Grace Gems for JULY, 2022
~ ~ ~ ~
No more disease, no more weakness, no more pain!
(James Smith, "The Hope of Creation" 1862) Play Audio! Download Audio
"The creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God!" Romans 8:21
We shall soon have glorious liberty!
The SOUL will be gloriously free:
free from every fetter that binds it,
free from every conflict that tries it, and
free from every burden that bows it down.
The BODY will be gloriously free! It will be a glorious body, like the body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
No more disease, no more weakness, no more pain!
But health, strength, and ease will characterize it forever!
The whole person, body, soul, and spirit, will be in perfect liberty:
free from the curse, and every cross;
free from every foe, and all our fears;
free from every fault, and our numerous failings;
free from frailty, and free from folly;
free from all internal, external, and eternal evil.
It will be freedom crowned with glory, with . . .
glorious beauty,
glorious brightness,
glorious majesty,
glorious honor, and
ineffable splendor!
Eye has never seen, ear has never heard, nor has the heart of man ever conceived of anything so grand, so magnificent, so glorious, as what God has provided and has in store for His people!
~ ~ ~ ~We are saved by HOPE
(James Smith, "Salvation by Hope" 1862) Play Audio! Download Audio
"Salvation is of the Lord!" Jonah 2:9
Salvation includes . . .
our election, which is past;
our effectual calling and sanctification, which are present;
and our glorification, which is future.
We were chosen to salvation by the Father;
we are redeemed by Jesus Christ;
we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
God is the author of salvation;
grace is the source from which salvation flows;
Jesus is the Savior;
faith is the grace that receives salvation;
while separation from the world and dedication to God, prove that we are saved.
To all this, our apostle adds another view, and says, "We are saved by HOPE." Romans 8:24
Not in the same sense as we are saved by faith, which delivers us from guilt, degradation, and eternal death, by receiving from Christ, and confiding in Christ.
To be saved by hope, is to be kept, preserved, upheld, or sustained, in the midst of foes, dangers, and trials.
Hope quickens us in duties, and preserves us from becoming cold and dead.
It comforts us in tribulations, and keeps us from being disheartened and gloomy.
It enables us to overcome temptation, and so to hold on our way, looking unto Jesus.
It gives us peace in death, in the sure prospect of victory over the grave.
Thus hope saves us:
by preventing despair, into which we can never fall while hope lives within us;
by preserving us from desperation, to the verge of which we are sometimes brought;
by guarding us against rebellion, the seeds of which are still thickly sown in our corrupt hearts; and
by protecting us against apostasy, into which we can never fall so long as we hope in God.
From many evils, at many times, in many ways, we are saved by hope!
Hope is in God, as its highest object and best end.
Hope is through Christ, who is the way to the Father, the truth, and the life.
Hope is on the ground of the Word, which warrants, excites, and regulates it.
Hope is for all that God has promised, whether temporal or spiritual, in this world or the next.
Hope should be encouraged, as it brings . . .
glory to God,
comfort to our souls,
credit to our religion, and
honor to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Holy Spirit, fill us with a lively hope, and teach us to expect:
all that God has promised,
all that Christ has procured, and
all that You have revealed in Your most holy Word.
~ ~ ~ ~Paul's subject!
(James Smith, "Rills from the Rock of Ages", 1860)
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Paul was . . .
an extraordinary man,
called to an extraordinary office, and
being sent to perform an extraordinary work,
he chose an extraordinary subject.
He knew history,
he was acquainted with philosophy, and
he was well versed in tradition.
There were . . .
few subjects that he could not handle,
few themes that he could not discuss,
few congregations that he could not interest.
But he made the conversion of sinners the object of his life,
and he chose Christ crucified to be the subject of his ministry!
No matter where he went, he took his subject with him.
No matter whom he addressed, he directed their attention to this point.
He knew what man required, and what man preferred; but it made no matter to him. As he wrote to the Corinthians, so he always acted, "Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified—a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles; but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God!" 1 Corinthians 1:22-24
Paul's subject then, was Christ Crucified! Paul chose this subject, and he had good reasons for doing so!
First, it is a most comprehensive subject,
for it is the center where . . .
time and eternity,
God and man,
sin and holiness,
life and death—meet!
It is the theater where God . . .
displays His perfections,
unfolds His purposes,
maintains His rights,
confounds His foes, and
secures His glory!
It is the instrument by which . . .
death is destroyed,
sin is conquered,
rebels are reconciled,
saints are sanctified, and
heaven is opened!
It is an object which . . .
confounds reason,
astonishes angels,
attracts sinners,
imparts holiness, and
furnishes matter for endless praise!
Second, it is the most honored subject.
It tunes the harps of heaven.
It fills the sweetest songs on earth.
It is that by which the Holy Spirit works . . .
in the conversion of sinners,
in the consolation of saints,
in the sanctification of believers, and
in the establishment of the church of God.
By the preaching of Christ crucified . . .
the oracles of the heathen were silenced,
the altars of the heathen were cast down, and
the temples of the heathen were transformed into houses of prayer.
By the preaching of the cross . . .
society is elevated,
nations are honored, and
millions are snatched from Hell!
Third, it is a subject that is intensely hated!
Devils hate it, and try to prevent its publication.
Erroneous men hate it, and try to substitute something of their own for it.
And just in proportion as men are influenced by the prince of darkness, or yield to the pride of their own fallen natures—will they hate the doctrine of the cross!
But all Christians love it,
all the ministers of Christ glory in it,
all poor perishing sinners need it!
The more we know of God's nature and government, the more we see of man's natural state and condition. And the more we feel of our own weakness and depravity, the more shall we prize and value the doctrine of the cross!
Christ, and Him crucified shall be . . .
the subject of my ministry,
the theme of my songs,
the joy of my heart, and
the foundation of my everlasting hope!
O my soul,
look to Jesus, as crucified for your sins,
think of Jesus, as dying in your stead,
speak of Jesus, as full of grace and love!
Christians! WHAT do we preach?
We are ALL preachers, and we preach daily!
But do we preach Christ?
Do we speak of Him with our tongues?
Do we write of Him with our pens?
Do we honor Him with our lives?
Is Christ and His glory, the grand end and aim of our life?
WHY do we preach Christ?
Is it out of love to Him?
Is it that we may do good to souls?
Is it that we may please God?
Christ crucified should be preached by every Christian.
Christ crucified should be preached in all companies.
Christ crucified should be preached every day.
Beloved,
if we would save souls from death,
if we would rescue sinners from eternal misery,
if we would make believers happy,
if we would cover Satan with shame,
if we would deprive death of its sting, and
if we would make the road to glory plain—
we must preach Christ crucified;
we must exercise faith in Christ crucified;
and we must daily meditate on Christ crucified!
May Christ and His cross be all my theme!
May Christ and His cross be all my hope!
May Christ and His cross be all my joy!
Cross of Jesus! Jesus crucified!
To you would I look in life, and all its troubles!
To you would I look in death, and all its pangs!
To you would I look in glory, when filled with all its joys!
"God forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ!"
~ ~ ~ ~The hiding place!
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(James Smith, "Daily Bible Readings for the Lord's Household")
"A MAN will be as a hiding place from the wind,
And a refuge from the tempest,
As rivers of water in a dry place,
As the shade of a massive rock in an arid land!"
Isaiah 32:2
The present world is like a bleak and cheerless desert; the climate is very changeable, and we are exposed to piercing, cutting winds.
Sometimes dangerous errors,
sometimes deep afflictions,
sometimes soul-distressing trials,
like violent winds, blow upon us and fill us with alarm and dread!
At such times, a hiding place is necessary.
Jesus is our hiding place!
He will hide us from . . .
the wrath of God,
the rage of Hell, and
the injurious effects of trials and troubles!
Beloved, are you in this hiding place? If so, abide in it, for nowhere else will you find such safety, or enjoy such repose!
You can watch the VIDEO for the following song here: "The Hiding Place".
Hail, sovereign love which first began,
The scheme to rescue fallen man!
Hail, matchless, free, eternal grace,
Which gave my soul a hiding place!Against the God who rules the sky,
I fought with hand uplifted high!
Despised the notion of His grace,
Too proud to seek a hiding place!Enwrapt in thick Egyptian night,
And fond of darkness more than light!
Madly I ran the sinful race,
Secure without a hiding place!But thus the eternal counsel ran:
"Almighty love arrest that man!"
I felt the arrows of distress,
And found I had no hiding place!Indignant Justice stood in view;
To Sinai's fiery mount I flew!
But Justice cried, with frowning face:
"This mountain is no hiding place!"E'er long, a heavenly voice I heard,
And Mercy's angel soon appeared;
He led me on with gentle pace,
To Jesus as my hiding place!Should sevenfold storms of thunder roll,
And shake the earth from pole to pole;
No thunder bolt could daunt my face,
For Jesus is my hiding place!On Him almighty vengeance fell,
That would have sunk a world to Hell!
He bore it for the chosen race,
And thus became their hiding place!A few more rolling suns at most,
Shall land me on fair Canaan's coast;
Where I shall sing the song of grace,
And see my glorious Hiding Place!
~ ~ ~ ~If only we could but read the writing!
(James Smith, "Our Father and Comforter") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
"No one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this." 1 Thessalonians 3:3
Man is born to trouble—as the sparks fly upward. Affliction does not comes not forth from the dust; neither does trouble spring out of the ground. Trouble is the natural consequence of sin; and all trouble springs from this bitter root. But God makes our trouble, our medicine; and uses it for our present and everlasting welfare.
Our troubles are not the inflictions of an angry God, but the chastisements of a loving Father! He foresaw what we would be, and what would be necessary for us—and consequently He has appointed . . .
the number,
the nature, and
the length of our troubles.
Every Christian has his 'cup of trials'—it is mixed by his Father's wisdom, and put into his hand by his Father's providence. He should therefore take it, endeavor to acquiesce in it, and say with Jesus, "The cup that My heavenly Father gives me—shall I not drink it?" Every trouble . . .
comes from God's appointment,
is intended to do us good, and
will be overruled for our real welfare!
Every trial is labeled "LOVE"—if only we could but read the writing! And in every affliction God calls to us, saying, "Come near unto Me, My son—that I may bless you!"
Let us, then, draw near unto God, and show our trouble to Him!
Let us entreat him to sanctify it to us, that it may . . .
wean us from earth,
consecrate us to Jesus,
and fit us for Heaven!
All is love—which comes from the God of love!
"He is unchangeable; who can oppose Him? He does what He desires. He will certainly accomplish what He has decreed for me." Job 23:13-14
~ ~ ~ ~The physician and the patient
(James Smith) LISTEN to audio! Download audio
"Who heals all your diseases." Psalm 103:3
The Lord is the great Physician. He is especially the healer of the soul.
The patient is a believer.The cause of all sorrow and suffering is sin.
The seat of the malady is in the heart.
The nature of the malady is most loathsome and afflictive.
It affects . . .
the mind,
the affections,
the conscience,
the will,
yes the whole man! "Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. You are sick from head to foot—covered with bruises, welts, and infected wounds!" Isaiah 1:5-6
We are all the subjects of this disease. We all suffer from it!
No one can heal us, but the Lord Jesus. He is the great Physician; to Him we may repair and be restored to health. To encourage you to do so, look at His qualifications:
He is infinitely wise, tender and skillful.
His experience is without a parallel.
The remedies He employs are . . .
His precious blood,
His holy Word, and
His blessed Spirit.
The mode of application is by . . .
afflictions,
bereavements,
convictions, and
divine energy.
He never failed in any case; all of His patients are completely cured!
David's was a bad case; but he could say, "He heals all my diseases!"
Sinner—you are sick, mortally sick! Go to Jesus!
Backslider—you are dreadfully sick! Go to Jesus!
Believer, are you not desiring perfect health? Then go to Jesus and plead, "Lord, if You will—You can make me whole!"
~ ~ ~ ~Sinners in Zion!
(James Smith, "The Fearful Destiny!" 1857)
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"The sinners in Zion are terrified!
Terror has surprised the hypocrites!
'Who can live with this devouring fire?' they cry.
'Who can survive these everlasting burnings?'" Isaiah 33:14
The threatenings of God are solemn things.They are called forth by sin.
They prove God's justice.
They manifest His unutterable abhorrence of all impurity.
Who are these "sinners in Zion"?These are sinners who profess to be saints; and such are sinners with an emphasis. They are HYPOCRITES! They pretend to be saints, yet know they are not. They wear a mask. They act a part, like actors in a play!
Of all characters, hypocrites are the worst! The Lord Jesus pronounces more woes against the hypocrites in one chapter, than against the devil all through the New Testament! It is to be feared, that we have many 'masked' men, and many 'masked' women in our churches! Like white-washed sepulchers, they appear beautiful to the eye, but within all is corrupt and vile!
But where are these sinners, these hypocrites? In Zion! Among God's people! Under the preaching of the pure Word. The greatest sinners under heaven, are to be found professing the holiest religion! They are in the church, but they are not of the church!
And when judgment begins, as it will, at the house of God—then these pretenders, these sinners, these hypocrites, will be detected and exposed!
God especially hates deception! He would have us to be . . .
either one thing, OR the other;
either hot, or cold;
either saint, or sinner;
either walking in holiness, or following the world.
But to be in the church, and yet of the world;
to pretend to be a Christian, and yet live in sin;
to turn His holy religion, into a 'mask' to answer a selfish purpose—is especially hateful in His sight!
"He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!" Matthew 24:51
~ ~ ~ ~Her life-lesson was comprised in four words LISTEN to audio! Download audio
(James Smith, "Keep Close to Christ" 1857)
A Christian minister was dying. He had a young sister whom he tenderly loved, and in whose welfare he felt the deepest interest. She came to pay the last visit, and receive from his lips the last words of advice. The words of a dying minister, realizing the value of the soul, and the solemnity of eternity, are important words. Taking her by the hand, and fixing his eyes upon her with a loving look, he said: "Keep close to Christ!"
What could he say of more import? Her life-lesson was comprised in four words: "Keep close to Christ!" She had come to Jesus, she loved Jesus, she found happiness in Jesus; but the dying brother knew . . .
the deceitfulness of the human heart;
the power of the world's fascinations,
and the craft and subtlety of Satan,
therefore he exhorts: "Keep close to Christ!"
May the Lord give us grace to get near to Him; and then give us more grace, to keep near to Him; for alas! how many of us, like Peter, follow Him afar off!
What must we do, to keep close to Jesus?
We must keep close to His Word. Here He . . .
reveals His mind,
displays His love, and
exhibits His beauty!
It is a revelation of His deepest, sweetest, kindest thoughts!
It is an exhibition of His infinite, eternal, deathless love!
It is a mirror in which we may see His unparalleled beauty and excellency!
No one can keep close to Jesus who does not daily, seriously, and prayerfully read His Word. That Word . . .
received into the heart by faith,
digested by meditation, and
reduced to practice in the life,
will bring the soul and Christ together!
For the more we know of Christ, the more we shall love Him; the more we shall prize, pant for, and seek to enjoy His presence!
Blessed Spirit, help us so to read the Word, as always to find Christ in it; and by it endear Him more and more unto us, and bring us into closer fellowship with Him!
~ ~ ~ ~I am in eternity, and you are on the brink!
(James Smith, "A Solemn Admonition" 1859) LISTEN to audio! Download audio
Passing through a country graveyard the other day, an inscription on a head-stone struck my eye. The stone was by the side of the path, where everyone could see it, and it was placed there in memory of a young man who died at the age of seventeen. It was,
"Reader, one moment,
Stop, and think:
That I am in eternity,
And you are on the brink!"
In eternity! A young man, only seventeen years of age—in eternity!
In a fixed, a changeless, an eternal state!
In Heaven—or in Hell!
Saved with an everlasting salvation—or damned forever!
If it should be the latter, what a fearful supposition! And yet many have gone to Hell, before they have been seventeen years of age!
"I am in eternity, and you are on the brink!" Yes, though you may be young, apparently healthy, full of life and vigor—you are on the brink of eternity! A slight accident, or a few days illness—and you are in eternity! What a solemn thought!
What will eternity be to you?
Where will you be in eternity?
Are your sins pardoned?
Are you reconciled to God by the death of His Son?
Are you sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and thus made fit for Heaven?
If not, remember that in Hell, there is . . .
no gospel,
no means of grace,
no way of escape from the wrath of God!
Once there, and your doom is fixed forever!
Think, O think . . .
Of the dreadful consequences of dying in your sins!
Of going down to the grave in an unconverted state!
Of dying under the curse of God!
"Behold, now is the accepted time!
Behold, now is the day of salvation!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Reader! The above was written over 150 years ago.
All who then read this little piece, are now in eternity!
All who now read this little piece, are on the brink!
"Reader, one moment,
Stop, and think:
That I am in eternity,
And you are on the brink!
~ ~ ~ ~What would Jesus do?
(James Smith, "How Shall I Honor Jesus Today?" 1857)
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How shall I honor Jesus today?
First, I must DEDICATE myself anew unto Him.
Second, I must look to Him for all I NEED through the day.
Third, I must IMITATE Jesus in all I do.
He is proposed to us in His Word as our great example.
We should therefore strive to imitate Him.
My object should be . . .
to think as Jesus thought,
to speak as Jesus spoke,
to feel as Jesus felt, and
to act as Jesus acted.
Often, very often, should we pause to ask, "Is this like Jesus?
Would He indulge such a temper?
Would He employ such language?
Would He encourage such thoughts?
Would He do, as I am doing?"
Or, if at a loss what to do at any time, we should ask:
"What would Jesus do?
How would Jesus act in this case?
What would Jesus do under these circumstances?
What would Jesus say?
What temper would Jesus display?"
This would often send us to His Word.
We should become familiar with His life.
We should be well acquainted with His character.
And what a preservative it would be!
What humility it would produce!
Jesus wishes us to be like Himself.
He has left us an example, that we should follow in His steps.
He says, "Do as I have done!"
If, therefore, I would honor Jesus, I must make it my study and I must daily seek grace, that I may imitate Him in all that I do, at all times and in all places.
O to be like Jesus . . .
in my family,
in my business,
in the church, and
when alone with God!
"Whoever claims to live in Him, must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6
~ ~ ~ ~It was not human misery, but divine love!
(James Smith, "Streams in the Desert" 1849) LISTEN to audio! Download audio
"You are to name Him JESUS, because He will save His people from their sins!" Matthew 1:21
This verse teaches that Jesus came into the world having . . .
a definite people in His mind,
a definite work in His hand, and
a definite principle in His heart.
He had a definite PEOPLE in His mind!
They are simply called "His people." He had . . .
a special interest in them,
a special right to them, and
a special concern for them.
They were given to Him as a pledge of His Father's love, to be His associates, joy and delight, His crown and glory. They were . . .
sunk in sin and wretchedness,
under the condemnation of the law,
the captives of the prince of darkness!
They were His sheep, but lost sheep!
They were His jewels, but jewels in a heap of rubbish!
They were His bride, but in a state of adultery!
He had . . .
the eye of His omniscience watching them,
the love of His heart pursuing them, and
the arm of His omnipotence protecting them!
His eye was upon them . . .
when in Heaven in His Father's bosom,
and when enclosed in Mary's womb!
His eye ever was, and ever will be on them, from the beginning to the end of time—to save and to bring them safely to glory!
He had a definite WORK in His hand!
It was a work for His Father, and a work for His people.
He had . . .
the law to fulfill,
justice to satisfy,
sin to remove,
Heaven to open,
Satan to conquer,
death to destroy!
This work He proceeded to perform, until in triumph He exclaimed, "It is finished!"
He had a definite PRINCIPLE in His heart.
And what was that powerful principle, which brought Him . . .
from Heaven, to earth;
from glory, into contempt;
from unutterable bliss, into inconceivable sorrow?
It was LOVE! Love,
the ruling attribute of His nature,
the prominent feature of His character,
the rule of His conduct towards His people!
It was love which . . .
eternally existed in His bosom,
fanned His heart, and
directed His ways!
It was . . .
eternal love,
immutable love,
omnipotent love,
unconquerable love,
unfathomable love!
It was this sacred principle which led Jesus into our world, and conducted Him through all the stages of His redemptive work!
His name then, is 'Jesus', because He loves and saves all of His people!
Never think that it was merely human misery, or the doleful cries of suffering mortals—which brought Jesus to our world; for if these would move Him, then He would assuredly empty Hell itself!
It was not human misery, but divine love!
It was not man's cries, but His own glory—which brought Jehovah Jesus into suffering circumstances and a miserable condition!
O the love! O the depth of the love of Jesus!
"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge!" Ephesians 3:17-19
~ ~ ~ ~What a wonderful person!
(James Smith, "The Person and Work of Christ" 1849) LISTEN to audio! Download audio
What a wonderful person is my glorious Lord Jesus! All the divine attributes are found in Him. As there are no limits to His fullness, there can be no limit to my supplies, or the least prospect of need.
Jesus is my divine Savior!
His bounty will supply me,
His omnipotence will deliver me,
His omnipresence will protect me,
His omniscience will guard me,
His love will animate me,
His mercy will heal me,
His grace will support me,
His compassion will comfort me,
His pity will relieve me,
His goodness will provide for me,
His tenderness will soothe me,
His kindness will encourage me,
His patience will bear with me,
His justice will avenge me,
His faithfulness will embolden me,
His holiness will beautify me,
His anger will awe me,
His life will quicken me,
His light will illumine me,
His Word will regulate me,
His joy will delight me,
His blessedness will elevate me,
His long-suffering will lead me to repentance,
His immutability will secure the fulfillment of all the promises to me,
His truth will be my shield and buckler,
His sovereignty will raise my admiration,
His condescension will inspire me with gratitude and love,
and His all-sufficiency will satisfy me both in time and eternity!
In Jesus, God has reconciled me to Himself, imputing my trespasses to Him, and His obedience to me.
God by Jesus, takes away . . .
all my sins,
His own wrath, and
my deserved condemnation!
All good things . . .
are treasured up in Christ,
were procured for me by Christ,
flow to me through Christ, and
are conferred on me for the sake of Christ!
How exactly suited is the Lord Jesus to my case! Inflexible justice demands my blood, but He becomes my substitute, and spills His own!
In Jesus, I see my sin, and God's justice meet!
He removes the one, and satisfies the other!
What is Jesus called in God's holy Word?
A Savior, in reference to my lost condition.
A Reconciler, in reference to the enmity that existed between myself and God.
A Redeemer, in reference to my slavery to sin.
A Mediator, in respect to the disagreement between myself and the Most High God.
A Refiner, with respect to my filthiness.
An Advocate, with regard to my perplexed cause.
A Prophet, in respect to my ignorance.
A Priest, with a view to my guiltiness.
A King, in regard to my weakness and foes.
A Bridegroom, regarding my lowly estate and relationship.
A Physician, with regard to my many soul maladies.
In a word, Jesus is "All In All."
O to know more of Jesus, in . . .
the glory of His person,
the riches of His grace,
the perfection of His work,
the tenderness of His heart,
the strength of His love and
the effectual working of His power!~ ~ ~ ~
Infected with a most dreadful, fearful, soul-killing disease!
(James Smith, "God's Remedy for Man's Malady" 1849)
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"From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, no spot is uninjured, but only wounds and bruises and putrefying sores! They have not been cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil." Isaiah 1:6
The whole race of mankind, in consequence of the fall, is infected with a most dreadful, fearful, soul-killing disease!
You are infected with it yourself!
It is in your nature, and its effects are manifested in your conduct! Its seat is in the heart, which has become deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked!
This malignant disease has spread over every faculty of the soul!
The understanding is darkened, so that you cannot see your dreadful state!
The conscience is defiled, and no longer warns of evil!
The will is powerfully biased to evil, and chooses what God abhors!
The affections are earth-bound, and set on forbidden things!
The imagination has become sensual, and only employed in evil!
The reason is debased, and calls darkness, light; and light, darkness!
The memory is depraved, and has become a storehouse of iniquity!
The whole soul is paralyzed, polluted, and diseased!
Satan has got possession, and endeavors to lead you to Hell in a false peace!
You are naturally . . .
unfit for Heaven,
at enmity with God,
exposed to His wrath,
cursed by His law,
condemned by His word,
traveling to perdition,
and ripening for damnation!
You cannot . . .
deliver yourself from sin's dominion,
cleanse yourself from inherent defilement,
or escape the righteous judgment of God,
by anything that you can do.
You are . . .
without strength,
blind to your everlasting welfare,
and a hater of God!
You . . .
were born a sinner,
have lived transgressing,
and dying in such a state,
will be banished into irremediable woe!
This is your state, reader, whoever you may be!
This is your situation, however you may have lived!
This is your condition, whatever you may think!
Have you ever seen yourself in this situation?
Have you ever felt this to be your case?
Have you ever trembled on account of it, and sought a remedy?
If not, this is the very worst symptom of your disease!
You are . . .
insensible of your wretched condition,
under a spiritual derangement,
and madness is in your heart!
But if you have discovered your malady,
if you have felt sin to be really a dreadful disease,
if you are seeking for a remedy;
then I rejoice in being able to direct you to one that is provided,
which may be obtained freely, and will certainly heal you!
God, who is rich in mercy, for the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in sin, has devised a way in which He can manifest Himself as a just God and a Savior! He has provided a suitable and glorious remedy for lost, ruined, and undone sinners! This remedy will . . .
heal the wounded,
cleanse the filthy,
sanctify the unholy,
justify the condemned,
liberate the captive,
and save the lost!
It gives . . .
peace to the distressed,
direction to the perplexed,
riches to the poor,
sight to the blind,
hearing to the deaf,
strength to the weak,
wisdom to the foolish,
and life to the dead!
~ ~ ~ ~Complaining Christian
(James Smith, "Bread from Heaven!" 1857) LISTEN to audio! Download audio
"Do you have a father?" Genesis 44:19
Standing at my window one day, while the cholera was raging in London, I saw two corpses carried by, followed by one little child, walking alone next to the coffins, with a few neighbors behind. That child was now an orphan. Both parents had been carried off by the pestilence. The sight of that child produced deep emotions, and awakened painful sympathy in my heart.
I was led to think of the sorrows and privations of orphanhood, and then of the happiness of the Lord's people to whom Jesus has said, "I will not leave you as orphans." A believer can never be an orphan! He has an ever-living, ever-loving, ever-present Father! But many of the Lord's people do not realize this, therefore they do not live and act under its influence.
There are believers who are always complaining of their circumstances:
they are worked too hard,
they are tried more than others,
they have such a vexing family,
they have such a demanding job,
they have such financial losses,
they have no end of things to vex, harass, and distress them!
Complaining Christian, "Do you have a father?"
If so, had your Father anything to do with fixing your lot?
Did He place you where you are?
Is He wise?
Is He good?
Has He ever told you, that all things shall work together for your good?
Does He know what is best for you?
Has He left things to 'chance'—or has He arranged all in His own infinite mind, and does He work all by His unerring providence? If He does, then are you justified in complaining?
Have you any real cause to complain?
Will it better your circumstances?
Will it please your Father?
Will it any way help you?
If not, leave off complaining, and "having food and clothing, let us be content with these!"
Seek grace from God, that you may . . .
do all that is required,
bear all that is sent, and
endure all that is to be suffered,
to His glory!
~ ~ ~ ~The biggest loser!
(James Smith, "The Safe Side!") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
There are usually two sides:
the one dangerous, the other safe;
the one is uncertain, and the other is sure.
It is always the wisest to be found on the safe side!
Look at the unbeliever:
He denies the Bible to be God's book.
He walks by his own reason.
He gratifies his senses and his lusts.
He lives in sin.
He must soon die.
He has no Savior.
He has no true hope.
If the Bible is false, then he is safe.
BUT if the Bible is true, then he is damned forever!
He is certainly not on the safe side!
There are many things in the Bible which he does not like.
He is prejudiced against it.
It never prophecies good concerning him, but always evil.
It requires him to change his present sinful course, but he loves it.
He loves sin, and the Bible condemns it.
He gratifies the lusts of the flesh, and the Bible bids him to mortify them.
In a word, there is as much opposition between the Bible and him, as between:
light and darkness,
holiness and sin,
truth and error.
Therefore he hates it!
At the best, with him all is uncertain, unsatisfactory, and vexatious.
He is certainly not on the safe side!
Now look at the true Christian:
He believes the Bible to be from God,
he has examined it,
he has evidence of its inspiration in his heart,
he fully believes it.
What the Bible says of himself as a sinner, he knows to be true.
What it says of Jesus as a Savior, he has proved to be a fact.
As guilty, he has applied to God for pardon, and obtained it.
As impure, he has sought the cleansing operations of the Holy Spirit, and has experienced them.
His guilt is gone, therefore he has no slavish fears.
His soul is justified, therefore he has peace with God.
He approves of the inspired precepts, and regulates his life by them.
He carries his cares to God, and is sustained under them.
He realizes that God is his Friend, his Father, and his everlasting Portion!
He is peaceful. He is often happy.
To him death has no sting, and eternity has no terror.
He knows Jesus as his Savior, and trusts in Him.
He knows God as his Father, and walks with Him.
He knows the Holy Spirit as his comforting Teacher, and listens to Him.
He is, perhaps, more tried than the unbeliever—but he has supports, consolations, and pleasures, of which the unbeliever knows nothing. He lives . . .
to bless others,
to honor God,
to prepare for a glorious immortality.
He would not change his worst day, for the unbeliever's best day!
He is on the safe side!
If the unbeliever should be right, then the Christian is no loser.
But if the Christian is right, and he is—then the unbeliever is the biggest loser, an infinite loser!
Reader, on which side are you? There is but one safe side.
There is no safety for a sinner now, but at the Cross!
There will be no safety at death and judgment, but in Christ!
He who is on the safe side now, will be on the safe side then!
There will be no changing sides then!
"But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne! All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at His right hand, and the goats at His left.
Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world!' (the safe side)
Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons!' (the perilous side)
And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life!" Matthew 25:31-46~ ~ ~ ~
If we could hear the awful splash!
(James Smith, "Christian Sympathy") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
"Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears!
I would weep day and night for the slain of my people!" Jeremiah 9:1
Must it not rather be said of many of us: "They perish forever without anyone regarding it?"
Souls are daily, hourly perishing, but who regards it?
Hell is filling, but who regards it?
Satan is reaping a tremendous harvest, but who regards it?
Every hour, every minute, every second—souls are sinking into Hell, but who regards it?
Friends, do you ever weep over perishing sinners? Is it not astonishing, that we can go to the house of God and pass multitudes of ungodly, careless creatures that throng our streets, and never shed a tear!
Is it not more astonishing still, that we can preach on the torments of the lost, and the joys of the saved, and see the great mass of the people around us rejecting it, yes, refusing to listen to it—and not weep bitter, bitter tears!
We do not half believe what we preach, or what we hear! We do not half believe the infallible statements of Holy Scripture in reference to the dreadful realities of eternal Hell, or else we would feel deeply, and weep frequently too.
The holy Apostle Paul, speaking of his labors at Ephesus, says, "Remember, that by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn every one day and night with tears!" (Acts 20:31)
Our adorable Lord and Savior, when He came near to Jerusalem just before His death, "He beheld the city, and wept over it!" Oh, to feel as Paul felt! As Jesus felt! If we realized the danger of sinners, and the terrors of Hell as they did—we would weep as they wept!
We should feel for sinners, as if we saw them suspended over the burning lake of Hell, and one after another falling in! We should feel for sinners, as if we could hear the awful splash, as the lost soul takes its terrific plunge into the liquid flaming brimstone!
"Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears!
I would weep day and night for the slain of my people!" Jeremiah 9:1
~ ~ ~ ~This is my Friend!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
"You are My friends!" John 15:14
What infinite condescension in Jesus, to call us sinful worms—His friends! But He not only calls us so, but treats us as such! And expects us as His friends, to do whatever He commands us.
Is Jesus your friend?
Then visit Him often; let Him hear your voice in prayer and praise.
Then trust Him confidently; let Him see evidence of your faith in your dependence.
Then walk with Him in love; let Him enjoy much of your company.
Then expect Him to be your Friend . . .
in sickness and health,
in poverty and plenty,
in life and in death!
If Jesus is our Friend, we can never be destitute. If our father and mother forsake us, He will take us up and take us in.
We can never be miserable; He will receive us and be a wise and loving Father unto us.
We can never be neglected, for He will never fail us nor forsake us; but will do for us all that He has promised in His Word. He will . . .
defend us from foes,
visit us in sickness, and
cheer and support us in death!
Precious Lord Jesus, You are my Friend . . .
in life,
in death,
at the judgment, and
before Your Father's face forever!
"Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend!" Song of Songs 5:16
~ ~ ~ ~My Father's eye!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Evening Visit") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
"Your Father who sees in secret." Matthew 6:6
Can anyone hide himself from the Lord in secret places?
Can I, under any circumstances, escape His notice?
Impossible!
The eye of God has been fixed upon me every second of this day; it is now at this moment fixed fully upon me.
But it is my Father's eye! My Father sees in secret!
He sees my needs, and my woes.
He sees every secret working of my foes, and will save me from them.
He sees every secret influence which is likely to injure me, and will prevent it.
He sees . . .
the secret workings of my heart,
my hidden thoughts,
my unuttered desires,
my soul conflicts,
my private temptations.
But He sees also my secret sins!
Every evil thought,
every improper action,
every unfitting word—
passes under His eye!
Solemn consideration this!
May it make me cautious. May it preserve me . . .
from yielding to temptation,
from nourishing sinful thoughts, and
from acting inconsistent with my profession.
My heavenly Father sees me!
He sees me at this moment!
He sees me every moment!
He sees my most secret motives, thoughts, and purposes!
He who thus sees me, hates every sin with an infinite hatred!
"There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do!" Hebrews 4:13
~ ~ ~ ~He was infinitely happy and glorious without us!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
"Christ, who loved us!" Romans 8:37
No condition can possibly be more dreary, than to feel that no one loves or cares for us!
There is something peculiarly sweet and pleasant, in being the object of another's love. Even the love of a poor child is sweet. But to be loved by one who is most wealthy, most exalted in station, and most honorable in character—must be peculiarly delightful!
How, then, should we rejoice; how happy should we be—who are loved by the Lord Jesus! Especially when we consider:
on the one hand . . .
how despicable,
how poor,
how worthless, and
how unlovely WE are!
And, on the other hand . . .
how glorious,
how wealthy,
how worthy,
how lovely JESUS is!
To be loved by Jesus, is to be preferred before the possession of a world!
Think of . . .
the glory of His person,
the vastness of His possessions,
the number of His angelic attendants,
the unlimited sovereignty which He exercises,
and the excellent character He bears!
Also bear in mind that He knew what loving us would cost Him—how He would be treated by us and by others, for our sakes!
Yet He fixed His love upon US!
He loved US, just because He would!
He passed by others more dignified in nature, more exalted in station—but He chose US!
He did not, could not, NEED us—for He was infinitely happy and glorious without us!
Yet He loved us!
He still loves us!
~ ~ ~ ~He restores the fainting, the dying and the dead!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
"I will restore health unto you!" Jeremiah 30:17
Jesus is a skillful Physician.
He heals all the falls, bruises, and dislocations of His people.
He brings health to the heart!
Believer, is your heart . .
hard,
wandering,
divided, or
wounded?
Jesus can heal it!
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, "I will heal you freely: without money, without price!"
But He will have an absolute surrender to Him!
You must refuse all other remedies!
You must take all that He prescribes, bitter or sweet!
Jesus is Jehovah-Rophi, "The God who heals!"
Therefore look for health to no other.
Consult Him daily.
Lay open your whole case to Him!
Never despond until . . .
His loving nature changes,
His skill fails, or
His promises are withdrawn from His Word.
Be grateful for healing, and show your gratitude by endeavoring to send others to Him.
Recommend this gracious Physician!
Beloved, come to Jesus and be healed!
Savior, I wait Your healing hand!
Diseases fly at Your command;
Now let Your sovereign touch impart,
Life, health, and vigor to my heart!~ ~ ~ ~
He seems to grow more like Satan!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
"Their righteousness is from Me!" Isaiah 54:17
The longer the Christian lives, the more he learns. And the more the Spirit teaches him, the more he loathes himself and renounces his own righteousness as filthy rags.
He hoped sensibly . . .
to grow in holiness,
to feel his corruptions subdued, and
to enjoy the presence of his God without interruption.
But instead of this:
he seems to grow more like Satan,
his corruption appears to get stronger and stronger, and
the depravity of his nature appears more and more dreadful!
He thinks himself to be a monster of iniquity, and wonders how God can possibly love him or show any favor unto him.
Yet, this heart-felt experience . . .
endears God's free grace,
renders Christ unspeakably precious,
and the gift of righteousness invaluable!
How can such a man be just before God?
Where is his righteousness to come from?
Jehovah answers, "His righteousness is from Me!"
Jesus wrought it;
the Father imputes it to us;
the gospel reveals it; and
faith receives it, puts it on, and pleads it before God.
Precious Jesus! In You alone, I have righteousness and strength!
~ ~ ~ ~The situation in which she died is instructive:
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
She had hospitably entertained the angels,
she had believed their message,
she had obeyed their command,
she had left Sodom behind her,
she had forsaken the ungodly.
Yet her heart was left in the city!
She was cut off by a visible display of God's judgment!
"But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt!"
Genesis 19:26
The situation in which she died is instructive:
It was not in Sodom, but on the plain.
She escaped one judgment, but was overtaken by another.
She was deprived of eternal life, for too highly prizing earth's comforts.
She was left as a sad example of God's jealousy, and His displeasure against sin.
God will be honored either by our obedience—or by our punishment!
It is dangerous to trifle with the smallest of God's commands.
We may overcome one temptation, and yet fall by another.
Here is a warning to the covetous, whose hearts are set on earthly things.
Here is a warning to the self-willed, who trifle with God's commands.
Here is a warning to the undecided, who stand between Sodom and Zoar.
Let us examine: Are our hearts detached from the world?
Be not high-minded, but fear!
"Remember Lot's wife!" Luke 17:32
~ ~ ~ ~Paul's estimate of himself
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
"I am nothing!" 2 Corinthians 12:11
This was Paul's estimate of himself: "less than the least of all saints," and "the chief of sinners."
The more we know of ourselves and of Jesus . . .
the more shall we be humbled in the dust before Him,
and the lower we lie before Him,
and the happier and holier we shall be.
Sinful MAN will, MUST be something—this is both his pride and his misery.
The Christian is willing to be nothing, that Christ may be all in all.
If we daily felt that we are nothing, how many mortifications we would be spared; what admiring views of the grace of God would fill and sanctify our souls!
Apart from Christ, we are less than nothing; but in Christ, we are something!
We are empty, but He fills us!
We are naked, but He clothes us!
We are helpless, but He strengthens us!
We are lost, but He finds us!
We are ruined, but He saves us!
We are poor, but He supplies us!
All that we are, is by Christ!
All that we have, is from Christ!
All that all we shall be, is through Christ!
Christian, you are nothing! Therefore beware of thinking too highly of yourself, or imagining that you deserve more than you receive, either from God or men.
Humble souls are soon satisfied.
O could I lose myself in Thee,
Your depth of mercy prove,
O vast unfathomable sea,
Of unexhausted love!
I loathe myself when God I see,
Content if Christ exalted be!
~ ~ ~ ~To nourish a serpent in the bosom!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
"Walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
Pride is one of our greatest evils!
To indulge pride, is to nourish a serpent in the bosom!
The grace of God always humbles us; and it is only as we are sincerely humble, that we can be truly happy.
God condescends to walk with the humble man, but He keeps the proud man at a distance.
Consider . . .
what a vile sinner you were by nature,
what evil now lurks in your heart,
what you would have been, but for the grace of God
—and be humble.
All you have which is truly good, is the gift of free grace!
All you do that is good, is the effect of God's working in you!
What then, do you have to be proud of?
What reason then, do you have to boast?
Oh, lie low in the dust of self-abasement!
Nourish humbling thoughts of yourself!
Admire the mercy, condescension, and infinite compassion of God—in even noticing so vile, so unworthy a worm as yourself!
Study the character and conduct of the humble Jesus, and endeavor to walk just as He walked. "Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." Matthew 11:29
~ ~ ~ ~We know not what this day may bring forth!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
"I will surely do you GOOD!" Genesis 32:12
Though this promise was given to Jacob, it was not confined to him, but is intended for all his spiritual seed. It is thus that God speaks to US this morning. How gracious!
We know not what this day may bring forth, but we do know that our God, who superintends every event, will do us good.
We may mistake as to what will be for our good, but He is infinite in wisdom and goodness, and therefore cannot mistake. We may look at afflictions, losses, and crosses, and cry out, "All these things are against me!" But read the history of David. What a train of troubles attended him! Hear his acknowledgment: "It is GOOD for me that I have been afflicted!"
Your God will do you good—therefore He will try you, sift you, humble you, and prove you. He will give you needed bitter medicine, as well as food. He will consider nothing too expensive, or too painful—if necessary for your soul's welfare.
Look at your trials, and say, "This also shall turn to my good!"
Look on the past, and acknowledge, "Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life."
Look to the future, and rejoice, "The Lord will surely give me that which is GOOD."
Look in every direction, and say, "Surely the Lord will do me good; I will trust, and not be afraid."
~ ~ ~ ~Find rest, O my soul, in God alone!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)
"I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
There is no rest for the Christian in this world. There will be always something to disturb, perplex or distress him; it is an enemy's land.
But Jesus says, "I will give you rest." He does so by enabling us to . . .
rely on His Word,
recognize His hand,
submit to His will, and
trust in His perfect work.
He assures us . . .
that our sins are forgiven;
that we are safe in His keeping;
that His presence shall always be with us; and
that all things shall work together for our eternal good.
We can rest on His faithfulness—for He has been tried, and found faithful.
We can rest on His love—for He loves us to the uttermost.
We can rest on His power—for it is ever engaged on our behalf.
We can rest on His covenant—for it is ordered in all things and sure.
We can rest on His blood—for it speaks peace, pardon, and acceptance with God.
We can rest at His feet—for there we are safe, and can never be injured.
We cannot rest . . .
on our graces,
on our comforts,
on our friends, or
on our possessions.
We may rest on Jesus alone!
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken!" Psalm 62:5-6
~ ~ ~ ~We shall wither, fade, and die!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
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"Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall!" Isaiah 64:6
What a contrast between an unchangeable God, and a sinner withering like a leaf! Yet, this is a true picture of us, and of all temporal things.
We began to look green and bright not long ago; and in a little time we shall wither, fade, and die!
"How short is life, and how full of trouble! Like a flower, we blossom for a moment, and then wither!" Job 14:1-2. Humbling consideration! But it may be rendered very useful. Let us endeavor to profit by it.
Shall we soon wither and die?
Then let us not be overly concerned by anything that occurs here below.
Let us set our affections on things above, and lay up for ourselves treasures in Heaven.
Let us live by faith in Jesus, walk with God, and aim principally to please Him in all that we do.
Let us also watch against a worldly spirit, and pass the time of our sojourning here on earth in fear.
We shall soon find that . . .
health gives place to sickness;
strength gives place to weakness;
youth gives place to old age!
The dying bed, the coffin, and the grave—are just before us!
Let us therefore make our calling and our election sure.
Let us cultivate close and filial fellowship with God.
Let us dig deep and lay our foundation upon the Rock!
Brethren, the time is short! Eternity with all its glories is just before us!
"Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall!" Isaiah 64:6
~ ~ ~ ~Go to Him just as you are, and receive from Him all you need!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
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"Come unto Me!" Matthew 11:28
Jesus calls you to His throne of grace. He is there waiting to hear, relieve and bless you. You are to go to Him just as you are, and receive from Him all you need.
He will give you:
wisdom, to direct your steps;
peace, to keep your hearts;
strength, to do His will;
righteousness, to justify your souls;
and rest, unspeakably sweet.
He is glorified in bestowing these blessings upon you. He calls you this morning, this moment—to receive all you need, without money and without price. What a precious Savior is Jesus! What a kind and tender Friend!
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
"Come!" He says, "Come to Me!
Do not go to SELF, to the world, to the empty cisterns which creatures idolize; but come unto Me, and I will do immeasurably more than all you can ask or imagine!
Your sins, I will pardon;
your graces, I will revive;
your comforts, I will restore;
your holiness, I will increase;
your efforts to glorify Me, I will crown with success;
I will bless you, and you shall be a blessing!"
~ ~ ~ ~He cannot love you more!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit") LISTEN to audio! Download audio
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"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
The Lord cares for His children!
He knows our needs—and has promised to supply them.
He knows our foes—and will deliver us from them.
He knows our fears—and will make us ashamed of them.
All creatures and things are in His hand, and at His disposal.
All circumstances are under His absolute control. He . . .
directs the angel,
feeds the sparrow,
curbs the devil, and
manages the tempest!
He is your Father, and His love to you is infinite. You are His delight—His dear child. Will He neglect you? Impossible! Cast then, your cares upon Him. Tell out all your desires, fears, and troubles to Him; let Him know everything; keep nothing back. And then in the confidence of faith, expect Him to fulfill His Word, and act a Parent's part.
Bless Him for all He has given, for all He has promised.
Plead with Him for all you may need.But never for one moment, or under any circumstances, distrust Him! He cannot love you more! He is your ever present help. He will rejoice over you to do you good, with His whole heart and with His whole soul.
"Cast all your care upon Him, because He cares about you!" 1 Peter 5:7
~ ~ ~ ~Carry all your concerns to Him in the arms of faith!
James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit" LISTEN to audio! Download audio
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"Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you!" 1 Peter 5:7
The Lord knows all His people—all their needs, and all their trials.
He thinks upon them—to bless, deliver and supply them.
He keeps His eye upon them—in all places, at all times, and under all circumstances.
He has them in His hand—and will not loosen His hold.
He looks upon them always as His own treasured possession . . .
the objects of His eternal love,
the purchase of His Son's blood,
the temples of His Holy Spirit.
They are precious in His sight!
He knows they are weak and fearful, and that they have many enemies. He teaches them to cast themselves and all their cares into His hands! He has given them His promise that He will care for them.
It is a Father's care which He exercises.
It is a wise, holy, tender, and constant care.
Therefore all will be well with you—only trust Him.
Believe that He cares for you this day. Carry all your concerns to Him in the arms of faith! Leave all with Him, persuaded that He will manage all by His infinite wisdom, and bring all to a good outcome by His omnipotent power.
Cast all your cares upon Him, as fast as they come in. Do not worry about anything.
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you!
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken!" Psalm 55:22
~ ~ ~ ~Poor in self—rich in Jesus!
(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit")
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"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 5:3
The Lord's people are all poor; they see and feel that sin has stripped them of every excellence; and has left them wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. They can do nothing of themselves, they can procure nothing for themselves! But free grace has made ample provision for them, and the Gospel informs them that Jesus has everything they need—and that all that He has, is for them!
When they look at, or into themselves, they are discouraged.
But when they look to Jesus, they rejoice!
He has riches of grace—and riches of glory; and He says, "Every one who asks—receives." He gives liberally, and upbraids not.
Here then is the present blessedness of the Lord's poor: Jesus has all they need! And He is their Redeemer and Friend! Those who seek Him shall not lack any truly good thing.
Am I poor? If so, Jesus bids me come to Him, and buy gold, clothing, wine, and milk without price—all that is necessary to comfort and support in time, and render me happy throughout eternity!
Poor in self—rich in Jesus!
Poor at present—rich in eternity! "For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven!"
"All things are yours!" 1 Corinthians 3:21
"And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!" Philippians 4:19