I REALLY like this song!
Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things, therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness, and lacking everything. And he will put a yoke of iron on your neck until he has destroyed you.
(Deuteronomy 28:47-48 ESV)
I am doing a Bible word search on the topic/word Joy. There is no better way to preach a specific topic to your soul than reading every verse in the Bible on that topic. This morning I came across the above verse and it got me thinking. I am a redeemed child of the King, of course He will not destroy me or cast me off. However, the language in these verses is very strong. And though I’m not concerned I’ll lack everything, I do think these verses should make us think about being joyful.
God charged the Israelites with not serving the Lord with joyfulness and gladness, because of the abundance of things they had. Thinking back on the Old Testament, it wasn’t like the Israelites lives were a walk in the park. Life wasn’t full of ease and wealth and comfort. YET, God still gave them an abundance of things. There was still much in their lives to be joyful and glad about. I would venture to say they were being judged because of their ingratitude and whining. They weren’t grateful for all they had and went looking to other gods for their desires.
And while I am not bowing down to Baal, I sure do have my own little idols. And without a doubt I whine about what I do not have and what is not easy. I look at my trials and circumstances and feel discouraged. I see the insurmountable odds, not what God has powerfully done in the past. My eyes are focused on myself & my circumstances. BUT, I have a powerful Creator Who has provided and has promised to always provide what I need. There are countless things I am so grateful for. There is much abundant blessing in my life. Here are a few examples…
- I am a chosen, redeemed, and forgiven child of God!
- I have two amazing and godly parents who care for me amazingly well.
- I have a brother and sister that I consider two of my best friends.
- I live in the wealthiest country on earth and have far more possessions than most people anywhere else on the globe.
- I am a member of a Bible believing, Bible preaching church Who proclaims the Savior and his salvation.
- I live with an amazing family that I love. They have gone out of their way to make me feel apart of their family. I am SO grateful for them!
- I live on 3 acres (no small feat when you live in the suburbs of DC) and I see horses and deer every day. This does this southern country girls heart a world of good.
- I get to play with three adorable dogs every day. They greet me with much fan fare when I come home. Makes not having Chica around almost bearable.
Remind me again why I shouldn’t be joyful and glad every waking moment of my life? Life may still suck at times and it definitely isn’t easy. I’m not going to be walking around with a smile pasted on my face no matter what. But, if my gaze is fixed on God and what He has done and provided for me; I’m pretty sure that joy will be the automatic outcome.
"Surely there is on end; and your expectation shall not be cut off." Proverbs 23:18
Christian! There is an end to all your troubles, trials, and temptations–you will survive them all, and rise superior to them.
There is an end to all your enemies, and their designs to injure you. They will either be converted to friends, or be everlastingly destroyed from the presence of the Lord, and the glory of His power.
There is an end to all your disappointments and vexations–you will soon be disappointed for the last time, and shall know vexation no more.
There is an end to your sickness–it is not eternal. Your pains are of short duration–but your pleasures shall forever flow!
Oh, think of this and be grateful! Your expectation of being forever . . .
freed from sin,
delivered from Satan,
raised above the world,
placed beyond the reach of sorrow,
and of being forever with the Lord
–shall not be cut off!
Your troubles are confined to this howling wilderness–but can never enter the paradise into which you will shortly dwell. There will be an end of all you complain of, mourn over, or seek deliverance from. There will be a beginning–but no end, to all that you ardently desire, long, and pray for! Jesus will soon complete His redemption, by eradicating sin, sickness, and sorrow–and by raising His saints incorruptible, and perfectly conformed to Himself!
Look beyond your present sufferings–and anticipate the glory that is to be revealed.
Time will soon fade away before the unfading glories of eternity!
Time bounds your trials–but only eternity bounds your possessions, pleasures, and glories!
Grace be swallowed up in glory forever!
-James Smith
“The iron did swim.”
— 2 Kings 6:9
The axe-head seemed hopelessly lost, and as it was borrowed, the honour
of the prophetic band was likely to be imperilled, and so the name of
their God to be compromised. Contrary to all expectation, the iron was
made to mount from the depth of the stream and to swim; for things
impossible with man are possible with God. I knew a man in Christ but a
few years ago who was called to undertake a work far exceeding his
strength. It appeared so difficult as to involve absurdity in the bare
idea of attempting it. Yet he was called thereto, and his faith rose
with the occasion; God honoured his faith, unlooked-for aid was sent,
and the iron did swim. Another of the Lord’s family was in grievous
financial straits, he was able to meet all claims, and much more if he
could have realized a certain portion of his estate, but he was
overtaken with a sudden pressure; he sought for friends in vain, but
faith led him to the unfailing Helper, and lo, the trouble was averted,
his footsteps were enlarged, and the iron did swim. A third had a
sorrowful case of depravity to deal with. He had taught, reproved,
warned, invited, and interceded, but all in vain. Old Adam was too
strong for young Melancthon, the stubborn spirit would not relent. Then
came an agony of prayer, and before long a blessed answer was sent from
heaven. The hard heart was broken, the iron did swim.
Beloved reader, what is thy desperate case? What heavy matter hast thou
in hand this evening? Bring it hither. The God of the prophets lives,
and lives to help his saints. He will not suffer thee to lack any good
thing. Believe thou in the Lord of hosts! Approach him pleading the
name of Jesus, and the iron shall swim; thou too shalt see the finger
of God working marvels for his people. According to thy faith be it
unto thee, and yet again the iron shall swim.
-Charles Spurgeon
“His ways are everlasting.”
— Habakkuk 3:6
What he hath done at one time, he will do yet again. Man’s ways are
variable, but God’s ways are everlasting. There are many reasons for
this most comforting truth: among them are the following-the Lord’s
ways are the result of wise deliberation; he ordereth all things
according to the counsel of his own will. Human action is frequently
the hasty result of passion, or fear, and is followed by regret and
alteration; but nothing can take the Almighty by surprise, or happen
otherwise than he has foreseen. His ways are the outgrowth of an
immutable character, and in them the fixed and settled attributes of
God are clearly to be seen. Unless the Eternal One himself can undergo
change, his ways, which are himself in action, must remain for ever the
same. Is he eternally just, gracious, faithful, wise, tender?-then his
ways must ever be distinguished for the same excellencies. Beings act
according to their nature: when those natures change, their conduct
varies also; but since God cannot know the shadow of a turning, his
ways will abide everlastingly the same. Moreover there is no reason
from without which could reverse the divine ways, since they are the
embodiment of irresistible might. The earth is said, by the prophet, to
be cleft with rivers, mountains tremble, the deep lifts up its hands,
and sun and moon stand still, when Jehovah marches forth for the
salvation of his people. Who can stay his hand, or say unto him, What
doest thou? But it is not might alone which gives stability; God’s ways
are the manifestation of the eternal principles of right, and therefore
can never pass away. Wrong breeds decay and involves ruin, but the true
and the good have about them a vitality which ages cannot diminish.
-Charles Spurgeon
“The Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes every one He accepts as a son.” Hebrews 12:6
Afflicted Christian, you are perhaps tempted to think that God cannot love you–or He would not so deeply try you. But the reverse is the case–if He did not love you, He might perhaps refuse to try you. But because He loves you, and is a Father to you–therefore He corrects you.
All of the Lord’s children need correction! Many of them will not grow without very severe discipline–consequently your heavenly Father says, “I will melt them, and try them.” “I will turn My hand upon you–and will purge away your dross.”
Look to the generations of old, and see if the Lord’s people in every age have not been an afflicted people. Look at Job, at the prophets, at Lazarus; God tenderly loved them–and yet how severely He tried them. He has commanded an earthly parent to chasten his son, and not to let his soul spare for his crying–and by this rule He also proceeds. He chastens us–that He may not destroy us. There is infinite mercy in your present trial–as dreadful as it may appear to you. There was an absolute necessity for it–for He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve His redeemed children.
Every one who is . . .
adopted into His family;
quickened by His grace;
and united to Jesus–
is made to pass under the rod, and prove the truth of the Scripture which says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous–but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
He chastens you, not for His own pleasure or gratification, but for your profit–that you might be a partaker of His holiness. What a gracious design is this–every way worthy of God. It affords full proof of His infinite wisdom, care, and love!
Think within yourself:
I could not do without this affliction;
it is sent in love;
it is intended to do me good;
it is a proof that I am a child of God
–and you will then think rightly.
Do not faint when the Lord rebukes you. He has promised you, that as your day is–so shall your strength be. He says to you, “Do not fear–for I am with you; do not be afraid–for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand!” Isaiah 41:10. Precious promise of a faithful God! He made it in love. He has not forgotten it–no, He intends to make it good. Yes, He is now making it good to you–as tried and afflicted as you are.
The rod which afflicts you, is in the hand of Jesus! In that hand which was once nailed to the cross for your redemption! In the hand of that Friend who loves at all times; and who is a Brother born for adversity. Will Jesus who suffered, bled, and died to redeem you–ever hurt you? Surely not! His heart is too tender! His love is too great! “He will not break the bruised reed–and He will not quench the smoking flax!” He will bind up the broken heart, and comfort the sorrowful spirit.
Look up to your God, and say:
Submissive to Your will, my God,
I all to you resign;
I bow before Your chastening rod,
And mourn, but not repine!
Why should my foolish heart complain,
When wisdom, truth, and love,
Direct the stroke, inflict the pain,
And point to joys above?
How short are all my sufferings here!
How needful every cross!
Away then, my unbelieving fear,
Nor call my gain, my loss.
-James Smith
For all my friends that are waiting…on a child, spouse, house, etc. This post is for you!
The angel Gabriel told Mary that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). Then her cousin, Elizabeth, told Mary, “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” (Luke 1:45 NIV). Those two statements are as true today as they were for the first Christmas. Whatever seems impossible to us is nothing to a powerful, sovereign God who lives outside of time and space. More importantly, we are blessed when we put our full belief and trust in what the Lord has said will be accomplished. Those incredible promises of mercy, everlasting love, full and unbroken fellowship are more solid and trustworthy than anything we will tangibly experience this holiday. -Carolyn McCulley
Read Full Article HERE
Troubled and depressed Christian, come and glean this morning in the broad field of promise. Here are abundant and precious promises to meet your exact needs.
Take this one “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoking flax He will not quench.” (Is. 42:3). Does this meet your need? Here is a reed that is weaker than weakness itself, yet He will not break it. Perhaps you are like the smoking flax, from which no light or warmth can come, still He will not quench you. He will blow with His sweet breath of mercy until He fans you into flame.
Would you glean another ear? “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). What soft words! Your heart is tender, and the Master knows it. He speaks gently to you. Will you obey and come to Him now?
Take another ear of corn. “‘I will help you,’ says the LORD and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel” (Is. 41:14). How can you be afraid when you have this wonderful assurance?
You may gather Ten thousand golden ears like these! “I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and like a cloud your sin (Is.44:22). Or this, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Is.1:18). Or this, “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ and let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17).
Our Master’s field is full and rich. The precious promises lie in front of you. Gather them. Make them your own. Grasp these sweet promises. Thresh them by meditation. Feed on them with joy.
-Charles Spurgeon
