“But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to
sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and
his mattock.”
— 1 Samuel 13:20

We are engaged in a great war with the Philistines of evil. Every
weapon within our reach must be used. Preaching, teaching, praying,
giving, all must be brought into action, and talents which have been
thought too mean for service, must now be employed. Coulter, and axe,
and mattock, may all be useful in slaying Philistines; rough tools may
deal hard blows, and killing need not be elegantly done, so long as it
is done effectually. Each moment of time, in season or out of season;
each fragment of ability, educated or untutored; each opportunity,
favourable or unfavourable, must be used, for our foes are many and our
force but slender.

Most of our tools want sharpening; we need quickness of perception,
tact, energy, promptness, in a word, complete adaptation for the Lord’s
work. Practical common sense is a very scarce thing among the
conductors of Christian enterprises. We might learn from our enemies if
we would, and so make the Philistines sharpen our weapons. This morning
let us note enough to sharpen our zeal during this day by the aid of
the Holy Spirit. See the energy of the Papists, how they compass sea
and land to make one proselyte, are they to monopolize all the
earnestness? Mark the heathen devotees, what tortures they endure in
the service of their idols! are they alone to exhibit patience and
self-sacrifice? Observe the prince of darkness, how persevering in his
endeavours, how unabashed in his attempts, how daring in his plans, how
thoughtful in his plots, how energetic in all! The devils are united as
one man in their infamous rebellion, while we believers in Jesus are
divided in our service of God, and scarcely ever work with unanimity. O
that from Satan’s infernal industry we may learn to go about like good
Samaritans, seeking whom we may bless!

On this day...

• Mathew 5 - 2013
• Brought together in Marriage - 2011
• Saints - 2011
• World - 2011
• VISION BY PERSONAL CHARACTER - 2009
• Luke 3:4 - 2008
• Neighbourhood Transformation: What makes a healthy Neighbourhood? - 2008
• Networking - 2008
• Romans 8:23 - 2007
• Hosea 7:8 - 2007