Daily Devotionals

Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God

Devotional: May 31st

In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began.- Titus 1:2.

Christ’s sheep are the trophies of his victory, the triumphs of his cross, and the glory of his crown. Though naturally captives and slaves to the god of this world, the prince of the power of the air; yet when rescued by sovereign grace, they hear the shepherd’s voice and follow him. But at present they are prisoners of hope. The soul is imprisoned and immured in the noisome walls of the flesh, exposed to many taunts and jeers of the enemy, and liable to many fresh rallies and onsets from the prince of darkness. Often through their views being darkened, and from opposing lusts of the flesh they fear, and are in doubt whether they shall ever arrive at the glorious mansions of liberty and love. The more they look to and consider themselves, the more discouragements arise. But if eternal truth and almighty power, founded in everlasting, unchangeable love, can secure them and bring them to glory, they are surely safe now-they shall be eternally happy in glory.

Hath the God of truth promised eternal life before the world began? who then could this promise be made to? Verily, to no other but Jesus the surety of the everlasting covenant: the head and representative of all his chosen members. O soul, before conversion to Jesus, thou wast a dead sinner without hope. Hast thou faith in Jesus? then hast thou "the faith of God’s elect, and dost acknowledge the truth, which is after godliness." Thou hast also eternal life: in hope now; and the possession is as sure to thee, as if thou wast in actual enjoyment of it. The eternal God of truth must become a liar, if thou fail of thy hope. Was eternal life promised upon certain conditions? Jesus hath performed them all. He became surety to this very end. God the Father is perfectly satisfied, and eternally glorified with his work. God the Spirit bears witness to it. Hereby hope is established in the heart. O then take heed not to invert the order of the gospel, lest thy mind be perplexed, hope clouded, and Satan gain an advantage. Be thankful for the grace of hope; but ever glory in the God of hope. Frames and feelings often vary: they may delude and deceive. Gifts may be lost: graces decline. Jesus OUR HOPE cannot. "He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Wherefore are eternal transactions revealed? but for God’s glory and the confirmation of his people’s faith and hope in God, and to excite love in him. Ever remember, by grace ye are saved, "according to the promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus."- 2 Timothy 1:1.

God be merciful to me, a sinner. Luke 18:13.

I often reflect on what a perfectionist once said to me, upwards of twenty years ago: “Do not go to hear such preaching; you will get such a notion of sinnership, as though you were to be a poor sinner all your days.” Truly, after being so long in Christ, when I look into the glass of God’s law, I see myself just the same poor sinner I was at first; striving against sin, and looking to Christ for salvation. I thank my Lord, I do not trust in myself that I am righteous: yet am as righteous in myself, as any poor sinner on earth is; and as righteous in Christ, as any saint in glory is. O the humbling joy of faith! it brings boldness of access to God into the heart, while it destroys self-righteous confidence. Many poor souls are apt to say, I am afraid to approach God, I am such a sinner-I tremble to think what will become of me-I fear God will cast me off for ever; and damn me eternally, for my sins. No, saith the Lord: “My thoughts are not as your thoughts.

Return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon you; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:7-8.) But what plea have I to make? as good an one as the best saint upon earth has. He is not a saint in Christ, who dares make any other. He it is: your Lord puts it into your mouth; and assures you, that it is most prevailing before the throne of God-God be merciful to me, a sinner! But, am I to bring no works, no faith? No: your faith brings you. Faith leaves all works behind. It relies on God’s gracious promises: it pleads God’s rich mercy in Christ, to poor, perishing sinners. Thus seek mercy; thus beseech God to be propitious to you. But must I not bring repentance? You cannot come without, if you have faith. Repentance flows from faith; is a change of mind, concerning the object of hope for salvation; and a change of conduct towards that object. A cry for mercy to God in Christ, as a miserable sinner, is the language of true repentance. But am I to live in sin, and walk in sin; and yet cry, God be merciful to me, a sinner? You cannot, if this cry comes from your heart, affected with the evil of sin; no more than you can cry to be delivered from devouring flames, and yet contentedly continue in the midst of them. But when we cast in our minds for a plea, we have the most blessed one,-the full atonement and perfect righteousness of JESUS. Therefore, there is never any room for despair. “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy, and find grace in every time of need.” Hebrews 4:16.

I daily live by mercy free,

To me, a sinner, shew’d:

I’ve nought to claim from God to me-

He gives, because he’s good.

Then let me take the lowest place

Of deep humility;

And if I ever see Christ’s face,

There’s nothing due to me.