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Today's Devotional

Arise and go, for this is no place to rest, because of uncleanness that destroys with a grievous destruction—Micah 2:10 (ESV).

There is no permanent rest for the believer on earth; here briers and thorns will be with him; and a voice is daily sounding in his ears, “Arise and go.” Here you are not to loll at ease, or to idle on your journey; here you are not to expect to find satisfaction, for it is an enemy’s land, and you are only passing through it to your heavenly home. If your march is quick and your conduct scriptural, be not surprised if the dogs bark at you; they know you not, nor did they know your Master. He was pursued, annoyed, and at last put to death by them; and in agony of soul He cried out, “Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet” [Psalm 22:16]. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but set your affections on things above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. Use the world, but do not abuse it; pass through it, but never seek a home in it; remember it is peopled by the enemies of your God.

            When snares and dangers line my way,
            Jesus is all my strength and stay;
            Cheerful I’ll walk the desert through,
            Nor fear what earth or hell can do;
            Jesus will ease my troubled breast,
            And shortly bring my soul to rest.

About the author and the source

Rev. James Smith was a Baptist preacher and the predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London (1841–1850). His devotional, The Believer’s Daily Remembrancer, was so popular, it had gone through thirty-eight editions by 1864.