Month: November 2018

Be on your guard!

J.C. Ryleby J.C. Ryle

“The Gospel of Luke” 1858

“Be on your guard, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the cares of life–or that day will come on you unexpectedly like a trap!” Luke 21:34-35

The exhortation before us should teach us the great importance of an unworldly heart. The “cares of this life” are placed side by side with carousing and drunkenness.

Excess in eating and drinking, is not the only excess which injures the soul. There is an excessive anxiety about the innocent things of this life–which is just as ruinous to our spiritual prosperity, and just as poisonous to the soul.

Never, never let us forget–that we may make spiritual shipwreck on lawful things–as really and truly as on open vices! Happy is he who has learned to hold the things of this world with a loose hand, and to believe that seeking first the kingdom of God, “all other things shall be added to him!” Matthew 6:33

by J.C. Ryle

 

Give thanks!

George Whittenby George Whitten

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Roger Babson, a famous statistician was having lunch with the President of Argentina, “Mr. Babson,” the President said, “I have been wondering why it is that South America, with all its natural advantages, mines of iron, copper, coal and silver, rivers and great waterfalls is so far behind North America?” Babson replied, “Well, Mr. President, what do you think is the reason?” He answered, “..South America was founded by the Spanish who came in search of gold. North America was founded by the Pilgrims who went there in search of God.”

If we live a life of seeking gold — the blessings of God but not God Himself — we end up losing both. The Pilgrims, who gave us the wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving, came in search of God. It is because of this that America has reaped blessing upon blessing. We need to examine ourselves and be careful that we are seeking God in all things, putting Him first and giving thanks to Him always. Seek first the kingdom of God and He will surely provide from His riches in glory.

Your family in the Lord with much agape love

by George Whitten