A Few Solid Words

By: American Decency Staff

C.H. Spurgeon states: 

… he (you or me)  is not yet at the end, there is still a distance to be traversed. More trials, more joys; more temptations, more triumphs; more prayers, more answers; more toils, more strength; more fights, more victories; and then come sickness, old age, disease, death. Is it over now? No! there is more yet – awakening in Jesus’ likeness, thrones, harps, songs, psalms, white raiment, the face of Jesus, the society of saints, the glory of God, the fulness of eternity, the infinity of bliss. O be of good courage, believer, and with grateful confidence raise thy “Ebenezer,” for—

He who hath helped thee hitherto
Will help thee all thy journey through.

When read in heaven’s light how glorious and marvellous a prospect will thy “hitherto” unfold to thy grateful eye!
~ C.H. Spurgeon, Morning by Morning  (Spurgeon (1834-1892) remains highly influential among Christians of various denominations, among whom he is known as the "Prince of Preachers". He was a strong figure in the Reformed Baptist tradition, opposing the liberal and pragmatic theological tendencies in the Church of his day.

My response:  Perhaps some reading this right now are light-hearted and seemingly trouble free (though not many of you.)  Some reading this have major health issues.  Can’t walk or can hardly move.  Their bodies racked with pain:  suffering or perhaps have suffered for some time.  Still others are broken-hearted over the loss of a loved one, the sin of a loved one.  The needs are endless in our world.  Spurgeon’s words cut right to the quick.  . O be of good courage, believer “He who has helped you will help you through the entire journey.”   “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” — 1 Samuel 7:12

F.B. Meyer offers this prayer

PRAYER – Hasten the coming of Thy Kingdom, O Lord, the fulfilment of Thy purpose. Keep us watchful and alert, that at any moment we may discern the movement of Thy hand, and detect Thy will and guidance in the providence of little things. AMEN.

~ F.B. Meyer, Our Daily Walk (Meyer (1847 – 1929), a contemporary and friend of D. L. Moody and was a Baptist pastor and evangelist in England involved in ministry and inner city mission work on both sides of the Atlantic. Author of numerous religious books and articles, many of which remain in print today. 

My response:  This world is not our home.  We are, as the Bible says,  “pilgrims in a foreign land.”   Yet, we aren’t to curl up in a little ball whimpering and wringing our hands or complaining.  We are, though, to be attentive to the movement of man and cultures and enemies and most especially to, as Meyer states, “the movement of God and to discern His will – seeking His guidance in that which is before us (the providence of little things).  We are to stand therefore having our loins girt about with truth and having on the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:10-19).

Revelation 13:7-10

Also it (the devil) was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear: If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.  Revelation:  (Matthew Henry wrote – “it is called Revelation, because God therein discovers those things which could never have been sifted out by the reasonings of human understanding, those deep things of God which no man knows, but the Spirit of God, and those to whom he reveals them.”

My response:  As Meyer counseled so many years, we ARE to be watchful  and alert, discerning the movement of Thy hand ….   We see some things we have never heard much about in our great land – a government that is enabling our enemy, weakening our military (documented fact), undermining our Constitution, acting as if protecting our borders from those who would do us harm is somehow shameful, etc…   Much more could be said.  But this much I will say:   Being a believer in the Bible in its entirety, having experienced amazing grace in my life, God’s forgiveness, His faithfulness and cleansing power, I trust that God IS in control and that nothing surprises Him about what is going on around the world.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.  By God’s grace I intend to stand and fight the spiritual warfare that lies before me seeking to warn, exhort, to share the Gospel, to encourage and to strengthen others, to be ready always to give an answer for the hope that lies within me.  AND TO LEAD THIS MINISTRY ACCORDINGLY AS GOD GIVES US LIFE AND BREATHE.

I Peter 3:15   But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you …

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Lastly, thousands who receive this truly have encouraged us along the way in one way or another.  We are only $3,276.00 short of making a match challenge.  We only have two days to make it.  Here are brief details:

As you may know, an anonymous donor has offered a match challenge which will double any gifts we receive from new givers or those who haven’t given since 2013.  In order to qualify for the match grant, gifts must be received by December 31, 2015.

Your gift will be a great encouragement.  Please help us stay in the fight for truth.

If you would prefer to mail a donation, our mailing address is listed below:

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PO Box 202
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We have reached a total of $6,724 in our goal of $10,000 towards the match grant.

We are now $3,276.00  short of the goal laid out by an anonymous donor.

 

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To support our efforts please click here or mail your gift to American Decency Association (ADA), PO Box 202, Fremont, MI 49412.  

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