What an encouraging thought that Jesus - our beloved Husband - can find comfort in our lowly feeble gifts! Can this be, for it seems far too good to be true? May we then be willing to endure trials or even death itself if through these hardships we are assisted in bringing gladness to Immanuel's heart.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the idea that even our humble offerings can bring joy to Jesus, encouraging us to endure hardships for a higher purpose.
In this quote, Charles Spurgeon highlights the comforting notion that our small and seemingly insignificant efforts can bring happiness to Jesus, often referred to as Immanuel. It suggests that despite our weaknesses and limitations, there is profound value in our willingness to persevere through challenges, as these struggles may contribute to a greater purpose of spreading joy and love, ultimately seeking to please God.
In practice
This quote can be used during a church service to inspire the congregation about the value of their contributions.
Amusement should be used to do us good “like a medicine”: it must never be used as the food of the man...Many have had all holy thoughts and gracious resolutions stamped out by perpetual trifling. Pleasure so called is the murderer of thought. This is the age of excessive amusement: everybody craves for it, like a babe for its rattle.
When you see no present advantage, walk by faith and not by sight. Do God the honor to trust Him when it comes to matters of loss for the sake of principle.
It is far easier to fight with sin in public than to pray against it in private.
You will never glory in God till first of all God has killed your glorying in yourself.
After faith comes repentance, or, rather, repentance is faith's twin brother and is born at the same time.
["All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant."] The original Hebrew word that has been translated "paths" means "well-worn roads' or "wheel tracks," such ruts as wagons make when they go down our green roads in wet weather and sink in up to the axles. God's ways are at times like heavy wagon tracks that cut deep into our souls, yet all of them are merciful.
Keep your faith in God, but keep your powder dry.
...I don't have to worry about not meeting His expectations. God will ensure my success in accordance with His plan, not mine.
Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!
I place trust in God, my creator, in all things; I love Him with all my heart.
Christians are meant to have the same vocation as their King, that of cross-bearers. It is this conscience of a high calling and of partnership with Jesus which brings gladness in tribulations, which makes Christians enter prisons for their faith with the joy of a bridegroom entering the bridal room.
God makes me play well. That is why I always make the sign of the cross when I walk out onto the field. I feel I would be betraying Him if I didn't.
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