New Books for Christmas

You'd think that with all the books I already have, I wouldn't be purchasing any more. But if you really thought that way it would only prove that you do not yet understand books, or reading, or me. My family and close acquaintances have long since quit getting me anything for my birthdays or for Christmas except for gift cards at bookstores, like Barnes and Noble's. This year they even got me one of those pre-paid Visa cards so I could shop at my favorite online, second-hand bookstore, Abe Books. So I'm anxiously awaiting the mailman's delivery of this year's haul; and, as you can see, I've opted for something besides military history.

Gleanings from Paul, by Arthur Pink.

Commentary on Matthew: The Gospel of the Kingdom, by C. H. Spurgeon.

Romans: An Exposition of Chapter 12 Christian Conduct, by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

Glorious Freedom: The Excellency of the Gospel Above the Law, by Richard Sibbes.

Facing Grief: Counsel for Mourners, by John Flavel.

Jonathan Edwards on Knowing Christ, by, of course, Jonathan Edwards.

George Muller of Bristol: His Life of Prayer and Faith.

Andrew Bonar: Diary and Life, by Andrew Bonar.

Josiah's Reformation, by Richard Sibbes.

The Glory of Christ, by John Owen.

I'm sure it won't surprise anyone that one of my favorite quotes is from the Reverend Samuel Davies, (1723-1761) ...

"The venerable dead are waiting in my library to entertain me and relieve me from the nonsense of surviving mortals." 

Guess What My New Year's Resolution Is?

It's to read more books!

Spurgeon on Facebook

C. H. Spurgeon

I follow, and greatly enjoy, a couple of sites on Facebook which post quotes from the famous 19th Century London preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon. The following, from Spurgeon's Morning and Evening, is an example.

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even, unto the end of the world. Amen. . 

- Matthew 28:20

"The Lord Jesus is in the midst of his church; he walketh among the golden candlesticks; his promise is, "Lo, I am with you alway." He is as surely with us now as he was with the disciples at the lake, when they saw coals of fire, and fish laid thereon and bread. Not carnally, but still in real truth, Jesus is with us. And a blessed truth it is, for where Jesus is, love becomes inflamed. Of all the things in the world that can set the heart burning, there is nothing like the presence of Jesus! A glimpse of him so overcomes us, that we are ready to say, "Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me." Even the smell of the aloes, and the myrrh, and the cassia, which drop from his perfumed garments, causes the sick and the faint to grow strong. Let there be but a moment's leaning of the head upon that gracious bosom, and a reception of his divine love into our poor cold hearts, and we are cold no longer, but glow like seraphs, equal to every labour, and capable of every suffering. If we know that Jesus is with us, every power will be developed, and every grace will be strengthened, and we shall cast ourselves into the Lord's service with heart, and soul, and strength; therefore is the presence of Christ to be desired above all things. His presence will be most realized by those who are most like him. If you desire to see Christ, you must grow in conformity to him. Bring yourself, by the power of the Spirit, into union with Christ's desires, and motives, and plans of action, and you are likely to be favoured with his company. Remember his presence may be had. His promise is as true as ever. He delights to be with us. If he doth not come, it is because we hinder him by our indifference. He will reveal himself to our earnest prayers, and graciously suffer himself to be detained by our entreaties, and by our tears, for these are the golden chains which bind Jesus to his people."

The USAF Band Holiday Flash Mob at the National Air and Space Museum 2013

One of my favorite verses ...

“For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”   Romans 5:17

-- From the King James Bible Online.

The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center at Christmas

The parade of leftist intolerance at this time of year, especially this year, it seems, is astonishing. It would almost be humorous if it weren't so serious. The latest in the continuing saga is brought to us by the good folks that run the Charlie Norwood Veterans Administration Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. They're having such a merry Christmas, they couldn't stand for a group of high school students to sing traditional Christmas hymns to the vets.

Read the story ...

Handel's Messiah in King James English (Thank God!)

Perhaps you've never considered it, but the lyrics of Georg Friedrich Handel's Messiah are taken entirely from the King James Version of the Bible. Also known as the Authorized Version, the KJV dates to AD 1611. Handel composed his Messiah in 1741. Can you imagine what a travesty it would be if someone attempted to re-create this, Handel's masterpiece substituting the words and phraseology of one of the modern versions? Can you imagine the Messiah set to the New International Version?

Neither can I.

Enjoy!

And Merry Christmas!