TDR: 23 April (Mark 11:22)

‘Have faith in God’ (Mark 11:22)

You have His word; believe it; plead it; expect the fulfilment of it. He cannot deceive you. His ear is open to you. Try Him. What do you want? Why do you want it? If you really need, if your motives are good, plead with God for it; expect Him to bestow it; and receive it as coming from Him.

In every trial, for all you need, have faith in God. He will be gracious to you. He is always with you. He is ready to help you. He rejoices over you to do you good. His word is true from the beginning. He is the faithful God. He keeps His covenant mercy.

Believe in God for all that your circumstances require. Patiently wait His time for your supplies. Never give up praying or expecting when He delays; never doubt Him, but trust in Him with all your heart. He is God; He is your God; He is able to do immeasurably more than all you can ask or imagine.

This is the direction – your duty – your privilege: HAVE FAITH IN GOD. Walk with God. Talk with God. Expect from God. Use all you have for God. Be entirely devoted to God. “Casting all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you”; “Therefore will I look to the Lord”.

Begone, unbelief! My Saviour is near,
And for my relief will surely appear:
By prayer let me wrestle, and He will perform,
With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘And now my gracious God, and loving Master, give, O give me a spirit of humility, watchfulness, forbearance, patience, perseverance, caution, love, zeal, and disinterestedness; that I may, as I heartily desire, live alone for thy glory. O bring down, and keep down, proud, depraved, carnal self; and set up in my soul and affections, the Lord Jesus. O Holy Spirit – glorious Saviour – eternal Father – and ye angels of my God, who now surround me, witness for me, witness with me, and witness to me, that I am the Lord’s in life, in death, and for ever.

Signed on the twenty-first day of November 1833, and several times since.’