Our God never intended that His children should be idle; He says to every child, "Son, go work." This is the command of a Father; it contains affection, it flows from authority. We are to work for His glory, for the good of others, and to lay up for ourselves treasure in heaven. Working for God is creditable - profitable - pleasant.
Our work is in His vineyard, the church finds work for all. Some are employed to plant, some to weed, some to water, and some to watch. The command is "Work today." The present is the period. Today, while you have light, strength, and opportunity.
Remember, it is but a day, a short period at longest, but it often proves to be but a short day. Are you standing all the day idle? Go into the vineyard. Are you discouraged? Imitate her who did what she could. Look to the Lord; He will give ability - opportunity - and crown with success.
O give me, Lord, an upright heart, Well nurtured with a godly fear, Which from Thy precepts will not start, When clouds and threatening storms appear, But onward press with even pace, Refresh'd and fortified by grace.
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.
Our God never intended that His children should be idle; He says to every child, "Son, go work." This is the command of a Father; it contains affection, it flows from authority. We are to work for His glory, for the good of others, and to lay up for ourselves treasure in heaven. Working for God is creditable - profitable - pleasant.
Our work is in His vineyard, the church finds work for all. Some are employed to plant, some to weed, some to water, and some to watch. The command is "Work today." The present is the period. Today, while you have light, strength, and opportunity.
Remember, it is but a day, a short period at longest, but it often proves to be but a short day. Are you standing all the day idle? Go into the vineyard. Are you discouraged? Imitate her who did what she could. Look to the Lord; He will give ability - opportunity - and crown with success.
O give me, Lord, an upright heart, Well nurtured with a godly fear, Which from Thy precepts will not start, When clouds and threatening storms appear, But onward press with even pace, Refresh'd and fortified by grace.