Jeremiah 31:19-20

POOR, fickle, backsliding Ephraim, is thus called by our infinitely gracious God. Adopted by grace into the heavenly family, taught by the Spirit, and united to Jesus, God views us through Him; and having predestinated us to be conformed to the image of His Son, He views things which are but purposed as accomplished, and we are comely through the comeliness He has put upon us. His love to us is wonderful; He says, "He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of His eye." He rejoices to do us...

Stephen had been brought up on the mission field. He professed faith in Christ at an early age and had been the means of leading several to the Lord. When he first came back to the States to attend college, he maintained a good testimony. But then he began to drift. Coldness set in. He compromised with sin. Soon he began to dabble in Eastern religions.

When his parents came home on furlough, they were heartsick. They pled, reasoned, and entreated, but he was adamant. Finally they went...

Written according to the analogy of the English language, this would be, "Is not Ephraim my dear son? Is he not a pleasant child?" The sins of the ten tribes, represented by Ephraim, had required of the Lord to withhold from them the expressions of his kindness, and to give them into the hands of their enemies that they might have a taste of the great difference between the service of an earthly master and that of their heavenly master. But as a king whose son has transgressed the laws of...

Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished.O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand. Do not be furious, O Lord, nor remember iniquity forever; indeed, please look—we all are Your people! § You have chastised me, and I was chastised, like an untrained bull; restore me, and I will return, for You are the Lord my God. Surely, after my turning, I repented; and after I...