‘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 them.

There is such a variety that they meet every case; and such fullness that they include every want. They are consolation for the poor, tried, and distressed believer; and they are the strength and support of every child of God. They are our plea at the throne of grace, our confidence in the hour of trial, and our rejoicing in prospect of death.

Dear friends, God’s promises are to be your daily comfort; it is for you to search them out, store them up, believe them, trust in them, plead them, and be assured of their fulfilment, because “He who promised is faithful”. The promises are more precious than gold or silver; sweeter than honey or the honeycomb; more lasting that the earth; and more stable than the pillars of heaven. Let us think of them, plead them, and expect their fulfilment today. Our God is a faithful God, keeping His covenant and mercy for a thousand generations.

 Praise to the goodness of the Lord
Who rules His people by His word;
And there, as strong as His decrees,
He sets His kindest promises.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘O for humbling grace! Lord Jesus, go with those thou hast removed, bless them and make them a blessing where they are gone, for I do believe they are thine, though the man has sorely tried me. May I meet them around thy throne, then we shall be rid of all those evil dispositions, which now make us wish to be a distance from each other. O my God, preserve me from all unchristian tempers, and all improper actions, make me just like Jesus. I would be meek, humble, and resigned. I want to be more spiritual, lively, and useful; more dependent on grace, more prayerful in ordinances, and more watchful against sin’.