Refreshment for the Savior's Flock Through Bible Verses/Part 4

by: James Smith, 1871

"Let integrity and uprightness preserve me!" Psalm 25:21

Integrity and uprightness are not only adornments to the Christian — but are essential to his character, and to preserve him from dangers.

 

"O Lord, pardon my iniquity — for it is great!" Psalm 25:11

The greater our sins — the more illustrious will the grace of God appear in pardoning them.

 

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." 1 Peter 4:12

The choicer the metal — the severer the trial. Just so, the Lord's choice ones have to pass through fiery trials to test and purify them!

Trials must and will befall;
But with humble faith to see,
Love inscribed upon them all —
This is happiness to me!
 

"Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts!" Hebrews 4:7

When God speaks . . .
the ear should listen,
the heart should receive,
the memory should retain,
and the will should obey!

 

"See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone!" 1 Peter 2:6

Jesus as the cornerstone unites all His people in one — while as a foundation, He sustains and bears up the whole household of mercy.

 

"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth!" Revelation 3:15-16

Nothing is more offensive to the Savior than lukewarmness; let us be decided and zealous in His cause!

Come, dearest Lord, Your grace impart,
To warm this lukewarm, stupid heart,
Until all its powers and passions move
In melting grief and ardent love!

 

"Is this your kindness to your Friend?" 2 Samuel 16:17

Every Christian on reading the text — will think of Jesus, his best Friend. Conscience will point to those things which were unworthy of us, and dishonorable to Him.

Were I not most vile and base,
I could not thus my Friend requite!
And were not He the God of grace,
He'd frown and spurn me from His sight!
 

"I, the Lord, watch over it; I water it continually. I guard it day and night so that no one may harm it!" Isaiah 27:3

Every moment we need divine protection and supplies — and every moment God has promised to give them! Here is our comfort and our security!

Each moment watered by Thy care,
And fenced with power divine;
Fruit to eternal life shall bear,
The feeblest branch of Thine!
 

"When they came to the place called Calvary — there they crucified Him!" Luke 23:33

See what man did with his Maker — when God allowed him to act according to his free will!

He who distributes crowns and thrones,
Hangs on a tree, and bleeds and groans!
The Prince of Life, resigns His breath;
The King of Glory, bows to death!

 

"God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." 2 Thessalonians 2:13

Election is the root of salvation, 
sanctification is the vital sap, 
belief of the truth its verdure,
and good works its fruits!

 

"My beloved is dark and dazzling — chief among ten thousand!"  "Yes! He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, this my Friend!" Song of Songs 5:10, 16

The beauty of Jesus can only be seen by the eye of faith! And when it is seen — it can never be fully set forth by any human language!

 

"For we know brothers, that God loves you and has chosen you to be His own people — because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction!" 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

The message of the gospel comes to all — but it is only accompanied with the secret and invincible energy of the Holy Spirit to the hearts of God's elect!

 

"The Lord opens the eyes of the blind!" Psalm 146:8

If the Lord open our eyes, we shall see . . .
our lost state as sinners,
our need of a Savior, and
the exact adaptation of Jesus to us!

He opens the eyes of the blind,
The beauty of Jesus to view!
He changes the bent of the mind,
The glory of God to pursue!

 

"Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine! Ezekiel 16:8

If the Lord had not first sought us — we never would have sought Him! If He had not first loved us when we were unlovely — we never would have loved Him at all.

 

"I will show you my faith by my works." James 2:18

True faith produces good works. Fruit are not more necessary to prove the life of the tree — than are good works to prove that faith is genuine.

Have I that faith which looks to Christ,
Overcomes the world and sin?
Receives Him Prophet, Priest, and King,
And makes the conscience clean?

 

"Will You not revive us again so that Your people may rejoice in You?" Psalm 85:6

The earth does not more need the refreshing showers — than we do the reviving influences of the Holy Spirit. For these let us daily pray.

Return and revive me once more,
With joys that are pure and divine:
Your presence is what I implore;
O grant it — and comfort is mine!

 

"Your people shall be willing in the day of Your power." Psalm 110:3

If we are willing to be saved by Jesus, and to be His loyal subjects — then the Lord has made us so! His power has been exerted — for none love and obey Him by nature!
 

"That I might rest in the day of trouble." Habakkuk 3:16

Sin produces trouble — and only faith can give us rest. In the greatest trouble — faith in Jesus will bring us sweet repose!

Oh, that closer I could cleave,
To Your bleeding, dying breast!
Give me firmly to believe,
And to enter into rest!

Refreshment for the Savior's Flock Through Bible Verses/Part 3

by: James Smith, 1871

Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation!" Matthew 26:41

We are always exposed to temptation from Satan, the world, and our own lusts; consequently, we should always watch and pray.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way in which you shall go!" Psalm 32:8

Sinful human nature is prone to choose and prefer the wrong way; divine teaching is necessary to lead and keep us right.

"What is your life? It is even a vapor!" James 4:14

We are not sufficiently affected with the brevity of life! If we were, our thoughts, desires, and hopes would be more taken up with eternal things.

My days are shorter than a span:
A little point, my life appears;
How frail, at best, is dying man!
How vain are all His hopes and fears!

 

"He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all those who believe!" 2 Thessalonians 1:10

When Jesus comes, His people will be collected, perfected, and glorified! Each will resemble Him, and reflect His glory forever!

O glorious hour! O blessed abode!
I shall be near and like my God!
And flesh and sin no more control,
The sacred pleasures of the soul!

"When he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him!" James 1:12

The present is the time of toil and trial — the time of rest and triumph is before us; let us look forward whenever downcast.

Then why, my soul, complain or fear?
The crown of glory see!
The more I toil and suffer here —
The sweeter rest will be!

 

"Who is like You among the gods, O Lord — glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders!" Exodus 15:11

Our God is incomparable! The more we contemplate His glories — the more humble, resigned, and devoted we shall be!

 

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13

In our present sinful state, we must daily bear and forbear with each other — and forgive as we hope to be forgiven.

I hope for pardon, through Your Son,
For all the crimes which I have done;
Oh, may the grace that pardons me,
Constrain me to forgive like Thee!

 

"For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." Galatians 5:17

Every Christian has two distinct and opposite principles within Him — and these are always in a state of conflict!

 

"Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart!" Hebrews 12:3

Our thoughts should be daily directed to Jesus — and we should dwell upon all that He said, and did, and suffered for us.

My soul rejoices to pursue,
The steps of Him I love;
Until glory breaks upon my view.
In brighter worlds above!

"Your Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path!" Psalm 119:105

The Word of God is for daily use. But in seasons of darkness and sorrow — we learn its value, and prize its contents!

Oh, may these heavenly pages be,
My ever dear delight;
And still new beauties may I see,
And still increasing light!
 

"Father, forgive them — for they know not what they do!" Luke 23:34

If Jesus prayed for His enemies when they were putting Him to death — much more will He plead for His redeemed children who are seeking to promote His glory!

Hark, how He prays! The charming sound
Dwells on His dying lips, "Forgive!"And every groan and gaping wound
Cries, "Father, let the rebels live!"

 

"I have called you friends!" John 15:15

To be the friend of Jesus is the highest honor we can enjoy! And yet, as poor and depraved as we are — this honor is ours!

He calls a worm, His friend!
He calls Himself, my God!
And He shall save me to the end,
Through His own precious blood!

 

"The Word of our God shall stand forever!" Isaiah 40:8

The Word of God is like His nature — unchangeable. We cannot believe it too confidently, nor trust it too firmly.

May this blessed volume ever lie,
Close to my heart — and near my eye,
Until life's last hour my soul engage,
And be my chosen heritage!

 

"Hold me up — and I shall be safe!" Psalm 119:117

The Christian is always dependent on His God. And the more He is sanctified — the more He feels His dependence, and prays for divine keeping.

Grace will complete what grace begins,
To save from sorrows and from sins;
The work that wisdom undertakes
Eternal mercy ne'er forsakes!

 

"He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness!" Isaiah 61:10

Sin has stripped us naked, and exposed us to shame!

Grace clothes us, and introduces us to glory!

This spotless robe the same appears
When ruined nature sinks in years:
No age can change its glorious hue;
The robe of Christ is ever new!

"Any of you who does not give up everything he has, cannot be my disciple!" Luke 14:33

Every Christian must have the spirit of a martyr — and be ready to give up everything, if Jesus calls for it.

 

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart." Psalm 27:14

In waiting on the Lord we . . .
gain strength,
obtain grace, and
secure deliverance from all our foes and fears!

"He will feed His flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young." Isaiah 40:11

Jesus takes particular care of all His weak and feeble people.

Jesus, Shepherd of Your sheep,
Gather me within Your arms;
Safely in Your bosom keep,
Free from dangers and alarms!

  

"Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 8:39

The love of God was fixed upon His people in Jesus before the world was — and none of the circumstances of time can remove it!

Things future, nor things that are now,
Not all things below or above;
Can make Him His purpose forego,
Or sever my soul from His love!

 

"My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!" Philippians 4:19

The Lord's favor to His people is free, infinite, and fruitful! From it flows every temporal and spiritual good.

Their daily needs His hands supply,
Their steps He guards with watchful eye;
Leads them from earth to Heaven above,
And crowns them with eternal love!

 

"Strengthen me according unto Your Word!" Psalm 119:28

The Lord has promised us strength,
our duties and trials teach us our need of it,
and in answer to prayer we receive it!

Pity my frailty, dearest Lord;
Grace in the needful hour afford:
O steel this timorous heart of mine
With fortitude and love divine!

Refreshment for the Savior's Flock Through Bible Verses/Part 2

by: James Smith, 1871

 

"Whoever does not take up his cross and come after Me, cannot be My disciple." Luke 14:27

He who rests upon Jesus for acceptance with God — will bear the cross after Him in the path of duty. Faith always produces obedience.

 

"The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed — a refuge in times of trouble!" Psalm 9:9

When sin, Satan, and the world, oppress us — Jesus is a refuge for us! In Him we shall find solace and relief!

 

"But if we have food and clothing — we will be content with that." 1 Timothy 6:8

We have always more than we deserve — and as much as we really need. Therefore we ought to be contented.

 

"All who are led by the Spirit of God — are sons of God." Romans 8:14

The Spirit leads . . .
from self to Jesus,
from sin to holiness,
from earth to Heaven!

If we are led by the Spirit — our sonship is unquestionable.

 

"Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep!" Psalm 121:4

The Lord will trust no one to keep His people but Himself! He loves them too well to leave them in any hands but His own.

 

"Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" Romans 6:1

If grace has abounded in our experience — we shall tremble at the idea of indulging in sin! Grace always sets the heart against sin.

 

"You have destroyed yourself; but in Me is your help!" Hosea 13:9

Destruction and misery originate with ourselves; salvation and happiness flow from God alone.

 

"Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made Heaven and earth!" Psalm 124:8

The omnipotent Creator is our help! He is engaged by promise to help and deliver us! To Him, let us look in weakness and fear.

If rough and thorny be my way.
My strength proportion to my day;
Until toil, and grief, and pain shall cease,
Where all is rest, and joy, and peace!

 "Being made free from sin — you became the servants of righteousness!" Romans 6:18

If we are justified and freed from the charge of sin — then we are delivered from the love and power of sin.

 

"The love of Christ constrains us!" 2 Corinthians 5:14

The love of Christ shed abroad in the heart — is the root of holy obedience, and the principle that purifies the whole person.

 

"He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross!" Philippians 2:8

Here is our example! Humility and obedience should always be our aim — these not only continued — but increased until death.

My worthless heart to gain,
The God who gave me breath
Was found in fashion as a man,
And died a cursed death!

 

"I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." Acts 24:16

A tender conscience is an invaluable blessing; wherever it is, there is a fear of offending either God or good men.

 

"Do not this abominable thing that I hate!" Jeremiah 44:4

The sin of the saint touches the heart of God! Nothing affects Him like it; therefore He speaks so strongly and so tenderly about it.

May I from every sin,
As from a serpent, fly;
Abhor to touch the thing unclean,
And rather choose to die!

 

"Behold, I have given Him for a leader and commander to the people." Isaiah 55:4

If Jesus is our leader — we should carefully follow Him. And if He is our commander — we should cheerfully obey Him.

Behold, He leads the way;
We'll follow where He goes:
We cannot fail to win the day,
Since He subdues our foes!

 

"The law of Your mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver!" Psalm 119:72

He who thus values God's Word, can never be poor; nor will he ever lack for comfort in the day of trouble.

Oh, may the least omission pain
My well-instructed soul,
And drive me to Your blood again,
Which makes the wounded whole!

 

"No one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength!" 2 Timothy 4:16, 17

Creatures generally fail us when we need them most! But when they fail — the Lord steps in, and displays His power and love!

Friends may fail — but He will take you,
And supply your utmost need;
Nor will Jesus e'er forsake you,
But in paths of safety lead.

 

"If we suffer — we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him — He also will deny us." 2 Timothy 2:12

If we prefer suffering to sin — we may justly look forward and expect to be crowned with glory!

 

"It is an evil thing and bitter — that you have forsaken the Lord your God!" Jeremiah 2:19

To forsake God is the worst thing we can do! Nothing but sorrow, trouble, and bitter remorse can result from it!

From You that I no more may part,
No more Your goodness grieve,
The filial awe, the holy heart,
The tender conscience give!

 

"I will guide you with My eye!" Psalm 32:8

In all times of difficulty and perplexity, in all seasons of trouble and distress — let us believe and plead this precious promise!

Are we blind and prone to error?
God vouchsafes to be our guide:
Are we faint and full of terror?
He Himself is on our side.

Refreshment for the Savior's Flock Through Bible Verses

by: James Smith, 1871

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Psalm 139:23-24An honest heart will expose itself to God's all-searching eye — and desires to be examined as well as cleansed and comforted!

 
"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way." 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Peace with God is an invaluable blessing! It flows from Christ's atonement, and is the antidote of human misery! 
 
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." Psalm 37:23
The Lord never allows His children to wander without a guide, or rove just where their foolish inclination prompts; but He watches over, and leads them in the way which they should go.
While passing through the wilderness,
Full of temptations and distress,
What comfort does the thought afford,
Our steps are ordered by the Lord! 
 
"Unto you who believe — He is precious!" 1 Peter 2:7
True faith always leads us to prize the Savior! The stronger our faith — the more precious He becomes! 
 
"It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Philippians 2:13
Notwithstanding all that God has done for us — we daily need the Holy Spirit to direct our wills and strengthen our souls. 
 
"The Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father — He shall testify of Me!" John 15:26
The Holy Spirit always speaks of Jesus, leads us to Jesus, and testifies of Him to the heart and conscience.
      
"For to me — to live is Christ, and to die is gain!" Philippians 1:21
The life of the Christian should be a practical exhibition of Christ, in His spirit, temper, disposition, and doctrine — then to live would be Christ — and to die eternal gain!
      
"Because your heart was tender, and you have humbled yourself before the Lord." 2 Kings 22:19
Sin hardens the heart — but grace softens it. The more grace we receive, the tenderer our hearts will be.
      
"You shall be hated of all men for my name's sake!" Matthew 10:22
A holy life condemns a sinful world — hence the opposition that is manifested to it. Let us aim to be holy — then, though hated of men, we shall be happy.
    
"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged!"  Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord will never break His word or forsake His people; therefore their fears are groundless, and their doubts sinful.
      
"Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us!" Ephesians 5:2
The sacrifice of Christ is but the effect of His love; if therefore He so loved us as to give Himself for us — He will not deny us any good thing.
      
"Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak!" Psalm 6:2
We are never so safe as when we deeply feel our weakness; for then it is that we look for promised strength, and receive it!
I'm helpless as a little child.
And like it I would rest.
Show me, O God, a parent's heart!
Give me an infant s trust.
 
"The Lord will give grace and glory!" Psalm 84:11
Grace fits us for glory, and is introductory to it. The two are inseparably connected. If grace sanctify us — glory will crown us!
 
"Cast all your cares on Him — because He cares for you!" 1 Peter 5:7
Earthly cares . . .
weaken faith, 
hinder meditation, and 
obstruct our progress.
Let us carry them all to Jesus — and leave them with Him!
 
"The Lord tries the righteous!" Psalm 11:5
Trials are the Lord's furnace, in which He tries our graces and purifies our persons. If we have not been tried — we are not safe.
       
"The Lord God is a sun and shield!" Psalm 84:11
Our God is at once the light that cheers and guides us, and the shield that protects and defends us. He both our comfort and safety. Let us look to Him in darkness and danger.      
 
"It is the voice of my beloved that knocks, saying: Open to me, my sister, my love!" Song of Solomon 5:2
Jesus is seeking fellowship with us this evening, let us go into secret with Him, and pour out our hearts before Him.
      
"I am the Alpha and Omega — the first and the last!" Revelation 1:11
Jesus comprehends in Himself . . .
all that is great, good, or glorious;
all we can desire, enjoy, or employ;
all we can need in time or eternity!
       
"I am in trouble, Lord. Help me!" Isaiah 38:14
The trouble that drives us to the Lord does us good. It is only the burden that is too heavy for us — that we are willing to cast upon God.
 
"When he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled Himself greatly!" 2 Chronicles 33:12
Prosperity has led many astray — but adversity has been sent to reclaim them! Affliction is a father's voice crying, "Come back!"
Afflictions are chastisements; they are sent by a Father, and are regulated by wisdom, pity, and love. To despise them, is to reflect poorly on Him.
Afflictions, though they seem severe,
In mercy oft are sent;
They show the prodigal His sin,
And lead Him to repent!
 
"He was wounded for our transgressions — He was bruised for our iniquities!" Isaiah 53:5
Our sins being imputed to Jesus — the desert of them was laid upon Him. He suffered what we deserved — and now we enjoy what He merited.
That dear blood, for sinners spilt.
Shows my sin in all its guilt;
Ah! my soul, be bore your load — 
You have slain the Lamb of God!
 
You must fear the Lord your God, and cling to Him!" Deuteronomy 10:20
Filial fear leads to holy obedience, and preserves us from wandering from God!
 
"So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me!" Romans 7:21
We are in more danger from inbred corruption — than from Satan and all His hosts! The enemy within is worse than the enemy without.
Far worse than all my foes I find
The enemy within — 
The evil heart, the carnal mind,
Mine own insidious sin!
 
"For in just a very little while — He who is coming will come and will not delay!" Hebrews 10:37
The Savior will soon appear, and then our labors will cease, and our sorrows will end! All beyond will be light, joy, and peace!
A few more days, or months, or years,
In this dark desert to complain;
A few more signs, a few more tears,
And we shall hid adieu to pain!
 
"All things are for your sakes!" 2 Corinthians 4:15
In every purpose He formed, 
in every work He wrought, 
in every circumstance He permits — 
the Lord's eye is upon the good of His people!
All is for their good.
 
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also!" Matthew 6:19-21
The earthly mind only strives for earthly things; but the godly man has his hope, his heart, and his treasure in Heaven.
 
"Be silent, all mankind, before the Lord!" Zechariah 2:13
We may always trust the Lord's wisdom — even when we do not see the design He has in view. He will make no mistake — nor shall His work contradict His word.
Turn to your rest, O my soul.
And kiss the needful rod;
Nor seek your Sovereign to control.
But know that He is God!
 
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18
Everything on earth is temporal — therefore of small importance.
Everything in the other world is eternal — therefore of infinite moment.
 
"O Lord, you are our Father! We are the clay — and you our Potter!" Isaiah 64:8
We are . . .
produced by the divine power, 
molded by the divine wisdom, and 
stamped with the divine name — 
to reflect the divine glory.
 
"Wash me — and I shall be whiter than snow!" Psalm 51:7
The blood of Jesus will eradicate the deepest stains, and make the foulest sinner as spotless as an angel of light; its efficacy is infinite!
 
"How many are Your works, O Lord! In wisdom You made them all!" Psalm 104:24
The works of the Lord are to be studied and enjoyed; they are a looking-glass in which He is to be seen.
 
"A man shall be as an hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest!" Isaiah 32:2
Jesus is our hiding-place in every affliction, our covert in every storm — in Him we find comfort and safety. 

"He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake!" Psalm 23:3
Every sheep in the Savior's fold is prone to wander — and incessantly needs His watchful care and correction! 

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time!" 1 Peter 5:6
Let us reflect upon our origin, our conduct, and our desert! Let us visit Gethsemane and Calvary — and so become truly humble.

"If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons." Hebrews 12:7
Every child of God needs chastening, and every one receives it! Nothing but discipline will produce obedience and submission.

 

Why is Salvation by Faith?

Thomas Watson

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through
faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift
of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
Ephesians 2:8-9

"Jesus said to the woman—Your faith has saved
you; go in peace." Luke 7:50

Why is salvation by faith?

To exclude all glorying in the creature. Faith is a
humble grace. If salvation were by repentance or 
works, a man would say, "It is my righteousness
which has saved me!" But if it is of faith, where is
boasting? Faith fetches all from Christ—and gives
all the glory to Christ!

God's believing people are a humble people.
"Be clothed with humility." God's people shrink into
nothing in their own thoughts. David cries out, "I am
a worm, and not a man!" Though a saint, though a
king—yet a worm! When Moses' face shined, he
covered it with a veil. When God's people shine most
in grace—they are covered with the veil of humility.
Abraham the father of the faithful, confesses, "I am
nothing but dust and ashes." "God resists the proud."
Surely, God will not take to be with Himself in glory,
such as whom He resists.

God's believing people are a willing people.
Though they cannot serve God perfectly—they serve
Him willingly. They do not grudge God a little time
spent in His worship. They do not murmur at sufferings.
They will go through a sea and a wilderness—if God calls.
"Your people shall be a willing people." This spontaneity
and willingness is from the attractive power of God's
Spirit. The Spirit does not force—but sweetly draws the
will. This willingness makes all our services acceptable.
God sometimes accepts of willingness without the
work—but never the work without willingness.

God's believing people are a consecrated people.
They have "holiness to the Lord" written upon them.
"You are a holy people to the Lord your God." God's
people are separated from the world—and sanctified
by the Spirit. The priests under the law were not only
to wash in the laver—but were arrayed with glorious
apparel. This was typical, to show that God's people
are not only washed from gross sins—but adorned
with holiness of life. They bear not only God's name
—but His image! Holiness is God's stamp; if He does
not see this stamp upon us, He will not own us for
His believing people.

Self-Centered Vs. God-Centered

Matthew 16:23 
You are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's

The apostle Peter is a glaring example of the struggle between self- and Christ-centered living. Only moments after Peter confessed the fundamental truth that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-16), he found himself in league with the powers of darkness. Having just blessed Peter for his noble confession, Jesus announced to him and the other disciples the suffering and death which awaited Him at Jerusalem. "And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, 'God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You'" (verse 22).

Jesus responded: "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's" (verse 23).

Jesus' memorable rebuke seems mercilessly severe. But the fact that He identified Satan as the source of Peter's words describes precisely and appropriately the character of the advice Peter tried to give: "Save yourself at all costs. Sacrifice duty to self-interest, the cause of Christ to personal convenience." Peter's advice was satanic in principle, for Satan's primary aim is to promote self-interest as the chief end of man. Satan is called the "prince of this world" because self-interest rules the secular world. He is called the "accuser of the brethren" because he does not believe that even a child of God has a higher motive than self-service. You can almost hear him hissing, "All men are selfish at heart and have their price. Some may hold out longer than others, but in the end every man will prefer his own things to the things of God."

That's Satan's creed, and unfortunately the lives of all too many Christians validate his claims. Satan has deceived them into thinking they are serving themselves when in fact they are serving the world, the flesh, and the devil. But the Christian worldview has a different center. Jesus confronts our humanistic, self-serving grids and offers the view from the cross. Only from this center can you escape the bondage of the one whose sole intent is "to steal, and kill, and destroy" (John 10:10).

Prayer: Loving Father, help me forsake self-centered attitudes and actions in order to take up my cross daily and serve You.

Neil Anderson Devotional