Recognize the Sovereignty of God: Acknowledge that God is in control of every aspect of your life, including your trials and tribulations. Nothing happens by chance; everything is part of His divine plan. Trust in His wisdom and sovereignty, knowing that He has a purpose for your suffering (Eccl 7:13).
To begin with the first, the furniture which everyone must acquire to fight Christ's battles is 'armour.' The question here will be, what is this armour?
In this profound declaration, our Lord Jesus Christ unveils the sublime mystery of divine election and the invincible efficacy of God's grace in the salvation of sinners. "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." Herein, we are invited to contemplate the eternal counsel of God, by which He has chosen a people for Himself and entrusted them to the care of His beloved Son.
by Peter Martyr Vermigli
Wherefore, if it be demanded whether it is lawful for a man to delight in the miserable state of an enemy: first, I answer this in general, that for his ruin into sin, not only should we not rejoice, but we ought earnestly to lament. As touching adversity, some doubt there may be. Solomon saith in the Proverbs, the 24th chapter: "Rejoice not thou at the fall of thine enemy, and let not thy heart be glad when he stumbleth, lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he take away his wrath from him."
by Anthony Burgess
Demonstrating That God in Converting and Changing a Sinner Works in an Omnipotent, Efficacious, and Irresistible Manner Against the Patrons of Free Will and the Power of Man to Supernatural Things
A new heart also will I give you, and will take away the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. EZEK. 36.26.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." — Ephesians 6:10
As we arise this morning, let us fix our hearts upon the strength that comes from our Lord. The apostle Paul, in his wisdom, calls us to courage, not by our own might but by the power of the Lord. He knew well that a heart burdened with fear and apprehension is not fit for the battles that lay ahead. Just as an army that has been scattered by a sudden alarm finds it difficult to regroup, so does a soul gripped by fear struggle to stand firm.
by John Calvin
For this cause, I also, having heard of the faith which you have in Jesus Christ, and of the love which you have towards all the Saints,
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, should give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, to have knowledge of Him.
The story of Josiah is a compelling narrative of revival and reform found in the Bible, primarily in 2 Kings 22–23 and 2 Chronicles 34–35. Josiah became king of Judah at the young age of eight after his father, Amon, was assassinated. The spiritual climate of Judah during Josiah's ascension to the throne was characterized by widespread idolatry and ungodliness, largely due to the influences of his father and grandfather, Manasseh, who had introduced and encouraged pagan worship practices.
“If we have any humanity in us, seeing men going to perdition, …ought we not be moved by pity, to rescue the poor souls from hell, and teach them the way of salvation? (from sermon 196 on Deut. 33:18-19; taken from Ref 21 article)
…nothing could be more inconsistent with the nature of faith than that deadness which would lead a man to disregard his brethren, and to keep the light of knowledge choked up within his own breast. (from commentary on Is. 2:3; taken from Ref 21 article)
by Jeremiah Burroughs
The First Direction
Firstly, in order to be disengaged from earthly things, be watchful over your thoughts. Do not allow your mind to wander too far into worldly matters. Spend as much time as you can in meditation on spiritual things. Many people think it is okay to let their thoughts roam free, as the things they think about are not necessarily sinful. However, thoughts can easily lead to a wandering heart, so it is important to keep a close eye on your thoughts and make sure they align with what is written in Scripture.
