Daily Prayer - Saturday
- Give thanks to God that we have good news of salvation to tell that the repentant sinner might have everlasting life through Jesus Christ. (John 3.16.) - Pray the Lord would bless the Gospel outreach by the church in Westminster. Both on Saturday mornings and at services. - Pray the Lord would work in the contacts we have made both on Saturday mornings and at services; through personal conversations and online contacts. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via Facebook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Destruction is threatened both to Israel and Judah for their impiety and idolatry. Hosea 8 Psalms 123) Preface - The godly profess their confidence in God, and pray to be delivered from contempt. Psalms 124) Preface - The church blesseth God for a miraculous deliverance. Psalms 125) Preface - The safety of such as trust in God. A prayer for the godly, and against the wicked. Psalms 123-125 Daily Light - Morning Ever follow that which is good. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again...but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. - Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pur, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 1 Th. 5.15; 1 Pe. 2.21-23; He. 12.3 He. 12.1-2 Phil. 4.8 Daily Light - Evening The mighty God. Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness... Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. - Thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty. - The man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. - Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Isa. 9.6; Ps. 45.2-4,6; Ps. 89.19; Zech. 13.7 Isa. 12.2; 2 Co. 2.14 Jude 24.25 A Puritans Catechism Q 74 - How do Baptism and the Lord's Supper become spiritually helpful? A - Baptism and the Lord's Supper become spiritually helpful, not from any virtue in them, or in him who does administer them, but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of the Spirit in those who by faith receive them. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of Christ the Mediator Chapter 8 PARAGRAPH 2 The Son of God, the second person in the Holy Trinity, being very and eternal God, the brightness of the Father's glory, of one substance and equal with Him who made the world, who upholds and governs all things He has made, did, when the fullness of time was complete, take upon Him man's nature, with all the essential properties and common infirmities of it,9 yet without sin;10 being conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit coming down upon her: and the power of the Most High overshadowing her; and so was made of a woman of the tribe of Judah, of the seed of Abraham and David according to the Scriptures;11 so that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion; which person is very God and very man, yet one Christ, the only mediator between God and man.12 9 John 1:14; Gal. 4;4 10 Rom. 8:3; Heb. 2:14,16–17, 4:15 11 Matt. 1:22–23 12 Luke 1:27,31,35; Rom. 9:5; 1 Tim. 2:5 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9 v 4 Our Lord went about continually doing good; He mad it His meat and drink. 'Daily in the temple.' So should we. Satan is busy at all times - he does not stand upon ceremony - he does not keep himself to Sabbath days or canonical hours. Death is busy. Men are dying while we are sleeping. About fifty die every minute; nearly one ever second entering into an unchangeable world! The Spirit of God is busy. BLessed be God He hath cast our lot in times when there is the moving of the Great Spirit among the dry bones. Shall ministers then be idle, or stand upon ceremony? O that God would baptise us this day with the Holy Ghost and with fire, that we might be all changed as into a flame of fire, preaching and building up Christ's Church till our latest, our dying hour.
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Daily Prayer - Friday
- Give thanks to God for many good things we enjoy and daily blessings. - Pray the Lord would supply the needs of those in the congregation at Westminster and guide us as we help those destitute and suffering. Especially those we have met in the pandemic. (Numbers 6.24-26.) - Pray for the ministry among the children and that they would know Christ from a young age. A rich blessing in this troubled world. - Pray for the evangelistic work, that people would know the greatest blessing of all salvation by the grace of God through Christ. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via Facebook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Israel reproved for manifold sins. God's wrath against them for their hypocrisy. Hosea 7 Psalms 120) Preface - David prayeth against His enemy, by whose slanderous behaviour he had been driven to reside among strangers. Psalms 121) Preface - The great safety of the godly, who put their trust in God's protection. Psalms 122) Preface - David's joy in the people's resort to Jerusalem, the seat of religion and public justice: he prayeth for its peace and prosperity. Psalm 120-122 Daily Light - Morning Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand o ftheir masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us. A continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee. - In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. The hour cometh, and now is when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. - Pray without ceasing. Pro. 8.34; Ps. 123.2 Ex. 29.42; Ex. 20.24 Mt. 18.20 Jn. 4.23-24 Eph. 6.18; 1 Th. 5.17 Daily Light - Evening His name shall be called...Counsellor. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD. Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?... Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things... Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. The LORD of hosts...is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working. - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Isa. 9.6; Isa. 11.2-3 Pro. 8.1,4-6,14 Isa. 28.29; Jas. 1.5; Pro. 3.5-6 A Puritans Catechism Q 73 - What is baptism? A - Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, instituted by Jesus Christ, to be to the person baptized a sign of his fellowship with him, in his death, and burial, and resurrection, of his being ingrafted into him, of remission of sins, and of his giving up himself to God through Jesus Christ, to live and walk in newness of life. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of Christ the Mediator Chapter 8 PARAGRAPH 1 It pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son, according to the covenant made between them both, to be the mediator between God and man;1 the prophet,2 priest,3 and king;4 head and savior of the church,5 the heir of all things,6 and judge of the world;7 unto whom He did from all eternity give a people to be His seed and to be by Him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.8 1 Isa. 42:1; 1 Pet. 1:19–20 2 Acts 3:22 3 Heb. 5:5–6 4 Ps. 2:6; Luke 1:33 5 Eph. 1:22–23 6 Heb. 1:2 7 Acts 17:31 8 Isa. 53:10; John 17:6; Rom. 8:30 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings The true happiness of a believer As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. Psalm 42 v 1 Hear David - 'As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?' He panteth not after the gifts of God - not His favours or comforts - but after Himself. A believer longs after God - to come into His presence - to feel His love - to feel near to Him in secret - to feel in the crowd that He is nearer than all the creatures. Ah! dear brethren, have you ever tasted this blessedness? There is greater rest and solace to be found in the presence of God for one hour, than in an eternity of the presence of man. To be in His presence - under His love - under His eye - is heaven, wherever it be. God can make you happy in any circumstances. Without Him, nothing can. Daily Prayer - Thursday
- Give thanks to God that we are part of a global church made up of true Christians across the world. - Give thanks to God for the freedoms we have to share the Gospel in England and pray that it may continue. - Pray for missionaries across the world who are seeking to preach the Gospel and establish a faithful church. - Pray for those in persecuted countries who have to meet in secret. Even those who are now in prison for their faith. Give thanks to God that we are part of a global church made up of true Christians across the world. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via Facebook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - God's judgments against the priests, the people, and the princes, of Israel, for their manifold sins, until they repent. Hosea 5-6 Preface - This psalm containeth various prayers, praises, and professions of obedience. Psalms 119:145-176 Daily Light - Morning Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which ae despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. - Born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. My spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. - The battle is not yours, but God's. The LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S Zech. 4.6; Isa. 40.13 1 Co. 1.27-29 Jn. 3.8; Jn. 1.13 Hag. 2.5; 2 Chr. 20.15 1 Sa. 17.47 Daily Light - Evening Do as thou hast said. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear... So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word... Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou has caused me to hope... Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage... The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver... For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfullness is unto all generations. God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath; that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus. 2 Sa. 7.25; Ps. 119,38,42,49,54,72,89,90 He. 6.17-20 2 Pe. 1.4 A Puritans Catechism Q 72 - How is the Word made effectual to salvation? A - The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, and effectual means of convicting and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith to salvation. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God's Covenant Chapter 7 PARAGRAPH 3 This covenant is revealed in the gospel; first of all to Adam in the promise of salvation by the seed of the woman,5 and afterwards by farther steps, until the full discovery thereof was completed in the New Testament;6 and it is founded in that eternal covenant transaction that was between the Father and the Son about the redemption of the elect;7 and it is alone by the grace of this covenant that all the posterity of fallen Adam that ever were saved did obtain life and blessed immortality, man being now utterly incapable of acceptance with God upon those terms on which Adam stood in his state of innocency.8 5 Gen. 3:15 6 Heb. 1:1 7 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2 8 Heb. 11;6,13; Rom. 4:1–2; Acts 4:12; John 8:56 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Two heavens What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? Luke 15 v 4 Go brother, leaving the ninety-nine, go after the one sheep that was lost. Leave your home, your comforts, your bed, your ease, your all, to feed lost souls. The Lord of Glory left heaven for this; it is enough for the disciple to be as his Master. It is said of Alleine, that 'he was infinitely and insatiably greedy of the conversion of souls.' Rutherford wrote to his dear people, 'My Witness is above, that your heaven would be two heavens to me, and the salvation of you all as two salvations to me.' The Lord give you this heavenly compassion for this people. Do not be satisfied without conversion. Daily Prayer - Wednesday
- Give thank to God for the Bible its inspiration and preservation for us to read it today. (2 Timothy 3.16, Proverbs 30.5.) - Give thanks to God that we have easy access to the Scripture in English, in our mother tongue. - Pray the Lord would bless us as we study the Bible through the ministry this coming year. That as we work through a book of the Bible the Lord would continue to help us to grasp God's truth. - Pray for the Lunchtime outreach service and those who attend; pray that more from the offices nearby and Christians who commute are able to join us. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via Facebook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The people are exhorted to forsake idolatry, which is threatened with severe judgments. God allureth them with promises of reconciliation. Hosea 3-4 Preface - The psalm containeth various prayers, praises, and professions of obedience. Psalm 119:121-144 Daily Light - Morning It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? - I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, thou he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. - Wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee. - Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD. Let us not be weary in well doing...in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. - Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Lam. 3.26; Ps. 77.9; Ps. 31.22 Lu. 18.7-8; Pro. 20.22; Ps. 37.7 2 Chr. 20.17 Ga. 6.9; Jas. 5.7 Daily Light - Evening Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. - Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. - Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ... Only let you conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ. - The tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteh on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell... The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. - Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt. Song 2.15; Ps. 19.12; He. 12.15; Ga. 5.7 Phil. 1.6,27; Jas. 3.5-6.8; Col. 4.6 A Puritans Catechism Q 71 - What are the outward means whereby the Holy Spirit communicates to us the benefits of redemption? The outward and ordinary means whereby the Holy Spirit communicates to us the benefits of Christ's redemption, are the Word, by which souls are begotten to spiritual life; Baptism, the Lord's Supper, Prayer, and Meditation, by all which believers are further edified in their most holy faith. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God's Covenant Chapter 7 PARAGRAPH 2 Moreover, man having brought himself under the curse of the law by his fall, it pleased the Lord to make a covenant of grace,2 wherein He freely offers unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in Him, that they may be saved;3 and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto eternal life, His Holy Spirit, to make them willing and able to believe.4 2 Gen. 2:17; Gal. 3:10; Rom. 3:20–21 3 Rom. 8:3; Mark 16:15–16; John 3:16 4 Ezek. 36:26–27; John 6:44–45; Ps. 110:3 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings The chief beauty in Christ I am the good shephers: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10 v 11 This is the chief beauty in Christ. The wounds that marred His fair body make Him altogether lovely in a needy sinner's eye. All that are now and ever shall be the sheep of Christ, were once condemned to die. The wrath of God abode upon them. They were ready to drop into the burning lake. Jesus had compassion upon them, left His Father's bosom, emptied Himself, became a worm and no man, and died under the sins of many. 'While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.' This is the grace of the Lord Jesus. Every one in the flock can say, 'He loved me, and gave Himself for me.' Prayer - Tuesday
- Give thanks to God for those who have recently recovered from sickness. - Pray for those who are sick or receiving treatment in our congregation. - Pray that we each would walk close to God, putting off sins that easily beset us and that we would daily give thanks for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (1. John 1.3; Hebrews 12.1; 1 Thes. 5.16.) Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via Facebook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The people are exhorted to forsake idolatry, which is threatened with severe judgments. God allureth them with promises of reconciliation. Hosea 2 Preface - This psalm containeth various prayers, praise, and professions of obedience. Psalms119:97-120 Daily Light - Morning He is altogether lovely. My meditation of him shall be sweet. - My beloved is... the chiefest among ten thousand. - A chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips. - God...has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. - It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousnes, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Chirst, the righteousness which is of God by faith. Song 5.16; Ps. 104.34; Son 5.10; 1 Pe. 2.6; Ps. 45.2; Phil. 2.9; Col. 1.19 1 Pe. 1.8 Phil. 3.8-9 Daily Light - Evening David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. - I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears... They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears... O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. 1 Sa. 30.6; Jn. 6.68; 2 Tim. 1.12 Ps. 18.6,18-19 Ps. 34.1-4,8 A Puritans Catechism Q 70 - What is repentance unto life? A - Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, does with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose to strive after new obedience. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God's Covenant Chapter 7 PARAGRAPH 1 The distance between God and the creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience to Him as their creator, yet they could never have attained the reward of life but by some voluntary condescension on God's part, which He hath been pleased to express by way of covenant.1 1 Luke 17:10; Job 35:7–8 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Why God waits Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Mattew 18 v 19 Many Christians neglect this promise. In the Acts, we find that when the apostles and disciples were praying togethr, 'the place was shaken where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness.' Oh, how often and how long have we despised this way of obtaining the outpouring of the Spirit! Do not some persons speak slightingly of untied prayer? Here is one reason why God commands the clouds that they rain no rain on us. He waits till we seek Him together, and then He will open the windows of heaven and pour down a blessing. Prayer - Monday
- Give thanks to God for salvation and the redemption that is found alone through Jesus Christ. - Give thanks to God for granting us particular skills and abilities that we might fulfil our vocations (jobs, studies, family responsibilities and time we spend alone). (Ecclesiastes 9.10, Ephesians 6.6) - Pray for the Lord's blessing on the working week for us and all in the congregation. - Pray the Lord would grant us grace to be good ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5.20) Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via Facebook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The times in which Hosea prophesised. To shew the idolatrous whoredoms of the land, he marrieth a wife of whoredom, and hath by her Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah, and Lo-ammi. The restoration of Judah and Israel under one head. Hosea 1 Preface - This psalm containeth various prayers, praises, and professions of obedience. Psalms 119:73-96 Daily Light - Morning He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. - I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and i have power to take it again. There is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. - There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. Isa. 59.16; Ps. 40.6-8; Jn. 10.17-18 Isa. 45.21-22; Ac. 4.12 2 Co. 8.9 Daily Light - Evening The enemy. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, alketh about, seeking whom he may devour. - Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. Lu. 10.19; 1 Pe. 5.8; Jas. 4.7 Eph. 6.11-16 Mi. 7.8 A Puritans Catechism Q 69 - What is faith in Jesus Christ? A - Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is set forth in the gospel. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, And the Punishment Thereof Chapter 6 PARAGRAPH 5 The corruption of nature, during this life, does remain in those that are regenerated;13 and although it be through Christ pardoned and mortified, yet both itself, and the first motions thereof, are truly and properly sin.14 13 Rom. 7:18,23; Eccles. 7:20; 1 John 1:8 14 Rom. 7:23–25; Gal. 5:17 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings A great privilege For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Romans 5 v 10 When we are brought to see the reconciled face of God in peace, that is a great privilege. But how can we look upon that face, reconciling and reconciled, and not love Him who hath so loved us? Love begets love. We can hardly keep from esteeming those on earth who really love us, however worthless they may be. But, ah! my friends, when we are convinced that God loves us, and convinced in such a way as by the giving up of His Son for us all, how can we but love Him in whom are all excellencies - everything to call forth love? Dear Congregation, I want to thank all of you who have prayed and supported the work of the Gospel through the church in 2023 and this first month of 2024. It is a great joy to minister at Westminster Baptist and I love the church here greatly. Through this past year, there have been heart-wrenching tragedies alongside blessings too. This is often the case in Christian life and yet we are called to keep trusting and believing. We often bear the battle scars of past experience and circumstance, as we live in this sinful world and anticipate heaven. We see Mordecai, mocked and scorned for years in Esther and on the brink of execution, yet he latterly knew blessing from God. The most important thing was he was faithful in serving the Lord. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful - 1 Corinthians 4.2. This verse especially applies to ministers, church workers, but to all Christians. We are stewards of the oracles of God and to us has the light of the gospel been revealed. We should therefore be striving to be faithful, not popular, faithful. May that be our aim by the grace of God. In the beginning month in recent years we have spent a week praying together on each day for certain things. As a reminder that with continuing faith that prayer is essential. Key to our hope and joy and endurance and love, and with new resolve to make time to pray regularly alone and with your family and with some group of fellow believers. Alongside reading the Scriptures these should be our daily routine. There are various encouragements in the Scriptures to pray: - Pray without ceasing (1 Th. 5:17). - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ep. 6:18). - Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (Col. 4:2). These are a few verses of the many that encourage us to pray and undoubtedly set before us a biblical mandate that we should be concerned to pray. Maybe you have fallen out of the 'habit' or relegated prayer to a part time practice; or you only pray when trouble or danger comes. To that end I would ask the church to pray, if led, the suggested topics below so we might pray for the same things (roughly speaking) on the same day to encourage us. Let us be prayerful people and realise we too need prayer. To say we are praying for someone should be an expression of concern but an indication of our own action to bring the matter before God, before the throne of Grace through the believers mediator and High Priest. Jesus Christ, Paul even requests prayer for himself and those labouring for the Gospel with him twice in 1 and 2 Thessalonians saying 'brethren pray for us'. May we be a prayerful church and prayerful individuals, knowing that we have a prayer hearing and answering God. Pastor Jonathan Arnold Daily Prayer - Sunday - God thanks to God for His character, perfect, unchangeable, the same yesterday today and forever. - Give thanks to God that we can meet in the church and have fellowship with one another. - Pray the Lord would grant the preaching of his word power and clarity, and there are ready ears to hear and believe it. (2 Thes. 3.1.) - Pray we would be granted faithful ministry and good spiritual food from God's Word. (1 Peter 2.2.) Daily Reading Preface - Michael shall deliver Israel out of trouble: the general resurrection and recompence of the just and unjust. Daniel heareth the times, but understandeth not: he is bid to wait the end, which shall be in his favour. Daniel 12 Preface - This psalm containeth various prayers, praise, and professions of obedience. Psalm 119:49-72 Daily Light - Morning Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: and the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water: as for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water: and he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose in the open field. Behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. - And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hands, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. Mt. 8.17; Lev. 14.4-7 Lu. 5.12; Mk. 1.41-42 Daily Light - Evening He whom thou blessest is blessed. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven - Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Nu. 22.26; Mt. 5.3-12; Lu. 11.28 Rev. 22.14 A Puritans Catechism Q 68 - How may we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin? A - To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, we must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting alone to his blood and righteousness. This faith is attended by repentance for the past and leads to holiness in the future. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, And the Punishment Thereof Chapter 6 PARAGRAPH 4 From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil,11 do proceed all actual transgressions.12 11 Rom. 8:7; Col. 1:21 12 James 1:14–15; Matt. 15:19 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Parh - Daily Devotional Readings Love everything that is Christ's I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. Psalm 119 v 113 We love everything that is Christ's. We love His Word. It is better to us than thousands of gold and silver. 'O how we love His law - it is our study all the day.' We love His house. It is our trysting-place with Christ, where Ie meets with us and communes with us from off the mercy-seat. We love His table. It is His banqueting house, where His banner over us is love, where He looses our bonds, and anoints our eyes, and makes our hearts burn with holy joy. We love His people, because they are His, members of His own body, washed in His blood, filled with His Spirit, our brothers and sisters for eternity. And we love the Lord's Day, because it is His. Every hour of it is dear to us - sweeter than honey, more precious than gold. It is the day He rose for our justification. It reminds us of His love, and His finished work, and His rest. And we may boldly say that that man does not love the Lord Jesus who does not love the entire Lord's Day. Daily Prayer - Saturday
- Give thanks to God that we have good news of salvation to tell that the repentant sinner might have everlasting life through Jesus Christ. (John 3.16.) - Pray the Lord would bless the Gospel outreach by the church in Westminster. Both on Saturday mornings and at services. - Pray the Lord would work in the contacts we have made both on Saturday mornings and at services; through personal conversations and online contacts. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via Facebook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The overthrow of Persia by the king of Grecia, whose empire shall be divided. Leagues and onflicts between the kings of the south and of the north. The exploits of one of the latter princes, who, being checked in his progress by the ships of Chittim, shall turn his fury against the holy land. An impious tyranny set up. Events that shall take place in the latter times. Daniel 11 Preface - This psalm containeth various prayer, praised, and professions of obedience. Psalms 119:25-48 Daily Light - Morning The LORD reigneth. Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my p;resence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? - Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. He changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding. - Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled. If God be for us, who can be against us? - Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Ps. 99.1; Jer. 5.22; Ps. 75.6-7 Dan. 2.21; Mt. 24.6 Ro. 8.31; Mt. 10.29-31 Daily Light - Evening Take heed to your spirit. Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us... Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he...rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. And Joshua the son of Nun...answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. - And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Mal. 2.15; Lu. 9.49-50,54-44 Nu. 11.27-29 Ga. 5.22-23; Ga. 5.24-26 A Puritans Catechism Q 67 - What does every sin deserve? A - Every sin deserves God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, And the Punishment Thereof Chapter 6 PARAGRAPH 3 They being the root, and by God's appointment, standing in the room and stead of all mankind, the guilt of the sin was imputed, and corrupted nature conveyed, to all their posterity descending from them by ordinary generation,6 being now conceived in sin,7 and by nature children of wrath,8 the servants of sin, the subjects of death,9 and all other miseries, spiritual, temporal, and eternal, unless the Lord Jesus set them free.10 6 Rom. 5:12–19; 1 Cor. 15:21–22,45,49 7 Ps. 51:5; Job 14:4 8 Eph. 2:3 9 Rom. 6:20, 5:12 10 Heb. 2:14–15; 1 Thess. 1:10 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Love divine But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5 v 8 He loved us! He came into the world 'to save sinners, of whom I am chief'. Had He loved one as glorious as Himself, we would not have wondered. Had He loved the holy angels, that reflect His pure, bright image, we would not have wondered. Had He loved the lovely among the sons of men - the amiable, the gentle, the kind, the rich, the great, the noble - it would not have been so great a wonder. But, ah! He loved sinners - the vilest sinners - the poorest, meanest, guiltiest wretches that crawl upon the ground. Manasseh, who murdered his own children, was one whom he loved; Zaccheus, the greyhaired swindler, was another; blaspheming Paul was a third; the wanton of Samaria was another; the dying thief was another; and the lascivious Coritnthians were more. 'And such were some of you. 'We were black as hell when he looked on us - we were hell-worthy, under His Father's wrath and urse - and yet He loved us, and said: I will die for them. 'Thou hast loved me out of the pit of corruption'; each saved one can say. Oh, brethren! this is strange love: He that was so great, and lovely, and pure, chose us, who were mean and filthy with sin, that He might wash and purify, and present us to Himself. This love passeth knowledge! Daily Prayer - Friday - Give thanks to God for many good things we enjoy and daily blessings. - Pray the Lord would supply the needs of those in the congregation at Westminster and guide us as we help those destitute and suffering. Especially those we have met in the pandemic. (Numbers 6.24-26.) - Pray for the ministry among the children and that they would know Christ from a young age. A rich blessing in this troubled world. - Pray for the evangelistic work, that people would know the greatest blessing of all salvation by the grace of God through Christ. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via Facebook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Daniel, having humbled himself, seeth a glorious vision, and is troubled with fear: an angel comforteth him, and telling him of the opposition of the prince of Persia, the assistance he had from Michael, and the coming in of the prince of Grecia, promiseth him further information. Daniel 10 Preface - This psalm containeth various prayers, praises, and profesions of obedience. Psalms 119:1-24 Daily Light - Morning Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. - He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?....If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Mt. 28.20; Mt. 18.19-20; Jn. 14.21 Jn. 14.22,23 Jude 24-25 Daily Light - Evening The end of all things is at hand. I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. - The heavens and the earth, which are now...are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. - Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled. We have a building of God, and house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. - We, accordin gto his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 1 Pe. 4.7; Rev. 20.11; 2 Pe. 3.7 Ps. 46.1-3; Mt. 24.6 2 Co. 5.1; 2 Pe. 3.13-14 A Puritans Catechism Q 66 - Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? A - Some sins in themselves, and by reason of various aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, And the Punishment Thereof Chapter 6 PARAGRAPH 2 Our first parents, by this sin, fell from their original righteousness and communion with God, and we in them whereby death came upon all:3 all becoming dead in sin,4 and wholly defiled in all the faculties and parts of soul and body.5 3 Rom. 3:23 4 Rom 5:12, etc. 5 Titus 1:15; Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:10–19 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Deep rooted faith I held him, and would not let him go.... Song of Solomon 3 v 4 The only way to hold fast is to believe more and more. Get a larger acquaintance with Christ - with His person, work, and character. Every page of the Gospel unfolds a new feature in His character - every line of the Epistles discloses new depths of His work. Get more faith, and you will get a firmer hold. A plant that has got a single root may be easily torn up by the hand, or crushed by the foot of the wild beast, or blown down by the wind; but a plant that has a thousand roots struck down into the ground can stand. Faith is like the root - many believe a little concerning Christ - one fact. Every new truth concerning Jesus, is a new root struck downwards. Believe more intensely. A root may be in a right direction, but, not striking deep, it is easily torn up. Pray for deep rooted faith. Pray to be stablished, strengthened, settled. Take a long intense look at Jesus - often, often. If you wanted to know a man again, and he was going away, you would take an intense look at his face. Look then at Jesus - deeply, intensely - till every feature is graven on your heart. Thomas Scott overcame the fear of death by looking intensely at his dead child, who had died in the Lord. Dear Congregation, I want to thank all of you who have prayed and supported the work of the Gospel through the church in 2023 and this first month of 2024. It is a great joy to minister at Westminster Baptist and I love the church here greatly. Through this past year, there have been heart-wrenching tragedies alongside blessings too. This is often the case in Christian life and yet we are called to keep trusting and believing. We often bear the battle scars of past experience and circumstance, as we live in this sinful world and anticipate heaven. We see Mordecai, mocked and scorned for years in Esther and on the brink of execution, yet he latterly knew blessing from God. The most important thing was he was faithful in serving the Lord. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful - 1 Corinthians 4.2. This verse especially applies to ministers, church workers, but to all Christians. We are stewards of the oracles of God and to us has the light of the gospel been revealed. We should therefore be striving to be faithful, not popular, faithful. May that be our aim by the grace of God. In the beginning month in recent years we have spent a week praying together on each day for certain things. As a reminder that with continuing faith that prayer is essential. Key to our hope and joy and endurance and love, and with new resolve to make time to pray regularly alone and with your family and with some group of fellow believers. Alongside reading the Scriptures these should be our daily routine. There are various encouragements in the Scriptures to pray: - Pray without ceasing (1 Th. 5:17). - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ep. 6:18). - Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (Col. 4:2). These are a few verses of the many that encourage us to pray and undoubtedly set before us a biblical mandate that we should be concerned to pray. Maybe you have fallen out of the 'habit' or relegated prayer to a part time practice; or you only pray when trouble or danger comes. To that end I would ask the church to pray, if led, the suggested topics below so we might pray for the same things (roughly speaking) on the same day to encourage us. Let us be prayerful people and realise we too need prayer. To say we are praying for someone should be an expression of concern but an indication of our own action to bring the matter before God, before the throne of Grace through the believers mediator and High Priest. Jesus Christ, Paul even requests prayer for himself and those labouring for the Gospel with him twice in 1 and 2 Thessalonians saying 'brethren pray for us'. May we be a prayerful church and prayerful individuals, knowing that we have a prayer hearing and answering God. Pastor Jonathan Arnold Daily Prayer - Sunday - God thanks to God for His character, perfect, unchangeable, the same yesterday today and forever. - Give thanks to God that we can meet in the church and have fellowship with one another. - Pray the Lord would grant the preaching of his word power and clarity, and there are ready ears to hear and believe it. (2 Thes. 3.1.) - Pray we would be granted faithful ministry and good spiritual food from God's Word. (1 Peter 2.2.) Daily Reading Preface - Michael shall deliver Israel out of trouble: the general resurrection and recompence of the just and unjust. Daniel heareth the times, but understandeth not: he is bid to wait the end, which shall be in his favour. Daniel 12 Preface - This psalm containeth various prayers, praise, and professions of obedience. Psalm 119:49-72 Daily Light - Morning Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: and the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water: as for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water: and he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose in the open field. Behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. - And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hands, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. Mt. 8.17; Lev. 14.4-7 Lu. 5.12; Mk. 1.41-42 Daily Light - Evening He whom thou blessest is blessed. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven - Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Nu. 22.26; Mt. 5.3-12; Lu. 11.28 Rev. 22.14 A Puritans Catechism Q 68 - How may we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin? A - To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, we must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting alone to his blood and righteousness. This faith is attended by repentance for the past and leads to holiness in the future. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, And the Punishment Thereof Chapter 6 PARAGRAPH 4From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil,11 do proceed all actual transgressions.12 11 Rom. 8:7; Col. 1:21 12 James 1:14–15; Matt. 15:19 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Parh - Daily Devotional Readings Love everything that is Christ's I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. Psalm 119 v 113 We love everything that is Christ's. We love His Word. It is better to us than thousands of gold and silver. 'O how we love His law - it is our study all the day.' We love His house. It is our trysting-place with Christ, where Ie meets with us and communes with us from off the mercy-seat. We love His table. It is His banqueting house, where His banner over us is love, where He looses our bonds, and anoints our eyes, and makes our hearts burn with holy joy. We love His people, because they are His, members of His own body, washed in His blood, filled with His Spirit, our brothers and sisters for eternity. And we love the Lord's Day, because it is His. Every hour of it is dear to us - sweeter than honey, more precious than gold. It is the day He rose for our justification. It reminds us of His love, and His finished work, and His rest. And we may boldly say that that man does not love the Lord Jesus who does not love the entire Lord's Day. |