From “Morning Thoughts” by Winslow

When was the last time you took a good, hard look at yourself.  Where are you in your standing with the Almighty?

 
” Those who live according to the sinful nature (the flesh) have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Romans 8:5

By this truth let us test the reality of our religious profession. In this light let us closely examine our Christian character and walk. What, reader, is the habitual and supreme bent of your mind? Is it that which is spiritual, or that which is carnal? Judge of your preparation for death, in the near view of its approaching solemnities. Decide upon your state for eternity, in the rapid progress of its deepening shadows. Ascertain the real state of your case for the judgment, in the certain arrival of its dread scrutiny. You have your mind either set upon the things of the flesh, or upon the things of the Spirit. You are either born again from above, or are groveling in things below. You are either holy, or you are unholy. You are for the Lord, or you are against Him. You are either Satan’s slave or Christ’s freeman. Which?

You inquire, “How may I know that I am of the Spirit?” We answer-by your producing the fruits of the Spirit. A broken heart for sin-a felt conviction of the hidden plague-a humble and a contrite spirit-an utter rejection of a human righteousness-a simple, believing reception of the Lord Jesus-and a breathing after Divine conformity, are evidences of a renewed and sanctified state. If these are yours in any degree, then you are of the Spirit.

But rest not here. Be exhorted to walk in the Spirit. Do not be satisfied with having the question decided in your favor-with just barely knowing that you have crossed the line that separates the regenerate from the unregenerate-death from life. Remain not where you are: go forward. Do not be content with a low standard. Compare not your church with other churches, nor yourself with other Christians; nor measure yourself by yourself. But fix your eye upon Christ; copy His example, imbibe His mind, and place yourself under the government of His Spirit. Strive to go forward! Endeavor to be always sowing to the Spirit. Be satisfied with the Lord’s disposal of you. Study the divine art of contentment. Be convinced that what the Lord ordains is best. Covet but little of earthly good; and, as an old divine exhorts, “sail with a low gale.” Lie low. The great secret of a holy and a happy life is contained in a small compass-walking humbly with God. In all failures in duty, in all shortcomings in practice, in all transactions with God, and in all dealings with man-remembering the innumerable traces of imperfection and sin found upon all you do-deal frequently, closely, with the atoning blood. “Wash and be clean.”

Birthday Touches

This Birthday Touches is a beautiful tribute.  Very touching and beautiful to read.  If you don’t know Jeanne.  You should get to know her.  Writes beautiful poetry.

Laborers For God ♥

This Laborers For God ♥. is a great post, and a wonderful reminder for us all.

My Hope Is In The Lord

For those of you who don’t know, my friend, Butch Dean, who writes Wordsmith’s Desk, is imo a great writer and blogger.  Often times he only writes a few words, but that’s all he needs as his latest post My Hope Is In The Lord shows.  If you’ve never read him I encourage you to check him out.  His writing has blessed me, and I’m sure it will bless you.

We are where we are

If you don’t Lauren, you should check her out.  This is a great post.  We are where we are.

Updated Prayer Request page.

Please pray for the people and situations mentioned here Prayer Warriors-Prayer Needed and on my prayer request page. Thank you.

Trail of Thorns

This a lovely poem. Trail of Thorns.  Well worth reading…

A Thought on Being Blessed

I came across AsiaStories – Urban Refugees through Steve Atwood’s Blog who I recommend checking out.  You know we in America have it so good.  We are so blessed in our lives.  So blessed with so much that we can’t even recognize the bounty with which we all live.  I’m amazed at how much people in other parts of the world suffer for their belief in Christ, while I have the ability to sit down in front of my computer and write about Him all I want to.  I sat in my air-conditioned bedroom, reading my Bible, after just having finished a nice lunch of chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, and deviled eggs, and feeling very comfortable after having done so.

I look at my life, and then I read about these children in India, people in Bangkok, in China, in Iran, and Egypt, in Africa.  I see their suffering and it makes me so ashamed that I have it so good.  What right do I have to complain about the little things I have to deal with in my life.  Not once, have I ever been in the situations these people encounter every day of their lives.  People who suffer, even die, for what they believe, and what’s so amazing is that they’re willing to do so.  They know the price they’re going to pay for following Jesus, for spreading the Gospel, for providing food, shelter, and medicine to these people, for giving Bibles away, and for loving these people who are so desperate for what most of us take for granted.

Shame on me, for ever thinking, even for a second, that I’ve had it hard, or that my life has been difficult. Not once, in all the time I’ve been unable to work, have I missed a meal, or not had a roof over my head, not had anything I’ve needed.  No, I’ve been blessed in every way possible…

Do I want and seek God’s Forgiveness for my sins, for my attitude, and lack of gratitude, and all the ways in which I’ve failed Him?  Yes, I do, but even more than His forgiveness, I pray that He’ll give me a servant’s heart, a heart willing to go wherever, do whatever, be whoever He wants me to be…

We are so blessed here in America.  We have a zillion opportunities every day to make a difference for somebody, to share our love of Jesus Christ, to carry out His work and will in our lives and in the lives of others.  I pray to God that He make us a people willing to give as much to our neighbors, as the people I’ve read about today have to those living half a world away…