Stand, but Stand in a Holy Manner

We must not only stand for the truth,
but we must stand for it in a holy manner,
and not as proud persons do;
we must observe that rule,
"Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you
a reason of the hope that is in you
with meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:15).
We must not bring passion into God's cause
nor must our lives give our tongues the lie. (Richard Sibbes 1577 - 1635)

Afflictions are Preparations?

The winter prepares the earth for the spring, so do afflictions sanctified prepare the soul for glory.    —Richard Sibbes
 

In mid February I awoke with back and arm pain.  

After five days of useless pill popping
my wife suggested that I call the doctor.  

Why?  I love pain!  I eat pain for breakfast!  

The doctor said, "The ex-rays show that something is wrong
and you  need to go see a different doctor
who knows about bones and disks and things like that.
Take these horse pills for the pain"
So after six weeks of waiting
I was able to see the Specialist and get an MRI scheduled.
Of course he told me to stop taking the pain meds
and gave me some anti-inflammation meds.
So now I am whining about the pain again.

Tombstones

Two different reactions to death

"If we desire to end our days in joy and comfort, let us lay the foundation of a comfortable death now betimes. To die well is not a thing of that light moment as some imagine: it is no easy matter. But to die well is a matter of every day. Let us daily do some good that may help us at the time of our death. Every day by repentance pull out the sting of some sin, that so when death comes, we may have nothing to do but to die. To die well is the action of the whole life.";
Richard Sibbes, Puritan (1577-1635)


On his deathbed, the cattleman asks,
"What's that you always say Rafe?"
"Tis a poor thing to fear the inevitable"
"Who said it Rafe?"
"Someone who wasn't dying."
Louis L'amour - Crossfire Trail

For Whom Shall We Mourn

Here is an appropriate response to the Tiller tragedy by Vision Forum Ministries:

(click on the text below to view the complete article)

George Tiller is dead. For whom shall we mourn?

First, we mourn for the many children he murdered whose names will never make headline news, but whose murder were painful, violent, and bloody at the hands of this man. Second, we mourn for the future children who may be killed as a result of the way the pro-abortion movement will capitalize on this unlawful killing. Third, we mourn for a nation that has broken covenant with God, and that is deserving of God’s just wrath for its complicity in child sacrifice.

Finally, our mourning must lead us to prayer for the Church. God forbid that the blood of the innocent would be on our hands. If we would humble ourselves before the Lord and simply refuse to tolerate abortion in our own ranks, who knows what great things might be lawfully done, with God’s blessing, to bring murderers like George Tiller to an appropriate and earthly justice?

We must not only stand for the truth,
but we must stand for it in a holy manner,
and not as proud persons do;
we must observe that rule,
"Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you
a reason of the hope that is in you
with meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:15).
We must not bring passion into God's cause
nor must our lives give our tongues the lie. (Richard Sibbes 1577 - 1635)

The Gift of Poverty, Disgrace, and Misery

Whatsoever is good for God's children they shall have it,
for all is theirs to further them to heaven;

therefore, if poverty be good, they shall have it;

if disgrace be good, they shall have it;

if crosses be good, they shall have them;

if misery be good, they shall have it;

for all is ours, to serve for our greatest good.

Richard Sibbes 1577 - 1635

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness

to those who have been trained by it.
Therefore lift your drooping hands and
strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet,

so that what is lame may not be put out of joint

but rather be healed.
(Hebrews 12:11-13)

Richard Sibbes is Dead

Born over 400 years ago Richard Sibbes, "The Sweet Dropper", dedicated his life to God and the edification of the believers and followers of Christ.

“When struggling against the corruptions of our own hearts,

buffeted by temptations, and mourning over the weakness of our faith,

and the coldness of our love,

let us still remember, that Christ will not break the bruised reed,

nor quench the smoking flax.

As Captain of our salvation, he combats

and conquers our rebellious inclinations,

as well as our outward and spiritual adversaries,

and hath furnished us with the shield of faith, wherewithal to defend ourselves,

and enable us to repel the fiery darts of the devil."

(Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed, 1630)