‘Christ is all’ (Colossians 3:11)

YES – this is God’s purpose, which cannot be frustrated, that Christ shall be all. He is all in our justification and sanctification, for we are justified and sanctified IN HIS NAME. He is all in our preservation and glorification, for we are kept by His power, and enter heaven through His merits. He should be all in our pursuits, pleasures, hopes, motives, and aims.

Many put their comforts in the place of Christ, and then God puts comfort out of their reach; others put their own graces in the place of Christ, and then faith, hope and love are concealed by a cloud. There must be nothing between God and us, but Jesus. We must look away from sin, from graces, and from our works, and expect to be accepted, blessed, and honoured, only in the name and for the honour of Jesus.

Christ is our conquering weapon, by which we overcome our foes; our plea, by which we prevail with God; our righteousness by which we are justified, and our peace, which supports and comforts us in life and in death. Christ is all we want, and all God can give. He is our sun and shield; our present joy, and our endless portion.

   Saviour! The knowledge of thy love,
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow! For Thee alone,
My all in all I pray.
I would be only, always thine,
And prove the power of love divine.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘It is my duty, especially now, to pray, wait and watch. The closet and the watch tower ought to be constantly occupied. O to be kept in a prayerful, watchful frame of soul! But it takes much discipline to keep me in this state. I am so prone to wander, to be light and trifling – moved by shadows, and excited by mere trifles.

Lord, make and keep me solid, cheerful, holy and resigned to thy will. Thou knowest, that from my heart I desire to be thine, and thine alone. O take me, keep me, watch over me, correct me, defend me, protect me, lead me, and everlastingly save me!’