And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.–John 1:14

Jesus Christ did really assume the true and perfect nature of man, into a personal union with his divine nature, and still remains true God and true man, in one person for ever.

Had he not this double nature in the unity of his person, he could not have been our Prophet, for, as God, he knows the mind and will of God, and as man he is fitted to impart it suitably to us. As Priest, had he not been man, he could have shed no blood; and if not God, it had been no adequate value for us. As King, had he not been man, he had been no fit head for us, and if not God, he could neither rule nor defend his body the Church.

Here infinite wisdom has also left a famous and everlasting mark of itself; which invites, yea, even chains the eyes of angels and men to itself. Had there been a general council of angels, to advise upon a way of recovering poor sinners, they would all have been in an everlasting loss about it.

It could not have entered their thoughts that ever mercy, pardon, and grace should find such a way as this to issue forth from the heart of God to the hearts of sinners. Oh, how wisely is the method of our recovery laid!—John Flavel

If the very thought of this does not melt your heart with humility, thrill your soul with joy unspeakable, open your mouth with praise, and motivate your feet to take the message around the world, you need to examine yourself— something is terribly wrong.

— it is the LORD; let Him do what seemeth Him good. 1 Samuel 3:18

Accepting the harsh realities of life can be a bitter pill to swallow. believing that God would author, or even approve, our trials is even tougher to accept. Yet the truth remains, as James Smith put it, “The hand of God is in every trial, trouble, and disappointment.” He then added these words:

“Your trials, though many, painful, and tedious–are but proofs of your heavenly Father’s love! They are sent in mercy–to convince you that this poor world is not your rest.
Your Father’s wisdom chose them,
His love sent them, and
His mercy will sanctify them to you!

Tried believer–are you looking to Jesus? He can hush the storm, and still the tempest. He is always near in trouble. Is your eye fixed upon Him? Does your heart repose on His tender love and faithful Word?

Do you recognize your heavenly Father’s hand in your trials? His hand is in them, whether you see it or not. He sends, bounds, and removes them–as He wisely desires. And it has often comforted the saint to realize that  the hand of God is in every trial, trouble, and disappointment.

Do you sweetly acquiescence in God’s will, in faith that whatever He permits in our life, is right and best for you?“

On February 10, 1675, 50 colonial families in Lancaster, Massachusetts, feared possible Native American raids. Joseph Rowlandson, the Puritan minister of the village, was in Boston pleading with the government for protection, while Mary, his wife, stayed behind with their children. At sunrise, the settlers were attacked. After some of the settlers were killed, Mary and other survivors were taken captive.

Mary experienced both kindness and cruelty from her captors. The Native Americans, aware of the religious nature of the settlers, gave her a Bible they had confiscated. Later she would write in her memoirs about God’s “goodness in bringing to my hand so many comfortable and suitable Scriptures in my distress.” God’s Word was her great comfort until she was ransomed by the colonists on May 2.

As the nation of Judah waited to be taken into captivity by a foreign power (Isa. 39:5-7), the despair of its people must have been great. But even in that dreadful anticipation, God’s words brought comfort: “The word of the Lord which you have spoken is good!” (v.8).

Have you been taken captive by circumstances beyond your control? If so, read and meditate on the Word. And experience God’s comfort.

God’s Word is the true source of comfort.— Dennis Fisher, Our Daily Bread

In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.–Ecclesiastes 11:6

You’ve heard it said, you’ve probably said it–“I’m not going to take it anymore!”. Really? So,what are you going do? Like it or not, chances are good that something you don’t like, something that’s not right, will happen today. And in most cases the best advice anyone could give you is,”take life as it comes”. You can resent it and resist it and make matters worse, or you can expect it, accept it and allow it to work something good.Here’s some good advice, Charles Swindoll wrote:

The only way we can come to terms with reality—is by trusting God, regardless. No ifs, ands, or buts.

If I am a farmer and God allows a flood to come and wash away my crops or God chooses to give me the beautiful season rains and a bumper crop, I trust Him and I give Him praise.

If I am in industry or some profession and someone throws me a curve and God allows my whole world to be reversed, I trust Him and I give Him praise.

I take life as it occurs. I don’t waste time in the pit of doubt. Nor do I worry over crop failures and strikeouts.

We can’t wait for conditions to be perfect. Nor can we wait for things to be free of all risks—absolutely free, absolutely safe. Instead of protecting ourselves, we have to release ourselves. Instead of hoarding, we are to give and invest. Instead of drifting, we are to pursue life. Instead of doubting, we are to courageously trust.

To be alone with God in prayer cannot be over-emphasized.– From “Streams in the Desert”