"Salvation is of the LORD." -Jonah 2:9

"That which is born of the flesh is flesh." -John 3:6 [KJV] To learn the total corruption and desperate wickedness of human nature, is a hard lesson to flesh and blood. To have no confidence in the flesh; to consider ourselves upon a level with the very worst and vilest of sinners; yea, with the very devils, in point of hope of salvation in ourselves, is mortifying to our natural pride, and contrary to our carnal reason. But, "The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth” (Isaiah 23:9.)   He hath effectually done this, by appearing in our nature, and by the doctrines which He taught. All flesh has become so totally corrupt and abominable in the sight of God, so hopeless and helpless, that nothing but the coming of the Son of God could bring salvation to us . He became the Son of man, that He might seek and save them that are lost.  He seeks us, before we seek Him. He saves ...

"And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them ? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily."   -Luke 18:7, 8 [KJV] My soul, mark for thy encouragement, in all thine approaches to a throne of grace, what Jesus here speaks, and never lose sight of it. Remember how well acquainted He, who came out of the bosom of the Father, must be with the Father's mind and will towards His people, over and above the gracious exercise of His priestly office in their behalf. Now, my soul, do mark down distinctly what blessed things are here promised. First—God's people are said in it to be His elect, His chosen, His jewels. "This people , " saith God, "I have formed for Myself; they shall shew forth My praise." Secondly—God's people are a praying people; "they cry day and night to Him;" they are unceasing in their applications; and they wrestle, like their father Jacob in praye...

"For Thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name." -Psalm 138:2 [KJV] This is one of those expressions in Scripture that seem so comprehensive, and yet so amazing. To my mind it is one of the most remarkable expressions in the whole book of God. "Thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name." The name of God includes all the perfections of God; everything that God is, and that God is revealed as possessing. His justice, majesty, holiness, greatness, and glory, and whatever He is in Himself; that is God's name.  And yet He has magnified something above all His name; His word , His truth . This may refer to the Incarnate Word, the Son of God, who is called the Word. "There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one" (I John 5:7) .  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God" (John 1:1) . You may take the words either as meaning that God has magni...