00 The Pastor's Morning Visit contd1
Let us think of this, whenever we are cast down on account of our weakness, or the difficulties we meet with in our pilgrim way. We are weak—but Jesus is strong; and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. He has given us His Word, that He will work in us to will and to do of His own good pleasure. He speaks, and it is done. The word of the Lord knows no obstacles or difficulties; all things must obey Him.
His fullness—is our sufficiency; it is opened to us in Jesus, and we receive from it according to our needs, weakness, and faith.
"Through God, " said David, "I shall do valiantly." "I can do all things," said Paul, "through Christ strengthening me."
Look not then at your own emptiness, or weakness; but look at what God is to His people, and what He has promised to give them, and sing, "Our sufficiency is of God!" "God is our refuge and strength—and as our days so shall our strength be." "His grace is sufficient for us; His strength is made perfect in our weakness."
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"Quicken me in Your way." Psalm 99:37
What poor, dull, lifeless creatures we often feel ourselves to be! And how needful is this prayer.
It is our duty to RUN in the way of God’s commandments; it is our misery that through sin, weakness, and temptation—that we scarcely creep!
We are dependent upon the Spirit for quickening. He alone can strengthen, animate and enliven us. Let us pray to Him to bring us near to God; for the nearer to God—
live well,
bear the cross well,
perform duties well,
and die well.
The presence of Jesus, and the communications of His grace, are daily necessary to keep us lively, devoted, and working for God. Lord, quicken me thus!
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"But you are rich!"Revelation 2:9
Real saints always feel themselves to be ’poor sinners’. Many of God’s people are really poor in reference to the things of time, for God has chosen the poor of this world—to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He has promised to them that love Him. They are often persecuted, tried, tempted and cast down; so was the church in Smyrna; but Jesus says to her, "But you are rich!" So are all the Lord’s people.
Rich by relation—God is their Father, and Jesus their elder Brother.
Rich by donation—Jesus has bequeathed unsearchable riches to them.
Rich by promises—the Lord has promised all good things.
Rich by faith—for he who believes shall inherit all things.
Rich in expectation—for they look for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Christian, you are rich! Jesus has willed to you . . .
His righteousness—to justify you;
His blood—to cleanse you;
His Spirit—to sanctify you;
His heaven—to be your everlasting habitation!
Precious Savior! I would admire and adore Your love! O teach me to live out of self—on Your fullness!
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"Has your Counselor perished?" Micah 4:9
The Lord’s people need counsel—and Jesus is given to them as a Counselor. He is exactly suited to their needs, being possessed of infinite wisdom, unbounded benevolence, great experience, and high honor. He never lost a cause. He counsels freely, cheerfully, and successfully. He turns the counsel of all our foes, into foolishness.
But though we have this Wonderful Counselor, we neglect to consult, employ or trust Him; and it may often be asked of us, "Has your Counselor perished?" If not,
Why this perplexity?
Why these mistakes?
Why those fears and groans, and forebodings?
He says, "I will counsel you, My eye shall be upon you."
Lord, be my Counselor,
My Pattern, and my Guide;
And through this desert land,
Still keep me near Your side;
O let my feet ne’er run astray
Nor rove, nor seek the crooked way.
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"
Sin brings spiritual sickness.
The believer can only be healthful as he walks with God—and lives above the world.
At the feet of Jesus we are safe—and shall be healthy; but if we wander from Him—then spiritual diseases will seize upon us. The backslider feels . . .
too weak—to run in the way of God’s commands;
too confused, to read his interest in God’s promises;
too guilty—to call God Father;
too wretched—to rejoice in hope.
He has . . .
no liberty in prayer;
no enjoyment of his Bible;
no peace in his conscience;
no delight in God’s ways.
But the Lord says, "Return, O backsliding children—and I will heal your backslidings!" This is . . .
a message from the Great Physician,
an invitation from our Father’s throne,
a promise of our Savior’s love.
Oh, let us return unto Him with weeping and supplication, adopting David’s prayer as our own, "Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You!" Let us take up the determination of the church, "Behold, we come unto You—for You are the Lord our God." He will receive us graciously, and love us freely!
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"Pray without ceasing."1 Thessalonians 5:17
In prayer we must approach God as a Father, ask of Him what we really need, and expect to receive according to His wisdom and Word. Our needs are constantly returning; therefore our prayers should be constantly ascending.
Every object that meets the eye,
every circumstance that occurs,
every employment in which we engage,
would afford matter for prayer—if properly viewed.
The believer should acquire the HABIT of prayer. He should look up to his God . . .
for all he needs,
through all he sees,
whenever he has a moment to spare.
The prayers of a Christian are pleasant to his God; He says, "Let me hear your voice, let me see your countenance; for sweet is your voice and your countenance is lovely."
The believer should pray as naturally and as constantly as he breathes; for prayer is the vital breath of the soul. Beloved, if prayer dwindles into a mere duty, is but occasionally offered, or become burdensome, it is clear that you are in a most unhealthy state.
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"They will be Mine," says the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up My jewels!"Malachi 3:17
"Those who feared the LORD and honored his name."Malachi 3:16
Those who fear to offend Him because they love Him.
Those who desire above all things to obey Him, be conformed unto Him, and glorify Him.
Those who honor His name, call Him Father, and believe Him to be gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness, and truth.
Those who approach Him as children; who walk before Him, desiring to do everything as under His eye; who are jealous of His honor, and concerned for His glory. Those who . . .
speak of His goodness,
talk of His power, and
adore the riches of His grace.
"They will be Mine, in the day when I make up My jewels!" He will treat them as His children—and prize them as His jewels!
Beloved, are we entitled to claim this precious promise? Do we fear God? Are we grieved at sin, because it dishonors Him? Do we think upon His name with love and reverence? If so—He will spare us, preserve us, and place us among His jewels forever!
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"All my springs are in You." Psalms 87:7
Jesus is the fountain of living water.
The wells of salvation are found in His person, work and Word.
He says, "If any man thirsts—let him come unto Me and drink." The springs of comfort, peace, and salvation—are all in Him. These waters . . .
cleanse from all defilement;
refresh the faint and weary;
and satisfy the longing soul.
These springs bespeak plentitude, for whoever will, may freely come and take.
We are absolutely dependent on Jesus—this is our mercy.
We are absolutely independent on any besides—this is our happiness.
Our desires should concentrate in Him;
our affections should be fixed upon Him;
our expectations should be only from Him.
In Jesus is all possible variety! He can do, and bestow—all we can possibly need or desire; for "it has pleased the Father that in Him should ALL fullness dwell."
If all our springs are in Jesus—then let us not then look to any broken earthly cistern. Let us with joy draw water out of the ever-flowingfountains 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.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ As we grow in grace
"Grow in grace."2 Peter 3:18
Never rest satisfied with present spiritual attainments. God has much to bestow—and we are capable of receiving, enjoying, and using it to His glory.
As we grow in grace—we shall discover more of the preciousness, fullness, and glory of Christ.
As we grow in grace—we shall be humble before God, and loving before men.
As we grow in grace—we shall trust in Jesus more simply, having no confidence in the flesh.
Grace always leads out of self—and to Jesus.
Grace is spiritual beauty; it is the very glory of God.
To grow in grace is to grow like Jesus—
meek and lowly in heart;
active and devoted in life;
blameless and harmless as the sons of God.
Let us pray for grace—for God loves to bestow it.
Let us grow in grace—for God commands it.
"Grow in grace." 2 Peter 3:18
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"He who touches you—touches the apple of His eye" Zechariah 2:8
visited with sore judgments;
reduced to great straits;
appeared to be neglected by God;
were generally despised;
had only just escaped from the enemy’s land;
and returned with weeping and supplication, like brands plucked from the burning, to their own country. And now the Lord says, "He who touches you—touches the apple of His eye!"
How wonderful the ways of God!
As the wise physician, He will touch—to cure; but He will not allow others to touch to hurt.
Like the tender mother, He will correct His children Himself—but will not allow others to do so.
How close the union!
How peculiar the affection!
How tender the sympathy!
How kind the care!
How constant the attention!
How merciful the provision!
How safe and how happy they are!
Beloved, take encouragement under all your trials; be comforted in all your afflictions; you are as near and dear to Jehovah—as the apple of His eye!
You are hidden under the shadow of His wings!
Holy Spirit, help me daily to realize this precious truth!
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"
What can be so worthy of the Christian’s thought, care, and anxious desire—as love?
Love to God, the center and source of all excellence.
Love to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant, the personification of everything that is lovely.
Love to believers, for His sake, and because they are His children.
Love to sinners, because He commands us.
The law requires love, and the gospel, when applied by the power of the Holy Spirit, produces it.
This divine love is not in our hearts by nature; we are enmity with God and others. It is not to be produced by human effort. It flows from divine grace. It is produced by the Holy Spirit. Its exercise is both our happiness and our holiness.
There is only so much true godliness—as there is sincere love.
Let us follow after love. Let us cultivate love to the Lord’s people, for the Lord’s sake. Let us love all who love Jesus, though in some things they differ from us.
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"Be clothed with humility." 1 Peter 5:5
Humility is
It is of great importance, to have and to nourish right views . . .
of our own littleness and insignificance;
of our vileness and unworthiness; and
of our own absolute and constant dependence on the mercy of our God.
We must be habitually looking at the Lord Jesus,
what He was in His ancient glory;
what He became for us;
what He now is; and
what we shall soon be with Him.
God has said He will look to and dwell with the humble.
He gives grace unto the humble.
He who humbles himself—shall be exalted.
He will hear the cry, grant the desire, and save the humble person.
Jesus, from my proud heart remove
The bane of self-admiring love!
Oh, make me feel and own with shame,
I less and worse than nothing am!
The least of saints with pity see,
The chief of sinners save, in me!
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"
The dispensations of divine providence are often very perplexing! Our God has His way in the sea, and His path in the deep waters, and His footsteps are not known. Reason is confounded, and faith is staggered!
But He hushes our fears, silences our cries, and bids us "Be still—and know that I am God!" We must lie quietly before Him . . .
as the lamb at the shepherd’s feet;
as the child in the parent’s arms.
He will not harm us Himself, nor will He let others do so.
We must learn that He is God:
infinitely wise,
invariably good,
always a Sovereign.
He does according to His will in heaven, on earth, in the sea, and all deep places. None can stay His hand, or dispute His right to accomplish His will.
Let us therefore keep silence before Him.
He is our God—and we are His people. His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures throughout all generations.
Let us not murmur—for He is gracious.
Let us not complain—for He is a Father unto us.
Let us not fear—for He is faithful.
Rather, let us wait upon Him, submitting in all things to His will, and surrendering ourselves into His hands with, "Here I am—do with me as seems good to You!"
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"
Let us inquire, "What are these things that accompany salvation? Do we possess them?"
Spiritual life, evidenced by convictions of sin; crying to God for deliverance from sin; groaning under the weight of the body of sin and death.
An increasing discovery of our own weakness, imperfection, and misery.
A tender conscience, which trembles at sin, and feels deeply for God’s glory. Contrition or brokenness of heart for sin, accompanied with holy mourning before God.
A filial fear of God, lest we should dishonor His name, disgrace His cause, and grieve His love.
A deep-rooted concern for holiness, both in the heart and the life.
Fervor in devotion, earnestly breathing out the desires of the heart before God, or grieving when it is not so.
A jealousy of self, as to our sincerity and uprightness of intention; lest we should be led astray by the corruptions which are within.
A chaste life, coupled with fear.
Diligence in the means of grace.
Searching of the Scriptures, to ascertain what is the Lord’s will—and our duty.
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"
So the Lord promised Moses—and so He has promised us. Let us never venture anywhere, if we have reason to think the Lord will not favor us with His presence there.
The Lord’s presence . . .
produces holiness,
imparts power,
fires with zeal,
gives comfort, joy and peace,
supports under losses, crosses and bereavements.
Let us plead for the Lord’s presence to go with us; let us expect it; let us not be satisfied with anything else.
He went with Moses—and he persevered.
He went with Joshua—and he conquered.
He went with David—and he reached the throne.
He went with Paul—and he was more than a conqueror.
Nothing can be a substitute for the Lord’s presence.
Let us daily cry, "If Your presence does not go with me—do not carry me not up hence."
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"
All who truly know the Lord—love Him supremely, above our natural relations and earthly possessions. We discover in Him . . .
greater glory,
more real worth,
pre-eminent beauty,
and superior excellence.
Those who love Him—are preserved by Him. He preserves them . . .
in trouble,
in the world,
from enemies,
from evil,
from wrath.
Yes, He will preserve them unto His kingdom and glory.
Do we love the Lord? Are we desiring to love Him? Are we preserved from sin, the world, and evil? If so, we must ascribe it to free and sovereign grace!
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"
Oh, what an infinite love was the love of Jesus! He left His Father’s bosom, left the songs of angels, left the throne of glory, and became a man, that He might die for His sheep!
Are we among His sheep? His sheep are gentle, harmless, peaceful, humble, dependant upon Him, and devoted to Him. They . . .
hear His voice,
love His ways, and
follow Him wherever He goes!
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"I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you.
What a sweet portion is this for the aged disciples of the Lord Jesus! Heart and flesh may fail them—but God will not forsake them! Having begun a good work in them—He will carry it on. He will be as kind, as tender, and as gracious at last—as at the first. He will carry us! "The eternal God is our refuge, underneath are the everlasting arms."
He will carry us . . .
safely through every danger,
over every difficulty,
into His presence and glory.
Aged pilgrim, lean upon your God, look unto Him. As the tender mother carries her nursing child, so will your God carry you. Fear not then, in reference to the evening of old age—your God will supply you; He will support you; and at last land you safe where the storms of trouble never blow, where weakness and fears are never felt.
The promise of your God cannot fail you; He will guide you and carry you to His kingdom and glory!
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"Cast your burden upon the Lord—and He shall sustain you." Psalms 55:22
The Lord’s people are often weary and heavily burdened. But the Lord kindly directs them to cast every burden upon Him—and promises to sustain them.
Guilt in the conscience and a sense of sin in the soul, often prove an intolerable burden; but the Lord will remove it by the blood of His Son, and the whisper of His Spirit.
Losses, crosses, enemies, temptations, and the inward conflict, often burden the soul; but Jesus says, "
He will . . .
sanctify them to us,
sustain us through them,
and deliver us out of them all.
He has determined that . . .
we shall use Him,
feel our dependence upon Him,
and glory only in Him.
Believer, He will sustain you . . .
by speaking peace to your troubled heart;
by enabling you to leave your intricate affairs in His hands;
by strengthening you with strength in your soul;
by enabling you to contrast the present with the future.
Precious Jesus, teach me to bring every burden to Your feet, and to cast every care upon You!
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"
Every believer is ready to answer, "I am!"
Well, the Lord has a cause upon the earth; it is weak—and needs your support; it is opposed—and needs your defense.
If you are on the Lord’s side—you are on the side of truth and holiness. You go forth to Jesus outside the camp, bearing His reproach. If you are on the Lord’s side, He will . . .
spare you as obedient children;
supply you as faithful servants;
protect you as loyal subjects; and
honor you as brave and courageous soldiers.
You will never see any just occasion to change sides; or regret that you decided to serve so good a Master. You will find the Lord to be on your side . . .
supporting you in affliction;
comforting you in trouble;
giving you victory in death; and
pronouncing you just in the judgment.
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"
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 dependence on the creature—by many and sore trials; and now he determines to look unto the Lord. Let us imitate his example. We cannot do better than look to the Lord . . .
as our Captain—to command us;
as our Master—to direct us;
as our Father—to provide for us;
as our God—to defend us.
His name is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe!
Looking to Jesus, will preserve us from a thousand snares!
The eyes of the Lord are always upon us—may our eyes be ever upon the Lord.
Let us look to Him for all we need—and from all that we fear.
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"After he had patiently endured—he obtained the promise." Hebrews 6:15
Abraham was long tried—but he was richly rewarded.
The Lord tried him by delaying to fulfill His promise;
Satan tried him by temptations;
men tried him by jealousy, distrust, and opposition;
Hagar tried him by despising her mistress;
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 the Lord’s time.
And so, having patiently endured—he obtained the promise.
God’s promises cannot fail of their accomplishment.
Believing expectations shall be certainly realized.
Beloved, Abraham’s conduct . . .
condemns a hasty spirit,
reproves a murmuring one,
commends a patient one, and
encourages quiet submission to God’s will and way.
Remember:
Abraham was tried;
he patiently waited;
he received the promise;
and he was satisfied.
Imitate his example—and you will share the same blessing.
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"The love which God has to us!" 1 John 4:16
Who shall describe it?
What tongue or pen can set it forth?
It is infinite—so what can finite mortals say?
It is the present heaven of the saints—to know and believe the love which God has to them. None but the Holy Spirit can reveal it to us, or shed it abroad in our hearts.
Let us, beloved, daily pray that we may know and enjoy the love which God has to us. This will be
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 separate us from the love of God? Jesus has told us that we shall never perish, neither shall any pluck us out of His hand.
The love of our God is the source of our happiness—and the cause of our safety. Oh, to know and believe the love which God has to us!
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"
None but God can teach us experimentally; and the lessons He teaches are always useful and important.
He teaches all His scholars to know themselves—their depravity, poverty, and slavery.
He teaches them His law—its purity, claims and penalty.
He teaches them His gospel—its fullness, freeness, and suitability.
He teaches them to know Himself—as a reconciled God, as their Father and faithful Friend.
His teaching is accompanied with power and authority.
Are we taught of God? We may know divine teaching—by its effects. It always produces . . .
humility, they sit at His feet,
dependence upon Him,
abhorrence of sin,
love to God as a teacher,
obedience to the lessons taught,
thirst for further attainments,
and brings us daily to Jesus.
Let us earnestly seek divine teaching; it preserves from . . .
dangers,
sorrows,
snares!
"I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good—and leads you along the paths you should follow." Isaiah 48:17
Lord, teach me, and make me entirely Yours!
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"
There is no rest for the Christian—but at the feet of Jesus! When we live near to Him, and exercise our faith upon Him—we are at rest. Then . . .
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 from Jesus . . .
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 You! Receive Your wandering sheep, restore unto us the joy of Your salvation, and let us find rest at Your cross. Oh, to rest on Your faithful Word! To rest from slavish fear, worldly care, and distressing anxiety! To rest in Your boundless love, satisfied with the dispensations of Your special providence."
Return, return, my soul from all your wanderings—and find your rest in Jesus, your faithful Friend and Savior!
Sweet assurance: "He will receive us graciously."
O Jesus, be my rest, and the solace of my soul this day!
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"The Lord God Omnipotent reigns!" Revelation 19:6
Our God is . . .
the author of all good,
the only object of worship and fear,
the infinite, all-controlling Being.
He can do all things—with ease, swiftness, and precision.
He is on the throne of the universe!
His reign is merciful, just, glorious.
He reigns universally over . . .
every empire,
every kingdom,
every person,
every thing.
He rules over everything that takes place. Nothing escapes His notice, frustrates His purpose, or disorganizes His plan.
Does the Lord God Omnipotent reign? Then let us . . .
fear to offend Him;
aim to please Him well in all things;
trust in and rely on Him;
call upon Him in times of need.
This will . . .
conquer fear,
prevent sins,
strengthen faith,
nourish all the graces of the Spirit,
and inspirit us in our obedience.
If the Lord God Omnipotent reigns—then
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"
Jesus saves His people by substitution—He took . . .
their place,
their obligations,
and their sins.
Jesus saves His people by communication—giving them grace and His Holy Spirit, with every spiritual blessing.
Jesus saves His people by instruction—for they are all taught of God.
Jesus saves His people by separation—bringing them out of, and delivering them from this present evil world.
Jesus saves His people by translation—
first out of the kingdom of Satan—into His kingdom of grace;
and then out of the present world—into His kingdom of glory.
Jesus saves His people . . .
to display His perfections;
to confound His foes;
to exalt His name;
to satisfy His love; and
from sympathy with them.
Salvation is entirely of God. What happiness to be saved thus!
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"
We are going into the enchanting world; our hearts are false and fickle; let our prayer be, "O keep my soul, and deliver me!"
Keep me from sin—let me not indulge it in my heart!
Keep me from Satan—do not allow him not to lead me astray from You!
Keep me from evil men—do not let prevail against me.
Keep me in Your way—and in Your truth.
Keep me . . .
by Your Word;
by Your Spirit;
by Your presence;
or by Your rod.
Keep me at Your footstool, and deliver me from my own wandering heart. "Keep me as the apple of Your eye!"