‘Be watchful! Wake up and strengthen what remains’ (Revelation 3:2)

Satan is watching to ensnare us; the world is watching to triumph over us; and God is watching to protect us. Jesus, our best Friend, says to us, “BE WATCHFUL”. Watch against the spirit of this world, against your easily besetting sins, against seasons of temptation, and against Satan the sworn enemy of your soul.

Watch for opportunities to do good, for answers to prayer, for the appearance of God as a God of providence. Unite prayer to God, dependence upon His holy word, and watchfulness together; pray to be kept from sin, in temptation, unspotted from the world; trust in God to answer, but do not leave the throne; and then watch as though all depended upon your diligence and efforts. “Watch therefore and pray always”.

Do not trust in your watchfulness, but while watching trust in God. He that keeps you will not sleep nor slumber. He is with you when on guard, as well as when you are feasting on His word, and rejoicing at His table. He never withdraws His eyes from the righteous: “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry” (Psalm 34:15). Watch, therefore, and pray always.

Oh! Watch and fight, and pray –
The battle ne’er give o’er,
Renew it boldly every day,
And help divine implore.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘My first visit to Cheltenham was on the evening of May 15, 1828; on the following morning I received a letter respecting some persons connected with the cause, which almost decided me to leave the place without preaching at all. Only the fear of offending God prevented me. My first sermon here was from 1 Cor. 2:2.’