"...Therefore GOD Is Not Ashamed To Be Called Their GOD."

The nest was destroyed, and the poor 

bird lay bleeding and exposed!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Evening Visit")

"I thought: Surely I shall die 
in my nest!" Job 29:18

Job's nest was very comfortable--

and appeared to be very secure. 

It was on high--

and not to be easily reached. 

He knew that death could reach it--

but he thought that nothing 

else would disturb it.

His conduct was consistent,
his conscience was quiet;
GOD was his FATHER, and
Providence was his friend.

"I thought: Surely I shall 
die in my nest!" 

But, alas! Suddenly a 'storm' arose--

the nest was destroyed, and 

the poor bird lay bleeding

 and exposed!

No earthly nest is out of danger! 

Temporal comforts are only lent 

to us. The higher the tree 

in which we build--

the more exposed to 

the whirlwind and the storm!

Here on earth--

we have no continuing city. 

In one moment--

our fine nest may be devastated! 

Let us therefore endeavor to leave 

our matters fully with the LORD--

and learn to be content with 

HIS appointments.

We must die. 

But when, and where, and how--

should be left with the LORD.

Five minutes after death--

it will matter very little whether 

we died on a bed of down, in 

a luxurious mansion, and 

surrounded by kind friends--

OR as a poor diseased beggar, 

dying alone in squalor!

Present comforts may all leave 

us, and our soft nest may be 

scattered to the winds--

but nothing can disturb our 

salvation and future glory!

"These all died in faith--
and confessed that they were 
strangers and pilgrims on 
the earth!" Hebrews 11:13

"They were longing for a better country--
a heavenly one. Therefore GOD is not 
ashamed to be called their GOD, for HE has 
prepared a heavenly city for them!" Hebrews 11:16

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GraceGems has published Archibald Brown's powerful and insightful sermon, 
"Is There a Hell?"