Month: August 2015

‘In the day of adversity, consider’  (Ecclesiastes 7:14) Circumstances sometimes regulate duties. The Lord’s people have to pass through many changes; they are strangers and pilgrims here. Sometimes prosperity calls for rejoicing, and sometimes adversity calls for consideration. If prayer appears to be shut out, our petitions seem to be denied, and we cannot enjoy […]

‘All nations will be blessed through Him’ (Psalms 72:17) Everything out of Christ is under the curse; all blessings are treasured up in Him, and can only be received and enjoyed by union to and communion with Him. If in Him, He is made of God unto us, wisdom, righteousness, strength, sanctification, and redemption; if […]

‘You shall see greater things than these’  (John 1:50) When the eyes of our understanding are opened by God’s eternal Spirit, we begin to see out of darkness and obscurity; but our sight is imperfect, we have seen but little yet; there is much more behind to be revealed in due course. We shall see […]

‘to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love him’  (James 2:5) He raised the poor from the dust, and the beggar from the scrapheap; such were we by nature, but through rich grace we shall inherit the throne of glory. He has prepared for us, promised to us, and will bestow upon us […]

‘Then I called on the LORD: “O LORD, save me!”‘  (Psalms 116:4) The prayer of faith is generally short, and always to the point. It takes the soul and places it before God, in its real state and true character. It pleads with Him for what is really needed, and what must be had. The […]

‘That He might deliver us from the present evil world’  (Galatians 1:4) The whole world lies in the wicked one, as the devoted child in the arms of Moloch; or as the putrid corpse in the grave, over which is written, “HERE LIETH.” We were once dead in sin, and buried in corruption, but Jesus […]

‘Let no debt remain outstanding’  (Romans 13:8) Rash speculations are inconsistent with Christianity; and getting in debt is as much a breach of the divine precept as robbery or murder. Every believer should live within their income, and not bring a disgrace on religion, by contracting debts which they are unable to pay. If we […]

‘Yes, I am coming soon’  (Revelation 22:20) Who is this proposing to come quickly? Is it an enemy threatening us? Is it a stranger? No, it is JESUS whom we love, speaking to cheer and encourage us. It is IMMANUEL, to whom we are betrothed in righteousness, judgment, lovingkindness, mercies, and faithfulness. It is our […]

‘Come near to Me’  (Isaiah 48:16) The believer’s happiness and Jehovah’s pleasure are united; we are only happy when we are near to Him, and He is only pleased when we cleave to Him. He has taken us into a close relationship as His children, people, and beloved bride; He has represented our union by […]

‘He will be mindful of His covenant forever’  (Psalm 111:5) The Lord’s people know their God as a covenant God, reconciled to them, at peace with them, and dwelling among them, through the work of Jesus. He has made a covenant in which they are interested, from which all their blessings flow, and on which […]

‘Later you will understand’  (John 13:7) We are often at a loss to account for many things in our feelings, in our circumstances, and in the Lord’s dealings with us; but what we do not know now, we shall know one day. This is our Saviour’s promise; let us take comfort from it, and expect […]

‘May the Lord think of me’ (Psalm 40:17) When we think of the greatness and glory of Jehovah, human beings appear so worthless and insignificant, that we are ready to ask, “Will the Lord regard us, bless us, and dwell with us?” Yes – He has promised to do so in His word, and He […]

‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord’ (Hebrews 12:6) The Lord speaks to us as children; He speaks in reference to our afflictions: they are chastisements; they are sent in love; when we are chastened we are judged of the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. So let […]

‘We trust in the living God’ (1 Timothy 4:10) The living God is opposed to a dying world, to our dying frames, and to our dying friends; these must not be trusted, or we shall be wretched. Our God ought to be trusted, for He is the only suitable object of a Christian’s trust; He […]