TDR: 21 July (John 15:4)

‘Abide in me’ (John 15:4)

By nature we are without Christ and are far from Him; by grace we accept His invitation, and come to Him feeling our need of Him. We are brought to see that nothing but union to Jesus can make us safe and happy; and to give up ourselves to Him, praying to be one with Him. He receives us, pours His love into our hearts, and we become members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.

He then invites us to abide in Him, which we do by living in absolute dependence upon Him; by cleaving to Him in love as our beloved Saviour, God, and Friend; by openly professing our attachment to Him, and expectations from Him; by walking in daily fellowship and communion with Him; and by identifying our cause with His.

Dear friends, we must abide in Jesus if we are to have sin mortified; our graces nourished; our lusts subdued; obtain victory over the world; prove a match for Satan; and obtain all necessary supplies. Abiding in Jesus will give us a single eye; a burning zeal; holy discretion; and enable us to seize all opportunities to glorify His adorable name.

Hail, gracious Saviour, all-divine!
Mysterious, ever-living vine!
To Thee united may I live,
And nourished by Thine influence thrive;
Still may my soul abide in Thee,
From envy, pride, and malice free.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘Nov. 19. 1847. Today I am forty-five years of age – in good health, in comfortable circumstances – and the work of God is going on. Goodness and mercy have followed me through another year. I have been preserved from open sin, from embracing any dangerous errors, and from relaxing in my efforts to spread the truth and bring sinners to the Saviour.’