The Believer's Daily Remembrancer
by James Smith
November 1
They were tempted. - Hebrews 11:37
That is, they were tried; and the design of their enemies by these trials was, to draw or drive them from the Lord.
Their trials were of the most cruel kind, but they found that as their day, so was their strength.
Brethren, we shall be tempted; Satan is not dead, no, nor yet asleep; the world is not reconciled to godliness;
nor are we free from indwelling sin. It is not our sin to be tempted - this is our trial; but it is our sin if
we yield. God has promised strength, wisdom and grace; and we should seek these, that we may be able to withstand,
and so overcome every trial. We may expect to be tempted daily, for Satan goeth about; and if at any moment that
we are off our guard, that is the time he is most likely to beset us.
Let us keep close to Jesus who is the great Shepherd of the sheep; let us keep our eye on our Father's house; and
let us aim in all things at God's glory, and temptation shall not harm us. Blessed be the man that endureth temptation;
for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. If
the enemy come in like a flood, we may still sing--
His oath, His covenant and blood
Support me in the sinking flood;
When all around my soul gives way
Jesus is all my hope and stay:
On Christ the solid rock I stand;--
All other ground is sinking sand.
November 2
What would ye that I should do for you? - Mark 10:36
So spake Jesus to the sons of Zebedee, and so He speaks to us. Beloved, have you your petition ready this morning?
Jesus is at the pardon office; He is on His throne of grace; He is in a loving temper; He is ready to bless. He
says, Ask, what I shall give thee?
O Jesus! give me sanctifying grace. Subdue my corruptions. Purify my heart. Make me a vessel of honour, meet for
Thy use. Why should sin be allowed to work so powerfully? Why should Satan be permitted to have so much power over
me? Why should the world attract and lead me astray?
Lord, I would that Thou shouldest make me holy, and make me useful; fill me with Thy Holy Spirit; write Thy word
on my heart, and enable me to write out Thy precepts in my life. O Saviour! I would that Thou shouldest make me
like Thyself; as meek, as humble, as diligent, as disinterested, as useful to God and man. May I be holy, harmless,
undefiled, and separate from sinners. Oh, make me shine to the honour and glory of Thy free and sovereign grace.
Holy Ghost, no more delay;
Come, and in Thy temple stay;
Now Thine inward witness bear,
Strong, and permanent, and clear:
Source of life, Thyself impart,
Rise eternal in my heart.
November 3
They limited the Holy One of Israel. - Psalm 78:41
This was Israel's sin, and has it not often been ours? Our God is the Holy One, and will do what is the most for
His glory; He is the Holy One of Israel, and will therefore consult His people's welfare.
We must not limit His wisdom, for it is infinite; we must not limit His power, for it is omnipotent; we must not
limit His mercy, for it is as high as heaven and deep as hell; we must not limit Him to time, for He will display
His sovereignty. He will not be tied to walk by our rules, or be bound to keep our time; but He will perform His
word, honour our faith, and reward them that diligently seek Him.
However tried, beware of limiting the Holy One of Israel; say not "It is too difficult, or it is too far gone;"
this was the fault of Martha and Mary, but Jesus convinced them that they were wrong. Rather say with Jonathan,
"It may be that the Lord will work for us; for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few;"
Jonathan honoured the Lord by trusting Him, and the Lord by giving him a victory over the enemies of Israel.
Exercise unlimited confidence in God, for He will fulfil every promise that He has made.
Wide as the world is His command,
Vast as eternity His love:
Firm as a rock His truth shall stand,
When rolling years shall cease to move.
November 4
Be ye also enlarged. - 2 Corinthians 6:13
Contraction is a great evil, enlargement is a great blessing. We need to be enlarged in our knowledge, love, hope,
liberality, faith, and every grace. Our God disapproves of contraction. The Apostles set a different example.
Provision is made in the covenant to gratify enlarged desires. The promises warrant enlarged expectations. Jesus
bids us ask largely. The gospel calls for enlargement in prayer, benevolence, pity, and compassion, and in our
efforts for God's glory.
Let us beware of narrow views or feelings, for the heart of God is large; the provision of mercy is large; The
love of Christ is large the gospel commission is large; and the mansions of glory are large. We are not straitened
in God, nor in His gospel, but we are straitened in our own bowels.
O Jesus, enlarge our narrow hearts; expand our contracted souls! Fill us with all joy and peace in believing, that
we may abound in hope, by the power of the Holy Ghost. May we be full of goodness, able also to admonish one another.
Oh, to be filled with the Holy Ghost and with power!
With holy fear and reverent love,
I long to lie beneath Thy throne;
I long in Thee to live and move,
And stay myself on Thee alone:
Teach me to lean upon Thy breast,
To find in Thee the promised rest.
November 5
Thou art no more a servant, but a son. - Galatians 4:7
It would have been a great mercy if God had made us His servants, after we had proved His enemies; but He has adopted
us as His sons, and taken us to the bosom of His love. He is now our Father, and wishes us to call Him so; we are
His children, and He wishes us to walk and act as such.
We are not mere servants, therefore we should not be servile; we are sons, therefore we should love, obey, and
delight in God as our Father. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God." We are delivered form bondage, introduced
into favour, have the promise of eternal life, and should rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. It was
free grace which adopted us; the Holy Spirit, by the word, begat us to a lively hope; and the gospel proclaims
our privileges, and invites us to enjoy them.
Let us today think, "I am a son of God. My Father is holy, His children are holy, His word is holy, He loves
holiness, and commands me to be holy; I will therefore lift up my heart to Him; seek grace from Him; and in all
things aim to glorify Him."
Pronounce me, gracious God! Thy son,
Own me an heir divine:
I'll pity princes on the throne,
When I can call Thee mine;
Sceptres and crowns unenvied rise,
And lose their lustre in mine eyes.
November 6
Go forward. - Exodus 14:15
Beloved, there is no standing still in religion; we are either going forward or going back. Our Captain's command
is, "Go forward." This is our direction. "Go forward" in the Lord's way, in the Lord's work;
to the Lord's kingdom. The command contains great encouragement.
Go forward, remembering the Lord's wisdom, trusting in the Lord's power; and believing in the Lord's love. Go forward
in union with the Lord's people, with zeal for His glory, until summoned into your Master's presence. Go forward,
notwithstanding difficulties, fears, and discouragements. Go forward, because God has bidden you; He has promised
to go with you; He will crown your journey's end.
Let us imitate ardent and holy Paul, who said, "Not as though I had already attained, either were already
perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which I am also apprehended of Christ Jesus."
Let us look for, and hasten to the coming of the day of God. There is nothing behind us worth a thought, if compared
with what is set before us by the gospel.
Much is sorrow, oft in woe,
Onward, Christian, onward go;
Shrink not, fear not, dare not yield,
Never quit the battle field:
Forward press and win the prize,
Then to endless glory rise.
November 7
As having nothing, and yet possessing all things. - 2 Corinthians 6:10
The Lord's family are generally poor; men may look at them as having nothing valuable, important, or calculated
to make them happy; but in reality they possess all things, because God is theirs. Our God has said, "I am
their inheritance," and we say, "Thou art my portion, O Lord."
His eternity is the date of our happiness; His unchangeableness, the rock of our rest; His omnipotence, our constant
guard; His faithfulness, our daily security; His mercies, our overflowing store; His omniscience, our careful overseer;
His wisdom, our judicious counsellor; His justice, our stern avenger; His omnipresence, our sweet company; His
holiness, the fountain from which we receive sanctifying grace; His all-sufficiency, the lot of our inheritance;
and His infinity, the extent of our glorious portion.
This is the blessedness of the people of the Lord: they have God for their God, and all His perfections engaged
to make them blessed. O love the Lord! Live upon the Lord! Glorify God in the day of visitation! Make Him your
portion and everlasting all!
To us the privilege is given
To be the sons and heirs of heaven;
Sons of the God who reigns on high,
And heirs of joys beyond the sky:
Oh, may our conduct ever prove
Our filial piety and love.
November 8
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth. - Psalm 71:17
The Psalmist was called early, and he ascribes it to divine teaching. None but God can teach us experimentally;
and the lessons He teaches are always useful and important.
He teaches all His scholars to know themselves, their depravity, poverty, and slavery. He teaches them His law--its
purity, claims and penalty. He teaches them His gospel--its fulness, freeness, and suitability. He teaches them
to know Himself: as a reconciled God, as their Father and faithful Friend. His teaching is accompanied with power
and authority.
Are we taught of God? We may know divine teaching by its effects, it always produces humility, they sit at His
feet: dependance upon Him, abhorrence of sin, love to God as a teacher, obedience to the lessons taught, thirst
for further attainments, and brings us daily to Jesus.
Let us earnestly seek divine teaching: it preserves from dangers, sorrows, and snares: and if suitably improved,
it brings great glory to God, and honour to the cause of religion. Our God says, "I will teach thee."
Lord, teach me, and make me entirely Thine!
Oh, let my heart be wholly Thine,
Thy property alone;
No longer let me think it mine,
Or call myself my own.
November 9
Behold the Lamb of God. - John 1:36
Sin requires a sacrifice, and the sacrifice must be in proportion to the offence, and the dignity of the offended;
such a sacrifice could not be found, but God condescended to provide one, which was no less a person than His only-begotten
Son. This Lamb was provided to expiate and remove sin; to honour the divine government, and reconcile us to God.
Let us daily direct our attention to the Lamb of God, who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the
world, but was manifested in these last times for us. He is set forth to be the propitiation through faith in His
blood, and to be the daily object of our faith, desire, and affection.
Provided by God, He presented to God an infinite atonement, and we have redemption through His blood, even the
forgiveness of our sins. The Lamb is to be presented daily to God by us, in our prayers and praises; and all our
expectations are to be founded upon what He is, what He has done, and what He is doing now before the throne of
God.
Take off your attention from all other subjects, and "Behold the Lamb of God."
Cast thy guilty soul on Him,
Find Him mighty to redeem;
At His feet thy burden lay
Look thy doubts and fears away;
Now by faith the Son embrace,
Plead His promise, trust His grace.
November 10
I say unto all, Watch. - Mark 13:37
The hour of death is uncertain, and the second coming of Jesus is equally so; therefore we are commanded to be
always ready, and to be on the WATCH. His coming is the grand object of our hope, and should be our daily desire
and prayer. It will be awfully grand.
We are deeply interested in it. It is certain, necessary, and will be sudden. We know not the day, month, or year.
God has purposely concealed it, in wisdom, in mercy, and for our good. He commands us to awake, and keep awake.
To be at our post, and employed in our calling.
In order to our watching we must be daily believing Jesus will come; thinking and praying to be found ready. We
should watch the signs of the times; the workings of our own hearts; and over our daily conduct. We should walk
as we wish death or Jesus to find us; and transact every business as though Jesus was at the door.
Would you, beloved, wish to be found idle--contentious--at enmity--or murmuring--or indulging in any sin? If not,
watch against these things; put off the old man, and put on the new.
Behold, the awful day comes on,
When Jesus on His righteous throne
Shall in the clouds appear:
With solemn pomp shall bow the sky
And in the twinkling of an eye,
Arraign us at His bar.
November 11
The Lord is my helper. - Hebrews 13:6
This is a very encouraging view of the Most High God: He is the helper of His people, and therefore it is that
they are more than conquerors.
Beloved, let us remember this, when called to perform self-denying duties, or to pass through great and sore troubles.
We can do nothing right, apart from God; but we can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth us. He will
help us in every distress, bring us out of every trouble, lead us through the world with honour, and land us safe
on the shores of the heavenly Canaan; all this is promised to every one that trust in Him, waits for Him, walks
with Him, and aim habitually to glorify Him.
What sweet encouragement is this; we have an omnipotent Helper, God in the person of His Son is our Deliverer:
let us come up out of the wilderness leaning on our Beloved. Let us not grieve His love, or dishonour His grace.
Let us keep a clear conscience, maintain a holy walk, exercise simple faith on our covenant God, and then we may
boldly say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I will not fear what man may do unto me."
To look to Jesus as He rose,
Confirms my faith, disarm my foes;
Exalted on His glorious throne,
I see Him make my cause His own;
Then all my anxious cares subside,
For Jesus lives and will provide.
November 12
Speak evil of no man. - Titus 3:2
Speak of no man from an unholy motive, or with a design to injure him; this is decidedly wrong. We are commanded
by our beloved Saviour, to love our enemies; to do good to them that hate us and despitefully use us; to pray for
them and seek their salvation.
If we speak evil of them we dishonour God, bring guilt upon our consciences, grieve the Spirit, and spoil our peace
of mind. If we can indulge in detraction without feeling guilty and distressed, our consciences must be blinded,
and our hearts hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Our tongues are not our own, they are bought with a price, and should be employed in the service of their proper
owner. Never indulge yourselves in thinking evil of another; or in feelings of jealousy, envy, revenge, bitterness,
anger, or malice; for these are earthly, sensual, and devilish.
How unlovely it is to hear one professor speaking evil of another; the hearer speaking evil of the minister; the
rich speaking contemptuously of the poor, the mistress of servants; much more ministers of ministers.
Speak not evil one of another, brethren.
Whene'er the angry passions rise,
And tempt our thoughts and tongues to strife;
To Jesus let us turn our eyes,
Bright pattern of the Christian life!
How mild! How ready to forgive!
Be these the rules by which we live!
November 13
Consider how great things He hath done for you. - 1 Samuel 12:24
We are very apt to dwell upon our miseries, and forget our mercies. If we are injured by man, how seldom we forget
it; but if we are favoured by God, how little attention we pay to it.
Let us this morning consider how great things the Lord hath done for us. He gave His Son to be our ransom. He has
given His Spirit to be our guide, and His word to be our directory. He called us by grace, when we were posting
to perdition; wrought a change in our hearts, when we were enmity against Him; and pardoned our sins when we expected
to suffer His fiercest displeasure.
He has given us faith to trust Him, promises to plead with Him, and proofs of His faithful regard, without number.
He hath supplied us through all our journey, corrected our mistakes, conquered our foes, and no good things hath
He withheld from us. Let us consider these things, and praise Him for the past, and trust Him for the future. He
that is our God, is the God of Salvation; He hath done great things for us, and He will do greater things, that
we may glorify Him forever.
My soul, consider thy obligations, and give glory to thy God.
Oh, may I never forget
The mercy of my God;
Nor ever want a tongue to spread
His loudest praise abroad.
November 14
He will be very gracious. - Isaiah 30:19
We are often very miserable, always very unworthy; but the Lord is very merciful, and He will be very gracious.
He will glorify His grace before angels, men, and devils, in His exceeding kindness toward us; therefore if a sense
of our deep depravity and entire unworthiness discourage us, let us appeal to the graciousness of our God, and
rely on that.
"He will be very gracious unto us at the voice of our cry; when He shall hear it, He will answer." He
has said that when, forsaking our evil courses, we return unto Him, He will prove Himself gracious. "Then
shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am." Yea, He will prove
Himself very gracious, for He says, "Before they call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking I will
hear."
Oh the infinite grace of a gracious God! Lord, keep it uppermost in our minds, and before our eyes continually;
let it be our encouragement under all the discoveries of depravity we make, and our comfort under all the trials
we endure. Let us endeavour to give our God credit for being "VERY GRACIOUS."
What from Christ my soul shall sever,
Bound by everlasting bands?
Once in Him, in Him for ever,
Thus the word of promise stands:
None shall pluck me
From the strength of Israel's hands.
November 15
Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest. - Micah 2:10
There is no permanent rest for the believer on earth; here briars and thorns will be with him; and a voice is daily
sounding in his ears, "ARISE YE, AND DEPART." Here you are not to loll at ease, or to idle on your journey;
here you are not to expect to find satisfaction, for it is an enemy's land; and you are only passing through it
to your heavenly home.
If your march is quick and your conduct scriptural, be not surprised if the dogs bark at you; they know you not,
nor did they know your Master. He was pursued, annoyed, and at last put to death by them; and in agony of soul
He cried out, "Dogs have compassed Me; the assembly of the wicked have inclosed Me; they have pierced My hands
and My feet."
Lay not up treasures for yourselves upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through
and steal; but set your affections on things above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. Use the world,
but do not abuse it; pass through it, but never seek a home in it; remember it is peopled by the enemies of your
God.
When snares and dangers line my way,
Jesus is all my strength and stay;
Cheerful I'll walk the desert through,
Nor fear what earth or hell can do:
Jesus will ease my troubled breast,
And shortly bring my soul to rest.
November 16
Be ye reconciled to God. - 2 Corinthians 5:20
Is there any thing but love between God and your souls? There ought not to be. God hates nothing but sin. He is
offended with nothing but sin. This we profess to hate and forsake. We were once enemies, but Jesus died to reconcile
us to God.
We are now professedly friends, but do we act towards God, and speak of God, as though we were His friends? Are
we offended at any thing in God, or at any thing done by God? Why should we be? His nature is love. His ways are
all infinitely wise. His tender mercy is over all His works.
He desires that we should be on the best terms with Him. How wonderful! He offers a pardon for all our sins, grace
to sanctify our natures, and heaven to receive our souls! He beseeches us to be reconciled. As though His tender
love could not rest, as though He could not be happy, or content, unless we are friends with Him.
Beloved, are you living or walking at a distance from God? Is there any shyness between God and your soul? God
beseeches you by me, and I pray you in Christ's stead, "Be ye reconciled to God."
Sprinkled now with blood the throne,
Why beneath thy burdens groan?
See the curse on Jesus laid;
Justice owns the ransom paid:
Bow the knee and kiss the Son.
COME AND WELCOME , SINNER, COME!
November 17
I will be as the dew unto Israel. - Hosea 14:5
Our hearts by nature are like the dry, dead, and barren earth; there would be neither life, beauty, nor fruit,
but for the grace of God. And even after regeneration, we are as much dependant upon God, as the earth in the east
is dependant upon the dew.
If there be no dew, there will be no fruit, and if there be no grace, there will be no real religion. But our God
has said, "I will be as the dew unto Israel." What the dew is to the earth, God will be unto His people.
Does the dew cool and refresh the earth? So will the Lord cool and refresh our souls with the sense of His love,
and the token of His favour.
Does the dew soften the clods of the valley? So will our God soften and dissolve our hard and impenitent hearts.
Does the dew prepare the ground for the seed, and cause the same to vegetate and grow? So will our God prepare
our hearts to receive the word, and cause it to grow and bring forth fruit. Does the dew fall insensibly, and in
the evening, when most needed? So will our God come unto us, when we most need His quickening and fructifying operations.
Come, Holy Ghost, as heavenly dew,
My parched soul revive:
The former mercies now renew,
Quicken and bid me live:
Thy fertilizing power impart,
And sanctify my barrren heart.
November 18
It is good for us to be here. - Matthew 17:4
So said Peter when on the mount with Jesus, and so we have said when enjoying His presence and His love. It is
good to live and walk in communion with God. It is good to be numbered with God's people, and to occupy a place
in His church.
It is good to be in the present world, because we have an opportunity of bearing witness for Jesus, and against
its course; we have talents to use, and opportunities for usefulness whereby we can glorify God. Is Jesus honoured
by our patient suffering?
Then, when on the bed of affliction, we should say, "Lord, it is good to be here." Is our God glorified
by our industry, forbearance, and testimony to the power and grace of Jesus?
Then, when in our business, or in company with those whom we are trying to benefit, we may exclaim, "Lord,
it is good to be here!"
Yes, Christian, it is good to be any where, and any thing, so that thy Jesus may be glorified, and the end of thy
creation, redemption, and sanctification obtained. Oh, to aim always to honour God, and then we may every where
say, "Lord, it is good to be here."
Great Comforter, descend
In gentle breathings down;
Preserve me to the end
That no man take my crown;
My guardian still vouchsafe to be,
Nor suffer me to go from Thee.
November 19
Brethren, the time is short. - 1 Corinthians 7:29
Then our sufferings must be short, for they are bounded by time, and are confined to the present world. Consoling
consideration this. Then our opportunities to glorify our God below, must be short; therefore we ought to seize
them and improve them with all our might. Then the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the contradiction of
sinners against us will soon be ended; let us therefore be patient, and prayerful, and diligent; for our redemption
draweth nigh.
The time is short; then we shall soon see our Jesus, enjoy the company of our sanctified brethren, and be for ever
with the Lord. The time is short, but eternity is long; let us therefore be laying up for ourselves treasures in
heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt; and let us be daily preparing for our last remove.
The time is short, it flies away, our dying day will soon be here; it remaineth therefore, that both they that
have wives be as though they had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though
they rejoiced not; and they that buy as though they possessed not.
Oh, may my soul maintain her ground,
From faith to faith go on!
At the last day in Christ be found,
And form the circles that surround
His everlasting throne.
November 20
My peace I give unto you. - John 14:27
Peace is an invaluable blessing, it is the gift of Jesus. None but believers know the sweetness of the peace He
bestows. He made it by shedding His blood.
He proclaims it in the everlasting gospel. He bestows it upon us when we believe, and it is enjoyed in the heart
under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It is peace with God. A peaceful conscience. The beginning of heaven in
the soul. He gives it often when in the midst of trouble; and it makes every burden light, every trouble less,
and the sinner happy in every situation.
O Jesus! give us Thy peace this morning! Let it reign and rule in our hearts this day. Believer, look only to Jesus
for peace, for "He is our peace." Believe His word, receive His atonement, trust in His perfect work,
aim to show forth His praise, and peace which passeth all understanding shall fill your mind.
Let it be your daily prayer, that you may enjoy this peace in death; for then you will die happy, honourably, and
safely. Seek it as a gift of grace, and you shall enjoy it to the honour of God.
Close to my Saviour's bloody tree,
My soul untired shall ever cleave;
Both scourged and crucified for me,
With Christ resolved to die and live:
My prayer, my grand ambition this,
Living and dying to be His.
November 21
I will correct you in measure. - Jeremiah 30:11
Sin procures correction, and love sends it. Every child is chastened, because every child sins. But though we are
corrected for sin, yet not according to the desert of sin.
Our Father chastens us in measure, not in wrath, but in love; not to destroy, but to save us. There is no wrath
in His heart, for He has sworn that He will not be wrath with us; yet He will visit our sins with the rod, and
our iniquities with stripes. He is reconciled to our persons, but not to our follies; therefore He says, "As
many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore and repent."
Let us not despise His chastening, nor faint when we are rebuked of Him; for it is the common lot of all His children,
and if it drives us to Him, and humbles us at His feet, it is evidently sent in love.
It is a painful blessing; a mercy sent to purify and cleanse us. If we sin and are not chastened, our sonship is
questionable; for what son is he whom his father chasteneth not? But if we are chastened, God dealeth with us as
with sons; and our sufferings are the fulfilment of His promise.
Though ten thousand ills beset thee,
From without, and from within,
Jesus saith, He'll ne'er forget thee,
But will save from hell and sin:
He is faithful
To perform His precious word.
November 22
Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. - Psalm 81:10
The word of God affords all possible encouragement to earnest, fervent prayer; men ought always to pray, and not
to faint. Believers should ask all they want of God as their heavenly Father; they should ask of Him because He
has bidden them, and expect to receive because He is faithful.
Are our wants many this morning? Our God bids us open our mouths wide, and promises to fill them. We should ask
largely, for God considers Himself honoured when we ask for much, and expect much. He rejoices over us to do us
good. He looks upon us as His dear children, and pledges Himself to give all that we want, or can use to His glory.
Let us then ask for a supply of every want; let us continue to plead His largest promises; and let us continue
to plead in the name of Jesus until we receive. Our God heareth prayer; and if we, being evil, know how to give
good things unto our children, much more will our heavenly Father give good things unto them that ask Him.
Let us therefore come boldly unto a throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace.
Thou art coming to a King
Large petitions with thee bring;
For His grace and power are such,
none can ever ask too much:
He Himself has bid thee pray,
Therefore will not say thee nay.
November 23
I will see you again. - John 16:22
The presence of Jesus is the happiness of His people; when He is present manifesting His love, we are filled with
joy and peace; but when He hides His face we are troubled. Nor is it any wonder, for then generally, Satan comes
in with his temptations; our corruptions rise and trouble us; and for a time every thing seems to be against us.
But if Jesus hath once visited, He will come again; and He will manifest Himself unto us as He doth not unto the
world. In every season of desertion and darkness, let us plead this precious promise given us by our adorable Lord;
He sympathises with us, and says, "Ye now therefore have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart
shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."
Precious Lord Jesus, let us this day enjoy Thy presence and Thy love; come and visit us, or rather, come and take
up Thy abode with us, to leave us no more for ever. Our souls thirst for Thee; we long to enjoy Thy love, as we
have done in days that are gone by. Oh, manifest Thyself unto us this day, and unite us closer than ever unto Thyself!
Then let us sit beneath His cross,
And gladly catch the healing stream;
All things for Him account but dross,
And give up all our hearts to Him;
Of nothing think or speak beside;
My Lord, my love, is crucified.
November 24
I trust in Thy word. - Psalm 119:42
It is unsafe and improper to trust our feelings or fancies; to listen to suggestions, or judge by appearances;
the Christian's guide is God's word, and this should be the object of his trust. If we cannot take God's word and
depend upon it, what can we trust?
It is true; on all necessary points plain; it has been tried and always found faithful. We should believe it, rely
on it, plead it, expect its fulfilment, and comfort ourselves with it; especially when surrounded with difficulties,
when in darkness or filled with forebodings, because God delays and our prayers are not answered.
Trusting in God's faithful word will bring peace to the mind, experience to the soul, and deliverance in every
time of trouble: if we trust God's word we may be confident, for our supply is certain. Trusting a naked promise
is difficult, but it is attainable, and truly desirable. The promise is God's bond, and is intended to set our
minds at rest; if we trust it calmly and implicitly, we shall enjoy peace, quietness, and confidence.
Trusting God's word, we need fear no foe, or dread any trouble; all is safe, and safe for ever.
In Thee, O Lord, I put my trust:
Mighty and merciful, and just,
Thy faithful word I prove;
Thou canst, Thou wilt my helper be:
My confidence is all in Thee,
The faithful God of love.
November 25
An heir of God through Christ. - Galatians 4:7
By nature we are children of wrath; but union to Jesus exalts us to the highest pitch of honour and happiness.
All our mercies flow through Jesus; we must ever look to Him as the medium of access to God, and of union to God.
If we are one with Jesus, we are heirs of God; to us He has willed all the riches of grace, and all the riches
of glory. The testament is made and sealed, and all is secured to us by the oath of God, and the blood of our dear
Saviour.
Oh, what an honour! To be the heirs of God! To possess and enjoy throughout eternity all that God can impart! Unutterable
grace! We have enough secured to us while on earth; and we shall be put in full possession at the resurrection.
Let us then ascertain beyond a doubt, that we are the sons of God; that we have received the spirit of adoption;
that we are united to Jesus; and daily walk with God. Let us live expecting the day when we shall be put in possession,
and preparing for that glorious event. Let us walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called, with all lowliness
and meekness, watching unto prayer.
Let earth no more my heart divide;
With Christ may I be crucified:
To Thee with my whole soul aspire;
Dead to the world and all its toys,
To idle pomp, and fading joys,
Be Thou alone my one desire!
November 26
I am the good Shepherd. - John 10:11
Beloved, are you in the fold of Jesus? Are you numbered with His sheep? Are you feeding and resting among them?
Jesus presents Himself to us this morning, in a very lovely character; He says, "I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD."
There is no other shepherd so good or so great as He. He has the tenderest affection for His flock. He affords
them His powerful protection. He finds them plenty and suitable provision. He gave His life to redeem them. He
sends his spirit to sanctify them. He is preparing a place in heaven to receive them. He will eternally dwell among
them and bless them.
Oh, how great is His goodness! He is indeed abundant in goodness and truth. He says, "My sheep hear My voice,
and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall
any pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to pluck
them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one." What glorious security! What honour is conferred on
the flock of Jesus! GOOD SHEPHERD, keep us near Thyself.
Never let us wander, no, not for a moment; but may we be always delighted with Thy love.
The least, the feeblest of the sheep,
To Him the Father gave;
Kind in His heart the charge to keep,
And strong His arm to save.
November 27
The day shall declare it. - 1 Corinthians 3:13
The day referred to is the day when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven in flaming fire, when the dead
shall be raised, and the judgment commence.
Oh, what a day will that be! Then every covering shall be removed; and every secret exposed. It will be a revealing
day, a convincing day, a confirming day, a condemning day, a justifying day. Then our motives will all be discovered,
and our intentions laid bare. Hypocrisy will be condemned, and deception punished.
O beloved, let us live as having that day before us; let us act as though persuaded that then all will be discovered.
Are we sincere?--the day will declare it. Are we aiming at God's glory, or self-exaltation?--the day will declare
it. Are we conducting our business on Christian, or worldly principles?--the day will declare it. Are we honest
and humble?--the day will declare it. Is our profession from principle, from faith in, and love to Jesus?--the
day will declare it.
Oh that that day may declare that we are humble, holy, watchful, diligent disciples of the Lord Jesus!
Before we place in dread array
The pomp of that tremendous day,
When Thou with clouds shall come
To judge the nations at Thy bar;
And tell me, Lord, shall I be there?
To meet the joyful doom?
November 28
I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord. - Isaiah 63:7
What subject so suited as this to engage the thoughts, fill the memory, and flow from the lips of the Lord's people?
Let us mention the provision made for all His poor, for all their wants; the promises given to all His people,
comprehending all their desires; the prayers answered in all times of trial, granting relief and defence.
Let us mention the loving-kindness of the Lord to those who are seeking Him, it will encourage them; to those who
are complaining, it may silence them; to those who are tempted, it will support them; to those who have backslidden,
it will convince, and perhaps restore them. Let us speak of His kindness to ourselves, to check murmuring, produce
gratitude, and raise hope.
Let us mention the loving-kindness of the Lord, at the Lord's throne, in pleading and intercession; and prayer
and expostulation; in praise and thanksgiving. Let us often speak one to another, and let this be our daily subject,
"The loving-kindness of the Lord." This will comfort, strengthen, and sanctify our minds; it will bring
us peace.
We'll speak of all He did and said,
And suffer'd for us here below
The path He mark'd for us to tread,
And what He's doing for us now:
Discarding every worldly theme,
Our conversation fill'd with Him.
November 29
Return unto thy rest, O my soul. - Psalm 116:7
There is no rest for the Christian but at the feet of Jesus; when we live near to Him, and exercise our faith upon
Him, we are at rest. Conscience is silent, or commends us. The law has nothing to say against us. The world has
but little influence over us.
Satan is weak, and cannot overcome us.
But if we wander, we become weak, we lose our courage; and darkness, perplexity, and trouble frequently fill our
minds. But we MAY return, for Jesus is still inviting us; we MUST return, or we cannot enjoy peace; let us therefore
return unto our rest this morning.
O Jesus! we come to Thee! Receive Thy wandering sheep, restore unto us the joy of Thy salvation, and let us find
rest at Thy cross. Oh, to rest on Thy faithful word, with Thy faithful people! To rest from slavish fear, worldly
care, and distressing anxiety; to rest in Thy boundless love, satisfied with the dispensations of Thy special providence.
Return, return, my soul from all thy wanderings, and find thy rest in Jesus, thy faithful Friend and Saviour. Sweet
assurance: "He will receive us graciously."
O Jesus, be my rest, and the solace of my soul this day!
Indulge me, Lord, in that repose,
Which only he who loves Thee knows;
Lodged in Thy arms I fear no more
The tempest's howl, the billow's roar:
Those storms must shake th' Almighty's seat,
Which violate the saint's retreat.
November 30
The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. - Revelation 19:6
Our God is the author of all good, the only object of religious worship and fear, the infinite, all-controlling
Being. He can do all things, and do all things with ease, swiftness, and precision.
He is on the throne; His reign is merciful, just, glorious. He reigns universally over every empire, kingdom, state,
parish, person, thing. Everything that takes place is either appointed or permitted by Him. Everything is overruled;
for nothing escapes His notice, frustrates His purpose, or disorganises His plan. All things are tributary, and
bring honour to His name.
Does the Lord God Omnipotent reign? - then let us fear to offend Him; aim to please Him well in all things; trust
in and rely on Him; call upon and prove Him; live in the daily remembrance of His reign; this will conquer fear,
prevent sins, strengthen faith, nourish all the graces of the Spirit, and inspirit us in our obedience.
If the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth, be sure He will take care of His children. He will manage all their affairs.
He will secure their best interests.
Behold the King of Zion rise
To endless glory in the skies!
Hail, Fount of blessings! - placed in Thee,
Our life, our strength; our all, we see
While in thy God thy joys endure,
In Thee our blessings rest secure.