Police fatalities jump 37 percent in 2010
By GREG BLUESTEIN, Associated Press Greg Bluestein, Associated Press Tue Dec 28, 4:30 pm ET
ATLANTA – Two officers in a remote Alaska town were ambushed as they chatted on a street. A California officer and deputy were killed by an arson suspect with a high-powered rifle as they tried to serve a warrant. Two other officers doing anti-drug work were gunned down by men along a busy Arkansas highway.
These so-called cluster killings of more than one officer helped make 2010 a particularly deadly year for law enforcement. Deaths in the line of duty jumped 37 percent to about 160 from 117 the year before, according to numbers as of Tuesday compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a nonprofit that tracks police deaths.
There also was a spike in shooting deaths. Fifty-nine federal, state and local officers were killed by gunfire in 2010, a 20 percent jump from last year's figures, when 49 were killed. The total does not include the death of a Georgia State Patrol trooper shot in the neck Monday night in Atlanta as he tried to make a traffic stop.
And 73 officers died in traffic incidents, a rise from the 51 killed in 2009, according to the data.
Craig Floyd, director of the Washington-based fund, said the rise in fatalities could be an aftershock of the nation's economic troubles as officers in some communities cope with slashed budgets.
"We're asking our officers to do more with less. We're asking them to fight conventional crime, and we're asking them to serve on the front lines in the war against terror," he said.
Last year's toll of 117 officers killed was a 50-year low that encouraged police groups. But this year's total is more the norm than an anomaly: The number of police deaths has topped 160 five times since 2000, including 240 in 2001. The annual toll routinely topped 200 in the 1970s and before that in the 1920s.
The deaths were spread across more than 30 states and Puerto Rico — with the most killings reported in Texas, California, Illinois, Florida and Georgia. The two law enforcement agencies with the most deaths were the California Highway Patrol and the Chicago Police Department, each with five.
Ten of the shooting deaths came from five tragedies in which several officers were shot and killed in groups.
The cluster shootings started in February, when authorities say a Fresno County, Calif. deputy was shot by an arson suspect who had vowed to kill investigators and himself rather than go to prison. The killing led to a daylong gunbattle during which a police officer was also shot and killed. The gunman later killed himself.
In March, San Juan authorities say two park rangers serving as guards at Puerto Rico's Department of Natural Resources were gunned down by invaders who jumped a fence during an attempted robbery.
Two West Memphis police officers doing anti-drug work in May were shot to death by two men wielding AK-47s along an Arkansas interstate. The suspects were later killed in a shootout that injured the local sheriff and a deputy at a crowded Walmart parking lot.
In June, authorities say a man wanted for writing a bad check shot and killed two Tampa, Fla., police officers after he was pulled over at 2:15 a.m. And in August, a man was charged with killing two officers chatting in front of his home in the tiny Alaska village of Hoonah.
Maria Haberfeld, a professor of police science at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said the rise of community-oriented policing over the last few decades has also had the unintended consequence of lessening the public's respect for officers.
"It's a cascading effect of the people thinking police are here to serve and protect them on an individual basis" instead of acting as an arm of the government, she said. "We spend hours teaching children about Shakespeare and history, but we don't devote even an hour a week to the role of police in creating the world in which we live."
The uptick in traffic deaths also troubled analysts.
The research didn't reveal what led to many of the traffic deaths, partly because local departments often don't keep complete records of those fatalities, said Floyd. But he said it suggests that more research is needed to investigate possible driver fatigue and distracted driving.
"We're asking citizens not to talk and text on their cell phones, but we're providing officers with laptop computers and cell phones and radios," he said. "That means taking their attention from the road. Are we putting too many distractions in police vehicles?"
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Importance of Prayer
PRAYER
(James Smith, "Sunny Subjects for All Seasons" 1858)
"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17
How important is a spirit of prayer! It is . . .
the proof of regeneration,
the manifestation of grace in our hearts, and
the evidence our title to mansions in the skies!
Prayer is . . .
the breath of the renewed soul,
the beating of the sanctified heart,
the effect of the life of God within us.
O that I had prayed more!
Prayer should become a habit with us--then everything would furnish us with matter for prayer. Prayer should mingle with our pleasures and our pains, with our labor and our rest. O for more prayer!
We should never do--what we cannot pray God to bless.
We should never go--where we cannot ask God to go with us.
If we would hold fast our profession,
if we would adorn the gospel,
if we would honor Jesus,
if we would enjoy our mercies,
if we would get good by our trials,
if we would see all things working together for good,
if we would conquer Satan,
if we would overcome the world,
if we would crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts
--we must pray!
Prayer, if it is believing prayer . . .
opens Heaven to us,
unveils the glorious face of God, and
brings down foretastes of the joys of paradise,
makes us a match for all our foes,
enables us patiently to carry every cross, and with perseverance to climb and pass over the loftiest hills we meet with on our heaven-bound pilgrimage!
Those who pray, will, by deriving strength from Heaven, by drawing down wisdom from above--withstand every storm, and shout God's praises at last.
Tempted Christian--pray, and you will overcome every temptation.
Troubled Christian--pray, and God will deliver you out of every trouble.
Perplexed Christian--pray, and God will make your way plain before your face.
Doubting Christian--pray, and God will disperse your doubts, and chase your fears away.
Trembling Christian--pray, and God will strengthen you with strength in the soul.
Sick Christian--pray, and God will make all your bed in your affliction.
Dying Christian--pray, and death will lose all its terrors, and you will gently fall asleep in Jesus.
Lost sinner--pray, for God who heard the publican and justified him, will hear you and save you.
O for the grace of prayer, that we may in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requests to God.
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2
(Grace Gems)
(James Smith, "Sunny Subjects for All Seasons" 1858)
"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17
How important is a spirit of prayer! It is . . .
the proof of regeneration,
the manifestation of grace in our hearts, and
the evidence our title to mansions in the skies!
Prayer is . . .
the breath of the renewed soul,
the beating of the sanctified heart,
the effect of the life of God within us.
O that I had prayed more!
Prayer should become a habit with us--then everything would furnish us with matter for prayer. Prayer should mingle with our pleasures and our pains, with our labor and our rest. O for more prayer!
We should never do--what we cannot pray God to bless.
We should never go--where we cannot ask God to go with us.
If we would hold fast our profession,
if we would adorn the gospel,
if we would honor Jesus,
if we would enjoy our mercies,
if we would get good by our trials,
if we would see all things working together for good,
if we would conquer Satan,
if we would overcome the world,
if we would crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts
--we must pray!
Prayer, if it is believing prayer . . .
opens Heaven to us,
unveils the glorious face of God, and
brings down foretastes of the joys of paradise,
makes us a match for all our foes,
enables us patiently to carry every cross, and with perseverance to climb and pass over the loftiest hills we meet with on our heaven-bound pilgrimage!
Those who pray, will, by deriving strength from Heaven, by drawing down wisdom from above--withstand every storm, and shout God's praises at last.
Tempted Christian--pray, and you will overcome every temptation.
Troubled Christian--pray, and God will deliver you out of every trouble.
Perplexed Christian--pray, and God will make your way plain before your face.
Doubting Christian--pray, and God will disperse your doubts, and chase your fears away.
Trembling Christian--pray, and God will strengthen you with strength in the soul.
Sick Christian--pray, and God will make all your bed in your affliction.
Dying Christian--pray, and death will lose all its terrors, and you will gently fall asleep in Jesus.
Lost sinner--pray, for God who heard the publican and justified him, will hear you and save you.
O for the grace of prayer, that we may in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requests to God.
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2
(Grace Gems)
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
James Smith, "God is Merciful" 1858
Last night Sam was at "The Fighting Rooster"
(James Smith, "God is Merciful" 1858)
"God is merciful!" said old Mrs. Jenkins, as she came from the funeral home where drunken Sam Voller was just laid out. Last night Sam was at "The Fighting Rooster" and drank too much beer, then he quarreled, a fight followed, and Sam got an unlucky blow--and now he has gone to appear before his Maker, to give an account of the deeds!
Yes, Mrs. Jenkins, God is merciful--but not always. God is merciful--but not to all. There was no mercy for the world of the ungodly, who perished in the flood. Nor was there any mercy for the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, who were consumed by fire from heaven.
Neither can we see, though we do not wish to judge harshly of our poor fellow-creatures, how there could be mercy for Sam--who lived in sin, died in sin, and died in consequence of his sin. "He who confesses and forsakes his sin--shall find mercy;" but how can he hope for mercy--who hardens himself in sin, and perseveres in it until summoned to appear before God to give an account of it?
"There is mercy with God--that He may be feared," not that He may be trifled with, and insulted to His face!
Mercy may now be obtained by any one and every one who seeks it. But the Lord, who is now so merciful and gracious--will by and by manifest His wrathful indignation; and say to those who now refuse to come when He calls them, "Depart from me, you cursed ones, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels!" Terrible words--called forth by persevering in sin, and inflicting a terrible doom! May no reader of these lines, ever endure the threatening contained in them!
In vain for mercy now they cry;
In lakes of liquid fire they lie;
There on the flaming billows tossed,
Forever--O, forever, lost!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
(GraceGems)
(James Smith, "God is Merciful" 1858)
"God is merciful!" said old Mrs. Jenkins, as she came from the funeral home where drunken Sam Voller was just laid out. Last night Sam was at "The Fighting Rooster" and drank too much beer, then he quarreled, a fight followed, and Sam got an unlucky blow--and now he has gone to appear before his Maker, to give an account of the deeds!
Yes, Mrs. Jenkins, God is merciful--but not always. God is merciful--but not to all. There was no mercy for the world of the ungodly, who perished in the flood. Nor was there any mercy for the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, who were consumed by fire from heaven.
Neither can we see, though we do not wish to judge harshly of our poor fellow-creatures, how there could be mercy for Sam--who lived in sin, died in sin, and died in consequence of his sin. "He who confesses and forsakes his sin--shall find mercy;" but how can he hope for mercy--who hardens himself in sin, and perseveres in it until summoned to appear before God to give an account of it?
"There is mercy with God--that He may be feared," not that He may be trifled with, and insulted to His face!
Mercy may now be obtained by any one and every one who seeks it. But the Lord, who is now so merciful and gracious--will by and by manifest His wrathful indignation; and say to those who now refuse to come when He calls them, "Depart from me, you cursed ones, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels!" Terrible words--called forth by persevering in sin, and inflicting a terrible doom! May no reader of these lines, ever endure the threatening contained in them!
In vain for mercy now they cry;
In lakes of liquid fire they lie;
There on the flaming billows tossed,
Forever--O, forever, lost!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
(GraceGems)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Another Spurgeon great
Men are brought to God by the effectual power of grace, but grace never violates, though it subdues, the human will. They make a great mistake who think that God treats men as if they were logs: God knows they are not logs, and never treats them so. He has made them in his own image, to be free, intelligent agents, and he acts upon them as free agents. It is difficult for some men to understand how grace can be effectual and almighty, and yet man can still be a free agent. Now, if persons do not see this, we are not bound to give them understandings, but the two things are consistent enough: prejudice creates the difficulty, there is none really. A man may be free enough, and yet he may be so overwhelmingly persuaded to a certain course, that he cannot do otherwise; such moral power does not at all interfere with true liberty. If we taught that men were saved against their wills, and that physical force was put upon them to make them Christians, we should deserve to be denounced as talking nonsense, or worse; but the power which we speak of is moral, spiritual, persuasive, and operates in strict accordance with the usual laws of mind. The grace of God does no violence to the will, but sweetly overcomes its obstinacy, making it a willing captive. 785.690
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Is it nothing to you?
Is it nothing to you?
The death of our Lord Jesus Christ is the most wonderful, astounding, magnificent event in the history of the universe! Nothing that is, has been, or shall hereafter be--can be compared to it. Yet, as He was suffering the wrath of God, bearing the sins of His people, dying as the voluntary Substitute for guilty, hell-deserving, hell-bent sinners, such as we are--we hear the Son of God expressing the most woeful, unexplainable lamentation imaginable. He cried, "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see. Is any suffering like My suffering that was inflicted on Me, that the Lord brought on Me in the day of His fierce anger?" Lamentations 1:12
When I hear those words falling from the lips of the Son of God, as He hangs upon the cursed tree, I simply cannot avoid asking a question. Of whom does the bleeding Lamb of God speak these words? To whom is the death of Christ meaningless and insignificant?
Nothing in all the universe is more wonderful and magnificent in the eyes of God the Father--than the death of His dear Son!
The angels of heaven ever look into the mystery and wonder of redemption by the blood of Christ with astonishment!
Faithful gospel preachers are so overwhelmed with the wonders of redemption and the glory of the Redeemer--that they never cease to study, glory in, and preach the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Redeemed sinners on the earth cherish nothing, delight in nothing, marvel at nothing--like the death of our Lord Jesus Christ for them!
The ransomed in glory appear to think of nothing and speak of nothing--except the dying love of the Lamb in the midst of the throne! (Revelation 5:9-12).
Yet, there are some to whom our darling Savior speaks as it were, with astonishment, to whom His death is meaningless, insignificant, nothing! Who are these people to whom the sin-atoning death of Christ is nothing?
Our Lord is here addressing Himself to everyone who 'passes by' Him--passes by His death as the sinners' Substitute in unbelief. O unbelieving, Christless soul--it is you to whom the Son of God speaks!
O cold, calculating, heartless, preacher, you who pass by the crucified Christ--and take to your lips the meaningless, insignificant trifles of politics, social corruptions, moralisms, denominationalism, historical religion, creeds, and debates about nothing--it is you to whom the Master speaks!
Christ crucified is mundane, meaningless and insignificant--only to unregenerate, unbelieving souls!
It is my heart's prayer that you will hear these words echoing in your soul--until the death of our Lord Jesus Christ is made to be the most important thing in all the world to you. I pray that we may become totally consumed with the crucified Christ, that our hearts, our lives--every fiber of our souls may be constantly dominated by the death of Christ as our sin-atoning Savior. Let us meditate upon and study the great, sin-atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, until it consumes our every thought!
*Another Gracegem gem!
The death of our Lord Jesus Christ is the most wonderful, astounding, magnificent event in the history of the universe! Nothing that is, has been, or shall hereafter be--can be compared to it. Yet, as He was suffering the wrath of God, bearing the sins of His people, dying as the voluntary Substitute for guilty, hell-deserving, hell-bent sinners, such as we are--we hear the Son of God expressing the most woeful, unexplainable lamentation imaginable. He cried, "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see. Is any suffering like My suffering that was inflicted on Me, that the Lord brought on Me in the day of His fierce anger?" Lamentations 1:12
When I hear those words falling from the lips of the Son of God, as He hangs upon the cursed tree, I simply cannot avoid asking a question. Of whom does the bleeding Lamb of God speak these words? To whom is the death of Christ meaningless and insignificant?
Nothing in all the universe is more wonderful and magnificent in the eyes of God the Father--than the death of His dear Son!
The angels of heaven ever look into the mystery and wonder of redemption by the blood of Christ with astonishment!
Faithful gospel preachers are so overwhelmed with the wonders of redemption and the glory of the Redeemer--that they never cease to study, glory in, and preach the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Redeemed sinners on the earth cherish nothing, delight in nothing, marvel at nothing--like the death of our Lord Jesus Christ for them!
The ransomed in glory appear to think of nothing and speak of nothing--except the dying love of the Lamb in the midst of the throne! (Revelation 5:9-12).
Yet, there are some to whom our darling Savior speaks as it were, with astonishment, to whom His death is meaningless, insignificant, nothing! Who are these people to whom the sin-atoning death of Christ is nothing?
Our Lord is here addressing Himself to everyone who 'passes by' Him--passes by His death as the sinners' Substitute in unbelief. O unbelieving, Christless soul--it is you to whom the Son of God speaks!
O cold, calculating, heartless, preacher, you who pass by the crucified Christ--and take to your lips the meaningless, insignificant trifles of politics, social corruptions, moralisms, denominationalism, historical religion, creeds, and debates about nothing--it is you to whom the Master speaks!
Christ crucified is mundane, meaningless and insignificant--only to unregenerate, unbelieving souls!
It is my heart's prayer that you will hear these words echoing in your soul--until the death of our Lord Jesus Christ is made to be the most important thing in all the world to you. I pray that we may become totally consumed with the crucified Christ, that our hearts, our lives--every fiber of our souls may be constantly dominated by the death of Christ as our sin-atoning Savior. Let us meditate upon and study the great, sin-atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, until it consumes our every thought!
*Another Gracegem gem!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Sons! Brethren! Princes!...
Sons! Brethren! Princes! Friends! Heirs! Jewels! My Portion! Mine!
(John MacDuff, "The Night Watches")
"And they shall be Mine, says the LORD Almighty, in that day when I make up My jewels!" Malachi 3:17
"MY JEWELS!" Of what favored creatures does Jehovah thus speak? Is it of seraphs? Is it of angels? Methinks, at such a title, even they would take the dust of abasement, and veiling their faces, cry, "Unclean! unclean!" But, marvel of marvels! It is redeemed sinners of the earth--once crude, unshapely stones, lying in "the horrible pit and the miry clay," amid the rubbish of corruption--who are thus sought out by divine grace, purchased by divine love, destined through eternity to be set as jewels in the crown of the eternal God!
"The Lord's portion is His people!" There is a surpassing revelation of love here. Great, unspeakably great, is the privilege of the believer--to be able to look up to the everlasting Jehovah, and say, "You are my portion, O Lord!" But what is this, in comparison with the response of Omnipotence to the child of dust, "You are Mine!" Reader, have you learned to lisp your part in this wondrous interchange of covenant-love, "My beloved is Mine--and I am His!"
What an array of wondrous titles belong to the saints of God, and given, too, by God Himself, in His own Word! He calls them--Sons! Brethren! Princes! Friends! Heirs! Jewels! My Portion! Mine!
And when is the time when they become thus dear to Him? Sinner, when you wept at the cross of Jesus--you became His jewel. No--from eternity past--"He has loved you with an everlasting love!" True, you are not yet set in His crown. You are yet undergoing the process of polishing. Affliction is preparing you; trial is needed to remove all the roughness and blemishes of nature, and make you fit for your Master's use. But, blessed thought! "Now it is God who has made us (literally, chiseled or polished us) for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." Yes, God Himself, the possessor, who prized that earthly jewel so much, as to give in exchange for it Heaven's "Pearl of great price"--He has the polishing in His own hand! He will not deal too rashly or roughly!
A jewel in Immanuel's crown! Not only raised from the ash-heap to be set among princes; but to gem through eternity--the Forehead that for me, was once wreathed with thorns!
Shall I--can I--murmur at any way my Savior sees fit to polish and prepare me for such an honor as this? Let me sink down on my nightly pillow overpowered with the thought; and as I hear my covenant God whispering in my ear the astounding accents, "You are Mine!" I may well reply, "I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me live in safety!" Psalm 4:8
-Gracegems
(John MacDuff, "The Night Watches")
"And they shall be Mine, says the LORD Almighty, in that day when I make up My jewels!" Malachi 3:17
"MY JEWELS!" Of what favored creatures does Jehovah thus speak? Is it of seraphs? Is it of angels? Methinks, at such a title, even they would take the dust of abasement, and veiling their faces, cry, "Unclean! unclean!" But, marvel of marvels! It is redeemed sinners of the earth--once crude, unshapely stones, lying in "the horrible pit and the miry clay," amid the rubbish of corruption--who are thus sought out by divine grace, purchased by divine love, destined through eternity to be set as jewels in the crown of the eternal God!
"The Lord's portion is His people!" There is a surpassing revelation of love here. Great, unspeakably great, is the privilege of the believer--to be able to look up to the everlasting Jehovah, and say, "You are my portion, O Lord!" But what is this, in comparison with the response of Omnipotence to the child of dust, "You are Mine!" Reader, have you learned to lisp your part in this wondrous interchange of covenant-love, "My beloved is Mine--and I am His!"
What an array of wondrous titles belong to the saints of God, and given, too, by God Himself, in His own Word! He calls them--Sons! Brethren! Princes! Friends! Heirs! Jewels! My Portion! Mine!
And when is the time when they become thus dear to Him? Sinner, when you wept at the cross of Jesus--you became His jewel. No--from eternity past--"He has loved you with an everlasting love!" True, you are not yet set in His crown. You are yet undergoing the process of polishing. Affliction is preparing you; trial is needed to remove all the roughness and blemishes of nature, and make you fit for your Master's use. But, blessed thought! "Now it is God who has made us (literally, chiseled or polished us) for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." Yes, God Himself, the possessor, who prized that earthly jewel so much, as to give in exchange for it Heaven's "Pearl of great price"--He has the polishing in His own hand! He will not deal too rashly or roughly!
A jewel in Immanuel's crown! Not only raised from the ash-heap to be set among princes; but to gem through eternity--the Forehead that for me, was once wreathed with thorns!
Shall I--can I--murmur at any way my Savior sees fit to polish and prepare me for such an honor as this? Let me sink down on my nightly pillow overpowered with the thought; and as I hear my covenant God whispering in my ear the astounding accents, "You are Mine!" I may well reply, "I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me live in safety!" Psalm 4:8
-Gracegems
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Lest We Forget
Click on title or use link-
http://shieldsoftheshepherd.blogspot.com/2009/09/lest-we-forget.html
http://shieldsoftheshepherd.blogspot.com/2009/09/lest-we-forget.html
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Gotta love the Gems!
There is a way to hell--even from the very gates of heaven!
(James Smith, "Not Far from the Kingdom" 1859)
"You are not far from the kingdom of God." Mark 12:34
Many are in this dangerous position. They are not far from the kingdom of God--but not actually in it.
They have clear light in their heads--but have no grace in their hearts. They know the gospel in theory--but have no inward experience of its power. But no man can be saved by light in the mind; there must be the life of God within the soul.
They have not only clear light--but correct morals. The tongue is controlled. The temper is governed. The life is regulated. But with all this, the soul is dead in trespasses and sins. There may be morality--without spirituality. The life may not only be correct--but there may be a regular attendance on gospel ordinances. They may come as God's people, sit as God's people, hear and sing as God's people--and yet not be in the kingdom of God!
There may be no objection felt, or opposition shown to the doctrines or duties of the gospel. All may be admitted, professed, and even admired; but still the person may not be in the kingdom of God.
There may also be a form of prayer--but prayer without faith--prayer without the heart, without the soul.
They may be employed in teaching God's Word, either in the Sunday School, or in the pulpit--and yet not be in the kingdom of God.
O how solemn is the thought, how searching is the fact--that people . . .
may have correct views of truth;
may regularly attend on the means of grace;
may acquiesce in the doctrines and duties of Christianity;
may associate and unite with God's people;
may regularly bow the knee in prayer; and
may employ their time and talents in instructing others in the things of God--and yet never enter into the kingdom of God themselves!
Reader beware! for many rest short of vital religion. They know nothing of a broken heart for sin, of living faith in Christ, or fellowship with God through Him. They rest in a form of knowledge, or in a routine of religious services. Such may find out their mistake too late, as did the foolish virgins--when the door was shut! Or, like those referred to by our Lord when He said, "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" Matthew 7:22-23
Many will come very near to the kingdom--but will never enter it. As John Bunyan says, "There is a way to hell--even from the very gates of heaven!"
But it must be dreadful to come near, so near to heaven--and yet to be thrust down to hell!
-Compliments of Grace Gems
(James Smith, "Not Far from the Kingdom" 1859)
"You are not far from the kingdom of God." Mark 12:34
Many are in this dangerous position. They are not far from the kingdom of God--but not actually in it.
They have clear light in their heads--but have no grace in their hearts. They know the gospel in theory--but have no inward experience of its power. But no man can be saved by light in the mind; there must be the life of God within the soul.
They have not only clear light--but correct morals. The tongue is controlled. The temper is governed. The life is regulated. But with all this, the soul is dead in trespasses and sins. There may be morality--without spirituality. The life may not only be correct--but there may be a regular attendance on gospel ordinances. They may come as God's people, sit as God's people, hear and sing as God's people--and yet not be in the kingdom of God!
There may be no objection felt, or opposition shown to the doctrines or duties of the gospel. All may be admitted, professed, and even admired; but still the person may not be in the kingdom of God.
There may also be a form of prayer--but prayer without faith--prayer without the heart, without the soul.
They may be employed in teaching God's Word, either in the Sunday School, or in the pulpit--and yet not be in the kingdom of God.
O how solemn is the thought, how searching is the fact--that people . . .
may have correct views of truth;
may regularly attend on the means of grace;
may acquiesce in the doctrines and duties of Christianity;
may associate and unite with God's people;
may regularly bow the knee in prayer; and
may employ their time and talents in instructing others in the things of God--and yet never enter into the kingdom of God themselves!
Reader beware! for many rest short of vital religion. They know nothing of a broken heart for sin, of living faith in Christ, or fellowship with God through Him. They rest in a form of knowledge, or in a routine of religious services. Such may find out their mistake too late, as did the foolish virgins--when the door was shut! Or, like those referred to by our Lord when He said, "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" Matthew 7:22-23
Many will come very near to the kingdom--but will never enter it. As John Bunyan says, "There is a way to hell--even from the very gates of heaven!"
But it must be dreadful to come near, so near to heaven--and yet to be thrust down to hell!
-Compliments of Grace Gems
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Truth spoken plainly
Swallowed up in a worldly church!
(James Smith, "Man's Treatment of Gods People" 1859)
"If the world hates you--keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world--it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world--but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you!" John 15:18-19
Such is the testimony of the Lord Jesus.
Real Christians have never been favorites of the world--and while it continues what it is, they never can be.
Nor can the pure and simple gospel be pleasant to the world, because it lays the sinner in the dust, and exalts God as supreme and sovereign. Let us not be surprised then, if we hear worldlings speak against the gospel, and traduce the Lord's people; for what the Romans told Paul, is in a good measure true in the present day, "For concerning this 'sect', we are aware that it is spoken against everywhere!" Acts 28:22
This 'sect' originated with Jesus, the hated Nazarene, who came into the world for its good, and to save His people from their sins. He gathered around Him many--but they were principally the poor and unlearned. There was nothing in them, or about them, to recommend them to the proud and sensual world.
They were begotten of God, and made new creatures in Christ.
They embraced the truth that He taught.
They observed the precepts that He gave.
They copied the example that He set.
Their creed consisted pretty much in these facts:
that man is a lost sinner,
that salvation by works is impossible, and therefore it must be all of grace--or not at all;
that the Lord Jesus came into the world to take the sinner's place, fulfill the law in the sinner's stead, and die as the sinner's substitute.
By such hopes, they were animated,
by such rules, they walked, and
at such objects, they aimed.
And yet, they were spoken against and despised, because they poured contempt on the luxuries, pride, and honors of this world. They were treated as the offscouring of all things, unfit for society, unfit to live.
"Do not be surprised, my brothers--if the world hates you!" 1 John 3:13
And yet, like Israel in Egypt, the more they were persecuted, the more they multiplied and grew; until at length they spread not only over the Roman empire--but nearly over the world. And, had they retained . . .
the simplicity of their lives,
the spirituality of their minds, and
the correctness of their creed--
they would no doubt have encircled the globe!
But at length they were . . .
courted by royalty,
loaded with wealth,
became intoxicated with worldly honors,
and then their glory departed!
They drank into the spirit of the world,
conformed to its maxims and customs,
sought its approbation and applause--and
so fell from their exalted station, and lost their real dignity. The 'sect' that had been spoken against everywhere, with the exception of a few--was swallowed up in a worldly church!
There are still some, who, like the ancient sect of the Nazarenes, are spoken against everywhere. They will not swim with the stream. They will not compromise their Master's honor, or give up their Master's truth. According to the light they have--they walk; and they rejoice to exalt the Savior, humble the sinner, and proclaim salvation, all of grace. They rejoice that they are counted worthy to suffer shame, for His dear name.
Reader! Do you belong to this sect? Is there anything in your religion that is distasteful to the world, anything that draws forth its opposition, or excites its contempt? The carnal mind is still enmity against God, and if we are godlike--that enmity will manifest itself against us!
If we copy Christ's example, as set before us in the gospel; if we testify against the world, that its works are evil, and call upon it to repent, as Christ did--we shall soon be hated by the world!
From Gracegems
(James Smith, "Man's Treatment of Gods People" 1859)
"If the world hates you--keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world--it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world--but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you!" John 15:18-19
Such is the testimony of the Lord Jesus.
Real Christians have never been favorites of the world--and while it continues what it is, they never can be.
Nor can the pure and simple gospel be pleasant to the world, because it lays the sinner in the dust, and exalts God as supreme and sovereign. Let us not be surprised then, if we hear worldlings speak against the gospel, and traduce the Lord's people; for what the Romans told Paul, is in a good measure true in the present day, "For concerning this 'sect', we are aware that it is spoken against everywhere!" Acts 28:22
This 'sect' originated with Jesus, the hated Nazarene, who came into the world for its good, and to save His people from their sins. He gathered around Him many--but they were principally the poor and unlearned. There was nothing in them, or about them, to recommend them to the proud and sensual world.
They were begotten of God, and made new creatures in Christ.
They embraced the truth that He taught.
They observed the precepts that He gave.
They copied the example that He set.
Their creed consisted pretty much in these facts:
that man is a lost sinner,
that salvation by works is impossible, and therefore it must be all of grace--or not at all;
that the Lord Jesus came into the world to take the sinner's place, fulfill the law in the sinner's stead, and die as the sinner's substitute.
By such hopes, they were animated,
by such rules, they walked, and
at such objects, they aimed.
And yet, they were spoken against and despised, because they poured contempt on the luxuries, pride, and honors of this world. They were treated as the offscouring of all things, unfit for society, unfit to live.
"Do not be surprised, my brothers--if the world hates you!" 1 John 3:13
And yet, like Israel in Egypt, the more they were persecuted, the more they multiplied and grew; until at length they spread not only over the Roman empire--but nearly over the world. And, had they retained . . .
the simplicity of their lives,
the spirituality of their minds, and
the correctness of their creed--
they would no doubt have encircled the globe!
But at length they were . . .
courted by royalty,
loaded with wealth,
became intoxicated with worldly honors,
and then their glory departed!
They drank into the spirit of the world,
conformed to its maxims and customs,
sought its approbation and applause--and
so fell from their exalted station, and lost their real dignity. The 'sect' that had been spoken against everywhere, with the exception of a few--was swallowed up in a worldly church!
There are still some, who, like the ancient sect of the Nazarenes, are spoken against everywhere. They will not swim with the stream. They will not compromise their Master's honor, or give up their Master's truth. According to the light they have--they walk; and they rejoice to exalt the Savior, humble the sinner, and proclaim salvation, all of grace. They rejoice that they are counted worthy to suffer shame, for His dear name.
Reader! Do you belong to this sect? Is there anything in your religion that is distasteful to the world, anything that draws forth its opposition, or excites its contempt? The carnal mind is still enmity against God, and if we are godlike--that enmity will manifest itself against us!
If we copy Christ's example, as set before us in the gospel; if we testify against the world, that its works are evil, and call upon it to repent, as Christ did--we shall soon be hated by the world!
From Gracegems
Friday, August 13, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
A well placed round...
"The mourning of a penitent is not because of hell: if there were no hell he would mourn just as much. His grief is not for what sin might cost himself, but for what it has cost the Substitute."
-Charles Spurgeon
-Charles Spurgeon
Friday, July 30, 2010
Worth your thought
The biggest loser!
(James Smith, "The Safe Side!")
There are usually two sides:
the one dangerous--the other safe;
the one is uncertain--and the other is sure.
It is always the wisest--to be found on the safe side!
Look at the unbeliever:
He denies the Bible to be God's book.
He walks by his own reason.
He gratifies his senses and his lusts.
He lives in sin.
He must soon die.
He has no Savior.
He has no true hope.
If the Bible is false--then he is safe; BUT
if the Bible is true--then he is damned forever!
He is certainly not on the safe side!
There are many things in the Bible which he does not like.
He is prejudiced against it.
It never prophecies good concerning him--but always evil.
It requires him to change his present sinful course--but he loves it.
He loves sin--and the Bible condemns it.
He gratifies the lusts of the flesh--and the Bible bids him to mortify them.
In a word, there is as much opposition between the Bible and him--as between light and darkness, holiness and sin, truth and error. Therefore he hates it!
At the best, with him all is uncertain, unsatisfactory, and vexatious.
He is certainly not on the safe side!
Now look at the true Christian:
He believes the Bible to be from God. He has examined it. He has evidence of its inspiration in his heart. He fully believes it.
What the Bible says of himself as a sinner--he knows to be true.
What it says of Jesus as a Savior--he has proved to be a fact.
As guilty--he has applied to God for pardon, and obtained it.
As impure--he has sought the cleansing operations of the Holy Spirit, and has experienced them.
His guilt is gone--therefore he has no slavish fears.
His soul is justified--therefore he has peace with God.
He approves of the inspired precepts--and regulates his life by them.
He carries his cares to God--and is sustained under them.
He realizes that God is his Friend, his Father, and his everlasting Portion.
He is peaceful.
He is often happy.
To him death has no sting--and eternity has no terror.
He knows Jesus as his Savior--and trusts in Him.
He knows God as his Father--and walks with Him.
He knows the Holy Spirit as his comforting Teacher--and listens to Him.
He is, perhaps, more tried than the unbeliever--but he has supports, consolations, and pleasures--of which the unbeliever knows nothing. He lives to bless others, to honor God, to prepare for a glorious immortality.
He would not change his worst day--for the unbeliever's best day!
He is on the safe side!
If the unbeliever should be right--then the Christian is no loser.
But if the Christian is right--and he is--then the unbeliever is the biggest loser--an infinite loser!
Reader, on which side are you? There is but one safe side.
There is no safety for a sinner now--but at the Cross!
There will be no safety at death and judgment--but in Christ!
He who is on the safe side now--will be on the safe side then!
There will be no changing sides then!
"But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne! All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at His right hand--and the goats at His left.
Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father--inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world!' (the safe side)
Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones--into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons!' (the perilous side)
And they will go away into eternal punishment--but the righteous will go into eternal life!" Matthew 25:31-46
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Reader! You might want to forward this gem on to your unsaved friends!
Grace Gems
(James Smith, "The Safe Side!")
There are usually two sides:
the one dangerous--the other safe;
the one is uncertain--and the other is sure.
It is always the wisest--to be found on the safe side!
Look at the unbeliever:
He denies the Bible to be God's book.
He walks by his own reason.
He gratifies his senses and his lusts.
He lives in sin.
He must soon die.
He has no Savior.
He has no true hope.
If the Bible is false--then he is safe; BUT
if the Bible is true--then he is damned forever!
He is certainly not on the safe side!
There are many things in the Bible which he does not like.
He is prejudiced against it.
It never prophecies good concerning him--but always evil.
It requires him to change his present sinful course--but he loves it.
He loves sin--and the Bible condemns it.
He gratifies the lusts of the flesh--and the Bible bids him to mortify them.
In a word, there is as much opposition between the Bible and him--as between light and darkness, holiness and sin, truth and error. Therefore he hates it!
At the best, with him all is uncertain, unsatisfactory, and vexatious.
He is certainly not on the safe side!
Now look at the true Christian:
He believes the Bible to be from God. He has examined it. He has evidence of its inspiration in his heart. He fully believes it.
What the Bible says of himself as a sinner--he knows to be true.
What it says of Jesus as a Savior--he has proved to be a fact.
As guilty--he has applied to God for pardon, and obtained it.
As impure--he has sought the cleansing operations of the Holy Spirit, and has experienced them.
His guilt is gone--therefore he has no slavish fears.
His soul is justified--therefore he has peace with God.
He approves of the inspired precepts--and regulates his life by them.
He carries his cares to God--and is sustained under them.
He realizes that God is his Friend, his Father, and his everlasting Portion.
He is peaceful.
He is often happy.
To him death has no sting--and eternity has no terror.
He knows Jesus as his Savior--and trusts in Him.
He knows God as his Father--and walks with Him.
He knows the Holy Spirit as his comforting Teacher--and listens to Him.
He is, perhaps, more tried than the unbeliever--but he has supports, consolations, and pleasures--of which the unbeliever knows nothing. He lives to bless others, to honor God, to prepare for a glorious immortality.
He would not change his worst day--for the unbeliever's best day!
He is on the safe side!
If the unbeliever should be right--then the Christian is no loser.
But if the Christian is right--and he is--then the unbeliever is the biggest loser--an infinite loser!
Reader, on which side are you? There is but one safe side.
There is no safety for a sinner now--but at the Cross!
There will be no safety at death and judgment--but in Christ!
He who is on the safe side now--will be on the safe side then!
There will be no changing sides then!
"But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne! All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at His right hand--and the goats at His left.
Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father--inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world!' (the safe side)
Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones--into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons!' (the perilous side)
And they will go away into eternal punishment--but the righteous will go into eternal life!" Matthew 25:31-46
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Reader! You might want to forward this gem on to your unsaved friends!
Grace Gems
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Plan!
The following is from Spurgeon's sermon,
"A Feast for Faith" No. 715. Isaiah 28:29.
God does not work without a plan.
God has not left the world to chance.
There are some men who are always kicking
against the doctrine of an eternal purpose,
and who grow angry if you assert that God
has settled what shall occur.
It is by the consent of all agreed that men
are foolish if they work without a plan, and
yet they cry out when we insist that God
also, in all his working, is fulfilling a well
arranged design.
Depend upon it, however, let men rebel
against this truth as they will, that God has
determined the end from the beginning.
He has left no screw loose in the machine,
he has left nothing to chance or accident.
Nothing with God is the subject of an "if" or a
"peradventure," but even the agency of man,
free as it is, as untouched and undisturbed as
if there were no God, even this is guided by His
mysterious power, and works out thoroughly
His own purpose in every jot and tittle.
God wings the thunderbolt, and shall He
not guide the most passionate spirit?
God puts a bit into the mouth of the whirlwind,
and shall He not control the most ambitious will?
God takes care that even the sea shall come no
farther than He bids it, and shall not the heart
of man be equally subject to the Divine purpose?
Yielding to man his free agency, giving to him his
responsibility, leaving him as free as if there were
no purpose and no decree, yet the eternal Jehovah
works out His plans, and achieves His purpose to
the praise of His glory.
Everything that has moved or shall move in heaven,
and, earth, and hell, has been, is, and shall be,
according to the counsel and foreknowledge of God,
fulfilling a holy, just, wise, and unalterable purpose!
God is wonderful in His design and excellent in His working.
Believer, God overrules all things for your good.
The needs-be for all that you have suffered, has
been most accurately determined by God.
Your course is all mapped out by your Lord.
Nothing will take Him by surprise. There will be
no novelties to Him. There will be no occurrences,
which He did not foresee, and for which, therefore,
He was not provided. He has arranged all, and
you have but to patiently wait, and you shall
sing a song of deliverance.
Your life has been arranged on the best possible
principles, so that if you had been gifted with
unerring wisdom, you would have arranged a life
for yourselves exactly similar to the one through
which you have passed.
Let us trust God where we cannot trace Him.
In the end we shall read the whole of God's
purpose as one grand poem, and there will not
be one verse in it that has a syllable too much,
or a word too little. There will not be one stanza
or letter redundant, much less one that is erased.
But from beginning to end we shall see the master
pen and the master-mind drawing forth the glorious
array of majestic thoughts. And with angels, and
seraphs, and principalities, and powers, shall burst
forth into one mighty song, "Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!"
We shall see how from the first even to the last, the
King has been ruling all things according to His own will.
Gracegems.org
"A Feast for Faith" No. 715. Isaiah 28:29.
God does not work without a plan.
God has not left the world to chance.
There are some men who are always kicking
against the doctrine of an eternal purpose,
and who grow angry if you assert that God
has settled what shall occur.
It is by the consent of all agreed that men
are foolish if they work without a plan, and
yet they cry out when we insist that God
also, in all his working, is fulfilling a well
arranged design.
Depend upon it, however, let men rebel
against this truth as they will, that God has
determined the end from the beginning.
He has left no screw loose in the machine,
he has left nothing to chance or accident.
Nothing with God is the subject of an "if" or a
"peradventure," but even the agency of man,
free as it is, as untouched and undisturbed as
if there were no God, even this is guided by His
mysterious power, and works out thoroughly
His own purpose in every jot and tittle.
God wings the thunderbolt, and shall He
not guide the most passionate spirit?
God puts a bit into the mouth of the whirlwind,
and shall He not control the most ambitious will?
God takes care that even the sea shall come no
farther than He bids it, and shall not the heart
of man be equally subject to the Divine purpose?
Yielding to man his free agency, giving to him his
responsibility, leaving him as free as if there were
no purpose and no decree, yet the eternal Jehovah
works out His plans, and achieves His purpose to
the praise of His glory.
Everything that has moved or shall move in heaven,
and, earth, and hell, has been, is, and shall be,
according to the counsel and foreknowledge of God,
fulfilling a holy, just, wise, and unalterable purpose!
God is wonderful in His design and excellent in His working.
Believer, God overrules all things for your good.
The needs-be for all that you have suffered, has
been most accurately determined by God.
Your course is all mapped out by your Lord.
Nothing will take Him by surprise. There will be
no novelties to Him. There will be no occurrences,
which He did not foresee, and for which, therefore,
He was not provided. He has arranged all, and
you have but to patiently wait, and you shall
sing a song of deliverance.
Your life has been arranged on the best possible
principles, so that if you had been gifted with
unerring wisdom, you would have arranged a life
for yourselves exactly similar to the one through
which you have passed.
Let us trust God where we cannot trace Him.
In the end we shall read the whole of God's
purpose as one grand poem, and there will not
be one verse in it that has a syllable too much,
or a word too little. There will not be one stanza
or letter redundant, much less one that is erased.
But from beginning to end we shall see the master
pen and the master-mind drawing forth the glorious
array of majestic thoughts. And with angels, and
seraphs, and principalities, and powers, shall burst
forth into one mighty song, "Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!"
We shall see how from the first even to the last, the
King has been ruling all things according to His own will.
Gracegems.org
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Take Heed-
I am going to vomit you out of My mouth!
(James Smith, "Daily Bible Readings for the Lord's Household")
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold--or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold--I am going to vomit you out of My mouth!" Revelation 3:15-16
The Lord Jesus hates lukewarmness! He would rather we made no profession of religion at all--than to profess--and then not practice His precepts!
He loves to see His people zealous--and it is a shame to us, when we are dull and lifeless in His ways.
It is to be feared, that many professors do not realize that their 'indifference' is a sin! They think that having professed Christ, if they just attend to a few religious duties, and creep along in a certain religious course--that this is enough. They are never hot--and they do not really like to see others on fire for the Lord.
Professor of religion, Jesus says, "Be hot--or be cold!"
Be altogether a Christian--OR throw off your vain profession!
Do not wear the Christian name--only to dishonor it!
Professing Christian--are you hot, or cold--or lukewarm?
(From Grace Gems)
(James Smith, "Daily Bible Readings for the Lord's Household")
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold--or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold--I am going to vomit you out of My mouth!" Revelation 3:15-16
The Lord Jesus hates lukewarmness! He would rather we made no profession of religion at all--than to profess--and then not practice His precepts!
He loves to see His people zealous--and it is a shame to us, when we are dull and lifeless in His ways.
It is to be feared, that many professors do not realize that their 'indifference' is a sin! They think that having professed Christ, if they just attend to a few religious duties, and creep along in a certain religious course--that this is enough. They are never hot--and they do not really like to see others on fire for the Lord.
Professor of religion, Jesus says, "Be hot--or be cold!"
Be altogether a Christian--OR throw off your vain profession!
Do not wear the Christian name--only to dishonor it!
Professing Christian--are you hot, or cold--or lukewarm?
(From Grace Gems)
Monday, July 5, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Another Gem
Paul's estimate of himself
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit")
"I am nothing!" 2 Corinthians 12:11
This was Paul's estimate of himself: "less than the least of all saints," and "the chief of sinners."
The more we know of ourselves and of Jesus--
the more shall we be humbled in the dust before Him;
and the lower we lie before Him,
and the happier and holier we shall be.
Sinful MAN will, MUST be something--this is both his pride and his misery.
The Christian is willing to be nothing--that Christ may be all in all.
If we daily felt that we are nothing--how many mortifications we would be spared; what admiring views of the grace of God would fill and sanctify our souls!
Apart from Christ--we are less than nothing; but in Christ--we are something!
We are empty--but He fills us!
We are naked--but He clothes us!
We are helpless--but He strengthens us!
We are lost--but He finds us!
We are ruined--but He saves us!
We are poor--but He supplies us!
All that we are--is by Christ!
All that we have--is from Christ!
All that all we shall be--is through Christ!
Christian, you are nothing! Therefore beware of thinking too highly of yourself; or imagining that you deserve more than you receive--either from God or men.
Humble souls are soon satisfied.
O could I lose myself in Thee,
Your depth of mercy prove,
O vast unfathomable sea
Of unexhausted love!
I loathe myself when God I see,
Content if Christ exalted be!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Taken from Grace Gems
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit")
"I am nothing!" 2 Corinthians 12:11
This was Paul's estimate of himself: "less than the least of all saints," and "the chief of sinners."
The more we know of ourselves and of Jesus--
the more shall we be humbled in the dust before Him;
and the lower we lie before Him,
and the happier and holier we shall be.
Sinful MAN will, MUST be something--this is both his pride and his misery.
The Christian is willing to be nothing--that Christ may be all in all.
If we daily felt that we are nothing--how many mortifications we would be spared; what admiring views of the grace of God would fill and sanctify our souls!
Apart from Christ--we are less than nothing; but in Christ--we are something!
We are empty--but He fills us!
We are naked--but He clothes us!
We are helpless--but He strengthens us!
We are lost--but He finds us!
We are ruined--but He saves us!
We are poor--but He supplies us!
All that we are--is by Christ!
All that we have--is from Christ!
All that all we shall be--is through Christ!
Christian, you are nothing! Therefore beware of thinking too highly of yourself; or imagining that you deserve more than you receive--either from God or men.
Humble souls are soon satisfied.
O could I lose myself in Thee,
Your depth of mercy prove,
O vast unfathomable sea
Of unexhausted love!
I loathe myself when God I see,
Content if Christ exalted be!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Taken from Grace Gems
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Memorial Day Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our service men and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.
We also remember the families of our troops, and ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes and your peace, provision and strength to fill their lives.
May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
-Prayer and photo taken from the internet- God bless our troops, our nation, and may we all turn to the Lord and embrace our Savior, Jesus Christ-
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Now is the Time of Salvation
Oh sinner! It may be now or never with you. I know that God saves men at the eleventh hour, but I know also that there are many who are not saved at the eleventh hour, and that after such-and-such an hour has struck, many are given up to hardness of heart, permitted to be there own destroyers, without any checks of conscience or of the Holy Spirit-and such may be your case. The ticking of the clock always cries to men who know how to interpret its meaning. "Now, or never! Now, or never! Today on earth, tomorrow in eternity!" If you have Christ, the only time to seek Him is today. "Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." "For now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation."
Charles Spurgeon, Spurgeon Gold compiled by Ray Comfort
Charles Spurgeon, Spurgeon Gold compiled by Ray Comfort
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Peculiar, distinct, and different
Something peculiar, distinct, and different from other people
(J. C. Ryle, "Old Paths")
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
Does anyone ask me what we may expect to see in a true conversion? I reply--there will always be something seen in a converted man's . . .
character,
feelings,
conduct,
opinions
and daily life.
You will not see perfection in him; but you will see in him--something peculiar, distinct, and different from other people.
You will see him . . .
hating sin,
loving Christ,
following after holiness,
taking pleasure in his Bible,
persevering in prayer.
You will see him . . .
penitent,
humble,
believing,
temperate,
charitable,
truthful,
good-tempered,
patient,
upright,
honorable,
kind.
These, at any rate, will be his aims--these are the things which he will follow after, however short he may come of perfection.
In some converted people you will see these things more distinctly--in others less. This only I say--wherever there is true conversion, something of this kind will be seen.
Compliments of Grace Gems
(J. C. Ryle, "Old Paths")
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
Does anyone ask me what we may expect to see in a true conversion? I reply--there will always be something seen in a converted man's . . .
character,
feelings,
conduct,
opinions
and daily life.
You will not see perfection in him; but you will see in him--something peculiar, distinct, and different from other people.
You will see him . . .
hating sin,
loving Christ,
following after holiness,
taking pleasure in his Bible,
persevering in prayer.
You will see him . . .
penitent,
humble,
believing,
temperate,
charitable,
truthful,
good-tempered,
patient,
upright,
honorable,
kind.
These, at any rate, will be his aims--these are the things which he will follow after, however short he may come of perfection.
In some converted people you will see these things more distinctly--in others less. This only I say--wherever there is true conversion, something of this kind will be seen.
Compliments of Grace Gems
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Sin of Pride
How is it that you do not lay hold of Christ, since this is the only time when there is a probability that Christ can be laid hold of? I will tell you why it is. You do not love Christ; you love sin. Or else you are too proud to come to Christ; you think yourselves good enough, and you think that Christ is not for such as you are, but only for great sinners and the lowest of the low. O sirs, is your pride such a fine thing, that you will be damned in order to maintain its dignity? Throw your pride down, come as a sinner must come, and lay hold of Jesus Christ. Or if it be your sin, which hinders, may God, the Hold Ghost, help you to pluck out the right eye and cast off a right arm sooner than having two eyes and two arms to be cast into Hell fire.
"But," saith one, "how may I lay hold on Christ?" May the blessed Spirit enable you to do it. Here it is: Trust Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. Conscious that you deserve His wrath, trembling because of His terrible Law, look to Jesus. There hangs a bleeding Savior. Methinks these eyes can see Him bleeding there; God eternal, He by whom the Heaven of Heavens was made, and the earth and the fullness thereof, takes upon Himself the form of man and hangs upon the tree of the curse.
Charles Spurgeon from Spurgeon Gold by Ray Comfort
"But," saith one, "how may I lay hold on Christ?" May the blessed Spirit enable you to do it. Here it is: Trust Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. Conscious that you deserve His wrath, trembling because of His terrible Law, look to Jesus. There hangs a bleeding Savior. Methinks these eyes can see Him bleeding there; God eternal, He by whom the Heaven of Heavens was made, and the earth and the fullness thereof, takes upon Himself the form of man and hangs upon the tree of the curse.
Charles Spurgeon from Spurgeon Gold by Ray Comfort
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
The only refuge in sorrow
The only refuge in sorrow
(J. R. Miller, "Counsel and Help" 1907)
"Being in anguish--He prayed more fervently." Luke 22:44
We see the Master at prayer in Gethsemane. It was here that He prepared for His Cross. We should notice that His refuge in His exceeding sorrow--was prayer; and that, as the sorrow deepened--the refuge still was prayer. Prayer is the only refuge in sorrow. The lesson from the garden prayer is that we should take all the hard things, the anguishes, the insufferable pains, the bitter griefs of our lives--to God in prayer. We may be sure, too, that God will answer. If He does not relieve us of the suffering, He will strengthen us so that we can keep it, and still go on trusting and singing.
"Do not worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
(J. R. Miller, "Counsel and Help" 1907)
"Being in anguish--He prayed more fervently." Luke 22:44
We see the Master at prayer in Gethsemane. It was here that He prepared for His Cross. We should notice that His refuge in His exceeding sorrow--was prayer; and that, as the sorrow deepened--the refuge still was prayer. Prayer is the only refuge in sorrow. The lesson from the garden prayer is that we should take all the hard things, the anguishes, the insufferable pains, the bitter griefs of our lives--to God in prayer. We may be sure, too, that God will answer. If He does not relieve us of the suffering, He will strengthen us so that we can keep it, and still go on trusting and singing.
"Do not worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Law's Matchless Perfection
"I warrant you it is a humbling day when a man gets to understand that for every idle word that he has spoken, he will be brought to account; and when he hears again that his desires and imaginations will all come under divine scrutiny. How startled is the purest mind when it understands that whosoever looks upon a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart, so that even glances of the eye and thoughts of the heart are offenses of the Law. The Law of God takes cognizance of the entire nature, and reveals the evil, which lurks in every faculty. The mere imagination of sin is sinful- the very concept of it, albeit that we should reject it, and never carry it into act, would still be a stain upon our minds, and render us impure before the thrice holy God. This is one of the first works of the Law- to show us what spotless purity demands, and to reveal to us the matchless perfection, which alone can meet its requirements".
Charles Spurgeon- Spurgeon Gold compiled by Ray Comfort
Charles Spurgeon- Spurgeon Gold compiled by Ray Comfort
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Something our community needs to be aware of-
Utterly heartbreaking that this perpetuates in our country (or anywhere for that matter). Please be aware and please pray!
Report: Hundreds Forced into Sex Trade in Ohio
Posted: February 11th, 2010 12:52 PM GMT-05:00
By MATT LEINGANG
Associated Press Writer
COLUMBUS, Ohio --
About 1,000 American-born children are forced into the sex trade in Ohio every year and about 800 immigrants are sexually exploited and pushed into sweatshop-type jobs, a new report on human trafficking in the state said Wednesday.
Ohio's weak laws on human trafficking, its growing demand for cheap labor and its proximity to the Canadian border are key contributors to the illegal activity, according to a report by the Trafficking in Persons Study Commission.
"Ohio is not only a destination place for foreign-born trafficking victims, but it's also a recruitment place," said Celia Williamson, an associate professor at the University of Toledo who led the research.
Formed last year by Ohio Attorney General Richard Condray, the commission also found that hundreds more in the state are at risk of being forced into sex trafficking or to work against their will in fields, restaurants, sweatshops or constructions sites.
Nationwide, between 45,000 and 50,000 people are trafficked into the United States, according to a 2001 report by the U.S. State Department. But Williamson noted that the problem is hard to quantify because of the underground nature of human trafficking, and studies often rely on estimates. Even the Ohio study, which analyzed law enforcement and government databases, is limited, she said.
Cordray said the report establishes the scope of the problem in Ohio as authorities discuss ways to combat it.
From 1990 to 2000, Ohio's foreign-born population increased 30 percent, and the state has a growing pool of legal and illegal immigrants who draw victims or hide victims, Williamson said. These networks are highly organized, with brothels fronting as legitimate businesses.
Also, Toronto's airport is an arrival destination for international victims who are trafficked in Canada and transported to other cities, helping make Toledo, about 55 miles southwest of Windsor, Ontario, rank fourth in the U.S. in terms of arrests, investigations and rescue of domestic child-sex victims, the report said.
Only Miami, Portland, Ore., and Las Vegas had more.
A federal investigation into a child prostitution ring in Harrisburg, Pa., exposed Toledo as a center for the trade in 2005. Nine local girls were sold as sex slaves as part of the ring, and at least 12 of the 31 people charged had ties to Toledo.
Ohio does not have a stand-alone human trafficking law. Instead, it allows prosecutors to attach a human trafficking specification to related crimes that increase prison sentences - just as penalties are more severe if a crime involves a firearm.
According to the report, 42 states with tough human trafficking laws can bring serious charges. Offenders in Delaware, Montana, New Mexico and New York may face up to 100 years in prison, for example.
The report said that besides weak state laws in Ohio, law enforcement agencies often don't recognize human trafficking when responding to reports of illegal activity. For example, Ohio is quick to label child prostitutes as delinquents and to incarcerate them, rarely looking further at the adults involved, Williamson said.
The report recommends handling child trafficking cases through the child welfare system rather than the juvenile courts.
Report: Hundreds Forced into Sex Trade in Ohio
Posted: February 11th, 2010 12:52 PM GMT-05:00
By MATT LEINGANG
Associated Press Writer
COLUMBUS, Ohio --
About 1,000 American-born children are forced into the sex trade in Ohio every year and about 800 immigrants are sexually exploited and pushed into sweatshop-type jobs, a new report on human trafficking in the state said Wednesday.
Ohio's weak laws on human trafficking, its growing demand for cheap labor and its proximity to the Canadian border are key contributors to the illegal activity, according to a report by the Trafficking in Persons Study Commission.
"Ohio is not only a destination place for foreign-born trafficking victims, but it's also a recruitment place," said Celia Williamson, an associate professor at the University of Toledo who led the research.
Formed last year by Ohio Attorney General Richard Condray, the commission also found that hundreds more in the state are at risk of being forced into sex trafficking or to work against their will in fields, restaurants, sweatshops or constructions sites.
Nationwide, between 45,000 and 50,000 people are trafficked into the United States, according to a 2001 report by the U.S. State Department. But Williamson noted that the problem is hard to quantify because of the underground nature of human trafficking, and studies often rely on estimates. Even the Ohio study, which analyzed law enforcement and government databases, is limited, she said.
Cordray said the report establishes the scope of the problem in Ohio as authorities discuss ways to combat it.
From 1990 to 2000, Ohio's foreign-born population increased 30 percent, and the state has a growing pool of legal and illegal immigrants who draw victims or hide victims, Williamson said. These networks are highly organized, with brothels fronting as legitimate businesses.
Also, Toronto's airport is an arrival destination for international victims who are trafficked in Canada and transported to other cities, helping make Toledo, about 55 miles southwest of Windsor, Ontario, rank fourth in the U.S. in terms of arrests, investigations and rescue of domestic child-sex victims, the report said.
Only Miami, Portland, Ore., and Las Vegas had more.
A federal investigation into a child prostitution ring in Harrisburg, Pa., exposed Toledo as a center for the trade in 2005. Nine local girls were sold as sex slaves as part of the ring, and at least 12 of the 31 people charged had ties to Toledo.
Ohio does not have a stand-alone human trafficking law. Instead, it allows prosecutors to attach a human trafficking specification to related crimes that increase prison sentences - just as penalties are more severe if a crime involves a firearm.
According to the report, 42 states with tough human trafficking laws can bring serious charges. Offenders in Delaware, Montana, New Mexico and New York may face up to 100 years in prison, for example.
The report said that besides weak state laws in Ohio, law enforcement agencies often don't recognize human trafficking when responding to reports of illegal activity. For example, Ohio is quick to label child prostitutes as delinquents and to incarcerate them, rarely looking further at the adults involved, Williamson said.
The report recommends handling child trafficking cases through the child welfare system rather than the juvenile courts.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Reality in a Nutshell
http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=57b89216572c373fc2d1
Compliments of Tangle and Wretched Radio
Compliments of Tangle and Wretched Radio
Monday, January 4, 2010
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