The Just Shall Come Out of Trouble

May 31

 

The just shall come out of trouble.

 

Proverbs 12:13 The wicked is snared by the

 transgression of his lips: but 

the just shall come out of trouble. 

 

The Lord’s people are justified by grace, through faith, in the righteousness of Jesus; and all who are thus justified and created anew have immortal principles of holiness, and justice implanted in their hearts, so that they hate sin, follow holiness, and walk uprightly.

 

Sin has not dominion over them, nor will they be slaves to lust.

 

They meet with many troubles, they have to pass through the fire and water, but they shall come out into a wealthy place.

 

They shall not perish in their afflictions, for the Lord upholdeth them with His hand.

 

Beloved, look beyond your present trials; remember if you suffer as a Christian, you suffer with Christ; and if you suffer you shall also reign with Him.

 

Your God is able to deliver; He has promised to do so; trust in Him without wavering; yield not to temptation; avoid the appearance of evil; and your God will bring you out of trouble.

 

He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgement as the noonday. You shall also forget your misery, or remember it as waters that pass away.

 

Present troubles will end in everlasting peace.

 

Millions who now His throne surround,

Here sought relief, here mercy found;

The Lord dispell’d their gloomy fears,

Heal’d all their wounds, and dry their tears;

And thou shalt also mercy find,

For God is faithful, just, and kind.

 

James Smith

All My Springs Are In Thee

May 30

 

All my springs are in thee.

 

Psalms 87:7   As well the singers as the players

on instruments shall be there: 

all my springs are in thee.

 

Jesus is the fountain of living water; the wells of salvation are found in His person, work and word; He says, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.“

 

The springs of comfort, peace, and salvation, are all in Him; and in Him for us; therefore called our springs.

 

These waters cleanse from all defilement; refresh the faint and weary; and satisfy the longing soul.

 

The springs bespeak plenitude-- whosoever will may come and take; for they are never dry.

 

We are absolutely dependent on Jesus, this is our mercy; we are not absolutely dependent on any besides, this our happiness.

 

Our desires should concentrate in Him; our affections should be fixed upon Him; and our expectations should be only from Him.

 

In Jesus is all possible variety; He can do, and bestow, all we can possibly want; for “it has please the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell.”

 

If all our springs are in Jesus, let us not then look to any other; but let us with joy draw water out of the fountains of the Savior.

 

Let us ask, and He will give us living water; that we may thirst no more.

 

Only what comes from Jesus can satisfy the soul.

 

To whom, dear Jesus, oh, to whom

Shall needy sinners flee,

But to Thyself, who bid’s us come?

Our springs are all in Thee;

Now fill my soul with Thy pure love,

And raise my thoughts and hopes above.

 

James Smith

And Be Found In Him

May 29

 

And be found in Him.

 

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness,

which is of the law, but that which is through

the faith of Christ, the righteousness

which is of God by faith: Philippians 3:9

 

To be in Christ, is to be united to Him by faith and love; and is of the utmost importance.

 

Apart from Christ we are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked; united to Christ we are immensely rich; immutably safe, exalted to the highest honour; and shall appear without a fault before the throne of God.

 

If we are in Christ, or one with Christ, we are justified by His obedience, as the debtor is cleared by the payment made by his surety; we are sanctified through Him, as the vessel is cleansed in the fountain; we are protected by Him as Noah was in the Ark; we are preserved from judicial proceedings, as the manslayer in the city of refuge; and are exalted to honour as the BRIDE of the KING ETERNAL, IMMORTAL, THE ONLY WISE GOD.

 

Well may the Apostle desire, “to be found in him.“

 

No mind can conceive, no tongue can declare the blessedness that flows from being one with Christ.

 

Let us therefore, beloved, ask, this morning, “am I in Christ at present?

 

Am I living with Him as His faithful bride; for Him as His devoted servant; upon Him as His dependent child?

 

Do I renounce all for Christ?

 

Can I say, I am crucified with Christ?

 

The world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world?”

 

Yes, yes, I must and will esteem

All things but loss for Jesus sake;

Oh, may my soul be found in Him,

And of His righteousness partake.

 

James Smith

In All Thy Ways Acknowledge Him

May 28

In all thy ways acknowledge him

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and

he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

Beloved we are the Lords, the creatures of His power, the purchase of His blood, the subject of His grace.

He has set His love upon us, employed His wisdom for us, and is deeply interested in all that concerns us.

Everything we do, should be done with a view of His glory; and in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, we should let our request be made known unto Him.

Every thing should be mentioned at His throne; His presence, direction, and blessings, should be sought in reference to every circumstances of our lives. 

Our misery can never exceed His mercy, or our application at His throne find His ear preoccupied.

He is our Father, and as such ought to be honored.

We should ask of Him, and ask with a whole heart; for he that withdraws his heart in asking, will find God withdraw His hand and giving.

Acknowledging God in all things will produce a steady peace of mind; preserve us from many temptations; and strengthen our faith in Him.

He that always acknowledge God, will find that God is always acknowledge him.

Stretch o’er my head thy guardian wings,

Secure my soul, O King of kings!

My shield and refuge be;

Thy grace and mercy, Lord, display,

Through Christ the Life, the Truth, the Way,

That I may come to Thee.

James Smith

And He Blessed Him There

May 27

And He blessed Him there

Genesis 32:29 And Jacob asked him, and said,

Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said,

Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name?

And he blessed him there. 

Poor Jacob, full of fears and alarm, retired to plead with his God; he wept and made supplication, he had power with God, and prevailed. “AND HE BLESSED HIM THERE.“

Our God delights to bless us; therefore He began so early, for He blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Jesus, before the foundation of the world; He gave us grace in His Son, before He gave us a being; but yet He will have us plead with Him, and weep before Him.

He is “THE BLESSING OF GOD.“ There never was a want that ever pierced the heart of fallen humanity, or met the omniscient eye of Jehovah, but that want was anticipated, and provided for, in the person and fulness of Christ.

And however great our conflicts and trials may be, we can have no reason to despond, for grace is given us; and grace always goes hand-in-hand with omnipotence.

Our heavenly Father‘s love cannot fail, our divine Saviour’s fulness cannot be exhausted, the faithful promise cannot be broken; let us therefore plead in the valley of Achor, wrestle on the battle-plan, and it shall again be said,“He blessed him there.“

Oh for the Spirit of prayer!

O for living and lively faith!

Lord, let me know the grace below,

To all believers given;

Oh, bid me feel thy love, and go

In perfect peace to heaven!

James Smith

Let A Man Examine Himself

May 26

Let a man examine himself

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of

that bread, and drink of that cup. I Corinthians 11:28

This is necessary, that we may know upon what we are resting; and whether we are growing or declining. Let us examine this morning upon what foundation we are building for eternal life, and from what does our hope arise?

What is the source of our satisfaction, pleasure, and peace?

What do we possess to prove the reality of our religion?

Have we been quickened by the Holy Spirit?

Is Christ our life, and is He living in earth?

Are we enlightened to see sin, in its nature, character, and acting?

Have we living faith which receives Christ, believes His word, and lives to Him?

Have we a good hope through grace?

Is the love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost?

Do we love God because He first loved us, and walk with Him and peace and holiness?

Have we the earnest and witness of the Spirit in our hearts?

Are we conflicting with sin, and praying to be delivered from it, as from a tyrant, a plague, the most fearful evil?

Let us examine carefully, deliberately, prayerfully taking God’s word for our rule and guide.

Let us prove our own work, so shall we have rejoicing in ourselves alone, and not in others.

Searcher of hearts! oh, search me still!

The secrets of my soul reveal;

My fears remove; let me appear

To God and my own conscience clear;

Each evidence of grace impart,

And deeply sanctify my heart!

James Smith

Certainly I Will Be With Thee

May 25

Certainly I will be with thee.

Exodus 3:12

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and

this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee:

When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt,

ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

It is a great honour to be favoured with the presence of Jehovah; but in every enterprise for His glory, in every duty required by His word, in every dangerous part of the pilgrim’s path, in every trouble in this land of strangers, He has promised to be with us.

His presence is to encourage, strengthen, protect, and prosper us.

This promise should arm us against fear, nerve the mind against opposition, and embolden us in a good cause.

Beloved, has God promised to be with us?

Let us then seek to realize His presence; never let us be satisfied with any religion without the Lord’s presence.---

If God be with us we shall be successful; all He requires He will provide; and display in our experience the exceeding riches of His grace.

His presence is sure to His people; He is not always perceived by sense, but certainly He is present; for though heaven and earth may pass away, one joy or tittle of His word shall no wise pass away; all must be fulfilled.

Let us then seek and expect the presence of Jehovah this day; and rejoice that He has said, “I will never leave thee, nor for sake thee.“

May we never forsake Him.

Then rest, my soul, upon the Lord,

Believe and plead His faithful word;

He will be with thee, He will guide,

And for thy every want provide;

O trust His faithful love and power,

In every gloomy trying hour!

James Smith

The Enemy

May 24

The Enemy

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents

and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy:

and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 

The Christian has many foes, but there is one who is emphatically called “The Enemy.“

He is the god of this world; all worship him, except those whom Jesus has delivered from him.

He is the prince of the power of the air, he rules over and works in all unbelievers.

He is a subtle serpent, endeavouring to deceive; a roaring lion, seeking to devour.

He has the power of death. He gains access to our hearts, and is always attempting to lead us astray.

He is well versed in Scripture, and will often quote it, in order to misapply it; he will use one part to fill us with terror, another to lead us to make light of sin.

He is always planning how he shall injure us, and is incessantly trying to draw us from God.

Beloved, there is no safety for us but at the feet of Jesus; it is only as we abide in Him, and walk Him, that we can overcome Satan.

Our weapons are the blood of the Lamb, and the word of the divine testimony; faith seizes the perfect work of Christ as its shield, and the word of God as its sword, and thus overcomes the infernal foe.

Let us put on the whole armour of God.

Jesus, hath died for you;

What can His love withstand?

Believe, hold fast your shield, and who

Shall pluck you from his hand?

You shall o’rcome through Jesu’s blood,

And stand complete before your God.

James Smith

We Look For The Saviour

May 23

We look for the Savior.

Philippians 3:20  For our conversation is in heaven;

from whence also we look for the Saviour,

the Lord Jesus Christ:

Our beloved Saviour is now at the right hand of God.

He waits, expecting His enemies to be made His footstool.

He will come again; the time is hastening on, and we should be living in expectation of His appearing.

The Christians posture is that of waiting, looking, hasting to the coming of the day of God.

He will come the second time, as certainly as He did the first.

He will come as a thief in the night.

He will come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him.

He will come to reign, to reward His people, and to punish His foes. Let us not be slothful, careless, or indifferent about the coming of our Lord; He comes for our salvation.

Let us look for Him daily, with earnest desire, ardent hope, fervent love, importunate prayer, and diligent preparation. When He comes, the earth will be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the children of God; the groans of creation will be silenced, the prayers of the Lord’s people be answered, and crowns of righteousness bestowed.

Let us abide in Him, that we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

Lo! He comes, with clouds descending,

Once our favour’d sinners slain;

Thousand thousand saints attending,

Swell the triumph of His train;

Hallelujah!

Jesus comes, and comes to reign.

James Smith

If Ye Shall Ask Anything In My Name, I Will Do It

May 22

If ye shall ask anything in my name,

I will do it.

John 14:14   If ye shall ask any thing in

my name, I will do it.

This word of Jesus to us this morning; it is intended to encourage and embolden us at the throne of grace, and to comfort us under all our privations and wants.

Jesus has all power in heaven and in earth; all things are delivered unto Him by the Father.

He has a large store, and a kind and tender heart.

Let us therefore go to Him with our wants, that He may supply them; with our fears, that He may quell them; with our sins, that He may pardon and subdue them; with every thing that troubles us, or is likely to harm us.

Let us go to Him with confidence.

He says, “What wilt thou that I shall do for thee?

If ye ask any thing that will do you good, promote my cause, or glorify my name, I will do it. Be not afraid to ask, for I am omnipotent; do not doubt, for I give you my word; I will do it.“

Oh, believer, what a friend is Jesus! how kind! how gracious! Never complain, never respond, never be cast down, while Jesus is thy Friend.

He is, and will be thy friend for ever.

Oh, make a friend of Him!

Visit Him daily; trust Him implicitly; and follow Him fully.

Make Him your all in all.

He is worthy.

He will not deceive.

It is impossible for Him to lie.

Jesus, my Lord, I look to thee;

Where else can helpless sinners go?

Thy boundless love shall set me free

From all my wretchedness and woe.

James Smith

Take Heed To Your Spirit

May 21

Take heed to your spirit.

Malachi 2:15

And did not he make one? Yet had he the 

residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? 

That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore 

take heed to your spirit, and let none deal 

treacherously against the wife of his youth.

The spirit of the believer should be characterized by forbearance, humility, and love; he is exhorted to put away all anger, wrath, clamour, evil-speaking, and malice: and to put on bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, and to be ready to forgive.

A bitter, contentious, censorious spirit, is just the opposite of the Spirit of Christ; and an unforgiving person cannot be a Christian, for Jesus has said, “Except ye forgive men their trespasses, neither will my heavenly Father forgive you.“

Take heed then to your spirit, lest it be said. “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.”

Learn of Jesus; He was meek and lowly; patient and forbearing; kind to His enemies; and ready to forgive.

A proud contentious, overbearing disciple, cannot expect to have fellowship with a humble, lowly, and broken-hearted Master.

Beloved, let us watch over our spirits; he that rules his own spirit, does more than he that conquers a city, and a spirit that is not under control, is like a city with walls and gates broken down; open to the enemy on every side.

Lord, sanctify my spirit!

Come, blessed Spirit, heavenly Dove,

Descend on balmy wings;

Come, tune my passions all to love,

And strike the peaceful strings;

Let every action, thought, and word,

Bring honour to my holy Lord.

James Smith

He Giveth More Grace

May 20

He giveth more grace.

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

It is impossible to be more welcome at the throne of grace than we are, or for God to be more willing to bestow.

We are as welcome to the throne of grace, as angels are to the throne of glory.

Our God has provided on purpose to give.

He invite us to come that we may receive.

To give grace upon grace.

He will never weary of bestowing, though we are of asking.

We dishonour Him when we asked doubtfully, when we asked for small matters; He bids us to ask in faith, nothing doubting; to open our mouth is wide that He may fill them.

Grace comprises all we need, to pardon our sins, sanctify our natures, conquer our foes, bear our trials, and perform our duties.

If we have not, it is because we ask not, or because we ask amiss, to consume it upon our lusts.

There is great for us this morning; let us apply for it, expect to receive it, and determine to use it for God’s glory and the good of souls.

He will give grace and glory, and no good thing will He withhold from them that walk up rightly.

They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

Ask, and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find.

He giveth liberally, and upbraideth not.

Transporting truth-- amazing word!

What! grace and glory from the Lord

Oh, may I feel the promise true,

Fulfill’d in grace and glory too!

James Smith

It Shall Be Well

May 19

It shall be well

II Kings 4:23

And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him

 to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath.

And she said, It shall be well. 

This was the language of a believer in trouble; and it should be our language under similar circumstances.

Our trials, troubles, and difficulties may be great; but it shall be well with them that fear God.

Are you alarmed at the powerful working of corruption within you?

It shall be well, for sin shall not have dominion over you; for you are not under the law, but under grace.

Are you distressed by the evil suggestions and powerful temptations of Satan?

It shall be well, for the God of peace will bruise Satan under your feet shortly.

Is your soul cast down by vexations, difficulties, and the trials of the way?

It shall be well, for all things shall work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.

Do you conclude your case in singular, and therefore fear?

It shall be well, for no temptation hath taken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will also with the temptation make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Oh, precious promise of a gracious God!

Lord, help me to believe, and rejoice.

In life and death, “It shall be well.“

What cheering words are these

Their sweetness who can tell?

In time, and eternal days,

‘Tis with the righteous well.

James Smith

And Went And Told Jesus

May 18

And went and told Jesus.

Matthew 14:12

And his disciples came, and took up the body,

and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

When Herod beheaded John, his disciples took up his body and buried it, and went and told Jesus. Let us imitate their example, and carry all to Jesus.

He loves to listen to the tale of human woe. He can and will sympathize with us in all our trials and troubles.

He is our Father, and to whom shall the child tell his troubles, but to his kind and tender parent?

He will direct our steps avenge our wrongs, and turn all things to our advantage.

Does business go wrong?

Our enemies active?

Is corruption strong?

Does faith flag?

Are you tried in your family?

Go and tell Jesus.

It is it will ease your mind; prevent sin; ensure supplies; manifest relation; and frustrate the designs of Satan.

Do not sit poring over your miseries; go not to the creatures; neither murmur, complain, nor fret; but go to Jesus; go with speed; go in hope; go and tell Him all without reserve.

Go this morning, with all thy complaints, desires, and fears; lay them all before Him, and beseech Him to undertake for you.

He loves to hear you, has promised to help you, and will certainly bless you.

It is your duty, and your privilege, to pour out your heart before Him, and find Him a refuge for you.

Our sorrows and tears we pour

Into the bosom of our God;

He hears us in the mournful hour,

And helps us bear the heavy load.

James Smith

He Will Rest In His Love

May 17

He will rest in His love

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty;

he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy;

he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Man’s love is changeable, being a passions God’s love is unchangeable, being a perfection.

Having loved, He always will love.

Nothing can occur in time, but what He knew from eternity; consequently there can be no reason today, why God should not love me, but what He knew would be before He sets His heart upon me.

He fixed His love upon us in the fore-view of all that would be done by us, or felt within us; and connected us with Jesus, that He might never withdraw His love from us.

Oh, to be able to say with holy John, “We have known and believed the love that God hath to us!

 God is love!“

The love of God is from everlasting to everlasting; without variableness, are the shadow of turning.

Here God resteth, and here we should rest.

Herein is love, that God should take such poor, vile, ungrateful, wretched creatures, and make them the bride of His Son, the delight of His soul, and His portion forever more.

Oh, the riches of the divine love!

Admire it, trust it, rejoice in it, and make it the subject of your daily meditation.

“HE WILL REST IN HIS LOVE.“

On this rock we may rest with confidence; on this pillow we may repose in peace.

The cov’nant of grace all blessings secures,

Believer, rejoice, for all things are yours;

And God from His purpose shall never remove,

But love thee, and bless thee then rest in His love.

James Smith