TDR: 13 JANUARY JAMES 1:6

‘When he asks, he must believe and not doubt’ (James 1:6)

The believer’s prayers should be regulated by God’s promises; he often fancies he wants what would only do him harm; and therefore, if he ask he is denied, not in anger but in love. God has promised all good, and only good, to His beloved people. Ask for what God has promised to bestow, and ask believing that God will honour and fulfil His own precious word.

He cannot deny Himself; all He has promised He will perform. You can therefore have no reason to doubt whether the Lord will give you, if you really need it, and He has plainly promised it; therefore ask desiring and expecting, and then look to receive.

What are your wants this morning? Where has God promised such things in His holy word? Search out the promise, take it to His throne, plead in the name of Jesus for its fulfilment, and never doubt for one moment but that the Lord will make it good.

Stay yourself, therefore, on the word of the Lord; but if you will not believe, surely you shall not be established. Faith honours God by trusting Him; and God always honours faith by answering it. “Come boldly to the throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in times of need.”

Beyond thy utmost wants
His love and power can bless
To praying souls He always grants
More than they can express.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘Looking into my Bible as soon as I awoke, my eyes rested on the words, “Can two walk together, unless they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). I immediately fell into this train of thought [continued from yesterday] –

He wishes me to come to heaven where He is and to be forever with Him; and I have a great desire to go there, and dwell with Him for ever. He leads me to understand that He will not be satisfied without me; and I am sure, that I will never be happy without Him. He desires me to be one with Him; and the ruling desire of my soul is to be united to Him, and to live and walk in the closest possible communion with Him.

Blessed be His holy name. He has pledged His word, and He is faithfulness itself, that He will never leave me nor forsake me.’