Another encouraging excerpt from the writings of James Smith.

 

John Macduff's "Throne of Grace"

 I trust you will also find this very encouraging.

An account involving Mr. Sankey

Before Ira Sankey became D.L. Moody's mission partner, he had been a soldier in the American Civil War. One night he was out on guard duty; he lifted his eyes to heaven and began singing praise to the LORD. 

Years after the war ended, Sankey was sailing somewhere and a crowd of people recognised him and asked him to sing. He again looked Heavenward and sang a hymn. 

 A man from the crowd asked him if, on a certain night during the war, he had performed night duty for a certain infantry unit. "Yes, I did." was his reply. 

The man continued, "I was on the opposite side of the war, hiding by a bush near your camp. My gun was aimed at your head when you looked upward and began to sing. As I liked music I thought I'd let you finish the song before shooting you. Then I realised what you were singing. It was the same hymn my mother sang to me many times when I was a child; the one you sang tonight. I tried, but I was powerless to pull the trigger. I recognised that your Shepherd was strong to protect you. I have not yet made peace with Him. Please tell me how I can be saved. Sankey embraced his former enemy and led him to the LORD. 

(true story paraphrased from 2 sources)

This is the hymn he sang. 

Savior, like a shepherd lead us,

Much we need Thy tender care;

In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,

For our use Thy folds prepare:

Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,

Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;

Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,

Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

2 We are Thine, do Thou befriend us,

Be the guardian of our way;

Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,

Seek us when we go astray:

Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,

Hear, O hear us when we pray;

Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,

Hear, O hear us when we pray.

3 Thou hast promised to receive us,

Poor and sinful though we be;

Thou hast mercy to relieve us,

Grace to cleanse, and pow'r to free:

Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,

Early let us turn to Thee;

Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,

Early let us turn to Thee.

4 Early let us seek Thy favor,

Early let us do Thy will;

Blessed Lord and only Savior,

With Thy love our bosoms fill:

Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,

Thou hast loved us, love us still;

Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,

Thou hast loved us, love us still.

James Smith on the topic of "God's sweetest attribute"

 Men are deficient in mercy — but God, our God in Jesus, will display the greatest kindness and compassion to His children. This renders Him so amiable, suitable, and glorious in the estimation of His people. Mercy is God's sweetest attribute . . .

  as beautiful as the morning light,

  as measureless as the waters of the ocean,

  as boundless as illimitable space,

  as refreshing as the early dew,

  as glorious as the noon-day sun!

God's mercy is like His nature — pure, lovely, and eternal. His mercy is suited to all the needs of His children — it is free, full, and meets every case! Christian, the Lord assures you that He has mercy for you!

He has pardoning mercy — which will suit your sinfulness; mercy which will blot out your sins, and remove them from you as far as the east is from the west!

He has delivering mercy — which will meet your misery; mercy which will deliver you from . . .

   the power of sin,

   the bondage of Satan,

   the curse of the law,

   the fear of death,

   the terrors of judgment, and

   all the soul-troubles which may fall upon you on earth!

His mercy is tender mercy — which will suit the sickness of your soul. He will sympathize with you, pity you, and manifest the greatest forbearance and love. His mercy is so tender, that it will not break the bruised reed, or quench the smoking flax. It will . . .

  encourage the weak desire,

  fan the feeble spark into a flame,

  and take the will for the deed.

His mercy is supplying mercy — to meet your needs and defects. It will supply all your needs,according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Whether your needs are temporal or spiritual — He will supply you. He will give you both grace and glory; and no good thing will He withhold from you, if you walk uprightly.

It is also sanctifying mercy — to suit your impurity. It will wash you in the laver of the Word, and in the fountain of a Savior's blood. It will teach you to wash your robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It will sanctify your troubles, and make all things work together for your good.

It is rescuing mercy, which will appear for you, and deliver you from all the dangers which may line your way — and at last present you faultless before the throne of God!

In a word — God's mercy will meet every case, circumstance, and condition in which it is possible for you to be placed!

Reader, let me exhort you to dwell much on this excellent attribute of your God. Meditate on God as all-merciful and all-sufficient for our every state!

Garden of Spices by Samuel Rutherford

Samuel Rutherford was born in Scotland in 1600 and he died in 1661. I recently started reading his "Garden of Spices" and wanted to share a couple of the poems found therein.

Some may find the very old fashioned language harder to understand but I think they're worth reading. 

I hope you also find them encouraging. 

Glad tidings! Adapted from a carol by F. Crosby and a writing of James Smith

 https://youtu.be/bkjhP9hfFCU?si=BjaniSAxJNwfJHhk

I found this piece by James Smith encouraging. I hope you would also be blessed by pondering on these truths. 

"This is God's representation of the gospel. It brings tidings from Heaven, tidings for sinners, tidings of good things for them; yes, tidings of the very best things — for the very worst of men! Not for them exclusively, but for men as sinners, including the very worst of them. It is the glorious glad tidings of the blessed God, giving correct views of his nature, revealing his loving heart, publishing his gracious thoughts, and making known his mercy to sinful men. These tidings calculated to gladden the saddest heart, cheer the desponding mind, and fill the despairing soul with joy and peace. Never were there such Glad Tidings! No one but an infinite God could have devised them. No one, but the All-merciful God would have sent them to rebellious sinners! O that Heaven and earth would unite to praise, bless, magnify, and adore his holy name for them!

The best thing in these glad tidings, is the SAVIOR — one who is able save such sinners as we are; one who not only can — but willing to do so. Here we are informed, that God has sent his Son, to be the Savior of the world. That the only begotten Son, who was in the bosom of the Father, possessing the nature of the Father, and equal to the Father, in majesty, power, and glory — that this only begotten Son, came into our world, took our nature, made an atonement for sin, and opened a way in which any sinner, and every sinner who will, may be saved — saved certainly, honorably, and eternally. Yes, any sinner can be saved now. Every sinner who will, shall be saved now.

There is no impediment in the path. There is no legal difficulty in the way. Jesus has all the qualifications required in one who is to save the vilest, to save freely, and to save all who apply to be saved by him.

The glad tidings forbid despair, they prohibit despondency, they are intended to dispel every doubt and fear. There is in reality no room for a single doubt, no room for a solitary fear, if the gospel is truly understood and believed. Any sinner, be he who he may — every sinner, be he what he will — may be saved — and be saved the moment he hears the gospel, let it find him where it will, or in whatever state it will.

Jesus is an almighty Savior. Jesus is an ever willing Savior. Jesus is a loving Savior. There is no reluctance on his part. It is no difficulty to him. Therefore he calls sinners to him — sinners of every name, sinners under all circumstances. His invitations embrace all. The glad tidings exclude none. The man or woman who reads these lines, is as really, as sincerely invited by Jesus, to come and be saved by him, as if a letter had been hand-written by Jesus and addressed to that person by name. All who hear or read are invited, all who are invited are desired to come, all who come are welcomed, and all who are welcomed are saved.

Can you conceive of anything better than this?

A Savior for vile sinners;

a Savior to deliver sinners from the lowest Hell;

a Savior to raise sinners to the highest Heaven;

a Savior from sin — the cause of suffering;

a Savior from guilt — the source of fear;

a Savior from the world, which is doomed to destruction!

Precious Redeemer, may your name be soon universally known; and may the glorious glad tidings of your saving love, power, and mercy, be published in every land, in every tongue, to every soul!

Next to the Savior, comes the free and full forgiveness of all sin, and the gospel is the glad tidings of this.

Without pardon — we perish.

Without pardon — we cannot know peace with God.

Without pardon — we cannot be holy.

Without pardon — we cannot have fellowship with God.

Without pardon — there can be no Heaven.

Now, the gospel is the glad tidings of pardon — the pardon of all sin, the instantaneous pardon of all sin, the eternal forgiveness of all sin — for every one who believes in Jesus. All the prophets bear witness, that through Jesus, and by faith in his name — pardon may be obtained. All the apostles preached a full, free, and everlasting pardon of all sin — for every one who believes in Jesus. And by the gospel, a complete pardon of every sin, and the perfect and everlasting justification of every person, is guaranteed to every one one that believes on the Son of God. A pardon without penance — a pardon without confession to a priest. A pardon without delay. For the moment a sinner renounces all dependence on himself and his own works, places his confidence in the finished work of Christ, and confesses his sins at a throne of grace — he is forgiven all trespasses.

And, as often as he is overcome by temptation, falls into sin, and brings guilt upon his conscience; confessing his fault, pleading the name of Jesus, and trusting in God's mercy — he is pardoned afresh. Daily sins are forgiven by a gracious Father — and by constantly applying to the all-cleansing blood of Jesus, the conscience is kept clean, peaceful and happy. O what a mercy to have an open fountain! O what a privilege to have the promise of a free and perfect pardon on confession of sin and exercising faith in Jesus! This the gospel presents to us, not once in our lives — but every day, every time we hear or read it — well therefore may it be called "glad tidings of good things."

The gospel is also the good news of a better country, even a Heavenly one. HEAVEN is . . .

a rest for the weary,

a home for the homeless, and

the best company for the lonely and desolate.

Heaven comprises . . .

all that can feast the intellect,

all that can satisfy the heart,

all that can fill the soul.

It is enriched with all the wealth of God,

it is filled with the glory of God, and

it is the house and home of God.

In Heaven there is . . .

no pain or privation,

no grief or sorrow,

no losses or crosses,

no temptations or trials,

no wants or woes.

Heaven contains the highest manifestations of the greatness, grandeur, and magnificence of God. Heaven is the home of the brightest, holiest, and most dignified of God's intelligent creation. Heaven! what is it? Heaven! What does it comprise and comprehend? "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined — what God has prepared for those who love Him!" No one can give the faintest guess at what Heaven is — but whatever it is, whatever it contains, the gospel tells us that it is for saved sinners.

Nor is Heaven a place difficult of access, or hard to obtain. There is a new and living way to it, and Jesus is the way. By coming to him, and trusting in him, we enter on the way; and by confiding in him, and walking with him, we make progress in the way. The path to Heaven, is not by works of righteousness which we have done or can do — it is not by any sufferings we have endured or can endure — but it is by simple faith in Jesus. He who believes has everlasting life, and shall never come into condemnation. Whoever believes in him shall not perish — but have eternal life. Nor can we have life, escape condemnation, or arrive at Heaven in any other way — for God's word is plain and decisive, "He who believes on the Son of God — has everlasting life; and he who believes not the Son — shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him."

Reader, the kingdom of God has come near unto you — will you enter it? The good news of a Savior is made known to you — will you embrace it and act upon it? The pardon of all sin is presented to you — will you accept it? Heaven, God's Heaven, and the way to it, is set before you — will you believe and make use of it?

The gospel is God's best message to man. It contains the promise of all that man can need, and all that God can give, to every one who sincerely believes the message, is willing to receive the grace, and applies for it. No sinner that reads or hears the gospel, perishes because he cannot be saved — but because he will not. Take heed therefore how you treat the gospel, for we can conceive of no greater sin, than disbelieving God's message; or of any greater insult offered to God, than to treat his message with contempt.

Believe the gospel, and it will make you glad. Believe Christ, as presented in the gospel, and it will satisfy your soul. Enter on God's consecrated way to glory, and Heaven with all its joys, pleasures, and glories are yours. But, if you refuse the gospel — you will surely perish! If you neglect the gospel — you will surely die! If you put off — it may be too late. Now, the glorious glad tidings are presented to you — presented to you as from God.

You are told that there is a Savior, and a great One — a Savior for sinners, for sinners such as you are — a Savior for you if you will receive him, employ him, and give yourself up to be saved by him.

A pardon is now offered you, the pardon of all your sins whether secret or open, past or present, of heart and life — a pardon that will bring peace to your conscience, holiness to your heart, and a foretaste of Heaven into your soul. A pardon that will fit you for fellowship with God now, and communion with God forever.

Heaven is now set before you, you may obtain it — and eternally possess it. Is it possible, that such sinners as we are — so vile, so poor, so feeble, so utterly worthless — may obtain God's Heaven, and dwell in it with the Savior forever? It is, and more than possible, it is comparatively easy — only believe and all is yours — nor is faith left to be done by your own power, for the Holy Spirit, who works faith in the sinner's heart, is plainly, positively, and solemnly promised to every one that asks for him. With that sweet and precious assurance, as it dropped from the Savior's lips, we close our remarks on the glad tidings; "If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him."

The Greatest Friend

Reading through the book of Matthew this morning, I came across this little phrase that struck me... 

"But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?”" 

The Lord looked with love on the one who was betraying Him. 

Obviously we cannot hear the tone in which the Lord spoke it but what tender compassion He displayed for the man who was by that time personally indwelt by the enemy.

How amazing that our Saviour would condescend to call any human "friend" but at that moment in those circumstances is past comprehension!

He knew the depths of depravity and He still chose such a gracious loving response!! 

I don't think I've ever suffered betrayal, but knowing our human nature I would imagine I would not feel at all kindly towards a betrayer.

Only recorded in Matthew's account, Mark and John say nothing of Jesus's words to Judas in the garden of Gethsemane, while Luke recorded another equally challenging sentence, "But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”"

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." 

Thank You Lord Jesus for being willing to suffer such treatment because You love and forgive those who put their trust in You!

Heavenly Father please help us and keep us from treachery. How we need Your Grace and Mercy to live a life that will bring honour and glory to Your Holy Name!

I find it truly remarkable that Jesus spoke this to all His disciples... 

"for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God."

Thank You Heavenly Father for such a precious gift! We believe and are saved because You enabled us to hear and respond! Thank You for demonstrating Your great love and compassion for us! 

Are we thirsty? Are we seeking the Lord?

Ho, every one that is thirsty in spirit,

Ho, every one that is weary and sad;

Come to the fountain, there’s fulness in Jesus,

All that you’re longing for, come and be glad.

Refrain:

“I will pour water on him that is thirsty,

I will pour floods upon the dry ground;

Open your heart for the gift I am bringing;

While you are seeking Me, I will be found.”

Child of the world, are you tired of your bondage?

Weary of earth-joys, so false, so untrue?

Thirsting for God and His fulness of blessing?

List to the promise, a message for you!

Child of the Kingdom, be filled with the Spirit!

Nothing but fulness thy longing can meet:

‘Tis the enduement for life and for service;

Thine is the promise, so certain, so sweet.

Although this hymn is in the Redemption hymnal, I hadn't noticed it there... 

Written by Lucy Rider Meyer born in Vermont, 1849, died in 1922.

Another encouraging snippet from James Smith.

 “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God, and are called according to His purpose!” Romans 8:28

If you are a sincere believer in Jesus, whatever may be your present difficult circumstances, however trying, however perplexing, “It will all end in mercy!”

You may not think so now. You may be writing bitter things against yourself. You may be misinterpreting the designs of God’s providence. You may be doubting the precious promises of God’s holy Word. But, notwithstanding your mistakes, your doubts, your fears, your false conclusions – “It will all end in mercy!”

You do not think so- nor did Jacob once, nor did Joseph once, nor did Job once, nor did thousands once – who are now in glory!

They were mistaken – and so are you!

They judged by appearances – and so do you!

They changed their minds- and so will you!

All your troubles are appointed in infinite love!

They are all weighed out by sovereign goodness!

They are all limited by perfect wisdom!

There is no “chance” in what happens to the Christian!

Everything is divinely arranged and appointed!

 

Cheer up, my poor weary fellow-traveller! You will soon arrive at Home, and then you will see clearly and enjoy sweetly the blessed truth – that to the believer “all will end in mercy!”

 

Take comfort, poor afflicted fellow-Christian! Your afflictions are God’s furnace, in which He is refining you! He is only fitting you to occupy a mansion in Heaven, and to sing the sweet and everlasting song – the theme of which will be, “It all ended in mercy!”

 

Fear not, poor feeble, fickle, faltering follower of Jesus! Though your faith is weak, though your fears are strong, though your doubts are painful, though you conclude that case is singular and your condition hopeless – “the year of release is at hand,” and then…

Your doubts will expire, your fears will flee away, your groans will be silenced, your feeble hopes will be realised, for “it will all end in mercy!”

 

My brother, are you in poverty, under persecution, or in bodily sickness? Cheer up! Your light shall soon “break forth as the morning!” Write it down in your memorandum book, or impress it upon your memory, or, what is better still – pray the Holy Spirit to give you the sweet inward assurance of the fact, that “It will all end in mercy,” for “we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose!”

James Smith

Stepping Heavenward excerpts

 I came across this book recommendation recently and I’ve found it delightful and helpful. “Stepping Heavenward” by E. Prentiss. (born 1818, died 1878).

"A fictional story of a young girl and the many challenges she confronts in her adult life."

These excerpts are some I found particularly encouraging.

 

“After alluding to my complaint that I still “saw men as trees walking,” he says:

“Yet he who first uttered this complaint had had his eyes opened by the Son of God, and so have you. Now He never leaves His work incomplete, and He will gradually lead you into clear and open vision, if you will allow Him to do it. I say gradually, because I believe this to be His usual method, while I do not deny that there are cases where light suddenly bursts in like a flood. To return to the blind man. When Jesus found that his cure was not complete, He put His hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up; and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. Now this must be done for you; and in order to have it done you must go to Christ Himself, not to one of His servants. Make your complaint, tell Him how obscure everything still looks to you, and beg Him to complete your cure. He may see fit to try your faith and patience by delaying this completion; but meanwhile you are safe in His presence, and while led by His hand, He will excuse the mistakes you make, and pity your falls. But you will imagine that it is best that He should at once enable you to see clearly. If it is, you may be sure He will do it. He never makes mistakes. But He often deals far differently with His disciples. He lets them grope their way in the dark until they fully learn how blind they are, how helpless, how absolutely in need of Him. What His methods will be with you I cannot foretell. But you may be sure that He never works in an arbitrary way. He has a reason for everything He does. You may not understand why He leads you now in this way and now in that, but you may, nay, you must believe that perfection is stamped on His every act.”

 

“I can’t be good two minutes at a time. I do everything I do not want to do, and do nothing I try and pray to do. Everybody plagues me and tempts me. And God does not answer any of my prayers, and I am just desperate.”

“Poor child!” he said, in a low voice, as if to himself. “Poor, heart-sick, tired child, that cannot see what I can see, that it’s Father’s loving arms are all about it!”

I stopped crying, to strain my ears to listen. He went on- “Katy, all that you say may be true. I daresay it is. But God loves you. He loves you!”

“He loves me,” I repeated to myself. “He loves me! Oh Dr. Cabot, if I could believe that, after all the promises I have broken, all the foolish, wrong things I have done, and shall always be doing, God perhaps still loves me!”

“You may be sure of it,” he said, solemnly. “I, his minister, bring the gospel to you today. Go home and say over and over to yourself, “I am a wayward, foolish child. But He loves me! I have disobeyed and grieved Him ten thousand times. But He loves me! I have lost faith in some of my dearest friends and am very desolate. But He loves me! I do not love Him, I am even angry with Him! But He loves me!””

I came away, and all the way home I fought this battle with myself, saying, “He loves me!” I knelt down to pray and all my wasted, childish, wicked life came and stared me in the face. I looked at it, and said with tears of joy, “But He loves me!” Never in my life did I feel so rested, so quieted, so sorrowful, and yet so satisfied.

 

(Several years pass with many heartaches before the next two excerpts.)

“But I see, too, that the great points of similarity in Christ’s disciples have always been the same. This is the testimony of all the good books, sermons, hymns, and memoirs I read- that God’s ways are infinitely perfect; that we are to love Him for what He is, and therefore equally as much when He afflicts us as when He prospers us; that there is no real happiness but in doing and suffering His will, and that this life is but a scene of probation, through which we pass to the real life above.”

 

This last one is when Katherine is visiting an old saint on her deathbed.

“Yes, I am tired,” she said, “but what of that? It is only a question of days now, and all my tired feelings will be over. Then I shall be as young and as fresh as ever, and shall have strength to praise and to love God as I cannot do now. But before I go, I want once more to tell you how good He is, how blessed it is to suffer with Him, how infinitely happy He has made me in the very hottest heat of the furnace. It will strengthen you in your trials to recall this my dying testimony. There is no wilderness so dreary but that His love can illuminate it; no desolation so desolate but that He can sweeten it. I know what I am saying. It is no delusion. I believe that the highest, purest happiness is known only to those who have learned Christ in sickrooms, in poverty, in racking suspense and anxiety, amid hardships, and at the open grave.”

Yes, the radiant face, worn by sickness and suffering, but radiant still, said in language yet more unspeakably impressive.

“To learn Christ, this is life!”

Time for a song

 https://youtu.be/fHg0kQDBPPg

This is the latest one I uploaded, although I wrote most of it in 2020.

I hope you will be blessed by the truth of it. 

A prayer by J. R. Miller

 A dear friend shared this with me last year and I think it's particularly helpful for these days in which we are living so wanted to share them on this platform too. 

Another poem by Robert M. Mccheyne &...

"When Israel knew not where to go,
God made the fiery pillar glow;
By night, by day, above the camp
It led the way - their guiding lamp;
Such is Thy Holy Word to me
In day of dark perplexity.
When devious paths before me spread,
And all invite my foot to tread
I hear Thy voice behind me say -
"Believing soul, this is the way,
Walk thou in it." O gentle Dove,
How much Thy holy law I love!
My lamp and light
In the dark night.

When Paul amid the seas seemed lost
By Adrian billows wildly tossed,
When neither sun nor star appeared,
And every wave its white head reared
Above the ship, beside his bed
An angel stood, and "Fear not" said.
Such is Thy holy word to me,
When tossed upon afflictions's sea;
When floods come in unto my soul,
And the deep waters o'er me roll,
With angel voice Thy Word draws near
And says, "Tis I, why shouldst thou fear?
Through trouble great My saints must go
Into their rest, where neither woe
Nor sin can come; where every tear
From off the cheek shall disappear,
Wiped by God's hand." O gentle Dove,
How much Thy holy law I love!
My lamp and light
In the dark night.

When holy Stephen dauntless stood
Before the Jews, who sought his blood,
With angel face he looked on high,
And wondering, through the parted sky,
Saw Jesus risen from His throne
To claim the martyr as His own.
Angelic peace that sight bestowed,
With holy joy his bosom glowed.
And while the murderous stones they hurled
His heaven wrapt soul sought yonder world
Of rest. "My spirit, Saviour, keep,"
He cried, he kneeled he fell asleep.
Such be Thy holy Word to me
In hour of life's extremity!
Although no more the murdering hand -
Is raised within our peaceful land -
The Church has rest, and I may ne'er
Be called the martyr's crown to wear:
Yet still, in whatsoever form
Death comes to me, in midnight storm
Whelming my bark, or in my nest,
Gently dismissing me to rest,
O grant me in Thy Word to see
A risen Saviour beckoning me.
No evil then my heart shall fear
In the dark valley. Thou art near!
My trembling soul and Thou, my God,
Alone are there; Thy staff and rod
Shall comfort me. O gentle Dove,
How much Thy holy law I love!
My lamp and light
In the dark night."

(1838.) 

Would you agree things seem dark all around the world? Those who trust the Lord Jesus have the privilege to look to Him and His Word. He is willing to direct our steps if we are willing to obey Him. 

Adoniram Judson said," the future is as bright as the promises of God." I believe the Eternal state will be far more glorious than we can comprehend. 

Let's keep our affections on the things of Heaven, eagerly awaiting our Saviour's return. 

A devotional by James Smith. I hope you are as encouraged by it as I have been.

 He Ever Lives!

"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he ever lives to intercede for them!" Hebrews 7:25

He died for our sins, and rose again for our justification. He ascended to Heaven to plead our cause with his Father, and he ever lives at the right hand of the Majesty on high. This is a most delightful fact. It is full of comfort. It should often engage our minds. It should fill us with peace and joy.

"He ever lives," and while he lives — he LOVES his redeemed people. He cannot but love his people. They are part of himself. They are dearer to his heart than all other created objects. He lives to love them, and he loves to live for them. He loves them every moment. He loves them with a love . . .

as vast as infinity,

stronger than death,

as changeless as his nature,

and as lasting as eternity.

"He ever lives." And while he lives — he CARES for us. His thoughts are filled with his people's concerns. He cares for them all — and for all that concerns them. His care is incessant. It is . . .

a father's care, for his beloved family;

a husband's care, for his chosen bride;

a shepherd's care, for his valued flock.

He cares for their bodies. He cares for their souls. He lives to care for them, and will care for them while he lives.

"He ever lives," and while he lives — he WATCHES over us. His eye is ever upon us. Nothing can divert it from us. He never loses sight of one of his people for a moment.

No refiner ever watched his gold, during the process of purification, with such interest.

No mother ever watched over a sick child with such tender affection.

No husband ever watched over the desire of his eyes, in the article of death, with half such affection or concern, as Jesus watches over his people.

His eyes are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cries. He watches over them for good, to preserve, sanctify, and bless them.

"He ever lives," and while he lives — he PROVIDES for us. He knows our needs. He is well acquainted with all our circumstances. He is intensely interested in our welfare. He has the resources of time and eternity at his command. He is pledged to supply us. He never forgets his promises. He will not forfeit his Word. Our supplies are certain, for he lives to provide them, to impart them, and to bless them. Blessed thought! Jesus lives as Jehovah Jireh, as our constant, kind, and careful provider!

"He ever lives" and while he lives — he LISTENS to us. His ear and his heart are always open.

He hears . . .

the softest sigh,

the most suppressed groan, and

the silent breathings of the soul.

He catches every desire.

He knows every wish.

He bows to hear every prayer.

He loves to hear us call upon his name, and tell out our trials, troubles, and temptations unto him. Nothing delights him more, than to hear us pour out our hearts before him, plead his precious promises, and ask him in faith for the blessings we need.

"He ever lives" and while he lives — he INTERCEDES for us. This is his present employment. He uses all his influence for us. He pleads his precious blood — his perfect righteousness — his relationship to his Father — and the promises made to him in the everlasting covenant. What a mercy is this, that when our hearts are hard, our affections cold, and our spirits straitened — Jesus pleads for us. Yes, at this very moment, while the eye is passing over these lines — Jesus is presenting his nail-pierced hands, his opened side, and his thorn-crowned brow — for us!

In life, and all its trials;

in death, and its unknown sufferings;

in health, and its pleasures;

in sickness, with its weakness and pains;

in prosperity, with its allurements; and

in adversity, with its temptations —

Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us!

Precious pleader! I would put my entire cause into your hand, and leave all my affairs with you.

"He ever lives," and therefore we shall LIVE. His own words are, "Because I live — you shall live also" (John 14:19). He has united us with himself. We are really one with him. He is our life. He lives in us, and we live by him. Nothing can ever separate us from him. He is the vine — and we the branches. He is the head — and we are the members of his body. He has identified himself with us — and our concerns with his.

"He ever lives," and therefore we shall be JUSTIFIED. "Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us" (Romans 8:34).

Dying — he put away our sins.

Rising — he secured our release.

As Advocate — he carries our cause.

The sin he atoned for, is pardoned.

The righteousness he wrought, is imputed.

The people he represents, are justified.

Those justified by his obedience, are safe.

"He ever lives," and therefore we shall be SAVED. "For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (Romans 5:10 ).

His death procured our release.

His resurrection, procured our justification.

His admission to Heaven, procured our acceptance with the Father.

His life of intercession secures our endless salvation.

He says of us, "They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand!" His heart is set upon their salvation, and nothing short of this will ever satisfy him. He travailed in death for us — he rejoiced in our new creation — he is pledged to be ever with us — and he will keep us unto his eternal kingdom and glory. "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and be satisfied." He will present us to his Father at last, and say, "Here am I, Father, and the children which you have given me, not one of them is lost!"

Does Jesus ever live?

Then let your faith be strong.

Believe his Word.

Confide in his faithfulness.

Expect his blessing.

Look for his glorious appearing.

Wait patiently his time.

Does Jesus ever live? Then let your HOPE be lively. His Word is true. His heart is kind. His mercy is everlasting. His promises shall be fulfilled. Expect him . . .

to do as he has promised;

to give as you need;

to answer your prayers;

to guide you by his counsel, and

afterward receive you to glory.

Does Jesus ever live? Then let your COURAGE live. Hear him speak to his servant John, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hell!" (Revelation 1:17-18 ).

"He ever lives;" think of this truth!

In seasons of sorrow, it will console you;

under bereavements, it will support you;

in the prospect of death, it will animate you. 

(James Smith 1802-1862)

(found on the Grace Gems website)