The
child pines for a toy; the moment he possesses it, he throws it by and cries for
another. When they are piled up in heaps around him, he looks at them without
pleasure, and leaves them without regret. He knew not that all the good which
they could yield lay in expectation; nor that his wishes for more will increase
faster than toys could be multiplied, and is unhappy at last for the same
reason as at first: his wishes are ungratified. Still indulging them, and still
believing that the gratification of them will furnish the enjoyment for which
he pines, he goes on, only to be unhappy.
Men are
merely taller children. Honor wealth, and splendor are toys for which grown
children pine; but which however accumulated, leave them still disappointed and
unhappy. God never designed that intelligent beings should be satisfied with
these enjoyments. By His wisdom and goodness men were formed to derive their
happiness and virtue from Him alone (Timothy Dwight, Spiritual Awakening).
SONGS IN THE NIGHT (JOB
35:10)
In his
darkest hour, Job gave us the celebrated song, “I know that my Redeemer lives”
(19:25) Think of it. From his pit of futility, Job rose to the pinnacle of
faith with one of the most sublime songs of the Bible. His staunch affirmation
has been translated classically into the stirring soprano strains of Handel’s
Messiah: “I know That My Redeemer Lives.”
GOD MAKE ME REAL
Purge out the dross that harms my soul, and fit it for
the heavenly goal; Teach me in all things I do to be sincere and ever true.
There is no legacy as rich as integrity.
Now is
my will resigned, struggles are quelled, clay on the wheel am I, nothing withhold.
Master,
I yield to Thee, crumble, then fashion me flawless, and fit to be indwelt by
Thee (Leslie Taylor-Hunt)
If we
yield our lives to Him, He will fashion it into a vessel of beauty and purpose.
FORGIVEN (PSALM 130)
In a
cemetery not far from New York City, is a headstone engraved with a single
word: FORGIVEN.
The
message is simple, unembellished. There is no date of birth, no date of death,
no epitaph. There is only a name and the solitary word forgiven.
But that is the greatest word that can be applied to any man or woman, or
written on any gravestone. “Sin invites judgment; confession ensures
forgiveness (Haddon Robinson, Our Daily Bread May 8, 1993).
HOW TO DISCOVER THE GIFTS OF
THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. Acceptance---The
Christian should believe that he/she has a gift or gifts.
2. Awareness of what the gifts are—You must know the gifts (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians
12-14; Ephesians 4:7-13; 1 Peter 4:7-13).
3. Appeal—What does
the Christian enjoy doing well?
4. Ask—Ask God
to show you your gift(s). “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:3).
5. Action—Don’t
spend all your time trying to analyze your gift. Use the gift in serving Christ
6. Dedication of the gifts—Paul reminds Timothy to stir up his gifts.
