Monday, June 10, 2013

Michael Stitzel's invitation is awaiting your response

 
 
 
 
 
Michael Stitzel would like to connect on LinkedIn. How would you like to respond?
 
 
 
 
Michael Stitzel
Pastor at Forestville Baptist Church
 
 
 
 
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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Michael Stitzel's invitation is awaiting your response

 
 
 
 
 
Michael Stitzel would like to connect on LinkedIn. How would you like to respond?
 
 
 
Michael Stitzel
Pastor at Forestville Baptist Church
 
 
 
 
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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Invitation to connect on LinkedIn

 
LinkedIn
 
 
 
 
From Michael Stitzel
 
Pastor at Forestville Baptist Church
Jamestown, New York Area
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

- Michael

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

ABC-TV attacks Christianity

I do not normally do much in forwarding of emails.  However, this email came to about a blatant attack on my Christian faith.  HSLDA sends these updates regularly and this one I found particularly troubling.  Please take time to read the email and contact ABC with your objection to this new show, GCB (which stands for Good Christian B***CHES).  On the right hand column of the article is a direct link to their website in which you can contact them and name your objection and call for the immediate cancelation of this show.  Please, just remember to state your objection in a loving and gracious manner. 
 
And please, forward this to as many people as possible and request their objection to this show.
 
God Bless,

Michael
 

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Tasks Beyond Our Means

"Jesus always calls His people to tasks that are far beyond their means....The resurrection and power of Jesus are not proven when the church achieves the ordinary.  That is why the disciples were commanded to wait for the anointing of the Holy Spirit before they began their extraordinary mission."  Rev. John P. Sartelle - Senior minister of Tates Creek Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Kentucky.

I read this statement in my devotions this morning and was reminded so clearly and powerfully the power through which I do ministry.  The pastorate that God has called me to is far beyond my means as a finite man.  I am so thankful that He enables, equips, empowers, and endures me to be His vessel, His mouthpiece, His hands and feet, His arms and legs to carry and put forth His gospel and love to others.  I am so thankful that there is one greater than I who does the work!  I am so thankful that I am not able to be self-sufficient and that I am not able to be adequate in my own self.  For if this were capable and true, I would have no need of God and my very existence would be emptied and robbed of it's richness and joy!

Thank you, my Lord and God, for the ministry of your Spirit and for using me, one so limited and imperfect, to accomplish Your perfect, grand will and plan for Your creation!


Monday, March 29, 2010

Wisdom and Fear

Pro 3:13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;
Pro 3:14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.
Pro 3:15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Pro 3:16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor.
Pro 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.
Pro 3:18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.

Wisdom begins with fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 1:7) If we truly desire to live a life that matters, a life that counts, a life that is meaningful, we must begin by fearing the Lord. Involved in this concept of fearing the Lord is, I believe, both a sense of reverence and respect AND even terror and quaking fear. It is a terrible thing to stand before a holy God as a depraved sinner. It is a terrible thing to stand before a righteousness with sin hanging on us and knowing that God cannot take pleasure in nor fellowship with sin. This reality ought to cause us terror and quaking. On the other hand, we as study the attributes of God and who He is, an awe and a reverence ought to overtake us in light of who He simply IS by His every existence.

When we have this sense of fear, it will affect our every action. When I fear God, I will not to so quick to yell at my children when they are frustrating me. When I fear God, I will not be so quick to ignore the requests of my wife because I simply do not want to do what she is asking. When I fear God, I will not be so quick to indulge my selfish desires when I see needs of others going unattended. When I fear God, I will not be so quick to give in to the temptation that commit sin.

 When I fear God, I will be quick to meet the needs of others as personal sacrifice to myself.  When I fear God, I will refrain from gossip and negative talk about others.  When I fear God, will be quick to stop whatever I am doing to spend time with my kids, training, teaching, playing, and loving them.  When I fear God, I will be quick to fulfill the requests of my wife because I love God enough to love her the way He tells me to.  When I fear God, I will be quick to count my ONLY NEED to be that of serving others and bringing glory to my Father's Holy name.

Yes, fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom because when we fear the Lord, our very way of thinking is transformed and radically changed.  Our values, opinions, beliefs, desires, goals, dreams, actions, every facet of our life is affected when we fear the Lord.  We will seek to please Him in every possible way and there is no thought left for ourselves.

When I fear God, I will see my life through the lenses of Scripture and as I see God incarnate through the life of Christ, I learn how to please Him and to glorify Him.

So, I suppose the only real question that  must be asked at this point is, "Do I fear the Lord?"  For without fear of the Lord, wisdom does not exist.

John Piper's Leave of Absence

I just read yesterday about John Piper's upcoming leave of absence.  I read his letter detailing the reasons that he is taking a 8 month leave of absence.  I intend to pray as he has requested and I respect and appreciate his willingness and openness to take the stance he has.  Read his letter for yourself here.


Saturday, March 27, 2010

The happiest homes in the world

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Life as a ladder by J. R. Miller

Play Audio!  Download MP3  Read Text

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The happiest homes in the world

(J. R. Miller, "Counsel and Help" 1907)

Nothing is lovelier in life, than the spirit of contentment. Fretting mars the beauty of many a face. Discontent spoils all one's world. Out of whatever window he looks--the discontented person sees something that is not pleasing.

But a contented person sees only good everywhere. The happiest homes in the world are not those in which are the finest carpets, the costliest pictures, the most luxurious furniture--but those in which contented, joyful hearts dwell. A mind at peace, beautifies the plainest surroundings and even the hardest conditions.

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13

 

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Contending with God

When we sin, we are contending with God for supremacy of our lives. When we sin, we are fighting God for control over our lives; a control which is not rightfully ours to claim.

We (I) find ourselves embroidered in this battle every day of our existence. It is the nature of humans to want what they want, when they, how they want, and simply because they want. It is the nature of our culture to feed upon their wants and fuel that belief that it is okay to pursue what you want regardless of who or what gets in the way. Our culture tells you that "You are worth it," "Do what feels right," "Follow your heart," and similar like statements that fuel the mentality that if it feels right, do it. They seek to eradicate objective truth in order to justify their behaviors and attitudes. If they can eradicate objective truth, then the only standard left to justify right from wrong is each persons individual feelings, wants, and desires.

The truth is that feelings lie. They cannot be trusted solely and used exclusively to dictate our actions, beliefs, and as a guide for life. There is an objective truth and that objective truth is determined by the only source capable of doing so: God. He, being God, Creator, and Savior has the power, authority, and right to determine truth. As Christians, we have been bought by the blood of Christ and are His property, His possession, His creation that He has the right to command and instruct. His word is truth and binding upon us. When we seek to determine our own truth and living according to our own standards, we contend with God, we struggle with God for the right and power to determine truth for us and to behave in a way that we feel best. This is sin at the core: It is a battle with God for the right to live our lives as we see fit. It is a battle that we face daily. I have found myself fighting that battle this very morning. Yet, we fight it we must and we will until the day that our Lord and Savior removes the presence of sin from our lives forever.

So, in the words of Joshua, "Jos 24:15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Who will have supremacy in your life today? God or You? Be careful which you choose.


Friday, March 26, 2010

60/60

So, a pastor friend of mine and I have been working through a book called "Soul Revolution" together for a while now. We began it knowing that what it was going to ask us to do would be a challenge.

Here is the basic premise. The author of the book, John Burke, challenges the readers to a 60 day, sixty minute challenge. He challenges the reader to stop every 60 minutes and spend time with God and to reflect upon how much in the past 60 minutes you have actually spent with God or with an intentional awareness of His presence. How much, during the last 60 minutes, have you spent consciously living in the presence of God.

Two days ago, I finally took the time to to set the calendar on my phone to alarm every 60 minutes from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. For the past two days, I have been stopping every 60 minutes to spend a few intentional moments with God. This has been a challenge at times because during a few of those moments, to stop meant that I had to interrupt a very specific task that I was doing in order to focus my attention on God. Other times, I was simply able to pray and talk to God while doing whatever it was I was in the middle of.

I share this with you because I have been incredibly blessed the last two days to be doing this. It has increased my awareness of God as being ever present in every moment of my life. I have been blessed....ah, there goes my alarm. Be right back.
As I was saying, I have been so very blessed to be increasing my awareness and interaction with God. I have been using these times to build and strengthen my prayer life. I have intentionally prayed for my church family and their needs, my family, my friends, and in worship of God and His attributes. I remember a time in my life when my sensitivity to the things of God was so clear and intense it would have been unheard of for me to not go through a single day without noticing at least two to three specific things I saw God doing. As life has increased it's intensity and urgency; its busyness that sensitivity has dulled. The last two days I have already begun to sense that sensitivity growing. I am excited and looking forward to the next 58 days and beyond and seeing my relationship with God grow through intentional relationship building.

Can I challenge and encourage you to join me on this journey? For more specific information, click on the title of this article and it will take you to the website of the book "Soul Revolution."

May God richly bless you in your journey to a deeper relationship with Himself!


Thursday, March 25, 2010

The BOOK you are writing

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Our conception of the Christian life
by J. R. Miller Play Audio!  Download MP3

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The BOOK you are writing

(J. R. Miller, "Counsel and Help" 1907)

"You ought to live holy and godly lives." 2 Peter 3:11

The only way to have a stainless and beautiful year at its close--is to keep the days, as they pass, all pure and sweet, with the loveliness of holy, useful living.

It is thus, in little days--that our years come to us. We have but the one small fragment to fill and beautify at a time.

The year is a book, and for each day--one fair white page is opened before us.

And we are artists, whose duty it is to put something beautiful on the page.

Or we are poets, and are to write some lovely thought, some radiant sentence, on each leaf as it lies open before us.

"That we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 1 Timothy 2:2


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Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The only refuge in sorrow

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

He had to 'learn the lesson' just as we do!
by J. R. Miller  Play Audio!  Download MP3

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The only refuge in sorrow

(J. R. Miller, "Counsel and Help" 1907)

"Being in anguish--He prayed more fervently." Luke 22:44

We see the Master at prayer in Gethsemane. It was here that He prepared for His Cross. We should notice that His refuge in His exceeding sorrow--was prayer; and that, as the sorrow deepened--the refuge still was prayer. Prayer is the only refuge in sorrow. The lesson from the garden prayer is that we should take all the hard things, the anguishes, the insufferable pains, the bitter griefs of our lives--to God in prayer. We may be sure, too, that God will answer. If He does not relieve us of the suffering, He will strengthen us so that we can keep it, and still go on trusting and singing.

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7


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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

When earth's wine gives out!

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Then the worm became a splendid butterfly
by J. R. Miller,  Play Audio!   Download MP3

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

When earth's wine gives out!

(J. R. Miller, "Come with Me" Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ, 1890)

"When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to Him: They have no more wine." John 2:3

This incident is a very fitting illustration of the failure of all this world's joys. The wine gave out at a wedding-feast. There was not enough of it to last through to the end of the feast. It is just so with all earth's pleasures. It comes in cups--not in fountains; and the supply is limited and soon exhausted. It is especially so with sin's pleasures. The prodigal soon ran out of money, and began to be in need. A poet compared the pleasures of sin to a snowflake on the river, "a moment white--then gone forever!"

But it is true in a sense also--of pure pleasures. Even the sweetness of human love is but a cupful which will not last forever. The joy which so fills us today, tomorrow is changed to sorrow. Amid the gladness of the marriage altar there is the knell of the end, in the words "until death do us part." One of every two friends must hold the other's hand in farewell at the edge of the valley of the shadow of death--and must stand by the other's grave, and walk alone for part of the way.

The best wine of earthly life and of love--will fail. If there were nothing better in this world--how sad it would be! But it is here that we see the glory of Christ's gospel. Jesus comes when earth's wine fails--and gives heaven's wine to supply the lack. How beautiful and how true is the picture here: the failing wine, and then Jesus coming with power and supplying the need! That is what He is doing continually. He takes lives which have drained their last drop of earthly gladness--and He satisfies them with spiritual good and blessing, so that they need nothing more.

When human joy fails--Jesus gives new joy, better than the world's, and in unfailing abundance. How sad it is for those who have not taken Christ into their lives, and who have nothing but the empty cup--when earth's wine gives out!


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Monday, March 22, 2010

As the tree falls--so must it lie

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Tangles which our fingers cannot unravel
by J. R. Miller Play Audio!  Download MP3

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

As the tree falls--so must it lie

(J. R. Miller, "Devotional Hours with the Bible" 1909)

"
Let him who does wrong--continue to do wrong; let him who is vile--continue to be vile" Revelation 22:11

The character with which men reach the final judgment--will be their permanent character forever. The man who lives in sin unto the end--is making his own destiny. Habits of sin--make the whole life sinful. It is this that gives such solemnity to life. The seeds of our future eternity--lie in our present.

   Out of our little acts--habits grow;
   from our habits--character springs;
   and our character--fixes our destiny!

Everyone goes to his own place--that is, the place for which he is fitted by his life on the earth. He who has always sinned here on earth--will continue to sin forever. Eternal death--is simply eternal sin, along with the punishments and consequences thereof. The punishment of the wicked will not be an arbitrary punishment--but the natural result of their own choices and acts in this life.

   As the tree falls--so must it lie;
   As the man lives--so must he die!
   As a man dies--such must he be;
   All through the ages of eternity!

It makes a great difference, therefore, how we live in this world. There is an false impression in some people's minds, that they can live in sin all their days, and then by a few tears of penitence and a few cries of mercy in a dying hour--can change all the course of their life and spend eternity in heaven. This verse does not favor such a view. The future life--is but the harvest of this present life.

Men will be judged by their deeds. The New Testament everywhere teaches the same solemn truth. This does not mean that salvation is by works. We are saved by grace--but grace changes the life and makes us holy.

"To die is gain"--only to those who can sincerely say, "To me, to live is Christ!"

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

We have completed the publishing J. R. Miller's eight volume series, "Devotional Hours with the Bible".


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Sunday, March 21, 2010

Most punctilious in their religious rituals!

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

The process was not easy
J. R. Miller, insightful
Play Audio! Download MP3

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Most punctilious in their religious rituals!

(J. R. Miller, "Devotional Hours with the Bible" 1909)

"To avoid ceremonial uncleanness--the Jews did not enter the palace." John 18:28

The religious rulers carried their pious scruples even to the palace of Pilate. Amazingly, they had no scruples about their wicked treatment of an innocent man--but they were scrupulously conscientious about matters of mere ceremonial requirement! They would not set their feet on the Gentile's floor--for that would have defiled them! Yet meanwhile their hearts were full of evil and murderous thoughts and resolves!

There will always be people who are most punctilious in their religious rituals--but who in practical life, are little better than heathen!

We should learn well, that God is grieved more by our bitter feelings, our lack of love, our hate and envy--than He is with little omissions in religious ceremonies and formalities.

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

We have published J. R. Miller's short article:

   Alone, Yet Not Alone


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Saturday, March 20, 2010

This strange, double picture of Jesus!

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Thread for a web begun
J. R. Miller, superb!
Play Audio! Download MP3 Read Text

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

This strange, double picture of Jesus!

(J. R. Miller, "
Heavenly Worship" 1909)

"Look! The LION of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed!
Then I saw a LAMB, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne!" Revelation 5:5-6

John was looking for a Lion--and he saw a Lamb. This strange, double picture of Jesus as He appears in heaven, is very suggestive.

He was a lion in His conflicts and victories, and as such overcame all His enemies and ours also. But He was a lamb in the gentleness of His character and disposition. The lamb is an emblem of meekness and of unresisting obedience and submission.

As we think about Christ, we soon see how true both of these pictures are.

Like a lion, He has power and majesty, and is dreadful to His enemies! As a lion He met and overcame Satan, and triumphed over death and the grave. As a lion He is able to defend us from all our enemies, and the feeblest believer is safe under His protection. He is the omnipotent God--and has all power in heaven and on earth.

At the same time, the other picture is just as true.

He is like a little lamb in His gentleness. The whole spirit of His life on earth shows this. Never was a mother so gentle to her children, as was Jesus to the weary, troubled and penitent ones who came to Him. He was lamb-like, too, in the way He endured wrongs and sufferings. Other animals fight in their own defense--but the lamb does not resist. When Christ was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten in return. "Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers--He did not open His mouth."

He is the same Jesus now in the midst of the throne--and it is this astonishing combination of strength and gentleness which makes Him such a wondrous Savior! In Him, we have the union of all the truest qualities of love that our hearts so hunger for: tenderness, affection, patience, sympathy. Then, when we have laid ourselves down to rest in all this blessed warmth of love, we look up and see that we are in the bosom of Omnipotence! Mere gentleness may be very weak--but while He is a lamb--He is also a lion!

"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne. He had seven horns and seven eyes." Revelation 5:6. Here we have three other thoughts about Christ.

1. Not only did He appear as a lamb--but as a lamb that had been slain. There were wound marks on Him, telling that once He had been dead. One suggestion of the emblem of the lamb, is sacrifice. Jesus was the Lamb of God who took away sin--by bearing it Himself! Thus even in glory, the fact of salvation by His sacrificial death, is set forth to the eyes of all. Thus we are always to be reminded of the cost of our redemption.

2. A second suggestion about Christ, is in the representation of the "seven horns." The horn in the Bible is the symbol of strength, and seven is the symbol of completeness. Jesus appears there as the omnipotent One, having all power.

3. The third symbol in the picture is the "seven eyes". An eye sees, and seven eyes represent the perfection of vision, seeing everywhere. The eyes of Christ are in all parts of the earth, and on all events. This thought of the omniscience of Christ is dreadful to the unrepentant sinner--but to the Christian at peace with God--it has great comfort! Christ is watching over us and is ready to fly to our help and rescue at any moment. His eye is fearsome only to the wicked; to those who are His friends and are saved by Him, it gives no terror to think of the unsleeping divine eye ever looking down upon them with love!

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

We have published J. R. Miller's short articles:

Paul's Charge to Timothy

Heavenly Worship


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Friday, March 19, 2010

Nursing a viper!

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

A device for saving people from toil, struggle and responsibility
J. R. Miller Play Audio! Download MP3

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Nursing a viper!

(J. R. Miller, "Devotional Hours with the Bible" 1909)

"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived." Colossians 3:5-7

A new life in Christ calls for the utter destruction of these evils. It is a shameful list which Paul names. It makes us ashamed to think that such qualities may belong to us--or may nest in our heart! Who would have thought that any these vile things could exist in anyone who wears the human form! Yet many of these ugly things are found in each of us! Our hearts are naturally cages of unclean birds!

What does Paul tell us we should do with these unholy things? He says we are to put them to death. When we find any evil thing in ourselves, we must kill it, for it is not right for it to live. An uncompromising war should be waged against all evil. He who cherishes any impurity in himself--is nursing a viper which will sting him to death by and by!

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

We have published J. R. Miller's short articles:

The New Life in Christ

Paul's Counsel to the Thessalonians


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Thursday, March 18, 2010

The way to obtain the help of God

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

The rose taught me a lesson J. R. Miller
  Play Audio!   Download MP3

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The way to obtain the help of God

(J. R. Miller, "Devotional Hours with the Bible")

"I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike." Acts 26:22

When Paul stood before Agrippa, it was twenty-five years after his conversion. They had been years of toilsome life, amid enemies and dangers; but the heroic old apostle had never given up, never faltered, never turned aside. It was a great record--but he takes no praise to himself. The help came from God--for all these years of faithful witnessing.

Many Christians fear that they will not be able to stand faithful and true to the end. Here is an encouraging word for all such: They shall obtain help from God for every duty, for every hour of danger, for every struggle. They need only to be faithful day by day, doing the day's duty quietly, and trusting God. This help will come from Him, silently, secretly, just as it is needed, always sufficient grace--so that they shall be able to stand faithful year after year. God never puts a burden on us--without giving us the strength we need to carry it. The way to obtain the help of God--is to go faithfully and promptly forward in the way of duty, asking for the help, and sure of getting it. It will not come if we wait to get it before we set out to do His will.

"I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you--will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6


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Every baby starts life as a little savage!

(We are having "transmission" problems and many subscribers did not receive the initial mailing. Thanks for your patience.)

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

He saw that they were in serious trouble!
J. R. Miller  Play Audio!  Download MP3

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Every baby starts life as a little savage!

"Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me!" Psalm 51:5

"Every baby starts life as a little savage. He is completely selfish and self-centered: he wants what he wants--his bottle, his mother's attention, his playmate's toys, his uncle's watch, or whatever. Deny him these and he seethes with rage and aggressiveness which would be murderous were he not so helpless. He is dirty; he has no morals, no knowledge and no developed skills. This means that all children, not just certain children, but all children are born delinquent. If permitted to continue in their self-centered world of infancy, given free reign to their impulsive actions to satisfy each want--every child would grow up a criminal, a killer, a thief, and a rapist." (Reb Bradley, "Biblical Insights into Child Training")

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

"Remember that children are born with a decided bias toward evil, and therefore if you let them choose for themselves, they are certain to choose wrong. The mother cannot tell what her tender infant may grow up to be--tall or short, weak or strong, wise or foolish--all is uncertain. But one thing the mother can say with certainty--he will have a corrupt and sinful heart! It is natural for us to do wrong. Our hearts are like the earth on which we tread--let it alone, and it is sure to bear weeds!" (J. C. Ryle)

"Every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood." Genesis 8:21

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

We have published a choice J. R. Miller short article:

   Paul Before King Agrippa

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Every baby starts life as a little savage!

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

He saw that they were in serious trouble!
J. R. Miller  Play Audio!  Download MP3

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Every baby starts life as a little savage!

"Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me!" Psalm 51:5

"Every baby starts life as a little savage. He is completely selfish and self-centered: he wants what he wants--his bottle, his mother's attention, his playmate's toys, his uncle's watch, or whatever. Deny him these and he seethes with rage and aggressiveness which would be murderous were he not so helpless. He is dirty; he has no morals, no knowledge and no developed skills. This means that all children, not just certain children, but all children are born delinquent. If permitted to continue in their self-centered world of infancy, given free reign to their impulsive actions to satisfy each want--every child would grow up a criminal, a killer, a thief, and a rapist." (Reb Bradley, "Biblical Insights into Child Training")

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"Remember that children are born with a decided bias toward evil, and therefore if you let them choose for themselves, they are certain to choose wrong. The mother cannot tell what her tender infant may grow up to be--tall or short, weak or strong, wise or foolish--all is uncertain. But one thing the mother can say with certainty--he will have a corrupt and sinful heart! It is natural for us to do wrong. Our hearts are like the earth on which we tread--let it alone, and it is sure to bear weeds!" (J. C. Ryle)

"Every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood." Genesis 8:21

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We have also published a choice J. R. Miller short article:

   Paul Before King Agrippa


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