TDR: 11 February (Malachi 3:17)

‘I will spare them’ (Malachi 3:17)

Precious assurance! But whom will the Lord spare? All His children – especially those who speak of His goodness, witness to His faithfulness, thank upon His name, and honour Him before an evil generation. He says, “They shall be mine, in that day when I make up my jewels, and I will spare them as parents spare their obedient children.”

If we are aiming at the Lord’s glory, and walking by the Lord’s word, we have nothing to fear from any of His dispensations. He will shield us from danger, sanctify our troubles, and secure our best interests. If we are living to His praise, we may safely leave our wants and our comforts in His hands; He will supply the one and preserve the other.

He says, “Fear not, for I am with you.” Bring every trouble to my throne, every want to my fullness; I am EL-SHADDAI, God all sufficient; enough in the absence of every one and everything. I am your God; I may punish the nations, but I will spare you. Believe this and be happy. Rejoice in this and you glorify me. You are no more a servant, but a son or daughter. And as such, then an HEIR of God through Christ. Though I punish the world, I will spare you.

 Jesus, my Saviour and my Lord!
‘Tis good to trust Thy name:
Thy power, Thy Faithfulness, and love,
Will ever be the same.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘After my return to Devises, I saw clearly that the finger of divine providence pointed to Cheltenham, and therefore I consented to go. But to leave the friends at Devizes was a great trial, for my ministry had been accompanied with much of the power of God, and many were called by his grace. The chapel was often crowded, even the pulpit stairs and the vestry was filled ! Perhaps no four months of my ministry was ever more signalised by the number of conversions, than the four months I spent at the Old Chapel at Devizes, in 1828’.