TDR: 6 April (Revelation 5:12)

‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain’ (Revelation 5:12) This is an ascription of praise to Jesus, your Jesus, as the sacrifice for sin, the atonement of the Church, the Saviour of His body. Jesus who died for your sins is worthy to receive power and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory,…

‘Without me, you can do nothing’ (John 15:5) Never forget that the Lord is our righteousness and strength. We are not sufficient to think rightly of ourselves, but through Him we can do all things. Never attempt anything without looking to Jesus for power. Let a constant sense of weakness keep you near to Him;…

‘It is I, do not be afraid’ (John 6:20) The fears of a Christian are a dishonour to their Lord, a denial of their creed, and a fruitful source of distress to their own soul. All things are of God; He works all things after the counsel of His own will, and in every event…

‘I have fled to you for refuge’ (Psalm 143:9) This implies DANGER – the Christian may often be in danger, from sin, self, and foes. FEAR – the Christian’s fears may be groundless, but they are often very painful. INABILITY – to defend themselves, or to overcome their opposition. FORESIGHT – they see the storm…

‘I shall not be in want’ (Psalm 23:1) This was David’s conclusion, from the belief that the Lord was his shepherd. If we are the sheep of Christ, He will supply us. He has all things in His possession, the silver and the gold are His, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. His private…

‘The Lord is my shepherd’ (Psalm 23:1) David was one of the Lord’s sheep. All His sheep know Him, love Him, and follow Him. They possess His disposition; He was meek and lowly in heart. Are you a sheep of Christ? Are you looking to, following, and rejoicing in your shepherd? If so, it is…

‘I will be with him in trouble’ (Psalm 91:15) Sin is the parent of trouble; all sorrow originated in departing from God. It is generally occasioned by transgression, or sent as a preventative to a greater evil; it may be occasioned by good, for saints are sometimes persecuted for righteousness’ sake. It is intended to…

‘Surely he loved the people’ (Deuteronomy 33:3) Remember what the people whom God loved were like? – Poor, oppressed, rebellious, stiff-necked, hard-hearted, unworthy creatures. Similarly, such are His people by nature now. Such are we. Yet God loves us; pities us; and distinguishes us from others around. He spared not his own Son, but delivered…

‘Stop trusting in man’ (Isaiah 2:22) Never trust other men or women, for their heart is deceitful; never expect from them, for they are empty cisterns; never follow them, for they are false guides. Cursed be the one who trusts in man, and makes flesh their arm, and whose heart departs from the Lord. Do…

‘I belong to the LORD’ (Isaiah 44:5) Not only because He has chosen me, in Jesus His beloved Son; nor merely because I am redeemed from among all people, by the precious blood of Immanuel; but also because I have surrendered myself up into the Lord’s hands, with all I have and am, to be…

‘Ask and you shall receive’ (John 16:24) These are the words of Jesus. He addresses them to us this morning. They suppose want, and inability to supply ourselves. They intimate that provision is made and may be obtained. They invite us to ask with confidence, assuring us that we shall receive. Jesus has a boundless…

‘He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak’ (Isaiah 40:29) The Lord’s people often feel faint, being burdened with a body of sin and death, pursued and assaulted by Satan, tried and hindered by the world; but although weary and weak they continue to persevere. Waiting on the Lord they…

‘Bring them here to Me’ (Matthew 14:18) Our compassionate Lord Jesus was surrounded by a starving, fainting multitude; His disciples had only five small loaves, and two little fish, and yet He had requested them to feed the crowd. The commands of Jesus are often intended to try our faith, and bring us as children…

‘Your sins are forgiven’ (Luke 7:48) Whose sins? Yours, if you believe in Jesus. The prophet’s witness is that through His name WHOSOEVER believes in Him will receive the forgiveness of sins. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive all our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God…

‘Where is your faith?’ (Luke 8:23) The disciples were in a storm, surrounded by danger and filled with fear; they apply to Jesus – this was correct. They doubt His care, they question His love, and cry “we are going to drown” – this was wrong. Jesus demands, “WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?” May He not…

‘Precious Promises’ (2 Peter 1:4) The promises of Scripture are the promises of our great God; they are all of free grace; they are confirmed by the blood of Jesus; and are exceedingly great and very precious. They are so plain that a child can understand them; and so great that no angel could fulfil…

‘I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28) There is no rest for the Christian in the world. There will always be something to disturb, perplex or distress us: it is an enemy’s land. But Jesus says: “I will give you rest.” He does so by enabling us to rely on His word, to recognise His…

‘The Lord is risen’ (Luke 24:34) Jesus died once for our sins, and He rose for our justification. He lay in the grave as our substitute, He rose as our representative. He died that we might live. He lives, and we shall live through Him and with Him forever. He is risen, having conquered death,…