‘The exceeding riches of His grace’ (Ephesians 2:7)

Jehovah glories in His grace. It is His riches – His wealth. All grace riches are intended for us, to be expended upon us. They are all treasured up in Jesus to be received by us. They are promised and presented to us. They exceed our thoughts, our expectations, and our faith. We do not believe that God has provided and promised so much for our good as He has; and therefore we do not ask for, and expect so much.

Let us this day think of THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF GRACE. Jesus was the gift of grace, so was the Holy Spirit, and so are all spiritual blessings. Grace includes, and is the source from which flows all that the Church has received, is receiving, and will receive throughout eternity.

Grace freely gives, but never sells. It has a bountiful eye, a tender heart, and a liberal hand. We are not limited in God, but in our own hearts. Oh, that we did believe what God has revealed in reference to the riches of grace, and expect to receive according to His most liberal promises!

There is an abundance of grace, and it is for us; for us this morning, for us whenever we apply. Let us therefore have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear.

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound!
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘A variety of things now united to unsettle me again, and right or wrong, I decided to remove. The last two entries while at Cheltenham, I insert –

Nov. 9 – For some time, my mind has been in a very unsettled state, and I begin to fancy that my work in Salem is almost done. The place is full, some souls are still called by grace, yet I think I may be more useful somewhere else. Having received an invitation from the church at New Park Street, London, after much prayer and searching of heart, I have this night resigned my office as pastor of the church in Salem.

This is a painful crisis in my history – I feel it deeply – but I trust I am acting in accordance with the will of God. I have carefully observed the Lord’s hand. I have endeavoured to ascertain what is the will of God. I trust I am aiming at his glory. If the Lord take me to Park Street, I hope to be more devoted to him, to be more diligent in His service, more useful to His people, and a greater blessing to sinners. I have been used to gather in many at Cheltenham, and I trust that he will send a holy devoted man to feed them. Lord, I commit myself and all my concerns to thee, direct all for thy glory and my good’. [Continued tomorrow]