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We really need very little

(James Smith, "The Way to Be Wealthy and Happy!" 1859)

"The lions may grow weak and hungry--but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." Psalm 34:10

Those who seek the Lord may be sick, or poor, or tried, in a variety of ways; but the Lord will send them supplies, OR give them the grace of contentment, so that they shall not lack any good thing.

But how many mistake wishes for needs! And while the Lord has promised to supply all His people's needs--He has nowhere promised to gratify all their wishes.

We really need very little--therefore the apostle says, "If we have food and clothing--we will be content with that!" 1 Timothy 6:8. And again, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said: Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

"They shall not lack any good thing." That is, they shall not lack whatever is really good for them at the time--and under the circumstances. Whatever will promote their holiness and happiness--shall certainly be conveyed to them.

Those who seek the Lord are sure of necessary supplies, for four reasons:

First, the Lord is ABLE to supply them. "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof." He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think!

Second, the Lord DESIRES to supply them. "Like as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. He knows our frame--He remembers that we are dust."

Third, the Lord has PROMISED to supply them. "The Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." "My God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Fourth, the Lord ALWAYS HAS supplied them. Look at Jacob, at David--and at all who have already arrived in glory. If the question, put by the Lord Jesus, to His disciples, when they returned from their missionary tour, on which He sent them without purse or bag, was put to them: "Have you lacked anything?" Every one of them would readily answer, "Nothing, Lord!"

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My Support
 
(James Smith, "My Support" 1859)

"They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress--but the Lord was my support!" Psalm 18:18

Aged believer, you and I can look back--and wonder how it is that we are where we are, and what we are: how we have held on, and held out until now. Here is the whole secret of the case--"But the Lord was my support!"

In the seasons of my greatest difficulty,
in all my times of sorrow and danger,
when I was filled with fears and doubts,
when in deep trouble and afflictions,
when all creature help failed me,
when my heart worried and vexed me,
when my enemies were just ready to overwhelm me,
when my feet were almost gone,
when my steps had well near slipped,
in my darkest nights,
in my dreariest days,
--then the Lord was my support!

My journey has been long,
my road has been peculiarly difficult,
my heart has been weak,
my enemies have been strong,
and long ago I must have perished in my afflictions--or been a prey to my foes--but the Lord was my support!

I would have fainted under my heavy burdens,
I would have yielded to my enchanting temptations,
I would have fled before my powerful foes
--but the Lord was my support!

Yes, the Lord has upheld, supported, and supplied me along the treacherous way. To His free grace, to His inviolable faithfulness, and to His unchangeable love--I must ascribe that "By the grace of God--I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10

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Wondrous it truly is!

(Arthur Pink, "God's Loving-kindness" April, 1948 )

Scripture speaks of "the multitude of His loving kindnesses!" (Isaiah 63:7) And who is capable of numbering them?

Said the Psalmist, "How excellent is your  loving-kindness, O God!" (Psalm 36:7) No pen of man, no tongue of angel, can adequately express it.

We read of God's "marvelous loving-kindness!" (Psalm 17:7) And surely it truly is!

David prayed, "Display the wonders of Your loving-kindness!" Wondrous it truly is--that One so infinitely above us, so inconceivably glorious, so ineffably holy, should not only deign to notice such worms of the earth--but set His heart upon them, give His Son for them, send His Spirit to indwell them, and so bear with all their imperfections and waywardness as never to remove His loving-kindness from them!

Well then, may we exclaim, "Your loving-kindness is better than life!" (Psalm 63:3)

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Swallowed up in a worldly church!

(James Smith, "Man's Treatment of Gods People" 1859)

"If the world hates you--keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world--it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world--but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you!" John 15:18-19

Such is the testimony of the Lord Jesus.

Real Christians have never been favorites of the world--and while it continues what it is, they never can be.

Nor can the pure and simple gospel be pleasant to the world, because it lays the sinner in the dust, and exalts God as supreme and sovereign. Let us not be surprised then, if we hear worldlings speak against the gospel, and traduce the Lord's people; for what the Romans told Paul, is in a good measure true in the present day, "For concerning this 'sect', we are aware that it is spoken against everywhere!" Acts 28:22

This 'sect' originated with Jesus, the hated Nazarene, who came into the world for its good, and to save His people from their sins. He gathered around Him many--but they were principally the poor and unlearned. There was nothing in them, or about them, to recommend them to the proud and sensual world.
They were begotten of God, and made new creatures in Christ.
They embraced the truth that He taught.
They observed the precepts that He gave.
They copied the example that He set.

Their creed consisted pretty much in these facts:
that man is a lost sinner,
that salvation by works is impossible, and therefore it must be all of grace--or not at all;
that the Lord Jesus came into the world to take the sinner's place, fulfill the law in the sinner's stead, and die as the sinner's substitute.

By such hopes, they were animated,
by such rules, they walked, and
at such objects, they aimed.

And yet, they were spoken against and despised, because they poured contempt on the luxuries, pride, and honors of this world. They were treated as the offscouring of all things, unfit for society, unfit to live.

"Do not be surprised, my brothers--if the world hates you!" 1 John 3:13

And yet, like Israel in Egypt, the more they were persecuted, the more they multiplied and grew; until at length they spread not only over the Roman empire--but nearly over the world. And, had they retained . . .
  the simplicity of their lives,
  the spirituality of their minds, and
  the correctness of their creed--
they would no doubt have encircled the globe!
But at length they were . . .
  courted by royalty,
  loaded with wealth,
  became intoxicated with worldly honors,
and then their glory departed!
They drank into the spirit of the world,
conformed to its maxims and customs,
sought its approbation and applause--and
so fell from their exalted station, and lost their real dignity. The 'sect' that had been spoken against everywhere, with the exception of a few--was swallowed up in a worldly church!

There are still some, who, like the ancient sect of the Nazarenes, are spoken against everywhere. They will not swim with the stream. They will not compromise their Master's honor, or give up their Master's truth. According to the light they have--they walk; and they rejoice to exalt the Savior, humble the sinner, and proclaim salvation, all of grace. They rejoice that they are counted worthy to suffer shame, for His dear name.

Reader! Do you belong to this sect? Is there anything in your religion that is distasteful to the world, anything that draws forth its opposition, or excites its contempt? The carnal mind is still enmity against God, and if we are godlike--that enmity will manifest itself against us!

If we copy Christ's example, as set before us in the gospel; if we testify against the world, that its works are evil, and call upon it to repent, as Christ did--we shall soon be hated by the world!

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There is a way to hell--even from the very gates of heaven!

(James Smith, "Not Far from the Kingdom" 1859)

"You are not far from the kingdom of God." Mark 12:34

Many are in this dangerous position. They are not far from the kingdom of God--but not actually in it.

They have clear light in their heads--but have no grace in their hearts. They know the gospel in theory--but have no inward experience of its power. But no man can be saved by light in the mind; there must be the life of God within the soul.

They have not only clear light--but correct morals. The tongue is controlled. The temper is governed. The life is regulated. But with all this, the soul is dead in trespasses and sins. There may be morality--without spirituality. The life may not only be correct--but there may be a regular attendance on gospel ordinances. They may come as God's people, sit as God's people, hear and sing as God's people--and yet not be in the kingdom of God!

There may be no objection felt, or opposition shown to the doctrines or duties of the gospel. All may be admitted, professed, and even admired; but still the person may not be in the kingdom of God.

There may also be a form of prayer--but prayer without faith--prayer without the heart, without the soul.

They may be employed in teaching God's Word, either in the Sunday School, or in the pulpit--and yet not be in the kingdom of God.

O how solemn is the thought, how searching is the fact--that people . . .
  may have correct views of truth;
  may regularly attend on the means of grace;
  may acquiesce in the doctrines and duties of Christianity;
  may associate and unite with God's people;
  may regularly bow the knee in prayer; and
  may employ their time and talents in instructing others in the things of God--and yet never enter into the kingdom of God themselves!

Reader beware! for many rest short of vital religion. They know nothing of a broken heart for sin, of living faith in Christ, or fellowship with God through Him. They rest in a form of knowledge, or in a routine of religious services. Such may find out their mistake too late, as did the foolish virgins--when the door was shut! Or, like those referred to by our Lord when He said, "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" Matthew 7:22-23

Many will come very near to the kingdom--but will never enter it. As John Bunyan says, "There is a way to hell--even from the very gates of heaven!"

But it must be dreadful to come near, so near to heaven--and yet to be thrust down to hell!

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God's jewels are often found buried in the worst filth!

(James Smith, "Exhortation and Encouragement" 1859)

"I have many people in this city!" Acts 18:10

What kind of a city was it?
Corinth was one of the most worldly and immoral cities of the east. Here was the temple of Venus, with its degrading and disgraceful services.

What kind of people were they?
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were! But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God!" 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. This is the apostle's own reply to the question.

Observe:

1. The Lord's people are often found in the most unlikely places! Who would have expected to find God's chosen people--a multitude of them--in a place so foul, so polluted, so degraded--as Corinth?

God's jewels are often found buried in the worst filth!

2. The Lord chooses the most unlikely people! Who would ever have thought that the Lord would have chosen: the sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, slanderers, swindlers--to be saved? But He did!

God's people are picked off the foulest dunghills!

O the wonders of sovereign grace!

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Coming daily and hourly to Jesus

(James Smith, "Wealth for Souls" 1859)

"I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things!" Philippians 3:8

All true Christians know Christ--not with a mere theoretical knowledge, which may be obtained from books; but with a knowledge which the Holy Spirit works in the heart. We know Christ . . .
  in the glory of His person,
  in the perfection of His work, and
  in the riches of His wondrous grace.
We so know Christ, that He stands out before us, as the chief among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely One. And the more we know Him--the more intimate we wish to become with Him!

We not only know Christ--but we need Him. And the longer we live--the more we need Him. Nor do we merely need Christ, but we need everything in Christ, or that Christ has. We need . . .
  His blood to cleanse us,
  His righteousness to clothe us,
  and His Spirit to sanctify us.
We need Christ daily, hourly!

As we need Christ--so we come to Christ. Not once for all, but we continue to come. We must come to Him . . .
   in every trial,
   in every trouble,
   in every conflict,
   to unburden our minds,
   to find rest for our souls.

We come to Him . . .
  for wisdom,
  for strength,
  for holiness.

Much of experimental religion consists in coming daily and hourly to Jesus.

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened--and I will give you rest!" Matthew 11:28

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Instead of our normal devotional quote, we strongly encourage subscribers to listen to this condensed, professionally read, dramatic presentation of John Bunyan's classic. This is a high quality production with musical underscore. Each part is approximately 40 minutes duration. Great for the whole family!

    Pilgrim's Progress, part 1
    Play Audio! Download Audio
     

    Pilgrim's Progress, part 2
    Play Audio! Download Audio
     

    Pilgrim's Progress, part 3
    Play Audio! Download Audio

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My shield

(James Smith, "Wealth for Souls" 1859)

The privileges of the godly are many and great--but this is an especial one: "My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart." Psalm 7:10

This implies exposure to foes--Satan, evil men, and death--against these we need defense.

It implies opposition--and the opposition of our foes is great, daring, and deadly.

It implies danger to be apprehended--because we are weak, timid, and unskillful--and our foes are strong, daring, and experienced.

Our safety therefore, stands in what the Lord is to us--He is our shield, and such a shield as no one besides has, or can have.
He is omniscient to see all our foes and dangers.
He is omnipresent to help us at all times, and against all opposers.
He is omnipotent to defend us, and secure us from all evil.
He is faithful to fulfill His word, and carry out His engagements.
He will come between the believer and danger.
He will preserve the trusting soul from all real injury.
He will protect the upright in heart everywhere, and at all times.

What a mercy! What an unspeakable privilege is this!

"You who fear the Lord--trust in the Lord! He is their help and shield." Psalm 115:11. O for grace to trust the Lord with all, to trust the Lord for all, and to trust the Lord under all! Holy Spirit, strip us of all confidence in the flesh, of all reliance on man, and of all trust in circumstances; and bring us by Your divine and holy teaching--to trust in the Lord alone!

"He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge." Psalm 144:2

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SELF is always the carnal man's god

(James Smith, "The Believer's Triumph" 1862)

"So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:8

No lost sinner, while carnal, while minding the things of the flesh--can ever please God. He cannot . . .
  at any time--either in youth or old age;
  in any place-- either common or sacred;
  under any circumstances--of either sickness or health;
  at any season--either in life or death.

Man is totally depraved. He is wholly fallen. The whole head is sick, the whole heart is faint. The leprosy cleaves to him, has spread over him, and dried up all the moral and vital moisture of the soul. The man is therefore lost, wholly lost, eternally lost--unless God interposes for his rescue!

All that he does while he is so--is displeasing to God.
"The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination to the Lord." Proverbs 21:27
"The ploughing of the wicked is sin." Proverbs 21:4

He has no faith, and "without faith it is impossible to please God." In all his prayers, tears, alms-deeds, and other good works--there is something that is displeasing to God. It is like the offering of Cain; for the person must be reconciled to God--before the sacrifice can be accepted by God. Until then he cannot please God, for he cannot set his heart to do it. He may try--but the innate disposition of the heart while carnal, will be too strong for him, and will lead him to break through all his vows, promises, and resolutions.

He may change  his conduct--but he cannot change his heart; for its depravity has become natural to it.

He cannot do what God requires--as God requires it.

If what he does is externally good, it is internally bad.

The motive prompting, and the end aimed at--are alike evil, for SELF is always the carnal man's god.

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Paul's criterion

(James Smith, "The Believer's Triumph" 1862)

"And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ--he does not belong to Christ." Romans 8:9

This is Paul's criterion. No matter what a man has, if he does not have the Spirit of Christ--"he does not belong to Christ!"

This divine agent, as the Spirit of Christ--always convinces the soul of its need of Christ. He always leads to the cross of Christ! He will not allow the soul to stop at, or rest in, sacraments, ceremonies, or any duties it may perform.
He points to the cross.
He leads to the cross.
He fixes the sinner's eye upon the cross.
He brings peace to the soul through the cross.
He dedicates and devotes the sinner to God's service at the cross.
Every one who has the Spirit of Christ--knows something of the worth, virtue, and efficacy of the cross of Christ.

The Spirit of Christ--always conforms to the image of Christ. Christ is the model after which the Spirit works; and by the Word and ordinances, by providence and His own inward operations--He stamps the likeness of Christ upon the soul. He fixes the eye on Jesus, who, as a mirror, represents and sets forth the glory of God; and by looking at Jesus--a divine transformation takes place--and we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Unless, therefore, we have been taught our need of Christ as a Savior; unless we have been led to the cross of Christ to seek salvation there; unless we are in some degree conformed to Christ, and are daily seeking more conformity--we have not the Spirit of Christ. "And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ--he does not belong to Christ."

The Spirit of Christ--is the great proof that we are Christ's. There may be much feeling, a moral reformation, and a profession of religion--without this.

But if we have the Spirit of Christ, our thoughts will be engaged with Him, our hearts will be going out to Him, and we shall at times long to depart, that we may be with Him, and see Him as He is!

The Spirit of Christ always renders Christ precious--and produces the highest possible esteem of Him.

The Spirit of Christ always makes its possessor like Christ. Not perfectly, here on earth--yet He kindles and keeps alive a desire for perfect likeness. This is the great, the grand, the habitual aim of the soul, always and everywhere--to be like Christ!

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Angry with God!

(James Smith)

"The Lord asked: Have you any right to be angry?" Jonah 4:4

Jonah quarreled with his God. And who has not? We may not
speak as plainly as he did--but we have been in the same sullen
temper, and manifested the same morose spirit.

Very few are well satisfied with the Lord's plans.

Fewer still are always pleased with the Lord's works.

How many quarrel with His sovereignty!
What hard things have been spoken against it!

How many complain of His providence--and think it
unwise, unkind, and almost unjust!

Beloved, we are often angry with God!
This temper shows itself . . .
  in fretfulness,
  in complaining,
  in sullen gloom.

"Have you any right to be angry?"

Angry with your Father . . .
  whose wisdom is infinite,
  whose love is as constant as the day, and
  who constantly showers His blessings upon you!

Angry with your God, who has . . .
  pardoned all your heinous sins,
  provided for your innumerable needs,
  blessed you with countless spiritual blessings!

Surely it is a sin, a grievous sin, not to be pleased . . .
  with all that He does,
  with all that He has provided,
  and with all that He requires.

"Have you any right to be angry?"

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The sufferings of this present time

(James Smith, "No Comparison!" 1862)

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time--are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us!" Romans 8:18

Paul compares present sufferings--with future glory.

Believers are exposed to all kinds of suffering, and instead of obtaining an exemption from afflictions--they are assured that it is through much tribulation that they must enter into the kingdom of God.

Some endure inward suffering, with which no one is fully acquainted but God Himself. They have such darkness, gloom, distress, agitation, trouble, and sorrow--as would not be easy to describe.

Some suffer much in body, from the stressed and disordered state of the nervous system, from chronic diseases, or deformities in the physical frame. They seldom move without suffering, and for years together have but little freedom from weakness and pain. They live a life of suffering, a kind of dying life--and think much of heaven as of a place where there is no more pain.

Some suffer much financially; scarcely anything seems to prosper with them; losses, crosses, and opposition meet them at every turn; and though they live honestly, and conduct their business honorably--they are thwarted, hindered, and filled with perplexity. No one can tell what they suffer from financial trials and difficulties.

Others suffer from reproach, misrepresentation, strife, and persecution in the world, or in the Church--or both! No one seems to understand them, or is prepared to sympathize with them; they are like "a sparrow alone upon the house-top." False friends and open enemies unite to trouble and distress them, so that they often sigh, and say, "O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away and be at rest!"

Others in the domestic circle, or from some of the relationships of life--are called to suffer long and seriously.

But whether from trouble of mind, sickness of body, trials in business, family difficulties, or persecution for Christ's sake--all suffer, and most believers suffer much!

But compare their present sufferings--with their future glory:
Glory which will exclude all pain and suffering, all sin and sorrow!
Glory beyond the reach of all foes and the cause of all trouble!
Glory which includes happiness--perfect, perpetual, never-ending happiness!
Glory which includes honor--the highest, holiest, and most satisfying honor!
Glory, or splendor--which will fill the soul, clothe the body, and dignify the entire person forever!

Filled with light, peace, and joy; clothed with beauty, brightness, and magnificence--they will appear with Christ in glory--filling them with wonder and unutterable delight!

This glory will be possessed by us--as part of our marriage portion and inalienable inheritance. But we can form no adequate idea of that glory, for "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined--what God has prepared for those who love Him!" 1 Corinthians 2:9

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No more disease, no more weakness, no more pain!

(James Smith, "The Hope of Creation" 1862)

"The creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay--and brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God!" Romans 8:21

We shall soon have 'glorious liberty'!

The SOUL will be gloriously free:
  free from every fetter that binds it,
  free from every conflict that tries it, and
  free from every burden that bows it down.

The BODY will be gloriously free! It will be a glorious body--like the body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

No more disease, no more weakness, no more pain!
But health, strength, and ease will characterize it forever!

The whole person, body, soul, and spirit--will be in perfect liberty:
  free from the curse--and every cross;
  free from every foe--and all our fears;
  free from every fault--and our numerous failings;
  free from frailty--and free from folly;
  free from all internal, external, and eternal evil.

It will be freedom crowned with glory--with . . .
  glorious beauty,
  glorious brightness,
  glorious majesty,
  glorious honor, and
  ineffable splendor!

Eye has never seen, ear has never heard, nor has the heart of man ever conceived of anything so grand, so magnificent, so glorious--as what God has provided, and has in store for His people!

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We are saved by HOPE

(James Smith, "Salvation by Hope" 1862)

"Salvation is of the Lord!" Jonah 2:9

Salvation includes . . .
  our election--which is past;
  our effectual calling and sanctification--which are present;
  and our glorification--which is future.

We were chosen to salvation by the Father;
we are redeemed by Jesus Christ;
we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

God is the author of salvation;
grace is the source from which salvation flows;
Jesus is the Savior;
faith is the grace that receives salvation;
while separation from the world and dedication to God--prove that we are saved.

To all this, our apostle adds another view, and says, "We are saved by HOPE" Romans 8:24

Not in the same sense as we are saved by faith--which delivers us from guilt, degradation, and eternal death--by receiving from Christ, and confiding in Christ.

To be saved by hope--is to be kept, preserved, upheld, or sustained, in the midst of foes, dangers, and trials.

Hope quickens us in duties--and preserves us from becoming cold and dead.
It comforts us in tribulations--and keeps us from being disheartened and gloomy.
It enables us to overcome temptation--and so to hold on our way, looking unto Jesus.
It gives us peace in death--in the sure prospect of victory over the grave.

Thus hope saves us:
by preventing despair--into which we can never fall while hope lives within us;
by preserving us from desperation--to the verge of which we are sometimes brought;
by guarding us against rebellion--the seeds of which are still thickly sown in our corrupt hearts; and
by protecting us against apostasy--into which we can never fall so long as we hope in God.

From many evils, at many times, in many ways--we are saved by hope!

Hope is in God--as its highest object and best end.
Hope is through Christ--who is the way to the Father, the truth, and the life.
Hope is on the ground of the Word, which warrants, excites, and regulates it.
Hope is for all that God has promised, whether temporal or spiritual, in this world or the next.
Hope should be encouraged--as it brings . . .
  glory to God,
  comfort to our souls,
  credit to our religion, and
  honor to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Holy Spirit, fill us with a lively hope, and teach us to expect . . .
  all that God has promised,
  all that Christ has procured, and
  all that You have revealed in Your most holy Word.