribute . . .
as beautiful as the morning light,
as measureless as the waters of the ocean,
as boundless as illimitable space,
as refreshing as the early dew,
as glorious as the noon-day sun!
God's mercy is like His nature — pure, lovely, and eternal. His mercy is suited to all the needs of His children — it is free, full, and meets every case! Christian, the Lord assures you that He has mercy for you!
He has pardoning mercy — which will suit your sinfulness; mercy which will blot out your sins, and remove them from you as far as the east is from the west!
He has delivering mercy — which will meet your misery; mercy which will deliver you from . . .
the power of sin,
the bondage of Satan,
the curse of the law,
the fear of death,
the terrors of judgment, and
all the soul-troubles which may fall upon you on earth!
His mercy is tender mercy — which will suit the sickness of your soul. He will sympathize with you, pity you, and manifest the greatest forbearance and love. His mercy is so tender, that it will not break the bruised reed, or quench the smoking flax. It will . . .
encourage the weak desire,
fan the feeble spark into a flame,
and take the will for the deed.
His mercy is supplying mercy — to meet your needs and defects. It will supply all your needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Whether your needs are temporal or spiritual — He will supply you. He will give you both grace and glory; and no good thing will He withhold from you, if you walk uprightly.
It is also sanctifying mercy — to suit your impurity. It will wash you in the laver of the Word, and in the fountain of a Savior's blood. It will teach you to wash your robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It will sanctify your troubles, and make all things work together for your good.
It is rescuing mercy, which will appear for you, and deliver you from all the dangers which may line your way — and at last present you faultless before the throne of God!
In a word — God's mercy will meet every case, circumstance, and condition in which it is possible for you to be placed!
Reader, let me exhort you to dwell much on this excellent attribute of your God. Meditate on God as all-merciful and all-sufficient for our every state!
"They walk on in darkness!" Psalm 82:5
The minds of sinners make progress — but it is in the wrong path! They started wrong. They will not believe that they are wrong. Therefore they walk on to their own destruction. It is a painful sight to see thousands, and tens of thousands of travelers, passing through this world — and all going wrong! Every step they take, leaves us less hope — and gives the Prince of darkness more power over them. In temporal things — they see clearly enough; but in spiritual things — they are stone-blind! "They walk on in darkness."
Darkness is the emblem of IGNORANCE. They are ignorant . . .
of their true state before God,
of the character of the God who made them,
of the just desert of sin,
of the only Savior who can deliver them,
of the way of escape opened up before them,
and of the dreadful doom that awaits them!
They walk on in ignorance! If they were not so ignorant — they would surely fly to the Lord Jesus to save them.
Darkness is also the emblem of SIN. They live . . .
in the violation of God's holy law,
neglecting Christ's gracious gospel, and
making SELF the end of their existence.
They live to themselves,
they live for themselves,
they neglect God's requirements,
they despise His invitations,
they turn their backs on His throne of grace,
they treat His Book with contempt,
they waste their time in idleness and folly
— and yet talk as if they expected that He would have mercy upon them at last! They walk on in sin — and yet hope to arrive in Heaven at last!
Darkness represents DANGER. These people are in imminent danger! Disease may arrest them at any hour! Death may remove them out of this world at any moment!
Disease introduces death,
death ushers into the presence of God,
and God dooms the careless sinner to Hell!
He may be in health in the morning — but a corpse at noon!
He may be on earth at noon — but in Hell at night!
He walks upon snares. He is surrounded by the officers of justice. He may be seized any moment. Once seized . . .
hope departs,
despair approaches, and
outer darkness closes up the scene!
And yet they walk on in thoughtlessness! They . . .
fool away their time,
neglect their opportunities of escape,
disregard the warning voice, and
perish in their own deceivings!
Beast-like — they have no concern for any of these things. They say they shall not be worse off than others — as if it were any relief to be no worse than others, where all are in misery, agony and endless woe! Not worse off than others! Yes, they will — for it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for them. Not worse off than others! Indeed they will — for the men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment and condemn them. Not worse off than others! This is a mistake — for careless, indifferent, Christ-rejecting sinners, "will receive the greater damnation!"
"They walk on in darkness," but if they persevere in doing so — then how fearful will their end be. It will be . . .
misery without mercy,
darkness without light,
despair without prospect of deliverance —
and all the result of a willful determination to "walk on in darkness!"
~ ~ ~ ~
It is difficult to say which is the more astonishing!
"You are my portion, O Lord!" Psalm 119:57
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!" Psalm 73:26
It is difficult to say which is the more astonishing:
that God should be our portion, or
that He should take us to be His portion!
"The Lord's portion is His people!" Deuteronomy 32:9
"Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine!" Isaiah 43:1
~ ~ ~ ~
The poor Christian!
"Hearken, my beloved brethren, has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him?" James 2:5
Poverty is not spirituality — but sanctified poverty is a great friend to it.
Poverty is no sin — but it is sometimes a preventive to sin.
Poverty has its temptations — but it has also its consolations.
The poor ought not to repine at poverty — because God in His infinite wisdom has appointed it, and is able to render it the greatest blessing. God's chosen are generally found among the poor. Not that He chose them because they were poor; but choosing them in Christ — He appointed poverty as the best thing for them.
God's enemies have their full portion in this life — here, they have their good things. Not so with God's children! Here on earth, they have their evil things — and their best things are yet to come!
The poor Christian has . . .
a rich Father in whom to trust;
the fullness of Jesus to supply him;
the precious promises on which to depend;
the Holy Spirit to be his Comforter; and a
glorious inheritance to anticipate and forever dwell in!
All Christians are "heirs of the kingdom" —
the kingdom of grace here — and of glory hereafter;
the kingdom in which Jesus will reign;
the kingdom where they will be princes — yes, kings and priests;
the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world!
My poor brother — my poor sister! Look up! Look forward!
Your cottage will soon be exchanged for a mansion!
Your sickness will soon be exchanged for health!
Your poverty will soon be exchanged for wealth!
Your sin will soon be exchanged for perfect holiness!
Your earth will soon be exchanged for Heaven!
You will not always be poor! You will not be poor for long. Jesus will soon come — and then you will reign with Him!
For you — an inheritance is reserved in Heaven!
For you — a mansion is being prepared!
For you — glory, honor, immortality, even eternal life, are in reserve!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Suffering Christian!
"God will wipe every tear from their eyes! There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!" Revelation 21:4
How much pain many of the Lord's people are called to suffer — and how severe that pain often is! There are times when pain is hard to bear — when our spirits are exhausted and we are sorely tempted to doubt the pity and tender love of our Heavenly Father. Then it is sweet to look forward to the place, and anticipate the time — when God will wipe every tear from our eyes — and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!
Suffering Christian! Your pain will soon end — and your sufferings will soon be over! Jesus will come and fetch you from your bed of pain, your chamber of affliction, and yourhouse of mourning! Absent from the body — you will be present with the Lord!
Seek grace from the Lord to suffer patiently. There is an end of every pain — and soon you will bless the Lord for the very pains which now cause you to sigh and groan! The songs of Heaven will be sweetened by the groans of earth; and the pleasures of eternity will be heightened by the pains of time!
Every pain endured — leaves one less pain to suffer. And every hour that passes — brings us one hour nearer to the time when the ransomed of the Lord shall leave behind this land of darkness and death, and go home to their Father's house with everlasting joy, while sorrow and sighing shall forever flee away!
"You will weep no more!" Isaiah 30:19
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All that we can need for life or death, time or eternity!
"There is no lack to those who fear Him!" Psalm 34:9
They are not truly wealthy — who appear to be so — or who boast of being so.
The lost sinner must be poor. He has . . .
no God to comfort him;
no Savior to deliver him;
no Guide to conduct him;
no Advocate to plead for him;
no inward peace to support him;
no title to Heaven to encourage him.
He is poor. He is in need. He will need . . .
confidence and comfort in death;
a wedding garment, in which to appear before God;
and a comfortable home throughout eternity!
Every lost sinner is indeed poor. His resources will soon be exhausted, and he will find himself "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked!" He may have the appearance of prosperity — but not the reality. True riches belong to another family.
The Lord's people all fear Him; that is, they fear to offend Him, and desire above all things to please Him. And though they may appear poor — they are really rich! God has provided all good things for them — and He gives all good things to them.
They have a solid peace, flowing from a knowledge of acceptance with God, through the blood of Jesus.
They have a joyful hope, which blooms with immortality.
They are assured of strength equal to their day; and of sanctifying grace to make all their troubles work for their good.
They are content with God's wise and holy appointments; and godliness with contentment is a good fortune.
They acquiesce in the will of God; and are often filled with joy which flows from His presence.
They obtain victory over the temptations which would ensnare them.
They live above the world, which would allure and beguile them.
They are sure of support in death.
They look forward to a joyful resurrection.
They rightly anticipate Heaven as their portion forever!
There is no lack to them, for all that they can truly need, is promised — and every promise is confirmed by the blood of Jesus!
Jehovah is theirs — along with all that He is, and has!
His power is their support!
His wisdom is their guide!
His fullness is their fortune!
His mercy is their friend!
His love is their Heaven.
"Happy are the people who are in such a case!" All the Lord's people are really in this case — and therefore they are all happy!
Just think of having Almighty God for your present, constant, eternal Friend!
Think of having the wealth of Deity to supply and satisfy you!
And if you sincerely fear God — then this is the reality of your case! No truth is more clearly revealed in Scripture. No subject is more rich with consolation!
Strength may be exhausted,
health may decline,
courage may fail,
riches may flee,
friends may forsake,
enemies may increase,
all circumstances may change for the worse — but
"those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing!"
Sweet promise of a faithful God!
Here, pilgrim, is your staff — take it and travel home!
Here, saint, is your cordial — drink and forget your misery!
Here, believer, is your fortune — take it and live upon it, while a resident here below.
Here, fearful soul, is your antidote — use it to dispel your fears and cheer your fainting heart!
"The young lions may lack food and go hungry — but there is no lack to those who fear Him!"
Here is wealth! Here is comfort!
Here is all that we can need for life or death, time or eternity!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A remedy for heart trouble!
"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God — believe also in Me!" John 14:1
We often trouble ourselves. We often allow our hearts to be tossed about like the waves of the sea, without any real cause. Our Savior forbids it. He forbids it in tender love. He forbids it because it is injurious. It lays us open to temptations, and fosters unbelief and anxiety. Our Lord would have us be calm, patient, and composed; therefore He says, "Let not your heart be troubled!"
He prescribes a remedy for heart trouble, or inward anxiety:
1. "Believe in God." Believe in God as your Father — as loving you, acting for you, and rejoicing in your welfare. See Him . . .
ordering all events with consummate wisdom;
overruling all with infinite skill; and
sanctifying all to your welfare, by His sovereign grace.
There is no room for 'chance' — for His government is perfect.
There can be no unkindness — for His love is infinite.
All will be directed right — for He personally superintends every detail in the universe!
The floating of the atom,
the rolling of the sea, and
all the movements of every mind —
are alike under His control and direction!
"He works all things after the counsel of His own will."
2. "Believe also in Me!" Believe. . .
that I sympathize with you;
that I feel the deepest interest in your welfare;
that I never withdraw my eye or heart from you for one moment;
that I will support you in every place, and under every trial;
that My arm shall be stretched out for you to lean upon, as you come up out of the wilderness of this world;
that I will save you to the uttermost;
that I will show you a brother's love;
that I will stand by you as a firm friend in every distress;
that I will overturn all the designs of your foes against you.
Remember Jesus, that Jesus who . . .
lived for you,
labored for you,
suffered for you,
died for you,
rose for you, and
is now in Heaven pleading for you —
says, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God — believe also in Me!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Open wide your mouth — and I will fill it!
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth — and I will fill it!" Psalm 81:10
Our great privilege is to have God for our God:
to know Him,
to love Him,
to adore Him,
and to trust in Him.
If God is ours — then all must be well. If God has delivered us from . . .
the Egypt of this world,
the power of sin, and
the tyranny of Satan —
then He is our God indeed.
He says, "I am Jehovah — the compassionate God . . .
who sympathizes with My people in their sorrows,
who counts their tears,
who feels their groans, and
who records their prayers."
"I am Jehovah — the God of power . . .
who delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage;
whose strength is as infinite as My nature,
for whom nothing is too hard."
"I am Jehovah — the God of love . . .
whose resources are boundless,
whose pity is tender, and
who never fails or forsakes those who trust in Him."
"I am Jehovah — your God . . .
pledged to you by promise;
engaged for you by covenant;
and bound to you by oath!
As I am your God . . .
look to Me,
trust in Me,
expect from Me."
"Open your mouth wide!" That is, "Ask LARGELY — ask for great, numerous, and costly blessings! Do not be afraid of asking for too much!
My heart is large,
My love is great,
My wealth is unbounded!
Ask BOLDLY — do not be afraid — but come boldly to My throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ask FREQUENTLY — I am always ready to give! I am never weary of listening to your prayers. Come whenever you are in need — I rejoice to do you good. No parent ever delighted to give to a darling child — as I delight to give to you! Therefore ask and receive, that your joy may be full.
"Open your mouth wide — and I will fill it!" That is, "I have the very blessings which you need. They are from Me — they are for you! I have the disposition to give! Do not doubt My benevolence, for this grieves My heart. I give you My word, that I will bestow My favors upon you freely, plentifully, and frequently! My Word is plain — read it; it is faithful — trust it; it is honest — plead it; it is sure — expect the fulfillment of it. I will do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think!"
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth — and I will fill it!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Oh, how dreadful the thought — to go to Hell through the church of God!
"A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it — but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard: For three years now, I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree — and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil!" Luke 13:6-7
Let us look at Christ's figure a little:
A fig-tree — or a professor of the religion of Christ.
A fruitless fig-tree — or a barren, useless professor.
A fig-tree with leaves of profession — but not the fruit of holiness.
No place is as dangerous for an unconverted person — as the church of God! It is to be feared that many join the church before they are truly converted; and yet very, very few are ever converted after.
Once under a profession — God expects you to live up to that profession.
If you are planted in His vineyard — God expects you to bring forth fruit.
The owner of the vineyard comes and seeks fruit; He comes again, and again; and if He find none, He passes this solemn sentence, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil!"
Concerning every fruitless professor God says, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil! It drains the ground of its nourishment, for no good purpose. Labor is but lost upon it; expectation is disappointed by it; therefore, Cut it down! My patience and forbearance are worn out; I have come three years seeking fruit — and find none; so, Cut it down!"
It is a fearful sentence! God gives the command to some disease — He says, "Go, cut that barren professor down!" He sendsdeath, like the woodsman with his sharpened axe — at length he strikes the fatal blow; and then the fruitless professor falls!
This command of God is fearful — it is full of terror — it includes utter destruction!
This command is irresistible — we cannot evade it — we cannot brave it out — the boldest heart fails — the strongest body yields to God's "Cut it down!"
This command is final! There is all that is dreadful wrapped up in it — even a certain, fearful expectation of God's judgment, and the raging fire that will consume His enemies!
The fruitless professor is to be cut down and committed to the eternal flames of Hell!
Here is wrath — fearful wrath!
Here is justice — inflexible justice!
Here is vengeance — the vengeance of an infinite God!
O fruitless professor. . .
Consider!
Fear!
Tremble!
Repent!
God looks for fruit from every professor. He will certainly punish — if there is no fruit.
Fruitless professor — where will you be soon? The axe lies at your root, even now! The executioner is only awaiting the command!
Divine mercy will soon urge her last plea; the year of reprieve will soon expire — and then, "Cut it down!" is all that remains! Oh, how dreadful the thought — to go to Hell through the church of God! To profess that you are traveling to Heaven — when in reality you are going with the lost multitude to eternal perdition!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The worthless sinner's place!
"Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her!" Luke 10:42
We often manifest our folly in our choices — but Mary displayed her wisdom. She chose to sit at the feet of Jesus as a humble learner — she . . .
loved His person,
admired His preaching,
desired to learn His doctrine,
and above all to imbibe His spirit.
Her object was communion with Him — in which we become conformed unto His image. In her choice she revealed . . .
great spirituality of mind;
true wisdom and discernment;
attachment to her Lord and His doctrine;
deadness to the world and its vain formalities;
a concern for the present welfare of her own soul;
and a willingness to renounce all for Jesus.
Happy Mary! Honorable woman! May you be my pattern! Your choice was wise; your part was a worthy portion; and your example is held up for our imitation!
At the feet of Jesus we are safe — no enemy can overcome us there!
At the feet of Jesus we are holy — no sin can gain dominion there!
At the feet of Jesus we are happy — no trouble can be too much for us there!
My soul, choose Mary's place — and Mary's portion.
There is a place at the feet of Jesus for you!
Your sin is no obstacle in the way — for Jesus will pardon that!
Your unworthiness is no barrier — for it is the worthless sinner's place!
Oh, take your place at His feet now!
Listen to His sweet voice,
receive His holy doctrines,
taste His precious love,
rest your soul on His atoning blood —
and Heaven will immediately begin in your soul!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
God's sweetest attribute!
Men are deficient in mercy — but God, our God in Jesus, will display the greatest kindness and compassion to His children. This renders Him so amiable, suitable, and glorious in the estimation of His people. Mercy is God's sweetest attribute . . .
as beautiful as the morning light,
as measureless as the waters of the ocean,
as boundless as illimitable space,
as refreshing as the early dew,
as glorious as the noon-day sun!
God's mercy is like His nature — pure, lovely, and eternal. His mercy is suited to all the needs of His children — it is free, full, and meets every case! Christian, the Lord assures you that He has mercy for you!
He has pardoning mercy — which will suit your sinfulness; mercy which will blot out your sins, and remove them from you as far as the east is from the west!
He has delivering mercy — which will meet your misery; mercy which will deliver you from . . .
the power of sin,
the bondage of Satan,
the curse of the law,
the fear of death,
the terrors of judgment, and
all the soul-troubles which may fall upon you on earth!
His mercy is tender mercy — which will suit the sickness of your soul. He will sympathize with you, pity you, and manifest the greatest forbearance and love. His mercy is so tender, that it will not break the bruised reed, or quench the smoking flax. It will . . .
encourage the weak desire,
fan the feeble spark into a flame,
and take the will for the deed.
His mercy is supplying mercy — to meet your needs and defects. It will supply all your needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Whether your needs are temporal or spiritual — He will supply you. He will give you both grace and glory; and no good thing will He withhold from you, if you walk uprightly.
It is also sanctifying mercy — to suit your impurity. It will wash you in the laver of the Word, and in the fountain of a Savior's blood. It will teach you to wash your robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It will sanctify your troubles, and make all things work together for your good.
It is rescuing mercy, which will appear for you, and deliver you from all the dangers which may line your way — and at last present you faultless before the throne of God!
In a word — God's mercy will meet every case, circumstance, and condition in which it is possible for you to be placed!
Reader, let me exhort you to dwell much on this excellent attribute of your God. Meditate on God as all-merciful and all-sufficient for our every state!
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