The First Day of July.
Alleluia! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. - KJV
Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. - ESV
Revelations 19. 6.
God is the Lord of hosts, he is the great commander of heaven and earth; he it is that directs all conflicts in war; no field is pitched, no battle fought, but by his special order and commission, and all the accomplishment of his glory. but it befalleth us as it doth them who stand in the same level wherein two great armies are ready to engage; they conceive them to be a disordered multitude; whom, notwithstanding, if they beheld from a high hill, they would discern that they are artificially ranged, and every one serving under his own colours, Even so men who behold the state of the world with the eyes of flesh and blood, dim by reason of the corruption of their judgments and weakness of their affections, think all things are out of order; they see servants riding on horses, and princes going on foot; that the worse men are, the better they fare; and they fare the worse, the better they are: but if they would go into God's sanctuary, and judge of the occurrences by heavenly principles, then they would confess that no army on earth can be better marshalled than the great army of all the creatures of heaven and earth, yea, and of hell too; and that, notwithstanding all appearances to the contrary, all is well, and will end well, especially to God's people; and that the God of order will bring light out of darkness, and order out of the greatest confusion, could they but have patience and let him alone with his own work.
The Lord God omnipotent reigns,
Commanding whatever he will;
And rebels, that scoff at his word,
Are under his government still.
The Second Day of July.
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Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me. - KJV
I was pushed hard,1 so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. - ESV
Psalm 118. 13.
Preserved in Jesus Christ, and called. - KJV
Beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: - ESV
Jude 1.
Jesus was in council, undertook our cause, struck hands in the covenant as our Surety, wrought out a righteousness for us; suffered our curse on the tree to redeem us; ever lives, and ever loves, and ever pleads our cause; while he represents our persons before the everlastingly gracious and infinitely just and righteous Jehovah, his Father and our Father, now well pleased with us, and accepted and preserved in the Beloved. Are these things so? And has the Lord the Spirit, the glorifier of Jesus, enlightened our understandings to see these things, enabled us to believe, and assured our hearts of our own happy share and interest in them? O my soul,stop, reflect, dwell on such wonderful power, marvellous favour, distinguishing love, and appropriated mercy. Now let all mine enemies exert their utmost power, I will not be afraid. Afflictions, pains, temptations, may await me, waves and storms may go over my head, Satan may sift me as wheat, the waters of death may prove bitter to my taste, yet I will not be discouraged; He that died for me will take care of me; He that pardon my aggravated offences will heal my infirmities; He that knew the power of temptation will support and deliver me out of all. This I believe; Lord, help my unbelief.
The wisdom, the power, the love, the promise, the covenant, and the oath of Jehovah, stand all engaged for the preservation of a poor, unworthy believer in Jesus. Alleluia!
Why should I fear, though mighty foes
Thrust at me ev'ry day?
The Lord, who offers me his help,
Is stronger much than they.
The Third Day of July.
Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. - KJV
Learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. - ESV
Matthew 11. 29.
Be clothed in humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. - KJV
Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, - ESV
1 Peter 5. 5, 6.
Such as are haughty and self-conceited rush against the mighty hand of God, and destroy themselves; but those that are humble under it will be protected by the same. Whatever knowledge or skill we obtain in the schools of human learning, the Scripture does not yet allow us to be truly wise; but calls us blind and merely worldly students; till we learn to be poor in spirit, lowly in heart, and dead to the world. Proverbs 11. 2;(1) 1 Corinthians 1. and 2.(2) Therefore, the more a man dies to the world, the more he is enlightened.
and the more
humiliating views he obtains of his worthlessness in
the sight of Jehovah, the greater will be his capacity
of grace, and the more abundant supplies of
grace will be administered to his soul. What is
more precious in the sight of God than the soul that
is broken from its own conceits and vanities, and
has enlisted itself under the banner of Jesus,—
a
meek and lowly soldier of the Cross ? As nothing,
then, O my soul, bend thyself in the presence of
the Lord ! Lay that aside which is of this world,
and putting on the garment of heavenly meekness,
walk humbly with thy God.
Lord, if thou by grace impart,
Poor in spirit, meek in heart,
I shall as my Master be,
Rooted in humility.
Simple, teachable, and mild;
Changed into a little child,
Pleased with all the Lord provides,
Wean'd from all the world besides.
Father, fix my soul on thee,
Every evil let me flee;
Nothing want beneath, above,
Happy in thy precious love.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Proverbs 11. 2.
KJV - When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
ESV - When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with dthe humble is wisdom.
(2) 1 Corinthians 1 and 2.
KJV - 1 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:
3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
ESV - Greeting
1 Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving
4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge- 6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you- 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Divisions in the Church
10 I appeal to you, brothers,[a] by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 12 What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Christ the Wisdom and Power of God
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written,
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach[b] to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,[c] not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being[d] might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him[e] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
The Sixth Day of July.
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Loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them:
and straightway he will send them. - KJV
Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,'
and he will send them at once. - ESV
Matthew 21. 2,3.
The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands. - KJV
Then the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him, and the ropes that were on his arms became as flax that has caught fire, and his bonds melted off his hands. - ESV
Judges 15.14.
Thus the Spirit of the Lord makes us free from all spiritual bonds; for "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 2 Corithians 3. 17. Though I was torn from Christ by the enemy, yet as a robberhe gets no right to me. Christ does not give up, for this reason, his right which he has to me on so many accounts; and as soon as I am willing by his grace to give up myself to him, and desire to be delivered from the power of Satan, he vindicates and saves me as his property; I am his, Satan loses his hold, and nothing in the world can withhold me from him. All fetters must fall off. "The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands."Help me to resign myself wholly into thy hands, and may the Spirit of the Lord loose my bonds, the bonds of sin.
What though the hosts of death and hell
All arm'd against me stood?,
Terrors no more shall shake my soul;
My refuge is my God.
Arise, O Lord, fulfil thy grace,
While I thy glory sing;
My God has broken the serpent's teeth,
And death hath lost its sting.
Salvation to the Lord belongs,
His arm alone can save;
Blessings attend thy people here,
And reach beyond the grave.
The Seventh Day of July.
Make you a new heart and a new spirit. - KJV
Make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! - ESV
Ezekiel 18. 31 See 2 Corinthians 5. 17-21.
Many are converted, but not entirely to Christ
and from their own righteousness, so as to be truly
sensible of their abominable wickedness, and earnestly
to flee to Christ for a reconciliation and righteousness
; and therefore they never seek to Jesus
to make the new heart and new spirit, but continue
on in their mere outward moral state year after
year. But to be truly a member of the spiritual
body of Christ Jesus, there must not only be an
outward morality, there must also be the inward
spirituality, the sanctification of the heart, the
renewing of the whole inner man in that heavenly
knowledge, righteousness and holiness, which
adorned the soul before the fail. O Lord, let me
daily receive a word from thee, to nourish and
strengthen my soul, so as to be renewed daily by
it more and more.
Oh for a heart to love my God,
A heart from sin set free,
A heart that always feels the blood
So freely shed for me!
A heart resign'd, submissive, meek,,
My dear Redeemer's throne;
Where only Christ is heard to speak,
Where Jesus reigns alone.
A lowly and believing heart,
Abhorring self and sin;
A constant heart, which nought can part
From Christ, who dwells within.
A child-like heart, that cries for food,
And pines for Divine love;
An upright heart, by grace renew'd;
A copy, Lord, of thine.
The Eighth Day of July.
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Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. - KJV
Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. - ESV
Luke 10. 41.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. - KJV
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. - ESV
Proverbs 4. 23
As the virtue of a strong spirituous liquor evporates by degrees in a vial which is not properly stopped, in like manner the life and power of the Spirit insensibly vanish away if the heart is not kept with all diligence. Of the former remains only water; of the latter, nothing but the form of religion, or perhaps some false principles and errors crept in. Therefore many must be tried and sifted, that they may know, like Hezekiah, what is in their hearts; 2 Chronicles 32. 31:(1) consequently, what more needful than to take heed to our own spirits, and to keep close to the written word? for as the latter times draw nearer, the more plausible will errors and seducements appear, both on your right hand and on your left. Beware of being drawn off from the truth, either by the worldly prudence of half-hearted professors, or by pretences to merit in the self-righteous Pharisee.
O Lord, permit me not to be
A stranger to myself and to thee;
Amidst a thousand thoughts I rove,
Forgetful of my highest love.
Call me away from flesh and sense,
One sov'reign word can draw me thence;
I would obey the voice Divine,
And all inferior joys resign.
Be earth and all her scenes withdrawn,
Let noise and vanity be gone;
In secret silence of the mind,
My heav'n and there my God, I find.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) 2 Chronicles 32. 31.
KJV - Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done
in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
ESV - And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been
done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.
The Nineth Day of July.
My soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. - KJV
My soul thirsts for you like a parched land. - ESV
Psalm 143. 6.
Let him that is athirst come; and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. - KJV
And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. - ESV
Revelations 22. 17.
If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. - KJV
If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. - ESV
John 7. 37, 38.
When thou art dry and barren, examine thyself
closely what may be the cause ; ask pardon for all
known offences, and take care to amend them.
And though thou shouldst not find anything particular,
yet humble thyself deeply before the Lord ;
but, at the same time, remember that thou art
accepted, beloved, justified and blessed in Christ ;
and in this disposition quietly wait the returns of
some new drops of living water and grace ; but be
also sure afterward to cherish and make a right
use of them. Thus thou shalt be under the immediate
care of the mighty God of Jacob. " And the
Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy
soul in drought, and make fat thy bones ; and thou
shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of
water, whose waters fail not" Isaiah 58. 11.(1)
For thee I thirst, O Lord, I mourn;
When will thy smiling face return?
Shall all my joy on earth remove,
And God for ever hide his love?.
ANSWER
Ho! ye that pant for living streams,
And pine away and die,
Here you may quench your raging thirst
With springs that never die.
Rivers of love and mercy here
In a rich ocean join;
Salvation in abundance flows,
Like floods of milk and wine.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Isaiah 58. 11.
KJV - And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered
garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
ESV - And the Lord will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
The Tenth Day of July.
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My soul waiteth upon God; from him cometh salvation. He only is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. Therefore, trust in him at all times, ye people, pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us - KJV
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. - ESV
Psalm 62. 1, 2, 8.
The more patient, believing and single-eyed we
are, the sooner we shall see the salvation and victory
of the Lord. Double-minded souls have the
greatest struggle ; and the slothful must tarry the
longer. Sometimes, it is true, though we are faithful,
yet we must cry out,"O Lord, how long?" Psalm 6. 3.(1) But nevertheless, He always hears and
delivers us, though we do not see and feel it
directly, but seem to suffer continually. In heaven
we shall certainly see it, and reap the blessed fruits
of all our afflictions and prayers. While we are
upon this earth, the face of the Lord may often be
obscured and hid from us, yet at length we shall
"see the glory of the Lord in the cloud," and
deliverance shall come out of the troubles that
seemed to overwhelm us. Thus it is that the Lord
works with His people, to keep them always in
remembrance of Himself. Shall we not wait then
for Him, even though He tarry long? Yes, my
soul, wait thou upon the Lord ; He is a refuge for
thee.
Almighty God of truth and love
In me thy power exert;
The mountain from my soul remove,
The hardness of my heart.
From thee that I no more depart,
Nor more thy goodness grieve,
The filial awe, the fleshy heart,
The tender conscience give.
Quick as the apple of an eye,
O God, my conscience make;
Awake my soul when sin is nigh,
And keep it still awake.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Psalm 6. 3.
KJV - My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long?
ESV - My soul also is greatly troubled.
But you, O Lord-how long?
The Eleventh Day of July.
I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. - KJV
I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. - ESV
Psalm 37. 25.
Sweet declaration! encouraging experience! The Lord indeed careth for the righeous - for those who, having seen the want of mercy, rely for it on the promise of God, that there is forgiveness with him through the meritorious life and death of Jesus Christ. He hath promised that he will never leave or forsake them - that he will withhold from them no manner of thing that is good. He careth also for their seed; so that they shall not beg their bread. He frequently provides for them, when their parents are no more, in such unexpected ways that many who see it are constrained to acknowledge "This is the Lord's doing." And sometimes, while they are living, he brings bread to their mouths, and also furnishes them with opportunities to hear of and seek for the bread which came down from heaven, and which endureth unto everlasting life; thus snatching them from the jaws of ignorance and destruction. O Lord, if mine ears have heard - if mine eyes have see - and more especially if I partake of such blessings, thankfully may I own that thou art a God keeping covenant and mercy, and make this proff of thy faithfulness a ground of reliance upon thee for all needful promised blessings. Help me to cast all my care on thee, and endeavour by prayer, instruction, and example, that thy goodness may be sanctified to my seed, that we may live together, here and hereafter, to the praise of the glory of thy grace.
The Lord, for his own mercy's sake,
Will bless believers and their seed;
The parents he will not forsake,
Nor let the children beg their bread.
The Twelfth Day of July.
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Strengthen with all might, according to his glorious power. - KJV
Being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might. - ESV
Colossians 1. 11.
O my soul, what encouraging words are these! How full of meaning The Lord our righteousness is the Lord our strength. He is near at hand, to stregthen according to thy need. Not in one or two respects, but with all might, with a supply suited to every various occasion, and that to the utmost, answerable to what may be expected from the exertion of "his own glorious power." Happy state of the believer in Jesus! though feeble in himself, surrounded with enemies, and exercised with a continual warfare, he shall not be overpowered; for the promise and the arm of God are on his side. The Lord who can do what he pleaseth, is in alliance, yea, in covenant with a believer; and, therefore, he shall be made more than a conqueror through Christ who has loved him.
Let me but hear my Saviour say,
"Strength shal be equal to thy day;"
Then I rejoice in deep distress,
Leaning on all-sufficient grace.
I glory in infirmity
That Christ's own power may rest on me;,
When I am weak, the I am strong,
Grace is my shield, and Christ my song.
The Thirteenth Day of July.
Christian's Declaration :
My beloved is mine, and I am his. - KJV and ESV
Song of Solomon 2. 16.
Divine Answer:
I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness; and thou shalt know the Lord. - KJV
And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the LORD. - ESV
Hosea 2. 19, 20.
By faith in the blood of Christ, we are accepted, and closely united to him as our Bridegroom. By that we daily eat his flesh, and drink his blood, and are sprinkled all over: the need there is of a daily sprinkling, that our persons and services may be accepted; since the best of our works, our prayers and praises, our duties and graces, are all unclean till washed in the blood of Jesus. This appears from Hebrews 9. 19-21.(1); where it is said that all the vessels of the ministry, and even the book, were sprinkled.By faith let us cling to this blood of
sprinkling, which emanates from the cross, and let
11s abide in Jesus, without whom we can bring forth
no fruit ; for " as the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, except it abide in the vine ; no more can ye,
except ye abide in Him " (John xv. 4).
Hark! the Redeemer from on high
Sweetly invites his fav'rites nigh;
From caves of darkness and of doubt,
He gently calls, and calls us out.
"My sister and my spouse," he cries,
"Bound to my heart by various ties;
Thy powerful love my heart detains
In strong delight, and pleasing chains.".
Dear Lord, our thankful heart receives
The hope thy invitation gives;
To thee our joyful lips shall raise
The voice of prayer, the voice of praise.
I am my Love's and he is mine;
Our hearts, our hopes, our passions join;
Nor let a motion, nor a word,
Nor thoughts arise, to grieve my Lord.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Hebrews 9. 19-21.
KJV - 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.
ESV - 19 For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, "This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you." 21 And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship.
The Fourteenth Day of July.
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David's Prayer:
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. - KJV
You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, do I seek." - ESV
Psalm 27. 8.
I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. - KJV
I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. - ESV
Psalm Psalm 119. 94.
Divine Answer:
Those that seek me early shall find me. - KJV
Those who seek me diligently find me. - ESV
Proverbs 8. 17.
The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God. - KJV
When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. - ESV
Psalm 69. 32.
Seek, and ye shall find. - KJV
Seek, and you will find. - ESV
Matthew 7. 7.
For whoso findeth me findeth life. - KJV
For whoever finds me finds life. - ESV
Proverbs 8. 35.
I am the life. - KJV and ESV
John 14. 6.
Such arguments and entreaties we may use with God, to strengthen us in faith: he does not want them, but we do; and he is well pleased when we take him at his word. For if we would not draw near to God in prayer till our heart s are quickened, perhaps we might never come to it. Therefore, we must no indulge ourselves in a state of dulness, but rather put a force to ourselves, and pray against our natural inclination. Being faithful and instant in this, we shall certainly have our affections warmed, and great power and blessings given from above, that our hearts may live. O Lord, I plead thy precious promises; and thou canst not deny thy word. Thou hast laid thyselfunder obligation to help a feeble, praying soul. Then let thy Holy Spirit abide with me to quicken my soul when fainting, and to rule my heart in all things, that no sin may have dominion over me.
Lord, I address thy heavenly throne,
Call me a child of thine;
Send down the Spirit of thy Son
To form my heart divine.
There shed thy choicest love abroad,
And make my comforts strong;
Then shall I say, My Father God,
With an unwav'ring tongue.
Yet this my soul desires to know;
Be this my only wish below,
"That Christ is mine!" this great request
Grant, bounteous God, and I am blest.
The Fifteenth Day of July.
David's Prayer:
O my God, I trust in thee; let me not be ashamed. - KJV
O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; - ESV
Psalm 25. 2.
In thee, O Lord, do I hope; thou wilt hear, O Lord, my God. - KJV
But for you, O LORD, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer. - ESV
Psalm 38. 15.
Let none that wait on thee be ashamed. - KJV
Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame. - ESV
Psalm 25. 3.
Divine Answer:
Hope maketh not ashamed. - KJV
Hope does not put us to shame, - ESV
Romans 5. 5.
They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which abideth for ever. - KJV
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. - ESV
Psalm 125. 1.
Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. - KJV
If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. - ESV
Habakkuk 2, 3.
Thou shalt know that I am the Lord: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. - KJV
Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who wait for me shall not be put to shame. - ESV
Isaiah 49. 23.
Does God delay his promises, and the enemy raise a suspicion against his faithfulness? Remember it is said, "Pray and wait." Thou art still alive, and shall be a witness to God's faithfulness. If he was not faithful and true, he could not be God. His faithfulness is eternal, and as sure and as great as himself; above all our thoughts. Thou shalt at the last the more gloriously experience it, and not be ashamed: heaven and earth shall pass away, but his word shall not fail, because he "keepeth truth for ever." Psalm 146. 6.(1)
Happy the man whose hopes rely
On Israel's God: he made the sky,
And earth, and seas, with all their train,
And none shall find his promise vain.
His truth for ever stands secure;
He saves th' oppress'd, he feeds the poor;
He sends the lab'ring conscience peace,
And grants the pris'ner sweet release.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Psalm 146. 6.
KJV - Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:
ESV - Who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;
The Seventeenth Day of July.
Charity seeketh not her own, is not easily ptovoked, and never faileth. - KJV
It((Love)) does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful. Love never ends. - ESV
1 Corinthians 13. 5, 8.
O my dear, heavenly Father, I desire to love thee and my neighbour with a pure heart fervently, and beg thou wouldst let me know and enjoy thy love in Christ, as the only means of producing this love in me. For how can my heart be cold, when resting at the cross of Christ, and feeling the virtue of his blood? Or how can it be hard, when lying in thy bosom, richly tasting thy grace, and sweetly experiencing thine everlasting love to me a vile, miserable sinner? O may a sense of thy love melt my hard heart into love, and change it thoroughly.
Had I tongues of Greeks and Jews,
And nobler speech than angels use,
If love be absent, I am found
Like tinkling brass, an empty sound.
Were I inspired to preach and tell
All that is done in heav' and hell;
Or could my faith the world remove,
Still I am nothing without love.
Should I distribute all my store
To feed the bowels of the poor;
Or give my body to the flame,
To gain a martyr's glorious name,--
If love to God and love to men
Be absent, all my hopes are vain;
Nor tongues, nor gifts, nor fiery zeal,
The work of love can e'er fulfil.
The Eighteenth Day of July.
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David's Prayer:
Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. - KJV
To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. - ESV
Psalm 25. 1.
Divine Answer:
Thou hast heard the desire of the humble; thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear. - KJV
O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear - ESV
Psalm 10. 17.
Faith only desires Christ, and does neither delight in the gain, nor grieve much at loss, the tempoarl things; but faith, through an earnest desire for Christ, and his word, rises above all creatures, and overcomes all worldly pleasures and fears. And this being the work of God, will certainly be accomplished; nay, is looked upon as really accomplished already in our desires and endeavours after it; in the same manner as evil desires are reckoned for deeds in the sight of God, though they never proceed to outward acts.
I cannot bear thine absence, Lord
My life expires, if thou depart
Be thou, my heart, still near my God
And thou, my God, be near my heart.
I was not born for earth and sin,
Nor can I live on things so vile;
Yet will I stay my Father's time,
And hope and wait for heaven awhile.
Then, dearest Lord, in thine embrace
Let me resign my fleeting breath,
And, with a smile upon my face,
Pass the important hour of death.
The Nineteenth Day of July.
Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not. O Lord, thou pleadest the cause of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life. - KJV
You came near when I called on you; you said, 'Do not fear!' You have taken up my cause, O Lord; you have redeemed my life. - ESV
Lamentations 3. 57, 58.
Fear not, for I am with thee. - KJV
Fear not, for I am with you; - ESV
Isaiah 43. 5.
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore; and have the keys of hell and of death. - KJV
The living one. I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. - ESV
Revelations 1. 18.
Christ has overcome, led captivity captive, and, by one offering, perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Hebrews 10. 14.(1) Whoever leaves this world believing in him, being perfected already, has nothing to fear after death. O my heavenly Father, dispose me to seek diligently after holiness; and though the work of sanctification will be imperfect in this life, which should humble me much, yet let it cause no fear of death, nor disturb my confidence in thee, since my salvation and my confidence do not depend on perfect holiness here, but on my being in Christ and adopted through him; which adoption the weakest child hath,as well as the strongest, though both are not equally sensible of it. For every true believer, whether weak or strong, hath eternal life, and shall not fall into condemnation. If, therefore, I am a child of God, though a weak one, I am still an heir, and shall find life and deliverance in death:
I am Alpha, says the Saviour,
I Omega likewise am;
I was dead, and live for ever,
God Almighty and the Lamb.
In the Lord is our perfection,
And in him our boast we'll make
We shall share his reurrection,
If we of his death partake.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Hebrews 10. 14.
KJV - For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
ESV - For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
The Twentieth Day of July.
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And he gave him a sign, but Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up. - KJV
In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death, and he prayed to the LORD, and he answered him and gave him a sign.
But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. - ESV
2 Chronicles 32. 24, 25.
Ahaz, trusting in the Assyrians for help, had refused a sign graciously offered by God as a token of deliverance. He did not choose to put his whole trust in God, though his pretence was he would not tempt the Lord. This might lead his son Hezekiah to ask for a sign; and it proved a snare to him. The king of Babylon, on finding Hezekiah so highly honoured by the sun, thought it incimbent upon him to send ambassadore with letters and a present to such a favourite of the god of the Babylonians. Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and sought craftily to avail himself of this false notion of the king of Babylon, and, by not affronting their god, he hoped to gain a safe protection against the king of Assyria, Isaiah was ordered to acquaint him that, as he preferred an arm of flesh to his Almighty deliverer, he should experience the sad effect of his folly in not honouring God; and all that he had so vainly showed should be carried to Babylon. Hezekiah ought to have testified to the ambassadors that the Lord God of Israel, stopped the sun in its progress. He had here a fait opportunity of showing them and their king the vanity of idolatry in worshipping the sun, eveidently under the direction of a superior Being. He ought also to have given God all the glory in this matter, and have rested in him, and him alone, for safety, who had just then given him such a striking proof of his power and favour. Worldly wisdom is arrant folly; and, when set in opposition to the will of God, will be sure to disappoint us. Even the noblest instance of wisdom and love God evrer showed in the salvation of sinners by Jesus Christ, if not accepted with humility and simplicity in God's own way by faith, will not have its blessed effect. Worldly wisdom ensnared Hezekiah; and carnal wisdom, ever attended with loftiness of heart, is daily destroying its thousands.
From worldly wisdom save me, Lord,,
Though men may prudence call it
My heart be anchor'd on thy word
Whatever storms befall it.
The Twenty Second Day of July.
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My soul fainteth for thy salvation. My soul is continually in thy hand. Uphold me according to thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. - KJV
My soul longs for your salvation; I hold my life in my hand continually, Uphold me caccording to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope! Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. - ESV
Psalm 119. 81, 109, 116, 132.
O Lord, I love thy name also, since thou art called merciful, gracious, long suffering, and even the Lord our righteousness: and therefore I depend upon nothing of my own, but throw myself entirely upon thy free grace and righteousness, which alone keeps me in peace. Without thee I am ignorant and weak; and Satan, being as wicked as he is cunning, what would become of me if I was not kept and preserved by thee? Thy name is a strong tower, and righteous enter there, and are safe: there let me abide also continually, so shall I be safe from every adversary.
The arms of everlasting Love
Beneath my soul be placed;
And the Rock of Ages set
My slipp'ry footsteps fast.
The city of my blest abode
Is wall'd around with grace
Sakvation for a bulwark stands,
To shield the sacred place.
Satan may vent his sharpest spite,
And all his legions roar;
Almighty mercy guards my life,
And bounds his raging power.
The Twenty Third Day of July.
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory. - KJV
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, - ESV
Psalm 115. 1.
How little reason have we in anything of our own, since nothing but sin is ours, which even defiles that which is of God!
O Lord, grant that I may always give thee the praise of thy own, and may learn to delight and glory in thee, having no other aim but to walk before thee in godly simplicity and sinserity; for he that walketh uprightly walketh surely, Proverbs 10. 9.(1) All disquiet of mind ariseth from our own lusts and unmortified tempers, which make the bosom like a troubled sea. and no settled calm shall we find till we have a single eye to God's glory, and can count ourselves worthy of no good. Then we may draw comfort out of trouble, and learn to praise the Lord, both for what he giveth and for what he taketh away; being sure that all things are working together for good, and tending to God's glory, which he knows best how to promote, and that nothing but sin can make us unhappy and miserable.
Great God, how infinite art thou
What worthless worms we are!
Let the whole race of creatures bow,
And pay their praise to thee.
Our lives through various scenes are drawn,
And vex'd with trifling cares;
While thine eternal thought moves on
Thine undisturb'd affairs.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Proverbs 10. 9.
KJV - He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
ESV - Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
The Twenty Fourth Day of July.
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Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. - KJV
Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died -more than that, who was raised- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. - ESV
Romans 8. 33, 34.
There is a story, how the devil appeared to a dying man, and showed him a parchment roll, which was very long, and wherein were written on every side the sins of the poor sick man, which were many in number; and there were also written the idle words he had spoken in his life, together with the false words, the unchaste words, and angry words; afterwards came his vain and ungodly words; and lastly, his actions, digested according to the commandments. Whereupon Satan said, See here, behold thy virtues! see here what thy examination must be! -- Whereupon the poor sinner answered, It is true, but thou hast not set down all; for thou shouldst have added and set down here below, "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin;" and this also should not have been forgotten, that "whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." Whereupon the devil vanished. Thus if the devil should muster up our sins, and set them in oreder before us, let but Christ be named in a faithful way, and he will give back, and fly away with all speed.
My sins are great, I do confess,
And of a scarlet dye;
But Jesus' blood can wash me clean,
As God does testify.
The Twenty Fifth Day of July.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory. - KJV
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding uthe glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. - ESV
2 Corinthians 3. 18.
Therefore, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. - KJV
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. - ESV
Philipians 2. 5.
Leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps. - KJV
Leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. - ESV
1 Peter 2. 21.
If, before we say or do anything, we would always consider whether it was agreeable to the pattern of Christ, a multitude of sins would be avoided. O Lord, however guilty and miserable I am, yet when I can humble myself before thee as the vilest of sinners, and look unto thee by faith, depending only upon thy free grace, I enjoy peace. Grant, therefore, O my God, that this beholding of thee by my constant execise, and that by this means I may be strengthened cheerfully to follow thy pattern, and be daily changed into the glorious image of thy love, patience, and humility, and thus be ripening for eternal life.
My dear Redeemer and my Lord,
I read my duty in thy word;
But in thy life the law appears
Drawn out in living characters.
Such was thy truth, and such thy zeal
Such deference to thy Father's will,
Such love, and meekness so Divine,
I would transcribe, and make them mine.
Be thou my pattern, make me bear
More thy gracious image here;
Then God, the Judge, shall own name
Among the followers of the Lamb.
The Twenty Sixth Day of July.
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He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth ruin on the just and on the unjust. - KJV
For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. - ESV
Matthew 5. 45.
Many serious people are very ready to give alms to the pious part of the their poor brethren, but are afraid of relieving a common beggar; and it must be owned that, as riches are a talent from God, they who have them must be in the distribution of them; The religious poor have the best claim, but others ought not be entirely overlooked, as is plain from the conduct of God himself, for "he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good." Only common healthy beggars are forbidden alms; concerning whom God says, "If they will not work, neither shall they eat," 2 Thessalonians 3. 10.(1) It may be said, They will make an ill use of your bounty: but what then? Is not this very goodness to be recommended to us in Scripture, by the imitating of which we may show ourselves to be "the children of our Father which is in heaven, who sendeth rain on the just and the unjust?" Shall I withhold a little money or food from my fellow creatures for fear he should not be good enough to receive it from me? I beg of God to deal with me, not according to my merit, but according to his own goodness; and shall I be so absurd as to withhold my charity from a poor fellow creature, because he may not perhaps deserve it? Shall I use a measure toward him which I pray God never to use towards me? Lazarus was a common beggar; and yet he was the care of the angels, and carried into Abraham's bosom. "I was a stranger, and he took me in," saith our blessed Saviour; but who can perform his duty, that will not relieve persons who are unknown to them? "As we have therefore the opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
Lord, give me faith which works by love,
And will good works command;
Which makes a neighbour's grief my own,
And lends a helping hand.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) 2 Thessalonians 3. 10.
KJV - For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
ESV - For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
The Twenty Seventh Day of July.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me. - KJV
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will mfear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - ESV
Psalm 23. 4. See also Exodus 14., of the deliverance of the Israelites, and the destruction of the Egyptians in the Red Sea.
To rejoice in the light of God's countenance is certainly most pleasant, but not always so profitable, to every one, as sometimes to walk in the dark, nay, in the valley of the shadow of death. Some are more humble and cautious while walking in the dark than in the light; and glimpses of grace are then exceeding precious; but such should consider for their humiliation, that darkness or deadness are commonly the effects of a wrong spirit and careless walk. O Lord, grant that when I am deprived of sensible comforts I may yet be enabled to rely upon thy bare word, and in death may be refreshed by the light of thy countenance. Amen. Yea; thou hast declared, that "the righteous hath hope in his death," Proverbs 14. 32. (1)
Death cannot make our souls afraid,
If God be with us there;
We walk through his darkest shade,
And never yield to fear.
May I climb to pisgah's top,
And view the promised land,
My flesh itself shall long to drop,
And pray for the command.
Clasp'd in my heav'nly Father's arms,
I shall forget my breath,
And lose my life among the charms
Of so divine a death.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Proverbs 14. 32.
KJV - The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
ESV - The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing,
but the righteous finds refuge in his death.
The Twenty Eighth Day of July.
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Hear, ye children, the instructions of a father, and attend to know understanding. - KJV
Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, - ESV
Proverbs 4. 1.
We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen. - KJV
We speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, - ESV
John 3. 11.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God. - KJV
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. - ESV
1 John 4. 1.
Reader, whoever thou art, that comest to this book for instruction and edification, let the following monitions, the result of long experience and observation, be acceptable unto thee: they are designed for thy spiritual good, will warn thee against errors, and, if complied with, will give thee a true relish of gospel peace and redeeming love. Let the life thou now livest in the flesh be by faith in the Son of God. Labour after a constant soul-reviving fellowship with the Father and the son, through the Holy Spirit. Watch over thy passions, conduct, and conversation, so as that the Spirit of the Lord be not grieved, nor his comfortable influences withdrawn from thy soul. Be ready to every good work, as thou hast ability and opportunity; and take special care thy good be not evil spoken of through the manner of thy performing it. Let no external services whatever, either respecting thyself or others, make thee neglect a constant watchfulness over the inward motions of thine own heart. Let the written word of God be thine invariable rule, both in principle and practice. Whatever persuasion advanceth not the Redeemer's honour, and tendeth not to magnify his grace, work, and salvation, be sure cometh of Him who calleth us. Be very earnest after meekness, humility, patience, self-denial, inward holiness, and all other graces of the Spirit; these carry their own evidence that they are wrought of God, and in their blessed effects will remain with thee for evermore.
"My son, if thine heart be wise, and experienced in these things, my heart shall rejoice, even mine."
Lord, fill my heart with love and joy,
And fill it with thy precious peace;
So will my tongue find sweet employ,
And bless the Lord my righteousness.
The Twenty Nineth Day of July.
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. - KJV
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. - ESV
Psalm 119. 18.
Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death. - KJV
Light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, - ESV
Psalm 13. 3.
For with thee is the fountain of life; in thy light shall we see light. - KJV
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. - ESV
Psalm 36. 9.
Divine Answer:
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. - KJV
I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. - ESV
John 12. 46.
The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind. - KJV
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. - ESV
Psalm 146. 8.
Many imagine their eyes are opened, and that they have clear notions of religion in their heads; but they see just like Eve after eating the forbidden fruit; their hearts being corrupted, are destitute of Christian simplicity and godly sincerity; for he does not understand the word of God by the light of the Holy Spirit, through prayer and faith, but only by his natural reason, is certainly blind, Revelations 3. 17;(1) and one devilish and plausible temptation to error and sin is enough to break the strongest chain of human reasoning, for it is only faith that gets the victory. 1 John 5. 4.(2)
The soul enlighten'd from above
with joy receive the word;
They see what wisdom, power, and love
Shine in their dying Lord.
The vital savour of his name
restores their fainting breath;
But unbelief perverts the same
Th guilt, despair, and death.
Till God diffuse his graces down,
Like showers of heavenly rain,
In vain Apollos sows the ground,
And Paul may plant in vain.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Revelations 3. 17;
KJV - Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
ESV - For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
(2) 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.
The Thirtieth Day of July.
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Without me ye can do nothing; therefore, Abide in me. - KJV
For apart from me you can do nothing. therefore, Abide in me. - ESV
John 15. 4, 5.
I can no more do without thee, O my dear Saviour, than the branch can do without the vine. Keep me, therefore, always in thee, else I shall have recourse to my old fancied stock of grace, though I have been a thousand times convinced of its insufficiency. May I never be left in the least thing to my own strength, but be directed, assisted, and blessed by thee in all my doings; for as far as I trust to myself, I am distrustful of thee, and consequently weak; and, on the other hand, the more I distrust myself, the mor I trust thee, and shall be strengthened and blessed.
Son of God, thy blessing grant,
Still supply my every want;
Tree of life, thine influence shed,
With thy sap my spirit feed.
Tend'rest branch, alas! am I;
Wither without thee and die;
Weak as helpless infancy:
Oh confirm my soul in thee.
Unsustain'd by thee, I fall;
Send the strength for which I call;
Weaker than a bruised reed,
Help I every moment need.
All my hopes on thee depend,
Love me, save me to the end
Give me thy continuing grace,
Take the everlasting praise.
The Thirty First Day of July.
Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most high: and call unto me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me; and to him that ordereth his conversation aright I will
show the salvation of God. - KJV
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God! - ESV
Psalm 50. 14, 15, 23. See also Isaiah 25. 9.(1)
Nothing moves God more to hear us than the glorifying him by faith with thanksgiving, and keeping up a childlike confidence in him, as our reconciled Father in Christ: and nothing quickeneth faith more than the sure promises of answering our prayers. Thus God will certainly hear and deliver us, since all his ways are only designed to strengthen us in faith, and save our souls. What need we then to be afraid in times of trouble? Ought we not rather to draw near to God in prayer and thanksgiving, and glorify him even beforehand, confidently believing that we shall certainly meet with new deliverances and quickenings of faith?
To what a stubborn frame
Has sin reduced our mind;
What strange, ungrateful wretches we,
And God as strangely kind.
Turn, turn us, mighty God,
And mould our souls afresh
Break, sov'reign grace, these hearts of stone,
And give us hearts of flesh.
Let old ingratitude,
Provoke our weeping eyes;
And hourly, as new mercies fall,
Let hourly thanks arise.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Isaiah 25. 9.
KJV - And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
ESV - It will be said on that day,
"Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.
This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation."