“That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.” Ephesians 2:12 The Apostle here tells the Ephesians that in their natural state, before divinely quickened and made alive unto God, they were “without … Read more
“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 How shall we find the will of God acceptable? Only as we are renewed in the spirit of our mind, and are … Read more
“His bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob.” Genesis 49:24 Our ancestors, you know, were celebrated bowmen. Victories were won at Cressy and Agincourt by the English yeomanry, who were skilled in the use of the bow. Latimer says, in … Read more
“I am the Lord that healeth thee.” Exodus 15:26 How does God heal the diseases of his people? He heals them chiefly by subduing them; for in this life they are never thoroughly healed. The promise runs: “He will subdue our iniquities” (Micah 7:19). To subdue them is to restrain their power. Thus he sees … Read more
“I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 116:9 There is a distinction between walking before God and walking with God. To walk before God is to walk with an abiding sense of God’s eye being upon us; to walk with a desire to do those things which are pleasing … Read more
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13 Hope chiefly regards “the end;”—for that is “better than the beginning,” the crowning consummation of all that faith believes, hope expects, … Read more
“”To them that have no might he increaseth strength.” Isaiah 40:29 The Lord’s people are often in this state, that they “have no might.” All their power seems exhausted, and their strength completely drained away; sin appears to have got the mastery over them; and they feel as if they had neither will nor ability … Read more
“”God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 When God calls his people by his grace, it is to make them partakers of the highest bliss and the greatest glory that he could confer upon the sons of men. And this not … Read more
“”Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5 What shall God bring to pass? The thing that lies deepest in the heart—”thy way.” Does not thy way lie deepest in thy soul—the path that God has led, the path that God is now leading … Read more
“Being justified freely by his grace.” Romans 3:24 And it is because grace is free it can reach us. How free is the sun in sending forth its enlightening, warming beams; how free the clouds in discharging their watery treasures; how free the dew in falling from the face of heaven; how free the wind … Read more
“An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.” 1 Peter 1:4 Whatever you may have in this world, be it much or little, you must leave. And if you have no other inheritance than earth gives, where will be your portion in death and to all eternity? But if you are begotten again … Read more
“”Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” Matthew 11:6 What is the feeling of your heart toward Jesus? What is the solemn desire of your soul? that he would come and make your heart his abode? that he would visit your soul with the light of his countenance? that he would sprinkle … Read more