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Daily Devotionals
Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God
Devotional: August 19th

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Morning Devotional

A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.- Matthew 12:20.

Through a sight of their sinful state, a sense of strong corruptions, weakness of faith, and small degree of the knowledge of Jesus, young converts, like David just come to the throne, are apt to say, "I am this day weak, though anointed king;" and to fear with him, "the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me,"- 2 Samuel 3:39. The accuser of the brethren is ever an adversary to Jesus and the truth; he is always busy with souls, to stamp upon their minds the blackest impressions. He paints the Saviour, not as loving, gentle, and merciful to relieve distressed and comfort wounded, afflicted consciences; but as a rigid, austere, and cruel exactor. When carnal reason joins in with false accusations, it is sore distress and conflict to the mind. But to the law and to the testimony. How readest thou, O soul? "It is right thou shouldst bear the indignation of the Lord, because thou hast sinned against him." Micah 7:9. The Saviour sees it fit. By this he teaches the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that thou shouldest abhor it, be humbled for it. Yea also, as the greatest blessing above all, that thou shouldest look to him, believe on him, and love him.

But this thou never wilt do, while thou dost not consider him as a precious Saviour for the lost and guilty. True, in thyself thou art like a bruised reed, shaken with the wind of temptation; oppressed with sin and distress; weak and helpless, ready to fall into despair, and perish without hope. As smoking flax, thou seemest to smoke, but not burn; rather offensive to thyself, because of the vapors of corruption: these blind thine eyes, and are a stench in thy nostrils: and so poor sensible souls are apt to think themselves to be to Jesus. But saw he any amiable dispositions in the sinner’s character to invite him from heaven to earth? Being come to seek and to save the lost, and to be the physician of sin-sick souls, waits he for their health and soundness ere he reacheth forth his healing hand? Doth the friend of sinners break in pieces with a rod of iron the sin-wounded, heavy laden soul? That be far from the loving heart of Jesus; far be that from any poor sinner’s heart to conceive. Nay, but he pleads thy cause, he will execute judgment for all such over every adversary. He shall not break, he shall not quench, till judgment is denounced and victory proclaimed.

Satan’s accusations, unbelieving suggestions, shall be condemned and cast out by the word of truth, and the power of the Spirit; and the weakest believer "shall overcome and obtain victory by the blood of the Lamb and the word of the testimony of Jesus."- Revelation 12:11.

Evening Devotional

The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. 2 Timothy 4:22.

A most precious benediction! How blind are all who deny the divinity of Christ! how miserable are all who live without the presence of Christ! how ignorant are all who know not that such a blessing is to be enjoyed! how stupid are all those who seek it not! Art thou not, O Christian, too negligent in not more earnestly seeking and constantly praying for more of the presence of thy Lord? Consider, what is implied in this wish? It is heaven in the heart, glory in the soul, to have Christ with our spirits. It disposes and qualifies the soul for heavenly glory. For, (1st.) Christ’s presence restrains our bad tempers, and subdues our unruly passions. Boisterous waves are changed into a profound calm; rough winds are at peace; foaming billows are still: there is the calm sunshine of heartfelt joy within: all is serene and happy without. Christ’s presence causes haughty pride and furious anger to subside. (2d.) It fills the soul with love: love to God and man. We cannot enjoy the presence of Jesus, without loving him as our Lord. It is love that causes him to be present with our spirits, and our spirits catch the flame of love from him; and, if we love God, this love will diffuse itself to our brethren also. (3d.) Christ’s presence counsels and directs us in all our difficulties. We are often in the dark, both as to providence and grace; in things temporal and spiritual, as to our bodies and souls. But the presence of the Lord causes light; solves every difficulty; and makes our way plain before our eyes. (4th.) It enables us to bear up under all our distresses. Christ’s presence comforts our hearts, while afflictions bow down our spirits. (5th.) Christ’s presence fortifies us with strength, to fight manfully against the world, the flesh, and the devil. We can do all things through Christ strengthening us. It is out of his fulness we receive grace for our every need. (6th.) The presence of Christ animates us in the discharge of every duty, and enlivens the exercise of every grace, of faith, hope, love, patience, etc. Lastly, Christ’s presence makes sin hateful, our souls humble, the world contemptible, temptations tolerable, self-denial easy, the cross glorious, Satan flee from us, hell vanquished, death conquered, the passage to glory delightful, and heaven most earnestly longed for; that, without interruption, we may be ever present with the Lord. O! use every means to enjoy the Lord’s presence. Avoid all things which may cause him to withdraw it. “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God.” Ephesians 4:30.

Our spirits with thy presence bless,

Thou Lord of all our joy,

That we may walk in righteousness,

And nought our peace destroy.

To know thy love, and feel thy peace,

Creates our heav’n below;

To pray for this we will not cease,

While on to heav’n we go.

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