Friday, March 29, 2013

"GOD Disciplines Us For Our Good, That We May Share In HIS Holiness."

The cost of all truly helpful and holy living
(J.R. Miller)

Prosperity has never enriched the world, 
as adversity has done. The best thoughts,
the richest lessons, the sweetest songs
which have come down to us from the past--
have not come from the minds and hearts
of those who have known no privation,
no suffering, no adversity. They are
the fruit of pain, of weakness, of trial.

Men have cried out for emancipation 
from the bondage of hardship, of
sickness, of infirmity, of poverty--
not realizing that the very trial which
seemed to be hindering them in their career--
was making whatever was noble, beautiful,
and blessed in their life. The cost of all 
truly helpful and holy living, is pain!

We must not forget that redemption 
and Heaven come to be ours, only 
through the bitter sufferings and 
cross of the SON of GOD.

In all of life, the sweetest comforts 
and the richest blessings, come 
to us at the cost of suffering and 
tears. The fruit of earth's "thorns" 
seems bitter to the taste, but it is 
the wholesome food of human souls.

"GOD disciplines us for our good, 
that we may share in HIS holiness. 
No discipline seems pleasant at 
the time, but painful. Later on, 
however, it produces a harvest 
of righteousness and peace for 
those who have been trained by it." 
Hebrews 12:10-11

"Before I was afflicted I went 
astray, but now I obey YOUR word." 
Psalm 119:67 

"It was good for me to be afflicted, 
so that I might learn your decrees." 
Psalm 119:71 

"I know, O LORD, that YOUR laws 
are righteous, and in faithfulness 
YOU have afflicted me." Psalm 119:75 
   
 ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

GraceGems has published J.C. Ryle's precious article,
"Calvary".

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