THE FATHER HIMSELF LOVETH YOU

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 31

 

John 16:27

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have 

loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

 
Loveth who?
 
All who love Jesus.
 
And who are they?
 
Such as believe his word—rely on his merits—trust in his name—observe his ordinances—keep his precepts—and find him to be precious to their souls.
 
All such are beloved of the Father.
 
This love includes his infinite good will toward them, and his felight in them.
 
It is an infinite willingness to do good, and to bestow blessings upon them.
 
This appeared first in a purpose—then in a promise—and at length in the glorious work of his beloved Son.
 
His love is eternal, immutable, and free.
 
The proofs of it are the covenant—the gift of his Son—the bestowment of the Holy Spirit—the bible—all gospel privileges and spiritual blessings—with the kingdom of glory at last.
 
Does the Father himself love us? then let us believe the fact, especially when we go to prayer.
 
Then let us love him in return and be willing to do and suffer all his will.
 
Let us live above the world, and testify unto it, that the works thereof are evil.
 
Let us seek the welfare of all he loves.
 
Let us pity, plead for, and with sinners, encouraging those seeking the Lord, by assuring them of his love.

 

Let every tongue the Father own,

Who when we all were lost,

To seek and save us sent the Son,

And gives the Holy Ghost.

 

James Smith

TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICES

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 30

 

1 Samuel 15:22

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifices,

and to hearken than the fat of rams.

 
We are prone to attach too much importance to ceremonies.
 
Israel did so.
 
Thousands do so now to a very fearful extent.
 
But obedience to moral precepts, out of love to God, while depending for life and peace on the finished work of Christ alone, is what pleases God.
 
To obey is better than to sacrifice.
 
The obedience intended, requires the surrender of the judgment—the acquiescence of the conscience—the concurrence of the will—and the submission of the whole man to the authority of God.
 
Such obedience pleases God better than any sacrifice which we can offer, because it is an acknowledgement of his wisdom and goodness in requiring, and it is a hearty compliance with his will.
 
But in order to our obedience being thus acceptable, it must be scriptural—sincere—humble—uniform—and constant.
 
Then it is better than any gifts which we can present, than any sufferings we can endure.
 
We must obey God as a Sovereign, while we love him as a Father.
 
Our obedience must be that of children, of children living under the smile of a father’s love.
 
Our obedience is not to be considered a price paid for blessings; but as the proof of love.
 

My God, with heavenly wisdom bless,

And teach me how thyself to please:

Work in me both to will and do

That I thy glory may pursue.

 
James Smith

LET US DRAW NEAR HITHER UNTO GOD

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 29

 

1 Samuel 14:36

Let us draw near hither unto God.

 
By nature we are far from God.
 
By grace we are reconciled and brought nigh.
 
In prayer we meet with God on a throne of grace.
 
We sometimes enjoy nearness, but we are near to him whether we enjoy it or not.
 
Let us keep this view of prayer before our minds, it is drawing near to God.
 
Let us often pray and so draw nigh to him.
 
In order to this we must believe that he is—we must embrace the atonement—we must credit his word, especially the promises—we must desire what we ask—we must expect what we ask, if we really need it, and he has promised it—we muse plead as though argument and earnestness could prevail—we must place our entire confidence in the name of Jesus—we must importune until we succeed.
 
How should we draw near?
 
With confidence as his children.
 
With reverence, as sinners.
 
With frequency, as dependants.
 
With a pure conscience—without wrath or doubting—being careful that we do not indulge iniquity in our hearts.
 
Let us draw near for we are invited—we are exhorted—we are commanded.
 

O look with pity on me, Lord,

Thy precious influence afford!

From sin and Satan set me free,

And help me to draw near to thee.

 
James Smith
 

I KNOW WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 28

 John 13:18

I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: 

but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth 

bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. 

 
Some have been chosen to office, who were not chosen to salvation. This was the case with Judas.
 
But all believers are chosen to everlasting life.
 
He chose them as an act of sovereignty.
 
As presented to him by the Father.
 
He chose his people to be his bride—his servants—he witnessed—his glory.
 
His choosing them, was the cause of their choosing him.
 
He knows his chosen ones.
 
His knowledge of them is perfect.
 
He knows them by name and where they live—he knows their hearts—their faith—their hope—their love—their sorrows—their works—their wants.
 
His knowledge of then is a course of comfort to them. He approves of them.
 
If Jesus knows all his people this, he must be God; for who could distinctly know the number, names, residences, hearts, and entire circumstances of a number which no man can number, but God.
 
Beloved, Jesus knows us so as to humble our pride—honour our faith—supply all our needs—guide our steps—and reward our good works.
 
Ever remember, Jesus knows my ways in the family—in the business—in the church—in all places.
 
He knows his chosen ones, as the Father does his beloved children.
 

No claim gad we who now enjoy

The smiles of our redeeming God;

He only know who chose up why

Our hearts are his divine abode.

 
James Smith

THIS MAN RECEIVETH SINNERS

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 27

 

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying,

This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. –

Luke 15:2

 
This was a charge brought against our Lord, but it is full of consolation to us.
 
He did receive sinners, and he received them as sinners.
 
He does receive sinners still, and receives them notwithstanding their sins; yea, because of them.
 
He receives the very worst of sinners; however worthless, despised by others, or peculiar their circumstances may be.
 
Sinners of every crime at any age, without making a distinction.
 
Every sinner that comes to him, is received by him.
 
He receives them with all their sins upon them, however polluted, or however base.
 
He receives them without anything to recommend them.
 
Without any reluctance,
 
Most graciously.
 
He receives them to pardon all their sins.
 
To cleanse them from all their defilement.
 
To justify them from all charges.
 
To heal all their wounds.
 
To make them new creatures.
 
To use them to his glory.
 
To make them a peculiar people, zealous of good works on earth; and to glorify them with himself in heaven for ever.
 
Beloved, if you feel that you cannot go to God as a saint, go to Jesus as a sinner.
 
Are you doubting the character of your past experience?
 
Go to him, for he will receive you.
 
Go to him now.
 

His blood can cleanse the blackest soul,

And wash your guilt away,

He will present you sound and whole

On that tremendous day.

 
James Smith

REJOICE EVERMORE

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 26

 

Rejoice evermore. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16

 
The Christian is described as happy, “rejoicing in Christ Jesus.”
 
He is required to be happy, “Rejoice evermore.”
 
This joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It is the effect of faith. It is associated with hope.
 
“Rejoicing in hope.”
 
It is the soldier, rejoicing in his courageous and conquering captain.
 
The mariner, rejoicing in his wise and experienced pilot. The peniten, rejoicing in his pardoning and gracious God.
 
The prodigal, rejoicing in his kind and loving father.
 
This joy is sometimes unspeakable and full of glory. It is always holy joy, and is easily damped and weakened by sin.
 
Christian, thy God buds thee rejoice. The Lord’s people of old, were exceeding joyful in all their tribulations.
 
A solid foundation is laid for thy joy in God’s holy word—in his gracious covenant—in the fulness of Jesus—and in the glorious perfections of God.
 
Our joy is very often injured, by our uncertainty about our calling and election, these should be made sure.
 
By our unbelief, which insults God while it injures us.
 
By low views of Christ.
 
By a hasty spirit.
 
By worldly entanglements.
 
By an uneven walk with God.
 
By selfishness in our religion.
 
Believer, you ought to be happy.
 

Rejoice evermore in the truth and the power,

And the grace, of your heavenly Friend;

Till to us who believe he his glory doth give,

And a kingdom that never shall end.

 
James Smith
 

JESUS ONLY

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 25 

And when they had lifted up their eyes, 

they saw no man, save Jesus only. -

Matthew 17:8

 

Moses and Elijah had been with them on the mount, but they were gone, Jesus only remained.
 
How many things change, or pass away, as health—wealth—trade—comforts—ministers—relatives—youth—vigour—prosperity.
 
But whatever changes, Jesus is the same.
 
He is the same in his nature, which is love.
 
In his purpose towards us, which is grace.
 
In his promises which are faithful.
 
In his offices, as Priest—Intercessor—King.
 
In his blood, which is  always efficacious.
 
In his relations, for his is the Father—Brother—Husband—Friend.
 
The same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.
 
The passage forms a suitable motto for us.
 
Jesus only, as my plea at the throne of grace—as the object of my faith, desire, and confidence—as my hope and ground of acceptance with God— as my pattern and example— my joy and song— as my King and Lawgiver—as my all in all.
 
Let us endeavour to keep the eye and the heart always of Jesus.
 
Let us remember, that the dark cloud or the bright vision, makes no change in him.
 
Let us expect Jesus to sweeten and sanctify all bereavements, and to preserve is from the snares which accompany prosperity.
 

He’s all that’s good and great,

All that I can admire:

All that Jehovah can bestow,

And all my soul’s desire.

 

James Smith

FURY IS NOT IN ME

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 24

 

Fury is not in me: who would set the briers and

 thorns against me in battle? I would go through them,

I would burn them together. –

Isaiah 27:4

 
It is easy to mistake the character of God. This is very often done.
 
We think him wrathful.
 
We are afraid of him. But in Jesus, God meets us, blesses us, and assures us, that there is no fury in him.
 
He is a basis for hope.
 
If there is no fury in God, there is love, and I may hope.
 
He will not refuse my application, despise my prayer, or drive me from his throne.
 
Here is a source of comfort.
 
If there is no fury in God, the wrath of man is vain.
 
The rage of hell is harmless.
 
Here is an antidote for my doubts and fears.
 
If there is no fury in God. my dread of death is unfounded, my fear of rejection is childish, my alarm at the approach of judgment is causeless.
 
Here is a call for gratitude and praise.
 
If there is no fury in God, I may draw near, I may confide in him, I may expect good things from him, I ought to praise him.
 
If there is no fury in God, whom shall I fear? Of what shall I be afraid?
 
He is a refuge in trouble.
 
A vineyard in the wilderness.
 
A well of living water in the desert.
 
A river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God.
 
God is not wrath, but love.
 
God is not darkness, but light.
 
Christian, be careful what view you entertain of you God.
 

Fury is not in me,—but love

Behold the proof, my Son I gave!

And still my tender mercies move.

From sin, and death, and hell to save.

 
James Smith
 

FOR ALL THE PROMISES OF GOD IN HIM

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 23

 

For all the promises of God in him are yea, 

and in him Amen, 

unto the glory of God by us.

-2 Corinthians 1:20

 
As all light is in the sun, so all grace is in Christ.
 
The promises which are scattered over the Bible, all centre in Jesus.
 
The promises of Scripture are divine, they make known the nature and disposition of God.
 
They all originate in grace—they are proofs of unbounded condescension—and they are intended to strengthen our faith and hope.
 
They are in Christ.
 
In his mouth as the true Witness—in his hand as the Surety of the better covenant—in his heart as the Bridegroom of his church—in his will as the gracious Testator—in his inheritance, as the Heir of all things—and are all comprehended in himself, as the mercy promised to our forefathers.
 
He publishes them as a Prophet, confirms them as a Priest, and fulfils them as a King.
 
Some of them relate to the world, and some of them exclusively to the church.
 
Some of them regard the body, others the soul.
 
They embrace all time, and run forward into eternity.
 
In Christ, every promise is yea to the Greek, and amen to the Jew; that is, they are confirmed to all.
 
Beloved, let us believe them—plead them—and rest our souls upon them.
 

Here I repose my trust,

On these my hopes recline;

Eternal truth and righteousness

Appear in every line.

 
James Smith

BLESSED ARE THEY WHO KEEP MY WAYS

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 22

 

Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children:

 for blessed are they that keep my ways. 

-Proverbs 8:32

 
The Lord’s ways are various, but they all lead to glory, honour, immortality, and eternal life.
 
There is the way of salvation—or the way to be delivered from the guilt, power, and consequences of sin.
 
The way of peace—or the way to obtain, enjoy, and maintain peace of conscience.
 
The way of holiness—in which we acquire and increase it.
 
The way of truth—or the way to learn, experience, and practice it, by which we recommend our religion, and benefit our fellow man.
 
There is no entering upon, or walking in either of these ways but by faith.
 
We are saved by grace through faith. By faith we have peace with God.
 
Purifying their hearts by faith.
 
The truth of God must be believed, or it will never be practically known.
 
Faith worketh by love. Here is the commendation, “that keep my ways.”
 
They keep the eye on them, the heart toward them, and the feet in them.
 
They keep them with care—with fear—with constancy.
 
Such are blessed.
 
For they perceive correctly—they choose rightly—they walk safely—they live happily—they progress gradually—they proceed honourably—and they end gloriously.
 

Prone to stray and start aside,

Saviour! keep me near thy side.

Make me walk in all thy ways,

Teach me to show forth thy praise.

 
James Smith

YE ARE COME TO TH EBLOOD OF SPRINKLING

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 21

 

Hebrews 12:24

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,

and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh

better things than that of Abel.

 
The blood that was shed for sin, was sprinkled on the sinner; the former action made atonement, the latter declared the sinner clean.
 
The blood of Jesus is the blood of sprinkling.
 
It has made peace for sinners.
 
It speaks peace to sinners.
 
It cleanses from all sin, and it does this meritoriously—efficaciously—infallibly.
 
It heals the wounded conscience, perfumes our services, and confirms the covenant.
 
It secures us, as the blood of the Passover claims of infinite Justice.
 
It procured pardon for the guilty—life for the dead—redemption for the captive—and all grace for graceless sinners.
 
As believers we come to this blood of sprinkling.
 
We come to trust in it for, it alone procures us acceptance with God.
 
We come to prove it and enjoy the blessedness that results from it.
 
We come to plead it, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
 
We come to rejoice in it, for it is a source of comfort, consolation, and joy.
 
We come by faith.
 
We come whenever annoyed by guilt, disturbed by fears, beset by Satan, pinched by want, and when death is near.
 

Upon the cross my Saviour hung,

And shed his vital blood;

And every wound is now a tongue

To plead my cause with God

 
James Smith

TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 20

 

Revelation 2:17

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

 
Every Christian is a soldier, and he is exhorted to conduct himself as a good solider for Jesus Christ.
 
Every Christian solider must go to war.
 
His enemies are numerous and powerful.
 
They must be conquered, for they will never yield.
 
He must never propose or accept of any terms with them.
 
He must fight until they are entirely subdued. He must overcome the world.
 
He must conquer Satan.
 
He must rule over his own spirit.
 
Heaven is the home of conquereres.
 
Honours unspeakably glorious are reserved for them. Jesus, the captain of their salvation, will give them to eat of the tree of life, and of the hidden manna—to possess the white stone, with the new name written—the morning star—the white raiment—to be a pillar in the temple of God—to wear a crown of life—and to sit with him on his throne.
 
All these are promised to him that overcometh.
 
Every indulgence that can be granted, every honour that can be conferred, will be the portion of the conqueror.
 
Let us therefore wrestle, strive, and fight; using the whole armour of God, strong in the grace of Jesus, keeping the eye upon the prize, and stimulating each other in the conflict.
 
By faith we conquer.
 

Then let me meet my three-fold foe,

And conquering on to conquer go.

Arm’d with his sword, and mind, and name,

Who hell, the world, and sin o’ercame.

 
James Smith

I KNOW THAT THOU FAVOUREST ME

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 19

 

Psalm 41:11

By this I know that thou favourest me, because

mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

 

What believer does not know this!
 
And yet who is sufficiently affected by the fact.
 
If God had not favoured us, we had been still dead in sin.
 
Or we had been smarting under the lashes of a guilty conscience.
 
Or we had been shut up in despair.
 
Or our enemy had triumphed over us. He is superior to us in wisdom, power, experience, and perseverance.
 
He has had great advantage given him by our weakness, timidity, and cowardice; by our powerful corruptions, and ignorance of his devices.
 
He has endeavoured to lead us into sin, draw us into apostasy, or drive us to despair but he has not prevailed.
 
He certainly would if the Lord had not favoured us. But Jesus has interceded for us.
 
The Holy Spirit has helped our infirmities. Our heavenly Father has faithfully fulfilled his word, and has restrained, curbed, and kept him back. He has shielded us in the day of conflict and protected us in the heat of the battle.
 
Surely the Lord had favoured us, for we have stood, when many have fallen; have persevered while many have gone back; we live to-night as the monuments of his mercy.
 
Each of us may say, I am God’s favoured child.
 

Then will I trust his power and grace,

Deliverance to command,

Till with his saints, before his face

In endless bliss, I stand.

 
James Smith

I AM GLORIFIED IN THEM

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 18

 

John 17:10

And all mine are thine, and

thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

 
The work of Jesus was to glorify the Father, and the Father is glorified in him.
 
Our work should be to glorify Jesus, and he is glorified in us.
 
His blood is glorified, in our person, peace, and cleansing from all sin.
 
His righteousness, in our complete, perpetual, and eternal justification.
 
His power, in our preservation from the world, and preservation unto eternal life.
 
His mercy, in our quickening, and numerous comforts.
 
His word in our liberty, and holy joy.
 
His condescension, in our fellowship and communion.
 
His faithfulness, in the answers we receive to our prayers and our petitions.
 
His goodness, in our supplies and supports under trouble.
 
His sympathy, in our afflictions and sorrows.
 
His patience, in bearing with our perverseness and many infirmities.
 
His grace, in our whole lives, in death, and in our eternal salvation.
 
Jesus is glorified in us, for all we are, we owe to him; all we gave, we receive from him and all we hope for, we expect from him.
 
His church is his glory, and he will make her glorious.
 
He will present her unto himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing.
 
Sweet thought, Jesus is glorified in me!
 

Now glorify thyself in me,

Saviour, Redeemer, Friend!

Fain would I live for thee,

On whom I now depend.

 
James Smith

INIQUITIES PREVAIL AGAINST ME

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 17

 

Psalm 65:3

Iniquities prevail against me: as for our

transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.

 
 
The believer is in a state of warfare.
 
Sin lives in him, works in him, and sometimes overcomes him.
 
He is never free from sin, and has daily need to watch and strive against sin.

  —Iniquities prevail against us at times, and then they break our peace

  —strengthen unbelief

  —lead away our affections from God

  —close the mouth in prayer

  —silence the voice of praise

  —weaken and pollute the soul

  —and raise a cloud between God and us,

      so that we cannot see his face, or enjoy.

 
When we yield to sin and it prevails against us, 

  we must expect to feel the rebukes and 

    reproofs of the Holy Spirit within; 

      the rod of affiliation may also be laid on without; 

       confusion and perplexity will be felt before the throne; and 

           our state calls for humiliation, confession, and 

              repentance toward God.
 
If the Lord sanctify this experience to us, it will lead us to fate sin more, and loathe ourselves before God: we shall become more watchful and prayerful; we shall be more jealous of ourselves, and careful to avoid all appearance of evil; and when again set at liberty, we shall bless, praise, and adore the long-suffering mercy, and forgiving love of God.
 

Lord, my iniquities prevail,

My courage droops, my spirits fail;

Do thou me rebel lusts subdue,

And all my inward powers renew.

 
James Smith

NO MORE CHILDREN

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 16

 

Ephesians 4:14

That we henceforth be no more children. Tossed to and fro,

and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight

of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

 

This refers not to state, but to stature.
 
We are always in the relation of children, but in understanding we should be men.
 
The Lord has made provision for the growth of his people, and he exhorts them to grow.
 
We should advance in knowledge, children are satisfied with trifles, we should not be.
 
We should increase in strength, and become strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus.
 
We should also become more courageous against our foes, bold in the Lord’s cause, and steadfast in our attachment to divine things.
 
Our faith, our hope, our love, and our zeal should grow.
 
We should not be stationary; but from babes, grows up to young men; and from young men to fathers in Christ.
 
In order to our grow we must make use of food, exercise, and devotion; we must feed upon Christ, exercise all our graces, and live in fellowship with God.
 
That we may grow, the Lord has given us his book, his ordinances, and his Son.
 
He has promised that we shall “grow as the vine.” and “go forth and grow up as calves of the stall.”
 
Let us set our heart upon growing, and attend to this salutary caution, “That ye be no more children.”
 

Then, Lord, forbid that we

Should ALWAYS little children be;

But may our path shine more, we pray,

And more until the perfect day.

 
James Smith