Everything short of Hell is mercy!

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

He wounded the old serpent three times!
Thomas Watson  Play Audio!  Download Audio

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Everything short of Hell is mercy!

(James Smith, "Good and Evil Alike from God" 1861)

"What? shall we receive good at the hands of God--and shall we not receive evil?" Job 2:10

Jehovah's Prerogative: He sends GOOD--all good. He sends EVIL--not moral evil, for God cannot be the author of sin, nor in any way give His sanction to it.

But He does send afflictions, bereavements, losses, crosses, pains and sorrows. He sends good and evil sometimes in quick succession. He sent the fish to preserve the life of Jonah, and the gourd to screen him from the sun--but He sent also the worm to destroy the gourd, and teach Jonah a beneficial lesson. Who can read the life of Jacob or Joseph, of David or Daniel, and not see that the Lord sends both good and evil upon His people. Hence the prophet asks, "Shall there be evil in a city--and the Lord has not done it?"

The Believer's Duty. We should receive all as from God's hand. The reference is not so much to the receiving--for we must receive it; but the manner of receiving--as from God. We often receive good as from God--but we do not so receive evil; yet both alike should be so received.

GOOD should be received with gratitude and praise, with humility and love--with a deep sense of our unworthiness, and God's unmerited goodness. Nor should we forget, that we are held responsible for the use of all the good things we receive from God.

EVIL should be received with patience and submission, saying with Eli, "It is the Lord--let Him do what seems good unto Him." There should be a recognition of His justice, as Aaron, when his two sons were slain--he held his peace. He was dumb, he opened not his mouth, because the Lord did it. There should also be confidence in His love, because the dispensations of His hand--never prove a change in His heart. He loves us as much when He sends evil--as when He sends good; for His love is not only everlasting--but unchangeable. 

We should receive good and evil alike--as from a sovereign, wise, gracious, and holy God!

The Expostulation. "What? shall we receive good at the hands of God--and shall we not receive evil?" Are we to view good alone as coming from God? Are we not to look at evil--at our trials, troubles, and tribulations--as coming from Him?

Are we to forget His favors, lose sight of His paternal relationship, quarrel with His wisdom and love--and thus act the rebel and the ingrate?  Alas! this is too often the case. One trouble swallows up the remembrance of many mercies. We think more of one loss--than we do of the gains of years; and we are more affected with one hour's pain and sickness--than we are with months of ease and health. But it would not be so--if we were properly affected with a due sense of our sinfulness, ingratitude, and unworthiness. Then in the midst of our good things, we would say with Jacob, "I am not worthy of the least of all Your mercies!" And in the midst of our evil things we would say with Job, "The Lord gave--and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord"

It is folly to lose sight of God's hand in our troubles. We should rather say, "This also comes forth from the Lord Almighty, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working."

Nor is it wise to complain of His dealings with us, for a sinner out of Hell--can never have any reason to complain. Everything short of Hell is mercy!

He assures us that all that He does, is in love. His word to us, when things are at the worst is, "As many as I love--I rebuke and chasten." Silence befits us, though to justify God would befit us more.

We should not make too much of the instruments by which we suffer. Joseph said unto his brethren, "It was not you--but God." David said of Shimei, "Let him curse--for the Lord has bidden him." The holiest of men have always looked more at God who uses the rod--than at the rod which He used. If He appoints it--it is wise. If He permits it--it is for our good. He does nothing, He permits nothing to be done, which affects His children--but they would do themselves--if they were as wise, as judicious, and as far-seeing as He is. Nor is there a doubt--but in eternity we shall bless and praise His holy name--for the very things that grieve and distress us now. Believer, receive everything, whether painful or pleasant--as from God's hand! And bless a taking God--as well as a giving God.

Lord, pardon our folly and forgive our sins, for we have been guilty of both in our conduct toward you; and help us in future if tempted to repine, or if rebellious feelings arise in our hearts to say, "What? shall we receive good at the hand of God--and shall we not receive evil also?"

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We have posted James Smith's choice article, "Remember the Former Days"

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Am I like Jesus--or not?

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Meditation
by Octavius Winslow
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Am I like Jesus--or not?

(J. R. Miller)

"Jesus got up from supper, laid aside His robe, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him." John 13:4-5

Serving is not an easy lesson to learn. But it is a lesson which we must learn--if ever we would become like our Master. Jesus did not come to be served--but to serve. He served to the uttermost, just as He loved to the uttermost. Any service that needed to be done for another--He did as naturally and as simply as He breathed! He loved people, and was interested in them and was ready always to be helpful to them. It never mattered what the service was, whether it was the saving of a soul, the curing of a grievous sickness, or washing feet--He did the least service--as graciously and as divinely as the greatest!

The washing of feet was the lowliest service any man could do for another. It was the work of the lowliest slave. Yet Jesus without hesitation, did this service for His own disciples. Thus He taught them that nothing anyone may ever need to have done by another--is unfit for the holiest hands. We begin to be like Christ--only when we begin to love others enough to serve them, regardless of the lowliness of the particular service.

One day a stranger entered an artist's studio in Milan. The artist was working on a painting of the head of Christ and appeared to take no notice of the stranger. At last he broke the silence, looked at the man and asked, "Sir, does it look like Jesus--or not?"

There is no surer test of the genuineness of Christian life--than in this matter of serving others. In serving others, we should inquire, "Am I like Jesus--or not?" We are too careful of our dignity. When we see the Son of God washing His disciples' feet--we should be ashamed ever to ask whether anything another may need to have done--is too menial for us to do. A king may do the lowliest kindness to the poorest peasant in his realm--and his honor will only be enhanced by it.

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet--you also should wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do, just as I have done for you." John 13:14, 15

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We have published James Smith's precious poem, "A Young Mother's Prayer". Feel free to forward this on to young mothers!

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The very best things--for the very worst of men!

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Poor, penniless and worthless
by Octavius Winslow
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The very best things--for the very worst of men!

(James Smith, "Glad Tidings of Good Things" 1861)

"The glorious gospel of the blessed God!" 1 Timothy 1:11

"Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel!" 2 Timothy 1:10

The gospel is most appropriately called "Glad Tidings," for it brings tidings calculated to gladden the heart of the most depressed and sorrowful of men. It reveals God's wondrous love, it tells us of the Savior's grace, and makes known the promise and the power of the Holy Spirit. It is indeed "Glad Tidings of Good Things"--for it informs us of . . .
  pardon for the guilty,
  peace for the troubled,
  wealth for the poor,
  rest for the weary, and
  salvation for the lost!

The gospel brings tidings from heaven, tidings for sinners, tidings of good things for them; yes, tidings of the very best things--for the very worst of men!

It is the glorious glad tidings of the blessed God . . .
  giving correct views of His nature,
  revealing His loving heart,
  publishing His gracious thoughts, and
  making known His mercy to sinful men!

These tidings are calculated to . . .
  gladden the saddest heart,
  cheer the desponding mind, and
  fill the despairing soul with joy and peace.

Never were there such Glad Tidings! No one but an infinite God could have devised them. No one but the All-merciful God would have sent them to rebellious sinners!

Jesus is an almighty Savior. Jesus is an ever willing Savior. Jesus is a loving Savior; therefore He is able to save the vilest, to save freely, and to save all who apply to be saved by Him. The man or woman who reads these lines, is as really, as sincerely invited by Jesus, to come and be saved by Him--as if a letter had been hand-written by Jesus and addressed to that person by name!

Can you conceive of anything better than this!
  A Savior for vile sinners;
  a Savior to deliver sinners from the lowest hell;
  a Savior to raise sinners to the highest heaven;
  a Savior from sin--the cause of suffering;
  a Savior from guilt--the source of fear;
  a Savior from the world--which is doomed to destruction!

The gospel is also the good news of a better country, even a Heavenly one. Heaven is . . .
  a rest for the weary,
  a home for the homeless, and
  the best company for the lonely and desolate.

Heaven comprises . . .
  all that can feast the intellect,
  all that can satisfy the heart,
  all that can fill the soul.
It is enriched with all the wealth of God,
it is filled with the glory of God, and
it is the house and home of God.

In Heaven there is . . .
 no pain or privation,
 no grief or sorrow,
 no losses or crosses,
 no temptations or trials,
 no wants or woes.

Heaven contains the highest manifestations of the greatness, grandeur, and magnificence of God. Heaven is the home of the brightest, holiest, and most dignified of God's intelligent creation. Heaven! What is it? Heaven! What does it comprise and comprehend? "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined--what God has prepared for those who love Him!" No one can give the faintest guess at what Heaven is; but whatever it is, whatever it contains--the gospel tells us that it is for saved sinners!

The gospel is God's best message to man. It contains the promise of all that man can need, and all that God can give--to every one who sincerely believes the message. Take heed therefore how you treat the gospel; for we can conceive of no greater sin--than disbelieving God's message; or of any greater insult offered to God--than to treat His message with contempt!

Precious gospel--that such sinners as we are--so vile, so poor, so feeble, so utterly worthless--may obtain God's Heaven, and dwell in it with the Savior forever!

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We have posted James Smith's article, "Glad Tidings of Good Things"

We have also published Smith's outstanding BOOK, "Bright Rays and Reviving Showers".

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Sympathy! by Octavius Winslow
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We have no "text" quote today. Instead we highly encourage each subscriber to listen to the above audio selection. We post these audio gems each day, but only a few hundred of our over 12,000 subscribers listen to them regularly. Those who do not listen to them, may not realize what a blessing they are missing. These audio treasures are the best thing on our website. They are hand-picked, and read professionally and devotionally. All audio messages are broadcast in high quality. You may either listen to 'streaming audio' or freely 'download' your favorites directly to your computer. Most gems are some 3 minutes in length. Just click on one of the above links!
 

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Heaven's great store-house!

Today's Puritan VIDEO Devotional:

The Mind of God
(author unknown)

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Heaven's great store-house!

(James Smith)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ!" Ephesians 1:3

"The unsearchable riches of Christ!" Ephesians 3:8

The Lord Jesus is heaven's great store-house, in whom is laid up all treasures, and from whom we are to receive all our supplies!

All that we can need,
all that we can enjoy, and
all that we can desire--is in Christ!

All the perfections and attributes of God, are in Him.
Justice and grace,
mercy and holiness,
love and power--
in all their fullness are in Him, and are displayed by Him.

All the promises of God are in Him--confirmed by His death, to be fulfilled by His own hand.

All the blessings of grace, and all the riches of glory, are in Him; He possesses and He bestows them.

All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him--and from Him we must receive them.

All saving offices are in Christ--for His people.
He is our Surety--to pay all our sin debts.
He is our Substitute--to impute His perfect righteousness to us.
He is our Redeemer--to ransom us.
He is our Mediator--to reconcile us to the Father.
He is our Physician--to cure all our soul-diseases.
He heals the diseases . . .
  of the mind; as our Prophet--He imparts saving knowledge,
  of the conscience; as our Priest--He gives peace us with God,
  and of the will; as our King--He governs His people. 

All we need, therefore, is in Christ!

All God intends to bestow, is in Christ!

To Him therefore, we should apply for all;
from Him, we should expect to receive all.

Every need--should send us to Christ!

Every desire--should lead us to Christ!

In all things--we should have to do with Christ. Everywhere, we should realize the presence of Christ. In a word, we should daily make Christ in our experience, what God has made Him to us in His Word--our Alpha and Omega, our first and last, our all in all. Everything should lead us to Him; and everything should serve to endear Him to us--who is at once our present fountain, and our everlasting portion!

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!" Philippians 4:19

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The sparkling diamond in the ring of glory!

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Vegetating in selfishness?
by Octavius Winslow
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The sparkling diamond in the ring of glory!

(Thomas Brooks, "Paradise Opened" 1675)

"Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory!" John 17:24

Christ can never rest satisfied until His gracious communion with His people here on earth, issues in their perfect and glorious communion with Him in heaven.

Christ is very desirous of His people's fellowship and company. It is a part of Christ's joy--that they should be where He is. Christ will not be happy alone. As a tender father, He can enjoy nothing if His children may not have part with Him. Even now--He is always with them . . .
  to eye their behavior,
  to hear their prayers,
  to guide their way,
  to protect their persons,
  to cheer their spirits, and
  to delight in their presence.

The greatest part of the happiness which we shall have in heaven, lies in this--that then we shall be with Christ, and have immediate communion with Him. O sirs! the great end of our being in heaven, is to behold and enjoy the glory of Christ!

Certainly the glory and happiness of heaven to the elect, will consist much in being in Christ's company, in whom they delight so much on earth. To follow the Lamb wherever He goes, to enjoy Him fully, and to be always in His presence--is the heaven of heaven, the glory of glory! This is the sparkling diamond in the ring of glory!

The day is coming wherein believers shall be completely happy in a sight of Christ's glory, and shall visibly and immediately behold and enjoy Him!

"Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory!" John 17:24

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We have published James Smith's 3 page article, "The Poor Man's Course and Comfort"

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Felix has had some eighteen hundred years in Hell to rue his folly! (corrected copy)

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Lean hard!
by Octavius Winslow
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Felix has had some eighteen hundred years in Hell to rue his folly!

(James Smith, "PROCRASTINATION" 1865)

"As Paul reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix trembled and replied: Go away for now. When it is more convenient, I will send for you!" Acts 24:25

Here is Felix listening to the apostle Paul. He is attentive. He is interested. He is affected. He trembles. He realizes something of the solemnity of eternity. He feels concern--but it is not deep enough, therefore he says, "Go away for now. When it is more convenient, I will send for you!" He does not positively refuse--but he postpones the matter. He thought there would be a more convenient time--but there never was! Felix has had some eighteen hundred years in Hell to rue his folly! He is regretting it at this moment--and he will regret it forever!

Many have imitated his foolish conduct. They say to God's ministers, "Go away for now. When it is more convenient, I will send for you!"

What they are really saying is, "I love sin. It is my element. It is my delight. I cannot give it up just now. The dance--the jovial party--the customs of the present world--these are things that I like. I am not prepared to part with them, and embrace the gospel you preach. Go away for now. I had rather remain as I am--at least a little longer. I do not wish to be saved at present. By and bye, when I am too old to enjoy sin, or when sickness has made me too weak to follow any carnal pleasures--then, at this convenient season, I will send for you."

Oh, sinner, sinner! Will you spurn God's gracious invitation--will you turn a deaf ear to the message of mercy?

Will you persevere in sin--until you lie down in black despair?

Will you go to Hell--when so near the gates of Heaven?

Will you perish in your own deceivings?

Have you no fear of God?

Have you no dread of eternal torments?

Have you no wish to escape from the wrath to come?

What will you do in that dread day . . .
  when death arrests you,
  when the just Judge passes sentence upon you,
  when Satan seizes you,
  when Hell opens to engulf you, and
  when the gates of the infernal pit close upon you forever?

What will you do?

What can you do?

To whom will you flee for help?

How will you, how can you, escape?

Alas! escape then, will be impossible!

Then the door of hope will be forever shut!

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We have published James Smith's outstanding 3 page article, "The Christian's Daily Prayer".

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