The Lord's people are all poor; they see and feel that sin has stripped them of every excellence; and has left them wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. They can do nothing of themselves, they can procure nothing; but free grace has made ample provision for them, and the Gospel informs them that Jesus has everything they want, and that all He has is for them.
When they look at, or into themselves, they are discouraged; but when they look to Jesus, they rejoice. He has riches of grace, and riches of glory; and He says, "Every one that asketh, receiveth." He giveth liberally, and upbraideth not. Here then is the present blessedness of the Lord's poor; Jesus has all they need. He is their Friend; and they that seek Him shall not want any good thing.
Am I poor? If so, Jesus bids me come to Him, and buy gold, clothing, wine, and milk; all that is necessary to comfort and support in time, and render me happy throughout eternity. Poor in self, rich in Jesus. Poor at present, rich by-and-by; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "All things are yours, ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's." "All things are for your sakes."
What want shall not our God supply From His redundant stores? What streams of mercy from on high An arm almighty pours!
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
The Lord's people are all poor; they see and feel that sin has stripped them of every excellence; and has left them wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. They can do nothing of themselves, they can procure nothing; but free grace has made ample provision for them, and the Gospel informs them that Jesus has everything they want, and that all He has is for them.
When they look at, or into themselves, they are discouraged; but when they look to Jesus, they rejoice. He has riches of grace, and riches of glory; and He says, "Every one that asketh, receiveth." He giveth liberally, and upbraideth not. Here then is the present blessedness of the Lord's poor; Jesus has all they need. He is their Friend; and they that seek Him shall not want any good thing.
Am I poor? If so, Jesus bids me come to Him, and buy gold, clothing, wine, and milk; all that is necessary to comfort and support in time, and render me happy throughout eternity. Poor in self, rich in Jesus. Poor at present, rich by-and-by; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "All things are yours, ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's." "All things are for your sakes."
What want shall not our God supply From His redundant stores? What streams of mercy from on high An arm almighty pours!