April 2, 2015

Cross-Purposes

C.H. Spurgeon has long been a cherished pastor to our hearts.
He comes to us via sermons recorded in books as well as in his 
devotional writings, mainly, Morning and Evening.

Recently, the following excerpt from this devotional book brought me to tears.
It is has been a precious thing to ponder and wrap my heart and head around.
Perhaps it will be a source of encouragement to any who may be 
wrestling through these things as well?  How good it is to fill our minds with truth.


** "...death smites the goodliest of our friends; the most generous, the most prayerful,
the most holy, the most devoted must die.  And why? 
It is through Jesus' prevailing prayer -- 'Father, I will that they also, 
whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.'
It is that which bears them on eagle's wings to heaven.

Every time a believer mounts from this earth to paradise,
it is an answer to Christ's prayer."


"A good old divine remarks, " 'Many times Jesus and His people
pull against one another in prayer.  You bend your knee in prayer and say, 
'Father, I will that Thy saints be with me where I am;'
Christ says, 'Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, 
be with Me where I am.' " 

Thus the disciple is at cross-purposes
with his Lord.  The soul cannot be in both places:
the beloved one cannot be with Christ and with you too."


"Now, which pleader shall win the day?
If you had your choice; if the King should step from His throne,
and say, 'Here are two supplicants praying in opposition to one another,
which shall be answered?'  Oh!  I am sure, though it were agony,
you would start from your feet, and say, 'Jesus, not my will, but Thine be done.'

You would give up your prayer for your loved one's life,
if you could realise the thought that Christ is praying in the opposite direction --
'Father, I will that they also, whom Thou has given Me, be with Me where I am.'

Lord, Thou shalt have them.
By faith we let them go." **


May the Lord truly give the grace to submit to His perfect and loving
plan for His people as He gently leads each one Home.
May He help those of us still on this earthly journey to remain
faithful and follow Him wherever He leads with joyful hearts.

At the end of it all, eternity is all that really matters.
May we be found living out the reality of this truth day by day.
By His grace and in His strength.  For His glory alone.

With Love, Camille


**Quoted from Spurgeon's Morning and Evening
March 22  ~ Evening reading.

10 comments:

Debbie Harris said...

Oh Camille, you were so right when you shared with me of what this post was going to reveal.
You, through Spurgeon, have blessed my heart and soul this morning with those words of encouragement.
God knew that I needed those comforting words as I continue down the path with loving care for the needs of my parents.
Praise the Lord for His abundant love, grace and mercy in our lives.

Thank you for sharing this with us, may you be blessed, my friend.

Joy!
Debbie

Sharon said...

Dear Camille,

This is such an excellent and encouraging post! The Lord has used you in such tremendous ways to encourage all who you share with. Thank you for being such a faithful servant to Christ and sharing along the way. I love you!

Sharon

Patty said...

May our hearts be encouraged with this truth - that Christ wants us with Him. What a precious thought to think upon. Have a wonderful day!

Charis said...

beautiful truths! thank you for sharing!

Camille said...

Dear Debbie ~ May the Lord continue to give you His great grace as you follow Him in this matter. May He give the doctors wisdom as they treat your Dad. And, may you all know the Lord's peace and comfort in the coming days. Hugs! :)

Dear Sharon ~ How lovely it is to hear from you my friend! I sent you an email...we must catch up. Love to you! :)

Dear Patty ~ Isn't that the most amazing thing??!! Yes, the Lord wants His people with Him!! What a precious thought. Hugs! :)

Dear Charis ~ Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words of encouragement. Hugs to you! :)

With Love,
Camille

Jill said...

Absolutely beautiful post! Have a blessed day

Jill

Pam said...

A lovely post Camille, and such comforting reminder, that He wants to be with us. I know that when we all enter into His heavenly Kingdom, we will not remember the pain, the sorrow and the waiting that seemed so long. I am so thankful for His grace, His strength and His love. Have a wonderful week.
Much Love and Blessings,
Pam

Camille said...

Dear Jill ~ Thank you my friend. May you have a lovely day as well! Hugs. :)

Dear Pam ~ What a thought! How precious our Saviour is and how wonderful the Hope we have because of Him! What a day it will be when He gathers all His people together to be forever with Him. Hugs to you. :)

With love,
Camille

Heather said...

Oh wow. Just wrote about death and illness yesterday and now I'm reading this. What a response to sorrow. Wow. Pondering this and hiding it in my heart today. XO

Camille said...

Dear Heather ~ Isn't it an amazing thing to ponder and hide in our hearts? How gracious our Great God is to us! SO sorry for all the troubles and trials your family is facing right now. I am praying for you all today. With love, Camille