J.C. Ryle: We must carry the cross if we would wear the crown

John 16:1-4 “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.  They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.  And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor … More J.C. Ryle: We must carry the cross if we would wear the crown

Job feels abandoned

Dr. Kim Riddlebarger on Job 30: Men who are regarded like dogs by polite society, now look down on Job. His present predicament and degree of suffering is almost beyond words. But what is worse, Job feels as though he’s been abandoned by God. In verses 16-23, Job cries out, “and now my life ebbs away; … More Job feels abandoned

Spurgeon: He who makes the promise will find out ways and means of keeping it.

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered.”—Joel 2:32 C. H. Spurgeon: WHY do I not call on His name? Why do I run to this neighbor and that, when God is so near and will hear my faintest call? Why do I sit … More Spurgeon: He who makes the promise will find out ways and means of keeping it.

Delusional Me

Ray Ortlund writes at “Christ is Deeper Still”: “You say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked.” Revelation 3:17 Michael Spencer’s provocative article prompts me to turn to Revelation 3:14-22. Here’s the picture. You see some strange guy walking down the … More Delusional Me

A.W. Pink: “the more Christlike we are the more shall we be antagonized and shunned.”

 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I … More A.W. Pink: “the more Christlike we are the more shall we be antagonized and shunned.”

Longing for restoration

The consequences of Israel’s disobedience in Joel’s day were hitting hard- for both man and animal. A combination of locusts and drought had destroyed the crops. Everyone was suffering. Additionally, the shortage of food had affected the cycle of temple sacrifices and festivals (Joel 1:16). The hungry cattle lowed pitifully, and the starving sheep bleated … More Longing for restoration

Christ’s open door

“I know your works—behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it—for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name.”—Revelation 3:8 Here is encouragement from Horatio Bonar,  Scottish hymn writer and pastor: I. Christ’s open door. The figure here is probably … More Christ’s open door

Real or fake?

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved You. Continue You in my love.  If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” —John 15:9-10 I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you … More Real or fake?