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Still Waters!
From Timeless Grace Gems
Refreshment for the Savior's Flock at Eventide!
James Smith, 1871
From Timeless Grace Gems
Refreshment for the Savior's Flock at Eventide!
James Smith, 1871
PREFACE
It is a pleasant sight to see the flock at eventide follow the shepherd from the field to the fold that there they may rest and ruminate in safety. And it is both pleasant and profitable for the Christ's sheep, after the toils and trials of the day to follow Him into private, and there meditate for a few moments on some portion of His precious Word. It . . .
calms the agitated bosom,
soothes the troubled spirit,
brings back the wandering mind,
and awakens praise and prayer.
To aid in doing this, is the design of the present little volume. A former volume provided for the morning, and we trust that many have been benefitted by its use; this is intended for the evening, and if properly employed, is calculated to do good. It leads to the Lord's Word, and through the Word to the Lord Himself. But if we would profit, we must . . .
mix faith with the Word;
seek to hold fellowship with God through every portion;
and realize the presence of the Holy Spirit, who alone can render the Word profitable.
May every reader perceive the abundant provision which is made for us in Jesus, look to the Holy Spirit to unfold and apply the blessings of the gospel to the heart and thus "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen."
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"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Psalm 139:23-24
An honest heart will expose itself to God's all-searching eye and desires to be examined as well as cleansed and comforted!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way." 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Peace with God is an invaluable blessing! It flows from Christ's atonement, and is the antidote of human misery!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." Psalm 37:23
The Lord never allows His children to wander without a guide, or rove just where their foolish inclination prompts; but He watches over, and leads them in the way which they should go.
While passing through the wilderness,
Full of temptations and distress,
What comfort does the thought afford,
Our steps are ordered by the Lord!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Unto you who believe He is precious!" 1 Peter 2:7
True faith always leads us to prize the Savior! The stronger our faith the more precious He becomes!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Philippians 2:13
Notwithstanding all that God has done for us we daily need the Holy Spirit to direct our wills and strengthen our souls.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"The Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father He shall testify of Me!" John 15:26
The Holy Spirit always speaks of Jesus, leads us to Jesus, and testifies of Him to the heart and conscience.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain!" Philippians 1:21
The life of the Christian should be a practical exhibition of Christ, in His spirit, temper, disposition, and doctrine then to live would be Christ and to die eternal gain!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Because your heart was tender, and you have humbled yourself before the Lord." 2 Kings 22:19
Sin hardens the heart but grace softens it. The more grace we receive, the tenderer our hearts will be.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"You shall be hated of all men for my name's sake!" Matthew 10:22
A holy life condemns a sinful world hence the opposition that is manifested to it. Let us aim to be holy then, though hated of men, we shall be happy.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged!" Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord will never break His word or forsake His people; therefore their fears are groundless, and their doubts sinful.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us!" Ephesians 5:2
The sacrifice of Christ is but the effect of His love; if therefore He so loved us as to give Himself for us He will not deny us any good thing.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak!" Psalm 6:2
We are never so safe as when we deeply feel our weakness; for then it is that we look for promised strength, and receive it!
I'm helpless as a little child.
And like it I would rest.
Show me, O God, a parent's heart!
Give me an infant s trust.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"The Lord will give grace and glory!" Psalm 84:11
Grace fits us for glory, and is introductory to it. The two are inseparably connected. If grace sanctify us glory will crown us!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you!" 1 Peter 5:7
Earthly cares . . .
weaken faith,
hinder meditation, and
obstruct our progress.
Let us carry them all to Jesus and leave them with Him!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"The Lord tries the righteous!" Psalm 11:5
Trials are the Lord's furnace, in which He tries our graces and purifies our persons. If we have not been tried we are not safe.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"The Lord God is a sun and shield!" Psalm 84:11
Our God is at once the light that cheers and guides us, and the shield that protects and defends us. He both our comfort and safety. Let us look to Him in darkness and danger.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"It is the voice of my beloved that knocks, saying: Open to me, my sister, my love!" Song of Solomon 5:2
Jesus is seeking fellowship with us this evening, let us go into secret with Him, and pour out our hearts before Him.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I am the Alpha and Omega the first and the last!" Revelation 1:11
Jesus comprehends in Himself . . .
all that is great, good, or glorious;
all we can desire, enjoy, or employ;
all we can need in time or eternity!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I am in trouble, Lord. Help me!" Isaiah 38:14
The trouble that drives us to the Lord does us good. It is only the burden that is too heavy for us that we are willing to cast upon God.
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"When he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled Himself greatly!" 2 Chronicles 33:12
Prosperity has led many astray but adversity has been sent to reclaim them! Affliction is a father's voice crying, "Come back!"
Afflictions are chastisements; they are sent by a Father, and are regulated by wisdom, pity, and love. To despise them, is to reflect poorly on Him.
Afflictions, though they seem severe,
In mercy oft are sent;
They show the prodigal His sin,
And lead Him to repent!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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