—What seest thou?— Zech. 4:2
The world is full of lovely things which only a few people can see.

Many people have eyes—yet see nothing lovely in all the splendors of earth, or sky, or sea. Well would it be, if an angel walked by the side of everyone, saying continually, at every turn, “What do you see?” The world is full of visions of loveliness, for everyone who can see.

Then in the Bible, too, there are wonderful things on every page. Here, again, we should train ourselves to ask, as our eyes fall on verse after verse, “What do you see?” If we had this habit well formed, we would be ever coming upon new things. Visions of divine loveliness would rise up continually before us, with their heavenly teachings, and their inspirations toward loftier, holier, nobler life! –J. R. Miller, 1895

Mark it down, when a person never asks questions about the Bible, nor introduces into conversations, it is because he isn’t reading it! –HDS

As Paul and Silas prayed the presence of the Holy Spirit shook the very foundations of the jail to the saving of souls.  In our text when the church prayed with a believing mindset to obtain courage for preaching the word unto the saving of souls, the filling of the Spirit once again quaked the assembly.  Has God changed?  Where are the consecrated ones praying for a shaking of their assembly?–By Dr. Manuel Seymour, Sr. (Please pray for Bro. Seymour who is in poor health.–HDS)

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?–Romans 8:32

Would I learn how to be contented and cheerful under all the cares and anxieties of life? What school shall I go to? How shall I attain this state of mind most easily? Shall I look at the sovereignty of God, the wisdom of God, the providence of God, the love of God? It is well to do so; but I have a better argument still.

I will look at Calvary and the crucifixion. I feel that He who spared not His only begotten Son but delivered Him up to die for me–will surely with Him give me all things that I really need. He who endured that pain for my soul–will surely not withhold from me anything that is really good. He who has done the greater things for me–will doubtless do the lesser things also. He who gave His own blood to procure me a home in Heaven–will unquestionably supply me with all that is really profitable for me by the way. Ah, reader, there is no school for learning contentment that can be compared with Calvary and the foot of the cross!–J. C. Ryle

Whatever your need, whether contentment, cheerfulness, courage, or compassion, waste not your time looking for worldly cures—look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. It is only by looking to Him that we are changed from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.–HDS

Take a few moments to read Romans 3:21-26 and think about this:

The sinful condition of mankind presents us with a dilemma: How can a holy, righteous God forgive our sins? If He deals with us only on the basis of His justice, every human being would suffer the eternal punishment of His wrath, which their sins deserve. But if He extends mercy instead of justice, no one would pay the penalty for sin, and God would then cease to be just.

There was only one way the Lord could stay true to His nature and at the same time forgive our sins. The solution was to satisfy His justice by pouring out His wrath on a substitute. Then the penalty for sin would be paid, and He would be free to extend mercy to sinners. This is the only plan that accommodates both aspects of His divine nature. So Christ came as our substitute; He took the punishment for our sin, enabling us to experience the Father’s mercy. Now, by placing faith in Jesus, anyone can be justified—that is, declared legally righteous.

God’s plan of salvation is simple enough for a child to understand. Yet at the same time, the complexities of the transaction that occurred at Calvary are far beyond human comprehension. Although we may not fully grasp what transpired there, we can know that the cross is the greatest possible display of the Lord’s love for us.

Can you even imagine the cost of your salvation? The magnificent plan of the Father and the willing cooperation of the Son prove your tremendous value in God’s eyes. From His perspective, you are worth all the pain and suffering that was necessary to secure your eternal presence with Him in heaven.–Copied.( Warning: Do not take this as a cause for self-esteem or self-love–we are forever unworthy!–HDS)

How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman.–Ezekiel 16:30

 Do you have a weak heart? Physically that can be a serious problem and it needs special attention. However, I’m not talking about the physical organ that pumps blood through your body. I’m talking about your inner person, your thoughts, feelings, emotions, affections, etc.–the center of your moral life. How about that–is it weak?

The very thought of having a weak heart should cause us to stop and think. When we do, numerous questions come to mind. Think about it. Is your heart so weak that it—
–relies on human reasoning rather than Divine revelation for guidance?
–resents God’s commands, as though He was an enemy rather than Friend?
–rebels against God’s authority
–resist wise counsel
–runs from responsibility
–renders you helpless when temptations come?
–retards your spiritual growth?
–remembers the faults of others, rather than forgiving them?
–refuses to forgive others?
–resorts to carnal tactics in dealing with others?
–rants about the discomforts of life, rather than rejoicing?
–reckons the worst about other when you don’t know all the facts?
–recoils at the slightest suggestion that your service is needed?

Naturally we could go on and on, but you get the point. If the heart is weak the life is unstable. A weak heart affects everything–our worship, work, and warfare. It puts us at great risk. You’ve heard people say,”I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in”, but the fact is if your heart is weak, in the sense of which I speak, you’re in nothing but bad shape. You are in no shape to live a life that is useful, productive, and joyful. For some of you, spiritual exercise and good nutrition will do the trick. For others, they need a heart transplant–nothing else will do. They don’t need a new start, they need a new heart, and only Jesus, the Great Physician, can provide that. Trust Him today. He is a heart specialist like none other! –HDS