Daily Devotionals

The Poor Man's Morning and Evening Portions

Devotional: October 10th

October 10—Morning—Exodus 11:7

"That ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel."—Exodus 11:7.

Who shall mark down all the properties of distinguishing grace? What a vast difference doth grace make, in this life, between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not! And what an everlasting difference will be made in the life which is to come. My soul, make this thought the subject of thine unceasing meditation. Thou canst not walk the street, nor go to public worship, nor watch the Lord’s dealings in all the vast and numberless dispensations going on in life, in the wide world of providence and grace, but what every thing speaks, in the language of the morning portion, of the difference there is still put between the Egyptians and Israel. Every thing proclaims it, every event confirms it. And do not overlook the great point of all-it is the Lord that doth all this. "Who maketh thee to differ from another?" Oh for grace to be always on the watch-tower to mark this, and for grace to acknowledge it! Precious Jesus, thou art the Source, the Fountain, the Author, the Finisher, of all. "Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are thy judgments, and thy ways past finding out."

October 10—Evening—1 Peter 1:14

"As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts, in your ignorance."—1 Peter 1:14.

There is somewhat very striking in these words of the apostle; and they certainly mean more than not being found in actual transgression. The very fashion of a new-born child of God is supposed to distinguish his obedience; and his whole appearance, as well as his whole conduct, marks that the former lusts of his ignorant state, when unregenerated, are done away. And though the believer is not called upon to a singularity of dress or apparel, yet a singularity against customs leading to the confines of sin; and unsuited to the manners of a soul walking with Jesus, should certainly distinguish the Redeemer’s people. It was said, as one among the characters by which they should be known; that "they should dwell alone, and should not be reckoned among the nations," Numbers 23:9. And surely a total diversity of character, pursuit, and conduct, ought to distinguish them from the world. For, even among men, different nations have their diversity of character and occupation; and if there be a subject of contention between them, the ports and garrisons of one kingdom are shut against the admission of the people of another; there will be a total disconformity in this case, and nothing of harmony between them. My soul, see to it, that thy path and walk of life bear not the fashion of the world. Thou hast given thy name unto Jesus: his thou art, and the subject of his kingdom; professing to be guided by another Spirit, directed by another rule, walking by another faith, and looking forward to another world. See then, that every thing in and about thee mark this character of Jesus’s pilgrim. Let thy dress be the robe of Jesus’s righteousness; thine armour, the sword of the Spirit; thy conversation always "such as becometh the gospel of Christ." And as the Redeemer, long before he came, by the spirit of prophecy, pointed oat the singularity of himself and followers, "as for signs and wonders in Israel," Isaiah 8:18. so let the character be thine, as "Joshua and his fellows, men wondered at," Zechariah 3:8. Precious Jesus! keep me always near thyself, and let my soul be always exercising a holy jealousy over all the parts of my conduct. Lord, I would pray, that whereever I am, or however engaged, all who behold me may know that "I have been with Jesus!"