Abraham Lincolns' Devotional

(Abraham) Lincolns' Devotional

I have just received a copy of a little "vest-pocket" book entitled "Lincolns' Devotional," with an introduction by Carl Sandburg. This "Devotional" published in 1852 was "The Believers' Daily Treasure; bearing the sub-title "Texts of Scripture, arranged for every day in the year." Overall the introduction is a little disappointing, as I expected much more detail about Lincoln himself. What is recorded of him amounts to just 10 or 11 small pages, while the information in respect of Lincolns' faith is scant, with few facts supplemented by conjecture.

My personal judgment regarding Lincolns' belief, purely based on this brief outline was of a  "good" man in the sense of Romans 5:7, nevertheless without appreciation of the Son, as every one of his recorded utterances where in relation to the Father. I would be apprehensive to form any real opinion as to whether Lincoln was really "born anew," if this was the only "evidence" of his faith available to us.

But a number of years ago I learnt of a letter signed by the President in connection with his desire to be baptised as a public confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The letter was written by him on April 13, 1865, and the baptism was scheduled for the following Lords' Day, April 18.

On April 14, just one day after Lincoln had professed faith in Christ in that written form, he was assassinated. How wondrous is the grace and loving-kindness of our God, preserving Abraham Lincoln from an eternity of loss!

Another "Home-Call"

Another "Home-Call"

Just a little over a week ago I learnt of the Home-Call of another dear saint of God. I feel disposed to just render to his memory a little appreciation.

I met Jacob ("Jake") Andrews on just eight occasions. Each time when I had the privilege in preaching the Gospel at the Gospel hall in Nantgarw in South Wales, U.K.

If ever there was a saint who revelled in hearing the "preaching" it was Jake! He graciously and forcefully "supported" the speaker with constant interjections of "amen." Whenever he "opened up" the meeting for the visiting speaker, he punctuated many lines of the hymns to be sung with fervent affirmations of the truths expressed, repeating in a reverential tone "yes" as it took hold of his heart.

No doubt some brethren found him a little to unabashed and unashamed in adding his little "aside," but I found it to be so precious and knew he was uph9olding me before the "Throne."

After I had met Jake but a couple of times, I expressed this sentiment, and repeat it here unequivocally, "Every Assembly should have a least one Jake!" He is now in the enjoyed presence of the One he loved, and I am sure there is a constant beaming smile, even more apparent than when he was in the body.

It grieves me that he has "departed," but thrills me that for him it is "very far better."

May it please the Lord to raise up more "Jakes" in the Assemblies of His believing people, for His Names' sake and glory.   

Prayer

PRAYER

I felt it may prove helpful to believers who pray regularly for their "own" Assembly fellowship to use a simple "prayer trigger." It is likely to be only of benefit to Assemblies where there is a fewness of number in the company.

Intelligent, consistent and considered prayer is invaluable in our walk individually and collectively.

As I enjoy fellowship in a "small" Assembly gathering I have observed that we tend to occupy the same seat on every occasion, I mean generally speaking of course. If this is your experience perhaps you could adopt this approach in prayer for your fellow believers.

In my minds eye I scan the gathered saints and move along the rows of seats calling each one to mind in order to hold them up before the Throne of Grace, thus none is missed.

It may be possible to extend this practice in our entreaties for the lost; mentally listing the neighbours we know as we "traverse" our road or street using the same approach. It may be extended to other areas during our times set aside for prayer. Perhaps embracing our extended families or our work colleagues. I leave it to your wisdom before the Lord, trusting that our resorting to prayer will prove to fervent and effectual.  

Brethren, please bear with my simplicity in this important matter. 

Some Thoughts on Psalm 119

Some Underlying Thoughts in the Longest Psalm

I have in my possession a little booklet bearing the above title. It is a commentary on every verse of Psalm 119. The "underlying thoughts" of each verse are very brief but beautifully succinct, containing rich spiritual insight. Each verse receives just one line of teaching, made up of two phrases. The phrases are generally antithetical of

one another.

The remainder of this little missive comprises two more exceedingly brief addresses to the saints: "Some Searching Thoughts from Psalm 119," and "An Earnest Plea for Loving, Learning, and Living Psalm 119."

I have no knowledge of the author, nor can I trace it on "Stem Publishers," or in the comprehensive index of the "Bible Treasury." 

The only "evidence" regarding its author is his address in London  from doubtless MANY years ago!

If any dear believer can help me to discover the writer I would be most grateful. the address, and rather quaint telephone number on the booklet, is as follows:

61 Upton Lane

Forest Gate

London E7

Tel. Maryland 2196

I would love to have it reprinted and "bound" securely so as other believers might find its spiritual wealth. It is lovely!

Answered Prayer

Answered Prayer

We love the thought of our God being One who ever hearkens to and answers the prayers of His own people. (The answers are not always what we desire or expect, but He EVER answers!)

A little town in the Ewenny Valley in South Wales U.K. is the "home" of a small company of believers gathered to the Name of our Lord Jesus alone. A little faithful testimony has been borne there for many decades.

A number of years ago their hall had to be demolished, leaving them to find other accommodation so as the witness for the Lord could continue there, should it please Him.

The Assembly has been forced to remove to different premises over the years, mainly renting "denominational" buildings. Now they have been informed that the building they presently use is to be sold and they must vacate it by "Christmas."

Cast upon the Lord for yet another premises they also sought the prayers of a number of believers who happily responded.

The Lord graciously overruled and undertook for them! A building has been made ready for their use without any of the restrictions placed upon them as experienced previously. (e.g. only being available for the Lords' Day,) indeed they have exclusive use of it! It is a much better site in every way and the rent is less too, and includes lighting, heating and water!

There is no "evangelical" witness there in the town whose population exceeds 9,200!

How gracious is our God and in providing a place of gathering for His own especially to remember His lovely Son; and to grant in His long suffering a longer period of gospel testimony to the precious, but perishing, souls of that town.

I am sure you will join with me in giving thanks to our "great God and Saviour" for this another token of His unceasing care for us, and for the encouragement of our hearts too.

Welcome Visitors

 Welcome Visitors

Yesterday, Lords' Day afternoon, I was privileged to be responsible for the preaching of the Gospel at an Assembly gathering in Weston -s- Mare in Somerset, S.W. England.

A good number attended, (numerically "good" in this part of the Country,) including a few unsaved ones which was encouraging.

At the close of the meeting I was able to shake hands with many there and hold little conversations, but mainly with the saints. I approached a young man who smiled as I drew near making me feel comfortable in speaking to him. His English was poor, but we were able to converse. He informed me that he was Kurdish! Seeing the open door to the Gospel Hall he just decided to come in. Standing next to him was another young man whom I had met a few times before when ministering the Word on a Thursday morning there at Waterloo Gospel Hall. He is saved, but is afflicted in his mind and spends periods in some sort of care facility. Rob, this young believer had a further talk with the Kurdish youth and informed me to my amazement that he was a Muslim! I imagined that when the Word of God was opened and publicly read, that he would have exited the Hall more quickly than he had entered! But he stayed to the end and lingered afterwards too.

Please pray for him, he told me his name, but being partially deaf and the name being "strange" I feel unhappy at hazarding an effort at spelling it; but the Lord knows him in infinite fullness. Please pray for Rob too, as these gravely difficult seasons take a hold upon his mind. 

Neither young man were there last night by coincidence, nor indeed any who came along; so please with us "roll" this burden upon the Lord, the faithful, unchanging God of the impossible. 

Another Recent Home-Call: Edward Jaminson

Another recent "Home-call."

Edward Jaminson

I only learnt of the "home-call" of our beloved brother in Christ, Edward Jaminson, yesterday. He "departed to be with Christ" on June 19th of this year.

He bore a faithful and consistent testimony to His Saviour, and served Him well too.

His ministries for the Lord included serving in Bolivia, reaching out to Spanish speaking peoples, printing and distributing various publications, especially "The Word." He was a constant hospital visitor , a ministry appreciated by the many and practised by the few.

I never had the privilege of meeting him, or indeed speaking to him over the phone, but I appreciated his kindness in sending a copy of each edition of "The Word," and the annual little card calendars he produced. I know his telephone ministry was also greatly appreciated.

The saints who were enriched by him remember him with thanksgiving, and seek the Lords' nearness and comfort to those "left behind."

May everyone of us who belong to Christ seek to serve Him as faithfully as our dear departed brother.