The Eighth of December.

I WILL GIVE THEE THY WAGES --- Exodus 2:9.

"Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages." --- Exodus 2:9.

As Moses was ordered to be saved by the most cruel enemy's daughter, so Satan himself, even when he meditates our destruction, must be a mean of our life. So also Matthew 12:48; "Who is my mother?" etc. Isaiah 8:10; 9:6. O Lord Jesus, if thou art a child born unto me, and I am willing to receive thee as my Immanuel, thou wilt be my shield and exceeding great reward, and defend me powerfully against all mine enemies.

O dear Saviour, if thou art mine, all is mine, even thy Father, thy Spirit, and thy heavenly glory; all accidents, all enemies, must work for my good, and be instruments and ministers of my salvation. Oh that I may, trusting in thee, never fear anything; but thinking directly it is mine, may only make good use of everything. Thus even the very worst would turn to my great blessing; and without it perhaps I should want as needful a thing as a mill or a ship does when destitute of wind and water.

My soul, survey thy happiness,
If thou art found a child of grace
How richly is the gospel stored!
What joy the promises afford.

All things now are the gift of God,
And purchased with our Saviour's blood:
While the good Spirit shows us how
To use and enjoy them too.

If peace and plenty crown my days,
They help me, Lord to speak thy praise;
If bread of sorrows be my food,
Those sorrows work my real good.

Devotion for December 8