How could I ever be insensitive to that sin in me which grieves the heart of God? May I never be so callous to sin.

If I see sin in another person, may I take inventory on my own soul to search for the same inquity and repent.

Sunday Worship

The following is from the Letters of John Newton (pastor and author of the text "Amazing Grace"). It was written to his church in 1768. I found it interesting and provocative. Any thoughts? Is he "out to lunch" or does he make a valid point?

"If you are one of those who do not wholly neglect the public worship of God—but accustom yourself to attend only once on Sundays, give me leave to ask you, or rather to desire that you would ask your own conscience, whether you have sufficient excuse for not attending twice? I know the circumstances of many families, such as sickness, young children, etc. will necessarily confine some people at home. But a due allowance for these impediments, will by no means account for the great difference between our congregations in the morning and in the afternoon of the same day.

Now, if you have not a lawful hindrance to plead, consider whether the same reasons that require your presence at the public worship once, are not equally strong for your being there both parts of the day. Why do you go at all? Is it not to join with others in paying homage to the great God? But by doing this once only, where opportunity and the example of others invite you twice—you contradict yourself, and act as if you thought it was sometimes your duty to join in worship, and sometimes not worth your while. Or, do you go with a hope of receiving good for your souls? Why then should you at any time be willing to stay away? Perhaps the opportunity you miss might have been made peculiarly useful to you. At least the Lord may justly punish your frequent neglect, by withholding His blessing when you do attend. And this may be one reason why you have attended morning worship so long—yet to so little purpose."

Jesus is positively lovely, and superlatively the loveliest (CHS).

There are three effects of nearness to Jesus - humility, happiness, and holiness.

Pride cannot live beneath the cross (CHS).

Our Lord Jesus, by His death, did not purchase a right to a part of us only, but to the entire man (CHS). Take my life, my all!

If we empty our hearts of self God will fill them with His love (CHS).

Dwell much with Jesus and it is impossible for you to be at peace with sin (CHS).

Hate evil, O Christians, unless you desire trouble (CHS).

You can't want what you don't want while you don't want it. But you can ask to want. And if God wills, the want will happen - Piper

Lord help me to never lose focus of the priority of Christ in all things (Colossians 1:18).

Christ is All

Jesus, You have given Yourself for me, may I give myself to You; You have died for me; may I live to You in every moment of my time, in every movement of my mind; in every pulse of my heart. May I never dally with the world and its allurements, but walk by Your side, listen to Your voice, be clothed with Your graces, and adorned with Your righteousness.

 (a reworded Puritan Prayer)

May my pursuit be not to become merely good but rather godly - in the likeness of Christ.

I purpose to love and follow Jesus Christ to the utmost of my ability.

Many who confess Christ are pampering themselves to death rather than pushing themselves to holiness. (Lawson)

A transformed life is the inevitable consequence of genuine faith - JMAC So, what are your consequences?

If I am 'in Christ' then the primary purpose of my life is to become in practice what I am in position.

"Under no circumstances ought we to be content unless we reflect the grace which was in Him." Spurgeon (2 Peter 3:18)

Hallel - final preps for Seder

Hallel - final preps for Seder