31. Hymn: Have Faith in God

Hymn: Have Faith in God

Author: B. B. McKinney (1886-1952)

(Vocal)

1. Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely,
    He sees and knows all the way you have trod;
    Never alone are the least of His children;
    Have faith in God, have faith in God.

Chorus:

Have faith in God, He’s on His throne;

Have faith in God, He watches o’er His own;

He cannot fail, He must prevail;

Have faith in God, have faith in God.

2. Have faith in God when your prayers are unanswered,
    Your earnest plea He will never forget;
    Wait on the Lord, trust His Word and be patient,
    Have faith in God, He’ll answer yet.

3. Have faith in God in your pain and your sorrow,
    His heart is touched with your grief and despair;
    Cast all your cares and your burdens upon Him,
    And leave them there, oh, leave them there.

4. Have faith in God though all else fail about you;
    Have faith in God, He provides for His own;
    He cannot fail though all kingdoms shall perish,
    He rules, He reigns upon His throne.

30. Devotional: We Are Saved by Hope

Devotional: We Are Saved by Hope
Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

29. A Quote from A. W. Tozer (17)

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28. Modern Worship Song: Give Me Jesus

Modern Worship Song: Give Me Jesus

Author: Moses Hogan

(Vocal)

(Music)

In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus

Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus

And when I am alone
Oh, and when I am alone
And when I am alone, give me Jesus

Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus

And when I come to die
Oh, and when I come to die
And when I come to die, give me Jesus

Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
You can have all this world
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus

27. Devotional: Kept by the Power of God

Devotional: Kept by the Power of God

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

Kept by the power of God. (1 Pet. 1:5)

    All the Lord’s people feel that they need keeping, and therefore they pray to be kept. But it is not enough that we pray for keeping, we must believe the promises, expect their fulfilment, and seek for divine keeping in faith. The power of God is exerted on our behalf through faith. Believing we grasp the promise, keep near the throne, walk with God, and are kept in dangers and death. Unbelief departs from God, questions the promise, wanders from the throne, and we fall into folly and sin. “Take heed, therefore, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called TODAY; lest any hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” God will not keep you as brutes, but as rational beings; he will not hold you in with bit and bridle, as the driver does the horse or mule, but he will lead you as beloved children, and keep you as intelligent disciples. His power is pledged to you. But it is only pledged to believers. It is only pledged to believers as exercising faith, hope, and prayer.

See the power of God to save!
Jesu’s grace in me admire,
Kept, like Peter, on the wave,
Kept like Shadrach, in the fire:
Rescued from the Lion’s teeth,
Safe within the jaws of death!

26. Devotional: The Days of Thy Mourning Shall Be Ended

Devotional: The Days of Thy Mourning Shall Be Ended

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

25. Hymn: The Angel of Patience

Hymn: The Angel of Patience

Author: Karl Johann Philipp Spitta (1801-1859)

A gentle Angel walketh throughout world of woe,
With messages of mercy to mourning hearts below;
His peaceful smile invites them to love and to confide,
Oh! follow in His footsteps, keep closely by His side!

So gently will He lead thee through all the cloudy day,
And whisper of glad tidings to cheer the pilgrim-way;
His courage never failing, when thine is almost gone,
He takes thy heavy burden, and helps to bear it on.

To soft and tearful sadness He changes dumb despair,
And soothes to deep submission the storm of grief and care;
Where midnight shades are brooding He pours the light of noon,
And every grievous wound He heals, most surely, if not soon.

He will not blame thy sorrows, while He brings the healing balm;
He does not chide thy longings, while He soothes them into calm;
And when thy heart is murmuring, and wildly asking why?
He smiling beckons forward, points upward to the sky.

He will not always answer thy questions and thy fear,
His watchword is "Be patient, the journey's end is near!"
And ever through the toilsome way, He tells of joys to come,
And points the pilgrim to his rest, the wanderer to his home.

24. Hymn: Begone Unbelief

Hymn: Begone Unbelief

Author: John Newton (1725-1807)

(Vocal)

1. 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.

2. Though dark be my way, since He is my Guide,
    ‘Tis mine to obey, ‘tis His to provide;
    Though cisterns be broken and creatures all fail,
    The Word He has spoken shall surely prevail.

3. His love in time past forbids me to think
    He’ll leave me at last in trouble to sink;
    Each sweet Ebenezer I have in review,
    Confirms His good pleasure to help me quite through.

4. Determined to save, He watched o’er my path,
    When, Satan’s blind slave, I sported with death;
    And can He have taught me to trust in His name,
    And thus far have brought me, to put me to shame?

5. Why should I complain of want or distress,
    Temptation or pain? He told me no less:
    The heirs of salvation, I know from His Word,
    Through much tribulation must follow their Lord.

6. How bitter that cup, no heart can conceive,
    Which He drank right up, that sinners might live:
    His way was much rougher and darker than mine;
    Did Jesus thus suffer, and shall I repine?

7. Since all that I meet shall work for my good,
    The bitter is sweet, the med’cine is food;
    Though painful at present, they cease before long;
    And then, O how pleasant, the conqueror’s song!

23. Devotional: The Lord is Thy Keeper

Devotional: The Lord is Thy Keeper

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

The Lord is thy keeper. (Ps. 121:5)

    THE Lord's people are the objects of his constant care. They feel that they cannot keep themselves. They realize that they are exposed to many foes and dangers. They frequently put themselves into his hands for protection. They daily call upon him to be their keeper and guide. And they busily employ themselves in obeying his commands, and doing his will. The Lord is engaged to keep all such, and he is an omnipotent keeper. He will keep them at all times, and in all places. But he will especially keep them in times of peculiar danger, in seasons of heavy trouble, and in the midst of many fears. He will not keep them from trouble, but he will keep them from sinking under it. He will not keep them from being exercised with inward corruption, but he will keep them from being overcome by it. He will not keep them from temptations to apostacy and other sins, but he will keep them from going back into the world. In keeping them, he will employ his mighty angels, his special providence, his sacred word, and the operation of his Holy Spirit. He will keep them because he loves them, and because he can glorify himself by doing so.

Jesus is my sure defence. 
I all his care shall prove, 
Kept by his watchful providence,
And ever-waking love.

22. Devotional: Have Faith in God

Devotional: Have Faith in God

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

Have faith in God. (Mark 11:22)

    “WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM.” Our God has spoken. His Word is truth: 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 unto you. He is ever 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 keepeth covenant and mercy. Believe in God for all that your circumstances require. Patiently wait His time for your supplies. Never stop praying or expecting because He delays: never doubt Him but trust in Him with all your heart. He is God, thy God; He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think. This is thy direction, thy duty, thy privilege: have faith in God. Walk with God, talk with God, expect from God, do all for God, be entirely devoted to God. "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” Therefore will I look unto the Lord.

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

21. Devotional: I Will Surely Do Thee Good

Devotional: I Will Surely Do Thee Good
Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

I will surely do thee good. (Genesis 32:12)

    “I AM NOT WORTHY OF THE LEAST OF ALL (THY) MERCIES.” This was Jacob’s confession to the Lord in his prayer. God’s gracious promise to Jacob extends to us his spiritual seed. It is thus God speaks to us this morning. How gracious He is! We know not what a day may bring forth, but we know our God who superintends every event will do us good. We may mistake as to what will be for our good, but He is infinite in wisdom and goodness, and He makes no mistake. We may look at afflictions, losses, and crosses, and cry out, "All these things are against me!" But read the history of David. What a train of troubles attended him! Hear his acknowledgement: "It is good for me that I have been afflicted." Thy God will do thee good, therefore He will try thee, sift thee, humble thee, and prove thee. He will give thee medicine as well as food. He will consider nothing too expensive or too painful, if necessary for thy soul's welfare. Look at your trials and say, "This also shall turn to my salvation." Look on the past, and acknowledge, "Goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life." Look to the future and rejoice, "The Lord will give that which is good." Look in every direction, and say, "I will trust and not be afraid."

I cannot doubt His bounteous love,
So full, so free, so kind;
To His unerring, gracious will
Be every wish resigned.

20. A Quote from Oswald Chambers (18)

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19. Hymn: Leaning On The Everlasting Arms

Hymn: Leaning On The Everlasting Arms

Author: E. A. Hoffman (1839-1929)

(Vocal)

(Music)

(Sheet Music)

1. What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
    Leaning on the everlasting arms;
    What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
    Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:

Leaning, leaning,

Safe and secure from all alarms;

Leaning, leaning,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

2. What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
    Leaning on the everlasting arms?
    I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
    Leaning on the everlasting arms.

3. Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
    Leaning on the everlasting arms;
    Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
    Leaning on the everlasting arms.

18. Devotional: A Dark Sabbath

Devotional: A Dark Sabbath

Author: Charles F. Stanley (1932-2023)

If God seems absent, remember the resurrection and know that joy is coming.

    Just as Christ once rested in the stern of a boat through a raging storm, His lifeless body lay in the tomb as storms raged within His disciples. A day after they saw Jesus die, their minds must have been filled with an endless cycle of fear, doubt, and grief. Memories of life with Him must have played there, too: how it felt to stand upon a rolling sea, to feed thousands with a few loaves and a couple of fish, to see a demon-possessed man restored to himself and his community, and to see Lazarus walk out of his tomb.

    The disciples’ feeble faith shouldn’t surprise us because, if we’re honest, we’re at times the same way. Those “of little faith,” as Jesus often called them, failed to believe or recall things the Lord said of Himself—especially that He’d lay down His life and take it up again. Had His followers held these things in their hearts, that Sabbath day might have been a time of joyful anticipation.

    At times in our life, God may seem absent, but ultimately we know He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5). When we are tempted to rely on our own solutions, we need to recall the wonder-working power of Christ’s resurrection. If we are willing to wait through the darkness of night, we can rest in the knowledge that morning will surely come.

17. Devotional: Our sufficiency Is of God

Devotional: Our sufficiency Is of God

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

Our sufficiency is of God. (2 Corinthians 3:5)

    OUR LORD JESUS SAID, “WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING.” With Him, we can do all things; without Him, nothing. He is our sufficiency. Let us think of this, whenever we are cast down on account of our weakness, or the difficulties we meet in our way. We are weak but Jesus is strong and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. He has given us His word that He will work in us to will and to do of His own good pleasure. He speaks and it is done. The word of the Lord knows no obstacles or difficulties; all things must obey Him. When He sent Moses to Pharaoh, He said, "Certainly I will be with thee:" and the Lord's presence was his strength. He acts just so with us; His fullness is our sufficiency; it is opened to us in Jesus, and we receive from it according to our wants, weakness, and faith. "Through God," said David, "I shall do valiantly." "I can do all things," said Paul, "through Christ which strengtheneth me." Look not then at your own emptiness or weakness; but look at what God is to His people, and what He has promised to give them, and sing, "Our sufficiency is of God." God is our refuge and strength; and as our days so shall our strength be. His grace is sufficient for us; His strength is made perfect in weakness.

When we cannot see our way,
We should trust and still obey;
He who bids us forward go
Will instruct the way to know.

16. Modern Worship Song: Give Thanks

Modern Worship Song: Give Thanks

Author: Don Moen

(Vocal)

(Music)

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One;
Give thanks, because he’s given
Jesus Christ, his Son.
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One;
Give thanks, because he’s given
Jesus Christ, his Son.

And now let the weak say ‘I am strong’,
Let the poor say ‘I am rich’,
Because of what the Lord has done for us;
And now let the weak say ‘I am strong’,
Let the poor say ‘I am rich’,
Because of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks

15. A Quote from T. Austin-Sparks (17)

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14. Devotional: The Lord Helped Me

Devotional: The Lord Helped Me

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

The Lord helped me. (Ps. 118:13)

    IF he had not, what would have become of me? Can we not bear this testimony this morning, "The Lord helped me." Yes, before I knew his name, before I sought his face, before I ventured my soul on the finished work of his beloved Son, he helped me. But since that happy period, in how many instances, in how many ways, by what a variety of instruments, has he helped me. If he had not, conviction would have driven me to despair; Satan would have led me captive at his will; inbred lusts would have gained the ascendency; my circumstances would have overbalanced me; and I had this day been a disgrace to religion, or have been shut up in hell. But he said, "I will help thee." And I have ever found him "a very present help in trouble." Here I lift up my Ebenezer, and, to the honour of his faithful love, say, "Hitherto the Lord hath helped me." Surely then I may with confidence conclude, that he will help me in time to come, and exclaim as David did, "Behold, God is mine helper: The Lord is with them that uphold my soul," (Ps. 54:4) Or rejoice and say, "Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice."

My help is in the Lord; 
In danger he is near: 
He wears an all-victorious sword,
And will for me appear.

13. Devotional: Why Are Ye Troubled?

Devotional: Why Are Ye Troubled?

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

Why are ye troubled? (Luke 24:38)

    TO THE FEARFUL DISCIPLES, THE RISEN LORD SAID, “PEACE BE UNTO YOU.” To us today, He says the same. Why should you be troubled? Consider what Jesus has done for you, promised to you, and is gone to prepare for you. Consider what He is to you, your loving Bridegroom, faithful Friend, and gracious Saviour. What troubles you? Is it sin? He will pardon, subdue, and cleanse it. The world? He has overcome it, redeemed you from it, and is leading you through it. Is Satan the problem? He is conquered, condemned, and will soon be imprisoned. The cares and troubles of life? Jesus says, "Bring them to me by prayer, cast them on me in faith, leave them with me; I know what you want, I have provided of my goodness, I will supply all your needs; your bread shall be given you, and your water shall be sure. I will make a way in the wilderness of trouble, and a path in the desert of perplexity. Let not your hearts be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. Try me, trust me, in all your ways acknowledge me, and I will direct your paths. I have wisdom, power, and love; and all that I have is yours, to be employed for your good." Commit your way unto the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will bring it to pass.

Yield to the Lord, with simple heart,
All that thou hast, and all thou art;
Renounce all strength, but strength divine,
And peace shall be for ever thine;
Behold the path the saints have trod,
The path which led them home to God.

12. Devotional: And She Went to Inquire of the Lord

Devotional: And She Went to Inquire of the Lord
Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

And she went to inquire of the Lord. (Genesis 25:22)

    “IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION.” Why worry when we can pray? Rebekah prayed. Let us imitate Rebekah, for God commands us to do so. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Are you in trouble? Go, and inquire of the Lord: What is the cause? Unite with holy Job in praying, "Show me wherefore Thou contendest with me." Are you in perplexity? Go and inquire: What is the meaning? He will instruct thee and teach thee in the way thou shouldest go; He will guide thee with His eye. Go in an inquiring spirit. Go, persuaded whatever thy circumstances or trials may be, that, as a believer in Jesus, wrath and curse can have nothing to do with thee; they were lifted when Jesus died in thy stead. Be assured that whatever comes from God is a blessing, a benefit, a favour, a proof of love, however painful, perplexing, or distressing it may be. Do not reason, but believe in the promise of thy God; do not despair, grieve, or complain; but go, and inquire of the Lord at His throne, of His word. He says, "I will be inquired of."

Prayer was appointed to convey
The blessings God designs to give;
Long as they live should Christians pray,
For only while they pray they live.

11. Devotional: He Cannot Deny Himself

Devotional: He Cannot Deny Himself
Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)

    GOD HAS OPENED HIS HEART TO US IN HIS WORD. He has told us all His mind: He means every word He has spoken, and will fulfill every promise He has made. He cannot deny Himself or falsify His word; He can have no temptation to do so. Man may be fickle, he is but a bruised reed; Jehovah is always the same, He is the Rock of Ages. He will have compassion on the miserable who seek His face and show mercy to all who plead with Him in Jesus' name. He will not cast out a repentant sinner, or refuse to receive a confessing backslider. He cannot turn a deaf ear to our cries, or refuse to deliver us when we call on His name. He will take His own time, but will never dishonour His faithful word. He will be rigidly faithful, both to His threatenings and promises. Let us take courage and trust in Him; we have His word, it is true, from the beginning; we have this assurance, that He cannot deny Himself. Let us then stay ourselves on the word of our God; let us trust Him though the night be dark and the burden be heavy. He exhorts, "Trust ye in Jehovah for ever, for in Him there is everlasting strength."

Engraved as onto solid rock
The mighty promise shines;
Nor can the powers of darkness mock
Those everlasting lines.

10. Devotional: He Will Save

Devotional: He Will Save

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

He will save. (Zephaniah 3:17)

    THE LORD THY GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE. Whom will He save? The lost, the wretched, the unworthy. Every applicant, for "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Our Lord says, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." How? Freely, without money and without price; fully, by His blood, power, and providence; eternally, all who flee to Him for refuge, all who call on Him for pardon, peace, and life, shall be saved with an everlasting salvation; they shall not be ashamed or confounded, Why? Because it is His Father's will; because He delighteth in mercy; because it will eternally glorify His name. From what? From sin, its guilt, filth, and power; from the present evil world; from Satan; from the wrath of God; from every evil work; and from all the evil designs of men. He has saved us by showing us grace and dying in our stead. He does save us by His presence, word, providence, and the renewing of the Holy Spirit. He will save in every trouble, from every foe, even unto the end. Look to Him then, and to Him alone, to deliver, direct, relieve, and preserve. He says, "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other."

Why should I doubt His love at last,
With anxious thoughts perplexed?
He who saved me in troubles past,
Will save me in the next.

9. Devotional: Lord, Increase Our Faith

Devotional: Lord, Increase Our Faith
Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

Lord, increase our faith. (Luke 17:5)

    SOLA FIDE! FAITH ALONE SAVES, FAITH IN CHRIST ALONE! The believer is as his faith. If faith is weak, he is fearful, fretful, and troubled; if faith is strong and rightly placed, he is courageous, active, and happy. Faith comes from Jesus, He is its author; it leads to Jesus, He is its object. Faith is like a grain of mustard seed, it grows and increases; Jesus alone can increase our faith. Let us apply to Him this morning, and let this be our prayer, "Lord, increase my faith." Strong faith will believe without feeling, yea, against feelings and appearances. It will trust God where it cannot trace Him; it assures the soul that what He has promised He is able to perform, and will assuredly do so. Great faith will have great trials, for God never gives faith without trying it; and the heat of the furnace is in proportion to the strength of our faith. Little faith lays hold on Christ, and brings salvation; strong faith receives much and often from Christ and brings great consolation. Go to Jesus with the faith thou hast, and plead with Him for the faith He requires. He gives freely to every importunate pleader; and He will assuredly give to thee.

O Jesus, now Thyself impart
And fix Thy presence in my heart;
Give strong and living faith!
Then will I throw off every load,
And walk delightfully with God,
Believing all He saith.

8. Devotional: Peace, Peace

Devotional: Peace, Peace
Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

Peace, peace. Isaiah (57:19)

    SUCH ARE THE GOSPEL’S SOOTHING SOUNDS WHISPERED IN THE BELIEVER'S EAR. In times of tribulation, in times of temptation, in times of bodily disease and suffering, it softly cries "Peace, peace." Peace, for Jesus died to put away your sins. Peace, for Jesus lives to intercede for you in heaven. Peace, for Jesus reigns, and your concerns are in His hands. Peace, for Jesus loves, and His love is immutably fixed on you. Peace, for God is love. Peace, for you are reconciled to Him by the death of His Son. Let not your heart be troubled. Every thought of God respecting you, is peaceful. Every purpose of God toward you which providence has to work out, is peaceful. Heaven is at peace with you. You are also at peace with heaven. Your peace was made when Jesus died in your stead; when He put away your sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Look to Him as your peacemaker. Live in the atmosphere of Gethsemane and Golgotha. Often meditate upon that precious verse, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee." Let your mind rest in the Lord always. He is the God of peace.

Jesus, my feeble faith increase,
And sweetly multiply my peace;
Because I fully trust Thy power,
My sin shall trouble me no more.

7. Devotional: Wait In Anticipation

Devotional: Wait In Anticipation

Author: Basilea Schlink (1904-2001)

    You think you can no longer bear the burden that has been placed upon you. But listen! The Father wants to comfort you as His child: The dark valley is almost over. Soon bright beams of joy and bliss will be waiting for you. You will laugh as much as you have cried. "Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh." Live in expectation of the hour when your weeping will turn to laughter. This hour will come and in all eternity your laughter will never cease. This hour will come while you are still on earth—and perhaps it will be tomorrow. Wait in anticipation! (Luke 6:21)

6. Devotional: I Wait for the Lord

Devotional: I Wait for the Lord

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

I wait for the Lord. (Ps. 130:5)

    THIS is a blessed posture, but it is often a trying one. Every Christian has to wait, and waiting is for his good. "It is good that a man should both hope, and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord." We are kept waiting to try us—are we sincere? Are we in earnest? Do we value the blessing? To stir us up; we are apt to become formal, to settle on our lees, to sink into lukewarmness. Then comes a trial, this sends us to the Lord. He does not appear. We go again. We get no answer. We must wait. This rouses our energies, reproves our folly, and makes us more decided and determined. It is to teach us our dependence. We are apt to forget, or lose sight of this. We sink into self. We get conceited, or vain. Then comes something which shows us that we cannot do without the Lord. We go to him. He seems to turn a deaf ear to us. We go again. We must wait. This humbles us, and brings us into our proper place. Beloved, is there any particular blessing which you need? Have you asked it of God? Does he delay to give it? Wait for him. He will appear. His time is the best. Wait patiently. 

For God, I look; with strong desires, 
To God my ardent soul aspires; 
And hope, still waiting for the Lord, 
Rests on the promise of his word.

5. Devotional: The Lord Is My Shepherd

Devotional: The Lord Is My Shepherd

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

The Lord is my Shepherd. (Psalm 23:1)

    DAVID WAS ONE OF HIS SHEEP. All His sheep know Him, love Him, and follow Him. They possess His disposition; He was meek and lowly in heart. Are you a sheep of Christ? Are you looking to your Shepherd, following and rejoicing in Him? If so, it is His delight to lead you, feed you, protect you, and heal you. Your person, life, health, comforts, and safety, are committed to His care. He is the good Shepherd, He laid down His life for His sheep; He searches and seeks out His sheep wherever they have been scattered; He feeds His flock; He gathers the lambs with His arm and carries them in His bosom. He loves His sheep more than His own life; He cares for His sheep more than for all the world beside. He feeds them in the best green pasture, and leads them in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. O view Jesus as your Shepherd! Expect Him to lead you, feed you, fold you, and one day, soon, to present you to His Father with exceeding joy. Cleave to Him; let nothing tempt you to leave His feet, His flock, or His fold. He will never leave you, nor forsake you, just because you are His.

Jehovah is my Shepherd's name!
With Him no foe can make me fear;
The Shepherd’s voice each day I hear,
My filial love He has a claim;
In every danger He is nigh,
He does my every want supply.

4. Devotional: It Is I; Be Not Afraid

Devotional: It Is I; Be Not Afraid

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

It is I; be not afraid. (John 6:20)

    THE FEARS OF THE CHRISTIAN DISHONOUR HIS LORD. Fear is a denial of his faith, and a fruitful source of distress to his soul. All things are of God, He worketh all things after the counsel of His own will, and in every event He says to us, "It is I, be not afraid." If friends turn to foes and distress us, if death visits our dwellings and bereaves us, if sickness lays us aside and fills us with pain, He says, "It is I; be not afraid." If losses, crosses, and sore trials come upon us, and discourage, distress, and perplex us, He says, "It is I; be not afraid." If death approaches, and calls upon us to leave the body and close our eyes upon our beloved relations, friends, and connexions, He says, "It is I; be not afraid." Should we hear the pillars of heaven crack, and feel the strong foundation of the earth give way; should the heavens be rolled up like a scroll, and the great white throne appear; still, amidst the wreck of matter and the crash of worlds, He cries, "Be not afraid; it is I." Happy Christian! thy fears are groundless and thy brightest hopes well founded. Rejoice in Jesus!

O that I might so believe,
Steadfastly to Jesus cleave;
Only on His love rely,
Smile at the destroyer nigh:
Free from care and servile fear,
Feel the Saviour always near.

3. Devotional: The Obedience of Faith

Devotional: The Obedience of Faith

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

The obedience of faith. (Romans 16:26) 

    THE OBEDIENCE REQUIRED OF FAITH IS SUBMISSION TO GOD’S WILL. It is the submission of the intellect, the heart, and the life to God. The law of faith is the gospel: this requires us to believe that "God is love," that Christ died in the place of sinners; to embrace mercy as freely presented, and receive forgiveness as the gift of God; to accept of the righteousness of Jesus, to trust in it alone for acceptance before God, and to plead it at the throne of grace for all we need; to come daily to Jesus for all we want, and to expect to receive at His hands all He has promised; to live for God, to live to God, to live like God. It requires us, in one word, so to live that God may be all, and man nothing. God requires the obedience of a believing heart. We must believe what He says, expect what He has promised, and do what He bids. This is the life of faith and Satan will oppose it. The carnal mind will throw a thousand obstacles in the way. Everything that is of a worldly character will hinder us. But we must wrestle, strive, break through, and say, "I will believe my God. I will obey my Lord." That only is the way of faith. 

Spirit of faith, unfold Thy law, 
Thy quick'ning pow’r impart: 
My soul to sweet obedience draw, 
Fill and control my heart.

2. Devotional: Neither Be Ye of A Doubtful Mind

Devotional: Neither Be Ye of A Doubtful Mind

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

Neither be ye of a doubtful mind. (Luke 12:29)

    We are all prone to doubt, and to doubt that most, which there is no reason at all to doubt. But some seem to nurse their doubts, as though doubting was a part of religion. This is wrong. It is sinful. Our Lord often bids us believe, but he never encourages doubts. Doubting dishonors him, distresses us, and gives Satan an advantage over us. Let us not doubt his providence, for it is kind; nor his word, for it is true. Let us not judge by appearances, which often mislead; but let us rest on divine promises, which can never change or deceive. Let us not look too much at ourselves, our abilities, or our circumstances; but let us look to the Lord, to his wisdom, power, and love. Not tremble at poverty, because God can make us happier in poverty, than we ever have been in plenty.

    Let us not be affected by the changeableness of men, for our God is in one mind and none can turn him. If we yield to a doubtful mind, it will spoil our present comforts, hinder us in holy duties, dim the eye of our hope, and feed and nourish our fears. But what is worse than all, it will reflect upon the kindness, care, and providence of our gracious God.

Cast thy burdens on the Lord,
Leave them with thy Savior;
He (whose hands for thee were bored)
Can and will deliver:
He is true and faithful still,
Yield thyself unto his will.

1. Devotional: I Shall Not Want

Devotional: I Shall Not Want
Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)

    THIS WAS DAVID'S CONCLUSION BECAUSE THE LORD WAS HIS SHEPHERD. If we are His sheep He will supply us. He has all things in His possession: the silver and the gold, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. His owner’s mark is upon all. All spiritual blessings are in His possession also; and He has a kind, tender, and liberal heart. He will give the best and liberally. He has undertaken to supply, conduct, protect, and present His flock upon Mount Zion. He has promised to be to us, to do for us, and to bestow upon us, all that our circumstances require. His care of His flock in times past is our sufficient assurance for the future. Whenever were the righteous forsaken, or His sheep left neglected? Did David ever want? Few men ever passed through greater or severer trials; yet upon his dying bed he tells us, he had all his desire fulfilled in the Lord. If you belong to Christ, you too may safely conclude, "I shall not want." Your fears are follies; your anxieties are groundless; your forebodings are sinful; you have a faithful God to provide for you, and you ought to rejoice. "My God," says the apostle, "shall supply all your needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

What want shall not our God supply
From His abundant stores?
What showers of blessing from on high
Each day th’ Almighty pours!