by HARVEYOPP | Dec 21, 2016 | Scott Henry
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
“Fear not” is a phrase found at least 63 times throughout the Scriptures. God said to Abraham in Genesis 15:1, “Fear not.” The Angel of God said to Sarah’s runaway handmaiden, Hagar, “Fear not!” The Lord said to Joshua, “Fear not, neither be dismayed” (Joshua 8:1). “Fear not” was God’s command to Gideon in Judges 16:23. Eight times the Lord told Israel through the prophet Isaiah, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10). “Fear not” was David’s godly counsel to his son Solomon (1 Chron. 28:20). “Fear not” was the angel Gabriel’s words to Daniel (Dan. 10:12). When announcing the birth of John the Baptizer, the angel Gabriel said to Zacharias, “Fear not!” Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 12:32, “Fear not little flock.” And the angel Gabriel comforted the virgin Mary by saying, “Fear not, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30).
But how can we learn to heed the words of our Lord, “Fear not”? With so much violence, sickness, disease, cancer, tribulation, death, and heartache just around the corner from each of us, how can our heart be established in peace? The key is found in the words of Psalm 23:4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” How did the Psalmist overcome fear when he went through the valley of the shadow of death? Did you see the psalmist’s remedy against fear? Five key words: “For You are with me.” Dwell upon those words when fear grips your soul, and remember the promise of God: “For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Heb. 13:5-6).
Meditate on the truth that the Lord is always with His people, “even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20) and you will sing the words of Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” After all, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
by HARVEYOPP | Nov 1, 2016 | Scott Henry
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18
The Bible gives us a multitude of reasons to be thankful to God. In the Psalms, we learn that we give thanks to the Lord for He is good. The psalmist also declares that we ought to give thanks to God because His mercy endures forever. Moses wrote in Exodus 20:6 that God shows “mercy to thousands of generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.” Another reason we give thanks to God is because He is the sovereign Ruler of heaven and earth who provides for His people. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:17 that God “gives us richly all things to enjoy.” And David wrote in Psalm 37:23-26, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed.”
The psalmist gives thanks to the Lord because He redeemed his life from the pit, and because every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights (James 1:17); “Who keeps truth forever, executes justice, shows mercy, gives food to the hungry, freedom to the prisoners, opens the eyes of the blind, raises those who are bowed down, and loves the righteous” (Psalm 146:6-8). The Bible has a myriad of things for which we ought to give thanks to the Lord, and so the Apostle Paul simply says in 1 Thess. 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Did you notice the all-inclusive words in our text? “In everything give thanks.” There are many favorable circumstances that happen in each of our lives for which giving thanks to God is altogether appropriate, and rather easy to do. But what about the times when things are not so pleasant? Are you willing to give God thanks when in His good providence pain, suffering, hurt, turmoil, or death touches your life? How then do you respond to God? Are you one who seeks the blessings or the Giver of all blessings? The Apostle Paul says in our text that we are to give thanks to Almighty God in EVERY THING!
We may not be able to understand every little detail God is doing in our life, or why He has done certain things the way He has, but we do know from Scripture that He has promised to work all things together for His glory and our eternal good (Rom. 8:28), and that He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5). This should make us thankful to God in all things, even the evil that He sends upon us in this troubled life. If we truly believe God causes all things to work together for His glory and our eternal good, then we can be thankful no matter what situation we may find ourselves.
We must look to the end result of what God is doing and the word of Scripture to us is simply that we must trust our heavenly Father even though we may not understand what He is doing. As we read in Hebrews 11:8: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” And He did so, even as Sarah regarding the birth of Isaac, because he “judged Him faithful who had promised” (Heb. 11:11). Walking by faith in the promises of God enables the child of God to be thankful to the LORD in every circumstance. Take time today to praise His holy name!
by HARVEYOPP | Aug 9, 2016 | Scott Henry
“Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age…” (Galatians 1:3-4).
“Grace and peace” are two of the most precious words found in the Bible. And these two words logically flow from the Gospel, which the Apostle Paul says in Galatians 1:11-12 “…is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Grace is what changes our relationship with God. Grace moves the redeemed sinner out of the spiritual sphere of darkness, death, rebellion, and curse in Adam, and into the spiritual realm of light, life, righteousness, and blessing in Jesus Christ. As we read in Ephesians 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”
Grace sums up everything that makes it possible to be in a saving relationship with God. And true grace and peace can only come from God since grace implies that all men are dead in trespasses and sins, and nothing can possibly make us acceptable to a holy God but His mercy, which comes only by way of grace through the cross of Jesus Christ. Grace is not a thing; it’s not a substance that can be measured or a commodity to be distributed. It is “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 13:14). In other words, grace is Jesus Himself. He is God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, goodness, righteousness, and reconciliation. Jesus Christ is “the grace of God that brings salvation which has appeared unto all men” (Titus 2:11). Christ is God’s saving grace given to save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21).
The only reason any sinner is saved from the guilt, penalty, and consequences of their sin is Jesus Christ. Because God is gracious, loving, and merciful, He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into this world to take upon Himself the nature of man and “give himself for our sins.” Jesus was well pleased to obey His Father by laying down His life in order to redeem sinners and “deliver them from this present evil age.” And this Gospel is something fallen, unregenerate man stumbles over and considers foolishness. “But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24).
Have you received the grace of God? Has Christ translated you out of the spiritual sphere of darkness into the sphere of His marvelous light? If so, your words and works will be very different from the unbelieving world. You will think differently and consequently you will live differently since out of the heart are the issues of life. When your heart is cleansed your life will follow. Jesus said when the inside of the cup and dish is clean then the outside will become clean also (Matt. 23:26). So, I say it once again, has the grace of God transformed your soul? If so, praise God today for His wondrous grace in Christ Jesus! If not, run to Jesus, He is mighty to save all who come to Him by faith.
by HARVEYOPP | Aug 2, 2016 | JONATHAN EDWARDS
Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.
- Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
- Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the forementioned things.
- Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
- Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
- Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
- Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
- Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
- Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. Vid. July 30, [1723].
- Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
- Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
- Resolved, when I think of any1 theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don’t hinder.
- Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
- Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
- Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
- Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
- Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
- Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
- Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
- Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
- Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
- Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
- Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself (as much happiness, in the other world,) as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
- Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
- Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
- Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
- Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
- Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
- Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
- Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.
- Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
- Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the Golden Rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
- Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Proverbs 20:6, “A faithful man who can find?” may not be partly fulfilled in me.
- Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining and establishing peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects.
- Resolved, in narrations never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.
- Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved.
- Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it.
- Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year.
- Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous,3 or matter of laughter on the Lord’s day.
- Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no: except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
- Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking.
- Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.
- Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this 12th day of January, 1722—23.
- Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were anyway my own, but entirely and altogether God’s, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, Jan. 12., 1723.
- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan. 12, 1723.
- Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12 and 13, 1723.
- Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.
- Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. [Sabbath morning, May 5, 1723.]
- Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of.
- Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
- Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.
- Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.
- I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.
- Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
- Whenever I hear anything spoken in commendation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, resolved to endeavor to imitate it. [July 8, 1723.]
- Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. [July 8, 1723.]
- Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
- Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. [June 9 and July 13, 1723.]
- Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May 27 and July 13, 1723.
- Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill-nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 11, and July 13.
- Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4 and 13, 1723.
- Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it–that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21 and July 13, 1723.
- Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Ephesians 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully “as unto the Lord, and not to man; knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.” June 25 and July 13, 1723.
- On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan. 14 and July 13, 1723.
- Resolved, when I find those “groanings which cannot be uttered,” of which the Apostle speaks [Romans 8:26], and those “breakings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalms 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be weary of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23 and Aug. 10, 1723.]]
- Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and everything, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton’s 27th sermon on the 119th Psalm.5 [[July 26 and Aug. 10, 1723.
- Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
- Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.
- Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23 and Aug. 10, 1723.
- Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.
- Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723.
by HARVEYOPP | Aug 2, 2016 | CH Spurgeon
“…In their distress earnestly seek me.” — Hosea 5:15
Losses and adversities are frequently the means that the Great Shepherd uses to bring home His wandering sheep; like fierce dogs they worry the wanderers back to the fold. Well-fed lions defy our attempts to tame them; they must be brought down from their great strength, and their stomachs must be lowered, and then they will submit to the tamer’s hand. How often have we seen the Christian rendered obedient to the Lord’s will by the absence of bread and the presence of difficulty. When rich and increased in goods, many professors carry their heads much too loftily and speak exceeding boastfully. Like David, they flatter themselves: “My mountain stands firm; I shall never be moved.” (Psalm 30:6-7)
When the Christian grows wealthy, is in good repute, or has good health and a happy family, he too often admits Mr. Carnal-Security to feast at his table, and then if he is a true child of God there is a rod preparing for him. Wait awhile, and perhaps you will see his substance melt away as a dream. There goes a portion of his estate—how soon the acres change hands. That debt, that dishonored bill—how fast his losses roll in; where will they end? It is a blessed sign of divine life if, when these embarrassments occur one after another, he begins to be distressed about his backslidings and turns afresh to God. Blessed are the waves that wash the mariner upon the rock of salvation!
Losses in business are often sanctified to our soul’s enriching. If the chosen soul will not come to the Lord full-handed, it shall come empty. If God, in His grace, finds no other means of making us honor Him among men, He will cast us into the deep; if we fail to honor Him on the pinnacle of riches, He will bring us into the valley of poverty. Yet do not faint, heir of sorrow, when you are rebuked in this fashion; rather, recognize the loving hand that chastens and say, “I will arise and go to my Father.” (Luke 15:18)
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