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Daily Devotionals
The Poor Man's Morning and Evening Portions
Devotional: December 15th

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December 15—Morning—Romans 5:3

"Knowing that tribulation worketh patience."—Romans 5:3.

Have former trials been blessed to thee, my soul? Why then depend upon it, this, be it what it may, will be also. The covenant love and faithfulness of God in Christ are both the same now, as they ever were. If the Lord hath hitherto been making all things work together for good, so will he now. Only pause and consider why it must be so. Thy God is the same God as ever is he not? And his love to thee the same, because it is in Jesus; his covenant the same, his promises the same; the blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus in efficacy the same. Well then, as all the perfections of God are engaged for God’s people, certain it is, that no trial to his people can arise which he knew not, nay, which he appointed not, and for which he hath not made a suitable provision. Well then, what trouble of thine can be so great, as to counteract and overcome divine strength? What burden so heavy that Jesus cannot bear? What afflictions so painful that Jesus cannot soften? What grief so scorching as to dry up the streams of God’s love? Hear then his words: "In your patience possess ye your souls." My soul, rest in this. Let past experience bring thee present confidence. See that all the fresh springs of patience flow from Jesus. Wait patiently for the Lord, by believing in him; and, depend upon it, thy present tribulation, of what sort or kind soever it is, will terminate, like every former, in bringing glory to God and comfort to thy soul.

December 15—Evening—Exodus 16:35

"They did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan."—Exodus 16:35.

How graciously did God the Holy Ghost teach Israel, by type and shadow, concerning good things to come! It must be our duty, and it will prove our happiness, to read in every event, as far as the Holy Ghost teacheth, our new testament blessings dressed up in the old testament figures. The feeding of the church in the wilderness with manna forty years, was a standing miracle, and, as such, became a most suitable type of Jesus. My soul, look at it, this evening, in this point of view, and behold what the Spirit holds forth in it, concerning the Lord Jesus. The continuance of this supply from heaven became a beautiful resemblance of the state of believers in all ages. The rebellion of Israel occasioned not any suspension of the mercy; for though they murmured and rebelled, the manna was sent the same, "new and pure every morning." Sweet thought to the poor timid believer! Though we fail in our duty, Jesus will not diminish in his love.; and though we neglect him, yet will he not forget us. Moreover, morning by morning, the blessing came; not a day, not an hour omitted. Jesus is all this, and more: "For it shall come to pass, that before my people call, (saith Jehovah) I will answer; and while they are speaking, I will hear;" Isaiah 65:24. There is another precious thought suggested in the view of the type, and the thing signified; all the people partook of the rich mercy. There was enough manna for every one; for each and for all. Such is Jesus to his people. Every state and every circumstance he is able to supply, and he doth and will supply; and therefore, between the old church of the old testament believers, and the new church of new testament saints, there is a great analogy and agreement. Christ is the sum and substance of all and every one of the people. One thing more: As Israel had no other sustenance until they came to the borders of Canaan, so the people of God now have no other, yea, they desire no other, until they come to the Canaan above. In Jesus there is a fulness of grace, and life, and glory. Hail, thou heavenly bread! thou word of God! Be thou my portion, the bread of life, until I am brought down to the waters of Jordan. Help me, Lord, by faith, to feed on thee and on thy great salvation; and "may my meditation of thee be sweet!"

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