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

  "And I said, This is my infirmity." — Psalm 77:10 [KJV] While in the body, we are in such an imperfect state, as to be liable to various exercises of mind, through indwelling corruptions, and the suggestions of Satan. Saints in all ages have experienced fluctuating frames. Like mariners on a tempestuous sea, at one time, they seem to mount up to heaven, in comfort and joy; at another, they sink down, in apprehension, to the depths of hell; then, like persons at their wit's end, they express themselves, in a very unreasonable manner.  Doubt and uncertainty take place of knowledge and truth: unbelief seems to prevail against faith; and they are ready to call all in question: not only, past sweet experiences of God's love to their souls, but the very existence of God's promises, faithfulness, and truth. And they write with the pen of inspiration (though not of the Spirit of truth, but of a lying spirit) many false and bitter things against themselves...

The Blessing of Lostness! by D.G. Miles McKee   The only person who ever fulfilled the Law of Moses was Christ Jesus.  He could do nothing else, for He was the thrice-holy God in human flesh appearing.  We, on the other hand, could do nothing other than break God’s Law, since we are, by nature, ungodly sinners ( Romans 5:8 ).   However, we must remember that the Law was never given to save anyone or to be a source of life; it was given to show us what we are … ungodly, lost sinners.  Our inability to keep even the first commandment demonstrates that we are hardened lawbreakers with no ability to love God the way we should ( Matthew 22:37-40 ).    So then, why did God give the Law? One of the reasons was to demonstrate that we are lost.    Why did He do that?   He did it because God only saves lost people ( Luke 19:10 ). That’s right! … Lost people! And on account of that, we are delighted that Jesus came to seek and to save t...

"Take heed to yourselves; If thy brother trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent, thou shalt forgive him." — Luke 17:3, 4 [KJV]    Mind this loving word, "Do thyself no harm." The least degree of malice, hatred or revenge, is contrary to the genius of the gospel—inconsistent with the character of a disciple of the meek and lowly Jesus. But, our Master knows what is in man: that his members are composed of flesh, as well as spirit; and therefore liable to offend, one against another, so as to hurt and injure each other, in the peace of their minds, and fellowship of their spirits. So also, they cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of, by the adversaries, who are glad at every advantage, to cry out, "O these are your saints! see how full of wrath they are; how they bite and devour each other." Therefore, "take heed to yourselves," saith the Head to His members. W...

" And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O L ORD , I pray Thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness ." —II Samuel 15:31 [KJV]   Clouds gathered very fast and grew very black at this time over the head of king David. His own beloved son had drawn the sword of rebellion—his subjects flocked in great numbers; and to heighten the king's distress, his own counsellor joined the conspiracy. But under all this David shewed himself to be a man after God's own heart. His soul looks through every discouragement. He knew the throne of grace to be ever open and accessible, therefore the very tidings that brought sorrow to his heart, he instantly makes the subject of his prayer. Happy conduct! when before carnal reason is suffered to plead, the prayer of faith is presented. Too, too oft do disciples, upon hearing disagreeable tidings, consult flesh and blood before they apply to their ever-loving and...

" Jesus said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight." — Matthew 11:25, 26 [KJV] The true ministers of Christ are greatly encouraged in their labours, knowing they serve that sovereign Lord, who hath declared, "My word shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please: it shall prosper in the thing whereunto I sent it." — Isaiah 55:11 . "To some the gospel is a savour of life unto life; unto others of death unto death." To some Jesus is revealed, to others the gospel is hid. Nevertheless, His ministers "are unto God, a sweet savour of Christ in them that are saved, and in them that perish." — II Corinthians 2:15 . What shall we say to these things? shall we dare to cavil against the sovereign dispensations of God, or arraign Him at the bar of our weak ...

" Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God and die. " — Job 2:9 [KJV] In seasons of distress and affliction how must it alleviate the mind, and soothe our sorrows, to have so near and dear a friend as the partner of our lives speak a good word in due season? but on the contrary, when such an one is used as an instrument, by the adversary, it heightens distress, and adds a double weight to the pressure of afflictions. Such was the case of patient Job. Flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone, taunts at him for his integrity, and urges advice, which was as a dagger to his very heart. Verily, believer, thou also art "born to trouble as the sparks fly upwards." Thou hast therefore need of faith and patience as well as Job. These thou also art a partaker of, though not to so eminent a degree. Thou also hast a peevish, fretful, repining partner for life; which will ever be urging upon thee reproaches, and giving thee su...

" Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God." — 1 John 5:1 [KJV] It is too common for many of God's dear children to perplex and distress their minds, in seeking after marks and evidences of the new birth; while they too often expect to find them outwardly in the flesh, instead of looking inwardly to the spirit. For the satisfaction and comfort of God's children, the Holy Ghost hath laid down this inward evidence, FAITH, as an incontestable mark of a new-born soul. When Peter made that glorious confession, "Thou art Christ the Son of the living God," Jesus replies, "Blessed art thou, Simon; flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father who is in heaven." All the powers and abilities of human nature and reason (so far from teaching) are at enmity against this soul-saving truth. No man can teach it his brother, so as to cause his heart to receive and believe it. It is a knowledge only revealed by the...