‘Let us have grace’ (Hebrews 12:28)
Each day we need grace to sustain us in troubles; to subdue our corruptions; to sanctify our tempers; to preserve us in temptation; to quicken our lethargic affections; to enlarge our experience; to render us useful to others; to enable us to endure to the end; and to meet death with confidence and joy.
Our God is the God of all grace. Jesus is full of grace and He gives out grace. He has promised that “He will give more grace”; He has invited us to come and receive grace” – “Come boldly to the throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” [Hebrews 4:16].
His grace is sufficient for us; but without grace we are dull, lifeless and sure to fall. Let us look to Jesus for grace to strengthen us, sanctify us, and make us useful. Let us never attempt anything in our own strength; but let us receive from the Lord, that we may do all that is good, to the grace of God which is with us. Grace is always free. It is free for us this morning, and our God bids us come and receive. Come then boldly to the throne of grace, and you SHALL obtain mercy, and find grace to help you this day.
On me, my King, exert thy power,
Make old things pass away;
Transform and draw my soul to Thee,
Still nearer every day.
THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)
Journal Jottings
‘May I be enabled habitually to say “My beloved is mine, and I am His”. May I view myself, though sinful, vile and undeserving of thy notice, as the object of thy love, chosen to be thy delight, and separated to enjoy the closest union with thyself. May I enjoy thee as the object of my love and delight, as my chosen Saviour and Lord, as my fear and glory. O sweet words, “I am my beloveds!”
His by the gift of his Father; his, by freely delivering myself up unto him; and his by the purchase of his precious blood. I am his property, his possession, his portion. “My beloved is mine!” – mine, as the deliberate choice of my soul; mine, in answer to my earnest request mine, by the free gift of himself to me. He is my property, my possession, and my portion for ever. This I can say without presumption, or fear of deception, for his holy word, the teachings of his Holy Spirit, and his daily conduct towards me, join to prove and confirm the wondrous fact.’