TDR: 3 February (Acts 11:23)

‘Remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion’ (Acts 11:23) Every believer is united to Christ, and is one with Him. Jesus is the vine, he is a branch; Jesus is the husband, he is the bride. Satan’s design, though, is to lead us from the Lord; yet Satan knows well that he can do…

‘The spirit of grace and supplication’ (Zechariah 12:10) All spiritual prayer is produced by the Holy Spirit; He convinces us of need, discovers to us the fullness of Jesus, leads us to the throne of grace, and helps our infirmities there. The very desire to pray is from Him, and the liberty we enjoy in…

‘Immanuel’ (Matthew 1:23) Consider Jesus through this day as God with you; God in your nature; God become human for your salvation and consolation. None but God was able to save; your Jesus is God. It was necessary that the Saviour should be man, and Jesus is man. He has the nature of His Father,…

‘We rejoice in God’ (Romans 5:11) This is every believer’s privilege; God is reconciled to them in the person and through the work of Jesus: all charges against them are blotted out; all their sins are freely and fully forgiven; they are justified from all things; and stand before God in Christ, accepted, beloved and…

‘Will you be delivered?’ (Isaiah 37:11) This is plainly the language of an insulting foe. He had triumphed and now he boasted, but his power was bounded and his pride procured his fall. Often when in trouble, when distressed, when tried by a sense of sin and unworthiness, unbelief and Satan join, and pointing to…

‘Search the Scriptures’ (John 5:39) The Bible is God’s book, a favour bestowed on humanity; intended to lead us to know the nature, perfections, purposes, will, providence, and salvation of God. It contains all that is really necessary to be known. It should be read carefully, prayerfully, frequently; every part of the Bible should be…

‘We have an Advocate’ (1 John 2:1) YES – Jesus pleads for us in heaven; by His own blood He entered once into the holiest, there to appear in the presence of God FOR US. He pleads for us against Satan, answering all his accusations; and for us with the Father, that we may be…

‘Did you lack anything?’ (Luke 22:35) The Lord will always provide for His own people who keep His company, who do His will, and aim at His glory. If He sends us, though He chooses to carry the purse, our bread shall be given and our water shall be sure. The disciples went out unfurnished,…

‘I will instruct you’ (Psalm 32:8) At best we know very little, and we are slow to learn. But as the Lord has promised to instruct us, we may yet expect to be made wise unto salvation. The Lord’s teaching always produces humility, self-loathing, confidence in God, zeal for His glory, and devotes the heart…

‘You are my friends’ (John 15:14) What infinite condescension in Jesus, to call us worms, His friends! But He not only calls us so, but treats us as such, and expects us as friends to do whatever He commands us. Is Jesus your friend? Then visit Him often, let Him hear your voice in prayer…

‘You are not your own’ (1 Corinthians 6:19) No – Jesus has purchased you with His own blood, quickened you by His Spirit, espoused you to Himself, and intends to glorify you with Himself forever. He claims you, and says “I have called you by name; you are mine.” He will provide for you as…

‘Why are you so afraid?’ (Mark 4:40) The disciples appeared to be in danger and fear filled their hearts. They did not realise that they were the care and charge of Jesus, or else knowing Him their fears could have had no place. Beloved, you are in the hands of your loving Saviour. He has…

‘I am your shield’ (Genesis 15:1) They that believe are blessed along with believing Abraham, that the promises God made to him, He will fulfil to us. We are surrounded by foes; fiery darts fly in every direction; but Jehovah, in Jesus, interposes Himself as our shield. Our safety and protection is from our relation…

‘You cannot serve both God and money’ (Matthew 6:24) Our God is a jealous God. He requires the devotion of the heart, the consecration of all the powers, and we cannot enjoy religion without these. Persons who try to unite God and the world, the service of sin and the service of God, cannot be…

‘The wisdom of the just’ (Luke 1:17) The Lord’s people are justified freely, by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. The work of Jesus is their justification before God; in this they trust; this they plead; and in this they rejoice. Taught by the Holy Spirit, they manifest wisdom in readily…

‘My brother’ (Matthew 12:50) And who is the brother of Jesus? Every one who does the will of His Father. Every believer who proves the truth of his faith by the goodness of his works; who shows the excellence of his nature, by the piety, benevolence, and charity of his life. Believer, Jesus calls you…