Divine Sugar Sticks for May 2002

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Thursday, May 30, 2002

“Another Comforter,” John 14:16

In order to fully appreciate the Lord Jesus Christ’s promised gift, we have to get at the back of the simple word “another,” which means something of the same kind. Because the Lord Jesus Christ used this word, the language has no meaning unless God the Holy Spirit is not a personal Comforter.

In effect, the Lord Jesus Christ was saying, “My ministry has been one of consolation, for I am come to comfort all who mourn. But I am going to leave you, and Another of the same kind will come to continue My ministry of comfort. Do not be disconsolate. I will send you another like Myself.”

And truly God the Holy Spirit is the Lord Jesus Christ’s other self. How blessed we are to be indwelt by One like the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is almost like having two Christs indwelling us.

“Miserable Comforters Are Ye All,” Job 16:2

“Thy comforts delight my soul,” Psa 94:19.

What a difference there is between Divine and human comfort. The one delights and the other depresses.

Perhaps Job’s friends meant well, but they went the wrong way about cheering Job in his time of need. It’s sad that clumsy hands only deepen a wound. When we meet those whose souls are smitten with grief, what needs there of a tact. Lest in spite of our good intentions we speak and act in a way calculated to increase sorrow.

A crushed soul requires delicate handling. With the Lord it is so different. He is so understanding, gracious, and tender, He not only means well, “but doeth all things well.” When our trials are at their worst and human sympathy is unavailing, the Lord knows how to clothe our heaviness “with the garment of praise.”

“God That Comforteth Those That Art Cast Down. Comforteth in Your Comfort,” 2 Corinthians 7:6, 13

There is a beautiful connection here where Paul lays bare his soul in writing to the Corinthians. Trouble on every side, fightings without and fears within were enough to cast any man down.

But the Lord knew about His persecuted, distressed, and troubled servant, and He hastened to his side, not in the form of an angel, but in a pair of human legs. The God of comfort comforted Paul by the coming of Titus. This messenger and his message caused a downcast apostle to take fresh courage.

Are we so in tune with the Lord as to be the channel of His comfort? How many are there who thank Him for our comfortings? What a privilege it is to function as Heaven’s ambassador of comfort.

“As One Whom His Mother Comforteth, Even so Will I Comfort You,” Isaiah 66:13

As a good and godly mother is the holiest thing alive, we have here a precious insight into the soul of God. It is to the mother that the child usually turns when there are tears to be kissed away. The father may fail to successfully calm a fearful child. It is soon asleep however on the pillow of its mother’s breast.

Is it not blessed to know that in the trying, trouble hours of life, when as fretful children we need consolation and compassion, we can come and lean on the bosom of the Lord, who is our “EL-SHADDAI,” “the many breasted One.”

The Lord is the perfect Comforter because He combines all the qualities of noble-hearted fatherhood and gentle motherhood.

“The Lord Answered the Angel ... With Good Words and Comfortable Words,” Zechariah 1:13

But angels are not the only ones who need to hear comfortable words. God has a heart that feels for men even though they have frustrated His hopes.

Isaiah was told to “speak comfortably to My people.”

Earth rejects Him, but He answers back with words both good and comfortable. And comfortable because they are good words of pardon.

If the Lord is careful about the way He answers angels, surely we ought to exercise the same care in answering those who whether they deserve compassion or not, certainly need it. Even if they refuse to be comforted, Gen 37:35, Psa 77:2, Jer 31:15, let us ever remain true sons of consolation.

Wednesday, May 29, 2002

“Certainly I Will be With You,” Exodus 3:12

How impressive is the “certainly” in this Promise! There is nothing more “certain” in a Christian’s life than the “promised presence” of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Are we not honored to be favored with His awesome presence? Such a Promise should arm us against fear and nerve us against opposition, embolden us to witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. His presence is sure. We should be found cultivating the realization of it.

“For God is With Us,” Isaiah 8:10

Because a Christian is never alone, he should not feel lonely.

Think of whom his constant companion is—God. And He is with His own, not only as an Observer, but as an Omnipotent One. He is with us as “the Lord of hosts,” having all the forces of Heaven and earth under His direction to befriend us.

The consciousness of such a Divine presence checks levity, prevents impatience, encourages intercession, produces patience and diligence, and inspires fortitude.

“The Angel of the Lord Encampeth Round About Them That Fear Him and Delivereth Them,” Psalm 34:7

Here we have two of those conditional Promises. His promised presence and fellowship can only be realized as we fear Him, are in awe of Him, and walk before Him in a perfect way–in fellowship–seeking to live in unbroken fellowship with Him. We know that as the Angel of the Lord, His eye is ever upon us. Obeying and trusting God we are sentinelled by such an invincible One. Dwelling with Him, walking before Him with a perfect mind, we are privileged to serve Him as honored servants.

There is Not Another Book of Comfort in the World Comparable to the Bible

Because the God of the Christian is “the God of all comfort,” we expect Him to be laden with Promises of consolation for sorrowing souls in a world of tears.

Disconsolate ones see these Promises shine out in golden letters on its dark sky, and take heart to trust for their fulfillment.

“He hath sent comforters unto thee.” 2 Sam 10:3 contrasted with Job 16:2–miserable comforters.

“The God of All Comfort”

“The God of All Comfort”

Promises of this nature are associated with our relief in seasons of stress and sorrow. They reveal how deeply interested the Lord is in all that concerns our earthly life.

When, therefore, spiritual comfort is given us from God, we receive it with thanksgiving and understand that it is a gift of God, and not any dessert of ours.

Monday, May 27, 2002

The Best of Companionships

Some of the most precious Promises in the Bible are those declaring the Lord’s willingness to dwell within His people and to be with them throughout life’s journey. Surely this is a most privileged companionship. The loneliest saint is therefore not companionless. How abundant are these Promises of Divine presence. How they deepen within us gratitude and love to the Lord who became “Immanuel,” God with us.

The Best Companionship–Part 2

Companionship–Part 3

These blessed Promises of Divine companionship are for each believer to appropriate. In all of our journeyings, we are assured of the double Grace of God’s presence and rest.

No matter how our journeys may separate us from home and loved ones, there is always “One” who accompanies us, making us the recipient of His fellowship, and also of His care, provision, and strength.

While our travels may not provide us with much physical rest, the knowledge that the “Lord of hosts” is with us, Psa 46:7, let us rest in the joy of all He is in Himself.

Not a brief glance, I beg, a passing word,
But as Thou dwellest with thy disciples, Lord!
Familiar, condescending, patient, free;
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.

“Happy Art Thou...O People Saved by the Lord,” Deuteronomy 33:29

When the fear of terrorists comes our way, we are apt to be downcast. Our soul sinks when we are sorely tried. But even in a shipwreck, with everything gone, Paul could urge both crew and passengers to cheer up.

Such was no false encouragement. Paul believed the Lord, therefore his cheerful confidence that all would reach safely.

We face a hostile terrorist world, but the Lord Jesus Christ says, “Be of good cheer. I have overcome the terrorist world.”

What a Promise this is to hide in our hearts, and when the Lord Jesus Christ bids us to cheer up, we dare not be cast down.

To the Lord Jesus Christ, the terrorist world is a beaten foe, and we can share His victory over it. Therefore, let us be of good cheer and sing heartily unto our conquering, soon-coming Lord.

Memorial Day 2002

Breathes there a man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself has said, “This is my own my native land,”
Whose heart within him never burned,
As home his footsteps he has turned,
From wandering on a foreign strand.

If such there breathe go mark him well,
For him no minstrel raptures swell.
High though his titles, proud his name,
Boundless His wealth as wish can claim,
Despite those titles, power, and pelf.

The wretched concentrated all in self,
Living shall forfeit fair renown,
And, doubly dying, shall go down,
To the vile dust from whence he sprang
Unwept, unhonored, unsung.

Saturday, May 25, 2002

Death Brings to the Christian Many Luxuries!

Luxury the world can never give

Paul said that death was gain. And that it was far better to be with the Lord, and to be absent from the body was face-to-face with the Lord.

But apart from those Biblical principles, there are some other luxuries that death brings to us. Death serves the believer who serves the Lord. Death is a servant of the Lord.

The luxury that death brings to the believer which the world can never provide for us is:

Who is afraid to go home?

“The Word of God Abideth in You and Ye Have Overcome the Wicked One,” 1 John 2:14

Promised victory is dependent upon the proper use of our effective weapons. As the Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit, we have in our hands the very weapon by which the Lord Jesus Christ Himself triumphed over Satan in the wilderness.

But we will never function as victorious Christians if the Word of God is merely in our hands. It must be in our minds. For it is only as it abides within that we are able to overcome the enemy.

Worldly-minded Christians are usually those who do not have a close acquaintance with the Scriptures. Carnality never thrives where there is a deep and daily meditation upon the soul-satisfying Truths of the Word of God. If you are not among the overcomers, revise your Bible habits and mark the results.

“This is the Victory...Our Faith,” 1 John 5:4

During World War II, The “V” for “Victory” movement swept over conquered countries, bringing hope to multitudes who had been overcome by cruel aggression. They endured their terrible trials believing that their day of emancipation was near at hand.

And in the war that rages, faith is essential in victory. In the spiritual realm victory is dependent upon faith. But John makes it very clear what particular aspect of faith assures victory.

If we reject the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are not Christians, 1 John 5:1. But if we are truly born of God and rest in the Deity of His Son, then God will keep us from the satanic influences of the world that lieth in the wicked one. And Satan himself will not be able to touch us. 1 John 5:18-19.

Reasons to be Happy!

“Blessed” means happy, and because God is the blessed or happy God, He does not want His children to be gloomy or despondent, cheerless. Did not Solomon affirm that?

Friday, May 24, 2002

The Secret of Abiding

The Bible has much to say regarding the Promises connected with the abiding life.

The word “abide” itself carries several meanings.

“Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you,” Phil 1:24.

The Word “Abide” Describing Our Life in the Lord Implies to “Dwell in or to be at Home With”

Abideth in Him!

We must abide in the Lord Jesus Christ, for apart from Him we are nothing, and have nothing, and can do nothing.

It is only through Him that we can do all things. Union with Christ saves us and keeps us safe and serene.

He bids us abide in Him, which we can do by living in absolute dependence upon Him. And by walking daily in fellowship with Him.

Promises of answered prayer and fruitfulness and eternal security are ours through this union with Christ.

Abiding in Christ will give us a single eye and a burning and holy discretion, and will enable us to seize all opportunities to glorify His adorable name.

The Promise of Abundance

What vast riches we have in the Lord Jesus Christ. He does not provide us with “just enough to get along.” He is not niggardly in supply. In Him we have more than enough. Whatever our need, abundance is at our disposal.

Abundance!

Abundance is the blessing of the wise,
The use of riches in discretion lies.

Learn this, ye men of wealth, a heavy purse,
In a fool’s pocket is a heavy curse.

Thursday, May 23, 2002

“What is Our Hope or Joy or Crown of Rejoicing, Are Not Even Ye, Ye Are Our Glory and Our Joy,” 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

It is encouraging to know whether children are born to us or not, all of us can become spiritual parents. Paul spoke of young Timothy as his beloved son in the faith.

Have you experienced the joy of bringing someone into the world of Divine love and Grace? If you are as yet spiritually childless, the promise to you is that with growth you will never know what it is to be barren or unfruitful in the begetting of a spiritual family.

We Have to Remind Ourselves of Our Charter as Children of the Promise

Saturday, May 18, 2002

How to Act in Sickness, Suffering, and Pain

If when the testing time comes we become embittered, peeved over what we are enduring, then our physical condition will swallow us up. We must trust the Lord and await His Divine unfolding.

The Classifications of Sickness and Sufferings

1. Organic and hereditary.
   Timothy’s frequent infirmities and his continual weakness, 1 Tim 5:23.
   
2. Retribution, penal, judicial.
   Paul refers to one who was visited because with sickness for special sins, 1 Cor 11:30, John 8:14, 11:25.
   
3. Corrective, paternal, disciplinary.
   The case James contemplates, James 5.
   
4. Educative and preparatory.
   Psa 35:13, Isa 38:12-16, James 5:14.
   
5. Voluntary and vicarious.
   Epaphroditus and Trophimus were sick, but their sickness was not of a disciplinary character calling for confession, Phil 2:25-30, 2 Cor 12:7-10.
   

Since the Lord is the Creator of the Human Body With All its Organs, Faculties, and Members, He is Able to Recreate it

Christ’s Healing Ministry!

1. It was a miraculous intervention.
   Luke 4:39, 40, 5:17-22
   
2. It was gradual.
   ”He began to amend,” John 4:52.
   
3. It was instantaneous.
   ”Immediately,” Luke 5:25.
   
4. It was permanent.
   “Enter no more,” Mark 9:25.
   
5. It was complete.
   ”Made whole from that hour,” Matt 15:22-28.
   

Christ’s Purpose in Healing Was Two-Fold

Godward: It

Manward:

The Question is Asked, “Does God Heal Today?”

Certainly He can and does, but not always. No gift of healing was used to restore Epaphroditus, Timothy, Trophimus, Gaius. Phil 2:26, 27 1 Tim 5:23, 2 Tim 4:20, 3 John 2.

God is sovereign in His bestowal of physical healing. He can heal in response to prayer and faith and through skilful physicians, and medicines, or independent of means.

If, as a Christian, you are sick or diseased, realize that God is your Father and your Friend and that you can leave the matter of your healing entirely in His hands.

Divine Healing

Much misunderstanding has arisen over this identification of Christ with our human ills. Advocates of what is called, Divine healing (which is all healing–with or without medicine is Divine) affirm that there is physical healing as well as spiritual healing in the work of Christ.

The argument is that at Calvary Christ bore our sicknesses as well as our sins. Therefore, we have no right to be ill. If sickness does not beset us, then we can claim healing in virtue of the Cross, but that is not in keeping with the Scriptures. What Christ bore on the Cross was our sins, 1 Pet 2:24. Taking our infirmities and bearing our sicknesses simply means Christ’s perfect compassion with all who suffer.

The sight of the fever-stricken mother and the demon-possessed souls drew forth the compassion of His sympathetic heart. Deeper still, in taking upon Himself the likeness of our flesh, He experienced something of its weariness and pain. As a true Representative, He carried many of our sorrows. Tested and tried as we are, He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

The Body of the Believer, Whether it is Subject to Ill Health, Sickness, or Infirmity, or Not, is Not to be Dishonored

Lev 19:28, Deut 14:1.

Because the body of a Christian is the temple of the Holy Spirit, 2 Cor 3:16, 2 Cor 6:18.

It must be kept pure for the Lord’s use, Rom 12:1, 1 Cor 6:13, 1 Thes 4:4, 5:23.

Wednesday, May 15, 2002

Christian Service Can Result in Sickness

Because of the vision that Daniel received, we find him saying, “I, Daniel, fainted and was sick certain days,” Dan 8:26, 27.

Because of his zeal and concern for the Philippian believers, “Paul was sick unto death,” Phil 2:25-30.

I don’t think too many Christians are working themselves to death for the Lord today.

Wrong Thinking

Wrong thinking which produces worry, hate, jealousy, criticism, and murmuring, as well as a high-pressure type of life, can produce ulcers and sickness.

In Some Mysterious Way Satan and Evil Spirits Are Permitted to Afflict the Body with Sickness and Disease

Ignorance and carelessness as to food and rest and mental habits, can issue in physical disorders.

The Bible Answers the Prophet’s Question

The purpose and ministry of sickness and suffering can be classified like this.

1. To limit sin
   

2. To teach God’s Word
   

3. To perfect the person who sins
   

4. Suffering and sickness in order to reveal the works of God.
   

5. To prepare us for a coming glory.
   

6. To equip us to comfort others.
   

We are not made comfortable, but comforters.

Tuesday, May 14, 2002

“Fear Not For Thou Shalt Not be Ashamed,” Isaiah 54:4

In times of severe testing we must not be afraid. Like Peter, we deny the Lord.

We shall not be ashamed of Him when angels praise. We shall not be ashamed of the Truths of His infallible Word, nor of His love to us and our love and our faith toward Him.

When we choose the reproach of the Lord Jesus Christ rather than the treasures of Egypt, the Lord will be near to inspire us with holy boldness and courage.

“Why Art Thou Cast Down, O my Soul? And Why Art Thou Disquieted Within Me?”

How often do we find ourselves taking the language of these Psalms and making it our own?

Are we not personally dismayed at times by doubts and fears?

Somehow the experiences of the psalmists are a mirror of our trials. There are the oppressions of the enemy, the disappointments, desertion, and betrayal, the labor unrewarded, and the sacrifice unnoticed, the patience unpraised.

May the same patience of hope be ours. “I shall yet praise Him.”

“Behold I Am With Thee and Will Keep Thee in All Places Wither Thou Goest,” Genesis 28:15

What a Promise this is to have before us when we set out on a vacation. Remember the little boy who prayed as the family was about to leave home for a holiday, “Well, goodbye, God. We are off for the holidays.”

Too often there are those who profess His name, but leave Him at home, and who on vacation engage in things and go to certain places they would not think of patronizing at home.

As we prepare to leave, whether we journey far or near, we need journey’s mercies, and also God’s presence and preservation. We cannot have these unless there is the continual recognition of the fact that we are His. Whenever we go abroad from our accustomed abode, let us take with us our Heavenly Escort, and the days of change and pleasure will be crowned with His favor.

If we live in the Spirit of “The traveler’s Psalm,” Psa 91, then our holidays will be holy days.

Don’t leave home without Him!

“Fear Not, I Will Help Thee; Fear Not Thou Worm Jacob,” Isaiah 41:13-14

The reference of the worm to Jacob signified his utter weakness and nothingness. Apart from his Divine Helper, Jacob had nothing and could do nothing.

And what are we but more worms of the dust? Yet empowered by the Lord, “worms can thresh mountains,” Isa 41:15.

How unworthy is unwholesome fear when we have the Promise that His everlasting arms are underneath and around us.

“Is He not a very present help in time of trouble?” He can help the weakest of His children, for He is the omnipotent Lord. He will help because of His Promise to undertake for His own in any state or place.

Monday, May 13, 2002

“The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom”

Fear represents awe, profound reverence, especially toward the Lord as Supreme.

This is not the fear resulting in physical and mental disorders, but a reverential trust and confidence. When we fear God, we do not cringe before Him as those robbed of their liberty do before a cruel heartless dictator. Love to God cuts out the wrong kind of fear which ends in torment.

“Fear God and take your own part,” Theodore Roosevelt

Many Promises Are Attributed to a Holy Fear of the Lord

“Fear Not Little Flock for it is Your Father’s Good Pleasure to Give You the Kingdom,” Luke 12:32

Here are a few passages in which our physical fears are mentioned to prove how senseless and baseless so many of them are. And to note the promised blessings of deliverance from them the Lord offers.

Who would lose that had the power to improve the occasion of transmitting fear to love.

The context of this Promise before us contains a rebuke of the disciples for the fear they entertained regarding sufficient food and clothing as they continued to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

Was not God able to care for the birds and the fields? Then why should the disciples charge their souls with care about material things, when they had such a mighty God who was able not only to add unto them all they needed, but to give the kingdom as well?

“Fear Not Little Flock”

The Christian is often referred to as a sheep, which has no natural ability for fighting off its adversaries. Because it is helpless when attacked, fear is one of its chief characteristics.

The Good Shepherd knows that fear is our inherent weakness as we face our arch adversary the devil. And He so utters the assuring, “Fear not little flock.”

He wants faith to replace fear.

Fear is like sand in the machinery of life. Faith is the oil.

“Be Not Afraid of Sudden Fear,” Proverbs 3:25, 26

Solomon is speaking of the occasions when God’s righteous judgments are abroad and he urges his people not to yield to any fear because of God’s Promise to defend and preserve them.

While the plagues afflicted the Egyptians, the Israelites were Divinely covered.

Serenity under the rush and road of unexpected evils is a precious gift of Divine love.

No matter what desolation might overtake the wicked around us, as Christians, we are called upon to exhibit a quietness and confidence born of faith in the Promise of Divine protection.

“I Will Not Fear What Man Shall Do Unto Me,” Hebrews 13:6

Here is a Promise rich with the presence and the power of the Lord. Because He will never leave us, we can be content with such things as we have, knowing that He is always at hand as our Helper. If we would fear Him, there would be nothing else to fear. The world around may seek to scorn and harm us, but the animosity of the godless is calmly borne.

Friday, May 10, 2002

“He Findeth Them Asleep,” Matthew 26:40

Solomon reminds us that in everything there is a season–even a time to sleep.

But the disciples were guilty of sleeping at the wrong time. Every syllable of our Lord’s rebuke is an arrow whose point has been dipped in wounded love. Had He not distinctly commanded them to tarry and to watch with Him? He desired the fellowship of His own in the grim hour of Gethsemane, but they left Him to tread out the winepress companionless.

How guilty and hazardous it is to sleep when the Lord Jesus Christ bids us to be wide awake and pray. Sleep is inexcusable in the face of our Lord’s command.

“Could ye not watch?” Many a night He has spent pleading with us. Shall we grudge Him the loss of a few, fast fleeting hours?

“Awake thou that sleepest.”

“He Giveth His Beloved Sleep,” Psalm 127:2

Another delightful aspect of this comforting Promise is that God is continually working on our behalf as we sleep. Actually it reads, “He giveth His beloved in sleep,” implying the rich blessings He imparts when we are in a state of mental repose.

God’s gifts came to His loved ones as they sleep. Thus we have the double thought, the first being that sleep itself is God’s gift. And the other thought is that as we sleep, God communicates to us gifts we must exercise and dreams we must realize in our working hours.

What wonderful revelations came to many of the prophets of old, like Daniel, who as they slept, they had visions and dreams of God’s will and purpose, which in waking hours they remembered and rehearsed.

“Love Not Sleep Lest Thou Come to Poverty,” Proverbs 20:13

The injunction “love not sleep” is somewhat tantalizing for one who does not love a good sleep. What Solomon means is that we must not love sleep only for its beneficial ends and not merely love to sleep our heads off.

Some people are deeply in love with sleep, which is evidenced by the time they spend doing it. Peter slept when he should have been praying.

Drowsiness can clothe a man with rags. We all would be a little better off if we spent more time on our knees that we do on our backs.

“On That Night Could Not the King Sleep,” Esther 6:1

“On that night.” What night? Well, the very night that cruel Haman had built the gallows to hang Mordecai and had commenced his proposed ruthless extermination of the Jews.

It was on a night of such brutal preparation that the king could not sleep, or, as the original suggests, “the king’s sleep fled away.” Who caused it to flee? Who but the Creator of sleep Himself.

Power is His to bestow or banish slumber. But why the king’s sleepless night? As sleep fled from his eyes, the king commanded the book of records to be read to him. And as a consequence, the unrewarded deed of Mordecai was brought to light resulting in the unfolding drama of Esther and the preservation of the seed which was to produce Christ according to the flesh.

What catastrophes would have happened if the king had slept that night!

“He Giveth His Beloved Sleep,” Psalm 127:2

A 17th century philosopher wrote “God’s blessing be upon the man who first invented this self-same thing called sleep. It covers a man all over like a cloak.”

But no man invented sleep, although by artificial means he can induce it. It was the Creator Himself who gave man the ability to draw a dark curtain over his eyes and conscious mind, and thus become oblivious to all around.

The psalmist reminds us in different ways that sleep is the gift of Grace to weariness.

The qualifying clause in this Promise must be underlined. “His beloved,” this highest possible honor is ours through Grace, who have been accepted in God’s Beloved, even the Lord Jesus Christ, Eph 1:6. Even though we may sometimes toss and turn at night, we have the assurance that on His bosom we can rest in perfect security.

“They That Sleep, Sleep in the Night,” 1 Thessalonians 5:7

Man was meant to sleep at night. And he has the Promise that the Lord will protect him as he sleeps. The development of modern civilization and the multiplication of worldly pleasures have turned night into day for many who dissipate their energies to their own undoing.

How these “night birds” add to the darkness of the night by their crimes, but we are grateful for those who rightfully labor while we sleep. The morning paper, early letters that we receive, and many other necessary benefits are ours as each new day dawns because others served while we slept.

When we go to bed tonight a great army of public servants will be alert that we may be safe and that our needs may be met. Policemen, fireman, National Guard. May the Lord give them a restful sleep when it comes time for them to rest.

“The Sleep of a Labouring Man is Sweet,” Ecclesiastes 5:12

The poison destroying our enjoy is called fatigue, and the antidote is sleep. Sleep not so much in quantity as in quality, increases our energy reserve.

Sleep at its best is not a luxury, but a necessity. Muscular and nerve relaxation is the role of sleep. That is why manual laborers enjoy their rest. Physical exertion induces sleep and proves to be most refreshing.

Notice Solomon’s human touch in the narrative, “Whether he eat little or much.”

Those who labor with their minds may not have the same appetite as others who work with their hands. But both types of labor are exhausting and make sleep sweet. The idle rich are among the most restless. People who have to work hard are seldom dope fiends. They have little need of a sleeping draught. How many who have plenty of time on their hands and an abundance of this world’s goods long for the laborer’s undisturbed, refreshing sleep?

“Behold He That Keepeth Israel Shall Neither Slumber Nor Sleep,” Psalm 121:4

Is not this a remarkable Promise? He who made man and provided for all his physical necessities, including sleep, is never in need of slumber Himself.

It is said that Alexander could sleep because his friend Parmenio watches.

As those belonging to a greater King, we too can sleep because He is our guard.

If some reason or other we cannot sleep, is it not encouraging to know that our Keeper is ever awake and able to cheer us with the reminder of this Promise?

As the Omnipotent One, unconsciousness never steals over Him. He is ever alert and watches over the house and souls of each of His own.

If you think you were the only one awake in the middle of the night, you were wrong.

The Heathen Believed That if Their Device for Ascertaining the Cause of Their Calamities Turned Out a Certain Way, They Would Call Them a “Chance” or “Bad Luck,” 1 Samuel 6:9

It was Leah, not an Israelite, who spoke of “fortune and fate” – “fortune” being used for Gad. Isaiah was rebuking idolaters for apostasy to heathen deities, such as “the god of destiny,” Isa 65:11.

But the Christian does not believe in fortune, fate, or chance. To the believing soul there is nothing independent of the will of God. Even although an event be unexpected, because of his omniscience, God knows the end from the beginning.

“Her Hap Was to Light on the Portion of the Field,” Ruth 2:3

Hap is an old Saxon word for luck, chance. It is the translation of the word “MIKREH,” meaning a fortuitous chance. Throughout the whole course of Israel’s history, in the Hebrew mind, law, not chance, ruled the universe, and the law was not something blindly mechanical, but the expression of the personal JEHOVAH.

Israel’s belief on this subject may be summed up in the couplet
“The lot is cast into the lap, But the whole disposing thereof is the Lord,” Prov 33:16.

“As I happened by chance upon Mount Gilboa,” 2 Sam 1:6.

It Was No Mere Chance That Saul Lost His Father’s Asses, or That David Came Into the Camp as Goliath Thundered Forth His Challenge

Or, that the Samaritan passed by as the traveler lay half dead. Or, that Paul was shipwrecked.

“Chance” in the New Testament means “a meeting together with,” “a coincidence of circumstances.” “If haply” denotes, “if therefore,” “if accordingly,” or “if in these circumstances.”

“When Paul spoke of the things that happened unto me” he simply meant “the things relating to me.”

No thought of chance as we use the term of luck or fate, was meant.

“The Years Draw Nigh When Thou Shall Say I Have no Pleasure in Them,” Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

What a unique portrait Solomon here gives us of old age and the failure of the vital forces in the various organs of the physical frame. Old age with its attendant infirmities prompts many to say, “I have no pleasure in them.”

The body becomes too feeble for service and sometimes the mind too clouded to appreciate the things of the Lord as in earlier days. Thus in a fascinating fashion Solomon describes their infirmities. Maybe his.

“The Fear of the Lord Prolongeth Days,” Proverbs 10:27

This Promise confirms the fact that the fear of the Lord leads to virtuous habits, which in turn prevent that waste of life which sin and vice produce.

The healthy fear of which Solomon writes kills worry–a sure life shortener.

Obedience to and confidence in God act like healing medicine.

Here then is the secret of long life, if it is the Lord’s will that we should see a good old age and come to the grave as a shock of corn in their season

The truest lengthening of life is “to live while we live,” wasting no time but using every hour for the highest ends.

“Be Not Grieved or Angry With Yourselves That Ye Sold Me Hither, for God Did Send Me Before to Preserve Your Life,” Genesis 45:4-15

The thought of God’s overruling province in the affairs of men is forcibly illustrated in Joseph’s career. It was no accident or “chance” that the Ishmaelite merchants passed by as Joseph’s brothers planned his disposal.

When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers after he came to eminence in Egypt, he looked back upon the event when he was sold as a slave and comforted them with this verse.

A number of Hebrew and Greek expressions have been translated “chance” or something nearly equivalent, but it is noteworthy that of the classical words for chance, “SUNTUCHIA” and “TUCHE,” the former never occurs in the Bible and the latter only twice in the Septuagint.

“The Keepers of the House Shall Tremble”

The home is the body and the “keepers,” the hands, strong defenders and providers of the house. As protective members, the hands are constantly coming into use in a thousand ways.

But usually in old age, “these keepers of the house tremble” and shake from failure of nervous power or disease, and become as weak as the little hands of an infant.

The hands, what wondrous wisdom planned,
This instrument so near Divine?
How impotent without the hand,
Proud reason’s light would shine.

Sunday, May 5, 2002

Whether Our Years Are Few or Many, May We Learn to Go Softly Through All of Them. Isaiah 38:12

Life is a momentous trust not to be trifled with, but used for the glory of Him who gave it.

What an uplifting Promise this is for all those who have reached life’s evening table.

In the natural world everything is dark at evening time. But in the spiritual realm it is the opposite.

Does not this Promise feed patience? The glorious morn is at hand and it casts something of its light before us. At times it would seem as if when the aged die that their eyes are lighted with a holy lustre and the harps of Heaven are sounding for them.

May such a triumphant sunset be yours and mine.

Promises and Descriptions the Bible Gives to Old Age

“He Shall Not be Discouraged”

Think of Him while among men. Surely He had enough to discourage Him. What with the failures of His own and hostile foes around Him, it would have been human if He faltered by the way.

But no, courageously He set His face toward Jerusalem. No one and nothing could keep Him back.

Presently it would seem as if the world was altogether out of His control, But no, He is not discouraged, for He knows His day is coming.

What an incentive He provides for every discouraged soul.

“He Shall Not Fail Nor be Discouraged,” Isaiah 42:4

What a most unusual Promise of the Lord Jesus Christ Isaiah gives, “He shall not be discouraged.”

Because of His virtue, He is the Lord of all encouragement. The Bible warns against discouragement. The spies, except Joshua and Caleb, “discouraged the heart of the children of Israel.” But the One Isaiah portrays will never be discouraged until His final task is accomplished. Then what satisfaction will be His. Slowly, surely He is reaching His goal to set judgment on the earth.

What do Old Men and Children Have in Common?

What a happy combination is here presented–no generation gap. Some of the aged are apt to be overcautious and unduly prudent. Youth, too, on the other hand, is apt to err by rashness and undue daring.

He is the best Christian who combines the thoughtfulness of the old with the boldness of the young, who has the skill to calculate and plan and yet the decision and abandon to venture and achieve and win. How attractive it is when these diverse yet complementary qualities are combined.

So let age approve of youth and death complete the same.

Spiritual Adjustments to Life

Guilt

Spiritual Adjustments to Life

Doubt

When He Was 84 Years of Age, Caleb Could Say, “I Wholly Followed the Lord”

Life is not to be counted by the calendar, nor measured by the years. While we cannot prevent the years going by, we can retain enthusiasm and hope and assurance that He who is the Length of Our Days will sustain until traveling days are over.

We read of Moses when he died at 120 that “His eye was not dim nor his natural force abated.”

If winter has settled down upon your hair, accept the challenge of advancing years. “Let me show Thy strength to the coming generation.”

Saturday, May 4, 2002

“I Love Them That Love Me”

“And those who seek Me early will find Me,” Proverbs 8:17, Hosea 11:1

What a blessed Promise this is. While Solomon is personifying “wisdom”" in this verse before us and saying that “wisdom” has her lovers, and seeks her seekers, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself became the personification of the wisdom of God.

The Promise is that if we love and seek Him, in return we shall enjoy His love and find Himself.

The appeal is to the young, those “early in life.” How happy are the young whose morning of life is spent with the Lord Jesus Christ. The younger we seek and find Him the better.

“Early seekers” make “certain finders.”

“Thou Hast the Dew of Thy Youth,” Psalm 110:3

Without a doubt, this Psalm sets forth the Promise of the high priestly and kingly prerogatives of the Messiah.

The Lord Jesus Christ recites this brief but blessed Psalm as referring to Himself, Matt 22:44, Mark 12:36.

The epistle to the Hebrews likewise quotes this Psalm, interpreting it Messianically. “By the dew.” We are to understand freshness and in a very real sense the Lord Jesus Christ retains the dew of His youth. He did not come to the end of His earthly sojourn as an old decrepit man.

“Not one darkened hair was grey,
On His crucifixion day.”

“Thou Hast the Dew of Thy Youth,” Psalm 110:3, Matthew 22:44, Mark 12:36

The Lord Jesus Christ had just turned 33 years of age when He entered the glory. “33.” Because of the fact that the glory of a young man is but his strength, our blessed Lord, as the “young Prince of glory” retains “the dew of His youth.”

“The Ancient of days,” He yet has the perennial freshness of eternal youth. No wrinkles will ever gather on His brow. Time produces no change in His glorified body. His strength never wanes. And the Promise is that when we see Him, “we shall be like Him” – youthful forevermore. Isa 40:30-31.

Do not be overawed by Shakespeare’s sonnet.

“When 40 winters shall besiege thy brow,
“And dig deep trenches in thy beauty’s field,
“Thy youth’s proud livery so gazed on now,
“Will be a tattered weed of small worth held.”

Shakespeare should have known better than that.

Middle Age Has Other Risks Than That Known as “Middle Age Spread”

A Christian reaching the halfway mark on life’s pilgrimage should be aware of its perils. Often the middle age years are the hardest and provide a severe test. What we must strive to do is to dispose with the lie that “We are too old at 40 for the best things life holds.” The child of God knows that the “40-ish” years are fine training for the future.

Lord Lyton said, “There is a future left to men who have the virtue to change their mind and the energy to atone.”

Winston Churchill was past middle life when he began to paint, and to countless numbers of Christians, the joy in middle life is the unfailing friendship of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days. Thy strength is throughout all generations,” Psa 102:24.

“When He Was Full 40 Years Old, it Came Into His Heart to Visit His Brethren, the Children of Israel,” Acts 7:23

Are not the above experiences and desires indicative of the Promise of what the Lord is able to do for those who want the rest of their years to tell for Him?

“Thou Art Not Yet 50 Years Old,” John 8:57

Have you come to the meridian years of life? Then if you are the Lord’s, may He reawake your amazement at the marvels of His love. And grant you the continuance of the child’s unquestioning faith.

And enable you to retain your former modesty and meekness and cause you to drink at the fountain of His undecaying strength.

May He make Himself known to you in a new way in the middle of life’s fatiguing years.

On His bold visage, middle age,
Has slightly pressed its signet sage,
Yet hath not quenched the open truth,
And fiery vehemence of youth.

Friday, May 3, 2002

Promises in the Bible for Young People

The Bible holds attractive stories for young souls. And it records youthful exploits, like those of David, for example. It has much to say about young people and promises the Grace of God to those in “life’s fair morning,” who are willing “to buy the pearl of great price.”

1. Divine blessing is promised if the young honor the aged.
   “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head and honor the face of the old man and fear thy God, for I am the Lord,” Lev 19:23.
   
2. Divine Grace is promised if a godly example is followed.
   “My son, hear the instructions of thy father and forsake not the law of thy mother,” Prov 1:8, Jer 3:4.
   
3. Divine counsel is given the youth in order to live right.
   ”Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, but know,” Ecc 11:9.
   ”Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth,” Ecc 12:1.
   ”Let no man despise thy youth. Take heed unto thyself and unto the Doctrine,” 1 Tim 4:11-16.
   “The child grew and waxed strong in Spirit,” Luke 1:80.
   “Jesus Christ increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man,” Luke 2:52.
   

Thursday, May 2, 2002

Praying Promises, or Turning Promises Into Prayers

How comforting it is to take God’s exceeding and great Promises and turn them into prayer. Does it not please the Lord when we plead His Promises?

Think of the way in which some of the saints of old turned Promises into prayers.

Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord which saidst unto me, return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal with thee, thou saidst I will surely do thee good,” Gen 32:9-12.

Then in David’s great prayer, he pleads a Divine Promise. “Let it even be established that Thy Name may be magnified for ever, now Lord, Thou art God, and has promised this goodness unto Thy servant,” 1 Chr 1:23, 26, 27.

Promises which strengthen our faith and prompt our obedience also enforce our pleas. We can go with the Promises to God firmly depending upon His faithfulness to answer our demands accordingly.

A Promise is a note under His own hand and He will acknowledge His own handwriting and signature. Thus as we rest in and upon Him, we are assured that He will not be unmindful of His Promises.

“I Will Yet for This be Inquired of by the House of Israel, to Do it for Them,” Ezekiel 36:37

Promises, prayers, and performance cover our advancement in our spiritual life. The Promise and the performance are the Lord’s, but prayer must come from us.

Promises are ineffectual and their performance is inoperative, if prayer on your part is lacking.

The Promises of God should be the basis of all our prayers. For they are alike our warrant for asking, and our security for receiving.

It is not safe for us to ask anything that lies beyond their all-embracing scope, for we have no authority to do so.

But we may confidently ask whatever is included in them, for He never fails to fulfill them.

“Thou Hast Promised This Goodness Unto Thy Servant, Therefore Let it Now Please Thee to Bless the House of Thy Servant. Do as Thou Hast Said,” 2 Samuel 7:28-29

The keynote of that wonderful Psalm which magnifies the Word of God is founded in David’s prayer, Psa 119. “Remember the Word unto Thy servant, upon which Thou hast caused me to hope,” Psa 119:19.

The petition “according to Thy Word,” means literally, “according to the norm and standard of Thy Word,” occurs 12 times. Verses 25, 28, 41, 58, 76, 107, 116, 149, 154, 169, 170.

While the declaration, “I hope in Thy Word” is repeated six times. Verses 42, 43, 74, 81, 114, 147.

Not one Promise shall miscarry,
Not one blessing come too late.
Though the vision long, may tarry,
Give us patience Lord, we wait.

When Daniel Understood by the Books the Number of Years for the Accomplishing of the Desolations of Jerusalem, Even Seventy Years, Not Only to Believe and Claim it, But He Constantly Prayed That Ours Will be the Unfailing Realization of His Promised Presence.

We must be careful to have a life in which there is nothing displeasing to His holy will. Sin desires the consciousness of His nearness and causes us to pray.

Lord, Thou art with me all my days,
Therefore into life’s future I may gaze.

Days may be coming fraught with loss and change,
New scenes surround our life with faces strange.

I thank Thee that no day can ever break,
Saviour, when Thou will leave me or forsake.

Spiritual Adjustments to Life

Depression

Psa 3:3, “But Thou, O Lord, art a Shield for me, my Glory, and the Lifter up of my head.”

Psa 30:10-11, “Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me. Lord, be Thou my Helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing. Thou hast put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.”

Spiritual Adjustments to Life

Failure

Psa 37:24, “Though he fail, he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand.”

Rom 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.”

Spiritual Adjustments to Life

Fear

Psa 27:1, “A Psalm of David, the Lord is my Light and my Salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the Strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?”

Isa 41:10, “Fear thou not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.”

Wednesday, May 1, 2002

Lack of Expectation When it Comes to Claiming the Promises of God

We have two notable instances of the lack of expectation. There is Zacharias, who refused to believe that his desire for a son and God’s Promise of one was about to be granted. Luke 1:13, 18.

Then there were those who “gathered together praying” for Peter’s release, yet could not credit the fact that “He stood before the gate and continued knocking,” Acts 12:5, 12-16.

For Our Daily Use, We Have Faith’s Checkbook

A Promise of God may very instructively be compared to a check payable to order. It is given to the believer with the view of bestowing on him some good thing. It is not meant that he should read it over comfortably and then have done with it.

No, he is to trust the Promise as a reality, as a man treats a check. He is to take the Promise and endorse it with his own name by personally receiving it as true. He is by faith to accept it as his own. He sets to his soul that God is true, and true as to this particular word of Promise. He goes further and believes that he has the blessing in having the sure promise of it, and therefore he puts his name to it to testify to the receipt of the blessing.

This done, he must believing, present the Promise to the Lord as a man presents a check at the counter of a bank.

While the Promises of God Are to be Appropriated by Faith …

This does not discharge us from the diligent use of proper and lawful means

God has promised us food and raiment, but the slothful and the careless should not expect to benefit from such a promise. “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing, but the soul of the diligent will be made fat,” Prov 13:4.

If you don’t work, you don’t eat.

“Godliness is Profitable in all Things, Having Promise of the Life That Now is, and That Which is to Come,” 1 Timothy 4:8

If we do not seek after godliness, then we are not in the right condition of the soul to claim the Promises. Many Promises are linked to diligence and to various kindred virtues.

“The hand of the diligent maketh rich,” Prov 10:4.

God cannot condone indolence and sloth. Although God miraculously supplied the manna, the people had to gather it daily. “If any man will not work, neither shall he eat,” 2 Thes 3:10.

Some Promises Are Associated With the Legitimate and Liberal Use of What Has Already Been Bestowed as Indicated in the Promise

“Honor the Lord with thy substance, so shall thy barns be filled with plenty,” Prov 3:9.

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse; I will pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it,” Malachi 3:10.

Check back tomorrow for more Divine Sugar Sticks!

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