William Mason --Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God

May 24,

The Father himself loveth you.- Joh_16:27.

The history of the life of sorrows, and death of shame, curse and agony, which Jesus sustained for sinners, was it believed perfectly in the heart, would fill the mind with the strongest affection, and inflame the soul with the most fervent love. But alas! all have reason to complain for want of greater love to Christ, and stronger faith in him. O unbelief, what an enemy to love! Our love keeps pace with our faith. As the one grows stronger, the other increaseth. But if faith grows weak, love declines. Yet no one poor sinner that believes the record of Jesus' love and salvation, as his only hope and confidence, but love, in some degree, is drawn out to Jesus; for "faith worketh by love." The soul in its first love, and for a season perhaps, sees and knows only the love of Christ, and thinks little about the "love of the Father." It may be, he considers, that what the Saviour did and suffered for sinners, was to procure the love of the Father to them, and to appease the fury of his wrath against them. But this is not right. Let no disciple think so. For, saith the Saviour, "The Father himself loveth you." Yea he teacheth us the love of the Father, as the only source and spring of his coming in the flesh to save us- for "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, to the end, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."- Joh_3:16.

Hence it is plain, God the Father loves sinners-loves them inexpressibly-with the greatest affection. For he gave, who? an angel? an archangel? myriads of the heavenly host? No; but one infinitely more dear to him, his Son, his only begotten, his dearly beloved Son, who lay in his bosom from all eternity, that we might "believe on him, and live in him." So, the effect proves the cause. It is plain the love of the Father to his people, is prior to the Son's coming into the world to save them, or to their belief on Jesus. For, says our Lord, "No man can come unto me, except the Father draw him."- Joh_6:44. And because the Father "hath loved us with an everlasting love, therefore with loving kindness he draws to Jesus." "Behold, (O ye followers of the Lamb) what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us."- 1Jn_3:1.

Trace his love to the fountainhead. The holy Spirit of truth teacheth, that "God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, and hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus, and hath predestinated us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself." To what end is this? even "to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."- Eph_1:6, etc.

I love this! Cool

May 25,

I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, such an one caught up to the third heaven.- 2Co_12:2.

Visions, manifestations, raptures and ecstasies of soul, though even from God himself, (which there is every good reason to suspect, unless they sink the soul in humility, and excite such love to Jesus as is founded in knowledge and productive of obedience), are not to be gloried of. St. Paul says, it is not expedient for ME to glory. I know the danger, I fear the evil of it; from the pride and treachery of my nature. It tends to exalt one above measure; and to make others think more highly of one than they ought to think. Therefore, on these accounts glorying of these things is to be avoided. Indeed the cause of truth may require it, and the glory of God may be promoted by it. Though on these accounts it may be expedient to glory; yet it is not expedient for the Christian's own sake to do it. So Paul declared. Yet he did glory; for necessity compelled him.

Behold, admire, and imitate the humility of this great apostle, "I knew a man in Christ," etc. When he speaks of himself, it is as a poor sinner, under the most humbling, self-abased views. Then it is I MYSELF-Romans 7. But here, lest ostentation should appear, he conceals himself under the character of another man. What a contrast is here between self-exalting principles and the grace of the gospel! How widely different is this from the notions many professors entertain! For if they can but give a tolerable account of some vision, revelation or manifestation, which they suppose was from God, they conclude they know their sins are forgiven, and all is well.

Perhaps this might pass on them fourteen years ago, more or less. But what is their frame and temper now? what their pursuit and practice? If no evidence of faith, hope, love and obedience, but if while sunk into carnality and the love of the world, yet strong in confidence that their sins are forgiven, and bold in hope of the safety of their state; surely such are blinded to the hope of the gospel, through the spirit of this world. Satan transforms him, from a minister of darkness, into an angel of light. Luther was wont to caution against the white devil, as well as the black one. St. John's advice is ever needful, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."- 1Jn_4:1.

Faith in heart true comfort brings,
It makes and keeps it humble too.
Christian experience ne'er exalts,
But gives to Christ his glory due.

Then while by faith I Jesus know,
And peace and love and joy do spring:
Of Christ alone, I'll glory now,
Not self, but Christ, I'll speak and sing.

Thank you cross note. I had been wanting lately to read this thread. Its very informative. Thank you! I think I'm in January now. Lol..I was going to hit all likes but would you say whaaaa? When u open your account and had 500 likes. Lol..I'm searching for certain topics each day to help spiritually in what I need! Thanks cross note! God bless you brother! So I will be all over the place in this thread reading things daily. Lol..thanks again brother. Cool thread. I joined in March...so I maybe caught up mmmm in September! Lol kidding...but thank u for real!

I like these cross note hee

Jeremiah 10:23

O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

2 Corinthians 13:8

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

I like them crossnote...they were just random verses. I like studying the bible more than I used too. I have loved Jesus all my life very very strong. But I slacked on studying scriptures. I don't know Chapters as well as I ought. But I'm doing better now! I love it. Its exciting studying the scriptures everyday. God bless you cross note. Thank you for your time, and love for our Father, Goodnight

May 26,

He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.- Joh_6:56.

This is a great mystery, but it is a comforting truth in the experience of Christ's members. Our Saviour saith, "It is my meat to do the will of him that sent me." So it is the believer's privilege to feed by faith on him that is sent, even the flesh and blood of Jesus: the MAN "like unto ourselves in all things." But his flesh is pure and holy, his blood immaculate and untainted, without sin: therefore healthful for the soul to feed upon, and to be nourished up to eternal life. For consider, soul, "Christ suffered in the flesh" all the fiery wrath and dreadful curses of God's pure and holy law, which we deserved, because transgressors. Christ, in his flesh, perfectly fulfilled all the demands of God's righteous law, and so wrought out a righteousness for us, who have no righteousness of our own. "In the body of his flesh he hath reconciled us who were aliens and enemies to God; and in the body of his flesh, through death, he presents us unto God, holy, unblameable, and unreprovable in his sight."- Col_1:21-22. Surely then the flesh of Jesus "is meat indeed." The richest repast, the most delicious banquet for poor sinners.

Christ's "blood is drink indeed." Most precious in its nature; most reviving to the thirsty soul. O believer! the blood of this GOD-MAN was shed for thy sins; it hath fully atoned divine justice for them; and "you, who were sometime afar off, are now made nigh to God by the blood of Jesus."- Eph_2:13. "By his blood peace is made with God."- Col_1:20. "And the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin."- 1Jn_1:7.

Thus is Christ's flesh and blood the life of the soul. Hear the triumphant song of the saints in glory. "Jesus hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood."- Rev_1:5.

Their confession of victory over Satan the accuser of their souls is "by the blood of the Lamb." What is now their glory and triumph above, was once the food of their souls while poor sinners here below. For in every age, believers did all "eat of the same spiritual meat, and drink of the same spiritual drink, the flesh and blood of Christ."- 1Co_10:3-4. This food strengthens man's heart. This drink makes him of a cheerful countenance. "He dwelleth in me," saith Christ, by a secret mystical union. So saith the Psalmist, "Lord, thou hast been our dwelling-place in all ages;" "and I in him," by sweet manifestation, knowledge and comfort, by faith. Inestimable blessing! glorious privilege, thus to receive, thus to feed upon Christ in the heart by faith! For, saith Christ, "He that eateth me, shall live by me; he hath eternal life." Such are Christ's sweet words and hearty welcome to his church; eat, O friends! drink, O beloved! "Eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart." Ecc_9:7.

It's great to see when there are still those excited about God's Word. It carries it's own reward
I found the Jeremiah passage interesting...

(ASV) O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

(Brenton) I know, O Lord, that man's way is not his own; neither shall a man go, and direct his going.

(CLV) I have known, O Yahweh, that not of man [is] his way, Not of man the going and establishing of his step."

(Darby) I know, Jehovah, that the way of man is not his own; it is not in a man that walketh to direct his steps.

(ESV) I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.

(GW) O LORD, I know that the way humans act is not under their control. Humans do not direct their steps as they walk.

How totally dependent we are on Him, whether we depend on Him or not.

Well, I love this thread! Thanks for the idea crossnote

Lets all love one another and keep that old nasty devil scowling! HaHa...whew..Praise God!

random openin in my bible...its purty lol I likey!

Psalm 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shall thou trust: his TRUTH shall be thy shield and buckler

May 27,

These things have I written unto you, that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.- 1Jn_5:13.

Little Benjamin was as dear to his father Jacob as his elder brethren. The child Samuel was as truly a priest to the Lord as old Eli. So the feeblest lamb in the flock of Jesus, though ever so weak in faith and knowledge, yet is equally dear to the Father as the strongest believer-loved with the same everlasting love-alike interested in the salvation of Jesus- and as certainly an heir of eternal life. Many weak children are ready to own this; but they doubt in their minds, and suspect in their hearts, not happily knowing, nor being comfortably assured of their own interest in the salvation of Jesus. There were such in the apostle's days; therefore the comforter inspires the beloved John to write to them. He condescends to their weakness of knowledge and comfort, because of the small degree of their faith; but yet he speaks with the strongest assurance and the boldest confidence of the truth of salvation by Jesus. That is most certain. Eternal life is by Jesus only; and is sure to every member of his. Do you believe on the name of the son of God, as the only Saviour of lost sinners? This truth lies at the foundation of the hope of the gospel: when this is believed in the heart, that soul has the earnest of eternal life. By continuing to believe, it gains knowledge and assurance, as the comforts of faith. When the Spirit has bestowed the precious gift of faith, it matters not, as to the safety of the soul, how weak soever it may be in the experience of comfort and joy; nor how much it may feel the workings of carnal nature, reason, and unbelief against faith.

Its sensible groanings and sorrowful complaints are evidences of the life of the soul, through the faith of Jesus. But is the poor soul always to abide in this weak, low, mourning state? No; that cannot be. Jesus will make his members comfortable, as well as safe. The Spirit who begets faith in the heart by the word, strengthens it also by the same truth. Faith comes by hearing the word, and it is also increased thereby. Therefore is Jesus and eternal life revealed. The apostles wrote of this, and ministers preach of this, that weak faith may be strengthened, strong faith increased-that knowledge and assurance may be comfortably enjoyed-that believers may continue to believe, and persevere in believing on the Son of God; who is "the author and finisher of our faith."- Heb_12:2.

Jesus, thou author of my faith,
Thou author of eternal life,
Assure me that I do believe,
O put an end to doubtful strife.

Eternal life is sure to faith,
O may I know 'tis sure to ME,
That I may love thee more and more,
Whilst faith and hope grow strong in thee.



[video=youtube;xMH6z63eYhQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMH6z63eYhQ[/video]

May 28,

In the Lord have I righteousness and strength.- Isa_45:24.

To trust in our own righteousness, and to glory in our own strength, is natural to us all. But when a poor sinner "knows himself, even as he is known of the Lord," he thinks otherwise. When he becomes a follower of the Lamb, he learns the language of Canaan, and says, "I have no confidence in the flesh." I subscribe with my whole heart to this confession of faith, "In the Lord have I righteousness and strength." That the Lord Jehovah is a God of righteousness, and that he is almighty in strength, who will dare deny? But by faith we speak the most comfortable knowledge of covenant grace: I, a poor sinner, who am without strength, destitute of righteousness in myself, have both strength and righteousness in Jehovah. What I am, a sinner by nature and practice, that Jesus became by imputation. What Jesus is in his nature, and by his life, perfectly RIGHTEOUS, that I am in him. In myself I have no might, no strength, but "in the Lord Jesus am I strong, strong in him, and in the power of his might."

This is the glorious grace, the joyful truth of the everlasting covenant. Such honor have all the saints of Jesus: his perfect righteousness their clothing; his almighty strength their protection. Who then shall condemn them? What power can prevail against them? O believer! rejoice in thy privilege. This is thy triumph against every accusation, "In Jesus I have righteousness." This is my victory over every enemy, "In Jesus I have strength." Under the most discouraging views of my nature, as corrupt and sinful-my life and practice, as unrighteous-the condemnings of the law, though just-the accusations of Satan, though grievous-yet in my glorious covenant head and representative, I am "made the righteousness of God; in the beloved Son of God I am for ever accepted." Under the most dejecting sense of our own weakness, to withstand corruptions, to get the mastery over sinful passions, to prevail against our enemies; though weak to perform any duty, insufficient to exercise any grace, unable to do the will of God, to walk in his ways, and to please him; yet ever, under all circumstances, the Spirit testifies of Jesus, "who is our strength and righteousness." All fulness is in Jesus; and "out of his fulness we receive grace for grace:" Though "without Christ we can do nothing; yet, through Christ strengthening us, we can do all things." Here is the mystery of faith. "Abide in me," saith the Lamb.

Poor helpless worms in thee possess
Grace, wisdom, pow'r, and righteousness;
Thou art our mighty ALL, and we
Glory, O Lord, only IN THEE.

Let faith and love always combine,
To cause this precious truth to shine,
We sinners poor, and full of need,
Have all things, in our glorious HEAD.

May 29,


By grace ye are saved.- Eph_2:5.

O thou man of God, "let not this truth forsake thee; bind it about thy neck, write it upon the table of thine heart; it shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones."- Pro_3:3; Pro_3:8. In the faith of this, thou wilt live in love and gratitude to God, in cheerful obedience to his sovereign will, and in confident hope and earnest expectation of eternal glory. While thou wilt be daily dying to every carnal hope and legal confidence, by the atonement and righteousness of Jesus, his grace will be all thy plea, all thy hope, and all thy glorying.

Hereby thou wilt be kept humble, and walk safely. That "the foot of pride prevail not against thee," is a happy part of this glorious salvation, so as to submit to receive it as entirely of grace, free favor, unconditional election, unmerited love, "according to the good pleasure of the will of God the Father."- Eph_1:5. It is SOVEREIGN GRACE, therefore sure and saving to all the spiritual seed of Jesus. All in our nature are averse to it. Nothing in us could deserve a right to it, or procure a title in it. It is freely proclaimed to the wretched and hell-deserving, who have neither power nor inclination to perform any terms and conditions to obtain an interest in it. But the Lord's hand laid the foundation; his power will raise the superstructure; "He will bring forth the head-stone thereof with shoutings of GRACE, GRACE."- Zec_4:7.

Salvation is by DISTINGUISHING GRACE. "One shall be taken and another left:" "One of a city and two of a family,"- Jer_3:14 -whomsoever the Lord is pleased to separate to himself as vessels of honor. The effects of saving grace are distinguishing; it works effectually in them that believe: "They are called with an holy calling"-possess the faith of God's elect-experience repentance to salvation. They differ from their former selves in hope and conduct, and are distinguished also from the world, "that lies in wickedness." Under its sovereign influence such a change was wrought in Paul, that he, "who persecuted Jesus and his members, preached the faith he once destroyed."- Gal_1:23. So every subject of grace is changed in judgment and affection. He no longer thinks grace is to assist him to do something to gain acceptance with God; but he knows "God hath made us accepted in the beloved, to the praise of the glory of his grace."- Eph_1:6. Hence his affections are placed upon the God of all grace, as his center of all happiness and source of all felicity. He delights "to run the way of God's commandments." It is his joy that Jesus flies upon the wings of the wind to his relief. He loves to fly on the wings of faith and love to him. He daily prays "to be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."- Php_1:11.

May 30,


Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me, a man of strife, and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury, yet every one of them doth curse me.- Jer_15:10.

It is sweet consolation to new-born souls to know the state they are come to. Verily, saith Paul, "unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, and unto the heavenly Jerusalem."- Heb_12:22. Even to all the glorious privileges of Jesus' church and kingdom, of love, grace and peace. The utmost stretch of thought comes infinitely short of our highly favored state. See also the blessed company you are come to, "an innumerable company of angels, the general assembly and church of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling." Heb_12:23-24. And hath distinguishing grace thus honored us? Shall the church our mother bring us forth? And will not the world take knowledge of us, that we have been with Jesus? That cannot be, for then we should be bastards, and not sons. For all are partakers of the world's hatred, as soon as they appear to be the object of God's love, and live as his adopted children, by faith.

What a strict harmony is there between the prophets and saints of the Old Testament, and the apostles and disciples of Jesus under the New! What strong confirmation, that both are taught by the same Spirit! In this one truth they both perfectly agree, "We are not of the world, therefore the world hateth us."- Joh_15:19. But marvel not, saith our loving Jesus, it is not you, but me they hate. I am the principal object of hatred, you only for my sake. But poor souls are ready to cry out, "Woe is me." What am I always to live thus in strife and contention? Is not my deportment and carriage towards the children of this world quiet and inoffensive? No; they will not think so, unless you do as they do, live as they live, follow their vain customs, and partake of their carnal joys. "I have neither borrowed nor lent." Verily, this plea of excuse is the cause of offence. For this they will curse us as over-righteous, precise fools. But stoop to borrow their ways, and lend yourself to their customs and practices, cast in your lot with them, and all will be well; peace and friendship will subsist. But no; we prefer spiritual fellowship with Jesus above all: we dare not forsake him, nor incur our Father's displeasure. We know "the friendship of the world is enmity with God."- Jam_4:4.

Hast thou thy Saviour's mark, my soul?
Hated of men for Jesu's sake?
Such honor is thy chiefest joy;
Christ's glory, thou shouldst ne'er forsake.

My Jesus, teach me, day by day,
To glory in thy cross.
O may I live and prove this truth,
All gain but thee, is loss.

Wow I love that!
Thanks for the post C note!


Thank you for creating the thread too. Very imformative. God bless you friend!

Crossnote...in prayer I often randomn open the bible. For learning....now some have dis credited my approach to just open and study. Thats fine for their view...but for me...the random opening doesnt fail for me...for God wants to teach me things....beyond criticism others politely bestow on our living......rollseyes...
Anyhow..tonights random study I opened..was...




Thessalonians 3:7...

I mean...it says it all....

May 31,

In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began.- Tit_1:2.

Christ's sheep are the trophies of his victory, the triumphs of his cross, and the glory of his crown. Though naturally captives and slaves to the god of this world, the prince of the power of the air; yet when rescued by sovereign grace, they hear the shepherd's voice and follow him. But at present they are prisoners of hope. The soul is imprisoned and immured in the noisome walls of the flesh, exposed to many taunts and jeers of the enemy, and liable to many fresh rallies and onsets from the prince of darkness. Often through their views being darkened, and from opposing lusts of the flesh they fear, and are in doubt whether they shall ever arrive at the glorious mansions of liberty and love. The more they look to and consider themselves, the more discouragements arise. But if eternal truth and almighty power, founded in everlasting, unchangeable love, can secure them and bring them to glory, they are surely safe now-they shall be eternally happy in glory.

Hath the God of truth promised eternal life before the world began? who then could this promise be made to? Verily, to no other but Jesus the surety of the everlasting covenant: the head and representative of all his chosen members. O soul, before conversion to Jesus, thou wast a dead sinner without hope. Hast thou faith in Jesus? then hast thou "the faith of God's elect, and dost acknowledge the truth, which is after godliness." Thou hast also eternal life: in hope now; and the possession is as sure to thee, as if thou wast in actual enjoyment of it. The eternal God of truth must become a liar, if thou fail of thy hope. Was eternal life promised upon certain conditions? Jesus hath performed them all. He became surety to this very end. God the Father is perfectly satisfied, and eternally glorified with his work. God the Spirit bears witness to it. Hereby hope is established in the heart. O then take heed not to invert the order of the gospel, lest thy mind be perplexed, hope clouded, and Satan gain an advantage. Be thankful for the grace of hope; but ever glory in the God of hope. Frames and feelings often vary: they may delude and deceive. Gifts may be lost: graces decline. Jesus OUR HOPE cannot. "He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Wherefore are eternal transactions revealed? but for God's glory and the confirmation of his people's faith and hope in God, and to excite love in him. Ever remember, by grace ye are saved, "according to the promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus."- 2Ti_1:1.

I have yet..to witness where..."Close your eyes,..open bible,... and witness a scripture out of the blue and study " Is credited....but

I have yet ! To see the Holy Spirit...not lead me.......
To see where this method fails me yet...though others may criticise..yet we cannot breathe ...following 'others' views
..we breathe to love Christ!
Be kind...is all that matters to me!

Because of this we were comforted over you, brothers, on all our affliction and distress through your faith,
(1Th 3:7)

That says a lot.
Some are not wired for systematic study.
Here is a word of encouragement whichever way God enters it sheds light and will not return void.

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
(Isa 55:11)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
(Psa 119:105)

-random verses are better than no verses

May 1,

Doth the ploughman plow all day to sow? doth he open and break the clods of his ground?- Isa_28:24.

"The Lord of hosts hath decreed to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth."- Isa_23:9. Therefore his word sends us to the common transactions in life, that we may gather instruction in humility, and be taught to bow to his sovereignty. Every dispute against the latter is a strong evidence of the want of the former. When the mouth is not stopped, but daringly opened against sovereign purposes and eternal decrees, it is an awful sign that the plough of God's law hath not cut deep into such sinners' hearts; for, instead of pleading guilty and being speechless, the pride of nature urges vain pleas against free grace truth, everlasting love, the finished salvation of Jesus, and the certain glory of all his chosen members. But verily, as the ploughman plows at a proper season, and sows his seed at the appointed time, and as harvest shall not fail, so the church of Christ is "God's husbandry."- 1Co_3:9.

By the ministry of the word the Lord plows up the uncultivated ground of unfruitful hearts, he opens and breaks the clods of pride and lust, he casts in the seed of eternal life in the knowledge of Jesus, then the graces of faith, hope, love, and holiness, take root downward and spring forth upward.

But alas! the seed is exposed to many dangers; weeds may grow up and choke it; if refreshing showers, the warm sun, or the purifying air is withheld, it will rot, and bring forth no fruit unto perfection. The poor heart is not without its fears, yea is at its wit's end at times, lest so it should be. And what can he do? He cannot command the clouds, call forth the sun, or cause the wind to blow. Boasting in self is at an end; trusting to inherent grace is cut off; hence the soul is led in humility to see that all things are of God; that if ever he reaps the harvest of eternal life, it is wholly and solely owing to God's free gift by Jesus; that all present fruitfulness is by the Spirit's energy and influence, in consequence of the Father's love and faithfulness, and the Son's perfect work and salvation; therefore look not so much within, nor around thee, as above to Jesus. Doubting disciple, from this inexhaustible fountain, hope and encouragement flow. Though all within seems gloomy and distressing, all without opposing and discouraging, yet our God is over all and above all. Ever remember there is as great a necessity for the heart to be deeply rooted in humility downward, as for the pleasing fruits of peace and joy to spring upward. Our heavenly husband knows which is best for us. As the ploughman minds his work, and does his duty; so do thou. Be diligent in thy work; be humble in thy heart, knowing "God giveth the increase."- 1Co_3:7.


[video=youtube;mYpvGlk89ck]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYpvGlk89ck[/video]