Morning and Evening

by Charles Spurgeon

NOVEMBER

November 1 — Morning

"The Church in your house." Philemon 2

Is there a Church in your house? Are parents, children and friends—all members of it? or are some still unconverted? Let us pause here and let the question go round—Am I a member of the Church in this house? How would father's heart leap for joy, and mother's eyes fill with holy tears if from the eldest to the youngest all were saved! Let us pray for this great mercy, until the Lord shall grant it to us.

Probably it had been the dearest object of Philemon's desires, to have all his household saved; but it was not at first granted him in its fullness. He had a wicked servant, Onesimus, who, having wronged him, ran away from his service. His master's prayers followed him, and at last, as God would have it, Onesimus was led to hear Paul preach. His heart was touched, and he returned to Philemon, not only to be a faithful servant—but a brother beloved, adding another member to the Church in Philemon's house.

If there is such a Church in our house, let us order it well, and let all act as in the sight of God. Let us move in the common affairs of life with studied holiness, diligence, kindness, and integrity. More is expected of a Church, than of an ordinary household; family worship must, in such a case, be more devout and hearty; internal love must be more warm and unbroken, and external conduct must be more sanctified and Christlike. We need not fear that the smallness of our number will put us out of the list of Churches, for the Holy Spirit has here enrolled a family-church in the inspired book of remembrance. As a Church let us now draw near to the great head of the one Church universal, and let us beseech Him to give us grace to shine before men—to the glory of His name!

 

November 1 — Evening

"People didn't realize what was going to happen—until the Flood came and swept them all away! That is the way it will be—when the Son of Man comes!" Matthew 24:39

Universal was the doom—none escaped. The rich and poor—the learned and the illiterate, the admired and the abhorred, the religious and the profane, the old and the young—all sank in one common ruin! Some had doubtless ridiculed Noah—where were their merry jests now? Others had threatened him for his zeal which they counted madness—-where were their boastings and hard speeches now? The carper who criticized old Noah's work—is drowned in the same sea which covers his sneering companions. Those who spoke patronizingly of good Noah's fidelity to his convictions—but shared not in them, have sunk to rise no more! And the workers who were paid to help build the wondrous ark, are all lost also. The flood swept them all away, and made no single exception.

Just so, final destruction is sure to every person outside of Christ! No rank, possession, or character, shall suffice to save a single soul who has not believed in the Lord Jesus. My soul, behold this wide-spread judgment and tremble at it. How astonishing was the general apathy! they were all eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage—until the dreadful morning dawned. There was not one wise man upon earth, outside of the ark. Folly duped the whole race, folly as to self-preservation—the most foolish of all follies. Folly in doubting the most true God—the most malignant of fooleries!

Strange, my soul, is it not? All men are negligent of their souls until saving grace gives them reason, then they leave their madness and act like rational beings—but not until then.

All who in the ark were safe—no ruin entered there. From the huge elephant down to the tiny mouse—all were safe. The timid hare was equally secure with the courageous lion, the helpless cony as safe as the laborious ox. All are safe in Jesus. My soul, are you in Him?

 

November 2 — Morning

"I am the Lord—and I do not change!" Malachi 3:6

It is well for us that, amidst all the alterations and vicissitudes of life—that there is One whom change cannot affect; One whose heart can never alter—and on whose brow mutability can make no furrows. All other things have changed—all other things are changing. The sun itself grows dim with age. The world is waxing old—the heavens and earth must soon pass away and perish!

There is One alone, who has immortality—of whose years there is no end, and in whose person there is no change. The delight which the mariner feels, when, after having been tossed about for many a day, he steps again upon the solid shore—is the satisfaction of a Christian when, amidst all the changes of this troublous life, he rests the foot of his faith upon this truth, "I am the Lord—and I do not change!" The stability which the anchor gives the ship when it has at last obtained a hold-fast, is like that which the Christian's hope affords him when it fixes itself upon this glorious truth.

"With Him there is no variation!" Whatever His attributes were of old—they are now! His power, His wisdom, His justice, His truth, are alike unchanged.

He has ever been the refuge of His people, their stronghold in the day of trouble—and He is their sure Helper still.

He is unchanged in His love. He has loved His people with "an everlasting love!" He loves them now as much as ever He did—and when all earthly things shall have melted in the last conflagration, His love will still wear the dew of its youth. Precious is the assurance that our God never changes! The wheel of providence revolves—but its axle is eternal love!

 

November 2 — Evening

"Horror grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken Your law." Psalm 119:53

My soul, do you feel this holy shuddering at the sins of others? If not, you lack inward holiness. David's cheeks were wet with rivers of waters, because of prevailing unholiness. Jeremiah desired eyes like fountains, that he might lament the iniquities of Israel. Lot, a righteous man, was distressed all the immorality and wickedness around him. Those upon whom the mark was set in Ezekiel's vision, were those who sighed and cried for the abominations of Jerusalem.

It cannot but grieve gracious souls—to see what pains men take to go to hell. They know the evil of sin experimentally, and they are alarmed to see others flying like moths into its blaze! Sin makes the righteous shudder, because it violates a holy law, which it is to every man's highest interest to keep—it pulls down the pillars of the society. Sin in others horrifies a believer, because it puts him in mind of the vileness of his own heart—when he sees a heinous sinner, he cries, "He fell today, and I may fall tomorrow!"

Sin is horrible to a believer, because it crucified his Savior! He sees in every iniquity—the nails and spear. How can a saved soul behold that cursed kill-Christ sin without abhorrence?

Say, my heart—do you sensibly join in all this? It is an awful thing to insult God to His face. The good God deserves better treatment, the great God claims it, the just God will have it—or repay His adversary to his face! An awakened heart trembles at the audacity of sin—and stands alarmed at the contemplation of its punishment. How monstrous a thing is rebellion! How direful a doom is prepared for the ungodly!

My soul, never laugh at sin's fooleries—lest you come to smile at sin itself! Sin is your enemy, and your Lord's enemy—view it with detestation, for only so, can you evidence the possession of holiness, without which no man can see the Lord.

 

November 3 — Morning

"Behold—he prays!" Acts 9:11

Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray—the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul. Oftentimes a poor broken-hearted one bends his knee—but can only utter his wailing in the language of sighs and tears; yet that groan has made all the harps of heaven thrill with music; that tear has been caught by God and treasured in the lachrymatory of heaven. "You put all my tears into Your bottle," implies that they are caught as they flow!

The suppliant, who groans out his words, will be well understood by the Most High God. He may only look up with misty eye; but prayer is the falling of a tear! Tears are the diamonds of heaven! Sighs are a part of the music of Jehovah's court, and are numbered with the most sublime strains which reach the majesty on high!

Do not think that your prayer, however weak or trembling—will be unregarded. Jacob's ladder is lofty—but our prayers shall lean upon the Angel of the covenant and so climb its starry rounds.

Our God not only hears prayer—but also loves to hear it. "He does not forget the cry of the humble." True, He does not regard proud looks and lofty words. He no concern for the pomp and pageantry of kings. He does not listen not to the swell of martial music. He does not regard the triumph and pride of man. But wherever there is a heart full with sorrow, or a lip quivering with agony, or a deep groan, or a penitential sigh—the heart of Jehovah is open! He marks that prayer down in the registry of His memory! He puts our prayers, like rose leaves—between the pages of His book of remembrance, and when the volume is opened at last, there shall be a precious fragrance springing up therefrom!

 

November 3 — Evening

"Their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place, even unto heaven!" 2 Chronicles 30:27

Prayer is the Christian's never-failing resort in any case, in every plight. When you cannot use your sword—you may take to the weapon of all-prayer. Your gun-powder may be damp, your bow-string may be broken—but the weapon of all-prayer need never be out of order. Leviathan laughs at the javelin—but he trembles at prayer. Sword and spear need furbishing—but prayer never rusts; and when we think it most blunt—it cuts the best. Prayer is an open door which none can shut! Devils may surround you on all sides—but the way upward is always open, and as long as that road is unobstructed, you will not fall into the enemy's hand. We can never be taken by force or storm—so long as heavenly help comes down to us, to support us in the time of our necessities.

Prayer is never out of season—in summer and in winter its merchandise is precious. Prayer gains an audience with God—in the dead of night, in the midst of business, in the heat of noonday, in the shades of evening. In every condition, whether of poverty, or sickness, or obscurity, or slander, or sin—your covenant God will welcome your prayer and answer it from His holy place.

Nor is prayer ever futile. True prayer is evermore true power. You may not always get what you ask—but you shall always have your real needs supplied. When God does not answer His children according to the letter—He does so according to the spirit. If you ask for coarse meal—will you be angered because He gives you the finest flour? If you seek bodily health, should you complain if instead thereof—He makes your sickness turn to the healing of spiritual maladies? Is it not better to have the affliction sanctified, than removed? This evening, my soul, do not forget to offer your petition and request, for the Lord is ready to grant you your desires!

 

November 4 — Morning

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

A primary qualification for serving God with any amount of success, and for doing God's work well and triumphantly, is a sense of our own weakness.

When the Christian warrior marches forth to battle, strong in his own might, when he boasts, "I know that I shall conquer, my own right arm and my conquering sword shall get unto me the victory!" then defeat is not far distant. God will not go forth with that man who marches in his own strength. He who reckons on victory by his own strength—has reckoned wrongly, for "it is not by might, nor by power—but by My Spirit, says the Lord Almighty." They who go forth to fight, boasting of their prowess—shall return with their mirthful banners trailing in the dust, and their armor stained with disgrace.

Those who serve God—must serve Him in His own way, and in His strength, or He will never accept their service. God will never own that man who works, unaided by divine strength. The mere fruits of the earth—He casts away; He will only reap that grain, the seed of which was sown from heaven, watered by grace, and ripened by the sun of divine love. God will empty out all that you have—before He will put His own into you; He will first clean out your granaries—before He will fill them with the finest of the wheat. The river of God is full of water—but not one drop of it flows from earthly springs. God will have no strength used in His battles—but the strength which He Himself imparts.

Are you mourning over your own weakness? Take courage, for there must be a consciousness of weakness before the Lord will give you victory. Your emptiness—is but the preparation for your being filled; and your casting down—is but the making ready for your lifting up!

 

November 4 — Evening

"All whom the Father gives Me—will come to Me!" John 6:37

"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man—but by My Father in heaven!" Matthew 16:17

No lips can communicate the love of Christ to another—until Jesus Himself shall speak within. Descriptions all fall flat and bland—unless the Holy Spirit fills them with life and power. Until our Immanuel reveals Himself within—the soul cannot truly see Him. If you would see the sun—the sun must reveal itself, and only by its own blaze can that mighty lamp be seen. It is just so with Christ.

Purify your heart by any educational process you may select; elevate your mental faculties to the highest degree of intellectual power—yet this can never reveal Christ to your soul. The Spirit of God must come with power—and then in that mystic holy of holies—the Lord Jesus will display Himself to the sanctified eye—as He does not unto blind unbelievers. Christ must be His own mirror!

The great mass of this blear-eyed world can see nothing of the ineffable glories of Immanuel. He stands before them . . .
without beauty or loveliness,
a root out of a dry ground,
rejected by the vain, and
despised by the proud.

Only where the Spirit has touched the eye with celestial eye-salve, quickened the heart with divine life, and educated the soul to a heavenly taste—only then is Jesus truly understood.

"To you who believe—He is precious!" To you, He is the chief corner-stone, the Rock of your salvation, your all in all; but to others He is "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence." Happy are those to whom our Lord manifests Himself, for His promise to such, is that He will make His abode with them.

O Jesus, show Yourself to me now! Favor me with a glimpse of Your all-conquering charms!

 

November 5 — Morning

"No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper." Isaiah 54:17

This day is notable in English history, for two great deliverances wrought by God for us. On this day the plot of the Papists to destroy our Houses of Parliament was discovered, 1605. And secondly, today is the anniversary of the landing of King William at Torbay, by which the hope of Popish ascendancy was quashed, and religious liberty was secured. This day ought to be celebrated, not by the worldling's mirth—but by the songs of saints. Our Puritan forefathers most devoutly made it a special time of thanksgiving. We still have a record of the annual sermons preached by the godly Matthew Henry on this day.

Our Christian sentiments, and our love of liberty, should make us regard its anniversary with holy gratitude. Let our hearts and lips exclaim, "We have heard with our ears, and our fathers have told us—the wondrous things which You did in their day, and in the olden times before them!"

Lord, You have made this nation the home of the gospel; and when the foe has risen against her—You have shielded her. Help us to offer repeated songs for repeated deliverances. Grant us more and more a hatred of the Romish Antichrist, and hasten on the day of her entire extinction. Until then, we believe the promise, "No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper."

Should it not be laid upon the heart of every lover of the gospel of Jesus on this day—to plead for the overturning of Romish false doctrines—and the extension of divine truth? Would it not be well to search our own hearts, and turn out any of the Popish lumber of self-righteousness which may lie concealed therein?

 

November 5 — Evening

"Be thankful unto Him—and bless His name." Psalm 100:4

Our Lord would have all His people rich in high and happy thoughts concerning His blessed person. Jesus is not content that His brethren should think poorly of Him; it is His pleasure that His espoused ones should be delighted with His beauty. We are not to regard Him as a bare necessary, like to bread and water—but as a luxurious delicacy, as a rare and ravishing delight. To this end He has revealed Himself as the "pearl of great price" in its peerless beauty, as the "bundle of myrrh" in its refreshing fragrance, as the "rose of Sharon" in its lasting perfume, as the "lily" in its spotless purity.

As a help to high thoughts of Christ, remember the estimation that those in heaven have of Him— where things are measured by the right standard. Think how God esteems the Only Begotten, His unspeakable gift to us. Consider what the angels think of Him, as they count it their highest honor to veil their faces at His feet. Consider what the blood-washed think of Him, as day without night they sing His well deserved praises.

High thoughts of Christ will enable us to act consistently with our relations towards Him. The more loftily we see Christ enthroned, and the more lowly we are when bowing before the foot of the throne—the more truly shall we be prepared to act our part towards Him.

Our Lord Jesus desires us to think well of Him—that we may submit cheerfully to His authority. High thoughts of Him increase our love. Love and esteem go together. Therefore, believer, think much of your Master's excellencies. Study Him in His essential glory, before He took upon Himself your nature! Think of the mighty love which drew Him from His throne to die upon the cross! Admire Him as He conquers all the powers of hell! See Him risen, crowned, glorified! Bow before Him as the Wonderful, the Counselor, the mighty God—for only thus will your love to Him be what it should!

 

November 6 — Morning

"I will pour water upon him who is thirsty." Isaiah 44:3

When a believer has fallen into a low, sad state of feeling—he often tries to lift himself out of it by chastening himself with dark and doleful fears. Such is not the way to rise from the dust—but to remain in it. As well chain the eagle's wing—to make it mount; as doubt—in order to increase our grace. It is not the law—but the gospel which saves the seeking soul at first; and it is not a legal bondage—but gospel liberty alone, which can restore the fainting believer afterwards. Slavish fear does not bring the backslider back to God—but the sweet wooings of love allure him to Jesus' bosom.

Are you this morning thirsting for the living God—and unhappy because you cannot find him to the delight of your heart? Have you lost the joy of Christ, and is this your prayer, "Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation"? Are you conscious also that you are barren, like the dry ground; that you are not bringing forth the fruit unto God—which He has a right to expect of you; that you are not so useful in the Church, or in the world—as your heart desires to be? Then here is exactly the promise which you need, "I will pour water upon him who is thirsty." You shall receive the grace you so much require, and you shall have it to the utmost reach of your needs!

Water refreshes the thirsty—you shall be refreshed; your desires shall be gratified. Water quickens sleeping vegetable life—your life shall be quickened by fresh grace. Water swells the buds and makes the fruits ripen; you shall have fructifying grace—you shall be made fruitful in the ways of God. Whatever good quality there is in divine grace, you shall enjoy it to the full. You shall receive all the riches of divine grace in plenty; you shall be as it were, drenched with it—and as sometimes the meadows become flooded by the bursting rivers, and the fields are turned into pools, so shall you be. The thirsty land, shall be springs of water.

 

November 6 — Evening

"This is the blood of the covenant—which God has commanded you to keep." Hebrews 9:20

There is a strange power about the very name of blood; and the sight of it is always affecting. A kind heart cannot bear to see a sparrow bleed—and unless familiarized by frequent use—it turns away with horror at the slaughter of a beast! As to the blood of men, it is a sacred thing—it is murder to shed it in wrath, it is a dreadful crime to squander it in war. Is this solemnity occasioned by the fact that the blood is the life, and the pouring of it forth the token of death? We think so.

When we rise to contemplate the blood of the Son of God—our awe is yet more increased, and we shudder as we think of the guilt of sin, and the terrible penalty which the Sin-bearer endured. Blood, always precious—is priceless when it streams from Immanuel's side.

The blood of Jesus seals the covenant of grace, and makes it forever sure. Covenants of old, were ratified by sacrifice, and the everlasting covenant was ratified in the same manner. Oh, the delight of being saved upon the sure foundation of divine engagements which cannot be dishonored! Salvation by the works of the law is a frail and broken vessel, whose shipwreck is sure; but the covenant vessel fears no storms, for the blood ensures the whole.

The blood of Jesus made His testament valid. Wills are of no power, unless the testators die. In this light the soldier's spear is a blessed aid to faith, since it proved our Lord to be really dead. Doubts upon that matter—there can be none, and we may boldly appropriate the legacies which He has left for His people. Happy are those who see their title to heavenly blessings assured to them by a dying Savior. But has this blood no voice to us? Does it not bid us sanctify ourselves unto Him by whom we have been redeemed? Does it not call us to newness of life, and incite us to entire consecration to the Lord? O that the power of the blood might be known, and felt in us this night!

 

November 7 — Morning

"Behold, I have engraved you upon the palms of My hands!" Isaiah 49:16

No doubt a part of the wonder which is concentrated in the word "Behold," is excited by the unbelieving lamentation of the preceding sentence. Zion said, "The Lord has forsaken me! My God has forgotten me." How amazed the divine mind seems to be—at this wicked unbelief! What can be more astounding than the unfounded doubts and fears of God's favored people?

The Lord's loving word of rebuke should make us blush; He cries, "How can I have forgotten you—when I have engraved you upon the palms of my hands? How dare you doubt my constant remembrance, when the memorial is set upon my very flesh?" O unbelief, how strange a marvel you are! We know not which most to wonder at, the faithfulness of God—or the unbelief of His people! He keeps His promise a thousand times—and yet the next trial makes us doubt Him. He never fails; He is never a dry well; He is never as a setting sun, a passing meteor, or a melting vapor—and yet we are as continually vexed with anxieties, molested with suspicions, and disturbed with fears, as if our God were the mirage of the desert.

"Behold," is a word intended to excite admiration. Here, indeed, we have a theme for marveling! Heaven and earth may well be astonished, that rebels should obtain so great a nearness to the heart of infinite love, as to be engraved upon the palms of His hands. "I have engraved you." It does not say, "Your name." The name is there—but that is not all, "I have engraved you." See the fullness of this! I have engraved your person, your image, your case, your circumstances, your sins, your temptations, your weaknesses, your needs, your works! I have engraved you, everything about you, all that concerns you; I have put you altogether there. Will you ever say again that your God has forsaken you—when He has engraved you upon His own palms?

 

November 7 — Evening

"And you shall be My witnesses." Acts 1:8

In order to learn how to discharge your duty as a witness for Christ—look at His example. He is always witnessing—by the well of Samaria, or in the Temple of Jerusalem—by the lake of Gennesaret, or on the mountain's brow. He is witnessing night and day; His mighty prayers are as vocal to God—as His daily services. He witnesses under all circumstances; Scribes and Pharisees cannot shut His mouth; even before Pilate He witnesses a good confession. He witnesses so clearly, and distinctly—that there is no mistake in Him.

Christian, make your life a clear testimony. Be as the clear brook wherein you may see every stone at the bottom—not as the muddy creek, of which you only see the surface—but clear and transparent, so that your heart's love to God and man may be visible to all. You need not say, "I am true!" Be true! Boast not of integrity—but be upright. So shall your testimony be such that men cannot help seeing it.

Never, for fear of feeble man, restrain your witness. Your lips have been warmed with a coal from off the altar; let them speak as heaven-touched lips should speak. "In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hand." Watch not the clouds, consult not the wind—in season and out of season—witness for the Savior, and if it shall come to pass that for Christ's sake and the gospel's you shall endure suffering in any shape, shrink not—but rejoice in the honor thus conferred upon you, that you are counted worthy to suffer with your Lord. Rejoice also in this—that your sufferings, your losses, and persecutions shall make a platform—from which the more vigorously and with greater power you shall witness for Christ Jesus. Study your great Exemplar, and be filled with His evangelistic spirit. Remember that you need much teaching, much upholding, much grace, and much humility—if your witnessing is to be to your Master's glory!

 

November 8 — Morning

"As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord." Colossians 2:6

The life of faith is represented as receiving—an act which implies the very opposite of anything like merit. It is simply the acceptance of a gift. As the earth drinks in the rain, as the sea receives the streams, as the day receives the sunlight—so we, giving nothing, partake freely of the grace of God. The saints are not, by nature, wells or streams; they are but cisterns into which the living water flows; they are empty vessels into which God pours His salvation.

The idea of receiving implies a sense of realization, making the matter a reality. One cannot very well receive a shadow; we receive that which is substantial—so is it in the life of faith, Christ becomes real to us. While we are without faith, Jesus is a mere name to us—a person who lived a long while ago—so long ago that His life is only a history to us now! By an act of faith—Jesus becomes a real person in the consciousness of our heart.

But receiving also means grasping or getting possession of. The thing which I receive, becomes my own—I appropriate to myself that which is given. When I receive Jesus, He becomes my Savior, so mine that neither life nor death shall be able to rob me of Him.

All this is to receive Christ—to take Him as God's free gift; to realize Him in my heart, and to appropriate Him as mine.

Salvation may be described as the blind receiving sight, the deaf receiving hearing, the dead receiving life; but we have not only received these blessings, we have received Jesus Himself. It is true that He gave us life from the dead. He gave us pardon of sin; He gave us imputed righteousness. These are all precious things—but we are not content with them; we have received Christ Himself. The Son of God has been poured into us, and we have received Him, and appropriated Him. What a heartful Jesus must be—for heaven itself cannot contain Him!

 

November 8 — Evening

"The Master says—Where is the guestroom, where I shall eat the Passover with My disciples?" Mark 14:14

At the time of the Passover, Jerusalem was one great inn; each householder had invited his own friends—but no one had invited the Savior, and He had no dwelling of His own. It was by His own supernatural power—that He procured an upper room in which to keep the feast. It is so even to this day—Jesus is not received among men—but only where by His supernatural power and grace—He makes the heart anew. All doors are open enough to the prince of darkness—but Jesus must clear a way for Himself or lodge in the streets.

It was through the mysterious power exerted by our Lord—that the householder raised no question—but at once cheerfully and joyfully opened his guest chamber. Who he was, and what he was, we do not know—but he readily accepted the honor which the Redeemer proposed to confer upon him. In like manner it is still revealed who are the Lord's chosen, and who are not; for when the gospel comes to some, they fight against it, and will not have it—but where men receive it, welcoming it—this is a sure indication that there is a secret work going on in the soul, and that God has chosen them unto eternal life. Are you willing, dear reader, to receive Christ? then there is no difficulty in the way; Christ will be your guest; His own power is working with you, making you willing.

What an honor to entertain the Son of God! The heaven of heavens cannot contain Him, and yet He condescends to find a house within our hearts! We are not worthy that He should come under our roof—but what an unutterable privilege when He condescends to enter! for then He makes a feast, and causes us to feast with Him upon royal dainties, we sit at a banquet where the viands are immortal, and give immortality to those who feed thereon. Blessed among the sons of Adam—is he who entertains the angels' Lord!

 

November 9 — Morning

"As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord—so walk in Him." Colossians 2:6

If we have received Christ Himself in our inmost hearts, our new life will manifest its intimate acquaintance with Him by a walk of faith in Him.

Walking implies action. Our religion is not to be confined to our closet; we must carry out into practical effect that which we believe. If a man walks in Christ, then he so acts as Christ would act; for Christ being in him, his hope, his love, his joy, his life, he is the reflection of the image of Jesus; and men say of that man, "He is like his Master—he lives like Jesus Christ!"

Walking signifies progress. "So walk in Him." Proceed from grace to grace, run forward until you reach the uttermost degree of knowledge that a man can attain concerning our Beloved.

Walking implies continuance. There must be a perpetual abiding in Christ. How many Christians think that in the morning and evening they ought to come into the company of Jesus—but may give their hearts to the world all the day. This is poor living; we should always be with Him, treading in His steps and doing His will.

Walking also implies habit. When we speak of a man's walk and life—we mean his habits, the constant tenor of his life. Now, if we sometimes enjoy Christ, and then forget Him; sometimes call Him ours, and anon lose our hold, that is not a habit; we do not walk in Him. We must keep to Him, cling to Him, never let Him go—but live and have our being in Him. "As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord—so walk in Him"; persevere in the same way in which you have begun, and, as at the first Christ Jesus was the trust of your faith, the source of your life, the principle of your action, and the joy of your spirit—so let Him be the same until life's end; the same when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and enter into the joy and the rest which remain for the people of God. O Holy Spirit, enable us to obey this heavenly precept!

 

November 9 — Evening

"He will dwell on the heights; his refuge will be the rocky fortresses, his food provided, his water assured." Isaiah 33:16

Do you doubt, O Christian—do you doubt as to whether God will fulfill His promise? Shall the rocky fortresses be taken by storm? Or shall the storehouses of heaven fail? Do you think that your heavenly Father, though He knows that you have need of food and clothing, will yet forget you? When not a sparrow falls to the ground without your Father, and the very hairs of your head are all numbered—will you mistrust and doubt Him?

Perhaps your affliction will continue upon you—until you dare to trust your God, and then it shall end. There have ben many who have been tried and sorely vexed—until at last they have been driven in sheer desperation to exercise faith in God, and the moment of their faith has been the instant of their deliverance; they have seen whether God would keep His promise or not. Oh, I beg you—doubt Him no longer! Do not please Satan, and do not vex yourself by indulging in hard thoughts of God.

Do not think that it is a light matter to doubt Jehovah. Remember, it is a sin; and not a little sin either—but in the highest degree criminal. The angels never doubted Him, nor the devils either—we alone, out of all the beings that God has fashioned, dishonor Him by unbelief, and tarnish His honor by mistrust. Shame upon us for this! Our God does not deserve to be so basely suspected! In our past life—we have proved Him to be true and faithful to His Word; and with so many instances of His love and of His kindness as we have received, and are daily receiving, at His hands—it is base and inexcusable that we allow a doubt to sojourn within our heart. May we henceforth wage constant war against doubts of our God. They are enemies to our peace and to His honor. With an unstaggering faith, believe that what He has promised—He will also perform. "Lord, I believe—help my unbelief!"

 

November 10 — Morning

"The eternal God is your refuge." Deuteronomy 33:27

The word refuge may be translated "mansion," or "abiding-place," which gives the thought that God is our abode, our home. There is a fullness and sweetness in the metaphor, for dear to our hearts is our home, although it be the humblest cottage, or the scantiest garret; and dearer far—is our blessed God, in whom we live, and move, and have our being.

It is at home that we feel safe—we shut the world out and dwell in quiet security. So when we are with our God we "fear no evil." He is our shelter and retreat, our abiding refuge.

At home, we take our rest; it is there we find repose after the fatigue and toil of the day. And so our hearts find rest in God, when, wearied with life's conflict, we turn to Him, and our soul dwells at ease.

At home, also, we let our hearts at liberty; we are not afraid of being misunderstood, nor of our words being misconstrued. So when we are with God—we can commune freely with Him, laying open all our hidden desires; for if the "secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him," the secrets of those who fear Him ought to be, and must be, with their Lord.

Home, too, is the place of our truest and purest happiness—and it is in God that our hearts find their deepest delight. We have joy in Him which far surpasses all other joy.

It is also for home that we work and labor. The thought of home, gives strength to bear the daily burden, and quickens the fingers to perform the task; and in this sense we may also say that God is our home. Love to Him strengthens us. We think of Him in the person of His dear Son; and a glimpse of the suffering face of the Redeemer constrains us to labor in His cause. We feel that we must work, for we have brethren yet to be saved, and we have our Father's heart to make glad by bringing home His wandering sons; we would fill with holy mirth—the sacred family among whom we dwell. Happy are those who have thus the God of Jacob for their refuge!

 

November 10 — Evening

"It is enough for the disciple—to be as his Master." Matthew 10:25

No one will dispute this statement, for it would be unfitting for the servant to be exalted above his Master. When our Lord was on earth, what was the treatment He received? Were His claims acknowledged, His instructions followed, His perfections worshiped, by those whom He came to bless? No! "He was despised and rejected of men." His place was outside the camp! Cross-bearing was His occupation. Did the world yield Him solace and rest? "Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests—but the Son of man has nowhere to lay His head." This inhospitable world afforded Him no shelter—it cast Him out—and crucified Him!

Such—if you are a follower of Jesus, and maintain a consistent, Christ-like walk and lifestyle—you must expect to be the lot of that part of your spiritual life which, in its outward development, comes under the observation of men. They will treat it as they treated the Savior—they will despise it.

Do not dream that worldlings will admire you, or that the more holy and the more Christ-like you are—the more peaceably people will act towards you. They did not prize the polished gem—how would they value the jewel in the rough? "If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of His household?" If we were more like Christ—we would be more hated by His enemies. It would be a sad dishonor to a child of God—to be the world's favorite. It is a very bad sign—to hear a wicked world clap its hands and shout "Well done!" to the Christian man. He may begin to look to his character, and wonder whether he has not been doing wrong, when the ungodly give him their approbation. Let us be true to our Master, and have no friendship with a blind and base world which scorns and rejects Him. Far be it from us—to seek a crown of honor where our Lord found a coronet of thorns! "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you!" John 15:18-19

 

November 11 — Morning

"The eternal God is your refuge—and His everlasting arms are under you!" Deuteronomy 33:27

God—the eternal God—is Himself our support at all times—and especially when we are sinking in deep trouble! There are seasons when the Christian sinks very low in humiliation. Under a deep sense of his great sinfulness, he is humbled before God until he scarcely knows how to pray, because he appears, in his own sight, so worthless. Well, child of God, remember that when you are at your worst and lowest—yet "underneath" you "are His everlasting arms." Sin may drag you ever so low—but Christ's great atonement is still under all. You may have descended into the deeps—but you cannot have fallen so low as "the uttermost"; and to the uttermost He saves.

Again, the Christian sometimes sinks very deeply in sore trials. Every earthly prop is cut away. What then? Still underneath him are "His everlasting arms." He cannot fall so deep in distress and affliction, but what the covenant grace of an ever-faithful God will still encircle him. The Christian may be sinking under trouble from within through fierce conflict—but even then he cannot be brought so low as to be beyond the reach of "His everlasting arms." They are underneath him; and, while thus sustained, all Satan's efforts to harm him avail nothing.

This assurance of God's support—is a comfort to any weary but earnest worker in the service of God. It implies a promise of strength for each day, grace for each need, and power for each duty.

And, further, when death comes, the promise shall still hold good. When we stand in the midst of the swelling river of death, we shall be able to say with David, "I will fear no evil—for You are with me!" We shall descend into the grave—but we shall go no lower, for His everlasting arms prevent our further fall. All through life, and at its close, we shall be upheld by "His everlasting arms" arms that neither flag nor lose their strength, for "the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth—He never grows faint or weary."

 

November 11 — Evening

"He shall choose our inheritance for us." Psalm 47:4

Believer, if your inheritance is a lowly one—you should be satisfied with your earthly portion; for you may rest assured that it is the fittest for you. Unerring wisdom ordained your lot, and selected for you the safest and best condition.

A ship of large tonnage is to be brought up the river; now, in one part of the stream there is a sandbank; should someone ask, "Why does the captain steer through the deep part of the channel and deviate so much from a straight line?" His answer would be, "Because I should not get my vessel into harbor at all—if I did not keep to the deep channel." Just so, it may be, you would run aground and suffer shipwreck, if your divine Captain did not steer you into the depths of affliction where waves of trouble follow each other in quick succession.

Some plants die if they have too much sunshine. It may be that you are planted where you get but little sunshine, you are put there by the loving Gardener, because only in that situation will you bring forth fruit unto perfection.

Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are—divine love would have put you there! You are placed by God in the most suitable circumstances, and if you had the choosing of your lot, you would soon cry, "Lord, choose my inheritance for me, for by my self-will I am pierced through with many sorrows!"

Be content with such things as you have, since the Lord has ordered all things for your good. Take up your own daily cross; it is the burden best suited for your shoulder, and will prove most effective to make you perfect in every good word and work to the glory of God. Down busy self, and proud impatience, it is not for you to choose—but for the Lord of Love!

"Trials must and will befall—
But with humble faith to see
Love inscribed upon them all;
This is happiness to me!"

 

November 12 — Morning

"The trial of your faith." 1 Peter 1:7

Untried faith may be true faith—but it is sure to be little faith—and it is likely to remain dwarfish so long as it is without trials. Faith never prospers so well—as when all things are against her. Tempests are her trainers, and lightnings are her illuminators. When a calm reigns on the sea, spread the sails as you will, the ship does not move to its harbor; for on a slumbering ocean the keel sleeps too. Let the winds rush howling forth, and let the waters lift up themselves, then, though the vessel may rock, and her deck may be washed with waves, and her mast may creak under the pressure of the full and swelling sail—it is then that she makes headway towards her desired haven!

No flowers wear so lovely a blue—as those which grow at the foot of the frozen glacier; no stars gleam so brightly—as those which glisten in the polar sky; no water tastes so sweet—as that which springs amid the desert sand; and no faith is so precious—as that which lives and triumphs in adversity.

Tried faith brings experience. You could not have believed your own weakness, had you not been compelled to pass through the rivers; and you would never have known God's strength, had you not been supported amid the water-floods.

Faith increases in solidity, assurance, and intensity—the more it is exercised with tribulation. Faith is precious, and its trial is precious too. Let not this, however, discourage those who are young in faith. You will have trials enough without seeking them—the full portion will be measured out to you in due season. Meanwhile, if you cannot yet claim the result of long experience, thank God for what grace you have; praise Him for that degree of holy confidence whereunto you have attained—walk according to that rule, and you shall yet have more and more of the blessing of God!

 

November 12 — Evening

"Jesus went out to the mountain to pray—and spent all night in prayer to God." Luke 6:12

If ever one might have lived without prayer, it was our spotless, perfect a Lord—and yet none was ever so much in supplication as He! Such was His love to His Father—that He loved much to be in communion with Him! Such His love for His people—that He desired to be much in intercession for them.

The fact of this eminent prayerfulness of Jesus is a lesson for us—He has given us an example that we may follow in His steps.

The time He chose was admirable—it was the hour of silence, when the crowd would not disturb Him; the time of inaction, when all but Himself had ceased to labor; and the season when slumber made men forget their woes, and cease their applications to Him for relief. While others found rest in sleep—He refreshed Himself with prayer.

The place was also well selected. He was alone where none would intrude, where none could observe—thus was He free from Pharisaic ostentation and vulgar interruption. Those dark and silent hills—were a fit oratory for the Son of God. Heaven and earth in midnight stillness—heard the groans and sighs of the mysterious Being in whom both worlds were blended.

The continuance of His pleadings is remarkable; the long watches were not too long; the cold wind did not chill His devotions; the grim darkness did not darken His faith, or loneliness check His importunity. We cannot watch with Him one hour—but He watched for us whole nights!

The occasion for this prayer is notable; it was after His enemies had been enraged—prayer was His refuge and solace; it was before He sent forth the twelve apostles—prayer was the gate of His enterprise, the herald of His new work. Should we not learn from Jesus to resort to special prayer when we are under peculiar trial, or contemplate fresh endeavors for the Master's glory? Lord Jesus, teach us to pray!

 

November 13 — Morning

"The branch cannot bear fruit of itself." John 15:4

How did you begin to bear fruit? It was when you came to Jesus and cast yourselves on His great atonement, and rested on His finished righteousness. Ah! what fruit you had then! Do you remember those early days? Then indeed the vine flourished, the tender grape appeared, the pomegranates budded forth, and the beds of spices gave forth their fragrance!

Have you declined since then? If you have, we charge you to remember that time of love, and repent, and do your first works. Be most in those engagements which you have experimentally proved to draw you nearest to Christ, because it is from Him that all your fruits proceed. Any holy exercise which will bring you to Him—will help you to bear fruit.

The sun is, no doubt, a great worker in fruit-creating among the trees of the orchard—and Jesus is still more so among the trees of His garden of grace. When have you been the most fruitless? Has not it been when you have lived farthest from the Lord Jesus Christ, when you have slackened in prayer, when you have departed from the simplicity of your faith, when your graces have engrossed your attention instead of your Lord, when you have said, "My mountain stands firm, I shall never be moved"; and have forgotten where your strength dwells? Has not it been then—that your fruit has ceased?

Some of us have been taught that we have nothing outside of Christ, by terrible abasements of heart before the Lord; and when we have seen the utter barrenness and death of all creature power, we have cried in anguish, "From Him—all my fruit must be found—for no fruit can ever come from me!" We are taught, by past experience, that the more simply we depend upon the grace of God in Christ, and wait upon the Holy Spirit—the more we shall bring forth fruit unto God. Oh! to trust Jesus for fruit as well as for life!

 

November 13 — Evening

"Men ought always to pray." Luke 18:1

If men ought always to pray and not to faint—how much more Christian men. Jesus has sent His church into the world on the same errand upon which He Himself came, and this mission includes intercession. What if I say that the church is the world's priest? Creation is silent—but the church is to find a mouth for it. It is the church's high privilege to pray with acceptance. The door of grace is always open for her petitions, and they never return empty-handed. The veil was rent for her, the blood was sprinkled upon the altar for her, God constantly invites her to ask what she wills. Will she refuse the privilege which angels might envy her? Is she not the bride of Christ? May she not go in unto her King at every hour? Shall she allow the precious privilege to be unused?

The church always has need for prayer. There are always some in her midst who are declining, or falling into open sin. There are lambs to be prayed for, that they may be carried in Christ's bosom? the strong, lest they grow presumptuous; and the weak, lest they become despairing. If we kept up prayer-meetings twenty-four hours in the day, all the days in the year, we might never be without a special subject for supplication. Are we ever without the sick and the poor, the afflicted and the wavering? Are we ever without those who seek the conversion of relatives, the reclaiming of back-sliders, or the salvation of the depraved? No! With congregations constantly gathering, with ministers always preaching, with millions of sinners lying dead in trespasses and sins; in a country over which the darkness of Romanism is certainly descending; in a world full of idols, cruelties, devilries—if the church does not pray—how shall she excuse her base neglect of the commission of her loving Lord? Let the church be constant in supplication! Let every private believer cast his mite of prayer into the treasury!

 

November 14 — Morning

"They claim to follow the Lord—but then they worship Molech, too! So now I will destroy them!" Zephaniah 1:5

Such people thought themselves safe because they were with both parties—they went with the followers of Jehovah, and also bowed down to Molech. But duplicity is despicable and abominable with God! His soul hates hypocrisy! The idolater who distinctly gives himself to his false God, has one sin less than he who brings his polluted and detestable sacrifice unto the temple of the Lord—while his heart is with the world!

In the common matters of daily life, a double-minded man is despised—but in religion he is loathsome to the last degree. The penalty pronounced in the verse before us is terrible—but it is well deserved. Should divine justice spare the sinner, who knows the right, approves it, and professes to follow it—and all the while loves the evil, and gives it dominion in his heart?

My soul, search yourself this morning, and see whether you are guilty of double-dealing with God. You profess to be a follower of Jesus—do you truly love Him? Is your heart right with God? Are you of the family of old Father Honest—or are you a relative of Mr. By-ends? A mere profession of Christ is of little value—if I am indeed dead in trespasses and sins. To have one foot on the land of truth, and another on the sea of falsehood, will end in a terrible fall and a total ruin. Christ will be all—or nothing.

If God truly reigns in my heart—there will be no space for another reigning power. Do I rest alone on Jesus crucified, and live alone for Him? Is it my desire to do so? Is my heart set upon so doing? If so, blessed be the mighty grace which has led me to salvation! If not—O Lord, pardon my sad offence, and unite my heart to fear Your name!

 

November 14 — Evening

"Laban replied—It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one." Genesis 29:26

We do not excuse Laban for his dishonesty—but we desire to learn from the custom which he quoted as his excuse. There are some things which must be taken in order, and if we would win the second—we must secure the first. The second may be the more lovely in our eyes—but the rule of the heavenly country must stand—the elder must be married first.

For instance, many men desire the beautiful Rachel of joy and peace—but they must first be wedded to the bleary-eyed Leah of repentance. Everyone falls in love with happiness, and many would cheerfully serve twice seven years to enjoy it. But according to the rule of the Lord's kingdom, the Leah of real holiness must be beloved of our soul—before the Rachel of true happiness can be attained.

Heaven is not first—but second, and only by persevering to the end, can we win a portion in it. The cross must be carried—before the crown can be worn! We must follow our Lord in His humiliation—or we shall never rest with Him in glory.

My soul, are you so vain as to hope to break through the heavenly rule? Do you hope for reward without labor—or honor without toil? Dismiss the idle expectation, and be content to take the difficult things—for the sake of the sweet love of Jesus, which will recompense you for all. In such a spirit, laboring and suffering, you will find that bitters grow sweet—and that hard things grow easy. Like Jacob, your years of service will seem unto you but a few days—for the love you have to Jesus. And when the dear hour of the wedding feast shall come—all your toils shall be as though they had never been! An hour with Jesus—will make up for ages of pain and labor!

 

November 15 — Morning

"The Lord's portion is His people." Deuteronomy 32:9

How are they His portion?

Firstly, by His own sovereign election. He chose them, and set His love upon them. He chose them altogether apart from any goodness in them at the time, or any goodness which He foresaw in them. He had mercy on whom He would have mercy, and ordained a chosen company unto eternal life. Thus, therefore, are they His by His unconstrained election.

They are not only His by choice—but by purchase. He has bought and paid for them to the utmost farthing, hence about His title to them—there can be no dispute. The Lord's portion has been fully redeemed, not with corruptible things, as with silver and gold—but with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ! See the blood-mark upon all the elect, invisible to human eye—but known to Christ, for "the Lord knows those who are His!" He forgets none of those whom He has redeemed! He counts the sheep for whom He laid down His life, and well remembers the people for whom He gave Himself.

They are also His by conquest. What a battle He had in us—before we would be won! How long He laid siege to our hearts! How often He sent us terms of surrender! But we barred our gates, and fortified our walls against Him. Do we not remember that glorious hour—when He conquered our hearts? When He placed His cross against the wall, and scaled our ramparts, planting the blood-red flag of His omnipotent mercy on our strongholds? Yes, we are, indeed—the conquered captives of His omnipotent love!

Thus chosen, purchased, and subdued—the rights of our divine possessor are inalienable—we rejoice that we never can be our own; and we desire, day by day, to do His will, and to show forth His glory!

 

November 15 — Evening

"Strengthen, O God, that which you have wrought in us." Psalm 68:28

It is our wisdom, as well as our necessity, to beseech God continually to strengthen that which He has wrought in us. It is because of their neglect in this, that many Christians may blame themselves for those trials and afflictions of spirit which arise from unbelief. It is true that Satan seeks to flood the fair garden of the heart and make it a scene of desolation—but it is also true that many Christians leave the sluice-gates open themselves, and let in the dreadful deluge through carelessness, and lack of prayer to their strong Helper.

We often forget that the Author of our faith—must be the Preserver of it also. The lamp which was burning in the temple was never allowed to go out—but it had to be daily replenished with fresh oil; in like manner, our faith can only live by being sustained with the oil of grace, and we can only obtain this from God Himself. We shall prove to be foolish virgins—if we do not secure the needed sustenance for our lamps. He who built the world—upholds it, or it would fall in one tremendous crash! He who made us Christians—must maintain us by His Spirit, or our ruin will be speedy and final.

Let us, then, evening by evening, go to our Lord for the grace and strength we need. We have a strong argument to plead, for it is His own work of grace which we ask Him to strengthen, "that which You have wrought in us." Do you think He will fail to protect and sustain that? Only let your faith take hold of His strength—and all the powers of darkness, led on by the master fiend of hell, cannot cast a cloud or shadow over your joy and peace. Why faint—when you may be strong? Why suffer defeat—when you may conquer? Oh! take your wavering faith and drooping graces to Him who can revive and replenish them, and earnestly pray, "Strengthen, O God, that which you have wrought in us!"

 

November 16 — Morning

"The Lord is my portion, says my soul." Lamentations 3:24

The Lord is my portion. It is not "The Lord is partly my portion," nor "The Lord is in my portion"; but He Himself makes up the sum total of my soul's inheritance! Within the circumference of that circle—lies all that we possess or desire.

The Lord is my portion—not His grace merely, nor His love, nor His covenant—but Jehovah Himself! He has chosen us for His portion—and we have chosen Him for ours. It is true that the Lord must first choose our inheritance for us, or else we would never choose it for ourselves; but if we are really called according to the purpose of electing love—we can sing,

"Loved of my God for Him again
With love intense I burn;
Chosen of Him before time began,
I choose Him in return!"

The Lord is our all-sufficient portion. God fills Himself; and if God is all-sufficient in Himself, He must be all-sufficient for us. It is not easy to satisfy man's desires. When he dreams that he is satisfied, in a short while, he wakes to the perception that there is somewhat yet beyond, and straightway the horse-leech in his heart cries, "Give, give!"

But all that we can wish for—is to be found in our divine portion, so that we ask, "Whom have I in heaven but You? There is none upon earth that I desire beside You!" Well may we "delight ourselves in the Lord" who makes us to drink of the river of His pleasures. Our faith stretches her wings and mounts like an eagle into the heaven of divine love as to her proper dwelling-place. "The lines have fallen to us in pleasant places; yes, we have a goodly heritage." Let us rejoice in the Lord always; let us show to the world that we are a happy and a blessed people, and thus induce them to exclaim, "We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you!"

 

November 16 — Evening

"Your eyes shall see the King in His beauty!" Isaiah 33:17

The more you know about Christ—the less will you be satisfied with superficial views of Him; and the more deeply you study His transactions in the eternal covenant, His engagements on your behalf as the eternal Surety, and the fullness of His grace which shines in all His offices—the more truly will you see the King in His beauty. Be much in such meditations. Long more and more to see Jesus.

Meditation and contemplation are often like windows of diamond, through which we behold the Redeemer. Meditation puts the telescope to the eye, and enables us to see Jesus in a clearer way than we could have seen Him—if we had lived in the days of His flesh. Would that our conversation were more in heaven, and that we were more taken up with the person, the work, the beauty of our incarnate Lord. More meditation—and the beauty of the King would flash upon us with more resplendence!

Beloved, it is very probable that we shall have such a sight of our glorious King as we never had before, when we come to die. Many saints in dying have looked up from amidst the stormy waters, and have seen Jesus walking on the waves of the sea, and heard Him say, "It is I, do not be afraid!" Ah, yes! when the tenement begins to shake, and the clay falls away—we see Christ through the rifts, and between the rafters the sunlight of heaven comes streaming in!

But if we want to see the "King in His beauty" face to face—we must go to heaven for the sight, or the King must come here in person. O that He would come on the wings of the wind! He is our Husband—and we are widowed by His absence! He is our Brother dear and fair—and we are lonely without Him. Thick veils and clouds hang between our souls and their true love—when shall the day break and the shadows flee away? Oh, long-expected day, begin!

 

November 17 — Morning

"To Him be glory forever! Amen" Romans 11:36

"To Him be glory forever!" This should be the single desire of the Christian. All other wishes must be subservient and tributary to this one. The Christian may wish for prosperity in his business—but only so far as it may help him to promote this, "To Him be glory forever!" He may desire to attain more gifts and more graces—but it should only be that "To Him may be glory forever!" You are not acting as you ought to—when you are moved by any other motive than a single eye to your Lord's glory.

As a Christian, you are "of God, and through God." Then see to it that you live "to God." Let nothing ever set your heart beating so mightily—as love to Him. Let this ambition fire your soul. Let this be the foundation of every enterprise upon which you enter—and your sustaining motive whenever your zeal would grow chill. Make God your only object. Depend upon it, where SELF begins—sorrow begins! But if God is my supreme delight and only object—to me it is equal whether He ordains life or death—ease or pain!

Let your desire for God's glory be a growing desire. You blessed Him in your youth, do not be content with such praises as you gave Him then. Has God prospered you in business? Give Him more—as He has given you more. Has God given you greater grace? Praise Him by stronger faith than you exercised at first. Does your knowledge grow? Then sing more sweetly. Do you enjoy happier times than you once had? Have you been restored from sickness, and has your sorrow been turned into peace and joy? Then give Him more music; put more coals and more sweet frankincense into the censer of your praise!

Practically in your life give Him honor, putting the "Amen!" to this doxology to your great and gracious Lord, by your own individual service and increasing holiness!

 

November 17 — Evening

"He who splits logs—may be endangered by them." Ecclesiastes 10:9

Oppressors may take advantage of poor and needy men—as easily as they can split logs—but they had better mind, for it is a dangerous business—for a splinter from a tree has often killed the woodsman. Jesus is persecuted in every injured saint, and He is mighty to avenge His beloved ones. Success in treading down the poor and needy is a thing to be trembled at. If there is no danger to persecutors here—there will be great danger hereafter.

To cleave wood is a common every-day business, and yet it has its dangers; so then, reader, there are dangers connected with your calling and daily life—which it will be well for you to be aware of. We refer not to hazards by flood and field, or by disease and sudden death—but to perils of a spiritual sort. Your occupation may be as humble as log splitting, and yet the devil can tempt you in it. You may be a domestic servant, a farm laborer, or a mechanic, and you may be greatly screened from temptations to the grosser vices, and yet some secret sin may do you damage. Those who dwell at home, and mingle not with the rough world—may yet be endangered by their very seclusion.

Nowhere is he safe—who thinks himself so! Pride may enter a poor man's heart; avarice may reign in a cottager's bosom; impurity may venture into the quietest home; and anger, and envy, and malice may insinuate themselves into the most rural abode! Even in speaking a few words—we may sin. A little purchase at a shop—may be the first link in a chain of temptations. The mere looking out of a window—may be the beginning of evil.

O Lord, how exposed we are! How shall we be secured! To keep ourselves is work too hard for us—only You Yourself are able to preserve us in such a world of evils. Spread Your wings over us, and we, like little chicks, will cower down beneath You, and feel ourselves safe!

 

November 18 — Morning

"You are an enclosed spring, a sealed fountain." Song of Solomon 4:12

In this metaphor, which has reference to the inner life of a believer, we have very plainly the idea of secrecy. It is an enclosed spring. There were springs in the East, over which an edifice was built, so that none could reach them, but those who knew the secret entrance. Just so, is the heart of a believer when it is renewed by grace—there is a mysterious life within—which no human skill can touch. It is a secret which no other man knows; nay, which the very man who is the possesses it—cannot explain to his neighbor.

The text includes not only secrecy—but separation. It is not the common spring, of which every passer-by may drink, it is one kept and preserved from all others. It is a fountain bearing a particular mark—a king's royal seal—so that all can see that it is not a common fountain—but a fountain owned by a proprietor, and placed specially by itself alone. So is it with the spiritual life. The chosen of God were separated in the eternal decree; they were separated by God in the day of redemption; and they are separated by the possession of a life which others have not. It is now impossible for them to feel at home with the world, or to delight in its pleasures.

There is also the idea of sacredness. The enclosed spring is preserved for the use of some special person—and such is the Christian's heart. It is a spring kept for Jesus. Every Christian should feel that he has God's seal upon him—and he should be able to say with Paul, "From henceforth let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus."

Another idea is prominent—it is that of security. Oh! how sure and safe is the inner life of the believer! If all the powers of earth and hell could combine against it—that immortal principle must still exist, for He who gave it pledged His life for its preservation. And who "is He who shall harm you," when God is your protector?

 

November 18 — Evening

"You are from everlasting." Psalm 93:2

Christ is everlasting! Of Him we may sing with David, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever." Rejoice, believer, in Jesus Christ—the same yesterday, today, and forever!

Jesus always was. The Babe born in Bethlehem, was the Word, which was in the beginning, by whom all things were made. The title by which Christ revealed Himself to John in Patmos was, "Him who is, and who was, and who is to come." If He were not God from everlasting, we could not so devoutly love Him; we could not feel that He had any share in the eternal love which is the fountain of all covenant blessings; but since He was from all eternity with the Father, we trace the stream of divine love to Himself equally with His Father and the blessed Spirit.

As our Lord always was, so also He is forevermore. Jesus is not dead; "He ever lives to make intercession for us." Resort to Him in all your times of need—for He is waiting to bless you still.

Moreover, Jesus our Lord ever shall be. If God should spare your life to fulfill your full day of threescore years and ten, you will find that His cleansing fountain is still opened, and His precious blood has not lost its power! You shall find that the Priest who filled the healing fount with His own blood—lives to purge you from all iniquity! When only your last battle remains to be fought, you shall find that the hand of your conquering Captain has not grown feeble—the living Savior shall cheer the dying saint. When you enter heaven—you shall find Him there bearing the dew of His youth! And through eternity the Lord Jesus shall still remain the perennial spring of joy, and life, and glory to His people. You may draw living waters from this sacred well! Jesus always was, He always is, He always shall be. He is eternal in all His attributes, in all His offices, in all His might, and willingness to bless, comfort, guard, and crown His chosen people!

 

November 19 — Morning

"Be careful to devote yourself to good works." Titus 3:8

"Avoid foolish questions." Titus 3:9

Our days are few, and are far better spent in devoting ourselves to good works, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. Incessant discussion of subjects of no practical value, do a world of mischief. Our churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said—neither party is any the wiser! Therefore, the discussion no more promotes knowledge, than love! It is foolish to sow in so barren a field.

Questions upon . . .
points wherein Scripture is silent;
mysteries which belong to God alone;
prophecies of doubtful interpretation;
modes of observing mere human ceremonies

—are all foolish! Wise men will avoid them! Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions—but to avoid them altogether! If we observe the apostle's precept to be careful to devote ourselves to good works—we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business—to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings!

There are, however, some questions which are the reverse of foolish—which we must not avoid—but fairly and honestly answer, such as these:

Am I growing in grace and Christ-likeness?

Does my life adorn the doctrine of my Savior?

What more can I do for Jesus?

Such inquiries as these, urgently demand our attention!

If we have been at all given to arguing and disputing, let us now turn to a service so much more profitable. Let us endeavor to lead others, both by our precept and example, to "avoid foolish questions."

 

November 19 — Evening

"O that I knew where I might find Him!" Job 23:3

In Job's uttermost extremity—he cried after the Lord. The longing desire of an afflicted child of God—is once more to see his Father's face. His first prayer is not "O that I might be healed of the disease which now festers in every part of my body!" Nor even "O that I might see my children restored from the jaws of the grave, and my property once more brought from the hand of the spoiler!" But the first and uppermost cry is, "O that I knew where I might find HIM, who is my God! that I might come even to His seat!"

God's children run home when the storm comes on! It is the heaven-born instinct of a gracious soul—to seek shelter from all troubles beneath the wings of Jehovah. "He who has made God his refuge," might serve as the title of a true believer. A hypocrite, when afflicted by God, resents the infliction, and, like a slave, would run from the Master who has scourged him! But not so the true heir of heaven—he kisses the hand which smote him, and seeks shelter from the rod in the bosom of the God who frowned upon him!

Job's desire to commune with God was intensified by the failure of all other sources of consolation. The patriarch turned away from his sorry friends, and looked up to the celestial throne, just as a traveler turns from his empty water bottle, and betakes himself with all speed to the well. He bids farewell to earth-born hopes, and cries, "O that I knew where I might find my God!"

Nothing teaches us so much the preciousness of the Creator, as when we learn the emptiness of all other things. Turning away with bitter scorn from earth's hives, where we find no honey—but many sharp stings; we rejoice in Him whose faithful Word is sweeter than honey or the honeycomb. In every trouble we should first seek to realize God's presence with us. Only let us enjoy His smile—and we can bear our daily cross with a willing heart for His dear sake!

 

November 20 — Morning

"O Lord, You have pleaded the case for my soul. You have redeemed my life." Lamentations 3:58

Observe how positively the prophet speaks. He does not say, "I hope, I trust, I sometimes think, that God has pleaded the case of my soul"; but he speaks of it as a matter of fact not to be disputed.

"You have pleaded the case of my soul." Let us, by the aid of the gracious Comforter, shake off those doubts and fears which so much mar our peace and comfort. Let this be our prayer, that we may be done with the harsh croaking voice of doubt and suspicion, and may be able to speak with the clear, melodious voice of full assurance.

Notice how gratefully the prophet speaks, ascribing all the glory to God alone! You perceive there is not a word concerning himself or his own pleadings. He does not ascribe his deliverance in any measure to any man, much less to his own merit; but it is "you" "O Lord, You have pleaded the case of my soul. You have redeemed my life." A grateful spirit should ever be cultivated by the Christian; and especially after deliverances, we should prepare a song for our God. Earth should be a temple filled with the songs of grateful saints, and every day should be a censor smoking with the sweet incense of thanksgiving.

How joyful Jeremiah seems to be, while he records the Lord's mercy. How triumphantly he lifts up the strain! He has been in the low dungeon, and is even now no other than the weeping prophet; and yet in the very book which is called "Lamentations," we hear the voice of Jeremy going up to heaven, "You have pleaded the case of my soul; you have redeemed my life!" O children of God, seek after a vital experience of the Lord's loving-kindness, and when you have it, speak positively of it; sing gratefully; shout triumphantly!

 

November 20 — Evening

"The coneys are but a feeble folk—yet they make they their home in the rocky cliffs." Proverbs 30:26

Conscious of their own natural defenselessness, the coneys resort to clefts in the rocky cliffs, and are secure from their enemies.

My heart, be willing to gather a lesson from these feeble folk. You are as weak and as exposed to peril as the timid coney—strive to be as wise as they are, to seek a shelter. My best security is within the munitions of an immutable Jehovah, where His unalterable promises stand like giant cliffs of rock. It will be well with you, my heart, if you can always hide yourself in the bulwarks of His glorious attributes, all of which are guarantees of safety for those who put their trust in Him.

Blessed be the name of the Lord, I have so done, and have found myself like David in Adullam—safe from the cruelty of my enemy. I experience the blessedness of the man who puts his trust in the Lord—for long ago, when Satan and my sins pursued me, I fled to the cleft of the rock—Christ Jesus! And in His riven side—I found a delightful resting-place!

My heart, run to Him anew today, whatever your present grief may be! Jesus cares for you! Jesus will console and help you!

No monarch in his impregnable fortress, is more secure than the coney in his rocky burrow. The master of ten thousand chariots is not one whit better protected—than the little dweller in the rocky cleft. In Jesus—the weak are strong, and the defenseless are safe! They could not be more strong—if they were giants. They could not be more safe—if they were in heaven! Faith gives to men on earth—the protection of the God of heaven. More they cannot need, and need not wish.

The coneys cannot build a castle—but they avail themselves of what is there already. Just so, I cannot make a refuge for myself—but Jesus has provided it, His Father has given it, His Spirit has revealed it—and lo, again I enter it, and am safe from every foe!

 

November 21 — Morning

"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit." Ephesians 4:30

All that the believer has, must come from Christ—but it comes solely through the channel of the Spirit of grace. Moreover, as all blessings thus flow to you through the Holy Spirit, so also no good thing can come out of you in holy thought, devout worship, or gracious act—apart from the sanctifying operation of the same Spirit. Even if the good seed is sown in you—yet it will lie dormant—until He works in you to will and to do of His own good pleasure.

Do you desire to speak for Jesus? How can you—unless the Holy Spirit touches your tongue? Do you desire to pray? Alas! what dull work it is—unless the Spirit makes intercession for you! Do you desire to subdue sin? Would you be holy? Would you imitate your Master? Do you desire to rise to superlative heights of spirituality? Are you wanting to be made like the angels of God—full of zeal and ardor for the Master's cause? You cannot do any of these things—without the Spirit!

"Without Me—you can do nothing." O branch of the vine, you can have no fruit without the sap! O child of God, you have no life within you—apart from the life which God gives you through His Spirit! Then let us not grieve Him or provoke Him to anger by our sin. Let us not quench Him in one of His faintest motions in our soul. Let us foster His every leading, and be ready to obey His every prompting.

If the Holy Spirit is indeed so mighty—let us attempt nothing without Him! Let us begin no project, and carry on no enterprise, and conclude no transaction, without imploring His blessing. Let us do Him the due homage of feeling our entire weakness apart from Him; and then depend alone upon Him!

 

November 21 — Evening

"Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him." John 12:2

Lazarus is to be envied. It was well to be Martha and serve Jesus—but better to be Lazarus and commune with Jesus. There are times for each purpose, and each is lovely in its season—but none of the trees of the garden yield such clusters—as the vine of communion with Jesus. To sit with Jesus, to hear His words, to mark His acts, and receive His smiles—was such a favor as must have made Lazarus as happy as the angels!

When it has been our happy lot to feast with our Beloved in His banqueting-hall, we would not have given half a sigh for all the kingdoms of the world, if so much breath could have bought them!

Lazarus is to be imitated. It would have been a strange thing if he had not been at the table where Jesus was, for he had been dead—and Jesus had raised him. For the risen one to be absent when the Lord who gave him life was at his house, would have been ungrateful indeed.

We too were once dead! Yes, and like Lazarus—we were stinking in the grave of sin! Jesus raised us—and we live! Can we be content to live at a distance from Him? Do we omit to remember Him at His table, where He deigns to feast with His brethren? Oh, this is cruel! It behooves us to repent, and do as He has bidden us, for His least wish should be law to us.

To have lived without constant fellowship with one of whom the Jews said, "Behold how He loved him," would have been disgraceful to Lazarus! Is it excusable in us—whom Jesus has loved with an everlasting love! To have been cold to Him who wept over his lifeless corpse, would have argued great brutishness in Lazarus. What does it argue in us—over whom the Savior has not only wept—but bled!

Come, brethren, who read this portion—let us return unto our heavenly Bridegroom, and ask for His Spirit that we may be on terms of closer intimacy with Him, and henceforth sit at the table with Him!

 

November 22 — Morning

"Israel worked to get a wife—and to pay for her he tended sheep." Hosea 12:12

Jacob, while expostulating with Laban, thus describes his own toil, "This twenty years have I been with you. I did not bring you animals torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for whatever was stolen by day or night. This was my situation: The heat consumed me in the daytime and the cold at night, and sleep fled from my eyes."

Even more toilsome than this, was the life of our Savior here below. He watched over all His sheep until He gave in as His last account, "Of all those whom You have given me I have lost none." His hair was wet with dew, and His locks with the drops of the night. Sleep departed from His eyes, for all night He was in prayer wrestling for His people. One night Peter must be pleaded for; anon, another claims His tearful intercession. No shepherd sitting beneath the cold skies, looking up to the stars, could ever utter such complaints because of the hardness of his toil—as Jesus Christ might have brought, if He had chosen to do so, because of the sternness of His service in order to procure His spouse!

It is sweet to dwell upon the spiritual parallel of Laban having required all the sheep at Jacob's hand. If they were torn of beasts, Jacob must make it good; if any of them died, he must stand as surety for the whole. Was not the toil of Jesus for His Church the toil of one who was under suretyship obligations to bring every believing one safe to the hand of Him who had committed them to His charge? Look upon toiling Jacob—and you see a representation of Him of whom we read, "He shall feed His flock like a shepherd."

 

November 22 — Evening

"The power of His resurrection." Philippians 3:10

The doctrine of a risen Savior is exceedingly precious. The resurrection is the corner-stone of the entire building of Christianity. It is the key-stone of the arch of our salvation. It would take a volume to set forth all the streams of living water which flow from this one sacred source—the resurrection of our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But to know that He has risen, and to have fellowship with Him as such—communing with the risen Savior by possessing a risen life—seeing Him leave the tomb by leaving the tomb of worldliness ourselves, this is even still more precious. The doctrine is the basis of the experience—but as the flower is more lovely than the root, so is the experience of fellowship with the risen Savior more lovely than the doctrine itself. I would have you believe that Christ rose from the dead so as to sing of it, and derive all the consolation which it is possible for you to extract from this well-ascertained and well-witnessed fact. But I beseech you—rest not contented even there. Though you cannot, like the disciples, see Him visibly—yet I bid you aspire to see Christ Jesus by the eye of faith. And though, like Mary Magdalene, you may not "touch" Him—yet may you be privileged to converse with Him, and to know that He is risen, you yourselves being risen in Him to newness of life.

To know a crucified Savior as having crucified all my sins, is a high degree of knowledge; but to know a risen Savior as having justified me, and to realize that He has bestowed upon me new life, having given me to be a new creature through His own newness of life, this is a noble style of experience—short of it, none ought to rest satisfied. May you both "know Him, and the power of His resurrection." Why should souls who are quickened with Jesus, wear the grave-clothes of worldliness and unbelief? Rise, for the Lord is risen!

 

November 23 — Morning

"Fellowship with Him." 1 John 1:6

When we were united by faith to Christ, we were brought into such complete fellowship with Him, that we were made one with Him, and His interests and ours became mutual and identical.

We have fellowship with Christ in His love. What He loves—we love. He loves the saints—so do we. He loves sinners—so do we. He loves the poor perishing race of man, and pants to see earth's deserts transformed into the garden of the Lord—so do we.

We have fellowship with Him in His desires. He desires the glory of God—we also labor for the same. He desires that the saints may be with Him where He is—we desire to be with Him there too. He desires to drive out sin—behold we fight under His banner. He desires that His Father's name may be loved and adored by all His creatures—we pray daily, "Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven."

We have fellowship with Christ in His sufferings. We are not nailed to the cross, nor do we die a cruel death. But when He is reproached, we are reproached; and a very sweet thing it is to be blamed for His sake, to be despised for following the Master, to have the world against us. The disciple should not be above His Lord.

In our measure we commune with Him in His labors, ministering to men by the Word of truth and by deeds of love. Our food and our drink, like His, is to do the will of Him who has sent us, and to finish His work.

We have also fellowship with Christ in His joys. We are happy in His happiness, we rejoice in His exaltation. Have you ever tasted that joy, believer? There is no purer or more thrilling delight to be known this side heaven—than that of having Christ's joy fulfilled in us, that our joy may be full. His glory awaits us to complete our fellowship, for His Church shall sit with him upon His throne, as His well-beloved bride and queen!

 

November 23 — Evening

"Get up into the high mountain." Isaiah 40:9

Each believer should be thirsting for God, for the living God—and longing to climb the hill of the Lord, and see Him face to face. We ought not to rest content in the mists of the valley—when the summit of Tabor awaits us. My soul thirsts to drink deep of the cup which is reserved for those who reach the mountain's brow, and bathe their brows in heaven. How pure are the dews of the hills, how fresh is the mountain air, how rich the fare of the dwellers aloft, whose windows look into the New Jerusalem!

Many saints are content to live like men in coal mines—who do not see the sun; they eat dust like the serpent—when they might taste the ambrosial food of angels; they are content to wear the miner's garb—when they might put on king's robes; tears mar their faces—when they might anoint them with celestial oil. Many a believer pines in a dungeon—when he might walk on the palace roof, and view the goodly land and Lebanon. Rouse yourself, O believer, from your low condition! Cast away your sloth, your lethargy, your coldness, or whatever interferes with your chaste and pure love to Christ, your soul's Husband. Make Him the source, the center, and the circumference of all your soul's range of delight.

What enchants you into such folly, as to remain in a pit—when you may sit on a throne? Do not live in the lowlands of bondage, now that mountain liberty is conferred upon you. Rest no longer satisfied with your dwarfish attainments—but press forward to things more sublime and heavenly. Aspire to a higher, a nobler, a fuller life! Upward to heaven! Nearer to God!

 

November 24 — Morning

"The glorious Lord will be unto us, a place of broad rivers and streams." Isaiah 33:21

Broad rivers and streams produce fertility, and abundance in the land. Places near broad rivers are remarkable for the variety of their plants and their plentiful harvests. God is all this to His Church. Having God—she has abundance. What can she ask for—that He will not give her? What need can she mention—which He will not supply? "In this mountain the Lord Almighty shall make unto all people a feast of fat things." Do you need the bread of life? It drops like manna from the sky. Do you need refreshing streams? The rock follows you, and that Rock is Christ. If you suffer any lack—it is your own fault; if you are straitened, you are not straitened in Him—but in your own affections.

Broad rivers and streams also point to commerce. Our glorious Lord is to us a place of heavenly merchandise. Through our Redeemer we have commerce with the past: the wealth of Calvary, the treasures of the covenant, the riches of the ancient days of election, the stores of eternity—all come to us down the broad stream of our gracious Lord. We have commerce, too, with the future. What galleys, laden to the water's edge, come to us from the heavenly glory! Through our glorious Lord we have commerce with angels; communion with the bright spirits washed in blood, who sing before the throne; nay, better still, we have fellowship with the Infinite One.

Broad rivers and streams are specially intended to set forth the idea of security. Rivers were of old a defense. Oh! beloved, what a defense is God to His Church! The devil cannot cross this broad river of God. How he wishes he could turn the current—but fear not, for God abides immutably the same. Satan may worry—but he cannot destroy us!

 

November 24 — Evening

"A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man!" Proverbs 24:33, 34

The worst of sluggards only ask for a little slumber; they would be indignant if they were accused of thorough idleness. A little folding of the hands to rest is all they crave, and they have a crowd of reasons to show that this indulgence is a very proper one. Yet by these littles—the day ebbs out, and the time for labor is all gone, and the field is grown over with thorns!

It is by little procrastinations—that men ruin their souls. They have no intention to delay for years—a few months will bring the more convenient season. Tomorrow they will attend to serious things; but the present hour is so occupied and altogether so unsuitable, that they beg to be excused.

Like sands from an hour-glass, time passes. Life is wasted by driblets, and seasons of grace lost by little slumbers. Oh, to be wise, to catch the flying hour—to use the moments on the wing! May the Lord teach us this sacred wisdom, for otherwise a poverty of the worst sort awaits us—eternal poverty which shall lack even a drop of water, and we shall beg for it in vain.

Like a traveler steadily pursuing his journey, poverty overtakes the slothful, and ruin overthrows the undecided—each hour brings the dreaded pursuer nearer; he does not linger along the way, for he is on his master's business, and must not tarry. As an armed man enters with authority and power—so shall poverty come to the idle, and death to the impenitent, and there will be no escape!

O that men were wise—and would seek diligently unto the Lord Jesus, before the solemn day shall dawn when it will be too late to plough and to sow, too late to repent and believe. In harvest, it is vain to lament that the seed time was neglected. As yet, faith and holy decision are timely. May we obtain them this night!

 

November 25 — Morning

"To preach deliverance to the captives." Luke 4:18

None but Jesus can give deliverance to captives. Real liberty comes from Him alone.

It is a liberty righteously bestowed; for the Son, who is Heir of all things, has a right to make men free. The saints honor the justice of God, which now secures their salvation.

It is a liberty which has been dearly purchased. Christ speaks it by His power—but He bought it by His blood. He makes you free—but it is by His own bonds. You go clear, because He bore your burden for you. You are set at liberty, because He has suffered in your stead.

But, though dearly purchased, He freely gives it. Jesus asks nothing of us as a preparation for this liberty. He finds us sitting in sackcloth and ashes, and bids us put on the beautiful array of freedom. He saves us just as we are, and all without our help or merit.

When Jesus sets free, the liberty is perpetually entailed; no chains can bind again. Let the Master say to me, "Captive, I have delivered you!" and it is done forever. Satan may plot to enslave us—but if the Lord is on our side—whom shall we fear? The world, with its temptations, may seek to ensnare us—but mightier is He who is for us than all those who are against us. The machinations of our own deceitful hearts may harass and annoy us—but He who has begun the good work in us will carry it on and perfect it to the end. The foes of God and the enemies of man may gather their hosts together, and come with concentrated fury against us—but if God acquits, who is he who condemns? Not more free is the eagle which mounts to his rocky eyrie, and afterwards outsoars the clouds, than the soul which Christ has delivered.

If we are no more under the law—but free from its curse, let our liberty be practically exhibited in our serving God with gratitude and delight. "I am Your servant, and the son of your handmaid—You have loosed my bonds." "Lord, what will You have me to do?"

 

November 25 — Evening

"I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy; and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." Romans 9:15

In these words the Lord in the plainest manner claims the right to give or to withhold His saving mercy, according to His own sovereign will. As the prerogative of life and death is vested in the monarch, so the Judge of all the earth has a right to spare or condemn the guilty, as may seem best in His sight.

Men by their sins have forfeited all claim upon God; they deserve to perish for their sins—and if they all do so, they have no ground for complaint. If the Lord steps in to save any, He may do so if the ends of justice are not thwarted; but if He judges it best to leave the condemned to suffer the righteous sentence, none may arraign Him at their bar. Foolish and impudent, are all those discourses against God's sovereign grace, which are but the rebellions of proud human nature against the crown and scepter of Jehovah.

When we are brought to see our own utter ruin and ill desert, and the justice of the divine verdict against sin—we no longer cavil at the truth that the Lord is not bound to save us. We do not murmur if He chooses to save others, as though He were doing us an injury—but feel that if He deigns to look upon us, it will be His own free act of undeserved goodness, for which we shall forever bless His name!

How shall those who are the subjects of divine election, sufficiently adore the grace of God? They have no room for boasting, for sovereignty most effectually excludes it. The Lord's will alone is glorified, and the very notion of human merit is cast out to everlasting contempt! There is no more humbling doctrine in Scripture—than that of election! There are none more promotive of gratitude, and, consequently, none more sanctifying. Believers should not be afraid of it—but adoringly rejoice in it!

 

November 26 — Morning

"Whatever your hand finds to do—do it with all your might." Ecclesiastes 9:10

"Whatever your hand finds to do," refers to works that are possible. There are many things which our heart finds to do which we never shall do. It is well it is in our heart; but if we would be eminently useful, we must not be content with forming schemes in our heart, and talking of them; we must practically carry out "whatever our hand finds to do." One good deed is more worth than a thousand brilliant theories!

Let us not wait for large opportunities, or for a different kind of work—but do just the things we "find to do" day by day. We have no other time in which to live. The past is gone; the future has not arrived; we never shall have any time but time present. Then do not wait until your experience has ripened into maturity, before you attempt to serve God. Endeavor now to bring forth fruit.

Serve God now—but be careful as to the way in which you perform what you find to do, "do it with all your might." Do it promptly; do not fritter away your life in thinking of what you intend to do tomorrow, as if that could recompense for the idleness of today. No man ever served God by doing things tomorrow. If we honor Christ and are blessed—it is by the things which we do today.

Whatever you do for Christ—throw your whole soul into it. Do not give Christ a little slurred labor, done as a matter of course now and then; but when you do serve Him—do it with heart, and soul, and strength.

But where is the might of a Christian? It is not in himself, for he is total weakness. His might lies in the Lord Almighty. Then let us seek His help; let us proceed with prayer and faith, and when we have done what our "hand finds to do," let us wait upon the Lord for His blessing. What we do thus will be well done—and will not fail in its effect.

 

November 26 — Evening

"They shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel." Zechariah 4:10

Small things marked the beginning of the work in the hand of Zerubbabel—but none might despise it, for the Lord had raised up one who would persevere until the headstone should be brought forth with shoutings. The plumb line was in good hands.

Here is the comfort of every believer in the Lord Jesus; let the work of grace be ever so small in its beginnings, the plumb line is in good hands, a master builder greater than Solomon, has undertaken the raising of the heavenly temple, and He will not fail nor be discouraged until the topmost pinnacle shall be raised. If the plumb line were in the hand of any merely human being, we might fear for the building—but the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in Jesus' hand.

The works did not proceed irregularly, and without care, for the master's hand carried a good instrument. Had the walls been hurriedly run up without due superintendence, they might have been out of the perpendicular; but the plumb line was used by the chosen overseer. Jesus is evermore watching the erection of His spiritual temple, that it may be built securely and well. We are for haste—but Jesus is for judgment. He will use the plumb line, and that which is out of line must come down, every stone of it. Hence the failure of many a flattering work, the overthrow of many a glittering profession.

It is not for us to judge the Lord's church, since Jesus has a steady hand, and a true eye, and can use the plumb line well. Do we not rejoice to see judgment left to Him? The plumb line was in active use—it was in the builder's hand; a sure indication that he meant to push on the work to completion. O Lord Jesus, how would we indeed be glad if we could see You at Your great work. O Zion, the beautiful, your walls are still in ruins! Rise, O glorious Builder, and make her desolations to rejoice at Your coming!

 

November 27 — Morning

"Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord." Zechariah 3:1

In Joshua the high priest we see a picture of each and every child of God, who has been brought near by the blood of Christ, and has been taught to minister in holy things, and enter within the veil. Jesus has made us priests and kings unto God, and even here upon earth we exercise the priesthood of consecrated living and hallowed service.

This high priest is said to be "standing before the angel of the Lord," that is, standing to minister. This should be the perpetual position of every true believer. Every place is now God's temple, and His people can as truly serve Him in their daily employments, as in His house. They are to be always "ministering," offering the spiritual sacrifice of prayer and praise, and presenting themselves a "living sacrifice."

Notice where it is, that Joshua stands to minister—it is before the angel of Jehovah. It is only through a mediator that we poor defiled ones can ever become priests unto God. I present what I have before the messenger, the angel of the covenant, the Lord Jesus. Through Him my prayers find acceptance wrapped up in His prayers; my praises become sweet as they are bound up with bundles of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia from Christ's own garden. If I can bring Him nothing but my tears—He will put them with His own tears in His own bottle for He once wept. If I can bring Him nothing but my groans and sighs—He will accept these as an acceptable sacrifice, for He once was broken in heart, and sighed heavily in spirit. I myself, standing in Him, am accepted in the Beloved; and all my polluted works, though in themselves only objects of divine abhorrence, are so received, that God smells a sweet savor. He is content—and I am blessed.

See, then, the position of the Christian, "a priest—standing—before the angel of the Lord."

 

November 27 — Evening

"The forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Ephesians 1:7

Could there be a sweeter word in any language than that word "forgiveness," when it sounds in a guilty sinner's ear, like the silver notes of jubilee to the captive Israelite? Blessed, forever blessed be that dear star of pardon which shines into the condemned cell, and gives the perishing a gleam of hope—amid the midnight of despair!

Can it be possible that sin—such sin as mine—can be forgiven, forgiven altogether, and forever? Hell is my portion as a sinner—there is no possibility of my escaping from it while sin remains upon me. Can the load of guilt be removed? Can the crimson stain be blotted out? Can the adamantine stones of my prison-house ever be loosed from their mortices, or the doors be lifted from their hinges? Jesus tells me that I may yet be forgiven. Forever blessed be the revelation of atoning love, which not only tells me that pardon is possible—but that it is secured to all who rest in Jesus. I have believed in the appointed atoning sacrifice, even Jesus crucified, and therefore my sins are at this moment, and forever—forgiven by virtue of His substitutionary pains and death! What joy is this! What bliss to be a perfectly pardoned soul! My soul dedicates all her powers, to Him who of His own unpurchased love became my surety, and wrought out for me redemption through His blood.

What riches of grace does free forgiveness exhibit! To forgive at all, to forgive fully, to forgive freely, to forgive forever! Here is a constellation of wonders! When I think of how great my sins were, how dear were the precious drops which cleansed me from them, and how gracious was the method by which pardon was sealed home to me—I am in a maze of wondering worshiping affection! I bow before the throne which absolves me, I clasp the cross which delivers me, I serve henceforth all my days—the Incarnate God, through whom I am this night a pardoned soul!

 

November 28 — Morning

"For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, even as you walk in the truth." 3 John 3

The truth was in Gaius—and Gaius walked in a the truth. If the first had not been the case—the second could never have occurred. If the second could not be said of him—the first would have been a mere pretense. Truth must enter into the soul, penetrate and saturate it—or else it is of no value. Doctrines held as a matter of mere creed—are like bread in the hand, which ministers no nourishment to the body. But doctrine accepted by the heart, is as food digested, which, by assimilation, sustains and builds up the body.

Truth must be a living force in us, an active energy, an indwelling reality, a part of the woof and warp of our being. If truth is in us, we cannot henceforth part with it. A man may lose his garments or his limbs—but his inward parts are vital, and cannot be torn away without absolute loss of life. A Christian can die—but he cannot deny the truth.

It is a rule of nature—that the inward affects the outward, as light shines from the center of the lantern through the glass. When, therefore, the truth is kindled within, its brightness soon beams forth in the outward life and conversation.

It is said that the food of certain silkworms, colors the cocoons of silk which they spin—and just so the nutriment upon which a man's inward nature lives—gives a tinge to every word and deed proceeding from him.

To walk in the truth, imports a life of integrity, holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity—the natural product of those principles of truth which the gospel teaches, and which the Spirit of God enables us to receive. We may judge of the secrets of the soul—by their manifestation in the man's life. Be it ours today, O gracious Spirit, to be ruled and governed by Your divine authority, so that nothing false or sinful may reign in our hearts, lest it extend its malignant influence to our daily walk among men.

 

November 28 — Evening

"He worked for the good of his people." Esther 10:3

Mordecai was a true patriot, and therefore, being exalted to the highest position under Ahasuerus, he used his eminence to promote the prosperity of Israel. In this he was a type of Jesus, who, upon His throne of glory, seeks not His own—but spends His power for His people.

It were well if every Christian would be a Mordecai to the church, striving according to his ability for its prosperity. Some are placed in stations of affluence and influence, let them honor their Lord in the high places of the earth, and testify for Jesus before great men. Others have what is far better, namely—close fellowship with the King of kings, let them be sure to plead daily for the weak of the Lord's people, the doubting, the tempted, and the comfortless. It will redound to their honor, if they make much intercession for those who are in darkness and dare not draw near unto the mercy seat.

Instructed believers may serve their Master greatly—if they lay out their talents for the general good, and impart their wealth of heavenly learning to others, by teaching them the things of God. The very least in our Israel may at least seek the welfare of his people; and his desire, if he can give no more, shall be acceptable. It is at once the most Christlike and the most happy course for a believer—to cease from living to himself. He who blesses others—cannot fail to be blessed himself. On the other hand, to seek our own personal greatness is a wicked and unhappy plan of life, its way will be grievous and its end will be fatal.

Here is the place to ask you, my friend, whether you are to the best of your power seeking the wealth of the church in your neighborhood? I trust you are not doing it mischief by bitterness and scandal, nor weakening it by your neglect. Friend, unite with the Lord's poor, bear their cross, do them all the good you can—and you shall not miss your reward!

 

November 29 — Morning

"You shall not go up and down as a talebearer among your people. Rebuke your neighbor frankly—so you will not share in his guilt." Leviticus 19:16, 17

Tale-bearing emits a threefold poison; for it injures the teller, the hearer, and the person concerning whom the tale is told. Whether the report is true or false, we are by this precept of God's Word, forbidden to spread it. The reputations of the Lord's people should be very precious in our sight, and we should count it shame to help the devil to dishonor the Church and the name of the Lord.

Some tongues need a bridle rather than a spur. Many glory in pulling down their brethren—as if thereby they raised themselves! Noah's two wise sons cast a mantle over their father, and he who exposed him earned a fearful curse. We may ourselves one of these dark days need forbearance and silence from our brethren—let us render it cheerfully to those who require it now. This should be our family rule, and our personal bond—SPEAK EVIL OF NO MAN!

"Rebuke your neighbor frankly—so you will not share in his guilt." The Holy Spirit, however, permits us to censure sin—and prescribes the way in which we are to do it. It must be done by rebuking our brother to his face, not by railing behind his back. This course is manly, brotherly, Christlike, and under God's blessing will be useful. Does the flesh shrink from it? Then we must lay the greater stress upon our conscience, and keep ourselves to the work, lest by allowing sin upon our friend—we become ourselves partakers of it.

Hundreds have been saved from gross sins by the timely, wise, affectionate warnings of faithful ministers and brethren. Our Lord Jesus has set us a gracious example of how to deal with erring friends in His warning given to Peter, the prayer with which He preceded it, and the gentle way in which He bore with Peter's boastful denial that he needed such a caution!

 

November 29 — Evening

"Spices for the anointing oil." Exodus 35:8

Much use was made of this anointing oil under the law—and that which it represents is of primary importance under the gospel. The Holy Spirit, who anoints us for all holy service, is indispensable to us if we would serve the Lord acceptably. Without His aid—our religious services are but a vain oblation, and our inward experience is a dead thing. Whenever our ministry is without unction, what miserable stuff it becomes! nor are the prayers, praises, meditations, and efforts of private Christians one jot superior.

A holy anointing is the soul and life of piety, its absence the most grievous of all calamities. To go before the Lord without anointing, is as though some common Levite had thrust himself into the priest's office—his ministrations would rather have been sins than services. May we never venture upon hallowed exercises, without sacred anointings. They drop upon us from our glorious Head; from His anointing we who are as the skirts of His garments, partake of a plenteous unction.

Choice spices were compounded with rarest art of the apothecary to form the anointing oil, to show forth to us how rich are all the influences of the Holy Spirit. All good things are found in the divine Comforter. Matchless consolation, infallible instruction, divine quickening, spiritual energy, and divine sanctification all lie compounded with other excellencies in that sacred eye-slave, the heavenly anointing oil of the Holy Spirit. It imparts a delightful fragrance to the character and person of the one upon whom it is poured. Nothing like it can be found in all the treasuries of the rich, or the secrets of the wise. It is not to be imitated. It comes alone from God, and it is freely given, through Jesus Christ, to every waiting soul. Let us seek it, for we may have it, may have it this very evening. O Lord, anoint Your servants!

 

November 30 — Morning

Amaziah asked the man of God, "But what should I do about the silver I paid to hire the army of Israel?" The man of God replied, "The Lord is able to give you much more than this!" 2 Chronicles 25:9

A very important question this seemed to be to Amaziah, the king of Judah; and possibly it is of even more weight with the tried and tempted Christian. To lose money is at no times pleasant, and when principle involves it, the flesh is not always ready to make the sacrifice. "Why lose that which may be so usefully employed? May not the truth itself be bought too dear? What shall we do without it? Remember the children, and our small income!" All these things and a thousand more, would tempt the Christian to put forth his hand to unrighteous gain, or keep him from carrying out his conscientious convictions, when they involve serious loss.

All men cannot view these matters in the light of faith; and even with the followers of Jesus, the doctrine of "We must live!" has quite sufficient weight. "The Lord is able to give you much more than this!" —is a very satisfactory answer to the anxious question. Our Father holds the purse-strings, and what we lose for His sake—He can repay a thousand-fold. It is ours to obey His will, and we may rest assured that He will provide for us. The Lord will be no man's debtor at the last. Saints know that a grain of heart's-ease is of more value than a ton of gold. He who wraps a threadbare coat about a good conscience, has gained a spiritual wealth far more desirable than anything he has lost. God's smile—and a dungeon—are enough for a true heart! God's frown—and a palace—would be hell to a gracious spirit. Let the worst come to the worst, let all the talents go, we have not lost our treasure, for that is above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. Meanwhile, even now, the Lord makes the meek to inherit the earth, and no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

 

November 30 — Evening

"Michael and his angels fought against the dragon—and the dragon and his angels fought back." Revelation 12:7

War always will rage between the two great sovereignties—until one or other is crushed. Peace between good and evil is an impossibility; the very pretense of it would, in fact, be the triumph of the powers of darkness. Michael will always fight; his holy soul is vexed with sin, and will not endure it. Jesus will always be the dragon's foe, and that not in a quiet sense—but actively, vigorously, with full determination to exterminate evil.

All His servants, whether angels in heaven or messengers on earth, will and must fight; they are born to be warriors! At the cross, they enter into covenant never to make truce with evil; they are a warlike company, firm in defense and fierce in attack. The duty of every soldier in the army of the Lord—is daily, with all his heart, and soul, and strength—to fight against the dragon. The dragon and his angels will not decline the affray; they are incessant in their onslaughts, sparing no weapon, fair or foul.

We are foolish if we expect to serve God without opposition—the more zealous we are, the more sure are we to be assailed by the myrmidons of hell. The church may become slothful—but not so her great antagonist; his restless spirit never allows the war to pause; he hates the woman's seed, and would gladly devour the church if he could. The servants of Satan partake much of the old dragon's energy, and are usually an active race.

War rages all around, and to dream of peace—is dangerous and futile. Glory be to God, we know the end of the war. The great dragon shall be cast out and forever destroyed, while Jesus and those who are with Him shall receive the crown. Let us sharpen our swords tonight, and ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen our arms for the conflict. Never a battle so important; never a crown so glorious. Every man to his post, O warriors of the cross, and may the Lord tread Satan under your feet shortly!