They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them. - Romans 2:15 The principal means which God uses in conversion, is that of conscience; and indeed without this, all the rest are in vain. Outward afflictions are … Continue reading The Conscience Will Not Always Sleep
If we find that we have been leaving thanksgiving out of our lives, if we have been allowing ourselves to grumble instead of praise, if we have indulged in unhappiness instead of in gladness—we should instantly set about the breaking of a new path, a thanksgiving path. It will not be easy at first, for gloomy dispositions when long indulged persist in staying in our lives. But they can be conquered, and we should not pause in our effort until we have trained ourselves entirely away from everything that is cheerless and ungrateful, into the ways of joy and song.
Godliness with contentment is great gain! - 1 Timothy 6:6 True godliness produces and strengthens contentment; and contentment is the calm sunshine of a man's life. We do not mean sitting down in idleness, feeling at home in filth, or indulging in negligence; this would be a disgrace to any creature, especially a professing Christian! … Continue reading Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain
Suppose a person were to go to a blacksmith and say to him, 'I want you to make me a long and heavy chain — I will pay you well for it.' The blacksmith, for the sake of the money, commences it; and after toiling hard for some time, finishes it. The person calls, and says on … Continue reading The Reward of Sin
The imputed righteousness of Christ will answer all of the fears, doubts, and objections of your soul. How shall I look up to God?--In the righteousness of Christ. How shall I have communion with a holy God?--In the righteousness of Christ? How shall I find acceptance with God?--In the righteousness of Christ. How shall I … Continue reading Where Justice and Mercy Kiss – Thomas Brooks
"I will give you the treasures of darkness." Isaiah 45:3 Is not this a strange expression? "Treasures of darkness!" How can there be darkness in the City of Salvation of which the Lord the Lamb is the eternal light? The expression does not mean that the treasures themselves are darkness, but that they were hidden … Continue reading The Treasures of Darkness
"Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him!" Hosea 6:3 The expression, "press on," implies that there are many difficulties, obstacles, and hindrances in a man's way, which keep him back from "knowing the Lord." Now the work of the Spirit in his soul is to carry him on … Continue reading Press On to Know the Lord
"I will heal your backslidings." —Hosea 14:4 Wandering again! And has He not left me to perish? Stumbling and straying on the dark mountains, away from the Shepherd's eye and the Shepherd's fold, shall He not leave the erring wanderer to the fruit of his own ways, and his truant heart to go hopelessly onward … Continue reading I Will Heal Your Backslidings
Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards. Hosea 2:14-15 "Therefore" has a strangely beautiful connection in this verse. God's people had been grievously backsliding. He had been loading them with mercies; they had been guiltily … Continue reading Utterances of Love in the Desert
The Fight of Faith 