Judging

Earlier this week I realised a divinely granted mercy that had sadly somewhat escaped my notice. A learned that a High Court Judge had excused Jurors from further Jury Service for ten years, due to the harrowing nature of the case they had just heard. I was suddenly aware that I had been spared from Jury Service throughout my life, and that I was no longer eligible for Service due to my age.

I have no knowledge of the consequences, the penalty, for refusing Jury Service, which is what I would have had to do in all good conscience.

My stand is founded upon my understanding of the scriptural principles, and is strengthened by my feeble grasp of the corruptness, and unjust machinations of the judicial system in this country. There have been and continue to be countless miscarriages of justice; in the main the guilty have escaped punishment.

At one time a number of ladies of upright character, tried to persuade me to become a Local Magistrate; for a brief moment my ego raised its ugly head, but graciously the Lord intervened and enabled me to maintain my subject position.

Years earlier I read of those early Brethren who left the Legal profession, at no small cost to themselves, because they could no longer reconcile such a profession with the teachings of Scripture.

I realise many of the truths they "held" nigh on two hundred years ago, are no longer practiced by Assembly believers, by why that is the case I fail to begin to understand. The Word of God "liveth and abideth for ever." "Jesus Christ is the Same yesterday and today and for ever." What sayeth the Scriptures? 

For what have I to do with judging those outside also? ye, do not ye judge them that are within? But those without God judges."

"Dare any one of you, having a matter against another, prosecute his suit before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not then know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world is judged by you, are ye unworthy of the smallest judgements. [i.e. to judge the smallest matters.] Do ye not know that we shall judge angels? and not then matters of this life?"

It would be practically instructive to continue to meditate this passage, and to dwell upon the divine principle contained therein: "Why do ye not rather suffer wrong?" Relinquish the idea that we have rights, entitlements in this world, imitating the worldlings, the earth-bound! 

1 Corinthians 5:12; 6:1-3.

   

A Personal Admonishment 

I am considerably afflicted by deafness, although mercifully not profoundly so. Age is causing it too be exacerbated and its effect is gradually worsening. This is not a plea for sympathy for me, but for all who suffer hearing loss.

Until you experience it for yourself, you cannot begin to understand how awful an affliction it becomes. I have "endured" meetings where I have barely heard a word, and have been weeping inside a silent and solitary world. 

Many who suffer hearing loss learn to "cheat," when faced with the dilemma of a conversation that is almost beyond their grasp. The conversationalist speaking too quickly, too softly, turning away their face etc. We, the deaf, watch for expressions ,smiling when they smile, frowning when it appears to be sorrowful, laughing with them while having no idea what is amusing; and developing a little ability to lip-read.

This may sound hypocritical, but we don't want to give offence, or embarrass the one engaged in speaking to us. And it is humiliating to have to constantly ask them to repeat themselves, and frustrating to both parties.

Please bear with us, speak up, and speak slowly and clearly, please. Hearing aids are no substitute for thoughtful communication. Deafness is invisible.

"Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:14.

Do not say this was "under law," it is not relevant for this dispensation; that is only possible if the Lord has ceased to be the Lord!

the admonition in connection with blindness I would hope would be unnecessary among the Lord's people, who could possibly remain unmoved by such a terrible affliction? But do not be quick to dismiss the admonition regarding the deaf. You may feel that you could never "curse" a deaf person; but you need to think carefully before you dismiss such a reaction. It is easy to become impatient and frustrated when holding conversations with those who have hearing loss, and to become angry inwardly at least, if not to finally express it aloud. I feel for your frustration, but it is no excuse before the Lord.

T.W.      

Unfortunate Expressions Regarding Divine Persons 

In my personal devotional times each morning and evening I enjoy help from the awesome treasures found in the works of brethren, most of whom have "departed to be with Christ." I am eternally indebted to them for their exhaustive labours under the guidance of the Spirit of God. Thus the expressions I refer to will not include the names or literary works of these beloved brethren in Christ. My only objective is to safeguard the inerrancy of The Word of God; We must be vigilant in our references to Divine Persons, and not use expressions, however well-meaning if they are not to be found in God's Word.

"God-Man" I actually shrank from his title the very first time I read it, but it appeared in my meditation once again and I was equally repulsed. I fully understand what this title is supposed to suggest ,and sympathise with those who coined this phrase because of their obvious longing to present the divine and (impeccable) human natures of our lovely Saviour. but it is not a phrase of Scripture, and opens the door to those who revel in the  profane Roman, Greek and Nordic mythologies with their demi-gods; and still further the ideas suggested in the fantasies of men today with their so-called super-heroes. I need elaborate no further. 

"God the Son; God the Holy Spirit." These titles may seem to some believers as perfectly acceptable, but they are erroneous and without biblical support. Nowhere in the entire Word are these titles found. I believe with every fibre of my being that the Son and the Holy Spirit are indeed God as equal in every way with the Father, both possessing every single attribute of Godhead. But the only title in Scripture permits to speak of "God the Father." The Lord Jesus is the Eternal Son of God, from and throughout eternity, in Godhead and in Manhood; The Holy Spirit is the "eternal Spirit." Wherein lies the danger then? If we speak of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, we allow men to say that we teach a religion comprising three gods! And that is not unreasonable; we must adhere to the very words of the Scriptures. I verily concede that it is and must be impossible for us to express the inexpressable.

"The First, Second, and Third Person of the Trinity." This phraseology might be less commonly used among believers, but I know of a Book or Books that have adopted these titles.

I am not too happy with the word "Trinity" that is never used throughout the Word of God. The usage of first, second and third as to divine Persons has an obvious flaw. the man in the world would see the implication that there are "levels" of divinity, (apologies for poor way of expressing it), but it suggests supremacy of the one and subordination of the other two Persons. I am perfectly happy to use the precious scriptural  title "Godhead;"  and I think in an endeavour to refer to the three divine persons of the Godhead, that I am prepared to use the expression Triune.

In closing I repeat it is beyond the comprehension, apprehension and capacity of even Holy Spirit-enlightened believers to be able to express some profound truths in connection with our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

T.W.

 A Subtle Movement of the Devil

 The image below is a perfect example of the suggestion that Hallowe'en is comical, a humorous, even childish tradition, eliciting no danger.

It is of the same ilk as the numerous caricatures used to depict the evil one. He is the one who is laughing! Every distraction and deflection away from his true identity no doubt gives him depraved pleasure ,as he slowly enmeshes ignorant souls into his bondage.

Here in the UK we have had very little first hand knowledge of the impact of Hallowe'en in the USA. I cite the USA as its influence in this matter is overwhelming here in this land. 

Now as spiritual and moral principles and practices, are at their lowest ebb, perhaps ever, we now have to deal with ,no doubt unsuccessfully, another malignant assault of the devil as this dark shadow is cast over a gullible, guilty and grievously wicked nation.  

An alarm reverberated in my soul as I discovered the depths of the Hallowe'en "celebrations," on my own doorstep! Thus the quote is a little extensive.  

"Hallowe'en has become so popular that some attractions now make more money from the spooky season than Christmas, operators say.

From pumpkin festivals and haunted mazes to zombie experiences, businesses say demand for Halloween events has soared as the celebration grows from a single night into a month-long attraction.

At Avon Valley Adventure Park near Bath, Halloween activities now generate around a third of the site's annual income. Founder Doug Douglas said: "Halloween is really important for us, it has surpassed Christmas."

"We make half of our turnover in October, and one third comes from the week of Halloween alone," said David Gaze, owner at Chaplins fancy dress shop in Bristol. 

My inclusion of the word "Christmas" in the quote, is simply in connection with the believers' joy in Christs' impeccable incarnation. Just directing our thoughts to the awful popularity of a satanic intrusion ,compared to the divine revelation of the only-begotten Son of God.

Anything that touches even the border of occultism is to be absolutely shunned! Its' dangers can never be exaggerated! It is an abomination to God. 

Dear saints wheel away from this impenetrable darkness, do not allow the (seemingly) most innocuous things to defile the soul and spirit of all your dearest ones.  

"Be not diversely yoked with unbelievers: for what participation is there between righteousness and lawlessness? or what fellowship of light with darkness? and what consent of Christ with Beliar, or what part for a believer along with an unbeliever? and what agreement of God's temple with idols? for ye are [the] living God's temple; according as God has said, I will dwell among them, and walk among [them]; and I will be their God. and they shall .N.D.be to Me a people." 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. New Translation J.N.D.

A Word of Wisdom (4)

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sakes He, being rich, became poor, in order that ye by His poverty might be enriched."    2 Corinthians 8:9.

We oft recount the various down-stooping of the Son of God when He took a "bondman's form" in incarnation. But there is a beautiful expression of His abject poverty that we may easily overlook.

"And when the days of her cleansing are fulfilled, for a son or for a daughter, she shall bring a yearling lamb for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or turtle- dove for a sin offering, to the entrance of the tent of meeting, unto the priest. And he shall present it before Jehovah, and make atonement for her. And she shall be clean from the flux of her blood. This is the law for her that hath borne a male or a female." Leviticus 12:6 & 7.

If that were the commandment in finality, every poor Israelite could never have met the divine demand, what a fearful thought! But the Lord in His infinite grace and tenderness of heart made provision for them all. Are not the poor, the afflicted ones ever upon His heart? His Only-Begotten Son became the poor man, the poor wise man. And thus we read, "And if her hand cannot find what is sufficient for a sheep, she shall bring two turtle-doves or two young pigeons; one for a burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for her; and she shall be clean."                Leviticus 12:8.

Such is the shadow, the type; here is the substance, the Anti-type. "And when the days were fulfilled for their purifying according to the law of Moses, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord....and to offer a sacrifice... a pair of turtle-doves of two young pigeons." Luke 2:22-24. The offerings of the poorest, as it were on behalf of the One whose wealth was incalculable. All creation was His!

But dear brethren and sisters, He emptied Himself of all that love could give, that we might be filled!

"Since from His bounty I receive

 Such proofs of love divine, 

Had I a thousand hearts to give, 

Lord, they should all be Thine. 

Would it please the Lord that these aspirations after the surrender of our heart's affections to Him, might be truly realised in our worship of Himself.      T.W.                                       

His Voice 

Our recognition and familiarity with His voice in this scene is a remarkable, present preciousness. It is His voice, the voice of the Good Shepherd who speaks thus: "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give unto them life eternal." It set me meditating upon His assembling "shout" when He steps into the air to "receive us unto Himself." It is His voice though archangel-like in character, and is accompanied by "the trump of God." 

We will hear and recognise His well-known, well-loved voice. But, forgive me for simplicity and bear with my childlike musing, will it be in to each in our personal earth-borne language as at Pentecost? Or will it be in the language of heaven, our first experience of celestial tongue? It WILL be in accents tender. I am persuaded that it will be the latter, but it will not be our first lesson in that language, we will be fluent from the moment we are raptured.

O sincerely hope that this does not prove to be a "chasing after the wind, or "vanity of vanities," it is simply the pondering of a feeble saint.

John 10:27,28; John 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Ecclesiastes 1:2. 

T.W. 

Giving

This is a very simple thought, but I felt it might be of interest to some of the Lord's people. For a considerable while, certainly some years, I realised I could enhance my "giving" to the "Lord's Work Fund," (a borrowed phrase,) very simply. I engage in paid surveys and earmark all the rewards for this purpose. There is no thought of any boast on my part, but if I am not participating how can I persuade other saints?

Just to repeat it is only a suggestion, but I feel it is an exercise with some merit; I refer to the participation, not the participants! I am a little annoyed in having failed to mention long ago.

I really trust that I have not offended anyone who may see this in a different light. 

T.W.

Open Doors

Open Doors 

From time to time I hear information which frankly astonishes and confuses me. Even Assembly-based believers engage in promoting things they have heard, read or listened to, mainly in the media and especially it seems from the platforms of so-called social media.

The subject I am referring to is that of individuals, groups, organisations and "churches," arrogating to themselves the title "Christian." And what is so frightening it seems numberless believers accept that claim and sympathise with it to varying degrees. there is very little di9scernment exercised, and I suggest very little effort to confirm these claims.

"Open Doors" is referred to as "a legitimate Christian Non-Profit charity." Its main principle is concern for "the persecuted church. " its website  abounds with numerous details of persecuted believers, globally. It goes into great detail regarding some of the more heinous persecutions being perpetrated against  believers.  These vivid descriptions no doubt have the effect of gaining sympathy from many who are reached with this incidents, and thereby bolstering donations for the seemingly worthy cause.   

In  case a reader of this "post" may feel there is some bias on my part, let me assure that there is indeed. To make merchandise of the truth is abhorrent to me. And the facts speak for themselves.

The CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland is Tiffany Barrans, while the CEO of Open Doors US is Lisa Pearce. the divine order is once more turned upside down with these women taking the lead. Furthermore, this "Non-Profit organisation pays George Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors US/International USA,  an annual "compensation" of $204,281; The global executive CEO, Dan Ole Shani, receives "compensation" of $142,847 annually; Meanwhile Tiffany Barrans the CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland as you will recall, currently "earns" £95,000 annually.

If this alone does not give cause for concern, then I admit I am more confused than ever. Surely there can be no case to argue for such greed, if it is not downright fraud. Where is there any scriptural support for touting for "donations?"

A lone voice on a comparatively simple and obscure Blog will do nothing to interrupt the cash flow to this organisation nor bring it into any measure of disrepute, but I hope that this as an example will encourage believers to be so much more circumspect and discerning in these matters; and not accept without due diligence anything purporting to be "Christian" in character.

T.W.    

A Word of Wisdom (3)

Not every wise word in the Holy Scriptures are words of comfort, love, or characterised by a devotion design. But every wise word is infinitely wise, divinely so. for it has its origin in heaven, in the heart of God, and in its written form is "God-breathed." 

But when we attempt to discover it to ourselves and others, our explanation is not inspired, but nevertheless if relying upon the Holy Spirit, it is kept true, and blessed of Him. I am not suggesting that it may prove faulty, but the failure is all on our part, we get in the way of the Spirit's ministry. But we have an unction from the Holy One, and a capacity given of God to discern the truth.

The following brief paragraph is the ministry of another, and that some decades ago, but it is so pertinent to that which prevails in this world now.

"To accomplish His purposes, God made use of the great nations of old, just as He does with modern nations, unknowingly the agents of His ways towards Israel. World events are controlled by Him, and He uses them to protect or to discipline His own."

I trust that in the light of so many disasters, and the myriad conflicts across the globe, that our hearts will not faint or be alarmed. "God ruleth by His power, for ever." Psalm 66:7. Thrice over this Word of wisdom came from heaven itself to Nebuchadnezzar the most powerful king ever found among men. "The Most High ruleth over the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men."                         Daniel 4:17,25,32.

What an amazing revelation, may it enlighten our hearts and garrison-around our minds.

T.W.

A Pathway Retraced 

About a decade ago my wife and I were compelled to "withdraw" rom a local Assembly; and we felt vindicated when the Lord "removed the Lampstand" so soon after. But last Wednesday I felt somewhat exercised about being cooped-up at home trying to stay out of the unbearable heat and subsequently losing opportunities to spread the Glad Tidings. Surprisingly I remembered a road in the district where the Gospel Hall had closed. Each year we had distributed Gospel Calendars to thousands of homes in that area. And from time to time "tracted" different parts of that neighbourhood.  

The road I had in mind included a number of blocks of flats. It was an extremely hot day and I thought delivering in those particular buildings would be fairly comfortable as cooler than outside. It prove to be so, but although there were six buildings, two more than I remembered, the number of flats in each was a real disappointment,

Nevertheless, along with a few houses opposite the flats we, my wife and I managed to deliver 59 Via Magazines. Far less than I had hoped and catered for, carrying 350 copies in our car! But still it was a little task accomplished for the Master. And the excessive heat would not allow of more effort outdoors. Old age robs one of so much energy, and the ability to bear with the temperature. But I did feel some relief from the the disconsolate failings of the previous few weeks.

It is a joy to serve the Saviour how ever feebly; I hope this will encourage some hearts as the heatwave continues unabated. I KNOW the Lord has a purpose in it, even if  I cannot comprehend what He intends for His glory, and that of His Son's too.

T.W.  

A Word of Wisdom (2) 

When the Holy Spirit enables us to realise that Christ has interposed Himself between our sins and God, we enjoy peace of conscience.

If we but suffer Christ to interpose Himself between us and our circumstances, however difficult or bitter, we will enjoy peace of heart.

T.W.

 A Gospel Address 

Isaiah 55:1-3; 6-9.

Authorised Version

v.1. Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; 

and he that hath no money; 

come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.

v. 2. Wherefore do you spend money for that which is not bread?

and your labour for that which satisfieth not? …..

v. 3. Incline your ear, and come unto Me:

hear, and your soul shall live; .….

v.6. Seek ye the Lord while He may be found,

call ye upon Him while He is near. …..

v.7. ….. And He will have mercy …..

…. for He will abundantly pardon.

v.8. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord.

v.9. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways, 

And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:1-3; 6-9.

New Version J.N.D.

v.1. Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters;

And he that hath no money, come ye, buy, and eat:

Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price!

v.2. Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread?

and your labour for that which satisfieth not?

v.3.  Incline your ear, and come unto Me;

Hear, and your soul shall live; ….

v.6. Seek ye Jehovah while He may be found,

call ye upon Him while He is near…..

v.7. ….and He will have mercy….

…. for He will abundantly pardon.

v.8. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith Jehovah.

v.9. For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Address

v.1. Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters;

And he that hath no money, come ye, buy, and eat:

Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price!

“Ho,” is a drawn out, a prolonged shout, a loud cry of urgency.

Its intent is to catch the attention of any, and all, who are near enough to hear this message of vital importance.

A message addressed to “everyone that thirsteth,” a reference to the spiritual thirst of every never-dying soul of men.

It is a thirst that may be known or unknown, that may be acknowledged or refused.

But in truth God has “set the infinite, the eternal in their heart,” causing this insatiable "soul-thirst" in the heart of every man.  

Ecclesiastes 3:11.

“Come ye to the waters;” is the divine invitation from the Lord to “everyone” without distinction.

And it is simply “come,” come just as you are, there are no qualifications needed, just obedience to the request, acceptance of the invitation.

“to the waters;” "waters;” although plural, refers prophetically and figuratively to the “living water” that only Christ can give. 

A little over 7 centuries after Isaiah had penned these lovely words, Jesus sitting beside a “fountain” spoke in wondrous tones of this “living water.” John 4:4-30.

He unfolded the beautiful meaning of this miracle to an immoral and despised Samaritan woman; 

He had come to this very place from heaven itself, to encounter this one needy soul, in fulfilment of that determined in eternal counsels.

Just as He is here to meet with any, or many, needy ones, who acknowledge their need.

“He must needs pass through Samaria,” then; but through xxxxxxx this afternoon!

“Water” in the Bible is frequently a symbol of the written Word of God, and of the Spirit of God, the divine Author of that  same Word.

The Lord Jesus subsists as the personal Word of God, and is the Giver of the Spirit to every one who believes, immediately "on believing."

Revelation 19:13; John 7:39; 15:26.

The Spirit and the Word are inseparably linked; and it is the Spirit whose ministry it is to take up the Word and apply to hearts:

In the first instance, it is the Glad Tidings, the Gospel of the grace of God; the Word which speaks of the Cross, the Cross of Christ.

And the Spirit and the Son are also linked together with the Father in the Triune-Godhead;

Thus Jesus could “cry, saying, If any one thirst let him come unto Me and drink.” John 7:37.

For He dispenses “living water” from the “wells of salvation;”

As He said to the thirsty Samaritan woman, “Whosoever drinks of the water which I shall give him shall never thirst for ever, but the water which I shall give him shall become in him a fountain of water, springing up into eternal life.” Isaiah 12:3; John 4:14.

Now the next phrases that complete this first verse cannot be understood without the help of the Spirit of God; this is true of the entire Word of God, but most distinctly so here.

Thus, whenever anyone acknowledges soul-thirst the Spirit begins to enlighten the "blinded mind" of that sinner, and to quench his spiritual thirst.

“Come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.”

To the unenlightened heart of man these words are completely illogical; because faith is infinitely above all reasoning.

The divine promise to any who would avail themselves of the “waters,” and of the “wine and milk,” is that it is all absolutely free. Incomprehensible to the unregenerate mind of man.

For the "purchase" of these blessings are received by faith, by believing that the word of the Gospel is true.

By taking God at His word, simply because it is God who said it;

And precisely in connection with the all-atoning sacrifice of Christ upon the shameful cross:

Whereby He fully met the cost, and paid the price to the uttermost as demanded by a holy God, in the stead of the believing sinner.

Acting as his perfect and divinely-approved Substitute; In short, it is Calvary! Free, gratuitous gifts secured for time and eternity: 

“Waters” speaking of the sanctifying and cleansing effect of the Word, and of the Holy Spirit taking up His abode in the saved sinner’s heart. 

While the “wine” symbolises the joy, the “gladness” the “merriment” of “the heart of man.” 

Psalm 104:15; Ecclesiastes 10:19.

The “milk” can be an expression of the simplicity of some scriptures; but nevertheless if our capacity is insufficient to “feed” upon the “meat” of God’s word, sweet simplicity may well be accompanied by artless sincerity.

1 Peter 2:2.

v. 2. Wherefore do you spend money for that which is not bread?

and your labour for that which satisfieth not? …..

Here we have the stark contrast between those who enjoy “every good bestowal and every perfect giving coming down from the Father of lights with Whom there is no variableness or shadow caused by turning.”

James 1:17.

Appreciating both the "gifts" and "bestowals" are completely free, from One Who remains faithful, and never changes His mind, as to our preservation, provision and protection. 

While those who refuse to take of the "waters of life," spend vast fortunes for that which can never sustain them; 

And expend countless hours of laborious effort upon that which can never satisfy them. 

v. 3. Incline your ear, and come unto Me:

hear, and your soul shall live; .….

This message that has its eternal source in the heart of God, and echoes from the heart of Jesus as the seeking  Saviour here in time.

Listen to His accents of grace, love and compassion; for “faith cometh by hearing a report,” the Gospel message from heaven.

Do not just ”incline your ear,” but hear, and trust, for that is what “faith” is: 

As we repeat it is taking God at His word, believing the witness He has borne to  His Son, essentially in His atoning death for you;

It is taking God at His word, because He said it!

And exercising that faith, in hearing Him, “come to Him” Who alone is “the fountain of living waters.” Jeremiah 17:13. 

v.6. Seek ye the Lord while He may be found,

call ye upon Him while He is near…..

Our earliest thought was that of urgency, and here that thought is repeated emphatically.

I have no doubt that the Lord is here in the gathering so He is “near” at hand; and I am equally assured that He is here seeking the lost.

He is to be “found” by you, for immediately you seek for Him, He will find you!

At the first inkling of faith He will hasten to meet you in your need.

Did Jesus not say twice over, “Seek and ye shall find.”   

Matthew 7:7.; Luke 11:9.

Yes, we must seek, but we will not need to search!

v.7. ….and He will have mercy….…. for He will abundantly pardon.

If we have any appreciation at all of our wickedness, our sinnership, then we must know we are in desperate need of mercy;

Divine mercy. 

And the deeper our realisation of our iniquities, transgressions, sins and offences, the greater we will long for mercy.

But at the cross “mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Psalm 85:10.

So that casting oneself upon the finished work of Christ there at Golgotha, God is able to righteously forgive us.

Indeed He is able to move out toward us with “abundant pardon.”

For "where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." Romans 5:20.

No sin, or sins, are too great for “abundant pardon” from a holy God;

For the perfect sacrifice that the Saviour accomplished in His death on the cross, and His exhaustion of all the judgement of God there, is sufficient, efficient, and efficacious, for now and all eternity.

And “if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9.

Notice that God is “just” towards Christ, in forgiving our sins.

v.8. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord.

v.9. For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Here we have man’s ignorance of God’s thoughts and ways.

It is precious to understand that He does not think or act as we do; When we observe the callousness, cruelty, and brutality of man;

We are surrounded by his depravity, his mercilessness, his thanklessness, and the absence of any natural affection.

Thus in all His “thoughts” and “ways” God’s mind and heart is infinitely above the wisest and kindest of men.

And this is why we cannot comprehend the gratuitous, and free character of all His gifts and bestowals; and how it is we can “buy and eat, without money or price.” v.1.

But it is simply because God gave to us, and for us, the “unspeakable gift of His Son.” Have you thanked personally Him for Jesus? Have you appropriated the "gift unspeakable" for yourself? Have you made Him your own? 2 Corinthians 9:15.

T.W. 29/07/2026

A Word of Wisdom (1) 

"God never hurries when it is a question of judgement. It is only when all other resources of His grace are exhausted that He decides to act."

How we marvel at His grace; the unceasing activity of divine love in the midst of evil. T.W.