Morning and Evening

by Charles Spurgeon

 

February 1 — Morning

"They shall sing in the ways of the Lord." Psalm 138:5

The time when Christians begin to sing in the ways of the Lord—is when they first lose their burden at the foot of the Cross. Not even the songs of the angels seem so sweet, as the first song of rapture which gushes from the inmost soul of the forgiven child of God! You know how John Bunyan describes it. He says when poor Pilgrim lost his burden at the Cross, he gave three great leaps, and went on his way singing, "Blessed Cross! blessed Sepulcher! blessed rather be the man who there was put to shame for me!"

Believer, do you recollect the day when your fetters fell off? Do you remember the place when Jesus met you, and said, "I have loved you with an everlasting love! I have blotted out as a cloud your transgressions, and as a thick cloud your sins—they shall not be mentioned against you any more forever!" Oh! what a sweet season is that—when Jesus takes away the pain of sin!

When the Lord first pardoned my sin, I was so joyous that I could scarcely refrain from dancing. I thought on my road home from the house where I had been set at liberty, that I must tell the stones in the street the story of my deliverance. So full was my soul of joy, that I wanted to tell every snow-flake that was falling from heaven—of the wondrous love of Jesus, who had blotted out the sins of one of the chief of rebels!

But it is not only at the commencement of the Christian life that believers have reason for song; as long as they live they discover cause to sing in the ways of the Lord, and their experience of His constant loving-kindness leads them to say, "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth." See to it, brother, that you magnify the Lord this day. "As long as we tread this desert land—new mercies shall new songs demand."

 

February 1 — Evening

"Your love to me was wonderful." 2 Samuel 1:26

Come, dear readers, let each one of us speak for himself of the wonderful love, not of Jonathan—but of Jesus. We will not relate what we have been told—but the things which we have tasted and handled of the love of Christ.

"Your love to me, O Jesus, was wonderful when I was a stranger wandering far from You, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind. Your love restrained me from committing the sin which is unto death, and withheld me from self-destruction. Your love held back the axe when Justice said, "Cut it down! why does it cumber the ground?" Your love drew me into the wilderness, stripped me there, and made me feel the guilt of my sin, and the burden of my iniquity. Your love spoke thus comfortably to me, when I was sore dismayed, 'Come unto Me—and I will give you rest.' Oh, how matchless was Your love when, in a moment, You washed my sins away, and made my polluted soul, which was crimson with the blood of my nativity, and black with the grime of my transgressions, to be white as the newly fallen snow, and pure as the finest wool. How You commended Your love—when You whispered in my ears, 'I am yours—and you are Mine!' Kind were those accents when You said, 'The Father Himself loves you!' And sweet were the moments, when You manifested to me, 'the love of the Spirit.' Never shall my soul forget those chambers of fellowship where You have unveiled Yourself to me!"

Had Moses his cleft in the rock, where he saw the back parts of his God? We, too, have had our clefts in the rock, where we have seen the full splendors of the Godhead in the person of Christ. Did David remember the tracks of the wild goat, the land of Jordan and the Hermonites? We, too, can remember spots to memory dear, equal to these in blessedness. Precious Lord Jesus—give us a fresh draught of Your wondrous love, to begin the month with. Amen.

 

February 2 — Morning

"Without the shedding of blood is no remission of sin." Hebrews 9:22

This is the voice of unalterable truth. In none of the Jewish ceremonies, were sins, even typically, removed without blood-shedding. In no case, by no means—can sin be pardoned without atonement. It is clear, then, that there is no hope for me, outside of Christ; for there is no other blood-shedding which is worth a thought—as an atonement for sin. Am I, then, believing in Him? Is the blood of His atonement truly applied to my soul? All men are on a level—as to their need of Him. If we are ever so moral, generous, amiable, or patriotic—the rule will not be altered to make an exception for us. Sin will yield to nothing less potent—than the blood of Him whom God has set forth as an atoning sacrifice.

What a blessing that there is the one way of pardon! Why should we seek another? People of merely formal religion cannot understand how we can rejoice that all our sins are forgiven us for Christ's sake. Their works, and prayers, and ceremonies, give them very poor comfort; and well may they be uneasy, for they are neglecting the one great salvation, and endeavoring to get remission of sin—without blood.

My soul, sit down, and behold the justice of God as bound to punish sin! See that punishment all executed upon your Lord Jesus—and fall down in humble joy, and kiss the dear feet of Him whose blood has made atonement for you! It is in vain when conscience is aroused to fly to feelings and evidences for comfort—this is a habit which we learned in the Egypt of our legal bondage. The only restorative for a guilty conscience—is a sight of Jesus suffering on the cross! "The blood is the life thereof," says the Levitical law, and let us rest assured, that it is the life of faith and joy and every other holy grace. "Oh! how sweet to view the flowing Of my Savior's precious blood—with divine assurance knowing He has made my peace with God."

 

February 2 — Evening

"And these are ancient things." 1 Chronicles 4:22

Yet not so ancient as those precious things which are the delight of our souls. Let us for a moment recount them, counting them over as misers count their gold. The sovereign choice of the Father, by which He elected us unto eternal life, before ever the earth was, is a matter of vast antiquity, since no date can be conceived for it by the mind of man. We were chosen from before the foundations of the world. Everlasting love went with the choice, for it was not a bare act of divine will by which we were set apart—but the divine affections were concerned. The Father loved us—in and from the beginning. Here is a theme for daily contemplation! The eternal purpose to redeem us from our foreseen ruin, to cleanse and sanctify us, and at last to glorify us—was of infinite antiquity, and runs side by side with immutable love and absolute sovereignty.

The covenant is always described as being everlasting, and Jesus, the second party in it, had His goings forth of old; He struck hands in sacred suretyship long before the first of the stars began to shine, and it was in Him, that the elect were ordained unto eternal life. Thus in the divine purpose, a most blessed covenant union was established between the Son of God—and His elect people, which will remain as the foundation of their safety when time shall be no more!

Is it not well—to be conversant with these ancient things? Is it not shameful—that they should be so much neglected and even rejected by the bulk of professors? If they knew more of their own sin—would they not be more ready to adore His sovereign grace? Let us both admire and adore tonight, as we sing,

"A monument of grace,
A sinner saved by blood;
The streams of love I trace
Up to the Fountain, God;
And in His sacred bosom see
Eternal thoughts of Love to me!"

 

February 3 — Morning

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors." Romans 8:12

As God's creatures, we are all debtors to Him—to obey Him with all our body, and soul, and strength. Having broken His commandments, as we all have, we are debtors to His justice, and we owe to Him a vast amount which we are not able to pay. But of the Christian it can be said—that he does not owe God's justice anything, for Christ has paid the debt His people owed; for this reason the believer owes the more, to love. I am a debtor to God's grace and forgiving mercy; but I am no debtor to His justice, for He will never accuse me of a debt already paid! Christ said, "It is finished!" and by that He meant, that whatever sin-debt His people owed—was wiped away forever from the book of remembrance. Christ, to the uttermost, has satisfied divine justice; the account is settled; the handwriting is nailed to the cross; the receipt is given, and we are debtors to God's justice no longer.

But then, because we are not debtors to our Lord in that sense, we become ten times more debtors to God than we would have been otherwise. Christian, pause and ponder for a moment. What a debtor you are to divine sovereignty! How much you owe to His selfless love, for He gave His own Son that He might die for you. Consider how much you owe to His forgiving grace, that after receiving ten thousand affronts from you—He loves you as infinitely as ever! Consider what you owe to His power; how He has raised you from your death in sin; how He has preserved your spiritual life; how He has kept you from falling; and how, though a thousand enemies have beset your path—you have been able to hold on your way. Consider what you owe to His immutability. Though you have changed a thousand times—He has not changed once! You are as deep in debt as you can be—to every attribute of God. To God you owe yourself, and all you have—yield yourself as a living sacrifice, it is but your reasonable service.

 

February 3 — Evening

"Tell me... where You feed, where You make Your flock to rest at noon." Song of Solomon 1:7

These words express the desire of the believer after Christ, and his longing for present communion with Him. Where do You feed Your flock? In Your house? I will go, if I may find You there. In private prayer? Then I will pray without ceasing. In the Word? Then I will read it diligently. In Your ordinances? Then I will walk in them with all my heart. Tell me where You feed, for wherever You stand as the Shepherd, there will I lie down as a sheep; for none but Yourself can supply my need. I cannot be satisfied to be apart from You. My soul hungers and thirsts for the refreshment of Your presence.

"Where do You make Your flock to rest at noon?" for whether at dawn or at noon, my only rest must be where You are and Your beloved flock.

My soul's rest must be a grace-given rest—and can only be found in You. Where is the shadow of that rock? Why should I not repose beneath it? "Why should I be as one who turns aside by the flocks of your companions?" You have companions—why should I not be one? Satan tells me I am unworthy; but I always was unworthy, and yet You have long loved me; and therefore my unworthiness cannot be a bar to my having fellowship with You now. It is true I am weak in faith, and prone to fall—but my very feebleness is the reason why I should always be where You feed Your flock, that I may be strengthened, and preserved in safety beside the still waters. Why should I turn aside? There is no reason why I should—but there are a thousand reasons why I should not—for Jesus beckons me to come. If He withdrew Himself a little, it is but to make me prize His presence more. Now that I am grieved and distressed at being away from Him—He will lead me yet again to that sheltered nook where the lambs of His fold are sheltered from the burning sun.

 

February 4 — Morning

"The love of the Lord." Hosea 3:1

Believer, look back through all your experience, and think of the way whereby the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness, and how He has fed and clothed you every day—how He has borne with your sins and failings—how He has put up with all your murmurings, and all your longings after the flesh-pots of Egypt—how He has opened the rock to supply you, and fed you with manna which came down from heaven. Think of how His grace has been sufficient for you in all your troubles—how His blood has been a pardon to you in all your sins—how His rod and His staff have comforted you. When you have thus looked back upon the love of the Lord—then let faith survey His love in the future, for remember that Christ's covenant and blood have something more in them than the past. He who has loved you and pardoned you, shall never cease to love and pardon.

He is Alpha, and He shall be Omega also! He is first, and He shall be last. Therefore, remember, when you shall pass through the valley of the shadow of death—you need fear no evil, for He is with you! When you shall stand in the cold floods of Jordan, you need not fear, for death cannot separate you from His love! And when you shall come into the mysteries of eternity, you need not tremble, "For I am persuaded, that neither death; nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature—shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord!" Now, soul, is not your love refreshed? Does not this make you love Jesus? Does not a flight through illimitable plains of the ether of love inflame your heart and compel you to delight yourself in the Lord your God? Surely as we meditate on "the love of the Lord," our hearts will burn within us, and we long to love Him more!

 

February 4 — Evening

"Your refuge from the avenger of blood." Joshua 20:3

It is said that in the land of Canaan, cities of refuge were so arranged, that any man might reach one of them, within half a day at the utmost. Just so, the Word of our salvation is near to us; Jesus is a present Savior—and the way to Him is short. It is but a simple renunciation of our own merit—and a laying hold of Jesus, to be our all in all.

With regard to the roads to the city of refuge, we are told that they were strictly maintained, every river was bridged, and every obstruction removed, so that the man who fled, might find an easy passage to the city. Once a year the elders went along the roads and saw to their upkeep, so that nothing might impede the flight of any one, and cause him, through delay, to be overtaken and slain. Just so, how graciously do the promises of the gospel remove stumbling blocks from the way!

Wherever there were by-roads and turnings, there were fixed up sign-posts, with the inscription upon them, "To the city of refuge!" This is a picture of the road to Christ Jesus. It is no roundabout road of the law; it is no obeying this, that, and the other commandment; it is a straight road: "Believe—and live!" It is a road so hard, that no self-righteous man can ever tread it—but so easy, that every sinner, who knows himself to be a sinner—may by it find his way to heaven.

No sooner did the man-slayer reach the outworks of the city—than he was safe! It was not necessary for him to pass far within the walls—but the suburbs themselves were sufficient protection. Learn hence, that if you do but touch the hem of Christ's garment, you shall be made whole; if you do but lay hold upon him with "faith as a grain of mustard seed," you are safe. "A little genuine grace—ensures the forgiveness of all our sins." Only waste no time—do not loiter along the way, for the avenger of blood is swift of foot—and it may be he is at your heels at this still hour of eventide!

 

February 5 — Morning

"The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world." 1 John 4:14

It is a sweet thought that Jesus Christ did not come forth without His Father's permission, authority, consent, and assistance. He was sent by the Father—that He might be the Savior of men. We are too apt to forget that, while there are distinctions as to the persons in the Trinity, there are no distinctions of honor. We too frequently ascribe the honor of our salvation, or at least the depths of its benevolence, more to Jesus Christ—than we do the Father. This is a very great mistake. What if Jesus came? Did not His Father send Him? If He spoke wondrously, did not His Father pour grace into His lips, that He might be an able minister of the new covenant?

He who knows the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit as he should know them—never sets one before another in his love; he sees them at Bethlehem, at Gethsemane, and on Calvary—all equally engaged in the work of salvation. O Christian, have you put your confidence in the Man Christ Jesus? Have you placed your reliance solely on Him? And are you united with Him? Then believe that you are united unto the God of heaven.

Since to the Man Christ Jesus you are brother, and hold closest fellowship, you are in eternal union thereby with God. The Eternal God, and "the Ancient of days" is your Father and your friend! Did you ever consider the depth of love in the heart of Jehovah, when God the Father equipped His Son for the great enterprise of mercy? If not—may this be your day's meditation. The Father sent Him! Contemplate that subject. Think how Jesus works—what the Father wills. In the wounds of the dying Savior—see the love of the great I AM. Let every thought of Jesus be also connected with the Eternal, ever-blessed God, for "It pleased the Lord to bruise Him—He has put Him to grief."

 

February 5 — Evening

"At that time, Jesus answered." Matthew 11:25

This is a singular way in which to commence a verse, "At that time, Jesus answered." If you will look at the context, you will not see that any person had asked Him a question, or that He was in conversation with any human being. Yet it is written, "Jesus answered and said, I thank You, O Father." When a man answers, he answers a person who has been speaking to him. Who, then, had spoken to Christ? His Father! Yet there is no record of it; and this should teach us that Jesus had constant fellowship with His Father, and that God spoke into His heart so often, so continually, that it was not a circumstance singular enough to be recorded. It was the habit and life of Jesus to talk with His Father.

Even as Jesus was in this world—so are we; let us therefore learn the lesson which this simple statement concerning Him teaches us. May we likewise have silent fellowship with the Father, so that often we may answer Him, and though the world knows not to whom we speak, may we be responding to that secret voice, unheard by any other ear, which our own ear, opened by the Spirit of God, recognizes with joy. God has spoken to us, let us speak to God—either to set our seal that God is true and faithful to His promise, or to confess the sin of which the Spirit of God has convinced us, or to acknowledge the mercy which God's providence has given, or to express assent to the great truths which God the Holy Spirit has opened to our understanding.

What a privilege is intimate communion with the Father of our spirits! It is a secret hidden from the world, a joy with which even the nearest friend cannot understand. If we would hear the whispers of God's love—our ear must be purged and fitted to listen to His voice. This very evening may our hearts be in such a state, that when God speaks to us—we, like Jesus, may be prepared at once to answer Him.

 

February 6 — Morning

"Praying always." Ephesians 6:18

What multitudes of prayers we have put up, from the first moment when we learned to pray. Our first prayer was a prayer for ourselves; we asked that God would have mercy upon us, and blot out our sin. He heard us. But when He had blotted out our countless sins—then we had more prayers for ourselves. We have had to pray for sanctifying grace, for constraining and restraining grace; we have been led to crave for a fresh assurance of faith, for the comfortable application of the promise, for deliverance in the hour of temptation, for help in the time of duty, and for succor in the day of trial. We have been compelled to go to God for our souls—as constant beggars, asking for everything.

Bear witness, children of God, you have never been able to get anything for your souls elsewhere else. All the bread your soul has eaten—has come down from heaven; and all the water of which it has drank—has flowed from the living rock—Christ Jesus the Lord. Your soul has never grown rich in itself; it has always been a poor pensioner upon the daily bounty of God; and hence your prayers have ascended to heaven—for a range of spiritual mercies all but infinite. Your needs were innumerable, and therefore the supplies have been infinitely great! Your prayers have been as varied—as the mercies have been countless. Then have you not cause to say, "I love the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication!" For as your prayers have been many, so also have been God's answers to them. He has heard you in the day of trouble, has strengthened you, and helped you—even when you dishonored Him by trembling and doubting at the mercy-seat. Remember this, and let it fill your heart with gratitude to God, who has thus graciously heard your poor weak prayers. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits!"

 

February 6 — Evening

"Pray one for another." James 5:16

As an encouragement cheerfully to offer intercessory prayer, remember that such prayer is the sweetest God ever hears, for the prayer of Christ is of this character. In all the incense which our Great High Priest now puts into the golden censer—there is not a single grain for Himself. His intercession must be the most acceptable of all supplications—and the more our prayer is like Christ's, the sweeter it will be. Thus while petitions for ourselves will be accepted, our pleadings for others, having in them more of the fruits of the Spirit, more love, more faith, more brotherly kindness, will be, through the precious merits of Jesus—the sweetest oblation that we can offer to God—the very fat of our sacrifice.

Remember, again, that intercessory prayer is exceedingly prevalent. What wonders it has wrought! The Word of God teems with its marvelous deeds. Believer, you have a mighty engine in your hand, use it well, use it constantly, use it with faith, and you shall surely be a benefactor to your brethren. When you have the King's ear—speak to Him for the suffering members of His body. When you are favored to draw very near to His throne, and the King says to you, "Ask—and I will give you what you will," let your petitions be, not for yourself alone—but for the many who need His aid.

If you have grace at all, and are not an intercessor, that grace must be small as a grain of dust. You have just enough grace to float your soul clear from the quicksand—but you have no deep floods of grace, or else you would carry in your joyous bark—a weighty cargo of the needs of others, and you would bring back from your Lord, for them, rich blessings which but for you they might not have obtained.

"Oh, let my hands forget their skill,
My tongue be silent, cold, and still,
This bounding heart forget to beat,
If I forget the mercy-seat!"

 

February 7 — Morning

"Arise, and depart." Micah 2:10

The hour is approaching when the message will come to us, as it comes to all, "Arise, and go forth from the home in which you have dwelt, from the city in which you have done your business, from your family, from your friends. Arise, and take your last journey!"

What do we know of the journey? What do we know of the country to which we are bound? We have read a little thereof, and a measure has been revealed to us by the Spirit; but how little do we know of the realms of the future! We know that there is a black and stormy river called "Death." God bids us to cross it, promising to be with us. And, after death, what then? What wonder-world will open upon our astonished sight? What scene of glory will be unfolded to our view? No traveler has ever returned to tell. But we know enough of the heavenly land—to make us welcome our summons there with joy and gladness!

The journey of death may be dark—but we may go forth on it fearlessly, knowing that God is with us as we walk through the gloomy valley, and therefore we need fear no evil. We shall be departing from all we have known and loved here—but we shall be going to our Father's house—to our Father's home, where Jesus is—to that royal "city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." This shall be our last abode—to dwell forever with Him we love, in the midst of His people, in the presence of God.

Christian, meditate much on heaven—it will help you to press on, and to forget the toil of the way. This valley of tears is but the pathway to the better country! This present world of woe is but the stepping-stone to a world of bliss.

 

February 7 — Evening

"And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them—Come up hither!" Revelation 11:12

Without considering these words in their prophetical connection, let us regard them as the invitation of our great Forerunner to His sanctified people. In due time there shall be heard "a great voice from heaven" to every believer, saying, "Come up hither." This should be to the saints the subject of joyful anticipation. Instead of dreading the time when we shall leave this world to go unto the Father—we should be panting for the hour of our emancipation. Our song should be,

"My heart is with Him on His throne,
And ill can brook delay;
Each moment listening for the voice,
'Rise up and come away!'"

We are not called down to the grave—but up to the skies. Our heaven-born spirits should long for their native air. Yet the celestial summons should be the object of patient waiting. Our God knows best when to bid us "Come up hither!" We must not wish to antedate the period of our departure. I know that strong love will make us cry, "O Lord Almighty, the waves divide-and land us all in heaven;" but patience must have her perfect work. God ordains with accurate wisdom the most fitting time for the redeemed to abide below. Surely, if there could be regrets in heaven, the saints might mourn that they did not live longer here to do more good. Oh, for more sheaves for my Lord's garner! more jewels for His crown! But how, unless there is more work? True, there is the other side of it, that, living so briefly, our sins are the fewer; but oh! when we are fully serving God, and He is giving us to scatter precious seed, and reap a hundredfold, we would even say it is well for us to abide where we are. Whether our Master shall say "go," or "stay," let us be equally well pleased—so long as He indulges us with His presence.

 

February 8 — Morning

"You shall call his name Jesus." Matthew 1:21

When a person is dear, everything connected with him becomes dear for his sake. Thus, so precious is the person of the Lord Jesus in the estimation of all true believers, that everything about Him they consider to be inestimable beyond all price. "All Your garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia," said David, as if the very garments of the Savior were so sweetened by His person, that he could not but love them. Certain it is, that there is not a spot where that hallowed foot has trodden—there is not a word which those blessed lips have uttered—nor a thought which His loving Word has revealed—which is not to us precious beyond all price. And this is true of the names of Christ—they are all sweet in the believer's ear. Whether He is called the Husband of the Church, her Bridegroom, her Friend; whether He is styled the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world—the King, the Prophet, or the Priest—every title of our Master—Shiloh, Emmanuel, Wonderful, the Mighty Counselor—every name is like the honeycomb dropping with honey, and luscious are the drops that distill from it.

But if there is one name sweeter than another in the believer's ear, it is the name of Jesus. Jesus! it is the name which moves the harps of heaven to melody. Jesus! the life of all our joys. If there is one name more charming, more precious than another, it is this name. It is woven into the very warp and woof of our psalmody. Many of our hymns begin with it, and scarcely any, which are good for anything, end without it. It is the sum total of all delights. It is the music with which the bells of heaven ring; a song in a word; an ocean for comprehension, although a drop for brevity; a matchless oratorio in two syllables; a gathering up of the hallelujahs of eternity in five letters. "Jesus, I love Your charming name—'Tis music to my ear!"

 

February 8 — Evening

"He shall save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

Many people, if they are asked what they understand by salvation, will reply, "Being saved from hell—and taken to heaven." This is one result of salvation—but it is not one tenth of what is contained in that blessing. It is true our Lord Jesus Christ does redeem all His people from the wrath to come; He saves them from the fearful condemnation which their sins had brought upon them; but His triumph is far more complete than this. He saves His people "from their sins." Oh! sweet deliverance from our worst foes. Where Christ works a saving work—He casts Satan from his throne, and will not let him be master any longer.

No man is a true Christian—if sin reigns in his mortal body. Sin will be in us—it will never be utterly expelled, until the spirit enters glory; but it will never have dominion. There will be a striving for dominion—a lusting against the new law and the new spirit which God has implanted—but sin will never get the upper hand so as to be absolute monarch of our nature. Christ will be Master of the heart—and sin must be mortified. The Lion of the tribe of Judah shall prevail—and the dragon shall be cast out.

Professor! is sin subdued in you? If your life is unholy—your heart is unchanged; and if your heart is unchanged—you are an unsaved person. If the Savior has not sanctified you, renewed you, given you a hatred of sin and a love of holiness—He has done nothing in you of a saving character. The grace which does not make a man better than others—is a worthless counterfeit. Christ saves His people, not in their sins—but from them. "Without holiness—no man shall see the Lord." "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." If not saved from sin, how shall we hope to be counted among His people. Lord, save me now from all evil, and enable me to honor my Savior.

 

February 9 — Morning

"And David enquired of the Lord." 2 Samuel 5:23

When David made this enquiry he had just fought the Philistines, and gained a signal victory. The Philistines came up in great multitudes—but, by the help of God, David had easily put them to flight. Note, however, that when they came a second time, David did not go up to fight them without enquiring of the Lord. Once he had been victorious, and he might have said, as many have in other cases, "I shall be victorious again; I may rest quite sure that if I have conquered once I shall triumph yet again. Why should I tarry to seek at the Lord's hands?" Not so with David. He had gained one battle by the strength of the Lord; he would not venture upon another until he had ensured the same. He enquired, "Shall I go up against them?" He waited until God's sign was given.

Learn from David—to take no step without God. Christian, if you would know the path of duty, take God for your compass; if you would steer your ship through the dark billows, put the help into the hand of the Almighty. Many a rock might be escaped, if we would let our Father take the helm; many a shoal or quicksand we might well avoid, if we would leave to His sovereign will—to choose and to command. The Puritan said, "As sure as ever a Christian carves for himself, he'll cut his own fingers;" this is a great truth. Said another old divine, "He who goes before the cloud of God's providence, goes on a fool's errand;" and so he does. We must mark God's providence leading us; and if providence tarries, tarry until providence comes. He who goes before providence, will be very glad to run back again. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go," is God's promise to His people. Let us, then, take all our perplexities to Him, and say, "Lord, what will you have me to do?" Leave not your chamber this morning, without enquiring of the Lord.

 

February 9 — Evening

"Lead us not into temptation—but deliver us from evil [or, the evil one]." Luke 11:4

What we are taught to seek or shun in prayer, we should equally pursue or avoid in action. Very earnestly, therefore, should we avoid temptation, seeking to walk so guardedly in the path of obedience, that we may never tempt the devil to tempt us. We are not to enter the thicket, in search of the lion. Dearly might we pay for such presumption. This lion may cross our path or leap upon us from the thicket—but we have nothing to do with hunting him. He who meets with him, even though he wins the day, will find it a stern struggle. Let the Christian pray that he may be spared the encounter.

Our Savior, who had experience of what temptation meant, thus earnestly admonished His disciples, "Pray that you enter not into temptation." But let us do as we will—we shall be tempted; hence the prayer "deliver us from evil." God had one Son without sin—but He has no son without temptation. The natural man is born to trouble—as the sparks fly upwards; and the Christian man is born to temptation, just as certainly. We must be always on our watch against Satan, because, like a thief, he gives no intimation of his approach. Believers who have had experience of the ways of Satan, know that there are certain seasons when he will most probably make an attack, just as at certain seasons bleak winds may be expected; thus the Christian is put on a double guard by fear of danger, and the danger is averted by preparing to meet it. Prevention is better than cure: it is better to be so well armed that the devil will not attack you—than to endure the perils of the fight, even though you come off a conqueror. Pray this evening first that you may not be tempted, and next that if temptation is permitted, you may be delivered from the evil one.

 

February 10 — Morning

"I know how to abound." Philippians 4:12

There are many who know "how to be abased" who have not learned "how to abound." When they are set upon the top of a pinnacle, their heads grow dizzy, and they are ready to fall. The Christian far more often disgraces his profession in prosperity, than in adversity. It is a dangerous thing to be prosperous. The crucible of adversity is a less severe trial to the Christian, than the refining-pot of prosperity. Oh, what leanness of soul and neglect of spiritual things—have been brought on through the very mercies and bounties of God!

Yet this is not a matter of necessity, for the apostle tells us—that he knew how to abound. When he had much—he knew how to use it. Abundant grace enabled him to bear abundant prosperity. When he had a full sail—he was loaded with much ballast, and so floated safely. It needs more than human skill—to carry the brimming cup of mortal joy with a steady hand—yet Paul had learned that skill, for he declares, "In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need."

It is a divine lesson to know how to be full, for the Israelites were full once—but while the flesh was yet in their mouth, the wrath of God came upon them. Many have asked for mercies—that they might satisfy their own hearts' lust. Fullness of bread has often made fullness of blood, and that has brought on wantonness of spirit. When we have much of God's providential mercies—it often happens that we have but little of God's grace—and little gratitude for the bounties we have received. We are full and we forget God: satisfied with earth—we are content to do without heaven. Rest assured it is harder to know how to be full—than it is to know how to be hungry—so desperate is the tendency of human nature to pride and forgetfulness of God. Take care that you ask in your prayers that God would teach you "how to be full." "Let not the gifts Your love bestows—estrange our hearts from You."

 

February 10 — Evening

"I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins. Return unto Me—for I have redeemed you." Isaiah 44:22

Attentively observe the INSTRUCTIVE SIMILITUDE: our sins are like a cloud. As clouds are of many shapes and shades, so are our transgressions. As clouds obscure the light of the sun, and darken the landscape beneath, so do our sins hide from us the light of Jehovah's face, and cause us to sit in the shadow of death. They are earth-born things, and rise from the miry places of our nature; and when so collected that their measure is full, they threaten us with storm and tempest. Alas! that, unlike clouds, our sins yield us no genial showers—but rather threaten to deluge us with a fiery flood of destruction. O you black clouds of sin, how can it be fair weather with our souls while you remain?

Let our joyful eye dwell upon the NOTABLE ACT of divine mercy, "blotting out." God Himself appears upon the scene, and in divine benignity, instead of manifesting His anger—He reveals His grace. He at once and forever effectually removes the mischief, not by blowing away the cloud—but by blotting it out from existence once for all. Against the justified man—no sin remains, the great transaction of the cross has eternally removed His transgressions from him. On Calvary's summit—the great deed, by which the sin of all the chosen was forever put away—was completely and effectually performed.

Practically let us obey the GRACIOUS COMMAND, "Return unto me." Why should pardoned sinners live at a distance from their God? If we have been forgiven all our sins, let no legal fear withhold us from the boldest access to our Lord. Let backslidings be bemoaned—but let us not persevere in them. To the greatest possible nearness of communion with the Lord, let us, in the power of the Holy Spirit, strive mightily to return. O Lord, this night restore us!

 

February 11 — Morning

"And they took knowledge of them—that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

A Christian should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ. You have read 'lives of Christ', beautifully and eloquently written—but the best life of Christ is His living biography, written out in the words and actions of His people. If we were what we profess to be—and what we should be—we would be pictures of Christ! Yes, such striking likenesses of Him, that the world would not have say, "Well, it seems somewhat of a likeness;" but they would, when they once beheld us, exclaim, "He has been with Jesus! He has been taught of Him—he is like Him! He has caught the very idea of the holy Man of Nazareth, and he works it out in his life and every-day actions!"

A Christian should be like Christ in his boldness. Never blush to own your religion; your profession will never disgrace you—take care you never disgrace that. Be like Jesus—very valiant for your God. Imitate Him in your loving spirit—think kindly, speak kindly, and do kindly, that men may say of you, "He has been with Jesus!" Imitate Jesus in His holiness. Was He zealous for His Master? So you be; ever go about doing good. Let not time be wasted—it is too precious. Was He self-denying, never looking to His own interest? Be the same. Was He devout? Be fervent in your prayers. Had He deference to His Father's will? So submit yourselves to Him. Was He patient? So learn to endure. And best of all, as the highest portraiture of Jesus, try to forgive your enemies, as He did; and let those sublime words of your Master, "Father, forgive them—for they know not what they do," always ring in your ears. Forgive, as you hope to be forgiven. Heap coals of fire on the head of your foe—by your kindness to him. Good for evil, recollect, is godlike. Be godlike, then; and in all ways and by all means—so live that all may say of you, "He has been with Jesus!"

 

February 11 — Evening

"You have left your first love." Revelation 2:4

Ever to be remembered, is that best and brightest of hours, when first we saw the Lord, lost our burden, received the scroll of promise, rejoiced in full salvation, and went on our way in peace. It was springtime in the soul; the winter was past; the mutterings of Sinai's thunders were hushed; the flashings of its lightnings were no more perceived. God was beheld as reconciled; the law threatened no vengeance, justice demanded no punishment. Then the flowers appeared in our heart—hope, love, peace, and patience sprung from the sod; the hyacinth of repentance, the snowdrop of pure holiness, the crocus of golden faith, the daffodil of early love—all decked the garden of the soul. The time of the singing of birds was come, and we rejoiced with thanksgiving; we magnified the holy name of our forgiving God, and our resolve was, "Lord, I am Yours, wholly Yours! All that I am, and all that I have—I would devote to You. You have brought me with Your blood—let me spend myself and be spent in Your service. In life and in death let me be consecrated to You!"

How have we kept this resolve? Our espousal love burned with a holy flame of devotedness to Jesus—is it the same now? Might not Jesus well say to us, "I have somewhat against you—because you have left they first love"? Alas! it is but little we have done for our Master's glory. Our winter has lasted all too long. We are as cold as ice—when we should feel a summer's glow and bloom with sacred flowers. We give to God pence—when He deserves pounds; nay, deserves our heart's blood to be coined in the service of His church and of His truth.

But shall we continue thus? O Lord, after You have so richly blessed us, shall we be ungrateful and become indifferent to Your good cause and work? O quicken us that we may return to our first love, and do our first works! Send us a genial spring, O Sun of Righteousness.

 

February 12 — Morning

"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us—so our consolation also abounds by Christ." 2 Corinthians 1:5

Here is a blessed proportion. The Ruler of Providence bears a pair of scales—in this side He puts His people's trials, and in that He puts their consolations. When the scale of trial is nearly empty—you will always find the scale of consolation in nearly the same condition. And when the scale of trials is full—you will find the scale of consolation just as heavy. When the black clouds gather most—the light is the more brightly revealed to us. When the night lowers and the tempest is coming on—the Heavenly Captain is always closest to His crew.

It is a blessed thing, that when we are most cast down—then it is that we are most lifted up by the consolations of the Spirit. One reason is, because trials make more room for consolation. Great hearts can only be made by great troubles. The spade of trouble digs the reservoir of comfort deeper, and makes more room for consolation. God comes into our heart—He finds it full—He begins to break our comforts and to make it empty; then there is more room for grace. The humbler a man lies—the more comfort he will always have, because he will be more fitted to receive it.

Another reason why we are often most happy in our troubles, is this—then we have the closest dealings with God. When the barn is full—man can live without God: when the purse is bursting with gold—we try to do without so much prayer. But once take our gourds away—and we want our God; once cleanse the idols out of the house—then we are compelled to honor Jehovah. "Out of the depths have I cried unto you, O Lord." There is no prayer half so hearty—as that which comes up from the depths of the soul, through deep trials and afflictions. Hence they bring us to God, and we are happier—for nearness to God is happiness. Come, troubled believer—do not fret over your heavy troubles, for they are the heralds of weighty mercies!

 

February 12 — Evening

"He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever." John 14:16

The Great Father revealed Himself to believers of old before the coming of His Son, and was known to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty. Then Jesus came, and the ever-blessed Son in His own proper person, was the delight of His people's eyes. At the time of the Redeemer's ascension, the Holy Spirit became the head of the present dispensation, and His power was gloriously manifested in and after Pentecost. He remains at this hour, the present Immanuel—God with us, dwelling in and with His people, quickening, guiding, and ruling in their midst.

Is His presence recognized as it ought to be? We cannot control His working; He is most sovereign in all His operations—but are we sufficiently anxious to obtain His help, or sufficiently watchful lest we provoke Him to withdraw His aid? Without Him we can do nothing—but by His almighty energy, the most extraordinary results can be produced: everything depends upon his manifesting or concealing His power. Do we always look up to Him both for our inner life and our outward service with the respectful dependence which is fitting? Do we not too often run before His call, and act independently of His aid?

Let us humble ourselves this evening for past neglects, and now entreat the heavenly dew to rest upon us, the sacred oil to anoint us, the celestial flame to burn within us. The Holy Spirit is no temporary gift, He abides with the saints. We have but to seek Him aright, and He will be found by us. He is jealous—but He is pitiful; if He leaves in anger—but He returns in mercy. Condescending and tender, He does not weary of us—but awaits to be gracious still.

 

February 13 — Morning

"Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us—that we should be called the sons of God! Therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God." 1 John 3:1, 2

"Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us!" Consider who we were, and what we feel ourselves to be even now when corruption is powerful in us—and we will wonder at our adoption into God's family. Yet we are called "the sons of God." What a high relationship is that of a son, and what privileges it brings! What care and tenderness, the son expects from his father—and what love the father feels towards the son! But all that, and more than that, we now have through Christ.

As for the temporary drawback of suffering with the elder brother, this we accept as an honor: "Therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not." We are content to be unknown with Him in His humiliation, for we are to be exalted with Him.

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God." That is easy to read—but it is not so easy to feel. How is it with your heart this morning? Are you in the lowest depths of sorrow? Does corruption rise within your spirit, and grace seem like a poor spark trampled under foot? Does your faith almost fail you? Fear not, it is neither your graces nor feelings on which you are to live—you must live simply by faith on Christ. With all these things against us, now—in the very depths of our sorrow, wherever we may be—now, as much in the valley as on the mountain, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God!"

"Ah—but," you say, "see how I am arrayed! my graces are not bright; my righteousness does not shine with apparent glory." But read the text: "It does not yet appear what we shall be—but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him." The Holy Spirit shall purify our minds, and divine power shall refine our bodies, then shall we see Him as He is.

 

February 13 — Evening

"There is therefore now no condemnation." Romans 8:1

Come, my soul—think on this. Believing in Jesus, you are actually and effectually cleared from all guilt; you are led out of your prison. You are no more in fetters as a bond-slave; you are delivered now from the bondage of the law; you are freed from sin, and can walk at large as a freeman—for your Savior's blood has procured your full discharge. You have a right now to approach your Father's throne. No flames of vengeance are there to scare you now; no fiery sword; justice cannot smite the innocent.

Your disabilities are taken away—you were once unable to see your Father's face—you can see it now. You could not speak with Him—but now you have access with boldness. Once there was a fear of hell upon you—but you have no fear of it now, for how can there be punishment for the guiltless? He who believes is not condemned, and cannot be punished. And more than all, the privileges you might have enjoyed, if you had never sinned—are yours, now that you are justified. All the blessings which you would have had if you had kept the law, and more—are yours, because Christ has kept it for you. All the love and the acceptance which perfect obedience could have obtained of God, belong to you, because Christ was perfectly obedient on your behalf, and has imputed all His merits to your account, that you might be exceeding rich through Him, who for your sake became exceeding poor.

Oh! How great the debt of love and gratitude you owe to your Savior!

"A debtor to mercy alone,
Of covenant mercy I sing;
Nor fear with Your righteousness on,
My person and offerings to bring:
The terrors of law and of God,
With me can have nothing to do;
My Savior's obedience and blood,
Hide all my transgressions from view."

 

February 14 — Morning

"Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes—and he dined regularly in the presence of the king of Babylon for the rest of his life. As for his allowance, a regular allowance was given to him by the king, a portion for each day, for the rest of his life." 2 Kings 25:29-30

Jehoiachin was not sent away from the king's palace with a 'supply' to last him for months—but his provision was given him as a daily pension. Herein he well pictures the happy position of all the Lord's people. A daily portion is all that a man really needs. We do not need tomorrow's supplies; for that day has not yet dawned, and its needs are as yet unborn. The thirst which we may suffer in the month of June—does not need to be quenched in February, for we do not feel it yet. If we have enough for each day as the days arrive—we shall never know want. Sufficient for the day—is all that we can enjoy.

We cannot eat or drink or wear more than the day's supply of food and clothing; the surplus gives us the care of storing it, and the anxiety of watching against a thief. One staff aids a traveler—but a bundle of staffs is a heavy burden. Enough is not only as good as a feast—but is all that the greatest glutton can truly enjoy. Enough is all that we should expect—a craving for more than this is ungrateful.

When our Father does not give us more—we should be content with His daily allowance.

Jehoiachin's case is ours—we have a sure portion; a portion given to us by the king; a gracious portion; and a perpetual portion. Here is surely ground for thankfulness.

Beloved Christian reader, in matters of grace you need a daily supply. You have no store of grace. Day by day must you seek help from above. It is a very sweet assurance—that a daily portion is provided for you. In the Word, through the ministry, by meditation, in prayer, and waiting upon God—you shall receive renewed strength. In Jesus, all needful things are laid up for you. Then enjoy your continual allowance. Never go hungry—while the daily bread of grace is on the table of mercy! "Give us each day—our daily bread." Luke 11:3

 

February 14 — Evening

"She was healed immediately." Luke 8:47

One of the most touching and teaching of the Savior's miracles, is before us tonight. The woman was very ignorant. She imagined that virtue came out of Christ by a law of necessity, without His knowledge or direct will. Moreover, she was a stranger to the generosity of Jesus' character, or she would not have gone behind to steal the cure which He was so ready to bestow. Misery should always place itself right in the face of mercy. Had she known the love of Jesus' heart—she would have said, "I have but to put myself where He can see me—His omniscience will teach Him my case, and His love at once will work my cure."

We admire her faith—but we marvel at her ignorance. After she had obtained the cure, she rejoiced with trembling. She was glad that the divine virtue had wrought a marvel in her; but she feared lest Christ should retract the blessing, and put a negative upon the grant of His grace. Little did she comprehend the fullness of His love!

We have not so clear a view of Him as we could wish; we know not the heights and depths of His love; but we surely know that He is too good to withdraw from a trembling soul—the gift which it has been able to obtain. But here is the marvel of it—as little as was her knowledge; her faith, because it was real faith, saved her, and saved her at once. There was no tedious delay—faith's miracle was instantaneous. If we have faith as a grain of mustard seed, salvation is our present and eternal possession.

If in the list of the Lord's children—we are written as the feeblest of the family—yet, being heirs through faith, no power, human or devilish, can expel us from salvation. If we dare not lean our heads upon His bosom with John—yet if we can venture in the press behind Him, and touch the hem of his garment—we are made whole. Courage, timid one! your faith has saved you—go in peace! "Being justified by faith—we have peace with God."

 

February 15 — Morning

"To Him be glory both now and forever." 2 Peter 3:18

Heaven will be full of the ceaseless praises of Jesus. Eternity! your unnumbered years shall speed their everlasting course—but forever and forever, "to Him be glory!"

Is He not a "Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek"? "To Him be glory!" Is He not King forever?—King of kings and Lord of lords, the everlasting Father? "To Him be glory forever!" Never shall His praises cease. That which was bought with blood, deserves to last while immortality endures. The glory of the cross must never be eclipsed; the luster of the grave and of the resurrection must never be dimmed. O Jesus! you shall be praised forever. Long as immortal spirits live—long as the Father's throne endures—forever, forever, unto You shall be glory!

Believer, you are anticipating the time when you shall join the saints above in ascribing all glory to Jesus; but are you glorifying Him now? The apostle's words are, "To Him be glory both now and forever!" Will you not this day make it your prayer? "Lord, help me to glorify You! I am poor, help me to glorify You by contentment. I am sick, help me to give You honor by patience. I have talents, help me to extol You by spending them for You. I have time, Lord, help me to redeem it, that I may serve you. I have a heart to feel, Lord, let that heart feel no love but Yours, and glow with no flame—but affection for You. I have a head to think, Lord, help me to think of You and for You. You have put me in this world for something, Lord—show me what that is, and help me to work out my life-purpose. I cannot do much—but as the widow put in her two mites, which were all her living, so, Lord—I cast my time and eternity too into Your treasury. I am all Yours—take me, and enable me to glorify You now, in all that I say, in all that I do, and with all that I have."

 

February 15 — Evening

"They have made You glad." Psalm 45:8

And who are thus privileged to make the Savior glad? His church—His people. But is it possible? He makes us glad—but how can we make Him glad? By our love. Ah! we think it so cold, so faint; and so, indeed, we must sorrowfully confess it to be—but it is very sweet to Christ. Hear His own eulogy of that love in the golden Canticle: "How sweet is your love, my treasure, my bride! How much better it is than wine! Your perfume is more fragrant than the richest of spices!" See, loving heart, how He delights in you. When you lean your head on His bosom, you not only receive joy—but you give Him joy. When you gaze with love upon His all-glorious face, you not only obtain comfort—but impart delight.

Our praise, too gives Him joy—not the song of the lips alone—but the melody of the heart's deep gratitude. Our gifts, too, are very pleasant to Him; He loves to see us lay our time, our talents, our substance upon the altar, not for the value of what we give—but for the sake of the motive from which the gift springs. To Him the lowly offerings of His saints, are more acceptable than the thousands of gold and silver. Holiness is like frankincense and myrrh to Him. Forgive your enemy—and you make Christ glad. Distribute of your substance to the poor—and He rejoices. Be the means of saving souls—and you give Him to see of the travail of His soul. Proclaim His gospel—and you are a sweet savor unto Him. Go among the ignorant and lift up the cross—and you have given Him honor.

It is in your power even now, to break the alabaster box, and pour the precious oil of joy upon His head—as did the woman of old, whose memorial is to this day set forth wherever the gospel is preached. Will you be backward then? Will you not perfume your beloved Lord—with the myrrh and aloes, and cassia, of your heart's praise?

 

February 16 — Morning

"I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11

These words show us that contentment is not a natural propensity of man. "Ill weeds grow quickly." Covetousness, discontent, and murmuring are as natural to man—as weeds are to the soil. We need not sow thistles and weeds; they come up naturally enough, because they are indigenous to earth. Just so, we need not teach men to complain; they complain fast enough without any education.

But the precious things of the earth must be cultivated. If we would have wheat, we must plough and sow; if we want flowers, there must be the garden, and all the gardener's care. Now, contentment is one of the flowers of heaven, and if we would have it, it must be cultivated, as it will not grow in us by nature. It is the new nature alone which can produce contentment, and even then we must be especially careful and watchful, that we maintain and cultivate the grace which God has sown in us.

Paul says, "I have learned... to be content;" as much as to say, that he did not know how at one time. It cost him some pains to attain to the mastery of that great truth. No doubt he sometimes thought he had learned, and then broke down. And when at last he had attained unto it, and could say, "I have learned in whatever state I am, therewith to be content," he was an old, grey-headed man, upon the borders of the grave—a poor prisoner shut up in Nero's dungeon at Rome.

We might well be willing to endure Paul's infirmities, and share the cold dungeon with him—if we too might by any means attain unto his high degree of contentment. Do not indulge the notion that you learn without discipline. It is not a power that may be exercised naturally—but a grace to be acquired gradually. We know this from experience. Brother, hush that murmur, natural though it be, and continue a diligent pupil in the College of Contentment.

 

February 16 — Evening

"Your good Spirit." Nehemiah 9:20

Common, too common is the sin of forgetting the Holy Spirit. This is folly and ingratitude. He deserves well at our hands, for He is good, supremely good. As God, He is good essentially. He shares in the threefold ascription of Holy, holy, holy, which ascends to the Triune Jehovah. Unmixed purity and truth, and grace is He.

He is good benevolently, tenderly bearing with our waywardness, striving with our rebellious wills; quickening us from our death in sin, and then training us for heaven, as a loving nurse fosters her child. How generous, forgiving, and tender—is this patient Spirit of God.

He is good operatively. All His works are good in the most eminent degree. He suggests good thoughts, prompts good actions, reveals good truths, applies good promises, assists in good attainments, and leads to good results. There is no spiritual good in all the world—of which He is not the author and sustainer; and heaven itself will owe the perfect character of its redeemed inhabitants to His work.

He is good officially; whether as Comforter, Instructor, Guide, Sanctifier, Quickener, or Intercessor, He fulfils His office well, and each work is fraught with the highest good to the church of God. Those who yield to His influences become good, those who obey His impulses do good, those who live under His power receive good. Let us then act towards so good a person, according to the dictates of gratitude. Let us revere His person, and adore Him as God over all, blessed forever. Let us own His power, and our need of Him by waiting upon Him in all our holy enterprises; let us hourly seek His aid, and never grieve Him; and let us speak to His praise whenever occasion occurs. The church will never prosper until more reverently it believes in the Holy Spirit. He is so good and kind, that it is sad indeed that He should be grieved by our slights and negligences.

 

February 17 — Morning

"Isaac dwelt by the well Lahai-roi." Genesis 25:11

Hagar had once found deliverance there and Ishmael had drank from the water so graciously revealed by the God who lives and sees the sons of men; but this was a merely casual visit, such as worldlings pay to the Lord in times of need, when it serves their turn. They cry to Him in trouble—but forsake Him in prosperity. Isaac dwelt there, and made the well of the living and all-seeing God, his constant source of supply.

The usual tenor of a man's life, the dwelling of his soul—is the true test of his state. Perhaps the providential visitation experienced by Hagar struck Isaac's mind, and led him to revere the place; its mystical name endeared it to him; his frequent musings by its brim at eventide made him familiar with the well; his meeting Rebecca there had made his spirit feel at home near the spot. But best of all, the fact that he there enjoyed fellowship with the living God, had made him select that hallowed ground for his dwelling. Let us learn to live in the presence of the living God; let us ask the Holy Spirit that this day, and every other day, we may feel, "You God see me!"

May the Lord Jehovah be as a well to us, delightful, comforting, unfailing, springing up unto eternal life. The bottle of the creature cracks and dries up—but the well of the Creator never fails; happy is he who dwells at the well, and so has abundant and constant supplies near at hand. The Lord has been a sure helper to others—His name is Shaddai, God All-sufficient; our hearts have often had most delightful communion with Him; through Him our soul has found her glorious Husband, the Lord Jesus; and in Him this day we live, and move, and have our being. Let us, then, dwell in closest fellowship with Him. Glorious Lord, constrain us that we may never leave You—but dwell by the well of the living God.

 

February 17 — Evening

"The Lord was there." Ezekiel 35:10

Edom's princes saw the whole country left desolate, and counted upon its easy conquest; but there was one great difficulty in their way—quite unknown to them, "The Lord was there"; and in His presence lay the special security of the chosen land. Whatever may be the machinations and devices of the enemies of God's people, there is still the same effectual barrier to thwart their design. The saints are God's heritage, and He is in the midst of them, and will protect His own.

What comfort this assurance yields us in our troubles and spiritual conflicts! We are constantly opposed—and yet perpetually preserved! How often Satan shoots his arrows against our faith—but our faith defies the power of hell's fiery darts; they are not only turned aside—but they are quenched upon its shield, for "the Lord is there." Our good works are the subjects of Satan's attacks. A saint never yet had a virtue or a grace which was not the target for hellish bullets: whether it was hope bright and sparkling, or love warm and fervent, or patience all-enduring, or zeal flaming like coals of fire—the old enemy of everything that is good has tried to destroy it. The only reason why anything virtuous or lovely survives in us is this, "the Lord is there."

If the Lord be with us through life, we need not fear for our dying confidence; for when we come to die, we shall find that "the Lord is there"; where the billows are most tempestuous, and the water is most chill, we shall feel the bottom, and know that it is good—our feet shall stand upon the Rock of Ages when time is passing away.

Beloved, from the first of a Christian's life to the last—the only reason why he does not perish is because "the Lord is there." When the God of everlasting love shall change and leave His elect to perish, then may the Church of God be destroyed; but not until then, because it is written, Jehovah-Shammah, "The Lord is there."

 

February 18 — Morning

"Show me why You contend with me." Job 10:2

Perhaps, O tried soul, the Lord is doing this to develop your graces. There are some of your graces which would never be discovered if it were not for your trials. Do you not know that your faith never looks so grand in summer weather—as it does in winter? Love is too often like a glow-worm, showing but little light except it be in the midst of surrounding darkness. Hope itself is like a star—not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity. Afflictions are often the black foils in which God does set the jewels of His children's graces, to make them shine the better.

It was but a little while ago, that on your knees you were saying, "Lord, I fear I have no faith—let me know that I have faith." Was not this really, though perhaps unconsciously, praying for trials? For how can you know that you have faith—until your faith is exercised? Depend upon it, God often sends us trials—that our graces may be discovered, and that we may be certified of their existence.

Besides, it is not merely discovery, real growth in grace is the result of sanctified trials. God often takes away our comforts and our privileges in order to make us better Christians. He trains His soldiers, not in tents of ease and luxury—but by turning them out and using them to forced marches and hard service. He makes them ford through streams, and swim through rivers, and climb mountains, and walk many a long mile with heavy knapsacks of sorrow on their backs.

Well, Christian, may not this account for the troubles through which you are passing? Is not the Lord bringing out your graces, and making them grow? Is not this the reason why He is contending with you?

"Trials make the promise sweet;
Trials give new life to prayer;
Trials bring me to His feet,
Lay me low, and keep me there."

 

February 18 — Evening

"Father, I have sinned." Luke 15:18

It is quite certain, that those whom Christ has washed in His precious blood need not make a confession of sin, as culprits or criminals, before God the Judge, for Christ has forever taken away all their sins in a legal sense, so that they no longer stand where they can be condemned—but are once for all accepted in the Beloved. But having become children, and offending as children, ought they not every day to go before their heavenly Father and confess their sin, and acknowledge their iniquity in that character? Nature teaches that it is the duty of erring children to make a confession to their earthly father; and the grace of God in the heart teaches us that we, as Christians, owe the same duty to our heavenly father. We daily offend, and ought not to rest without daily pardon.

For, supposing that my trespasses against my Father are not at once taken to Him to be washed away by the cleansing power of the Lord Jesus, what will be the consequence? If I have not sought forgiveness and been washed from these offences against my Father, I shall feel at a distance from Him; I shall doubt His love to me; I shall tremble at Him; I shall be afraid to pray to Him; I shall grow like the prodigal, who, although still a child, was yet far off from his father.

But if, with a child's sorrow at offending so gracious and loving a Parent, I go to Him and tell Him all, and rest not until I realize that I am forgiven, then I shall feel a holy love to my Father, and shall go through my Christian career, not only as saved—but as one enjoying present peace in God through Jesus Christ my Lord. There is a wide distinction between confessing sin as a culprit—and confessing sin as a child. The Father's bosom is the place for penitent confessions. We have been cleansed once for all—but our feet still need to be washed from the defilement of our daily walk, as children of God.

 

February 19 — Morning

"Thus says the Lord God; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them." Ezekiel 36:37

Prayer is the forerunner of mercy. Turn to sacred history, and you will find that scarcely ever did a great mercy come to this world, unheralded by supplication. You have found this true in your own personal experience. God has given you many an unsolicited favor—but still great prayer has always been the prelude of great mercy with you. When you first found peace through the blood of the cross, you had been praying much, and earnestly interceding with God that He would remove your doubts, and deliver you from your distresses. Your assurance was the result of prayer. When at any time you have had high and rapturous joys, you have been obliged to look upon them as answers to your prayers. When you have had great deliverances out of sore troubles, and mighty helps in great dangers, you have been able to say, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Prayer is always the preface to blessing. It goes before the blessing—as the blessing's shadow.

When the sunlight of God's mercies rises upon our necessities, it casts the shadow of prayer far down upon the plain. Or, to use another illustration, when God piles up a hill of mercies, He Himself shines behind them, and He casts on our spirits the shadow of prayer, so that we may rest certain, if we are much in prayer, our pleadings are the shadows of mercy.

Prayer is thus connected with the blessing—to show us the value of it. If we had the blessings without asking for them, we would think them common things; but prayer makes our mercies more precious than diamonds! The things we ask for are precious—but we do not realize their preciousness until we have sought for them earnestly.

"Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw;
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw;
Gives exercise to faith and love;
Brings every blessing from above."

 

February 19 — Evening

"He first found his own brother Simon." John 1:41

This case is an excellent pattern of all cases where spiritual life is vigorous. As soon as a man has found Christ—he begins to find others. I will not believe that you have tasted of the honey of the gospel if you can eat it all yourself. True grace puts an end to all spiritual monopoly. Andrew first found his own brother Simon, and then others. Relationship has a very strong demand upon our first individual efforts. Andrew, you did well to begin with Simon.

I doubt whether there are not some Christians giving away tracts at other people's houses—who would do well to give away a tract at their own; whether there are not some engaged in works of usefulness abroad—who are neglecting their special sphere of usefulness at home. You may or you may not be called to evangelize the people in any particular locality—but certainly you are called to see after your own family and friends. Let your religion begin at home. Many tradesmen export their best commodities—the Christian should not. He should have all his conversation everywhere of the best savor; but let him have a care to put forth the sweetest fruit of spiritual life and testimony in his own family.

When Andrew went to find his brother, he little imagined how eminent Simon would become. Simon Peter was worth ten Andrews so far as we can gather from sacred history, and yet Andrew was instrumental in bringing him to Jesus. You may be very deficient in talent yourself, and yet you may be the means of drawing to Christ one who shall become eminent in grace and service. Ah! dear friend, you little know the possibilities which are in you. You may but speak a word to a child, and in that child there may be slumbering a noble heart which shall stir the Christian church in years to come. Andrew has only two talents—but he finds Peter. Go you and do likewise.

 

February 20 — Morning

"God, who comforts those who are cast down." 2 Corinthians 7:6

And who comforts like Him? Go to some poor, melancholy, distressed child of God; tell him sweet promises, and whisper in his ear choice words of comfort; he is like the deaf adder, he listens not to the voice of the charmer, charm he ever so wisely. He is drinking gall and wormwood, and comfort him as you may, it will be only a note or two of mournful resignation that you will get from him; you will bring forth no psalms of praise, no hallelujahs, no joyful sonnets.

But let God come to His child, let Him lift up his countenance—and the mourner's eyes glisten with hope. Do you not hear him sing, "'Tis paradise, if You are here—if Tou depart, 'tis hell"? You could not have cheered him—but the Lord has done it; "He is the God of all comfort." There is no balm in Gilead—but there is balm in God. There is no physician among the creatures—but the Creator is Jehovah-rophi. It is marvelous how one sweet Word of God, will make whole songs for Christians. One Word of God is like a piece of gold, and the Christian is the gold-beater, and can hammer that promise out for whole weeks.

So, then, poor Christian, you need not sit down in despair. Go to the Comforter, and ask Him to give you consolation. You are a poor dry well. You have heard it said, that when a pump is dry, you must pour water down it first of all, and then you will get water. Just so, Christian, when you are dry, go to God, ask Him to shed abroad His joy in your heart, and then your joy shall be full. Do not go to earthly acquaintances, for you will find them Job's miserable comforters after all; but go first and foremost to your "God, who comforts those who are cast down," and you will soon say, "In the multitude of my thoughts within me—Your comforts delight my soul."

 

February 20 — Evening

"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil." Matthew 4:1

A holy character does not avert temptation—Jesus was tempted. When Satan tempts us, his sparks fall upon tinder; but in Christ's case, it was like striking sparks on water; yet the enemy continued his evil work. Now, if the devil goes on striking when there is no result, how much more will he do it when he knows what inflammable stuff our hearts are made of! Though you become greatly sanctified by the Holy Spirit, expect that the great dog of hell will bark at you still.

In the haunts of men we expect to be tempted—but even seclusion will not guard us from the same trial. Jesus Christ was led away from human society into the wilderness, and was tempted of the devil. Solitude has its charms and its benefits, and may be useful in checking the lust of the eye and the pride of life; but the devil will follow us into the most lovely retreats.

Do not suppose that it is only the worldly-minded who have dreadful thoughts and blasphemous temptations, for even spiritual-minded people endure the same; and in the holiest position—we may suffer the darkest temptation. The utmost consecration of spirit will not insure you against Satanic temptation. Christ was consecrated through and through. It was His food and drink to do the will of Him who sent Him—and yet He was tempted! Your hearts may glow with a seraphic flame of love to Jesus, and yet the devil will try to bring you down to Laodicean lukewarmness. If you will tell me when God permits a Christian to lay aside his armor, I will tell you when Satan has left off temptation. Like the old knights in war time, we must sleep with helmet and breastplate buckled on, for the arch-deceiver will seize our first unguarded hour—to make us his prey. May the Lord keep us watchful in all seasons, and give us a final escape from the jaw of the lion, and the paw of the bear.

 

February 21 — Morning

"He has said." Hebrews 13:5

If we can only grasp these words by faith, we have an all-conquering weapon in our hand. What doubt will not be slain by this two-edged sword? What fear is there which shall not fall smitten with a deadly wound before this arrow from the bow of God's covenant? Will not the distresses of life and the pangs of death; will not the corruptions within, and the snares without; will not the trials from above, and the temptations from beneath—all seem but light afflictions, when we can hide ourselves beneath the bulwark of "He has said"? Yes! whether for delight in our quietude, or for strength in our conflict, "He has said" must be our daily resort.

This teaches us the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case—but you may not know of it, and therefore you miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it, you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is so near at hand.

There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopoeia of Scripture, and you may yet continue sick unless you will examine and search the Scriptures to discover what "He has said."

Should you not, besides reading the Bible, store your memories richly with the promises of God? You can recollect the sayings of great men; you treasure up the verses of renowned poets; ought you not to be profound in your knowledge of the Words of God, so that you may be able to quote them readily when you would solve a difficulty, or overthrow a doubt? Since "He has said" is the source of all wisdom, and the fountain of all comfort—let it dwell in you richly, as "A well of water, springing up unto everlasting life." So shall you grow healthy, strong, and happy in the divine life!

 

February 21 — Evening

"Do you understand what you read?" Acts 8:30

We would be abler teachers of others, and less liable to be carried about by every wind of doctrine—if we sought to have a more intelligent understanding of the Word of God. As the Holy Spirit, the Author of the Scriptures is He who alone can enlighten us rightly to understand them, we should constantly ask His teaching, and His guidance into all truth.

When the prophet Daniel would interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream, what did he do? He set himself to earnest prayer that God would open up the vision. The apostle John, in his vision at Patmos, saw a book sealed with seven seals which none was found worthy to open, or so much as to look upon. The book was afterwards opened by the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who had prevailed to open it; but it is written first, "I wept much!" The tears of John, which were his liquid prayers, were, so far as he was concerned, the sacred keys by which the sealed book was opened.

Therefore, if, for your own and others' profiting, you desire to be "filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding," remember that prayer is your best means of study! Like Daniel, you shall understand the dream, and the interpretation thereof, when you have sought unto God; and like John you shall see the seven seals of precious truth unloosed, after you have wept much.

Stones are not broken, except by an earnest use of the hammer; and the stone-breaker must go down on his knees. Use the hammer of diligence, and let the knee of prayer be exercised—and there is not a stony doctrine in revelation which is useful for you to understand, which will not fly into shivers under the exercise of prayer and faith! You may force your way through anything with the leverage of prayer. Prayer is the lever which forces open the iron chest of sacred mystery, that we may get the treasure hidden within!

 

February 22 — Morning

"His bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." Genesis 49:24

That strength which God gives to His Josephs is real strength; it is not a boasted valor, a fiction, a thing of which men talk—but which ends in smoke; it is true—divine strength. Why does Joseph stand against temptation? Because God gives him aid. There is nothing that we can do—without the power of God. All true strength comes from "the mighty God of Jacob."

Notice in what a blessedly familiar way God gives this strength to Joseph, "The arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." Thus God is represented as putting His hands on Joseph's hands, placing His arms on Joseph's arms. Like as a father teaches his children—so the Lord teaches those who fear Him. He puts His arms upon them! Marvelous condescension! God Almighty, Eternal, Omnipotent, stoops from His throne and lays His hand upon the child's hand, stretching His arm upon the arm of Joseph, that he may be made strong!

This strength was also covenant strength, for it is ascribed to "the mighty God of Jacob." Now, wherever you read of the God of Jacob in the Bible, you should remember the covenant with Jacob. Christians love to think of God's covenant. All the power, all the grace, all the blessings, all the mercies, all the comforts, all the things we have, flow to us from the well-head, through the covenant. If there were no covenant, then we would fail indeed; for all grace proceeds from it, as light and heat from the sun. No angels ascend or descend, except upon that ladder which Jacob saw, at the top of which stood a covenant God. Christian, it may be that the archers have sorely grieved you, and shot at you, and wounded you—but still your bow abides in strength; be sure, then, to ascribe all the glory to Jacob's God!

 

February 22 — Evening

"The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power." Nahum 1:3

Jehovah "is slow to anger." When mercy comes into the world she drives winged steeds; the axles of her chariot-wheels are red hot with speed! But when wrath goes forth, it toils on with tardy footsteps, for God takes no pleasure in the sinner's death. God's rod of mercy is ever outstretched in His hands; His sword of justice is in its scabbard, held down by that pierced hand of love which bled for the sins of men.

"The Lord is slow to anger," because He is GREAT IN POWER. That person is truly great in power—who has power over himself. When God's power does restrain Himself, then it is power indeed: the power that binds omnipotence is omnipotence surpassed. A man who has a strong mind can bear to be insulted long, and only resents the wrong when a sense of right demands his action. The weak mind is irritated at a little: the strong mind bears it like a rock which moves not, though a thousand breakers dash upon it, and cast their pitiful malice in spray upon its summit.

God marks His enemies, and yet He bestirs not Himself—but restrains in His anger. If He were less divine than He is, He would long before this, have sent forth the whole of His thunders, and emptied the magazines of heaven; He would long before this have blasted the earth with the wondrous fires of its lower regions, and man would have been utterly destroyed; but the greatness of his power brings us mercy.

Dear reader, what is your state this evening? Can you by humble faith look to Jesus, and say, "My substitute, You are my rock, my trust!" Then, beloved, be not afraid of God's power; for by faith you have fled to Christ for refuge, the power of God need no more terrify you, than the shield and sword of the warrior need terrify those whom he loves. Rather rejoice, that He who is "great in power" is your Father and Friend!

 

February 23 — Morning

"I will never leave you." Hebrews 13:5

No promise is of private interpretation. Whatever God has said to any one saint—He has said to all. When He opens a well for one, it is that all may drink. When He opens a granary-door to give out food, there may be some one starving man who is the occasion of its being opened—but all hungry saints may come and feed too. Whether He gave the Word to Abraham or to Moses, matters not, O believer; He has given it to you as one of the covenanted seed. There is not a high blessing too lofty for you, nor a wide mercy too extensive for you. Lift up now your eyes to the north and to the south, to the east and to the west—for all this is yours! Climb to Pisgah's top, and view the utmost limit of the divine promise—for the land is all your own! There is not a brook of living water—of which you may not drink. If the land flows with milk and honey, eat the honey and drink the milk, for both are yours. Be bold to believe, for He has said, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you."

In this promise, God gives everything to His people. "I will never leave you." Then no attribute of God can cease to be engaged for us. Is He mighty? He will show Himself strong on the behalf of those who trust Him. Is He love? Then with loving-kindness will He have mercy upon us. Whatever attributes may compose the character of Deity, every one of them to its fullest extent, shall be engaged on our side. To put everything in one—there is nothing you can lack, there is nothing you can ask for, there is nothing you can need in time or in eternity, there is nothing living, nothing dying, there is nothing in this world, nothing in the next world, there is nothing now, nothing at the resurrection morning, nothing in heaven which is not contained in this text, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you!"

 

February 23 — Evening

"Take up the cross—and follow Me." Mark 10:21

You have not the liberty of making of your own cross; although unbelief is a master carpenter at cross-making. Neither are you permitted to choose your own cross; although self-will would gladly be lord and master. Your cross is prepared and appointed for you by divine love—and you are cheerfully to accept it. You are to take up the cross as your chosen portion, and not to stand caviling at it.

This night Jesus bids you to submit your shoulder to His easy yoke. Do not kick at it in petulance, or trample on it in vain-glory, or fall under it in despair, or run away from it in fear—but take it up like a true follower of Jesus. Jesus was a cross-bearer; He leads the way in the path of sorrow. Surely you could not desire a better guide! And if He carried a cross—what nobler burden would you desire?

The Way of the Cross is the way of safety—do not fear to tread its thorny paths.

Beloved, the cross is not made of soft feathers, or lined with velvet—it is heavy and galling to disobedient shoulders! But it is not an iron cross, though your fears have painted it with iron colors, it is a wooden cross, and a man can carry it, for the Man of sorrows carried the load. Take up your cross, and by the power of the Spirit of God—you will soon be so in love with it, that like Moses, you would not exchange the reproach of Christ for all the treasures of Egypt!

Remember that Jesus carried it, and it will smell sweetly! Remember that the cross will soon be followed by the crown, and the thought of the coming weight of glory—will greatly lighten the present heaviness of trouble. May the Lord help you to bow your spirit in submission to the divine will before you fall asleep this night, that waking with tomorrow's sun, you may go forth to the day's cross with the holy and submissive spirit which befits a follower of the Crucified.

 

February 24 — Morning

"I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing." Ezekiel 34:26

Here is sovereign grace, "I will send down showers." Is it not sovereign, divine mercy—for who can say, "I will send down showers," except God? There is only one voice which can speak to the clouds, and bid them beget the rain, "Who sends down the rain upon the earth? Who scatters the showers upon the green herb? Do not I, the Lord?" Grace is the gift of God—and is not to be created by man.

It is also needed grace. What would the ground do without showers? You may break the clods, you may sow your seeds—but what can you do without the rain? As absolutely needful is the divine blessing. In vain you labor, until God bestows the plenteous shower, and sends salvation down.

Then, it is plenteous grace. "I will send down showers." It does not say, "I will send them drops," but "showers." So it is with grace. If God gives a blessing, He usually gives it in such a measure that there is not room enough to receive it. Plenteous grace! Ah! we need plenteous grace to keep us humble, to make us prayerful, to make us holy; plenteous grace to make us zealous, to preserve us through this life, and at last to land us in heaven. We cannot do without saturating showers of grace.

Again, it is seasonable grace. "I will send down showers in season." What is your season this morning? Is it the season of drought? Then that is the season for showers. Is it a season of great heaviness and black clouds? Then that is the season for showers. "As your days—so shall your strength be."

And here is a varied grace. "I will give you showers of blessing." The word is in the plural. All kinds of blessings God will send. All God's blessings go together, like links in a golden chain. If He gives converting grace, He will also give comforting grace. He will send "showers of blessing." Look up today, O parched plant, and open your leaves and flowers for a heavenly watering!

 

February 24 — Evening

"O Lord Almighty, how long will you not have mercy upon Jerusalem? And the Lord answered with kind and comforting words." Zechariah 1:12,13

What a sweet answer to an anxious enquiry! This night let us rejoice in it. O Zion, there are good things in store for you; your time of travail shall soon be over; your children shall be brought forth; your captivity shall end. Bear patiently the rod for a season, and under the darkness—still trust in God, for His love burns towards you. God loves the church with a love too deep for human imagination. He loves her with all His infinite heart. Therefore let her sons be of good courage; she cannot be far from prosperity to whom God speaks "good words and comfortable words."

What these comfortable words are—the prophet goes on to tell us: "I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy." The Lord loves His church so much, that He cannot bear that she should go astray to others; and when she has done so, He cannot endure that she should suffer too much or too heavily. He will not have his enemies afflict her—He is displeased with them because they increase her misery. When God seems most to leave His church, His heart is warm towards her. History shows that whenever God uses a rod to chasten His servants—He always breaks it afterwards, as if He loathed the rod which gave his children pain. "Like as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him."

God has not forgotten us, because He smites. His blows are no evidences of lack of love. If this is true of His church collectively, it is of necessity true also of each individual member. You may fear that the Lord has passed you by—but it is not so! He who counts the stars, and calls them by their names, is in no danger of forgetting His own children! He knows your case as thoroughly as if you were the only creature He ever made—or the only saint He ever loved. Approach Him and be at peace.

 

February 25 — Morning

"The wrath to come." Matthew 3:7

It is pleasant to pass over a country after a storm has spent itself; to smell the freshness of the herbs after the rain has passed away, and to note the drops while they glisten like purest diamonds in the sunlight. That is the position of a Christian. He is going through a land where the storm has spent itself upon His Savior's head, and if there are a few drops of sorrow falling, they distill from clouds of mercy, and Jesus cheers him by the assurance that they are not for his destruction.

But how terrible is it to witness the approach of a tempest: to note the forewarnings of the storm; to mark the birds of heaven as they droop their wings; to see the cattle as they lay their heads low in terror; to discern the face of the sky as it grows black, and look to the sun which shines not, and the heavens which are angry and frowning! How terrible to await the dread advance of a hurricane—such as occurs, sometimes, in the tropics—to wait in terrible apprehension until the wind shall rush forth in fury, tearing up trees from their roots, forcing rocks from their pedestals, and hurling down all the dwelling-places of man!

And yet, sinner, this is your present position. No hot drops have as yet fallen—but a shower of fire is coming. No terrible winds howl around you—but God's tempest is gathering its dread artillery. As yet the water-floods are dammed up by mercy—but the flood-gates shall soon be opened! The thunderbolts of God are yet in His storehouse—but lo! the tempest hastens, and how awful shall that moment be when God, robed in vengeance, shall march forth in fury!

Where, where, where, O sinner, will you hide your head, or where will you flee? O that the hand of mercy may now lead you to Christ! He is freely set before you in the gospel. His riven side is the rock of shelter. You know your need of Him—believe in Him, cast yourself upon Him, and then the fury shall be overpast forever!

 

February 25 — Evening

"But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa." Jonah 1:3

Instead of going to Nineveh to preach the Word, as God bade him, Jonah disliked the work, and went down to Joppa to escape from it. There are occasions when God's servants shrink from duty. But what is the consequence? What did Jonah lose by his conduct?

He lost the presence and comfortable enjoyment of God's love. When we serve our Lord Jesus as believers should do, our God is with us; and though we have the whole world against us—if we have God with us, what does it matter? But the moment we start back, and seek our own inventions, we are at sea without a pilot. Then may we bitterly lament and groan out, "O my God, where have You gone? How could I have been so foolish as to shun Your service, and in this way to lose all the bright shinings of Your face? This is a price too high. Let me return to my allegiance, that I may rejoice in Your presence."

In the next place, Jonah lost all peace of mind. Sin soon destroys a believer's comfort. It is the poisonous upas tree, from whose leaves distill deadly drops which destroy the life of joy and peace. Jonah lost everything upon which he might have drawn for comfort in any other case. He could not plead the promise of divine protection, for he was not in God's ways; he could not say, "Lord, I meet with these difficulties in the discharge of my duty, therefore help me through them." He was reaping his own deeds; he was filled with his own ways.

Christian, do not play the Jonah—unless you wish to have all the waves and the billows rolling over your head! You will find in the long run that it is far harder to shun the work and will of God—than to at once yield yourself to it. Jonah lost his time, for he had to go to Tarshish after all. It is hard to contend with God; let us yield ourselves at once!

 

February 26 — Morning

"Salvation is of the Lord." Jonah 2:9

Salvation is the work of God. It is He alone who quickens the soul which is "dead in trespasses and sins," and it is He also who maintains the soul in its spiritual life. He is both "Alpha and Omega." "Salvation is of the Lord." If I am prayerful, God makes me prayerful; if I have graces, they are God's gifts to me; if I hold on in a consistent life, it is because He upholds me with His hand. I do nothing whatever towards my own preservation, except what God Himself first does in me. Whatever I have, all my goodness is of the Lord alone. Wherein I sin—that is my own; but wherein I act rightly—that is of God, wholly and completely. If I have repulsed a spiritual enemy, the Lord's strength nerved my arm. Do I live before men a consecrated life? It is not I—but Christ who lives in me. Am I holy? I did not cleanse myself—God's Holy Spirit sanctifies me. Am I weaned from the world? I am weaned by God's chastisements sanctified to my good. Do I grow in knowledge? The great Instructor teaches me. All my jewels were fashioned by heavenly art. I find in God all that I need—but I find in myself nothing but sin and misery.

"He alone is my rock and my salvation." Do I feed on the Word? That Word would be no food for me, unless the Lord made it food for my soul, and helped me to feed upon it. Do I live on the manna which comes down from heaven? What is that manna—but Jesus Christ himself incarnate, whose body and whose blood I eat and drink? Am I continually receiving fresh increase of strength? Where do I gather my might? My help comes from heaven's hills—without Jesus I can do nothing! As a branch cannot bring forth fruit, except it abides in the vine, no more can I, except I abide in Him. What Jonah learned in the great deep—let me learn this morning in my closet: "Salvation is of the Lord."

 

February 26 — Evening

"Behold, if the leprosy has covered his whole body, he shall pronounce that person clean." Leviticus 13:13

This regulation appears somewhat strange—yet there was wisdom in it, for the growing out of the disease, proved that the constitution was sound. This evening it may be well for us to see the typical teaching of so remarkable a rule.

We, too, are lepers, and may read the law of the leper as applicable to ourselves. When a man sees himself to be altogether lost and ruined, covered all over with the defilement of sin, and in no part free from pollution; when he disclaims all righteousness of his own, and pleads guilty before the Lord—then he is clean through the blood of Jesus, and the grace of God. Hidden, unfelt, unconfessed iniquity—is the true leprosy; but when sin is seen and felt—it has received its deathblow, and the Lord looks with eyes of mercy upon the soul afflicted with it.

Nothing is more deadly than self-righteousness, or more hopeful than sincere contrition. We must confess that we are "nothing else but sin," for no confession short of this will be the whole truth; and if the Holy Spirit is at work with us, convincing us of sin, there will be no difficulty about making such an acknowledgment; it will spring spontaneously from our lips.

What comfort does the text afford to truly awakened sinners! The very circumstance which so grievously discouraged them—is here turned into a sign and symptom of a hopeful state! Stripping comes before clothing; digging out the foundation is the first thing in building—and a thorough sense of sin is one of the earliest works of grace in the heart.

O you poor leprous sinner, utterly destitute of a sound spot—take heart from the text, and come as you are to Jesus!

"For let our debts be what they may, however great or small,
As soon as we have nothing to pay, our Lord forgives us all.
It is perfect poverty alone that sets the soul at large;
While we can call one mite our own, we have no full discharge."

 

February 27 — Morning

"You have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place." Psalm 91:9

The Israelites in the wilderness were continually exposed to change. Whenever the pillar stopped its motion, the tents were pitched; but tomorrow, before the morning sun had risen, the trumpet sounded, the ark was in motion, and the fiery, cloudy pillar was leading the way through the narrow paths of the mountain, up the hillside, or along the arid waste of the wilderness. They had scarcely time to rest a little, before they heard the sound of "Away! this is not your rest; you must still be onward journeying towards Canaan!" They were never long in one place. Even wells and palm trees could not detain them. Yet they had an abiding home in their God, His cloudy pillar was their roof-tree, and its flame by night their household fire. They must go onward from place to place, continually changing, never having time to settle, and to say, "Now we are secure—in this place we shall dwell." "Yet," says Moses, "though we are always changing, Lord, you have been our dwelling-place throughout all generations."

The Christian knows no change with regard to God. He may be rich today and poor tomorrow; he may be sickly today and well tomorrow; he may be in happiness today, tomorrow he may be distressed—but there is no change with regard to his relationship to God. If He loved me yesterday, He loves me today. My unmoving mansion of rest is my blessed Lord. Let prospects be blighted; let hopes be blasted; let joy be withered; let mildews destroy everything; I have lost nothing of what I have in God. He is "my strong habitation whereunto I can continually resort." I am a pilgrim in the world—but at home in my God. In the earth I wander—but in God I dwell in a quiet habitation.

 

February 27 — Evening

"Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Micah 5:2

The Lord Jesus had goings forth for His people as their representative before the throne, long before they appeared upon the stage of time. It was "from everlasting" that He signed the compact with His Father, that He would pay blood for blood, suffering for suffering, agony for agony, and death for death—in the behalf of His people. It was "from everlasting" that He gave Himself up without a murmuring word—that from the crown of His head to the sole of His foot He might sweat great drops of blood, that He might be spit upon, pierced, mocked, rent asunder, and crushed beneath the pains of death. His goings forth as our Surety were from everlasting.

Pause, my soul, and wonder! You have goings forth in the person of Jesus "from everlasting." Not only when you were born into the world did Christ love you—but His delights were with the sons of men—before there were any sons of men! Often did He think of them; from everlasting to everlasting He had set His affection upon them. What! my soul, has He been so long about your salvation, and will not He accomplish it? Has he from everlasting been going forth to save me—and will He lose me now? What! has He carried me in His hand, as His precious jewel—and will He now let me slip from between His fingers? Did he choose me before the mountains were brought forth, or the channels of the deep were dug—and will He reject me now? Impossible!

I am sure He would not have loved me so long—if He had not been a changeless Lover. If He could grow weary of me, He would have been tired of me long before now. If He had not loved me with a love as deep as hell, and as strong as death—He would have turned from me long ago. Oh, joy above all joys—to know that I am His everlasting and inalienable inheritance, given to Him by His Father before ever the earth was! Everlasting love shall be the pillow for my head this night.

 

February 28 — Morning

"My expectation is from Him." Psalm 62:5

It is the believer's privilege to use this language. If he is looking for anything from the world, it is a poor "expectation" indeed. But if he looks to God for the supply of his needs, whether in temporal or spiritual blessings, his "expectation" will not be a vain one. Constantly he may draw from the bank of faith, and get his need supplied out of the riches of God's loving-kindness.

This I know, I had rather have God for my banker—than all the Rothschilds. My Lord never fails to honor His promises; and when we bring them to His throne, He never sends them back unanswered. Therefore I will wait only at His door, for He ever opens it with the hand of munificent grace.

But we have "expectations" beyond this life. We shall die soon; and then our "expectation is from Him." Do we not expect that when we lie upon the bed of sickness—He will send angels to carry us to His bosom? We believe that when the pulse is faint, and the heart heaves heavily—that some angelic messenger shall stand and look with loving eyes upon us, and whisper, "Sister spirit, come away!" As we approach the heavenly gate, we expect to hear the welcome invitation, "Come, you who are blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world!"

We are expecting harps of gold and crowns of glory; we are hoping soon to be among the multitude of shining ones before the throne; we are looking forward and longing for the time when we shall be like our glorious Lord—for "We shall see Him as He is!" Then if these are your "expectations," O my soul, live for God; live with the desire and resolve to glorify Him from whom comes all your supplies, and of whose grace in your election, redemption, and calling, it is that you have any "expectation" of coming glory.

February 28 — Evening

"The barrel of flour was not used up, and the cruise of oil did not run dry, according to the Word of the Lord, which He spoke by Elijah." 1 Kings 17:16

See the faithfulness of divine love. You observe that this woman had daily necessities. She had herself and her son to feed in a time of famine; and now, in addition, the prophet Elijah was to be fed too. But though the need was threefold—yet the supply of flour was not used up, for she had a constant supply. Each day she made calls upon the barrel—but yet each day it remained the same.

You, dear reader, have daily necessities, and because they come so frequently, you are apt to fear that the barrel of flour will one day be empty, and the cruse of oil will run dry. Rest assured that, according to the Word of God, that this shall not be the case. Each day, though it brings its trouble—shall bring its help; and though you should live to outnumber the years of Methuselah, and though your needs should be as many as the sands of the seashore—yet shall God's grace and mercy last through all your necessities, and you shall never know a real lack.

For three long years, in this widow's days, the heavens never saw a cloud, and the stars never wept a holy tear of dew upon the wicked earth. Famine, and desolation, and death, made the land a howling wilderness. But this woman never was hungry—but always joyful in abundance. So shall it be with you. You shall see the sinner's hope perish, for he trusts his native strength; you shall see the proud Pharisee's confidence totter, for he builds his hope upon the sand; you shall see even your own schemes blasted and withered—but you yourself shall find that your place of defense shall be the munition of rocks: "Your bread shall be given you—and your water shall be sure." Better have God for your guardian—than the Bank of England for your possession. You might spend the wealth of the Indies—but you can never exhaust the infinite riches of God!

 

February 29 — Morning

"With loving-kindness have I drawn you." Jeremiah 31:3

The thunders of the law and the terrors of judgment—are all used to bring us to Christ; but the final victory is effected by God's loving-kindness. The prodigal set out to his father's house from a sense of need; but his father saw him a great way off, and ran to meet him; so that the last steps he took towards his father's house were with the kiss still warm upon his cheek, and the welcome still musical in his ears.

"Law and terrors do but harden
All the while they work alone;
But a sense of blood-bought pardon
Will dissolve a heart of stone."

The Master came one night to the door, and knocked with the iron hand of the law; the door shook and trembled upon its hinges; but the man piled every piece of furniture which he could find against the door, for he said, "I will not admit the man!" The Master turned away—but by-and-bye He came back, and with His own soft hand, using most that part where the nail had penetrated, He knocked again—oh, so softly and tenderly. This time the door did not shake—but, strange to say—it opened, and there upon his knees, the once unwilling host was found rejoicing to receive his guest. "Come in, come in! You have so knocked that my affections were stirred for you. I could not think of your pierced hand leaving its blood-mark on my door, and of your going away houseless, 'Your head filled with dew, and your locks with the drops of the night.' I yield, I yield, Your love has won my heart!"

Just so in every case—God's loving-kindness wins the day. What Moses with the tablets of stone could never do—Christ does with His pierced hand! Such is the doctrine of effectual calling. Do I understand it experimentally? Can I say, "He drew me—and I followed on." If so, may He continue to draw me, until at last I shall sit down at the marriage supper of the Lamb!

 

February 29 — Evening

"Now we have received the Spirit who is from God—that we may understand what God has freely given us." 1 Corinthians 2:12

Dear reader, have you received the Holy Spirit into your soul? The necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart, may be clearly seen, in that all which has been done by God the Father, and by God the Son, must be ineffectual to us, unless the Spirit shall reveal these things to our souls. What effect does the doctrine of election have upon any man—until the Spirit of God enters into him? Election is a dead letter in my consciousness, until the Spirit of God calls me out of darkness into marvelous light. Then through my calling, I see my election, and knowing myself to be called of God, I know myself to have been chosen in the eternal purpose. A covenant was made with the Lord Jesus Christ, by His Father; but what does that covenant avail to us—until the Holy Spirit brings us its blessings, and opens our hearts to receive them?

There hang all spiritual blessings on the nail—Christ Jesus; but being short of stature, we cannot reach them; the Spirit of God takes them down and hands them to us, and thus they become actually ours!

Covenant blessings in themselves are like the manna in the skies, far out of mortal reach—but the Spirit of God opens the windows of heaven and scatters the living bread around the camp of the spiritual Israel. Christ's finished work is like wine stored in the wine-vat; through unbelief we can neither draw nor drink. The Holy Spirit dips our vessel into this precious wine—and then we drink; but without the Spirit we are as truly dead in sin—as though the Father never had elected, and though the Son had never bought us with His blood. The Holy Spirit is absolutely necessary to our well-being. Let us walk lovingly towards Him and tremble at the thought of grieving Him!