There was a time when Elijah wanted to die. God had answered his prayer and defeated the prophets of Baal right in front of him (see 1 Kings 18). The surprising thing is that his reaction to Jezebel's threat was to run. In a way, that is comforting to me. Even the BIG saints have their off days after all. And Ahab … [Read more...]
Highs and Lows: the Christian Life
The Christian life is a constant stream of highs and lows. Sometimes we soar high in the mountains, but more often we find ourselves languishing in deep valleys. At least I do. All the following observations are, once again, fully indebted to Ian Hamilton's book "The Gospel-Shaped Life." In a previous chapter, … [Read more...]
When the Wicked Seem to Flourish: Psalm 73
When the wicked seem to flourish: Psalm 73. More and more we see wickedness around us and we might wonder about God's sovereignty and justice. At such times, read Psalm 73. Who have I in heaven but you? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides you! This verse has been a favorite. But its context never … [Read more...]
Three Hymns on Christ’s Second Advent
Three Hymns on Christ's Second Advent - The following three hymns on Christ's Second Advent are chosen from Charles Spurgeon's Own Hymn Book. I've come to appreciate the old hymns. I hope some readers will do as well. Since Christ ascended to heaven there has been a hope and yearning for His return. The disciples … [Read more...]
Faithful Even Unto Death
Faithful unto death: the following is taken from Spurgeon’s poem “Be Faithful unto death.” See Christ Our All. Be Faithful Even Unto Death Strange sounds amid a world of caresNow fall upon my ear;That calls me on through toils and snaresAnd bids me not to fear Be faithful even unto death,A crown for thee is … [Read more...]
God Moves in a Mysterious Way
God Moves in a Mysterious Way - a hymn by William Cowper from the book Spurgeon's Own Hymn Book (Hymn No. 211). GOD moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never-failing skill, He treasures up His bright … [Read more...]
Christ Comforter and Shepherd
Christ Comforter and Shepherd. The Comforter poem can be found in “Anthology of Jesus,” edited by Warren Wiersbe (page 111). The Shepherd poem can be read in A. W. Tozer’s “The Christian Book of Mystical Verse” (pages 52, 53) The Comforter I heard the voice of Jesus say,“Come unto Me and rest;Lay down, thou … [Read more...]
What is the Meaning of Hosanna in the Highest?
Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter that begins the Holy Week. It is the day that we remember and celebrate the day Jesus entered into Jerusalem as Savior and King. As Jesus rode a donkey into the town of Jerusalem a large crowd gathered and laid palm branches and their cloaks across the road, giving Jesus royal … [Read more...]
The Sands of Time are Sinking
The sands of time are sinking—taken from the poem, “In Immanuel’s Land” by Anne R. Cousin. Anne Cousin's poem is in the public domain. It can be found towards the end of A. W. Tozer's, The Christian Book of Mystical Verse. An Endnote informs us that much of the inspiration of the poem came from reading Samuel … [Read more...]
Preparing for Battle
Preparing for Battle is the title of a prayer written by Puritan Robert Hawker. It appears in the section "Help Me Ask for Help" of a book called Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans. The world is a mess and getting worse. Each day is a spiritual battle. And, whether we realize it or not, it involves us. While … [Read more...]
