The Iron Pen #62

God & Country

William H. Seward (1801-1872), is best known for effecting the purchase of Alaska from Russia for 2 cents an acre. At the time his opponents dubbed the transaction "Seward’s Folly" or "Seward’s Icebox." History has demonstrated that Sewards push for the acquisition of Alaska was wise. But this was not the only area where he demonstrated remarkable wisdom. Consider his insight concerning the true source of human progress. He said, "The whole hope of human progress is suspended on the ever growing influence of the Bible."

HOW TO READ THE BIBLE

Read the Bible, not as a newspaper, but as a home letter.

• If a cluster of heavenly fruit hangs within reach, gather it.
• If a promise lies upon the pages as a blank check, cash it.
• If a prayer is recorded, appropriate it, and launch it as a feather arrow from the bow of your desire.
• If an example of holiness gleams before you, ask God to do as much for you.
• If the truth is revealed in all its intrinsic splendor, entreat that its brilliance may ever irradiate the hemisphere of your life.

The Right Road to Revival

1. Seeking – "I stretch forth my hands" 6
2. Silence – "Cause me to hear" 8a
3. Sincerity – "Cause me to know" 8b
4. Stability – "Deliver me, O Lord" 9
5. Simplicity – "Teach me to do thy will" 10a
6. Submission – "Lead me" 10b
7. Sustenance – "Quicken me, O Lord" 11

(Moody Monthly – Dec. 1954)

A Newsboy’s Wise Philosophy

Nations and individuals are, with increasing frequency, following the perilous pattern of Psalm 2:2-3 which says, The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. I have file folders stuffed with news articles and court rulings that make that clear. Here is but one example -- "A 100-foot cross that has stood on San Francisco's highest peak for 60 years must be removed, while a 10-ton statue of a pagan Aztec serpent god, constructed at taxpayer expense in San Jose, California, may stay. A U.S. court of appeals made these rulings in separate cases last August of 1996." Evidence is mounting that our nation and its citizens are out to "break the bands" of the Bibles commands and "cast away" the cords of biblical values which have held this nation together. If that is true, and I fear it is, perhaps we should consider a newsboy’s wise philosophy.

 On the morning of April 18, 1906 there was an earthquake in San Francisco which started more than 50 fires. The day following a newsboy was showing a dazed man the way through, and as they walked, the lad philosophized – "It took men a long time to put all this stuff up, but God tumbled it over in a minute. Say, mister, ‘taint no use for a feller to think he can lick God."

 Oh, United States of America and Americans, ‘taint no use for a nation or people to think they can lick God! Psalms 2:4 & 12 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Wise Words From Dr. John Owen (1616-1683)

"I will not judge a person to be spiritually dead whom I have judged formerly to have had spiritual life, though I see him at present in a swoon as to all evidences of the spiritual life. And the reason why I will not judge him so is this -- because if you judge a person dead, you neglect him, you leave him; but if you judge him in a swoon, though never so dangerous, you use all means for the retrieving of his life."

Things You Cannot Be Without

• The Blood of Christ – Hebrews 9:22
• Faith – Hebrews 11:6
• Holiness – Hebrews 12:14
• Works – James 2:10
• Love – 1 Corinthians 13:1
• Chastisement – Hebrews 12:8
• Christ – John 15:5

Point To Ponder

"Faith ends where worry begins, and worry ends where faith begins." George Mueller