CALL UPON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE .

 
October 31
 
Psalms 50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble:
I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
 

Keep the straight path of duty, and if troubles come, or difficulties arise, thy God invites thee to call upon Him.

 

He will come to thy help, and bring all His boundless resources with Him.

 

He is always within call.

 

His ear is never heavy, that it cannot hear;

His arm is not shortened, that it cannot reach or save.

 

He can make thy greatest troubles prove thy choicest blessings;

He can give thee cause to bless Him through eternity, for thy sorest trials.

 

Oh, trust Him, and fear not!

 

Run not to creatures; but, “Arise and call upon thy God.“

 

Look not to others, until thou hast proved that He cannot, or will not help; and that will never be.

 

His heart is too kind, His words is too faithful.

 

Art thou in trouble this morning?

 

If so, you have a SPECIAL invitation from thy God to pay Him a visit, and lay thy whole case before Him; expecting His sympathy, interference, and blessing; He says, “CALL UPON ME IN THE TIME OF TROUBLE. I WILL DELIVER THEE AND THOU SHALT GLORIFY ME.”

 

He is faithful who has promised.

 

Oh, trust Him, for so you honor Him; expect from Him, and you cannot be disappointed.

 

Wait for Him and you shall not be ashamed.

 
Dear refuge of my weary soul,
On Thee, when sorrows rise,
On Thee, when waves of trouble roll,
My fainting hope relies.
 

James Smith

TAKE HEED AND BEWARE OF COVETOUSNESS .

 
October 30
 
Luke 12:15
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware 

of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the

 abundance of the things which he possesseth.

 

This is a warning from the lips of our beloved Lord.

 

He knows our weaknesses and our foes, and He cautions us against them.

 

We want but little here below, for we shall not be here long; and we are going to the land of plenty, rest and joy.

 

A little with the Lord‘s blessing is enough.

 

We are not to be anxious about temporals; only let us be careful that the world is not a loser by us, and we need trouble no further.

 

The Lord will give us enough if we are living by faith upon Him, and walking communion with Him.

 

We are all prone to be covetous, and it is a fearful sin.

 

Covetousness is idolatry.

 

It steals the heart from God, and sets it upon base and sordid things.

 

It prevents our enjoying either temporal or spiritual blessings.

 

A covetous man must be miserable, must be unholy, must be lost for ever; well may our dear Lord say, “TAKE HEED, AND BEWARE OF COVETOUSNESS.“

 

It is sly and insinuating, it is deceitful and powerful; and if it once becomes rooted in the heart, nothing but omnipotent grace can root it out.

 

Covet only the best gifts, spiritual blessings.

 

 
Great things we are not here to crave;
But if we food and raiment have,
Should learn to be therewith content;
Into the world we nothing brought,
Nor can we carry from it aught,
Then walk the way your master went.
 

James Smith

THE LOVE THAT GOD HATH TO US .

 
OCTOBER 29
 
I John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that
God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth
in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
 

Who shall describe it?

 

What tongue or pen can set it forth?

 

It is infinite, and what can finite mortals say?

 

It is eternal, and how can we who are but of yesterday declare it?

 

It is present heaven of the saints, to know and believe the love that God HATH for them.

 

None can reveal it to us, or shed it abroad in our hearts, but the Holy Ghost.

 

He can deliver our hearts into the love of God and into patience of Jesus.

 

He is in office to show the saints the things of God, and enable them to believe and enjoy them.

 

Let us, beloved, daily pray that we may know and enjoy the love that God hath to us; it will be an antidote to all our miseries, a source of joy under all our sorrows.

 

Our friends and frames may change, but the love of God is unchangeable.

 

Our temporal prospects may be all blighted, but if we know and enjoy the love of God, we cannot be unhappy.

 

WHO, OR WHAT SHALL SEPARETE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD?

 

Jesus has told us that we shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck us out of His hand.

 

The love of God is in the source of our happiness, and the cause of our safety.

 

Oh, to know and believe the love that God hath to us!

 

GOD IS LOVE.

 
What shall I do my God to love?
My loving God to praise?
The length, and breadth, and height to prove,
And depth of sovereign grace!
 

James Smith

 

SON, GO WORK TODAY IN MY VINEYARD.

 

October 28

 

Matthew 21:28

But what think ye? A certain man had two sons;

and he came to the first, and said,

Son, go work to day in my vineyard.

 
Some are God’s sons only by creation; the Jews were so by national adoption; believers are so by regeneration.
 
They are born of God, and adopted by God.
 
Our God never intended that His children should be idle; 

He says to every child, “SON, GO WORK.”
 
This is the command of Father; it contains affections, it flows from authority.
 
We are to work for His glory, for the good of others, and to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven.
 
Working for God is creditable – profitable – pleasant.
 
Our work is in His vineyard, the church finds work for all.
 
Some are employed to plant, some to weed, some to water, and some to watch.
 
The command is “WORK TO-DAY.”
 
The present is the period.
 
To-day, while you have light, strength, and opportunity.
 
Remember, it is but a day, a short period at longest, but it often proves to be a short day.
 
Are you standing all the day idle?
 
Going into the vineyard.
 
Are you discouraged?
 
Imitate her who did what she could.
 
Look to the Lord; He will give ability – opportunity – and crown with success.
 

O give me, Lord, an upright heart,

Well nurtured with a godly fear,

Which from Thy precepts will not start,

When clouds and threatening storms appear,

But onward press with even pace,

Refresh’d and fortified by grace.

 
James Smith
 

THE LORD WILL GIVE GRACE AND GLORY .

 
October 27
 
Psalms 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield:
the LORD will give grace and glory: no good
thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

 

This is good news, for except the Lord give us grace we shall never be sanctified; and unless He gives us glory we shall never be glorified.

 

All must be the free gift and free grace.

 

If anything good was required of us to entitle us, we must sit down in despair; but now all is of divine bounty, we can hope; we need not be afraid.

 

The Lord has given grace to thousands.

 

He has given great to us; and He will give more grace; great to fit for duty, grace to support in trial, grace to sanctify the heart; and He will give glory, which is grace in perfection.

 

Brethren, let us endeavour to believe that our God is as kind, bountiful, and beneficent as His word declares.

 

Let us confess our sins before Him, seek grace from Him, and look to be glorified with Him.

 

Our all is in God; our all must come from God; and all the glory should be daily given to God.

 

Whenever we want grace, let us ask it of God; for He giveth liberally and upbraideth not.

 

Let us approach His throne this morning, and be this our prayer,

“Lord, give us more grace. Give us grace daily, grace to devote us to Thy service, and fill us with holy love.”

 

O for more grace, that we may give God more glory.

 
Blest is our lot whate’er befall;
Who can affright, or appal?
Since on Thy strength, our rock, our all,
Jesus! we cling to Thee.
 

James Smith

 

 

AM I IN GOD'S STEAD ?

 
OCTOBER 26
 
Genesis 30:2
And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel:
and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath
withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?

 

All our mercies are to be traced up to our God, and all our miseries to ourselves.

 

We are constantly making ourselves wretched, by departing from our God, or by putting creatures in His place.

 

We often put persons and things in God’s stead in reference to our affections, loving them inordinately; in reference to our dependence, trusting them instead of Him; in reference to our worship, idolizing them instead of adoring Him; and in reference to our expectations, expecting them to relieve, comfort, or deliver, instead of Him.

 

But insufficiency is written upon every created object.

 

No creature can fill the place of Jehovah, take the richest – the wisest – the kindest – the nearest relative or friend, and you must exclaim, “Vanity at vanities, all is vanity.“

 

But Jehovah can fill the place of all; He can be instead of Father, Husband, Child, Wealth, Health, yea, of all things.

 

Creatures may say, Am I in God’s stead?

If not, why look to me?    why depend on me?   why expect from me?   why grieve so to part with me?

 

Am I in God’s stead?

 

If so, He will remove me, or I shall disappoint you.

 

Never, never put anything in God’s place.

 
 
Heavenly Adam, life divine,
Change my nature into Thine;
Move and spread throughout my soul,
Artulate and fill the whole;
Now my fainting soul revive;
There for ever walk and live.
 

James Smith

IN EVERY THING GIVE THANKS.

 
 
OCTOBER 25
 
I Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
 

 

Every thing we enjoy should be viewed as coming from the liberal hand of God; all was forfeited by sin; what we receive is of grace.

 

The providence that supplies us, is the wisdom, benevolence, and power of God in operation for us; as expressive of His infinite love and unmerited grace.

 

Talents to provide supplies, opportunities to obtain, and ability to enjoy, are alike from the Lord.

 

Every mercy increases our obligation and deepens our debt.

 

Thanksgiving is the ordinance that God has appointed, that we may express our gratitude, and knowledge of our obligation; and our thanksgiving are acceptable and well-pleasing in His sight.

 

Thanksgiving is never out of season, for we always much to be thankful for.

 

In every thing we should give thanks to that end view all things arranged by His wisdom, dependant upon His will, sanctified by His blessing, according with His promises, and flowing from His love.

 

All our blessings come through Jesus, and all our promises must ascend through Him; for our Father only accepts what is presented in the name of His beloved son.

 

Thank God, take courage, and press forward.

 

Praise Him who by His word
Supplies our every need,
And gives us Christ the Lord
Our hungry souls to feed;
Thanks be to God for every good,
Eternal thanks for Jesu’s blood.
 

James Smith

 

I AM JESUS .

 
OCTOBER 24
 
Acts 9:5
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord
said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:
it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

 

Immanuel presents Himself this morning and tells us He is exactly suited to us, whatever may be our circumstances or feelings; He says, “I am Jesus.”

 

Are you seeking the Lord?

 

He is Jesus, the gracious, powerful, tender-hearted, ready and willing Saviour.

 

Are you tried, trouble, and cast down?

 

He is Jesus, the constant, sympathizing, present, wise, and unchangeable Friend.

 

Are you a returning backslider, filled with your own ways?

 

He is Jesus, and He says, “I will receive you;

I will heal you;

I will restore you;

I will rejoice over you;

as the shepherd over the sheep he had lost.

 

Beloved, Jesus is the Lord our God, our all in all;

our God is Jesus the Saviour, merciful, kind, and tender;

this proclamation is cheering to the sinner, and delightful to the saint.

 

Let us remember, whoever may change, whatever may change, Jesus is still;

still touched with the feelings of our infirmities;

still able and willing to help us;

still full of compassion and plenteous in mercy unto all that call upon Him;

still ready to forgive, waiting to be gracious, full of pity, and pledged to receive us.

 

When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy Gale.
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ the solid rock I stand.
All other ground is seeking sand.
 

James Smith

WE ALSO SHOULD WALK INNEWESS OF LIFE .

 

OCTOBER 23

 

Romans 6:4 

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into 

death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead 

by the glory of the Father, even 

so we also should walk in newness of life. 

 
All who profess Christ are supposed to possess a new nature; they are brought under new obligations; and are expected to keep new objects in view.
 
Being baptized into the death of Christ, and participating in His resurrection, they should walk as influenced by new principles; the free grace, holy truth, and divine power of God, should leave them to newness of life.
 
They should walk by new rules, no longer following custom, or imitating the world; they should walk according to God's word, the Saviours golden rule, and bright example.
 
The love of God, gratitude to God, and zeal for His glory, should be the motives from which they act: while to honour God; to enjoy His presence; to exhort Jesus; to benefit others; to prove the power and purity of their principles; to justify their profession; and to evidence their faith and love; should be the ends they have constantly in view.
 
A new life is expected from new creatures; and without it our religion is vain, and our profession is a falsehood.
 
Beloved, do we walk in newness of life?
 
If not, we are yet in our sins; we are dead before God.
 

Jesus, my life! Thyself apply,

Thy Holy Spirit breathe;

My vile affections crucify,

Conform me to Thy death.

Teach me to keep the heavenly path,

And conquer sin and hell by faith.

 
James Smith

AFTER HE HAD PATIENTLY ENDURED HE OBTAINED THE PROMISE .

 

OCTOBER 22

 

Hebrews 6:15  

And so, after he had patiently endured, 

he obtained the promise. 

 

Abraham was long tried, but he was richly rewarded.
 
The Lord tried him by delaying to fulfil His promise;
Satan tried him by temptation;
Men tried him by jealousy, distrust and opposition;
Hagar tried him by contemning her mistress;
and Sarah tried him by her peevishness.
 
But he patiently endured.
 
He did not question God's veracity;
nor limit His power;
nor doubt His faithfulness;
nor grieve His love;
but he bowed to divine sovereignty;
submitted to infinite wisdom;
and was silent under delays, waiting for the Lord's time
 
And so, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
 
God's promises cannot fail of their accomplishments.
 
Patient waiters cannot be disappointed.
 
Believing expectation shall be realized.
 
Beloved, Abraham's conduct condemns a hasty spirit;
reproves a murmuring one;
commands a patient one;
and encourage quiet submission to God's will and way.
 
Remember, Abraham was tried; 

he patiently waited; 

he received the promise and was satisfied;

 imitate his example and you will share the same blessing.
 

All anxious cares I fain would leave.

And learn with sweet content to live

On what the Lord shall send;

Whate’er He sends, He sends in love,

And good or bad things blessings prove,

If blessed by this Friend.

 
James Smith

THOU SHALT GUIDE ME WITH THY COUNSEL .

 
October 21st
 
Psalm 73:24
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel,
and afterward receive me to glory.
 

This supposes a knowledge of the Lord as infinitely gracious; inflexibly just; inconceivably wise; and immutably faithful; except we know Him we cannot trust Him.

 

But here is an entire surrender to Him, to be led where He pleases; as He chooses; and by whom He will.

 

This surrender is becoming, prudent, gainful; for godliness with such contentment is great gain.

 

Such as surrender is the effect of faith in the Lord's promises, gracious presence, and covenant character; it exhibits expectation from the Lord.

 

Whom the Lord guides He protects; He preserves; He supplies; He receives.

 

He receives them now at the throne of grace, to be His charge and His care; and He will receive them at the throne of His glory, and introduced them to holiness, happiness, and honour.

 

Beloved, have you thus surrendered?

 

Are you daily surrendering?

 

Can you say to your gracious God, “Thou shall guide me with Thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory?”

 

If so, happy are ye: the Spirit of glory and of God will rest upon you.

 

The Lord is a wise, patient, infallible Guide.

 
Thy word, O Lord, is light and food,
The law of truth, the source of good;
Oh, let it richly dwell within,
To keep me from the snares of sin;
And guide me still to choose my way
That I no more may go astray.
 

James Smith

BEHOLD, THY SALVATION COMETH ;

 
October 20

Isa 62:11
Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end
of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion,
Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold,
his reward is with him, and his work before him.
 

The Lord's people may be now sorely tried and often cast down; but the present is the worst state they will ever be in; they are hasting to the day of God, which is to them the day of deliverance.

 

Their salvation is on the road; they will soon be freed from all disease, from which they now suffer; from all sin, under which they are now groan; from all foes, of whom they are now afraid; and from all cares and troubles, with which they are now burdened.

 

Beloved, why are you so fearful, and why do you desponding thoughts arise in your hearts?

 

Behold, your salvation cometh; behold His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.

 

He will free you from all that pains you, and raise you above all that you fear.

 

The time of deliverance is at hand, the year of release is near, the trumpet of the Jubilee will soon be heard; our Saviour will arrive to lead us to our Father’s house, to the mansions which He hath prepared for us, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

 

Comfort one another with these words “Behold, the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet Him!

 

O to be ready for His coming, to share in His glorious triumphs!

 
Jesus beckons from on high;
Fearless to his presence fly;
Vine the merit of his blood,
Vine the righteousness of God!
Go, his triumphs to adore,
Made for God, to God return!
 

James Smith

I WILL CALL UPON THEE, FOR THOU WILT ANSWER ME .

 

October 19

Psalm 86:7

In the day of my trouble

I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. 

 
Such was David's purpose, and such his assurance; and we have the same warrant for confidence as he had.
 
Our God will answer prayer.
 
Let us inquire what is necessary, in order to the assurance that our God will answer us.
 
We must really mean what we say when we pray.
 
We must pray for a definite object.
 
We must pray in accordance with the will of God, as revealed in His promises and precepts.
 
We must pray in submission to the will of God, as to the time when, and the means by which, He will answer us.
 
We must heartily desire what we pray for.
 
Our motives must be pure, as that God may be glorified, sin subdued, and Jesus exalted.
 
We must pray with importunity and perseverance.
 
We must offer all our prayers in the name of Jesus, and expect them to be accepted and honoured only by His sake.
 
There must be no sin indulged; for if we indulge iniquity in our hearts, God will not hear our prayer.
 
We must pray in faith, believing that God is, and that He is the rewarder of all them that diligently seek Him.
 
Thus call, and God will answer you.
 

Lord, on me Thy Spirit pour,

Turn the stony heart to flesh;

And began from this good hour,

To revive Thy work afresh;

Lord, revive me !

All my help must come from Thee.

 
James Smith

I WILL LOOK UNTO THE LORD .

 
OCTOBER 18
 
Micah 7:7
Therefore I will look unto the LORD;
I will wait for the God of my salvation:
my God will hear me.

 

Looking to creatures always ends in disappointment; therefore it is forbidden by Him who loves us best, and consults our best interests at all times.

 

The prophet had been weaned from this, by many and sore trials; and now he determines to look unto the Lord.

 

Let us imitate his example.

 

We cannot do better than to look to the Lord, as our Captain, to command;

as our Master to direct;

as our Father, to provide;

and as our God to defend.

 

His name is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe.

 

Looking to Jesus, will preserve us from thousand snares;

and prepare us to suffer as Christians and triumph as conquerors.

 

The eyes of the Lord are always upon us; may our eyes be ever towards the Lord.

 

Let us look to Him for all we need;

from all we fear;

through all that obstructs our progress;

and so press on towards the mark for the prize of the high calling, which is of God in Christ Jesus.

 

He says, “Look unto me and be ye saved.”

 

It is the recorded, “They look upon Him and were lightened, and their faces were not ashamed.”

 

Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and for ever.

 

Lord, shine on my benighted heart,

With beams of mercy shine;

And let Thy Spirit’s voice impart

A taste of joys divine;

To Thee I look, to Thee I cry,

Oh, bring Thy sweet salvation nigh.

 

James Smith

MY STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS .

 

OCTOBER 17

 

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: 

for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my 

infirmities, that the power of 

Christ may rest upon me. 

 
The more the believer feels his weakness, the more should he expect his Saviour to appear for and strengthen him.
 
The strength of Jesus is imparted, enjoyed, and displayed in our sorest trials and most distressing seasons.
 
Never was Abraham so strong, as when he offered up his beloved Isaac upon the mount;
never were the martyrs so courageous, as when in prison they felt their entire weakness, cried to Jesus for strength;
and depending on His faithfulness and love, left all and went to the stake.
 
Then they could exclaim, “None but Christ. None but Christ.”
 
“Farewell life, welcome the cross of Christ.”
 
Beloved, let us walk by faith, not by feelings;
when we feel weakest, the strength of Jesus is nearest, and He magnifies His mercy by giving power to the faint, and increasing the strength of the weak.
 
Let us depend on Him, for we can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth us.
 
He is our strength, a very present help in trouble.
 
The Lord is our strength and song, He is also is become our salvation.
 
Strengthen, O Lord, that which Thou has wrought in us.
 

Saviour, on earth I covet not.

That every woe should cease;

Only if trouble be my lot,

In Thee let me have peace;

Thy grace and strength display in me,

Till I arrive at perfect day.

 
James Smith

THE LORD SHALL BE THY CONFIDENCE .

 
OCTOBER 16
 
Proverbs 3:26
For the LORD shall be thy confidence,
and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
 

Our happiness consists in knowing God and believing Him; if we know His true character, we can believe His precious word; and if we believe His holy word, we enjoy peace and sacred satisfaction.

 

He presents Himself to us in His word, as able and willing to make us holy, happy, and honourable.

 

To Him we may communicate all that troubles us, from Him we may receive all that our circumstances require, with Him we may walk and enjoy peace.

 

We may be confident in God, for He has power, love, and faithfulness; He has spoken to us, will appear for us, and will never turn away from us; but will rejoice over us to do us good, with His whole heart and with His whole soul.

 

Let us make Him our confidence, by believing His word, frequenting His throne, and seeking His glory in all things.

 

Are you troubled, fearful, and cast down?

 

Acquaint now thyself with Him and be at peace, thereby shall good come unto thee.

 

They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.

 

Let us hold fast the confidence which we had at the beginning.

 

Thou, Lord, on whom I still depend,
Wilt keep me faithful to the end;
I trust Thy truth, and love, and power,
Shall save me to the latest hour;
And when I lay this body down,
Bestow a bright and immortal crown.
 

James Smith