– – – hear ye Him.– Matt.17:5
Strange that we listen to the crude jokes of a stranger, the carnal music of a concert, the lies of a politician, hours of make believe on TV, and yet find no time to hear the Son of God. We would do well to consider what James Smith said to his congregation in 1840:

“Jesus speaks to us in His word; He tells us all His mind; and the Father commands us to hear Him. He speaks to us on a variety of subjects; He instructs, exhorts, warns, directs, and comforts. He always speaks in love. Every word is intended to do us good. Let us then take up His word and say, “I will hear what God the Lord will speak.” How much better this than to listen to Satan, unbelief, carnal reason, or men. Let us believe what He says, for He speaks truth; expect what He promises, for He intends to bestow; practise what He commands, for His ways are peace; and abstain from what He prohibits, for it is sure to be injurious. Hear Him, and plead His word in prayer. Hear Him, and oppose what He says, to fear, Satan, and appearances. Hear Him, and compare all doctrines with His word. Hear Jesus everyday, give Him your attention at least for a few minutes; you can hear nothing better than what He speaks; no one that has a greater claim upon your attention. Hearing Jesus with attention, prayer, and faith, will prevent a great number of real evils.”

Have you heard a word from the Lord today? He is still speaking. Are you listening? Why?

“—walk worthy of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:12
Understanding who we are and what we have in Christ plays a major role in what we do for Christ. And that makes an impact on those with whom we have contact. As Christians we are to walk worthy of God that others might see Christ in us. James Smith wrote:

“GOD hath call us with a holy calling, to enjoy a holy Saviour, believe a holy Gospel, possess a holy nature, and walk in a holy way. All the provisions of free grace, all the promises of infinite love, and all the precepts of reigning holiness, unite to require us to be a holy people unto the Lord our God. We are to imitate the conduct of our God. He feeds His foes, loves His people, and always acts becoming His glorious character. Enemies will lie in wait to deceive you, errors will be broached to mislead you; but beware, least being led away by the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own steadfastness. Consider your character: children of God; your high privileges: united to Jesus, temples of the Holy Ghost, companions of saints and angels the friends of God; your destination: to fill a throne of glory, wear a blood-bought crown, and reflect the praises of Jehovah for ever. Walk worthy of God; suitable to your character, profession and destination. Walk with God; walk as Jesus walked; walk circumspectly; walk in love, walk honestly, as in the day; so will you adorn your profession, and secure to yourself comfort and peace.”

When thus we walk with God and men,
The life and conscience clean,
Our faith assumes a body then,
And may be felt and seen.

– – – trouble is near- – -Psalm 22:11
An old song says, “Troublesome times are here, filling men’s hearts with fear”, but that could have been written in any generation and still be true. Adam pulled a curse down upon out heads and as a result, “Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble”(Job 14:1). What we need to remember is that although trouble is near, help is here! One pastor of long ago put it like this:

“Trouble and the Christian are seldom far apart, or long apart; this may sound discouraging; but Jesus and the Christian are never apart. He will never leave us, and trouble is intended to prevent our leaving Him, or to bring us back if we have already wandered. His loving heart guides the hand which smites; and nothing is done by Him, or permitted, but that it may be over-ruled for our good. Trouble may be near, but the throne of grace also is near; His word of promise is near; and He is near who justifieth us. In trouble God can glorify His grace, deepen His work in your heart, brighten your evidences, and fill you with joy and peace in believing; plead with Him to do so, let not trouble fill you with confusion, weaken your faith, or drive you from Him; but listen to, and act upon His word. He says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” “I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him.” “Hath He said, and shall He not do it? Hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?” Every trouble is intended to endear Jesus to your heart.” (James Smith)