march 31

From J. C. Philpot's Daily Portions    ......   March 31

"For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."-–2
Corinthians
5:21

Our blessed Lord offered himself for sin; that is, that
he might put away sin by the sacrifice of himself--"Who his own self
bore
our sins in his own body on the tree" (1 Pet. 2:24). It was
absolutely
necessary either that the sinner should suffer in his own person, or
in that
of a substitute. Jesus became this substitute; he stood virtually in
the
sinner's place, and endured in his holy body and soul the punishment
due to
him; for he "was numbered with the transgressors." He thus, by the
shedding
of his most precious blood, opened in his sacred body a fountain for
all sin
and all uncleanness (Zech. 13:1).

The cross was the place on which this sacrifice was
offered; for as the blood of the slain lamb was poured out at the
foot of
the altar, sprinkled upon its horns, and burned in its ever-enduring
fire,
so our blessed Lord shed his blood upon the cross. He there endured
the
wrath of God to the uttermost; he there put away sin by the
sacrifice of
himself; he there offered his holy soul and body, the whole of his
pure and
sacred humanity, in union with his eternal Deity, as an expiation
for the
sins of his people.

Thus all their sin was atoned for, expiated, put away,
blotted out, and will never more be imputed to them. This is the
grand
mystery of redeeming love and atoning blood. Here the cross shines
forth in
all its splendor; here God and man meet at the sacrifice of the
God-man; and
here, amid the sufferings and sorrows, the groans and tears, the
blood and
obedience of God's dear Son in our nature, grace reigns through
righteousness unto eternal life.

march 23

The Believer's Daily Remembrance-
Pastor James Smith (1802-1862): “Where is your faith?” - Luke 8:25
(March 23: MORNING)

The disciples were in a storm, surrounded by danger, and filled with
fear; they apply to Jesus. This was right. They doubt His care, question
His love, and cry, “We perish.” This was wrong. Jesus demands, “Where
is your faith?” May He not put the same question to us? We have His
Word, but do we heartily believe it? We speak of His love, but do we
confidently trust it? We read of His care, but do we see our safety in
it? We often seem to believe anyone sooner than Jesus; to trust any word
more than His Word; and therefore we are cast down, fearful and
distressed. Let us this day endeavour to fix our faith steadily upon His
precious Word. Let us believe in His particular providence. Let us
commune with Him as our firm and faithful Friend. He says, “Let not your
heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.” He is worthy
of credit. He cannot deceive. He deserves our confidence. He will not
neglect. He encourages our hope, and promises, “If ye shall ask any
thing in My Name, I will do it.” Do you believe this? Do you believe it
when you pray? If not, “Where is your faith?”

O, how wavering is my mind,
Tossed about with every wind;
O, how quickly doth my heart
From the living God depart;
O my God, Thy grace impart,
To fix and bind my wandering heart.

March 21

It has been an interesting sunday for me! I was supposed to be away but do to complications in travel plans we stayed here for Spring Break with the kids instead of going to their grandparents which would of given me Sunday off , which I kept so not being one to stay in bed I  went for breakfast at McDonald's.
Its good as a pastor to see  what people are up to on Sunday mornings and count the cars in other church parking lots.
The people from early mass were gathering at McDonald's it was interesting  to over hear their conversations on church.

Any ways I have a couple of books on the go.
First... The Reason for God by T.Keller
Secondly... The China Study.

Later

March 19

I have not posted in a while - we've been wrapped up in our sons life dealing with his three concussions .

Later