Forgiven

The blessing of forgiveness from God is beyond description. I was touched this morning by a devotional about this from Spurgeon's writings, part of which I quote here:

Can there be a sweeter word in any language than that word "forgiveness", when it sounds in a guilty sinner's ear, like the silver notes of jubilee to the captive Israelite?...For ever blessed be the revelation of atoning love which not only tells me that pardon is possible, but that it is secured to all who rest in Jesus. I have believed in the appointed propitiation, even Jesus crucified, and therefore my sins are at this moment, and for ever, forgiven by virtue of His substitutionary pains and death. What joy is this! What bliss to be a perfectly pardoned soul! My soul dedicates all her powers to Him who of His own unpurchased love became my surety, and wrought out for me redemption through His blood. What riches of grace does free forgivenss exhibit! To forgive at all, to forgive fully, is to forgive freely, to forgive for ever! Here is a constellation of wonders; and when I think of how great my sins were, how dear were the precious drops which cleansed me from them, and how gracious was the method by which pardon was sealed home to me, I am in a maze of wondering, worshipping affection. I bow before the throne which absolves me, I clasp the cross which delivers me, I serve henceforth all my days the Incarnate God, through whom I am this night a pardoned soul.

                                                                                                            -Charles H. Spurgeon

"And He said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven."

(Luke 7:48)

Little But Lovely

I'm sure some of you know the name of this little flower but I don't. However, it has brought me much joy during the past few months and I have been drawn to it many times, just admiring its perfect beauty.  Since I could not decide which photos were my favorites I decided to post several. I played around a bit, editing a couple of them but really prefer them in their natural setting.

I'm thinking that maybe, just maybe, this next one might be my favorite. Which one would YOU pick?

So simple yet so lovely. Isn't that just like so many of His creations?

Today after I began this post I came across a sermon entitled "Little, But Lovely". How appropriate, I thought. So I would like to copy a couple lines from that, just a little something to complete this collection of pictures of the little, but lovely flower.

  “Fear not, little flock, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  (Luke 12:32)

 But far surpassing woman’s love, outvying all maternal instincts, our Savior’s strong affection can no rival know. In accents mild, he seems to say,  Never mind how few you are, or how despised; your feebleness gives you a warmer place in my heart, and makes me press you more closely to my bosom. Hush, hush; be still; fear not, little flock.  -C.H.Spurgeon

A Spurgeon Quote

"Some of your graces would never be discovered if it were not for your trials. Do you not know that your faith never looks so grand in summer weather as it does in winter? Love is often like a glow-worm, showing but little light unless it is in the midst of surrounding darkness. Hope itself is like a star-not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity and only to be discovered in the night of adversity." (Charles H. Spurgeon)