The perfect husband
There is but one object that can be presented to a sinner’s mind, which contains all that is needful for him, and all that is delightful to him–and that is JESUS! In Jesus, he finds an infinite variety which is always pleasing and profitable! The more he knows of the person, perfections, and works of Immanuel–the more happy, holy, and useful he will be. Unbounded kindness, unparalleled meekness, and exquisite tenderness–shine in all His dealings with His people! He has never left room for one to doubt . . .
the kindness of His heart,
the power of His arm, or
the faithfulness of His Word.
Jesus loved, labored, suffered, bled, died, rose, ascended, and intercedes–to save His people from their sins! He is the perfect husband who . . .
brings us into marriage-union with Himself,
provides for all our necessities, and
assures us of His unalterable love!
He gives us . . .
His arm to support us,
His fullness to supply us,
His name to entitle us,
His robe to cover us,
His angels to guard us,
His Word to assure us, and
His Heaven to be our habitation at last!
To know Christ–is true wisdom;
to love Him–is the evidence of grace; and
to walk with Him–is the highest honor that can be put upon a sinful creature!
It is the delight of a truly spiritual mind to think of Jesus, feed on Him, and rejoicein Him. There is nothing in Christ–but what is precious to him. Christ is the objectof his faith, love, and desire; and the subject of his meditation, boast, and song in the house of his pilgrimage. To a Christian, Christ is ALL!
The believer is knit to Jesus, walks in fellowship with Him, and desires above all things to exalt and glorify Him. Jesus is just suited to the believer, and he thinks on Him with great delight and satisfaction!
via Grace Gems (James Smith, “The Glories of Christ!” 1864)
When He comes to us in the garb of pain or sorrow
“He came unto His own–but His own did not receive Him.” John 1:11
We say that the Jews, “His own,” were very ungrateful to treat their Messiah in this way; and also that their rejection was a terrible wrong to themselves, for they thrust away in Christ, the most glorious things of Heaven and eternity!
But how is it with ourselves? Christ comes to us. He is continually coming. His hands are full of blessings. Do we really take from the hand of Christ–all that He offers to us? Do we not daily grieve Him and rob ourselves of blessings–by declining what He brings?
Especially do we reject Christ often–when He comes to us in the garb of pain or sorrow. Many times the blessings which He brings to us then–are the very richest and the most precious in all His treasury of grace!
But how many of us receive Christ as gladly, and take the gifts from His hand as cheerfully and gratefully, when He comes in grief or suffering–as when He comes in the garb of joy or worldly prosperity?
Why should we not do so? Can we not trust His love and wisdom?
He never sends pain–unless pain is best for us.
He never chastens us–unless there is a blessing in the chastening.
Thanks Grace Gems! (J.R. Miller, “Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ” 1890)
Read MoreA most soul-ruining sin!
Read More“I hate pride and arrogance!” Proverbs 8:13
It is a dreadful fact, whether we like to allow it or not–that PRIDE is one of the common sins which beset human nature. We are all born Pharisees. We all naturally think far better of ourselves than we ought. We all naturally imagine that we deserve something better than we have.
Pride is an old sin. It began in the garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve thought they had not got everything that their merits deserved.
Pride is a subtle sin. It rules and reigns in many a heart without being detected, and can even wear the garb of humility.
Pride is a most soul-ruining sin. It prevents repentance, keeps men back from Christ, checks brotherly love, and nips spiritual desires in the bud.
Let us watch against pride, and be on our guard.
Of all garments, none is so graceful, none wears so well, and none is so rare–as true humility. “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud–but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5
Thanks Grace Gems! (J. C. Ryle)
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you“ John 15:7
To abide in Christ, means to keep up a habit of constant close communion with Him–to be always . . .
leaning on Him,
resting on Him,
pouring out our hearts to Him, and
using Him as our Fountain of life and strength–as our chief Companion and best Friend!To have Christ’s words abiding in us, is to keep His sayings and precepts continually before our memories and minds, and to make them the guide of our actions and the rule of our daily conduct and behavior.
Thanks Grace Gems! (J. C. Ryle)
Read MoreThe Power of Christ Towards His People
Read MoreIt is a blessed and comfortable thought, that all this almighty power of our Lord Jesus Christ is engaged on behalf of His believing people. He has undertaken to save every one of them to the uttermost, and He is “mighty to save.” The trials of His people are often many and great. The devil never ceases to make war against them. The rulers of this world frequently persecute them. The very heads of the Church, who ought to be tender shepherds, are often bitterly opposed to the truth as it is in Jesus. Yet, notwithstanding all this, Christ’s people shall never be entirely forsaken. Though severely harassed, they shall not be destroyed. Though cast down, they shall not be cast away. At the darkest time let true Christians rest in the thought, that greater is He who is for them than all those who are against them.
Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke volume 1, [Carlisle, PA:Banner of Truth, 1986], 264. {Luke 8:22-25}
My friend, how is it with you?
Read More“That Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain!” Philippians 1:20, 21
Paul’s third all-absorbing desire was to MAGNIFY Christ!
Paul desired to exhibit and exalt Christ!
If he wrote–he wrote of Christ.
If he spoke–he spoke of Christ.
If he suffered–he suffered for Christ.
If he sorrowed–it was because professors dishonored Christ.Christ was to him dearer than the apple of his eye–and more precious than all things in earth or Heaven! He would live–if he could honor Jesus; or he would die for Him–if that would honor Him more.
He felt his obligation to Christ.
He was inflamed with Christ’s love.
He was a sacrifice on Christ’s altar.
He was a vessel for Christ’s honor.
He would go anywhere, he would do anything–if he might but honor Christ. Heartily he would say, “Let the name of Paul perish, if the name of Christ can be magnified thereby!”To him Christ was, in fact, all and all. He died for Christ; the honor of Christ was the end for which he laid down his life.
My friend, how is it with you?
Does your heart cry, “Oh, that I could honor Christ!”
Does your life make this impression on others: “That person aims to honor Christ!”
Is it your daily cry and prayer: “Let Christ be magnified in me, by me, and through me–in life, in death, in time, and forever!”
Oh my soul, let it be my constant desire and prayer–that Jesus, my Jesus, may be magnified by me!
(James Smith, “Paul’s Seven Wishes” 1856)
