The following article by an unknown author has been around for many years. I have read it so many times and seen it so often that I hesitated to use it here. However, it finally dawned on me that many have not heard it before and those who have were blessed by it, so here it is again. Be blessed!

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

This book contains:
the mind of God,
the state of man,
the way of salvation,
the doom of lost sinners, and
the happiness of believers.

Its doctrine is holy,
its precepts are binding,
its histories are true, and
its decisions are immutable.

It contains . . .
light to direct you,
food to support you, and
comfort to cheer you.

This book is . . .
the traveler’s map,
the pilgrim’s staff,
the pilot’s compass,
the soldier’s sword, and
the Christian’s charter.

Here Heaven is open–and the gates of Hell are disclosed.

Christ is the grand subject,
our good is its design, and
the glory of God is its end.

This book should . . .
fill the memory,
rule the heart,
and guide the feet.

It is . . .
a mine of wealth,
health to the soul,
and a river of pleasure.

It . . .
involves the highest responsibility,
will reward the greatest labor, and
condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

Read it to be wise,
believe it to be safe,
and practice it to be holy.

Read it . . .
slowly,
frequently,
and prayerfully.

This Book–the Book of Books, the Book of God, the Bible–is the revelation of God to man!

“Love”–Matt.5:38-48

It must be the aim of a Christian to make his enemy lovely. It is not my supreme business to secure my safety, but to remove his ugliness. He may only annoy me, but he is destroying himself. He may injure my reputation; but far worse, he is blighting his own character. Therefore must I seek to remove the greater thing, the corrosive malady in his own soul. I must make it my purpose to recover his loveliness, and restore the lost likeness of the Lord.

And only love can make things lovely. Revenge can never do it. Even duty will fail in the gracious work. There is a final touch, a consummate bloom, to which duty can never attain, and which is only attainable by love. All love’s ministries are creative of loveliness. Wherever her finger rests, something exquisite is born. Love is a great magician: she transforms the desert into a garden, and she makes the wilderness blossom like the rose.

But where shall we get the love wherewith to make our enemy lovely? From the great Lover Himself. “We love, because He first loved us.” The great Lover will love love into us! And we, too, shall become fountains of love, for our Lord will open “rivers in the high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys.”–JJ H Jowett

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Everything we enjoy, should be viewed as coming from the gracious and liberal hand of our sovereign God.

All was forfeited by our sin.

All that we receive is by His grace.

The providence that supplies us–is the wisdom, benevolence, and power of God in operation for us–as expressive of His infinite love and unmerited grace!

Our talents to provide supplies,
our opportunities to obtain them,
and our abilities to enjoy them,
–are alike from the Lord.

Every mercy increases our obligation–and deepens our debt to free grace!

Thanksgiving is never out of season, for we have always much to be grateful for.

We must view all things as . . .
arranged by His wisdom,
dependent on His will,
sanctified by His blessing,
according with His promises,
and flowing from His love!

—(James Smith)

“In every thing give thanks!” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

“Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.” – Psalms 119:41-42

It is unsafe and improper to trust our feelings or fancies; to listen to suggestions, or judge by appearances; the Christian’s guide is God’s word, and this should be the object of his trust. If we cannot take God’s word and depend upon it, what can we trust?

It is true; on all necessary points plain; it has been tried and always found faithful. We should believe it, rely on it, plead it, expect its fulfilment, and comfort ourselves with it; especially when surrounded with difficulties, when in darkness or filled with forebodings, because God delays and our prayers are not answered.

Trusting in God’s faithful word will bring peace to the mind, experience to the soul, and deliverance in every time of trouble: if we trust God’s word we may be confident, for our supply is certain. Trusting a naked promise is difficult, but it is attainable, and truly desirable. The promise is God’s bond, and is intended to set our minds at rest; if we trust it calmly and implicitly, we shall enjoy peace, quietness, and confidence.

Trusting God’s word, we need fear no foe, or dread any trouble; all is safe, and safe for ever.(James Smith, 1840)

In Thee, O Lord, I put my trust:
Mighty and merciful, and just,
Thy faithful word I prove;
Thou canst, Thou wilt my helper be:
My confidence is all in Thee,
The faithful God of love.