The Believer's Daily Remembrancer
by James Smith
October 1
Who is on the Lord's side? - Exodus 32:26
Every believer is ready to answer,"I am." Well, the Lord has a cause upon the earth; it is weak, and
wants your support; it is opposed, and needs your countenance.
If you are on the Lord's side, you are on the side of truth, holiness, charity, of His worship and ordinances,
of His people and His ways, and you are jealous of His honour. You unite with His people, go forth to Jesus without
the camp, bearing His reproach. If you are on the Lord's side, He will spare you as obedient children; supply you
as faithful servants; protect you as loyal subjects; and honour you as brave and courageous soldiers.
You will never see any just occasion to change sides; or regret that you decided to serve so good a Master. You
will find the Lord to be on your side, supporting you in affliction; comforting you in trouble; giving you victory
in death; and pronouncing you just in the judgment. If you are on the Lord's side, avow it openly; prove it daily;
and let your whole conduct say, "I AM THE LORD'S." Use all your influence for His cause, and rejoice
to suffer for His name.
Shall I, for fear of feeble man,
The Spirit's course in me restrain
Awed by a mortal's frown, shall I
Conceal the word of God most high
How then before Thee shall I dare
To stand, or how Thine anger bear
October 2
Thou shalt be a blessing. - Genesis 12:2
We were by nature cursed of God, and a curse to others; but a God of love interferes for us, pours out His blessing
upon us, and makes us a blessing.
He gives grace to form the character; gifts to fit for usefulness; wisdom to choose the course; strength to do
His will; supplies to complete the design; faith to trust His word; patience to persevere and wait His time; and
success to crown our efforts. The result of His thus blessing us is, we are a blessing to others; to sinners and
to saints.
We are a blessing by the spirit we breathe, if it is meek, gentle, and lovely; by the example we set, if it is
an imitation of Jesus; by our prayers for the good of souls and the glory of God; and by our efforts to spread
abroad the knowledge of the truth in every place. What a blessing to be the means of the conversion of but one
soul! To be used to instruct the ignorant, to strengthen the weak, or to comfort the desponding or distressed.
O Jesus! make us a blessing. Thy grace is sufficient; fulfil to us Thy promise to Abraham. Beloved, let us look
to Him, depend upon Him, act for Him, give praise daily unto Him , and WE SHALL BE A BLESSING.
Lord, make me faithful unto death,
Thy witness with my latest breath,
To tell the glories of the Lamb,
Him whom I serve, and whose I am;
On whom for strength I daily lean,
Whose strength is in my weakness seen.
October 3
I will do you no hurt. - Jeremiah 25:6
How is it possible that a God of love, who is full of compassion, plenteous in mercy, ready to forgive, waiting
to be gracious, should do His children hurt? It cannot be. His dealings may cause us pain, but nothing shall by
any means harm us.
We ought rather to argue with Paul, "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how
shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" He sent His ancient people as captives to Babylon,
but it was for their good; He allowed His children to be cast into the fiery furnace, into the lion's den, to be
driven out to wander in sheep-skins and goat-skins, but He did not allow them to be hurt; all was sanctified to
them, and the curse was turned into a blessing.
If He scourge us with one hand, He will support us with the other, and at last we shall come up before His throne,
out of great tribulation, having washed our robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Not one who has
arrived safe in heaven will say that his God allowed him to be hurt, notwithstanding the trials endured by the
way. Nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Lord, I would my all resign,
Gladly lose my will in Thine,
Careless be of things below,
Thee alone content to know;
Simple, innocent, and free,
Seeking all my bliss in Thee.
October 4
Only acknowledge thine iniquity. - Jeremiah 3:13
Will the Lord receive us when we have backslidden from Him, and are desirous of returning to Him? Oh, yes, He invites,
He exhorts, He beseeches us to return. Nor does He prescribe any hard conditions, but He says, "ONLY ACKNOWLEDGE
THINE INIQUITY."
He is so ready to forgive, so infinitely gracious in His nature , that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and
just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Have we wandered? Have we left our first
love? Let us go and return to our first husband, for then it was better with us than now. His bowels yearn over
us, His arms are open to receive us, and He waits to fall upon our neck and kiss us.
Let us go to His throne, and there confess our sins, crave His pardon, sigh for the enjoyment of His love, and
He will restore unto us the joys of His salvation, and establish us with His free Spirit. Let us daily confess
our iniquities unto the Lord, and He will pardon our numerous sins. In His favour is life. In His frown is distress
and woe. He delighteth in mercy. He will receive, pardon us, and bless like a God. His mercy endureth for ever.
This glorious news dispels my fears,
Makes glad my heart, wipes off my tears,
Displays the riches of His grace,
Inflames my love, and claims my praise,
A pardon'd sinner lives to prove
The height and depth of Jesus's love.
October 5
The righteousness which is of God by faith. - Philippians 3:9
The righteousness here intended is that which God requires in His law; provided by the life and death of His Son;
presents to sinners in the everlasting gospel; imputes to every believer, of richest grace; accepts when pleaded
at the throne of His grace; and honours with a title to eternal life.
This righteousness is by faith; it is the office of faith to receive it; plead it; trust it; rejoice in it; embolden
the soul through it: and clothe the soul in it; it is not offered to anything but faith, nor can it be received,
and enjoyed in any other way.
Every unbeliever and self-righteous person rejects it, but every man who is taught of God feels that he needs it;
discovers the beauty, glory, and value of it; applies for it with ardent desire and earnest longing; embraces it
as one of God's greatest favours; enjoys it as a rich and durable treasure; and dies confidently expecting to be
accepted in it and admitted to glory through it.
Oh, may we be found in Jesus, not having on our own righteousness, which is of the law, but THE RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH
IS OF GOD BY FAITH! And while we pant for holiness with every breath, and aim at it in every action, may each of
us devoutly say -
And even when I feel Thy grace,
And sin seems most subdued,
I'll wrap me in Thy righteousness,
And plunge me in Thy blood.
October 6
He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father. - John 14:21
Do we love Jesus? Are we cultivating an acquaintance with Him?
If we love Him, we desire to know Him more fully; to serve Him more cheerfully; and to enjoy Him continually.
If we love Jesus, we are willing to part with all things for Him, to renounce whatever He forbids, and pursue whatsoever
He commands. If we love Him, we want to love Him more; and to be always with Him. If we love Him, He assures us
His Father will love us; for He so delights in His beloved Son, that He visits, revives, and blesses every soul
that loves Jesus.
If God loves us, what good thing will He withhold from us? Will He suffer any one to hurt us? Oh, no! He will manifest
Himself to us. He will appear for us. He will glorify Himself in us. He will be to us all a God can be, and do
for us far above our expectations and hopes. To be the object of the love of God is to enjoy the highest honour,
and to possess a title to the greatest happiness which it is possible for rational creatures to enjoy.
Let us therefore ascertain beyond a doubt, that we love Jesus, ardently, sincerely.
To His meritorious passion
All our happiness we owe;
Pardon, uttermost salvation,
Heaven above and heaven below:
Grace and glory
From that open fountain flow.
October 7
We will remember Thy love. - Song 1:4
What subject is so sweet as the love of Jesus? The goodwill of His heart towards us, which He fixed on us sovereignly,
immutably, and eternally.
Let us remember this love of Jesus, for it is sufficient to fill us with joy, peace, and love. Oh, how it condescended
to look upon us, come and die for us, and now to dwell with us! What benevolence it has and does display, giving
everything that is necessary for life and godliness.
How it dignifies its objects, raising them to glory, honour, immortality, and eternal life. Let us remember His
love; to comfort our hearts amid changing friendships; to encourage our souls in seasons of darkness; to produce
confidence in times of trial; to inspire with fortitude in times of danger; to beget patience when burdened and
oppressed; to reconcile the mind under bereaving dispensations; and to produce zeal and devotedness in the Lord's
cause and service. Oh, love of Jesus! be Thou my daily subject and constant theme!
Beloved, let us remember His love, if we forget everything beside; there is nothing so sweet, so valuable, so excellent
as this!
God only knows the love of God;
Oh, that it now were shed abroad
In this poor stony heart!
Give me to know this love divine,
This heavenly portion, Lord, be mine;
Be mine this better part!
October 8
The poor committeth himself to Thee. - Psalm 10:14
Those who appear the most friendless, have the best and truest Friend. The Lord's people are poor, but they are
not friendless nor forsaken. They have Jehovah for their God, Jesus for their Saviour, and the Holy Spirit for
their Comforter and Guide. They know God, and commit themselves and their all to Him.
But how do they commit themselves to Him? As the debtor does to his Surety. As a sick man does to his Physician.
As the client does to his Lawyer or Advocate. As the needy does to his rich and generous Friend. As a sinner to
the Saviour. As the loving bride to her beloved Bridegroom.
But why do they commit themselves unto Him? They commit themselves to His grace, to be saved by it; to His power,
to be kept by it; to His providence, to be fed by it; to His word, to be ruled by it; to His care, to be preserved
by it; and to His arms at death, to be safely landed in glory. This flows from grace, and produces peace, safety,
satisfaction, and success.
Let us, beloved, commit ourselves to the Lord daily, heartily, deliberately, and unreservedly.
My soul shall cry to Thee, O Lord,
To Thee, supreme, incarnate Word,
My rock and fortress, shield and Friend,
Creator, Saviour, source, and end;
And Thou wilt bear Thy servant's prayer,
Though death and darkness speak despair.
October 9
I will look unto the Lord. - Micah 7:7
Looking to creatures always ends in disappointment; therefore it is forbidden by Him who loves us best, and consults
our best interests at all times.
The prophet had been weaned from this, by many and sore trials; and now he determines to look unto the Lord. Let
us imitate his example. We cannot do better than look to the Lord, as our Captain, to command; as our Master, to
direct; as our Father, to provide; and as our God, to defend.
His name is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe. Looking to Jesus, will preserve us from a thousand
snares; and prepare us to suffer as Christians and triumph as conquerors.
The eyes of the Lord are always upon us; may our eyes be ever towards the Lord.
Let us look to Him for all we need; from all we fear; through all that obstructs our progress; and so press on
towards the mark for the prize of the high calling, which is of God in Christ Jesus.
He says, "Look unto me and be ye saved." It is recorded, "They looked upon Him and were lightened,
and their faces were not ashamed." Jesus is the same, yesterday, to-day, and for ever.
Lord, shine on my benighted heart,
With beams of mercy shine;
And let Thy Spirit's voice impart
A taste of joys divine:
To Thee I look, to Thee I cry,
Oh, bring Thy sweet salvation nigh.
October 10
Keep yourselves in the love of God. - Jude 21
The love of God to His people is free, unspeakably great, and eternal; our love to God is dependant on His love
to us as its source, on faith and fellowship with Him as its fuel; therefore we are exhorted to keep ourselves
in the love of God.
This implies that we are beloved of God, and that we know it, and love Him in return. That we should endeavour
to retain our standing, and keep ourselves sensibly in the love of God, by setting it always before our minds;
exercising our faith on it; and seeking the enjoyment of it by prayer and in the Lord's ways.
We should keep ourselves in the exercise of love to God, by avoiding temptations, walking by faith, and living
as in His presence. We should keep ourselves in the exercise of love one to another, by exhortation, forbearance,
and example. We should preserve ourselves by the love of God from the temptations of Satan, the snares of the world,
and the lusts of the flesh.
Beloved, consider how the love of God aggravates our sins; how it should fire us with courage to oppose everything
that is unholy or forbidden.
O love divine, how sweet Thou art!
When shall I end my longing heart
All taken up by Thee?
Grant me, O gracious Lord, to prove
The sweetness of redeeming love,
The love of Christ to me.
October 11
Be sure your sin will find you out. - Numbers 32:23
Sin cannot be concealed; it meets the eye and affects the heart of God; and unless we find it out, confess it with
sorrow, and forsake it with disgust, it will find us out, and expose us to the rod of God, and the contempt of
godly men.
It found Achan out, and proved his ruin; it found Noah out, and covered him with disgrace; and it found David out,
so that the sword never departed from his house. God cannot be reconciled to sin, nor should we be. However secret
the sin, God is a witness; and He will bring it to light. "He that covereth his sin shall not prosper; but
he that confesseth and forsaketh his sins, shall find mercy."
Let us be careful that we give sin no quarter, or vainly fancy that because God loves us He will not expose us;
He assures us our sin will find us out. Oh, to hate sin as God hates it, to loathe it as Jesus loathed it, and
to become dead to it, and be entirely delivered from it!
It is the source of all our miseries, the cause of all our pains, and the occasion of all our troubles. It cannot
be hid, it will find us out, and sorely wound us.
O God, our sins have found us out,
And melted us with grief!
Before Thy throne ourselves we cast,
And supplicate relief:
To Jesus' feet we now repair,
And seek, and find salvation there.
October 12
Return, ye backsliding children. - Jeremiah 3:22
We are prone to wander, and are daily going astray; our God may justly cast us off, but He lovingly invites us
to return. He bids us take words and come to Him, and gives us every encouragement to hasten to His feet. We are
children, though backsliding; and it is our Father who bids us return.
Beloved, let us return to our God this morning, let us confess our sin, deplore our folly, crave His pardon, plead
His word, hope in His mercy, and expect the token of reconciliation and love. What an unspeakable mercy to have
such a Father! So ready to forgive! So willing to receive! So desirous that we should be happy and blest!
His love is wonderful, His forbearance beyond description. See His arms extended; hear His word inviting; and hasten
to be blest. Do not dwell on your miseries, or your wretchedness; they are the effects of your backsliding: but
He says, "I will heal your backslidings." "Come, and let us return unto the Lord; for He hath torn,
and will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up." His heart is grieved for us, His word invites
us, and His love will make us happy.
Father of mercies, God of love!
Oh! hear a humble suppliant's cry!
Bend from Thy lofty seat above,
Thy throne of glorious majesty;
Oh, deign to listen to my voice,
And bid this drooping heart rejoice.
October 13
I will restore health unto thee. - Jeremiah 30:17
Jesus is a skilful Physician. He heals all the falls, bruises, and dislocations of His people. He brings health
to the heart.
Believer, is thy heart hard, wandering, unbelieving , or wounded? Jesus can heal it, and to you He says, "Come
and be healed." He restores the fainting, the dying and the dead. He is the perfect master of every disease.
His terms are "No money: no price!"
But He will have an absolute surrender to Him: you must refuse all other medicines; take all He prescribes, bitter
or sweet. Touch - Trust - and be happy. Jesus is JEHOVAH ROPHI, therefore look for health to no other. Lodge in
His neighbourhood. Consult Him daily. Lay open your whole case to Him. Never despond until His nature changes,
His skill fails, or His advertisement is withdrawn from the book of God.
Be grateful for healing, and show your gratitude by endeavouring to send others to Him. Recommend this gracious
Physician. Trust Him and remember His question, "Were there not ten cleansed, but where are the nine? They
are not found that return to give glory to God, save this stranger." Beloved, come to Jesus and be healed;
and be sure you render again according to the mercy shown you.
Saviour, I wait Thy healing hand!
Diseases fly at Thy command;
Now let Thy sovereign touch impart,
Life, health, and vigour to my heart.
October 14
And He marvelled because of their unbelief. - Mark 6:6
Unbelief is represented as filling Jesus with surprise; and is it any wonder, especially our unbelief? Consider
what God hath done to remove doubt. He hath sent His character, "God is love."
He hath made a proclamation, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.' He hath
given an invitation, "Look unto me, and be ye saved." He hath employed entreaty, "As though God
did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
He hath issued a command, "This is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ."
He hath sworn an oath, "That by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have
strong consolation." He hath given His Son as a pledge, to assure us that "whosoever believeth on Him
shall never perish, but have eternal life." He hath added the testimony of all His saints.
Well then may He marvel at our unbelief. Never let us attempt to excuse it, but let us plead and pray against it,
until we conquer it.
O Lord, fulfil in me Thy word,
Now let me feel Thy pardoning blood,
Let what I ask be given;
The bar of unbelief remove,
Open the door of faith and love,
And take me into heaven.
October 15
The Lord shall be thy confidence. - Proverbs 3:26
Our happiness consists in knowing God and believing Him; if we know His true character, we can believe His precious
word; and if we believe His holy word, we enjoy peace and sacred satisfaction.
He presents Himself in His word, as able and willing to make us holy, happy, and honourable.
To Him we may communicate all that troubles us, from Him we may receive all that our circumstances require, with
Him we may walk and enjoy peace. We may be confident in God, for He has power, love, and faithfulness; He has spoken
to us, will appear for us, and will never turn away from us; but will rejoice over us to do us good, with His whole
heart and with His whole soul.
Let us make Him our confidence, by believing His word, frequenting His throne, and seeking His glory in all things.
Are you troubled, fearful, and cast down? Acquaint now thyself with Him and be at peace, thereby shall good come
unto thee. They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
Thou, Lord, on whom I still depend,
Wilt keep me faithful to the end:
I trust Thy truth, and love and power,
Shall save me to the latest hour;
And when I lay this body down,
Bestow a bright immortal crown.
October 16
My strength is made perfect in weakness. - 2 Corinthians 12:9
The more the believer feels his weakness, the more should he expect his Saviour to appear for and strengthen him.
The strength of Jesus is imparted, enjoyed, and displayed in our sorest trials and most distressing seasons.
Never was Abraham so strong, as when offering up his beloved Isaac upon the mount; never were the martyrs so courageous,
as when in prison they felt their entire weakness, cried to Jesus for strength; and depending on His faithfulness
and love, left all and went to the stake. Then they could exclaim, "None but Christ. None but Christ."
"Farewell life, welcome the cross of Christ."
Beloved, let us walk by faith, not by feeling; when we feel weakest, the strength of Jesus is nearest, and He magnifies
His mercy by giving power to the faint, and increasing the strength of the weak.
Let us depend on Him, for we can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth us. He is our strength, a very
present help in trouble. The Lord is our strength and song, He also is become our salvation.
Saviour, on earth, I covet not,
That every woe should cease;
Only if trouble be my lot,
In Thee let me have peace.
Thy grace and strength display in me,
Till I arrive at perfect day.
October 17
I will look unto the Lord. - Micah 7:7
Looking to creatures always ends in disappointment; therefore it is forbidden by Him who loves us best, and consults
our best interests at all times.
The prophet had been weaned from this, by many and sore trials; and now he determines to look unto the Lord. Let
us imitate his example. We cannot do better than look to the Lord, as our Captain, to command; as our Master, to
direct; as our Father, to provide; and as our God, to defend.
His name is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe. Looking to Jesus, will preserve us from a thousand
snares; and prepare us to suffer as Christians and triumph as conquerors.
The eyes of the Lord are always upon us; may our eyes be ever towards the Lord.
Let us look to Him for all we need; from all we fear; through all that obstructs our progress; and so press on
towards the mark for the prize of the high calling, which is of God in Christ Jesus.
He says, "Look unto me and be ye saved." It is recorded, "They looked upon Him and were lightened,
and their faces were not ashamed." Jesus is the same, yesterday, to-day, and for ever.
Lord, shine on my benighted heart,
With beams of mercy shine;
And let Thy Spirit's voice impart
A taste of joys divine:
To Thee I look, to Thee I cry,
Oh, bring Thy sweet salvation nigh.
October 18
I will call upon Thee, for Thou wilt answer me. - Psalm 86:7
Such was David's purpose, and such his assurance; and we have the same warrant for confidence as he had. Our God
will answer prayer.
Let us inquire what is necessary, in order to the assurance that our God will answer us. We must really mean what
we say when we pray. We must pray for a definite object. We must pray in accordance with the will of God, as revealed
in His promises and precepts.
We must pray in submission to the will of God, as to the time when, and the means by which He will answer us. We
must heartily desire what we pray for. Our motives must be pure, as that God may be glorified, sin subdued, and
Jesus exalted. We must pray with importunity and perseverance. We must offer all our prayers in the name of Jesus,
and expect them to be accepted and honoured only for His sake.
There must be no sin indulged; for if we indulge iniquity in our hearts, God will not hear our prayer. We must
pray in faith, believing that God is, and that He is the rewarder of all them who diligently seek Him.
Lord, on me Thy Spirit pour,
Turn the stony heart to flesh:
And begin from this good hour,
To revive Thy work afresh:
Lord, revive me!
All my help must come from Thee.
October 19
Behold, thy salvation cometh. - Isaiah 62:11
The Lord's people may be now sorely tried and often cast down; but the present is the worst state they will ever
be in; they are hastening to the day of God, which is to them the day of deliverance.
Their salvation is on the road; they will soon be freed from all disease, from which they now suffer; from all
sin, under which they now groan; from all foes, of whom they are now afraid; and from all cares and troubles, with
which they are now burdened.
Beloved, why are you so fearful, and why do desponding thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold, your salvation cometh;
behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He will free you from all that pains you, and raise you
above all you fear. The time of deliverance is at hand, the year of release is near; the trumpet of the Jubilee
will soon be heard; our Saviour will arrive to lead us to our Father's house, to the mansions which He hath prepared
for us, and so shall we be ever with the Lord.
Comfort one another with these words, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet Him!"
Jesus beckons from on high;
Fearless to His presence fly;
Thine the merits of His blood,
Thine the righteousness of God!
Go, His triumphs to adorn,
Made for God, to God return!
October 20
Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel. - Psalm 73:24
This supposes a knowledge of the Lord as infinitely gracious; inflexibly just; inconceivably wise; and immutably
faithful: except we know Him we cannot trust Him.
But here is an entire surrender to Him, to be led where He pleases; as He chooses; and by whom He will. This surrender
is becoming, prudent, gainful; for godliness with such contentment is great gain. Such a surrender is the effect
of faith in the Lord's promise, gracious presence, and covenant character; it exhibits expectation from the Lord.
Whom the Lord guides He protects; He preserves; He supplies; and receives. He receives them now at the throne of
grace, to be His charge and His care; and He will receive them at the throne of His glory, and introduce them to
holiness, happiness, and honour.
Beloved, have you thus surrendered? Are you daily surrendering? Can you say to your gracious God, "Thou shalt
guide me with Thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory?" If so, happy are ye; the Spirit of glory and
of God will rest upon you.
Thy word, O Lord, is light and food,
The law of truth, and source of good.
Oh, let it richly dwell within,
To keep me from the snares of sin:
And guide me still to choose my way
That I no more may go astray.
October 21
After he had patiently endured he obtained the promise. - Hebrews 6:15
Abraham was long tried, but he was richly rewarded. The Lord tried him by delaying to fulfil His promise; Satan
tried him by temptations; men tried him by jealousy, distrust, and opposition; Hagar tried him by contemning her
mistress; and Sarah tried him by her peevishness.
But he patiently endured. He did not question God's veracity, nor limit His power, nor doubt His faithfulness,
nor grieve His love: but he bowed to divine sovereignty, submitted to infinite wisdom, and was silent under delays,
waiting the Lord's time.
And so, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
God's promises cannot fail of their accomplishment. Patient waiters cannot be disappointed. Believing expectations
shall be realized. Beloved, Abraham's conduct condemns a hasty spirit, reproves a murmuring one, commends a patient
one, and encourages quiet submission to God's will and way."
Remember, Abraham was tried; he patiently waited; he received the promise and was satisfied; imitate his example,
and you will share the same blessing.
All anxious cares I fain would leave,
And learn with sweet content to live
On what the Lord shall send;
Whate'er He sends, He sends in love,
And good or bad things blessings prove,
If blessed by this Friend.
October 22
We should walk in newness of life. - Romans 6:4
All who profess Christ are supposed to possess a new nature; they are brought under new obligations; and are expected
to keep new objects in view.
Being baptized into the death of Christ, and participating in His resurrection, they should walk as influenced
by new principles; the free grace, holy truth, and divine power of God, should lead them to newness of life. They
should walk by new rules, no longer following custom, or imitating the world; they should walk according to God's
word, the Saviour's golden rule, and bright example.
The love of God, gratitude to God, and zeal for His glory, should be the motives from which they act; while to
honour God, to enjoy His presence, to exalt Jesus, to benefit others, to prove the power and purity of their principles,
to justify their profession, and to evidence their faith and love, should be the ends they have constantly in view.
A new life is expected from new creatures; and without it our religion is vain, and our profession a falsehood.
Beloved, do we walk in newness of life?
Jesus, my life! Thyself apply,
Thy Holy Spirit breathe;
My vile affections crucify,
Conform me to Thy death,
Teach me to keep the heavenly path,
And conquer sin and hell by faith.
October 23
I am Jesus. - Acts 9:5
Immanuel presents Himself this morning, and tells us He is exactly suited to us, whatever may be our circumstances,
or feelings; He says, "I am Jesus."
Are you seeking the Lord? He is Jesus, the gracious, powerful, tender-hearted, ready and willing Saviour. Are you
tried, troubled, and cast down? He is Jesus, the constant, sympathizing, present, wise and unchangeable Friend.
Are you a returning backslider, filled with your own ways? He is Jesus, and He says, "I will receive you;
I will heal you; I will restore you; I will rejoice over you, as the shepherd over the sheep he had lost."
Beloved, Jesus is the Lord our God, our all in all; our God is Jesus the Saviour, merciful, kind, and tender; this
proclamation is cheering to the sinner, and delightful to the saint.
Let us remember, whoever may change, whatever may change, He is Jesus still; still touched with the feeling of
our infirmities; still able and willing to help us; still full of compassion and plenteous in mercy unto all them
that call upon Him; still ready to forgive, waiting to be gracious, full of pity, and pledged to receive us.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil;
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
October 24
In every thing give thanks. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Every thing we enjoy should be viewed as coming from the liberal hand of God : all was forfeited by sin; what we
receive is of grace.
The providence that supplies us, is the wisdom, benevolence, and power of God in operation for us, as expressive
of His infinite love and unmerited grace. Talents to provide supplies, opportunities to obtain, and ability to
enjoy, are alike from the Lord. Every mercy increases our obligation and deepens our debt.
Thanksgiving is the ordinance that God hath appointed, that we may express our gratitude, and acknowledge our obligation;
and our thanksgivings are acceptable and well-pleasing in His sight.
Thanksgiving is never out of season, for we have always much to be thankful for.
In everything we should give thanks, to that end view all things as arranged by His wisdom, pendant on His will,
sanctified by His blessing, according with His promises, and flowing from His love.
All our blessings come through Jesus, and all our praises must ascend through Him; for our Father only accepts
what is presented in the name of His beloved Son.
Praise Him who by His word
Supplies our every need,
And gives us Christ the Lord,
Our hungry souls to feed :
Thanks be to God for every good,
Eternal thanks for Jesus' blood.
October 25
Am I in God's stead. - Genesis 30:2
All our mercies are to be traced up to our God, and all our miseries to ourselves. We are constantly making ourselves
wretched, by departing from our God, or by putting creatures in His place.
We often put persons and things in God's stead in reference to our affections, loving them inordinately; in reference
to our dependence, trusting them instead of Him; in reference to our worship, idolizing them instead of adoring
Him; and in reference to our expectations, expecting them to relieve, comfort, or deliver instead of Him.
But insufficiency is written upon every created object. No creature can fill the place of Jehovah, take the richest
- the wisest - the kindest - the nearest relative or friend, and you must exclaim, "Vanity of vanities, all
is vanity." But Jehovah can fill the place of all; He can be instead of Father, Husband, Child, Wealth, Health,
yea, of all things.
Creatures may say, Am I in God's stead? If not, why look to me?
why depend on me? why expect from me? why grieve so to part with me? Am I in God's stead? If so, He will remove
me, or I shall disappoint you.
Heavenly Adam, life divine,
Change my nature into Thine :
Move and spread throughout my soul,
Actuate and fill the whole.
Now my fainting soul revive,
There for ever walk and live.
October 26
The Lord will give grace and glory. - Psalm 84:11
This is good news, for except the Lord give us grace we shall never be sanctified; and unless He gives us glory,
we shall never be glorified.
All must be the free gift of free grace. If anything good was required of us to entitle us, we must sit down in
despair; but now all is of divine bounty, we can hope; we need not be afraid.
The Lord has given grace to thousands. He has given grace to us; and He will give more grace; grace to fit for
duty, grace to support in trial, grace to sanctify the heart; and He will give glory, which is grace in perfection.
Brethren, let us endeavour to believe that our God is as kind, bountiful, and beneficent as His word declares.
Let us confess our sins before Him, seek grace from Him, and look to be glorified with Him. Our all is in God;
our all must come from God; and all the glory should be daily given to God. Whenever we want grace, let us ask
it of God; for He giveth liberally and upbraideth not.
Let us approach His throne this morning, and be this our prayer, "Lord, give us more grace. Give us grace
daily, grace to devote us to Thy service, and fill us with holy love."
Blest is our lot whate'er befall;
Who can affright, or who appall? -
Since on Thy strength, our rock, our all,
Jesus we cling to Thee.
October 27
Son, go work today in my vineyard.- Matthew 21:28
Some are God's sons only by creation; the Jews were so by national adoption; believers are so by regeneration.
They are born of God, and adopted by God.
Our God never intended that His children should be idle; He says to every child, "Son, go work." This
is the command of a Father; it contains affection, it flows from authority. We are to work for His glory, for the
good of others, and to lay up for ourselves treasure in heaven. Working for God is creditable - profitable - pleasant.
Our work is in His vineyard, the church finds work for all. Some are employed to plant, some to weed, some to water,
and some to watch. The command is "Work today." The present is the period.
Today, while you have light, strength, and opportunity.
Remember, it is but a day, a short period at longest, but it often proves to be but a short day. Are you standing
all the day idle? Go into the vineyard. Are you discouraged? Imitate her who did what she could. Look to the Lord;
He will give ability - opportunity - and crown with success.
O give me, Lord, an upright heart,
Well nurtured with a godly fear,
Which from Thy precepts will not start,
When clouds and threatening storms appear,
But onward press with even pace,
Refresh'd and fortified by grace.
October 28
The love that God hath to us. - 1 John 4:16
Who shall describe it? What tongue or pen can set it forth? It is infinite, and what can finite mortals say? It
is eternal, and how can we who are but of yesterday declare it?
It is the present heaven of the saints, to know and believe the love that God hath to them. None can reveal it
to us, or shed it abroad in our hearts, but the Holy Ghost. He can direct our hearts into the love of God, and
into the patience of Jesus Christ. He is in office to show the saints the things of God, and enable them to believe
and enjoy them.
Let us, beloved, daily pray that we may know and enjoy the love that God hath to us; it will be an antidote to
all our miseries, a source of joy under all our sorrows. Our friends and frames may change, but the love of God
is unchangeable. Our temporal prospects may be all blighted, but if we know and enjoy the love of God, we cannot
be unhappy.
Who, or what shall separate us from the love of God? Jesus has told us that we shall never perish, neither shall
any pluck us out of His hand. The love of our God is the source of our happiness, and the cause of our safety.
Oh, to know and believe the love which God hath to us. God is love.
What shall I do my God to love?
My loving God to praise?
The length, and breadth, and height to prove,
And depth of sovereign grace?
October 29
Take heed, and beware of covetousness - Luke 12:15
This is a warning from the lips of our beloved Lord. He knows our weakness and our foes, and He cautions us against
them. We want but little here below, for we shall not be here long; and we are going to the land of plenty, rest,
and joy.
A little with the Lord's blessing is enough. We ought not to be anxious about temporals; only let us be careful
that the world is not a loser by us, and we need trouble no further. The Lord will give us enough if we are living
by faith upon Him, and walking in communion with Him.
We are all prone to be covetous, and it is a fearful sin.
Covetousness is idolatry. It steals the heart from God, and sets it upon base and sordid things. It prevents our
enjoying either temporal or spiritual blessings. A covetous man must be miserable, must be unholy, must be lost
for ever; well may our dear Lord say, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness."
It is sly and insinuating, it is deceitful and powerful; and if it once becomes rooted in the heart, nothing but
omnipotent grace can root it out. Covet only the best gifts, spiritual blessings.
Great things we are not here to crave,
But if we food and raiment have,
Should learn to be therewith content;
Into the world we nothing brought,
Nor can we carry from it aught;
Then walk the way your Master went.
October 30
Call upon me in the day of trouble. - Psalm 50:15
Keep the straight path of duty, and if troubles come, or difficulties arise, thy God invites thee to call upon
Him. He will come to thy help and bring all His boundless resources with Him.
He is always within call. His ear is never heavy, that it cannot hear; His arm is not shortened, that it cannot
reach or save. He can make thy greatest troubles prove thy choicest blessings; He can give thee cause to bless
Him through eternity, for thy sorest trials.
Oh, trust Him, and fear not! Run not to creatures; but, "Arise and call upon thy God." Look not to others,
until thou hast proved that He cannot, or will not help; and that will never be.
His heart is too kind, His word is too faithful.
Art thou in trouble this morning? If so, you have a special invitation from thy God to pay Him a visit, and lay
thy whole case before Him; expecting His sympathy, interference, and blessing; He says, "Call upon me in the
time of trouble. I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." He is faithful who hath promised.
Oh, trust Him, for so you honour Him; expect from Him, and you cannot be disappointed. Wait for Him, and you shall
not be ashamed.
Dear refuge of my weary soul
On Thee, when sorrows rise,
On Thee, when waves of trouble roll,
My fainting hope relies.
October 31
O Thou Preserver of men. - Job 7:20
We have neither wisdom nor strength to preserve ourselves; we are daily liable to fall; and unless God preserve
us we certainly shall. Our hearts are so deceitful, our corruptions are so strong, and Satan is so vigilant, that
we need look to God as our Preserver every hour, and call upon Him to uphold us every moment.
He can preserve; He doth preserve; but only in the way of obedience. Except we are watchful, prayerful, and walking
humbly with Him, we have no security; we may fall into the grossest sins, and commit the greatest crimes.
O believer, never think thyself safe, but as thou art leaning on Jesus, calling upon thy heavenly Father, and cultivating
communion with the Holy Ghost! Indeed thou art in danger; Satan, the world, and thy corruptions, are all leagued
against thee; nothing but omnipotent grace can keep thee.
Cease from man, trust not thy own heart, but keep close to the good Shepherd. He is able to keep you from falling,
and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.
Every foe must fly before Him,
Earth and hell shall feel His power;
Heaven and earth with joy adore Him!
Hail the long expected hour:
Hallelujah!
Jesus has almighty power.