It will be hard to remove the scar!

(Charles Orr, “Divine Realities”)
“Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity!” 1 Timothy 4:12
It is a serious thing to live!

The book of our life is not the making of our own character and destiny only–but it is also helping to make that of others.
There is a wondrous power in personal influence. Your life is helping to mold some other life–and often the one that is dearest to you. What we are–goes to help make another what they are. What we are–engraves itself upon the life of our friend or family. The conduct of the parents–is being written in the lives of the children!

When earth’s wine runs out!

(J.R. Miller, “Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ” 1890)

“When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him: They have no more wine.” John 2:3

This incident is a very fitting illustration of the failure of all this world’s joys. The wine ran out at a wedding-feast. There was not enough of it to last through to the end of the feast.

It is just so with all earth’s pleasures. It comes in cups–not in fountains; and the supply is limited–and soon exhausted.

It is especially so with sin’s pleasures. The prodigal son soon ran out of money, and began to be in need. A poet compared the pleasures of sin to a snowflake on the river, “a moment white–then gone forever!”

But it is true in a sense also–of pure earthly pleasures. Even the sweetness of human love is but a cupful, which will not last forever. The joy which so fills us today–tomorrow is changed to sorrow. Amid the gladness of the marriage altar–there is the knell of the end, in the words “until death do us part.” One of every two friends must hold the other’s hand in farewell at the edge of the valley of the shadow of death–and must stand by the other’s grave, and walk alone for part of the way. The best wine of earthly life and of love–will fail. If there were nothing better in this world–how sad it would be!

What was wrong with him?

(Arthur Pink)

“One thing you lack” Mark 10:21

Those words addressed by our Lord to the rich young ruler who had approached Him with such apparent eagerness and earnestness, and in whom there were some admirable qualities which are rarely found in young men, especially those of affluence.

Yet there was a fatal defect, for the sequel informs us that he turned from Christ, and “went away sad” (Mark 10:22). What was wrong with him? “‘One thing you lack–Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.’ At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.” (Mark 10:21-22).

There was a struggle between his convictions and his corruptions; he desired to serve two masters–God and mammon; and when Christ told him that was impossible, he was chagrined.

Look at the King in His beauty!

(David Harsha, “Wanderings of a Pilgrim”)

“Your eyes will see the King in His beauty and view a land that stretches afar.” Isaiah 33:17

Contemplate your blessed Redeemer, seated on His great white throne, encircled with heavenly glory!

Look at the King in His beauty!

It is the sight of a glorified Savior–that will make the heaven of the believer.

Endeavor now, by the eye of faith, to behold the Lord Jesus in all His matchless beauty and excellence.

Go to Him just as you are–and receive from Him all you need!

(James Smith, “The Pastor’s Morning Visit”)

“Come unto Me.” Matthew 11:28

Jesus calls you to His throne of grace. He is there waiting to hear, relieve and bless you. You are to go to Him just as you are–and receive from Him all you need.

He will give you:
wisdom–to direct your steps;
peace–to keep your hearts;
strength–to do His will;
righteousness–to justify your souls;
and rest–unspeakably sweet.

He is glorified in bestowing these blessings upon you. He calls you this morning, this moment–to receive all you need–without money and without price. What a precious Savior is Jesus! What a kind and tender Friend!