So said Peter when on the mount with Jesus, and so we have said when enjoying His presence and His love. It is good to live and walk in communion with God. It is good to be numbered with God's people, and to occupy a place in His church.
It is good to be in the present world, because we have an opportunity of bearing witness for Jesus, and against its course; we have talents to use, and opportunities for usefulness whereby we can glorify God. Is Jesus honoured by our patient suffering?
Then, when on the bed of affliction, we should say, "Lord, it is good to be here." Is our God glorified by our industry, forbearance, and testimony to the power and grace of Jesus?
Then, when in our business, or in company with those whom we are trying to benefit, we may exclaim, "Lord, it is good to be here!"
Yes, Christian, it is good to be any where, and any thing, so that thy Jesus may be glorified, and the end of thy creation, redemption, and sanctification obtained. Oh, to aim always to honour God, and then we may every where say, "Lord, it is good to be here."
Great Comforter, descend In gentle breathings down; Preserve me to the end That no man take my crown; My guardian still vouchsafe to be, Nor suffer me to go from Thee.
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.
So said Peter when on the mount with Jesus, and so we have said when enjoying His presence and His love. It is good to live and walk in communion with God. It is good to be numbered with God's people, and to occupy a place in His church.
It is good to be in the present world, because we have an opportunity of bearing witness for Jesus, and against its course; we have talents to use, and opportunities for usefulness whereby we can glorify God. Is Jesus honoured by our patient suffering?
Then, when on the bed of affliction, we should say, "Lord, it is good to be here." Is our God glorified by our industry, forbearance, and testimony to the power and grace of Jesus?
Then, when in our business, or in company with those whom we are trying to benefit, we may exclaim, "Lord, it is good to be here!"
Yes, Christian, it is good to be any where, and any thing, so that thy Jesus may be glorified, and the end of thy creation, redemption, and sanctification obtained. Oh, to aim always to honour God, and then we may every where say, "Lord, it is good to be here."
Great Comforter, descend In gentle breathings down; Preserve me to the end That no man take my crown; My guardian still vouchsafe to be, Nor suffer me to go from Thee.