TDR: 21 June (Mark 4:40)

‘Do you still have no faith?’ (Mark 4:40)

Where there is little faith there are many fears. The disciples were filled with alarm, and so Jesus enquires: “how is it that you have no faith?” Can our heavenly Father ask us the same question? How is it that you give no credit to my word? How is it that you place no dependence on my relation, character and veracity?

How is it that you have no confidence in my presence, power, and love?
How is it that you do not expect my intervention and look for my supply?
Have I not made promises again and again?
Have I not summoned witnesses to attest to the truth of my work?
Have I not promised you my Holy Spirit?
Have I not pledged my holiness?
Have I not given my Son for you and to you?
Have I not appeared for you in every previous difficulty?
How is it then that you still have no faith?

Dear friends, let us humble ourselves before God. Let us plead guilty of indulging in unbelief, and let’s plead for faith. Let us look for God in every place and in everything.

Why should my soul indulge complaints,
And yield to dark despair?
The meanest of my Father’s saints
Are safe beneath His care.
Dear Lord, increase my faith in Thee,
Till I Thy full salvation see.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘Twenty-four years ago to-day, I believe the Lord began a good work in my heart, and hitherto he has carried it on. This day, I believe I am the Lord’s entirely – eternally his. How wonderful have been his dealings with me. Then I was a poor, fatherless, almost friendless lad, exposed to privations, and powerful temptations. But the Lord tried me, taught me, and sent me to preach his word; and he has blessed my labours to the conversion of many souls, and is still blessing them.’