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Daily Devotionals
Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God
Devotional: January 4th

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Morning Devotional

I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.- Psalms 71:16.

Wise travellers provide things needful for their journey, and guard against such as lie in wait, by the way, to rob them. Our gracious God calls not his dear children to forsake their native country, to travel to the heavenly city, without furnishing them with a rich supply of all things necessary for their comfort, and also strength to protect them from the power of every enemy. No soldier of his goeth a warfare at his own charge; Christ being both their righteousness and strength, they can want nothing; neither riches nor power. Hence, they go on from day to day, glorying in him, as their richest treasure, and trusting in him as their almighty strength; and this is their constant song in the house of their pilgrimage, and all through their journey: "Surely, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength,"- Isaiah 45:24. Jesu’s righteousness inspires the soul with boldness before God. Jesu’s strength obtains victory over every enemy. This is the triumph of faith. So believers walk safely and comfortably.

Children of grace are not called to be idle speculatists in doctrines, but to a life of activity-to holy walking with Jesus-constant hearing of his love-cheerful obedience to his will-diligent search of the scriptures-stedfast resistance of Satan-striving daily against sin-and praying always with all prayer and supplication.

Well may one ask, "But who is sufficient for these things?" From natural power and inherent strength, we must all sit down in despair. But faith leads from self to Jesus. I can do all things, through Christ strengthening me; so will I go on against my enemies; thus I shall be enabled to walk in the path of every duty. But after I have done all, still my Saviour bids me confess the truth, that I am an unprofitable servant. But is not this discouraging to the soul? No; for it works not to obtain righteousness. It is already clothed with that, and, in the views of faith, rejoices in it; abjures all other, and will make mention of Jesu’s righteousness, and his ONLY, for acceptance with God, perfect justification before him, from every condemnation of the law, and accusation of Satan. True, doubtful fears may arise; distressing thoughts deject; but happy is our conduct, joyful shall be our experience, while the righteousness of Christ is beheld by faith, as our only hope, our only joy, our only crown of rejoicing. For we are made the righteousness of God IN CHRIST.- 2 Corinthians 5:21.

While in thy righteousness I trust,

Which only makes a sinner just;

This truth of faith, Lord, make me prove,

That faith thou giv’st, which works by love.

My grace and safety lie in this,

My Creditor my surety is.

The judgment-day I dread the less;

My Judge is made my righteousness.

Evening Devotional

To this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. Isaiah 66:2.

The Lord, whose throne is in the highest heaven, and whose footstool is the earth, here inquires after a place of residence and rest. As though about to quit his throne, he looks unto man. Behold, he tabernacles in man, he makes the human nature his temple. Hence, he looks to his brethren in flesh, however poor, miserable, and distressed. As his look of love is towards them, so he brings them to look for mercy from him. But we are all naturally too rich in our own eyes, to be indebted to his grace; too stubborn of spirit, to bow to his sceptre; and too stout-hearted, to hearken to his voice, and submit to his righteousness. Well, glory to the Lord! he has mercy for rebels, as well as a heaven for saints; yea, of sturdy rebels, he makes humble saints. How? Thus, “The day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low.” (Isaiah 2:12.) O! soul, dost thou see thy poverty, deeply involved in debt to law and justice, nothing but rags to cover thy nakedness, and liable to be cast into the prison of hell? Give glory to the Lord. The day of the Lord is upon thee, the light of truth has shined into thee; and, as though there was not another man upon the earth, the Lord looks to thee, even to thee, thou poor sinner. Thou sayest, I abhor myself; I tremble to look at myself-I am so poor, so miserable, so wretched! Surely, the Lord must turn away his eyes from me with loathing and abhorrence! No: to this man will I look, saith the Lord. Yes, saith the humble soul, If I had but a contrite spirit, if I did but tremble at his word, I might think so, I should hope so: but I can see nothing in myself, why the Lord should look upon me, and love me. I tremble to be found in myself. O, if the Lord had not looked on thee as he did on Peter, thou wouldst never have had such a contrite spirit, nor such a trembling heart. Jesus beholds, and loves his image there. He was once a poor man as thou art. He had not where to recline his weary head, or to find comfort for his sorrowful soul, but in and from the loving breast of his dear Father. That is thy case. Instead of being a proud pharisee, why art thou a humbled sinner? Instead of making a mock at sin, why is thy heart broken for sin? Instead of despising the Lord’s word, why dost thou tremble to be found out of Christ? All, all is because the Lord looks to thee. O look, look unto him and be saved from all thy doubts and fears! Thy poverty and contrition are not conditions, but blessed evidences of salvation. Our Lord assures us, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3.)

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