Sunday, September 30, 2012

Christian Calling

Here's a prayer titled "Christian Calling" from "The Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions" edited by Arthur Bennett (pages 90-91):

O LORD GOD,

The first act of calling is by thy command
   in thy Word,
   ‘Come unto me, return unto me’;
The second is to let in light,
   so that I see that I am called particularly,
   and perceive the sweetness of the command
     as well as its truth,
   in regard to thy great love of the sinner,
   by inviting him to come, though vile,
   in regard to the end of the command,
     which is fellowship with thee,
   in regard to thy promise in the gospel,
     which is all of grace.
Therefore, Lord,
   I need not search to see if I am elect, or loved,
   for if I turn thou wilt come to me;
   Christ has promised me fellowship if I take him,
   and the Spirit will pour himself out on me,
     abolishing sin and punishment,
     assuring me of strength to persevere.
It is thy pleasure to help all that pray for grace,
   and come to thee for it.
When my heart is unsavoury with sin, sorrow,
   darkness, hell,
   only thy free grace can help me act
   with deep abasement under a sense
     of unworthiness.
Let me lament for forgetting daily to come to thee,
   and cleanse me from the deceit of bringing
     my heart to a duty
   because the act pleased me or appealed to reason.
Grant that I may be salted with suffering,
   with every exactment tempered to my soul,
   every rod excellently fitted to my back,
     to chastise, humble, break me.
Let me not overlook the hand that holds the rod,
   as thou didst not let me forget the rod that fell
     on Christ,
     and drew me to him.

He is all heaven

"Sure I am he is the far best half of heaven; yea he is all heaven, and more than all heaven." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 39. [Letter CCLXXXIV, 4 Feb. 1638]

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths

Daily Light Devotions - September 30 - Evening

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. 1 

Moses said to the LORD, "See, you say to me, 'Bring up this people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, 'I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.' Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people." And he said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." 2 

He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. 3 

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. 4 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 5 

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 6 

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 7 

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. 8
______________ 

1. Psa 25:4; 
2. Exo 33:12-14; 
3. Psa 103:7; 
4. Psa 25:9,12; 
5. Pro 3:5,6; 
6. Psa 16:11; 
7. Psa 32:8; 
8. Prov 4:18

The Assurance of This Preservation

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Article 9: The Assurance of This Preservation

Concerning this preservation of those chosen to salvation and concerning the perseverance of true believers in faith, believers themselves can and do become assured in accordance with the measure of their faith, by which they firmly believe that they are and always will remain true and living members of the church, and that they have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

He knoweth the way that I take

Daily Light Devotions - September 30 - Morning

He knoweth the way that I take ...

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. 1

For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. 2 

for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men. 3 

But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity." Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 4 

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD. 5 

And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'They are my people'; and they will say, 'The LORD is my God.'" 6 
______________ 

1. Job 23:10; 
2. Psa 103:14; 
3. Lam 3:33; 
4. 2 Tim 2:19-21; 
5. Mal 3:3; 
6. Zech 13:9

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Christ all the seasons of the year, is dropping sweetness

"Christ all the seasons of the year, is dropping sweetness; if I had vessels I might fill them, but my old riven, holey, and running-out dish, even when I am at the well, can bring little away. Nothing but glory will make tight and fast our leaking and rifty vessels ... How little of the sea can a child carry in his hand; as little do I take away of my great sea, my boundless and running-over Christ Jesus." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 38. [Letter CXX, 1637]

What things soever the Father doeth

Daily Light Devotions - September 29 - Evening

What things soever the Father doeth ...

So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 1 

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 2 

for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 3 

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! 4 

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 5 

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: 6 

For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 7 

Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD. 8 

which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. 9 

I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior. 10 

They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world." 11 

To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 12 
______________ 

1. John 5:19; 
2. Prov 2:6; 
3. Luke 21:15; 
4. Psa 27:14; 
5. 2 Cor 12:9; 
6. Jude 1:1; 
7. Heb 2:11; 
8. Jer 23:24; 
9. Eph 1:23; 
10. Isa 43:11; 
11. John 4:42; 
12. Tit 1:4

The Certainty of This Preservation

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Article 8: The Certainty of This Preservation

So it is not by their own merits or strength but by God’s undeserved mercy that they neither forfeit faith and grace totally nor remain in their downfalls to the end and are lost. With respect to themselves this not only easily could happen, but also undoubtedly would happen; but with respect to God it cannot possibly happen, since his plan cannot be changed, his promise cannot fail, the calling according to his purpose cannot be revoked, the merit of Christ as well as his interceding and preserving cannot be nullified, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit can neither be invalidated nor wiped out.

Hereby perceive we the love of God

Daily Light Devotions - September 29 - Morning

Hereby perceive we the love of God ...

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 1

and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 2 

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 3 

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 4 

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 5 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 6 

bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 7 

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." 8

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 9 

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 10 

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 11 
______________ 

1. 1 John 3:16; 
2. Eph 3:19; 
3. John 15:13; 
4. 2 Cor 8:9; 
5. 1 John 4:11; 
6. Eph 4:32; 
7. Col 3:13; 
8. Mark 10:45; 
9. 1 Pet 2:21; 
10. John 13:14,15; 
11. 1 John 3:16

Friday, September 28, 2012

We have need to be redeemed from ourselves rather than from the devil and the world

"O, if I could be master of that house-idol myself, my own,mind, my own will, wit, credit, and ease, how blessed were I! O, but we have need to be redeemed from ourselves rather than from the devil and the world; learn to put out yourselves, and to put in Christ for yourselves." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 37-38. [Letter CCLXXXIV, 4 Feb. 1638]

The heavens declare the glory of God

Daily Light Devotions - September 28 - Evening

The heavens declare the glory of God ...

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 1 

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 2 

Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness." 3 

Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4 

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? 5 

There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 6 

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. 7 
______________ 

1. Psa 19:1; 
2. Rom 1:20; 
3. Acts 14:17; 
4. Psa 19:2,3; 
5. Psa 8:3,4; 
6. 1 Cor 15:41,42; 
7. Dan 12:3

Renewal to Repentance

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Article 7: Renewal to Repentance

For, in the first place, God preserves in those saints when they fall his imperishable seed from which they have been born again, lest it perish or be dislodged. Secondly, by his Word and Spirit he certainly and effectively renews them to repentance so that they have a heartfelt and godly sorrow for the sins they have committed; seek and obtain, through faith and with a contrite heart, forgiveness in the blood of the Mediator; experience again the grace of a reconciled God; through faith adore his mercies; and from then on more eagerly work out their own salvation with fear and trembling.

They shall put my name upon the children

Daily Light Devotions - September 28 - Morning

They shall put my name upon the children ...

"So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them." 1 

O LORD our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone we bring to remembrance. 2 

We have become like those over whom you have never ruled, like those who are not called by your name. Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence-- 3

And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you. 4 

For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself. 5 

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name." 6 

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name's sake! Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants be known among the nations before our eyes! 7 

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. 8 
______________ 

1. Num 6:27; 
2. Isa 26:13; 
3. Isa 63:19; 
4. Deut 28:10; 
5. 1 Sam 12:22; 
6. Dan 9:19; 
7. Psa 79:9,10; 
8. Prov 18:10

Thursday, September 27, 2012

The weightiest end of the cross of Christ ...

"The weightiest end of the cross of Christ that is laid upon you, lieth upon your strong Saviour." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 37. [Letter II, 23 April 1628]

Yea, hath God said?

Daily Light Devotions - September 27 - Evening

Yea, hath God said?

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?" 1 

And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. 2

And he said, "I may not return with you, or go in with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place, for it was said to me by the word of the LORD, 'You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came.'" And he said to him, "I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, 'Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water.'" But he lied to him. So he went back with him and ate bread in his house and drank water. And when the prophet who had brought him back from the way heard of it, he said, "It is the man of God who disobeyed the word of the LORD; therefore the LORD has given him to the lion, which has torn him and killed him, according to the word that the LORD spoke to him." 3 

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 4 

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 5 
______________ 

1. Gen 3:1; 
2. Matt 4:3,4,7,10,11; 
3. 1Kings 13:16-19,26; 
4. Gal 1:8; 
5. Psa 119:11

God’s Saving Intervention

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Article 6: God’s Saving Intervention

For God, who is rich in mercy, according to his unchangeable purpose of election does not take his Holy Spirit from his own completely, even when they fall grievously. Neither does he let them fall down so far that they forfeit the grace of adoption and the state of justification, or commit the sin which leads to death (the sin against the Holy Spirit), and plunge themselves, entirely forsaken by him, into eternal ruin.

Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God

Daily Light Devotions - September 27 - Morning

Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God...

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1

Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished. 2

But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Be not so terribly angry, O LORD, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all your people. 3 

I have heard Ephraim grieving, 'You have disciplined me, and I was disciplined, like an untrained calf; bring me back that I may be restored, for you are the LORD my God. For after I had turned away, I relented, and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh; I was ashamed, and I was confounded, because I bore the disgrace of my youth.' 4 

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. 5 

For affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble sprout from the ground, but man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. 6 
______________ 

1. 1 Pet 5:6; 
2. Prov 16:5; 
3. Isa 64:8,9; 
4. Jer 31:18,19; 
5. Lam 3:27; 
6. Job 5:6,7

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Glorify the Lord in your sufferings

"Glorify the Lord in your sufferings, and take his banner of love, and spread it over you. Others will follow you, if they see you strong in the Lord; their courage shall take life from your Christian carriage." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 37. [Letter CLXXVII, 15 June 1637]

Death is swallowed up in victory

Daily Light Devotions - September 26 - Evening

Death is swallowed up in victory.

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 2 

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 3 

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 4
______________ 

1. 1 Cor 15:54,57; 
2. Heb 2:14,15; 
3. Rom 6:8-11; 
4. Rom 8:37

The Effects of Such Serious Sins

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Article 5: The Effects of Such Serious Sins

By such monstrous sins, however, they greatly offend God, deserve the sentence of death, grieve the Holy Spirit, suspend the exercise of faith, severely wound the conscience, and sometimes lose the awareness of grace for a time–until, after they have returned to the way by genuine repentance, God’s fatherly face again shines upon them.

A God of truth, ... just and right is he

Daily Light Devotions - September 26 - Morning

A God of truth, ... just and right is he.

"The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. 1 

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 2 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 3 

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. 4 

Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die. 5 

"Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me," declares the LORD of hosts. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones. 6 

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned-- every one-- to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 

Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 8 

For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. 9 

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 10 

Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. 11 

whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 12 
______________ 

1. Deut 32:4; 
2. 1 Pet 2:23; 
3. 2 Cor 5:10; 
4. Rom 14:12; 
5. Ezek 18:4; 
6. Zech 13:7; 
7. Isa 53:6; 
8. Psa 85:10; 
9. James 2:13; 
10. Rom 6:23; 
11. Isa 45:21; 
12. Rom 3:26,24

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Joy in the cross

"What God layeth on, let us suffer, for some have one cross, some seven, some ten, some half a cross -- yet all the saints have whole and full joy, and seven crosses have seven joys." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 37. [Letter CCXLVI, 8 Sept. 1637]

God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus

Daily Light Devotions - September 25 - Evening

God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus.

on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. 1 

Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. 2 

The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 3 

"And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 'The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 4 

And they say, "How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?" 5 

These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you. 6 

Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 7 

O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you. 8 

Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind. 9 
______________ 

1. Rom 2:16; 
2. 1 Cor 4:5; 
3. John 5:22,27; 
4. Rev 2:18; 
5. Psa 73:11; 
6. Psa 50:21; 
7. Luke 12:2; 
8. Psa 38:9; 
9. Psa 26:2

The Danger of True Believers’ Falling into Serious Sins

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Article 4: The Danger of True Believers’ Falling into Serious Sins

Although that power of God strengthening and preserving true believers in grace is more than a match for the flesh, yet those converted are not always so activated and motivated by God that in certain specific actions they cannot by their own fault depart from the leading of grace, be led astray by the desires of the flesh, and give in to them. For this reason they must constantly watch and pray that they may not be led into temptations. When they fail to do this, not only can they be carried away by the flesh, the world, and Satan into sins, even serious and outrageous ones, but also by God’s just permission they sometimes are so carried away–witness the sad cases, described in Scripture, of David, Peter, and other saints falling into sins.

Let patience have her perfect work

Daily Light Devotions - September 25 - Morning

Let patience have her perfect work ...

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 1 

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith-- more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire-- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 2 

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 3 

It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. 4 

For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 5 

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 6
______________ 

1. James 1:4; 
2. 1 Pet 1:6,7; 
3. Rom 5:3,4; 
4. Lamentations 3:26; 
5. Heb 10:34-36; 
6. 2 Thess 2:16,17

Monday, September 24, 2012

All the saints have their own measure of winter before their eternal summer

"All the saints have their own measure of winter before their eternal summer. O! for the long day, and the high sun, and the fair garden, and the King's great city up above these visible heavens!" -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 36. [Letter CCXLVI, 8 Sept. 1637]

Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

Daily Light Devotions - September 24 - Evening

Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 1 

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 2 

You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. 3 

And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" 4 

if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 5 

Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 6 

Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 7 

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! 8 

As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. 9 

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 11 

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 12
______________ 

1. 2 Cor 8:9; 
2. John 1:14; 
3. Psa 45:2; 
4. Luke 4:22; 
5. 1 Pet 2:3; 
6. 1 John 5:10; 
7. John 3:11; 
8. Psa 34:8; 
9. Song of Solomon 2:3; 
10. 2 Cor 12:9; 
11. Eph 4:7; 
12. 1 Pet 4:10

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints - Article 3

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Article 3: God’s Preservation of the Converted

Because of these remnants of sin dwelling in them and also because of the temptations of the world and Satan, those who have been converted could not remain standing in this grace if left to their own resources. But God is faithful, mercifully strengthening them in the grace once conferred on them and powerfully preserving them in it to the end.

It is good for me to draw near to God

Daily Light Devotions - September 24 - Morning

It is good for me to draw near to God.

But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. 1 

O LORD, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells. 2 

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 3 

Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple! 4 

The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. 5 

Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. 6 

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 7 
______________ 

1. Psa 73:28; 
2. Psa 26:8; 
3. Psa 84:10; 
4. Psa 65:4; 
5. Lam 3:25; 
6. Isa 30:18; 
7. Heb 10:19,20,22

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Election

Here's a prayer titled "Election" from "The Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions" edited by Arthur Bennett (pages 88-89):

HOLY TRINITY,

All praise to thee for electing me
   to salvation,
   by foreknowledge of God the Father,
   through sanctification of the Spirit,
   unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood
     of Jesus;
I adore the wonders of thy condescending love,
   marvel at the true believer’s high privilege   
within whom all heaven comes to dwell,
   abiding in God and God in him;
I believe it, help me experience it to the full.
Continue to teach me that Christ’s righteousness
   satisfies justice and evidences thy love;
Help me to make use of it by faith as the ground
   of my peace
   and of thy favour and acceptance,
   so that I may live always near the cross.
It is not feeling the Spirit that proves
   my saved state but the truth of what
   Christ did perfectly for me;
All holiness in him is by faith made mine,
   as if I had done it;
Therefore I see the use of his righteousness,
   for satisfaction to divine justice and making
     me righteous.
It is not inner sensation that makes Christ’s death
     mine
   for that may be delusion, being without the Word,
   but his death apprehended by my faith,
   and so testified by Word and Spirit.
I bless thee for these lively exercises of faith,
   for the righteousness that is mine in Jesus,
   for grace to resign my will to thee;
I rejoice to think that all things are at thy disposal,
   and I love to leave them there.
Then prayer turns wholly into praise,
   and all I can do is to adore and love thee.
I want not the favour of man to lean upon,
   for I know that thy electing grace
     is infinitely better.

Look through all your Father’s rooms in heaven

"Go up beforehand and see your lodging. Look through all your Father’s rooms in heaven; in your Father’s house are many dwelling-places. Men take a sight of lands ere they buy them. I know Christ hath made the bargain already: but be kind to the house you are going to, and see it often." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 36. [Letter CIV, 6 March 1637]

He that overcometh shall inherit all things

Daily Light Devotions - September 23 - Evening

He that overcometh shall inherit all things.

The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 1 

If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 2 

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. 3 

to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 4 

So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future-- all are yours, 5 

But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"-- these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 6 

Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 7 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 8 
______________ 

1. Rev 21:7; 
2. 1 Cor 15:19; 
3. Heb 11:16; 
4. 1 Pet 1:4; 
5. 1 Cor 3:21,22; 
6. 1 Cor 2:9,10; 
7. 2 John 1:8; 
8. Heb 12:1

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints - Article 3

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Article 3: God’s Preservation of the Converted

Because of these remnants of sin dwelling in them and also because of the temptations of the world and Satan, those who have been converted could not remain standing in this grace if left to their own resources. But God is faithful, mercifully strengthening them in the grace once conferred on them and powerfully preserving them in it to the end.

Our God hath not forsaken us

Daily Light Devotions - September 23 - Morning

Our God hath not forsaken us.

For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem. 1 

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 2 

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 3 

you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 

For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself. 5 

"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. 6 

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, 7 

And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" 8 
______________ 

1. Ezra 9:9; 
2. 1 Pet 4:12; 
3. Heb 12:7,8; 
4. Deut 13:3; 
5. 1 Sam 12:22; 
6. Isa 49:15; 
7. Psa 146:5; 
8. Luke 18:7,8

Saturday, September 22, 2012

A tired traveller upon my Guide's shoulder

"If I come to heaven any way, howbeit like a tired traveller upon my Guide's shoulder, it is good enough for those who have no legs of their own for such a journey. I never thought there had been need of so much wrestling to win to the top of that steep mountain as now I find." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 35-36. [Letter CCLXXVI, 1637]

O my Father ... let this cup pass from me

Daily Light Devotions - September 22 - Evening

O my Father ... let this cup pass from me ...

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." 1 

"Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 2 

For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 3 

but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 4 

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 5 

Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 6 

and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 7 
______________ 

1. Matt 26:39; 
2. John 12:27; 
3. John 6:38; 
4. Phil 2:8; 
5. Heb 5:7,8; 
6. Matt 26:53; 
7. Luke 24:46,47

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints - Article 2

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints 

Article 2: The Believer’s Reaction to Sins of Weakness 

Hence daily sins of weakness arise, and blemishes cling to even the best works of God’s people, giving them continual cause to humble themselves before God, to flee for refuge to Christ crucified, to put the flesh to death more and more by the Spirit of supplication and by holy exercises of godliness, and to strain toward the goal of perfection, until they are freed from this body of death and reign with the Lamb of God in heaven.

My meditation of Him shall be sweet

Daily Light Devotions - September 22 - Morning

My meditation of Him shall be sweet ...

May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD. 1 

As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. 2 

For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD, 3

My beloved is radiant and ruddy, distinguished among ten thousand. 4 

who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. 5 

and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 

His head is the finest gold; his locks are wavy, black as a raven. 7 

And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 8 

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 9 

His cheeks are like beds of spices, mounds of sweet-smelling herbs. His lips are lilies, dripping liquid myrrh. 10 

And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. 11 

His cheeks are like beds of spices, mounds of sweet-smelling herbs. His lips are lilies, dripping liquid myrrh. 12 

The officers answered, "No one ever spoke like this man!" 13

His legs are alabaster columns, set on bases of gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as the cedars. 14 

Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love! 15 

There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!" 16 
______________ 

1. Psa 104:34; 
2. Song of Solomon 2:3; 
3. Psa 89:6; 
4. Song of Solomon  5:10; 
5. Matt 13:46; 
6. Rev 1:5; 
7. Song of Solomon  5:11; 
8. Eph 1:22; 
9. Col 1:18; 
10. Song of Solomon  5:13; 
11. Mark 7:24; 
12. Song of Solomon  5:13; 
13. John 7:46; 
14. Song of Solomon  5:15; 
15. Psa 31:16; 
16. Psa 4:6

Friday, September 21, 2012

To live on Christ's love is a king's life

"To live on Christ's love is a king's life." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 35. [Letter CLXXXIV, 16 June 1637]

The communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all

Daily Light Devotions - September 21 - Evening

The communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 1 

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. 2 

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 3 

and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 4 

But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 5 

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 6 

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 7 
______________ 

1. 2 Cor 13:14; 
2. John 14:16,17; 
3. John 16:13,14; 
4. Rom 5:5; 
5. 1 Cor 6:17,19; 
6. Eph 4:30; 
7. Rom 8:26

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints - Article 1

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine: The Perseverance of the Saints

Article 1: The Regenerate Not Entirely Free from Sin

Those people whom God according to his purpose calls into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord and regenerates by the Holy Spirit, he also sets free from the reign and slavery of sin, though in this life not entirely from the flesh and from the body of sin.

We know that all things work together for good

Daily Light Devotions - September 21 - Morning

We know that all things work together for good...

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 1 

Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt. 2 

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 3 

So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future-- all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. 4 

For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 5 

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 6 
______________ 

1. Rom 8:28; 
2. Psa 76:10; 
3. Gen 50:20; 
4. 1 Cor 3:21-23; 
5. 2 Cor 4:15-17; 
6. James 1:2-4

Thursday, September 20, 2012

I find his sweet presence eateth out the bitterness of sorrow and suffering

"I find his sweet presence eateth out the bitterness of sorrow and suffering." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 35. [Letter CCXLII, 7 Sept. 1637]

Poor, yet making many rich

Daily Light Devotions - September 20 - Evening

Poor, yet making many rich.

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. 1 

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 3 

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 4 

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 5 

Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 7 

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8
______________ 

1. 2 Cor 6:10; 
2. 2 Cor 8:9; 
3. John 1:16; 
4. Phil 4:19; 
5. 2 Cor 9:8; 
6. James 2:5; 
7. 1 Cor 1:26,27; 
8. 2 Cor 4:7

Human Corruption, Conversion to God, and the Way It Occurs: Rejection of the Errors IX

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Third and Fourth Main Points of Doctrine: 

Human Corruption, Conversion to God, and the Way It Occurs

Rejection of the Errors:

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

IX. Who teach that grace and free choice are concurrent partial causes which cooperate to initiate conversion, and that grace does not precede–in the order of causality–the effective influence of the will; that is to say, that God does not effectively help man’s will to come to conversion before man’s will itself motivates and determines itself. For the early church already condemned this doctrine long ago in the Pelagians, on the basis of the words of the apostle: It does not depend on man’s willing or running but on God’s mercy (Rom. 9:16); also: Who makes you different from anyone else? and What do you have that you did not receive? (1 Cor. 4:7); likewise: It is God who works in you to will and act according to his good pleasure (Phil. 2:13).

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom

Daily Light Devotions - September 20 - Morning

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom ...

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, 1 

For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, 2 

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD." 3 

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. 4 

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 5 

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 6 

I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength. 7 

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 8 

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise. 9 
______________ 

1. Prov 3:13; 
2. Prov 8:35; 
3. Jer 9:23,24; 
4. Prov 9:10; 
5. Phil 3:7,8; 
6. Col 2:3; 
7. Prov 8:14; 
8. 1 Cor 1:30; 
9. Prov 11:30

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Let Christ have a commanding power and a King-throne in you

"Let Christ have a commanding power and a King-throne in you." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 35. [Letter CCLXII, 13 Sept. 1637]

I will life up mine eyes unto the hills

Daily Light Devotions - September 19 - Evening

I will life up mine eyes unto the hills ...

A Song of Ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 1 

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore. 2 

A Song of Ascents. To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us. 3 

for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. 4 

O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." 5 

My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. 6 

Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 7 
______________ 

1. Psa 121:1,2; 
2. Psa 125:2; 
3. Psa 123:1,2; 
4. Psa 63:7; 
5. 2 Chron 20:12; 
6. Psa 25:15; 
7. Psa 124:8

Human Corruption, Conversion to God, and the Way It Occurs: Rejection of the Errors VIII

The Canons of Dordrecht

The Third and Fourth Main Points of Doctrine: 

Human Corruption, Conversion to God, and the Way It Occurs

Rejection of the Errors:

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

VIII. Who teach that God in regenerating man does not bring to bear that power of his omnipotence whereby he may powerfully and unfailingly bend man’s will to faith and conversion, but that even when God has accomplished all the works of grace which he uses for man’s conversion, man nevertheless can, and in actual fact often does, so resist God and the Spirit in their intent and will to regenerate him, that man completely thwarts his own rebirth; and, indeed, that it remains in his own power whether or not to be reborn. For this does away with all effective functioning of God’s grace in our conversion and subjects the activity of Almighty God to the will of man; it is contrary to the apostles, who teach that we believe by virtue of the effective working of God’s mighty strength (Eph. 1:19), and that God fulfills the undeserved good will of his kindness and the work of faith in us with power (2 Thess. 1:11), and likewise that his divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3).

The God of all grace

Daily Light Devotions - September 19 - Morning

The God of all grace.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 

And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The LORD.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 2 

and he is merciful to him, and says, 'Deliver him from going down into the pit; I have found a ransom; 3 

and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 4 

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 5 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 6 

To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 7 

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 9 

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." 10 

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 11
______________ 

1. 1 Pet 5:10; 
2. Exo 33:19; 
3. Job 33:24; 
4. Rom 3:24,25; 
5. John 1:17; 
6. Eph 2:8; 
7. 1 Tim 1:2; 
8. Eph 4:7; 
9. 1 Pet 4:10; 
10. James 4:6; 
11. 2 Pet 3:18

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

The extent to which children should be loved

"Take no heavier lift of your children, than your Lord alloweth; give them room beside your heart, but not in the yolk of your heart, where Christ should be; for then they are your idols, not your bairns [children]. If your Lord take any of them home to his house before the storm come on, take it well, the owner of the orchard may take down two or three apples off his own trees, before midsummer, and ere they get the harvest sun; and it would not be seemly that his servant, the gardener, should chide him for it. Let our Lord pluck his own fruit at any season he pleaseth; they are not lost to you, they are laid up so well, as that they are coffered in heaven, where our Lord's best jewels lie." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007, 34-35. [Letter CCXXXIX, 7 Sept. 1637]