RETURN UNTO THY REST, O MY SOUL .

November 30th

 

Psalm 116:7 

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; 

for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. 

 

There is no rest for the Christian but at the feet of Jesus; when we lived near to Him, and exercise our faith upon Him, we are at rest.

 

Conscience is silent, or commends us.

 

The law has nothing to say against us.

 

The world has but little influence over us.

 

Satan is weak and cannot overcome us.

 

But if we wander we become weak, we lose our courage; and darkness, perplexity, and trouble, frequently fill our minds.

 

But we MAY return, for Jesus is still inviting us, we MUST return, or we cannot enjoy peace; let us therefore return unto our rest this morning.

 

O Jesus! we come to Thee!

 

Receive Thy wandering sheep, restore unto us the joy of Thy salvation, and let us find rest at Thy cross.

 

Oh, to rest on Thy faithful word, with Thy faithful people!

 

To rest from slavish fear, worldly care, and distressing anxiety; to rest in Thy boundless love, satisfied with the dispensation of Thy special providence.

 

Return, return, my soul, from all thy wanderings, and find thy rest in Jesus; thy faithful Friend and Saviour.

 

Sweet assurance, “He will receive us graciously.”

 

O Jesus, be my rest, and the solace of my soul today!

 

Indulge me, Lord, in thy repose,

Which only he who loves Thee knows;

Lodged in Thine arms I fear no more

The tempest’s howl, the billow’s roar;

Those storms must shaken th’ Almighty’s seat,

Which violate the saints’ retreat.

 

James Smith 

I WILL MENTION THE LOVING-KINDNESS OF THE LORD.

 

November 29

 

Isaiah 63 7

I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD,

and the praises of the LORD, according to all that

 the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness

toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on

them according to his mercies, and according

to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.

 
What subject so suited as this to engage the thoughts, fill the memory, and flow from the lips of the Lord's people?
 
Let us mention the provision made for all His poor, for all their wants;
the promises given to all His people, comprehending all their desires;
the prayers answered in all times of trial, granting relief and defence.
 
Let us mention the loving-kindness of the Lord to those who are seeking Him, it will encourage them;
to those who are complaining it may silence them;
to those who are tempted, it will support them;
to those who have backslidden, it will convince, and perhaps restore them.
 
Let us speak of His kindness to ourselves, to check murmuring, produce gratitude, and raise hope.
 
Let us mention the loving-kindness of the Lord, at the Lord's throne, in pleading and intercession, in prayer and expostulation; in praise and thanksgiving.
 
Let us often speak one to another, and let this be our daily subject, “THE LOVING-KINDNESS OF THE LORD.”
 
This will comfort, strengthen, and sanctify our minds; it will bring us peace.
 

We’ll speak of all He did, and said,

And suffered for us here below;

The path He mark’d for us to tread,

And what He's doing for us now;

Discarding every worldly theme,

Our conversation filled with Him.

 
James Smith

THE DAY SHALL DECLARE IT .

 
November 28
 
I Corinthians 3:13
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for
the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed
by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
 

The day refer to is the day when the Lord Jesus shall reveal from heaven in flaming fire, when the dead shall be raised, and the judgment commence.

 

Oh, what a day will that be!

 

Then every covering shall be removed, and every secret exposed.

 

It will be a revealing day -- a convincing day -- a confirming day -- a condemning day -- a justifying day.

 

Then our motives will all be discovered, and our intentions laid bare.

 

Hypocrisy will be condemned, and deception punished.

 

Oh beloved, let us live as having that day before us; let us act as though persuaded that then all will be discovered.

 

Are we sincere? - The day will declare it.

 

Are we aiming at God's glory or self exaltation? -The day will declare it.

 

Are we conducting our business on christian, or worldly principle? -The day will declare it.

 

Are we honest and humble ? -The day will declare it.

 

Is our profession from principle, from faith in, and the love to Jesus? -The day will declare it.

 

Oh that that day may declare that we are humble, holy, watchful, diligent disciples of the Lord Jesus!

 

Let us daily live expecting that day, it will come upon many suddenly.

 
 
Before me place in dread array
The pomp of that tremendous day,
When thou with clouds shall come
To judge the nations at Thy bar
And tell me, Lord, shall I be there,
To meet a joyful doom?
 

James Smith

I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

 

November 27

 

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd: 

the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 

 
 
Beloved, are you in the fold of Jesus?
 
Are you numbered with His sheep?
 
Are you feeding and resting among them?
 
Jesus presents Himself to us this morning, in a very lovely character; He says, “I am the Good Shepherd.”
 
There is no other shepherd so good or so great as He.
 
He has the tenderest affection for His flock.
 
He affords them His powerful protection.
 
He finds them plenty and suitable provision.
 
He gave His life to redeem them.
 
He sends His Spirit to sanctify them.
 
He is preparing a place in heaven to receive them.
 
We will eternally dwell among them and bless them.
 
Oh how great is His goodness!
 
He is indeed abundant in goodness and truth.
 
He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no one is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.”
 
What glorious security!
 
What honour is conferred on the flock of Jesus!
 
Good Shepherd, keep us near Thyself.
 
Never let us wander, no, not for a moment; but may we be always delighted with Thy love!
 

The least, the feeblest of the sheep,

To Him the Father gave;

Kind is His heart the charge to keep,

And strong His arm to save.

 
James Smith
 

AN HEIR OF GOD THROUGH CHRIST .

 

November 26

 

Galatians 4:7 

Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son;

and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 

 
By nature we are the children of wrath; but union to Jesus exalts us to the highest pitch of honour and happiness.
 
All our mercies flow through Jesus; we must ever look to him as the medium of access to God, and of union with God.
 
If we are one with Jesus, we are heirs of God; to us He has willed all the riches of grace, and all the riches of glory.
 
The testament is made and sealed, and all is secured to us by the oath of God, and the blood of our dear Saviour.
 
Oh, what an honour!
 
To be the heirs of God!
 
To possess and enjoy throughout eternity all that God can impart!
 
Unutterable grace!
 
We have enough secured to us while on earth; and we shall be put into full possession at the resurrection.
 
Let us then ascertain beyond a doubt, that we are the sons of God; that we have received the spirit of adoption; that we are united to Jesus; and daily walk with God.
 
Let us live expecting the day when we shall be put in possession, and preparing for that glorious event.
 
Let us walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called, with all lowliness and meekness, watching unto prayer.
 

Let earth no more my heart divide;

With Christ may I be crucified;

To Thee with my whole soul aspire;

Dead to the world and all its toys,

To idle pomp and fading joys,

Be thou alone my one desire!

 
James Smith

I TRUST IN THY WORD .

 

November 25

 

Psalm 119:42 

So shall I have wherewith to answer him that

reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. 

 
It is unsafe and improper to trust our feelings or fantasies; to listen to suggestions, or judge by appearances; the Christian’s guide is God's word, and this should be the object of His trust.
 
If we cannot take God's word and depend upon it, what can we trust?
 
It is true; on all necessary points plain; it has been tried and always found faithful.
 
We should believe it, rely on it, plead it, expect its fulfillment, and comfort ourselves with it; especially when surrounded with difficulties, when in darkness or filled with forebodings, because God delays and our prayers are not answered.
 
Trusting in God's faithful word will bring peace to the mind, experience to the soul, and deliverance in time of trouble; if we trust God's word we may be confident, for our supply is certain.
 
Trusting a naked promise is difficult, but it is attainable, and truly desirable.
 
The promise is God's bond, and is intended to set our minds at rest; if we trust it calmly and implicitly, we shall enjoy peace, quietness, and confidence.
 
Trusting God's word, we need fear no foe, or dread any trouble; all is safe, and safe for ever.
 
Lord, work faith in my heart this day.
 

In Thee, O Lord, I put my trust;

Mightily, and merciful, and just,

Thy faithful word I prove;

Thou canst, Thou wilt, my helper be;

My confidence is all in Thee,

The faithful God of love.

 
James Smith

I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN .

 

November 24

 

John 16:22 

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but

I will see you again, and your heart shall

rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. 

 
The presence of Jesus is happiness of His people; when He is present manifesting His love, we are filled with joy and peace; but when He hides His face we are troubled.
 
Nor is it any wonder, for then generally, Satan comes in with his temptations; our corruptions rise and trouble us; and for a time every thing seems to be against us.
 
But if Jesus hath once visited, He will come again; and He will manifest Himself unto us as He doth not unto the world.
 
In every season of desertion and darkness, let us plead this precious promise given us by our adorable Lord.
 
He sympathises with us, and says, “Ye now therefore have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”
 
Precious Lord Jesus, let us this day enjoy Thy presence and Thy love; come and visit us, or rather, come and take up Thy abode with us, to leave us no more for ever.
 
Our souls thirst for Thee; we long to enjoy Thy love, as we have done in days that are gone by.
 
Oh, manifest Thyself unto us this day, and unite us closer than ever unto Thyself.
 
O make us like Thyself and dwell with us for ever!
 

Then let us sit beneath His cross,

And gladly catch the healing stream;

All things for Him account but dross,

And give up all our hearts to Him

Of nothing think or speak beside;

My Lord, my love, is crucified.

 
James Smith

OPEN THY MOUTH WIDE, AND I WILL FILL IT .

 
 

November 23

 

Psalm 81:10 

 I am the LORD thy God, 

which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: 

open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. 

 
The word of God affords all possible encouragement to earnest, fervent prayer; men ought always to pray, and not to faint.
 
Believers should ask all they want of God as their heavenly Father; they should ask of Him because He has bidden them, and expect to receive because He is faithful.
 
Are our wants many this morning?
 
Our God bids us open our mouths wide, and promises to fill them.
 
We should ask largely, for God considers Himself honoured when we ask for much, and expect much.
 
He rejoices over us to do us good.
 
He looks upon us as His dear children, and pledges Himself to give all that we want, or can use to His glory.
 
Let us then ask for a supply of every want;
let us continue to plead His largest promises;
let us continue to plead in the name of Jesus until we receive.
 
Our God heareth prayer; and if we, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto our children, much more will our heavenly Father give good things to them that ask Him.
 
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us.
 

Thou art coming to a King,

Large petitions with thee bring

For His grace and power are such,

None can ever ask too much;

He Himself has bid thee pray,

Therefore will not say thee nay.

 
James Smith
 

I will correct thee in measure

 
 

November 22

 

Jeremiah 30:11 

For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I

make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee,

yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee

in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished. 

 
Sin procures correction, and love sends it.
 
Every child is chastened, because every child sins.
 
But though we are corrected for sin, yet not according to the desert of sin.
 
Our Father chastens us in measure, not in wrath, but in love; not to destroy, but to save us.
 
There is no wrath in His heart, for He has sworn that He will not be wroth with us; yet He will visit our sin with the rod, and our iniquities with stripes.
 
He is reconciled to our persons, but not to our follies; therefore He says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore and repent.”
 
Let us not despise His chastening, nor faint when we are rebuked of Him; for it is the common lot of all His children, and if it drives us to Him, and humbles us at His feet, it is evidently sent in love.
 
It is painful blessing; a mercy sent to purify and cleanse us.
 
If we sin and are not chastened, our sonship is questionable; for what son is he whom his father chasteneth not?
 
But if we are chastened, God dealeth with us as with sons; and our sufferings are the fulfillment of His promise.
 
He corrects us for our profit, to make us partakers of His holiness.
 

Though ten thousand ills beset thee,

From without and from within,

Jesus saith, He'll ne’er forget thee,

 But will save from hell and sin;

He is faithful

To perform His gracious word.

 
James Smith

MY PEACE I GIVE UNTO YOU .

 
 

November 21

 

John 14:27 

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your

heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

 
 
Peace is an invaluable blessing, it is the gift of Jesus.
 
None but believers know the sweetness of the peace He bestows.
 
He made it by shedding His blood.
 
He proclaims it in the everlasting gospel.
 
He bestows it upon us when we believe, and it is enjoyed in the heart under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
 
It is peace with God.
 
A peaceful conscience.
 
The beginning of heaven in the soul.
 
He gives it often when in the midst of trouble; and it makes every burden light, every trouble less, and the sinner happy in every situation.
 
O Jesus! give us thy peace this morning!
 
Let it reign and rule in our hearts this day.
 
Believer, look only to Jesus for peace, for “HE IS OUR PEACE.”
 
Believe His word, receive His atonement, trust in His perfect work, aim to show forth His praise, and peace which passeth all understanding shall fill your mind.
 
Let it be your daily prayer, that you may enjoy this peace in death; for then you will die happy, honorably, and safely.
 
Seek it as a gift of grace, and you shall enjoy it to honour of God.
 
You can receive peace from God, though you cannot make your peace with God.
 
 

Close to my Saviour’s bloody tree,

My soul untired shall ever cleave;

Both scourged and crucified for me,

With Christ resolved to die and live;

My prayer, my grand ambition this,

Living and dying to be His.

 
James Smith
 

BRETHREN, THE TIME IS SHORT.

 
November 20
 
I Corinthians 7:29
But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth,
that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

 

Then our suffering must be short, for they are bound by time, and are confined to the present world.

 

Consoling consideration this.

 

Then our opportunities to glorify our God below, must be short; therefore we ought to seize them and improve them with all our might.

 

Then the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the contradictions of sinners against us will soon be ended; let us therefore be patient, and prayerful, and diligent; for our redemption draws nigh.

 

The time is short; then we shall soon see our Jesus, enjoy the company of our sanctified brethren, and be for ever with the Lord.

 

The time is short, but eternity is long; let us therefore be laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust that corrupt; and let us be daily preparing for our last remove.

 

The time is short, it flies away, our dying day will soon be here; it remaineth therefore, that both they that have been wives be as those that have none; and they that weep, as though that wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they that possessed not.

 

Let us use our little time to a good purpose.

 

 
Oh, may my soul maintain her ground,
From faith to faith go on!
At the last day in Christ be found,
And form the circles that surround
His everlasting throne.
 

James Smith

IT IS GOOD FOR US TO BE HERE.

 

November 19

Matthew  17:4 

Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord,

it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us 

make here  three tabernacles; one for thee, 

and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 

 
So said Peter when on the mount with Jesus, and so have we said when enjoying His presence and His love.
 
It is good to live and walk in communion with God.
 
It is good to be numbered with God's people, and to occupy a place in His church.
 
It is good to be in the presence world, because we have an opportunity of bearing witness for Jesus, and against its course; we have talents to use, and opportunities for usefulness, whereby we can glorify God.
 
Is Jesus honoured by our patient suffering?
 
Then, when on the bed of affliction, we should say, “Lord it is good to be here!”
 
Is our God glorified by our industry, forbearance, and testimony to the power and grace of Jesus?
 
Then when in our business, or in company with those whom we are trying to benefit, we may exclaim, “Lord it is good to be here!”
 
Yes, Christians, it is good to be any where, and any thing, so that thy Jesus may be glorified, and the end of thy creation, redemption, and sanctification, obtained.
 
Oh, to aim always to honour God, and then we may every where say, “Lord, it is good to be here!”
 
But if it is good to be here, how much better to be alone!
 

Great Comforter, descend

In gentle breathings down;

Preserve me to the end,

That no man take my crown;

My Guardian still vouchsafe to be,

Nor suffer me to go from Thee.

 
James Smith

I WILL BE AS THE DEW UNTO ISRAEL .

 
November 18
Hosea 14:5
I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow
as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.

 

Our hearts by nature are like the dry, dead, and barren earth; there would be neither life, beauty, nor fruit, but for the grace of God.

 

And even after regeneration, we are as much dependent upon God, as the earth in the east is dependent upon the dew.

 

If there is no dew, there will be no fruit, and if there be no grace, there will be no real religion.

 

But our God has said, “I WILL BE AS THE DEW UPON ISRAEL.”

 

What the dew is to the earth, God will be unto His people.

 

Does the dew cool and refresh the earth?

      So will the Lord cool and refresh our souls with a sense of His love, and the tokens of His favour.

 

Does the dew soften and break the clods of the valley?

       So will our God soften and dissolve our hard and impenient hearts.

 

Does the dew prepare the ground for seed, and cause the same to vegetate and grow?

        So will our God prepare our hearts to receive the word, and cause it to grow and bring forth fruit.

 

Does the dew fall insensibly, and in the evening, when most needed?

      So will our God come unto us, when we most need His quickening and fructifying operations.

 

Come, Holy Ghost, as heavenly dew,

My parched soul revive;

The former mercies now renew,

Quicken and bid me live;

Thy fertilizing power impart,

And sanctify my barren heart.

 

James Smith

BE YE RECONCILED TO GOD .

 

NOVEMBER 17

 

II Corinthians 5:20

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God

did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

 

Is there any thing but love between God and your souls?

 

There ought not to be.

 

God hates nothing but sin.

 

He is offended with nothing but sin.

 

This we profess to hate and forsake.

 

We were once enemies, but Jesus died to reconcile us to God.

 

We are now professedly friends, but do we act towards God, and speak of God, as though we were His friends?

 

Are we offended at any thing in God, or at any thing done by God!

 

Why should we be?

 

His nature is love.

 

His ways or all infinitely wise.

 

His tender mercy is over all his works.

 

He desires that we should be the best terms with Him.

 

How wonderful!

 

He offers a pardon for all our sins, grace to sanctify our natures, and heaven to receive our souls!

 

He BESEECHES US TO BE RECONCILED.

 

As though His tender love could not rest, as though he could not be happy, or content, unless we are friends with Him.

 

Beloved, are you living or walking at a distance from God?

 

Is there any shyness between God and your soul!

 

God beseeches you by me, and I pray you and Christ’s stead, “Be reconciled to God.”

 

Sprinkled now with blood the throne,

Why beneath thy burdens groan?

See the curse on Jesus laid;

Justice owns the ransom paid;

Bow the knee, and kiss the Son,

COME AND WELCOME, SINNER, COME.

 

James Smith

ARISE AND DEPART, FOR THIS IS NOT YOUR REST.

 

NOVEMBER 16

 

Micah 2:10

Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest:

because it is polluted, it shall destroy you,

even with a sore destruction.

 

There is no permanent rest for the believer on earth; here briars and thorns will be with him, and a voice is daily sounding in his ear, “ARISE YE, AND DEPART.”

 

Here you are not to loll at ease, or idle on your journey; here you are not to expect to find satisfaction, for it is an enemy's land, and you are only passing through it to your heavenly home.

 

If your march is quick and your conduct spiritual, be not surprised if the dogs bark at you; they know you not, nor did they know your Master.

 

He was pursued, annoyed, and at last put to death by them; and in agony of soul He cried out, “Dogs have compassed me; the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me; they have pierced my hands and my feet.”

 

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but set your affections on things above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.

 

Use the world, but do not abuse it; pass through it, but never seek a home in it; remember it is peopled by the enemies of your God, and your enemies too.

 

When snares and dangers line my way,

Jesus is all my strength and stay;

Cheerful I'll walk the desert through,

Nor fear what earth or hell can do;

Jesus will ease my troubled breast,

And shortly bring my soul to rest.

 

James Smith

HE WILL BE VERY GRACIOUS .

 
NOVEMBER 15
 
Isaiah 30:19
For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem:
thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee
at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.
 

We are often very miserable, always very unworthy; but the Lord is very merciful, and He will be very gracious.

 

He will glorify His grace before angels, men, and devils, in His exceeding kindness towards us; therefore if a sense of our deep depravity and entire unworthiness discourage us, let us appeal to the graciousness of our God, and rely on that.

 

“He will be very gracious unto us at the voice of our cry; when He shall hear it, He will answer.”  

 

He has said that when, forsaking our evil courses, we return unto Him, he will prove Himself gracious.

 

“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say Here I am.”

 

Yea, He will prove Himself very gracious, for He says, “Before they call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking I will hear.”

 

Oh, the infinite grace of a gracious God!

 

Lord, keep it uppermost in our minds, and before our eyes continually; let it be our encouragement under all the discoveries of depravity we make, and our comfort under all the trials we endure.

 

Let us endeavour to give our God credit for being “VERY GRACIOUS.”

 

He is so whether we believe it or not.

 

 
What from Christ my soul shall sever,
Bound by everlasting bands?
Once in Him, in Him forever,
Thus the word of promise stands,
None shall pluck me
From the strength of Israel's hands.
 

James Smith

 

CONSIDER HOW GREAT THINGS THE LORD HATH DONE FOR YOU .

 
 
November 14

1 Samuel 12:24
Only fear the LORD, and serve him in

 truth with all your heart: for 

consider how great things he hath done for you. 

We are very apt to dwell upon our miseries, and forget our mercies.

If we are injured by man, how seldom do we forget it; but if we are favoured by God, how little attention we pay to it.

Let us this morning consider how great things the Lord has done for us, He gave His Son to be our ransom.

He has given His Spirit to be our guide, and His word to be our directory.

He called us by grace, when we were posting to perdition; 

wrought a change in our hearts, when we were enmity against Him; 

and pardoned our sins when we expected to suffer His fiercest displeasure.

 

He has given us faith to trust Him; promises to plead with Him; and proofs of His faithful regard without number.

 

He hath supplied us through all our journey, corrected our mistakes, conquered our foes, and no good thing hath He withheld from us.

Let us consider these things, and praise Him for the past, and trust Him for the future.

 

He that is our God, is the God of Salvation; He hath done great things for us, and He will do greater things, that we may glorify Him for ever.

 

My soul, consider the obligations, and give glory to thy God; do so practically -- do so daily.

Oh, may I ne’er forget
The mercy of my God;
Nor ever want a tongue to spread
His loudest praise abroad.
 

James Smith