TDR: 28 June (Joel 3:16)

‘The Lord will be the hope of His people’ (Joel 3:16)

We do not know what a day may bring; we are born to trouble; many unexpected trials may come our way; but our God will eternally be our hope. He is the REFUGE, to which we may always retreat and find safety; the FULLNESS, from which we shall receive a plentiful supply.

His oath, His promises, His covenant character, and the blood of Jesus, lay a firm foundation for our hope; and His gospel warrants us to hope in Him at all times, for all things.

Therefore, let what will be happen, for we have no reason to be disconsolate; we have no cause to fear; our God is a God of hope. May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us activate our minds, be sober, and hope to the very end, for the grace that is to be given us at the appearing of the Lord Jesus.

Let us look and ‘wait for that blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, to redeem us from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good’ [Titus 2:14].

In Him I hope, in Him I trust,
His bleeding cross is all my boast:
Through troops of foes He’ll lead me on
To victory, and the victor’s crown.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘I feel more ready to yield myself passively to God, to lie at His feet, to acquiesce in his will, and to be entirely at his disposal. But I daily feel and manifest the sin that dwelleth in me.

I have had a good time while preaching from Luke 12:32 [‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been please to give you the kingdom’]. How clearly I saw the privilege of the sheep of Jesus, and yet no sooner do troubles come, than I feel and act as though I saw them not. I ought not to be anxious. I should not fear. My God has given me the Kingdom.’