“But grow in grace.” 2 Peter 3:18

Never rest satisfied with present attainments. God has much to bestow, and we are capable of receiving, enjoying, and using it to His glory. As the tree planted in a good soil grows both in the root and the branches, so should the Christian; he should be rooted in the love of God, and grow up in conformity to Jesus. If we grow in grace, we shall discover more of our own wretchedness, misery, and weakness; and more of the preciousness, fulness, and glory of Christ. We shall be humble before God, and active before men. We shall trust in Jesus more simply, having no confidence in the flesh. Grace always leads out of self to Jesus, and puts the crown of crowns upon His head. Grace is spiritual beauty; it is the very glory of God. To grow in grace is to grow like Jesus, meek and lowly in heart; active and devoted in life; blameless and harmless as the sons of God. Let us have grace, for God loves to bestow it; let us grow in grace, for God commands it; let us look forward for the grace that is to be brought unto us at the coming of Jesus, for God has promised it. Look for that blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of Jesus.–James Smith, 1840

Though holy deeds and fruits of grace
Are in believers found,
‘Tis Christ’s command, that they increase
And more and more abound;
O Saviour, may I grow in grace,
Till I behold Thee face to face!

“We look for the Saviour.” Philippians 3:20

Our beloved Saviour is now at the right hand of God. He waits, expecting His enemies to be made His footstool. He will come again; the time is hastening on; and we should be living in expectation of His appearing. The Christian posture is that of waiting, looking, hasting to the coming of the day of God. He will come the second time, as certainly as He did the first. He will come as a thief in the night. He will come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him. He will come to reign, to reward His people, and to punish His foes. Let us not be slothful, careless, or indifferent about the coming of our Lord. He comes for our salvation. Let us look for Him daily, with earnest desire, ardent hope, fervent love, importunate prayer, and diligent preparation. When He comes, the earth will be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the children of God; the groans of creation will be silenced, the prayers of the Lord’s people will be answered, and crowns of righteousness bestowed. Let us abide in Him, that we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.–James Smith

Lo! He comes with clouds descending,
Once for favour’d sinners slain;
Thousand thousand saints attending,
Swell the triumph of His train;
Hallelujah!
Jesus comes, and comes to reign.

“Take heed to your spirit.” Malachi 2:15

The spirit of the believer should be characterized by forbearance, humility, and love; he is exhorted to put away all anger, wrath, clamour, evil-speaking, and malice; and to put on bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering and to be ready to forgive. A bitter, contentious, censorious spirit, is just the opposite of the Spirit of Christ…. Jesus has said, Except ye forgive men their trespasses, neither will My heavenly Father forgive you. Take heed then to your spirit, lest it be said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. Learn of Jesus; He was meek and lowly; patient and forbearing; kind to His enemies; and ready to forgive. A proud, contentious overbearing disciple, cannot expect to have fellowship with a humble, lowly, and broken-hearted Master. Beloved, let us watch over our spirit; he that rules his own spirit, does more than he that conquers a city; and a spirit that is not under control, is like a city with the walls and gates broken down; open to the enemy on every side. Lord, sanctify my spirit!– James Smith, 1840

Come, blessed Spirit, heavenly Dove,
Descend on balmy wings;
Come, tune my passions all to love,
And strike the peaceful strings;
Let every action, thought, and word,
Bring honour to my holy Lord.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9

Suppose you were deathly sick and the only cure was a very rare and costly medicine. Yet you had no money.

Your doctor leaves and is gone for several days. When he comes back, there are dark circles under his eyes, his hands are trembling, and his clothing is torn and blood-stained.

The doctor holds out a vial of the medicine. “I went to secure this medicine for you. I withdrew my life savings. In my hurry, I wrecked my automobile. The blood on my shirt is that of my only son who was with me and was killed in the accident. Here is the cure. Take it, and you’ll live.”

Suppose you took that medicine, dashed it on the floor, and said, “Doctor, if I die, it will be your fault.”

This is exactly what God has done for mankind. God offered His Son so that no one has to be lost. But we must accept His gift. Have you accepted it?– Adrian Rogers

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning“– Psalm 30:5

For nearly 50 years I have been saying, “for the Christian, the best is always yet to come”. I have repeated that more than a thousand times–and for good reason. You are not going to get out of this world without troubles, trials, and tears– that’s life. But, for God’s children there is a better day a coming! The former things shall pass away and all things shall be made new. And, in order to deal with these present difficulties it is crucial that we live in the light of this fact. The following words from the Baptist Bible Hour expresses this well.

“Weeping does indeed endure. In fact, the night of weeping can sometimes appear to be endless. When sorrow comes over us in waves, when disappointments follow hard on the heels of each other, when physical pain wracks our body — the night stretches on and on.

But here is the great consolation of Scripture. Joy is coming! It may seem to linger, but it is irresistibly moving toward you and will reach you with the darkness-shattering power of the dawn. No matter how severe the shadows, no matter how stormy the darkness, once the dawn comes the night is easily and quickly forgotten. No darkness is so great that the coming of the Son does not drive it away.

For the Christian, the best is always yet to come. Is the energy and beauty of youth behind you? The best is yet to come. Has health and strength left you? The best is yet to come. Have you lost a loved one to that old enemy Death? The best is yet to come.

Weeping may endure; there are sorrows that simply cannot be faced without tears. But joy is coming…dawn is approaching…the best is yet to come.”