The First Day of January.
HOSANNA. - KJV
Hosanna! - ESV
Mark 11. 9.
A new scene of time now begins: put up thy hosannas, O my soul, that the Lord may save, bless, and proper thee; may he grant thee a happy new year indeed! For this purpose begin it with a dedication of thyself to God; thy time, circumstances, and life are in his hands; implore his blessing and protection over thee this ensuing year. Begin this and every following day with prayer; let God have thy first thoughts in the morning, the impression they make will not be easily erased by worldly matters. Grace is promised in the use of means, be thou diligent, then, and punctual in the performance of them; let thy daily request be for an increasing knowledge of thyself, and Jesus Christ in his offices; for a sense of pardoning mercy; for a lively, vigorous faith; for communion with the Father and the Son through the Spirit; for true holiness in heart and life; for strength and protection against thy spiritual foes, and for preserving grace to the end. Pray for the prosperity of Zion; they prosper that love her; for thy friends and relations, begging the Almighty to take them into a covenant relation to himself; for blessings on thy worldly affairs; for a sanctified use of health or sickness, prosperity or adversity, as God shall be pleased to send. Perhaps, O my soul, this may be the last year of the Lord's patience and thy pilgrimage. Is thy state safe? Are thou a real believer in Jesus? Is the oil of grace in thy vessel? If so, thou art prepared for every energency.
And now, my soul, another year
Of thy short life is past
I cannot long continue here;
And this may be my last.
Now a new scene of life begins;
Set out afresh for heaven;
Seek pardon for thy daily sins,
In Christ so freely given.
The Second Day of January.
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I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues:
O grave, I will be thy destruction. - KJV
I shall ransom them from the power of Sheol; I shall redeem them from Death. O Death, where are your plagues?
O Sheol, where is your sting? - ESV
Hosea 13. 14.
(Christ) having spoiled principalities and powers, made a show of them openly, triumphing over them it. - KJV
He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. - ESV
Colossians 2. 15.
(The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - KJV
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - ESV
1 Corinthians 15. 56, 57.
The world is afraid of a hidden poison where there is none. The real hidden poison is sin, which the Lord granted me to fear everywhere: for it has infected all things and all places. But oh, my dear Saviour, thou being my all sufficient preservative and antidote, in all places, oh, dwell in me continually, and increase thou my faith, that I may know thee and enjoy thee more and more. Take away all slavish fears of death and hell from my soul, for thou hast conquered both for me. And, oh ! give me the heart that can live on thee by faith every moment, and that can trust thy grace for every blessing. Oh ! give me the heart that burns with love to thee, and that can raise its Hosanna in full assurance of the blessed inheritance beyond the grave.
Hosanna to the Prince of light
That clothed himself in clay;
Enter'd the iron gate of death,
And tore the bars away.
Death is no more the king of dread
Since our Immanuel rose;
He took the tyrant's sting away,
And spoil' our hellish foe.
Now holy triumphs of the soul
Shall death itself outbrave;
Leave dull mortality behind,
And fly beyond the grave.
The Third Day of January.
But now, O Lord, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou art the potter; and we all the work of thy hands. - KJV
But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. - ESV
Isaiah 64. 8.
Being only clay in thy hands, O Lord, as I must not, so I would not, resist thy workings by any means: and I pray and hope thou wilt prepare and perfect me for a meet vessel of grace, in spite of a thousand hinderances. No work of thine ever comes short of its intended perfection: for who can stay thy hand? It is thy own saying, "I will work, and who shall let it?" [Isaiah 43. 13.(1)]
An artist delights in his own workmanship, and would not leave one single flaw or defect in it designedly. [Philippians 1. 6.(2)] Oh, then, look upon me too, thou wise Creator!-- see how flesh and blood disorder my poor soul, and deliver me from all that may endanger my spiritual life. Knowing thou canst do no less than a human artist, who is ever ready, and exerts all his skill to mend and perfect his work, I trust that thou wilt not always suffer these impediments to hinder and disgrace thy work. Nay, such is thy wisdom and power, that out of darkness thou canst bring light; out of sickness, health; and though I am now destitute of strength and life, yet I believe thy work will be finished at last, and glorify the name of its Maker. 1 Peter 5. 10.(3)
Finish, Lord, thy new creation !
Pure, unspotted may we be !
Let us see our whole salvation
Perfectly secured by thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we" take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise I
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Isaiah 43. 13.
KJV - Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?
ESV - Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?
(2) Philippians 1. 6.
KJV - Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
ESV - And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
(3) 1 Peter 5. 10.
KJV - But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
ESV - And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
The Fourth Day of January.
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Oh, that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When the Lord bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. - KJV
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad. - ESV
Psalm 14. 7.
Divine Answer;
If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. - KJV
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed - ESV
John 8. 36.
See also verses 31, 32.
Not as if sin should be utterly destroyed, or entirely dead, and could not stir anymore in the heart of believers; for the Scripture speaks of them as having still the lusts and motions of sin [Galatians 5. 17.(1)]; but it imports only that it has no power either to condemn or reign over us; nay, it shall be weakened more and more [Romans 6. 12-14.(2)]; so that Christ reigns in the heart even where sin dwells, in the midst of his enemies; and it is a dangerous error indeed to believe that sin is destroyed in the root. If it were so, whence those frequent expressions and exhortations to crucify, withstand, and rule over it? Galatians 5. 14.(3)
Now sits our Saviour on His throne,
With pity in His eyes;
He hears the dying prisoners' groan,
And listens to their sighs!
He frees the souls condemned to death;
And when His saints complain,
No man shall say that praying breath
Was ever spent in vain.
This shall be known when we are dead,
And left on long record,
That ages yet unborn may read,
And trust, and praise the Lord;
Then let thy Spirit seal our souls,
And mould them to thy will,
That our weak hearts no more may stray
But keep thy precepts still.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Galatians 5. 17.
KJV - For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
ESV - For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
(2) Romans 6. 12-14.
KJV - Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
ESV - Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin kwill have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
(3) Galatians 5. 14.
KJV - For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
ESV - For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
The Fifth Day of January.
All that live godly in Christ Jesus shal suffer persecution. - KJV
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, - ESV
2 Timothy 3. 12.
The world hated them because they are not of the world. - KJV
The world has hated them because they are not of the world, - ESV
John 17. 14.
The children of God do not love and please the world, and are oftentimes greatly afflicted on account of abounding wickedness, and particularly the profanation of the Lord's name. Now, when you can like the world, and the world can like you, there must be much worldliness in you; for the world loves its own.
Many pretend to be Christians, but they will not endure persecution. Instead of this they blame others for too much rashness, and not acting prudently enough to avoid the mockings and hatred of the world. Therefore, they propose to take wiser measures; and, in order to do more good, take great care not to be despised or rejected; but under this pretence of wisdom and prudence, very often lies concealed a dangerous love of the world and fear of man. Be thou nobler minded, live as Chritians indeed, and be not ashamed to bear the cross of Christ. "The disciple is not above his master." Has eternal love, wisdom, and power endured the contradiction and reproach of sinners? Thou shouldst be wiser than him indeed, if thou couldst escape the reproach and hatred of the world.
May but His grace my soul renew.
Let sinners gaze and hate me too!
The word that saves me does engage
A sure defence from all their rage.
God's furnace doth in Zion stand;
But Zion's God stands by.
As the refiner views his gold
With an observant eve.
The Sixth Day of January.
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All things are possible to him that believeth. - KJV
All things are possible for one who believes. - ESV
Mark 9. 23.
Faith is the principle thing in the Christian religion. It is the spiritual eyes enlightening the mind, directing the feet, and cheering the heart; the whole turns upon it. As our faith is, so is our strength and fruitfulness in good works. But at the same time there is nothing more out of our own power than to believe, even after the work of grace has been actually wrought in our hearts. Therefore, nothing is more needful than to pray for faith as long as we live. May the Lord give and increase it continually!
Nothing can be stronger in the universe than the hand of faith. By this we lay sure hold on glorious and almighty Lord in heaven, and such an inviolable union is established between Christ and a believing soul, that none can separate the one from the other; all the powers of sin and hell avail nothing against it. Faith breaks through
the greatest obstacles, removes mountains of difficulties and has, as it were, a kind of omnipotence in it. For "this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 1 John 5. 4.(1) Nay, it even wrestles with God, and prevails. Genesis 32. 28.(2) As straw cannot withstand the force of fire, so God being a wall of fire around his people, the greatest power of our mighty enemies shall be consumed like the stubble. Oh, then, look upon them steadfastly, my soul, and believe in him with a simple heart. Wonderous are his ways with his people, and past finding out, but at last their sorrows and strife, by the management of his infinite wisdom, must come to a glorious and triumphant end.
Oh let us go from strength to strength
From grace to greater grace,
From one degree of faith to more,
Till we behold thy face.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) 1 John 5. 4.
KJV - For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
ESV - For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith.
(2) Genesis 32. 28.
KJV - And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
ESV - Then he said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed."
The Seventh Day of January.
Christ is all, and in all. - KJV and ESV
Colossians 3. 11.
For a believer to receive and know Christ as his All, is the only means to live truly a life of faith; and when he has done this, it will not be hard to resign all other things. To talk much of Christ, and make frequent use of his name to one another, is commendable, if the heart goes along with the words; but to call upon God the Father with a filial confidence is also our duty, and does not contradict the apostle's meaning at all, for it is only through Christ we can do it; and, as he says himself, the Father and He are one. Thou art my All, O gracious Lord!-- what then can I want? I desire no more than to be put always in mind by the animating voice of thy Spirit.
My Lord, my life, my love,
To thee, to thee I call;
I cannot live if thou remove,
For thou art all in all.
Thy shining grace can cheer
This dungeon where I dwell;
'Tis paradise when thou art here;
If thou depart, 'tis hell.
Nor earth, nor all the sky,
Can one delight afford;
No, not a drop of real joy,
Without thy presence, Lord.
To thee my spirits fly
With fulness of desire;
And yet how far from thee I lie!
Dear Jesus, raise me higher.
The Eighth Day of January.
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3 They being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righeousness of God.
11 Whosoever believeth on him shal not be ashamed. - KJV
3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.
11 For the Scripture says, 'Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.' - ESV
Romans 10. 3, 11.
The same mistake which proved so fatal to the
Jews, proves equally fatal to many who pretend to
call themselves Christians. Ignorant alike of the
Divine character and their own, they build their
hope of the favor of God and eternal life upon
some works of righteousness which they have done,
or intend to do, and reject the righteousness of
Christ, in which alone they can be justified and
accepted ; forgetting this great doctrine of the
Gospel, that salvation is "not by works of righteousness
which we have done, but according to His
mercy He saved us ; by the washing of regeneration,
and the renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus
iii. 5). In this mistake the decent and the profane
are equally involved ; for the worst of mankind
fancy themselves possessed of some virtues and
good qualities that will entitle them to the Divine
favor. The delusion remains till the light of the
Holy Ghost darts in, like a sunbeam, upon the
mind, and discovers the guilt and pollution that
defile the best of us. We then abhor ourselves, and
look to the free grace of God in Christ Jesus for
pardon and salvation. We have a hope that maketh
not ashamed!
Jesus! thy blood and righteousness
My beauty are, niy glorious dress.
'Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head.
Bold shall I stand in the great day;
For who aught to my charge shall lay ?
Fully through these absolved I am.
From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.
The Nineth Day of January.
145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.
165 Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend them.
168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies; for all my ways are before thee.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments. - KJV
145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD! I will keep your statutes.
165 Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.
168 I keep your precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before you.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments. - ESV
Psalm 119. 145, 165, 168, 176.
The word of God should be ever connected with
prayer ; for why is it that many hear and read
without being the better? They do not pray in
faith for a blessing. We must, like David, pray
with the utmost fervor, that we may understand
and retain the word of God, and bring forth fruit;
for a Christian has nothing so much at heart as that
he may always act up to the word and will of God ;
his prayer is, Lord, let my footsteps be sure, according
to thy word ; and let nothing contrary to thy
law have dominion over me, either in my doctrine
or practice ! If this prayer be granted, great will
be our peace, Jesus Himself will be our peace, and
then nothing shall offend us ; we shall take heed
unto all our ways before God, and so walk before
Him as to continue humble, like David, who considered
himself as a straying and lost sheep. Lord,
we are by nature straying and lost sheep ; seek and
fetch us back from the error of our ways, and preserve
us in thy pasture ! Then shall we, with a
heart full of gratitude, shew forth the praises of thy
glorious name.
My soul has gone too far astray,
My feet too often slip;
Yet since I've not forgot thy way,
Restore thy wandering sheep.
The Tenth Day of January.
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I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord. - KJV
I wait for your salvation, O LORD. - ESV
Genesis 49. 18.
Many have received comfort from these words
in death and waited in faith for their salvation.
The thoughtless and impenitent wait only for
temporal prosperity in their lives, and therefore
cannot expect eternal bliss ; but, on the contrary,
a dreadful judgment after death. Oh ! that they
would enter into themselves this very day, that,
at the eve of life, they might, like Jacob and
Simeon, depart in peace. We will not, therefore,
look for any earthly things, but for the Saviour,
who is already come, who will grant us His salvation,
His aid and deliverance in life and death, and
will conduct us safely at last, though we should
wait some time for His help. Yes, my Redeemer,
they who wait, depend upon, and hope in thee,
shall not be ashamed. Grant us only faith and
patience, that we may wait on thee from one
morning-watch to another ; and enduring all things,
make the wThole course of our lives one perpetual
expectation of thy aid ; and may wTe ever abundantly
experience thy help and salvation, especially
at our latter end.
Christ's own soft hand shall wipe the tears
From every weeping-eye;
And pains and groans, and griefs and fears,
And death itself shall die.
How long, dear Saviour, oh! how long,
Shall this bright hour delay?
Fly swiftly round, ye wheels'of Time,
And bring the welcome day.
Oh! I could break this carnal fence,
Drop all my sorrows in the tomb,
On angel-wings remove from thence,
And fly this happy moment home;
Quit the dark house of mouldering clay,
And launch into eternal day.
The Eleventh Day of January.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should nor perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned. - KJV
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, - ESV
John 3. 16-18.
Oh that these truly precious words were ever warmly impressed on our hearts; That they were our last thoughts at night, and the first at our waking in the morning, and that they were improved in such a manner as to make our dying bed easy in the evening of our life, and to ensure our rising with gladness in the morning of the resurrection! And what more delightful meditations can I daily dwell upon than to think thus: God has loved me, even me, that he gave me; when I was his enemy; and so loved me, that he gave me his only Son? "Bless me with faith in Christ, then Christ is mine, and all things are mine; 1 Corinthians 3. 21.;(1) for "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8. 32.(2) He will never suffer a believing soul to perish; he has passed his word for it. It is he that says "I shall not perish, I shall not be condemned," but have everlasting life, if I believe. This will I build and depend upon to my last moments, as upon an immovable rock. Amen and Amen.
Oh ! for this love let earth and skies
With hallelujahs ring!
And the full choir of human tongues
All hallelujahs sing!
"To Him who sits upon the throne,
The God whom we adore,
And to the Lamb that once was slain,
Be glory evermore."
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1)1 Corinthians 3. 21.
KJV - Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;
ESV - So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours,
(2) Romans 8. 32.
KJV - He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
ESV - He who did not spare his own Son but rgave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
The Twelfth Day of January.
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In whom (Christ) we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. - KJV
In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. - ESV
Colossians 1. 14.
Having forgiven you all trespasses. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. - KJV
Having forgiven us all our trespasses, by ccanceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. - ESV
Colossians 2. 13, 14.
Therefore, he said, It is finished. - KJV
He said, 'It is finished.' - ESV
John 19. 30.
Hast thou, O my soul, felt the weight of thy own guilt and misery, and been enabled, in reality and truth, to lay hold by faith on the blood of Christ by redemption, and faithfully devote thyself to him in heart and life? Then hast thou a sure foundation to go upon; let it be thy constant care firmly to depend upon these and such-like belssed declarations; look to Jesus for every blessing thou standest in need of. Hast Christ brought life and immortality to light? -- then look to him and live. Is there redemption through his blood, even forgiveness of sins? -- then throw all thy guilt upon his atonement. Has he blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against thee? -- then shake off self-righteous dependencies and legal fears also. Did he die for thy sins? -- then let his goodness and love lead thee to unfeigned repentance; let the sense of thy sins break thine heart, but encourage thy hope in the gospel.
'Tis finished—was His latest voice;
These sacred accents o'er.
He bow'd His head, gave up the ghost,
And suffered pain no more.
'Tis finished—the Messiah dies
For sins, but not His own;
The great redemption is complete,
And Satan's power o'erthrown.
The Thirteenth Day of January.
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings. - KJV
Keep me as rthe apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, - ESV
Psalm 17. 8.
Divine Answer.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust. His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. - KJV
He will gcover you with his pinions, and under his hwings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. - ESV
Psalm 91. 4.
There is none, O Lord, that has more need continually to keep close to thee in prayer and faith; and at the same time none is more unable to do it than I, the least of all thy flock. O that thou wouldst be graciously pleased to incline and enable me to this blessed work; and grant that thy good Spirit, according to his own pleasure, may never suffer me to be faint and backward in the same. Whilst I truly rest my faith under the wings of grace, I am sure of defence, power and comfort; but as soon as I wander form thee, I am in danger of losing the comfortable sense of these privileges, and falling into various errors and perplexities "Guide me, O Lord, by thy counsel in this world, and at last receive me into glory." Amen. Psalm 73. 24.
He that has made his refuge God
Shall find a most secure abode;
Shall walk all day beneath his shade,
And there at night shall rest his head.
Just as a hen protects her brood
From birds of prey that seek their blood
Under her feathers; so the Lord
Makes his own arm his people's guard.
Thrice happy man! thy Maker's care
Shall keep thee from the fowler's snare;
Satan the fowler, who betrays
Unguarded souls a thousand ways.
What though a thousand at thy side
At thy right hand two thousand died?
Thy God his chosen people saves,
Amongst the dead, amidst the graves.
The Fourteenth Day of January.
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From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. - KJV
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' - ESV
Matthew 4. 17.
And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: - KJV
And rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, - ESV
Joel 2. 13.
The kingdom of heaven pertains to those who repent; And the first mark of repentance is poverty of spirit: whence Jesus saith, Matthew chapter 5. 3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." John preached repentance; Jesus preaches it here, and so did the apostles preach afterwards. This true repentance is necesary for all; and the beginning of it is to acknowledge ourselves poor miserable sinners, depraved by nature, and totally void of any righteousness or worth of our own; to confess our nakedness; to drop all the fig leaves of vain excuses and false comforts; to lay open our poverty and wants before God, to accuse ourselves and plead guilty of all our sins, and to seek mercy from Christ. If we do this we are blessed, and the kingdom of God is ours. This poverty of spirit is both the first and last foundation laid in the heart; for the faithful are more and more grounded in poverty of spirit the nearer they approach to their consumation. "I dwell, saith He whose name is holy, with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and the heart of the contrite ones " (Isaiah. 57. 15.)
Pure are the joys above the sky,
And all the region peace;
No wanton lips, nor envious eye,
Can see or taste the bliss.
These holy gates forever bar
Pollution, sin, and shame;
None shall obtain admittance there
But followers of the Lamb.
The Fifteenth Day of January.
Pray without ceasing. - KJV
Pray without ceasing. - ESV
1 Thessalonians 5. 17.
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; - KJV
And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. - ESV
Luke 18. 1.
Continuing instant in prayer; - KJV
Be constant in prayer. - ESV
Romans 12. 12b.
If we have not grace enough, it is because we do not pray enough. Most true it is, we need not strive to move God to compassion, and extort, as it were, the blessings from him by our prayers, which he has promised; very far from it. He is every minute communicating to us; in every word he holds forth Christ and every good thing to us. But we must always have a soul hungering after Christ, and by incessant prayer stretch out the hand of faith to receive him. This is to be chiefly understood of the inward desires and groanings of our spirit: but we must not omit to pour out our supplications daily, as oft as we can, by words; else our secret mental prayers at last may become so secret as to cease, perhaps, entirely. We must always remember that we are dependent on God for every good ; without Him we can do nothing.
Let us feel that dependence at all times, and we shall always be in the spirit of prayer. Nor let us cease praying till we have received a full answer to our prayers. "Ye people, pour out your heart
before Him : God is a refuge for us." Psalm 62. 8.
Holy Father, lend and ear,
Whilst I sue in Jesus' name;
Surely thou wilt kindly hear,
Since I bring no human claim;
Let me for adoption stay,
Only give me power to pray.
Grant me comfort, or deny;
Visit, or from me depart;
Only let thy Spirit cry
Abba, Father, in my heart!
Abba, Father, would I say,
Only give me power to pray.
The Sixteenth Day of January.
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Abide in me. - KJV and ESV
John 15. 4.
Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. KJV
"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," - ESV
John 6. 68.
It is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God. - KJV
But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, - ESV
Psalm 73. 28.
To abide in Christ, who is our righeousness and strength, and not to be moved from him, is the power and life of Christianity. We do this when our thoughts are going out after him, our hearts cleaving to him, and our minds stayed upon him. Now, to know Christ, and thus abide in him, as our righteousness, brings peace and joy, which joy in the Lord is certainly followed with strength to overcome sin and the world, which believers renounce the more readily, as they have found something better in Christ. May the Lord give me grace likewise immovably to abide in him. May He strengthen me with might in the inner man, even with the might of the Holy Spirit, that I may not only abide in Christ, but may abide with Him for evermore in the New Jerusalem which is above.
Christ is my light, my life, my care,
My blessed hope, my heav'nly prize
Deafer than all my passions are,
My limbs, my bowels, or my eyes.
The strings that twine about my heart,
Tortures and racks may tear them off;
But they can never, never part
With their dear hold of Christ my love.
My God, and can a humble child,
That loves thee with a flame so high,
Be ever from thy face exil'd,
Without the pity of thine eye?
Impossible! for thine own hands
Have tied mx heart so fast to thee,
And in thy book thy promise stands,
That where thou art thy friends must be.
The Seventeenth Day of January.
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. - KJV
Christ sredeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us-for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged uon a tree? - So that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might vcome to the Gentiles, so that wwe might receive xthe promised Spirit1 through faith. - ESV
Galatians 3. 13, 14.
The spirit of sanctification is the gift of Christ.
"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the
Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto
obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Christ."
(1 Peter i. 2). Consequently there is a great difference
between moral actions done by our own
strength, and true sanctification of the spirit. The
latter cannot take place before the soul truly receives
Christ, and abides in Him as its only propitiation,
righteousness and peace ; for He being first
made to us of God our righteousness, will then be
made our sanctification likewise 1 Cor. i. 30;(1) and
the kingdom, work, and image of God, will go on
best when we trust least to our own strength.
Sanctification is now become a more easy task,
since Christ lives and works in us, and we, in a
child-like temper, live henceforth to Him who died
for us. Let me always be as a little child—as a
new-born babe, with a heart hungry for the sweet
milk of the Word of God, without malice, without
guile, without hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil
speakings. 1 Pet. ii. 1, 2.(2)
The law commands and makes us know
What duties to our God we owe;
But 'tis the gospel must reveal
Where lies the strength to do his will.
The law discovers guilt and sin,
And showed how vile our hearts have been,
Only the gospel can express
Forgiving love and cleansing grace.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1)1 Corinthians 1. 30.
KJV - But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
ESV - And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
(2)1 Peter 1. 2;
KJV - Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
ESV - According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:
The Eighteenth Day of January.
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Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. - KJV
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. - ESV
Romans 10. 4. See Romans 8. 1-17;
Where the law ends Christ begins. The law
ends with representative sacrifices. Christ begins
with the real offering. The law is our schoolmaster
to lead us unto Christ. It cannot save us ;
but it leaves us at His door, where alone salvation
is to be found. Gal. iii. 24.(1) The law calls for a
perfect righteousness, which, in ourselves, never
will be found ; but all its demands were fulfilled
by our surety. Every true believer finds that
righteousness in Christ which he stands in need of,
and is enabled, through the Spirit, to rest upon it
for sanetin cation. He faithfully endeavors to obev
the law, as the great rule of his duty both to Gocl
and man ; yet is so sensible of his own manifold
defects, that he would utterly despair if he could
not look up unto Jesus, and say, "Thou shalt
answer for me, O Lord, my God!" Psalm 38. 15.
Lord, when my thoughts with wonder roll
O'er the sharp sorrows of thy soul,
And read my Maker's broken laws
Repair'd and honour'd by thy cross.
When I behold death, hell and sin
Vanquish'd by that dear blood of thine,
And see the Man that groan'd and died
Sit glorious by his Father's side:
My passions rise and soar above;
I'm wing'd with faith, and fired with love:
Fain would I reach eternal things,
And learn the notes that Gabriel sings.
But my heart fails, my tongue complains,
For want of their immortal strains;
And in such humble notes as these
Must fall below thy victories..
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1)Galatians 3. 24;
KJV - Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
ESV - So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.
The Nineteenth Day of January.
For the dove found no rest for the soul of her feet, and she returned unto him (Noah) into the ark; then he put forth his hand and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark. - KJV
But the dove found no place to set her foot, and she returned to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her and brought her into the ark with him. - ESV
Genesis 8. 9.
That dove-like spirit communicated to the soul
in regeneration, can find no rest for the sole of its
foot until it bring us to Jesus, who is the great ark
of the covenant. Many, on their first awakening
from sin, apply themselves to very hard wTorks and
rigorous duties, thereby expecting to find rest for
their wounded consciences. But though the right
and diligent use of all the means of grace is absolutely
required, yet great care must be taken not to
quiet ourselves by that only. We should not place
any confidence at all in our own doings, but only
look for rest through the blood of Christ. To be
found in Him justified and accepted would soon fill
our hearts with peace, nay, encourage and enable
us to do good works, and in the doing of good, we
must always cherish a meek and grateful spirit,,
knowing that all is of the infinite grace of God.
In vain the trembling conscience seeks
Some solid ground for rest;
With long despair the spirit breaks,
Till we apply to Christ.
Just as we see the lonesome dove
Bemoan her widow'd state;
Wand'ring she flies through all the grove
And mourns her loving mate.
Just so our thoughts from thing to thing
In restless circles rove;
Just as we droop and hang the wing
When Jesus hides his love.
While Jesus shines with quickening grace,
We sing and mount on high;
But if a frown becloud his face
We faint, and tire, and die.
The Twentieth Day of January.
Return to the Top.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love for one to another. - KJV
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. - ESV
John 13. 35.
Forbearing one another in love. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Let not the sun go down on your wrath. Be ye kind to one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. - KJV
2 Forbearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in tthe bond of peace. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, iforgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. - ESV
Ephesians 4. 2, 3, 26, 32.
Every member of the mystical body of Christ
should labor for the comfort and edification of the
whole, and the honor of the Head. He that would
live a quiet life and keep the unity of the Spirit in
the bond of peace, must be as backward to take
offence as to give it. He must live in love, and full
of love. Humble Christians never affect singularity,
nor pretend to have the preference one of
another. They rather study to be of one mind, and
strive not about words, lest the general harmony
subsisting between them and the edification of
souls shall be hindered. Whoever judges and
blames everything, and can never agree in words
and notions, or join in devotion with other experienced
Christians, is puffed up with self-conceit,
and is in the way to make a dangerous shipwreck ;
for "pride comes before a fall."
Nor different food, nor diff 'rent dress,
Compose the kingdom of our Lord ;
But peace, and joy, and righteousness,
Faith, and obedience to His Word.
When weaker Christians we despise
We do the Gospel mighty wrong;
For God, the gracious and the wise,
Receives the feeble with the strong.
Let pride and wrath be banished hence,
Meekness and love our souls pursue;
Nor shall our practice give offence
To saints, the Gentile, or the Jew.
The Twenty First Day of January.
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. - KJV
As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. - ESV
Matthew 25. 5.
Oh! that I may be roused out of my slumber, and
be watchful and ready against the coming of my
Bridegroom ! How many are there that set out in
good earnest in their way to heaven, and run well
for some time, but at last are lulled to rest, and are
entangled again with a false notion of liberty !
Even the wise virgins fell asleep. Let this be a
warning to me, O Lord ! Set thou a guard before
my eyes, ears, and other faculties, lest the world
should again enter through these avenues of the
heart. If the spark be not speedily extinguished,
it will soon break out into a flame. Thus sin is of
a progressive nature, and its venom spreads very
quickly and very wide, unless it be stopped and
opposed in time. Watch, therefore, over this unsteady
heart of mine, O thou keeper of Israel, that
as soon as it begins to wander from thee, I may be
alarmed to flee from sin as from a serpent. Give
me grace to look upon every hour as my last, so
that, being ever wisely upon my guard, I may meet
thee with joy when my time is run out, whenever
it shall please thee to call me hence. And let my
going out and my coming in be guided by thy
Spirit, so that everv day may bring me nearer tothyself.
The fearful soul that tires and faints,
And walks the ways of God no more.
Though number" d once among the saints,
2s ow makes his own destruction sure.
Lord, let not all my hopes be vain;
Create my heart entirely new;
Which Irypocrites could ne'er attain,
Which false apostates never knew.
The Twenty Second Day of January.
Return to the Top.
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat. - KJV
But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. - ESV
Matthew 13. 25.
No wonder that Christians lose their power and strength, if the enemy of souls finds them asleep. How soon may he gain advantage from without, if a strict guard is not kept within! Though Satan seems to sleep sometimes, and we should by all appearances be in no great danger, it is only his stratagem to make us careless. He never fails to be vigilant, and watch his opportunity, that he may offer us battle with advantage; and who knows but he may gain the victory by those very sins to which perhaps we, for many years, had hardly any temptation? Oh, how cunningly does he work! how enticing is the world! Even in lawful things, very often, the most dangerous snares lie hidden. A single word that we hear may be able to disturb our peace. One unguarded look is sometimes enough to infatuate our hearts. There is danger on all sides. Unless the Lord open our eyes, and preserve us on all occasions, each of us, even the best may still be overcome and deadly hurt by sin and the world. Satan is particularly busy to sift the godly most of all; and having caught them in the net, triumphs exceedingly over them. O Lord, suffer me never to fall asleep again.
Help me to watch and pray,
And on thyself rely!
And let me never my trust betray,
Lest I forever die!
Quick as the apple of an eye,
O God, my conscience make
Awake my soul when sin is nigh,
And keep it still awake.
The Twenty Third Day of January.
The more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew.
And the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came unto God by reason of the bondage.
And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them. - KJV
But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad.
And the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God.
God saw the people of Israel - and God knew. - ESV
Exodus 1. 12; 2. 23, 25.
The more we are oppressed by our spiritual and temporal enemies, the more will the kingdom of God increase in and through us. And when distress and dangers oppress us most, God hastens to our aid, and makes our necessity itself the means of our relief; for the ways of God are always wonderful. It was an extreme distress when the children of the Israelites were cast into the river; but this was the means of preserving Moses, their intended deliverer. When Moses came, they were not relieved immediately, for their calamities increased. This is God's method. But they cried the more unto God, and he relieved them by signs and wonders. After this, their distress was greater than ever at the Red Sea; for, after God has shown his glory in assisting us, he can still send greater trials. But when they were beset on all sides by distress and death, then came the most glorious succour of all, and their enemies perished in the Red Sea. Lord, suffer us not to despair in any extremity, but enable us to believe and experience that the greater our distress, the nearer and more glorious will be thy aid, and all our enemies will be consumed as stubble before the devouring flame.
Lord, I am thine; but thou wilt prove
My faith, my patience and my love;
When men of spite against me join,
They are the sword, the hand is thine.
What sinners value, I resign;
Lord, 'tis enough that thou art mine
I shall behold thy blissful face,
And stand complete in righteousness.
The Twenty Fourth Day of January.
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Herein is love, not that we first loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
We love him because he first loved us. - KJV
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
We love because he first loved us. - ESV
1 John 4. 10, 19.
He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
We will come unto him, and make our abode with him. - KJV
And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.
We will come to him and make our home with him. - ESV
John 14. 21, 23.
Oh ! what a glorious promise ! what manner of
love is this ! Lord, I would not change my cross
and sufferings, much less my love, for the love and
honors of the wrorld. Only make it more known
to me how great thy love is, and how much thou
hast forgiven me, that I may love thee much again,
and be thereby still better purged from the inordinate
love of temporal things. It is my earnest
desire that the gates of my heart should be opened
to none but thee, that thou alone mayest dwell in
me. Shed thy love abroad in my heart, quicken
and renew all the faculties of my mind and body,
and work everything in and for me, that thy love
may be my life, and the keeping of thy law my
joy!
Love Divine, all love excelling;
Joy of heaven to earth come down;
Fix in us thy humble dwelling.
All thy faithful mercies crown.
Oh ! for this love let rocks and hills
Their lasting silence break,
And all harmonious human tongues,
The Saviour's praises speak!
Yes; we will praise thee, dearest Lord,
Oh set each heart on flame!
Hosanna round the spacious earth,
To thine adored name.
Angels, assist our mighty joys,
Strike all your harps of gold;
But, when you raise your highest notes,
His love can ne'er be told.
Breathe, oh! breathe thy loving Spirit
Into every troubled breast;
I,et us all in thee inherit,
Let us find thy promised rest.
The Twenty Fifth Day of January.
Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted in him. - KJV
So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. - ESV
2 Corinthians 5. 9.
This indeed is the true disposition of a soul
espoused to Christ. She has but one care, which is
to please Him in all things. And this desire to do
His will is, as it were, the ring and seal of her
Bridegroom ; which she may look upon, even in
the absence of all spiritual joy, as a token for good
that she is His spouse. Ought not then, this day,
my soul, to be a new wedding day with Christ ?
He is desirous that thou shouldst be betrothed unto
Him even now, and waits only for thy consent.
Hearken, O daughter ! consider, and incline thine
ear ; be no longer married to the world. Forget
thine own people and thy father's house, and take
Him alone for thy husband ; so shall the King
greatly desire thy beauty. Wilt thou give the
refusal to this glorious and loving Saviour ? I hope
not. Give it rather to the world, and resolutely
say, I have done with thee, O poor world ! I break
the bonds of my former love ; my eyes and feet
shall henceforth only be directed to the blessed and
eternal city of the new Jerusalem, where my
heavenly Bridegroom resides. And, oh ! what need
1 have to be duly prepared, dressed, and beautified
against His coming, and the time of His taking me
home to Himself ! Lord Jesus, keep me longing
for thine appearance—for the happy day when I
shall go with thee to glory.
If Christ is ours, we may despise
All rage, though hell against us rise
His love experienced will impart
Immortal transport to thy heart!
The Twenty Sixth Day of January.
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Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. - KJV
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - ESV
Hebrews 4. 16.
Oh that we were all so wise as to prepare and provide ourselves in due time with the right armour of faith, before the time of need and hour of death approach! Come, my reader, let us begin now, and go directly to the gate of mercy, lest we should come to late, and be undone. Behold the encouragement of Christ:- "I am the door, (says he) and the way." John 10. 9; 14. 6. Now, by this door you may find the entrance into the heart and favour of God, Christ himself sitting on a mercy seat to receive and welcome the vilest of sinners. And there is no drawing near to God but through him, and clothed in the robes of the righteousness of our only Redeemer, Mediator, and Advocate. He is the Alpha, and Omega, the Beginning and the End: nay, the very ALL in ALL to believers. With Christ they can never part, and he can never part with them.
Colossians 3. 10, 11. (1)
Of Him who did salvation bring,
I could forever think and sing!
Arise, 3^e guilty, He'll forgive!
Arise, ye poor, He will relieve!
Ask but His grace, and, lo! 'tis given;
Ask, and He turns your hell to heaven;
Though sin and sorrow wound my soul,
Jesus, thy balm can make it whole!
Guide thou, O Tvord, guide thou my course,
And draw me on with thy sweet force;
Still make me walk, still make me tend,
By thee, my way, to God my end.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Colossians 3. 10, 11;
KJV - 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
ESV - 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
The Twenty Seventh Day of January.
God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. - KJV
God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, nwe have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from othe wrath of God.
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by rhis life. - ESV
Romans 5. 8-10.
Here we have much more reason to cry out than Moses, Deuteronomy 33. 3. "The Lord loved the people:" but here I must beseech thee too, O Lord, that this infinite gift of thy Son may appear greater to me and greater every day; and that thy love, shining out in his redemption, may go on so to increase in my soul as to diperse all clouds of darkness, unbelief, and hard thoughts of thy goodness. Whenever this slanderous spirit tries to lift up his head, grant that my faith and love may be quickened and strengthened in such a manner, as heartily to praise thy great love, in spite of all his suggestions; this is the chief desire which I offer unto to thee in all my prayers night and day. The want of faith and love, I am sensible, is still my greatest want; my soul is like a large empty vessel; but I pray thee to fill it speedily, notwithstanding any opposition that may be made by my unrenewed part.
Come, guilty souls, and flee away,
Like dove to Jesu's wounds;
This is the welcome gospel-day,
Wherein free grace abounds.
God loved the world, and gave His Son
To drink the cup of wrath;
And Jesus sa3^s, He'll cast out none
That come to Him by faith.
The Twenty Eighth Day of January.
Return to the Top.
For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example,
that ye should follow his steps. - KJV
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example,
so that you might follow in his steps. - ESV
1 Peter 2. 21.
To believe in Christ for justification, is but onehalf
of the duty of faith ; it respects Christ only
as He died and suffered for us, as He made atonement
for our sins, peace with God, and reconciliation
for us, and as our righteousness; unto these
ends He is, indeed, primarily and principally proposed
unto us in the Gospel ; and with respect
unto them, we are exhorted to receive Him, and
to believe in Him ; but this is not all that is required
of us ; Christ in the Gospel is proposed unto
us as our pattern and example of holiness ; and as
it is a cursed imagination, that the whole end of
His life and death was to exemplify and confirm
the doctrine of holiness, which He preached, so to
neglect His being our example in considering Him
by faith unto that end, and laboring after conformity
to Him, is evil and pernicious ; wherefore, let
us be much in contemplation of what He was, what
He did, how in all instances of duties and trials He
carried himself, until a glorious image of His perfect
holiness is implanted in our minds, and we are
made like unto Him thereby. And let us always
bear in mind, that ye were called to a state of suffering
when ye were called to be Christians, for the
world cannot endure the yoke of Christ.
Oh ! let me walk with Christ below,
His holy footsteps trace,
And daily taking up His cross,
Be nourish'd Iry His grace.
So shall vzy walk be close with God,
Calm anal serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Iyamb.
The Twenty Nineth Day of January.
The gospel is made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. - KJV
The prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God,
to bring about the obedience of faith - ESV
Romans 16. 26.
The obedience of faith here spoken of, is the same thing as believing the report of the gospel, Romans 10. 16.(1) A hearty submission to the righteousness of God, even to Christ, who is the end of the law for righteousness to every one who believeth; this is the obedience of faith, strictly speaking, by which we give glory to God, take full shame of ourselves, renounce all that nature is proud of, and are brought to rest for our justification and acceptance with God, on that alone which has satisfied his law and justice. However slightly we may be disposed to pass over this, it is a high point of obedience, not easily brought about in such a creature as man, and needing an effectual light and energy from above. It is taught purely from above; and he who would learn it must seek it by prayer continually; for in vain shall we strive to obey God in other things, until we learn to obey him in this. Careless reader, see to it that you learn your need of Christ. Awakened and distressed sinner, seek not to heal yourself by a forced obedience, learn the obedience of faith, that you may be purged in your conscience from dead works to serve God. Self-despairing sinner, obey the gospel-call of God to your soul and live. Believer, let your fruit be holiness.
Within us, Lord, thy Spirit place,
Conveying health, and peace, and power;
And let us daily grow in grace.
That we may love and serve thee more.
Oh! may thy Spirit seal our souls,
And mould them to thy will.
That our weak hearts no more may stray,
But keep thy precepts still.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Romans 10. 16.
KJV - But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
ESV - But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?"
The Thirtieth Day of January.
Return to the Top.
Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. - KJV
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. - ESV
Matthew 11. 28.
This is a free invitation to every weary and heavy-laden sinner, made by Him who alone is able to take away the load and guilt of sin. Every person under the pressure of sin, not only may, but must, come to Jesus, thus laden with guilt, if he hopes to succeed for pardon. While we endeavour to prepare our way by holy qualifications, we rather fill it with stumbling blocks, whereby our souls are hindered from attaining to salvation of Christ. Christ would have us believe on him who justifies the ungodly, and therefore he doth not require us to be godly before we believe; he came as a physician for the sick, and doth not expect they should recover their health in the least degree before they come to him. The vilest sinners are fitly prepared and qualified for this design, which is to show forth the exceeding riches and grace, pardoning our sins, and saving us freely, Ephesians 2. 5, 8.(1) It is no affront to Christ, or slighting or contemning the justice and holiness of God, to come to God, while we are polluted sinners; but rather it is an affront and contemning the saving grace, merit, and fulness of Jesus, if we endeavour to make ourselves righteous and holy before we receive Christ himself, and all holiness and righteousness in him by faith.
Come, sinners, laden deep with woe,
And unto Christ for healing go!
He cures all sickness, and all sore,
And turns no beggar from his door.
How long the time since Christ began
To call in vain on me!
Deaf to His warning voice I ran
Through paths of vanity.
But could I hear Him once again,
As I have heard of old,
Methinks He should not call in vain
His wanderer to the fold.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
1. Ephesians 2. 5, 8.
KJV - 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
ESV - 5 Even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
The Thirty First Day of January.
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went, and sold all that he had, and bought it. - KJV
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. - ESV
Matthew 13. 45, 46.
Blessed are they to whom the gospel has made known the unsearchable riches of Christ.He is that one pearl of great price in comparison of whom all other goodly things that men desire are worthless. Without him we are poor and miserable, though we abound in all manner of worldly store; but if we have found him, and discovered the excellency of his name, we are in possession of a treasure that makes us rich indeed, and have reason to be content with our portion, though stripped of every earthly comfort; for the Father gives grace and glory, even eternal life, in his Son Jesus Christ; and he that hath the Son of God hath life. O my soul, thou like the merchant-man, hast been seeking goodly pearls, and eager looking here and there for happiness all thy days! Hast thou at length been enlightened to perceive where true joys are to be found? Then wilt thou be willing to sell all in order to win Christ, and be found in him; if there is anything that thou art unwilling to part with for his sake, thou knowest not his value, thou art not worthy of him.
Long did my soul in Jesus' form
No comeliness or beauty see;
His sacred name, by others prized,
Was tasteless still and dead to me.
Thanks to the Author of all grace,
That show'd me wretched, naked, poor,
That sweetly led me to the Rock
Where all salvation stands secure.
Glad I forsook my righteous pride,
My moral, tarnish'd, sinful dress:
Exchanged my dross away for Christ,
And found the robe of righteousness.