The richest man in the universe!

The richest man in the universe!

(Charles Simeon)  LISTEN to Audio!  Download Audio

 The poorest man in the universe is rich—if he has the salvation of God in his soul!

In the same way, the richest man in the universe is poor, miserably poor—if he is destitute of God's salvation. 

Behold Paul and Silas in prison, their feet fast bound in the stocks, and their backs torn with scourges—and yet singing praises to God at midnight!
Were they poor?
No! They were rich, truly rich!

In the same way, in having God for our portion, we are truly rich.

Paul, under such circumstances, accounted himself the richest man in the universe! And so he was; for, "though he had nothing—yet he possessed all things!" 2 Corinthians 6:10

In the same way, even though we are at this moment destitute of bread for the morrow, it may be said with truth, that "All things are ours, if we are Christ's!" 1 Corinthians 3:22-23

Thus, if we can say, "The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup!" Psalm 16:5—then we may account ourselves richer than those who have crowns and kingdoms at their command!

The power of habit!

 

The power of habit!

(J.R. Miller, 1893)  LISTEN to Audio!  Download Audio

A stagecoach driver had held the leather reins for so many years, that when he began to grow old, his hands were crooked into hooks, and his fingers were so stiffened into that shape—that they could not be straightened out.

There is a similar process that goes on in men's minds and souls, when they continue to do the same things over and over.

If you are trained, and train yourself, from childhood . . .
  to be gentle and patient,
  to control your temper,
  to resist all wrong—
then your life will grow into moral beauty, and the peacefulness of your heart will at length shine upon your very face!

If, on the other hand, you give way from childhood . . .
  to all ugly tempers,
  to resentful feelings,
  to all bitterness and anger—
then your life will grow into permanent moral disfigurement.
 
One who accustoms himself to think of pure and holy things, who sets his affections on things above, and strives to reach for things which are true, things which are honorable, things which are lovely—will grow heavenward toward the things which he loves and thinks upon!

But one who lets his mind turn habitually . . .
  to debasing things,
  to unholy things,
  to impure things,
  to earthly things—
will find his whole soul bending downward—and growing sinful, corrupt, and evil!

"Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise!" Philippians 4:8

The Hell-Fire Club!

By Charles Spurgeon

(You will find it helpful to Listen to the Audio, as you read the text below.)

Jeremiah 23:29, "Is not My Word like fire," declares the Lord, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?"

Mr. Thorpe was a member of an 'infidel' club. In those days infidelity was more blasphemous than now. This infidel society took the name of the "Hell-Fire Club". Among their amusements, was that of holding mock religious services, and exhibiting caricatures of popular ministers.

Thorpe went to hear George Whitfield preach, that he might caricature him before his wicked friends. He listened to Whitfield so carefully, that he caught his tones and his manner, and somewhat of his doctrines.

When the "Hell-Fire Club" met to see his caricature of Whitfield, Thorpe opened the Bible that he might take a text to preach from, after the manner of Whitfield. His eye fell on the passage, "Unless you repent, you shall all likewise perish!" As he spoke upon that text, he was carried beyond himself, lost all thought of mockery, spoke as one in earnest, and was the means of his own conversion! After his amazing conversion, Thorpe became a noted preacher of the gospel!

He was carried by the force of truth beyond his own intention, like one who would play in a river, and is swept away by its current.

In the same way, scoffers may be reached by the arrows of truth! Scripture has often been the sole means in the hands of its divine Author of converting the soul. 

"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God!" 1 Peter 1:23

"For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

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When We are Fearful – Dr. Charles Stanley

The original musical notes found in the Old Testament, played right before your eyes!

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Let God Choose for You