Gems from January 20- 31, 2021

 January 20

I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.  Psalm 57:2

A simple-hearted man was once asked how he managed to live in such a state of constant tranquility even though surrounded by circumstances anything but pleasant. 

His answer was as profound as it was simple: "I have learned to cooperate with the inevitable!"

The idea here set forth is so wise and practical that it is hard to see how we Christians have managed to overlook it so completely in our everyday living.  That we do overlook it is shown by our conduct and conversation.  Some of us "kick against the pricks"  (Acts 9:5) for a lifetime, all the while believing, that we are surrendered to the will of God.

What wicked men do should not disturb the good man's tranquility.  The inner world consists of our thoughts and emotions, presided over by our will.  While we cannot determine circumstances we can determine our reaction to them.  And that is where the battle is to be fought and victory won!

This is not to teach fatalism or to deny the freedom of the human will.  Quite the contrary, it is to assert that freedom unequivocally.  

Though we cannot control the universe, we can determine our attitude toward it.  We can accept God's will wherever it is expressed.  If my will is to do God's will, then there will be no controversy with anything that comes in the course of my daily walk.  Let God make the alterations as He may see fit, either by His own sovereign providence or in answer to believing prayer!
Renewed Day by Day - A. W. Tozer        

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January 21

Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it. Ephesians 5:25 

The spring here is, not our love to Him, feeble at best, but His--"He first loved us." (1 John 4:19).  Nor does this divine spring of love have its source in time.  He did not begin to love the Church after he came to earth.  "Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor" (2 Corinthians 8:9). 

He was rich in glory, the glory He had with the Father before the world was, and we trace to its eternal source the love that was in the Lord's heart for His church.  How amazing, how sweetly solemn is this truth.  Let our souls drink it in that we may realize more fully that which "passeth knowledge."  (Ephesians 3:19).  A love that had its source in heaven and in eternity cannot rest till it has its objects with itself in heaven for all eternity.

"He gave Himself for us."  He delivered Himself up.  It was no martyr's death, but it stands out in its unique, solemn and divine fullness--the death of the cross.  Here He bore all the guilt, entered into all the distance, endured all the wrath of God's forsaking. 

Mingled with the groans of Gethsemane, the "strong crying and tears," with the sweat falling in great blood-drops to the ground; accompanying the meek relinquishment to the arrest by the betrayer's treachery, arrayed in mockery and royal robes, smitten, spit upon and crowned with thorns; nailed to the cursed tree, mocked, railed upon and blasphemed; we hear the breathings of divine, eternal love; "Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it."  S. Ridout

Oh my Saviour crucified, near Thy cross would I abide,
Gazing with adoring eye on Thy dying agony. 

Yet in sight of Calvary, contrite should my spirit be,
Rest and holiness there find, fashioned like my Saviour's mind, R. Chapman

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January 22

And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: And If we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.  1 John 5:14,15

Prayer is as various as life.  There is a prayer that is swift, brief--a look, a thought; there is the long-drawn prayer of long tension; the prayer whose instant first answer is peace;  the prayer that is just the pouring out of the heart-- "Lord, all my desire is before Thee" (Psalm 38:9).  And as to that desire, love does not need to explain itself to Love.

But there is the kind of prayer that sooner or later we must learn to pray for one another.  We must learn to pray far more for spiritual victory than for protection from battle-wounds, relief from their havoc, rest from their pain.  

We must reach the place where we bend all our prayers that way, or our chief prayers.  Love cannot be without longing to shield and to relieve, and love is of God, so we may be at rest about this inseparable instinct and quality of love, for Love understands.

Looking back, we often put the lesser first in our prayers for our beloveds.  We see now that we cannot enter into the fullness of the confidence of 1 John 5:14,15 and say without any shade of metal reservation, we know that we have, unless our prayer is for God's greatest gift--spiritual triumph.  This triumph is not deliverance from, but victory in, trial, and that not intermittent but perpetual.  Amy Carmichael 

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. . . that He would grant you. . . to be strengthened with might by His Spirt. . .  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love... and know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God."   Ephesians 3:14-19  

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January 23

ABIDING AND FRUIT BEARING   

By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.   Hebrews 13:15

In using the example of the vine and branches, the Lord, in John 15, deals thoroughly with the necessity of staying close to our Lord Jesus in order to draw from Him that which it takes to produce fruit for His glory - no connection - no fruit.  Both instances; being in His presence and going out to serve, can be included in fruit bearing.

Praise and thanksgiving are one kind of fruit that the Lord looks for and welcomes.  Normally, the end result of that close communion will be a desire to be of some kind of service, each one of us, as directed by Him, resulting in abundant fruit for Him.  Lorne Perry

Sometimes our thoughts will not stay "fixed", we cannot explain why.  Before we know it, we find we have drifted back to thoughts of ourselves, or of others, or  anything, but of Him Who is deepest down our greatest longing. Try "speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord". (Ephesians 5:19) "My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto Thee; and my soul which Thou hast redeemed." (Psalm 71:23)

The reason why singing is such a splendid shield against the fiery darts of the devil is that it greatly helps us to forget him.  He likes us to be occupied with him, with what he is doing, with anything but our glorious Lord.  Never be afraid of singing too much.  We are much more likely to sing too little.

There are times, however, when we cannot sing aloud. "Making melody in your hearts to the Lord."  This covers that inward singing that so often lifts the heart Heavenward.  God make us a singing company.  Edges of His Ways

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January 24

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Romans 15:1 

The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.  Isaiah 50:4 

If there be some weaker one, 
Give me strength to help him on;
If a blinder soul there be, 
Let me guide him nearer Thee.   J.G. Whittier

Ask Him to increase your powers of sympathy: to give you more quickness and depth of sympathy, in little things as well as great.  Opportunities of doing a kindness are often lost from mere want of thought.  Half a dozen lines of kindness may bring sunshine into the whole day of some sick person.

Think of the pleasure you might give to someone, who is much shut up, and who has fewer pleasures than you have, by sharing with them some little comfort or enjoyment that you have learned to look upon as a necessity of life,--the pleasant drive, the new book, flowers from the country, etc.

Try to put yourself in another's place.  Ask "what should I like myself, if I were hard-worked, or sick, or lonely?"  

Cultivate the habit of sympathy.  G. H. Wilkinson

Out in the highways and byways of life, many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing; out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, O Saviour, I pray; make me a blessing to someone today.  
Ira B.Wilson

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January 25

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.  Psalm 4:8.

He giveth His beloved sleep.  Psalm 127:2

He guides our feet, He guards our way,
His morning smiles bless all the day;
Safe in the Lord; His heavenly care
Defends our life from every snare. 
Isaac Watts

Those who trust in Jesus, can sleep in peace in His arms.  We yield ourselves up to His protection, in a delightful consciousness of His tender mercies; no more restless uncertainties, no more anxious desires, no more impatience at the place we are in; for it is God who has put us there, and who holds us in His arms.  Can we be unsafe where He has placed us?

One evening when Luther saw a little bird perched on a tree, to roost there for the night, he said, "this little bird has had its supper, and now is getting ready to go to sleep here, quite secure and content, never troubling itself what its food will be, or where its lodging on the morrow.

Like David, it "abides under the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1  It sits on its little twig content, and lets God take care. 
 Martin Luther

Under His wings I am safely abiding;
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me;
He has redeemed me, and I am His child. 
William Cushing

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January 26

Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than 12 legions of angels?  Matthew 26:53

The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of Hosts.  Haggai 2:8

A legion was a company of 6,000 soldiers.  Does our Lord need our service?  A word from Him to His Father would, He said, bring more than twelve legions of angels, more than 72,000 to help Him.  

Think of the stars; we never with our naked eyes see more than 2,000 at a time.  Try to imagine a host of 72,000, each one fit to offer perfect service.  Why should the Lord of all the angels want you and me at all?

Does our Lord need our gifts?  Before the mountains or plains were settled, where the gold and silver and copper are hidden, there He was.  It was the Lord of Hosts, the hosts of the angels, who said, the silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine.  All powers, all possessions are His.  Why should He want anything that we can give?

"Treasure in heaven" (Matthew 6:20) answers that question.  He has gone to prepare a place for us.  (John 14:2).  He does not want it to be empty, but full of treasure for us.  Such is His love that He loves us to give cheerfully that which will fill the place He is preparing for us, full of unimaginable treasure!  What a Lord!    Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael

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January 27

INCARNATION

Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:10,11

In Christ a foundation is laid for greater familiarity with God than Adam was at first capable of. The Son of God was not then the Son of man by incarnation; and at this door comes in the believer's sweetest familiarity with God.

God descends His throne, exchanges His majestic robes of glory for man's frail flesh; He leaves His palace (Psalm 45:8) to live for a time in His creature's humble cottage, and there not only familiarly converses with him, but, which is stranger, ministers to him; yea, which is more than all these, He surrenders Himself up to endure all manner of indignities, from His creature's hand.

And when this coarse entertainment is done, returns to heaven, not to complain to His Father, how He has been abused here below, and raise heaven's power against those who have so ill-treated Him, but to make ready heaven's palace for the reception of those who had thus abused Him, and now will accept His grace.

And lest these, yet left on earth, should fear His resumed royalty and majesty, in heaven's glory, would make some change in His heart. He goes back and gives them a constant assurance that He would be the same in the height of His honour that He was in the depth of His humiliation. W. Gurnall (1617-1679)

Though angels praise the heavenly King,
And Him their Lord adoring own,
We can with exultation sing,
"He wears our nature on the throne."   T. Kelly

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January 28

Ye shall say unto the good man of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples?  Luke 22:11

As there was a guest chamber when Jesus was with His disciples on earth, so during His absence there is such a thing now for those whose hearts are attached to Him.  Such a place must be suitably prepared for Christ's presence.  There He and His own can feast together in love when they gather to remember Him in His death for them.

But it means much more for His own to have an understanding of what is suitable to the Lord Jesus for such an occasion.  First of all, as Jesus was attached to His disciples, who were to Him "the excellent, in whom is all My delight"  (Psalm 16:3) even so should our hearts be attached to Him.  Our hearts, too, should say, "Lord to whom shall we go?  Thou hast the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).  Many once served God in the temple, but Jesus was not there; He was leading His sheep outside of Jewish  formalism into most blessed liberty and pasture (John10).

There was also a pitcher of water for the (Luke 22:10) guest chamber--a ministry to bring "His own" into communion with Himself, the like of which was never previously known.

Here are some question for us to consider: Do we desire the Lord's company above all else?  Do we have the heart to find Him?  In a day of religious confusion like the present, do we desire to be where the Lord Jesus is and where He would have His own to be?  Oh, how deeply our hearts should be affected as we remember Him in His death for us, and think of His love for the assembly for which He gave Himself!  There is a place on earth for all whose hearts are are attached to Christ, and who desire to enjoy His love and presence.  The Lord is Near.

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January 29

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  Romans 6:6

Practical Christianity may be said to consist of two things: (1) In nourishing the new life through occupation with Christ.  (2) In judging the old, on which God has put the sentence of death in the most awfully solemn manner, in the cross.

But some may ask, "How are we to watch against its risings and judge it?"  The apostle answers, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."  (Galatians 5:16).  We have no power against nature but in the Holy Spirt, and in the assurance, by faith, that the flesh is a crucified thing in God's mind, and done with for ever.

It was on the cross that our old man was crucified; there it was nailed to the tree, and made a full end of; we have to believe this, and walk in the power and liberty which faith gives.

Know, then, for perfect rest and comfort, that from the moment we have life through faith in Christ, the whole of our corrupt nature is spoken of and treated in scripture as a dead thing.  "Ye are dead," is the emphatic word of scripture, but that is not all, thank God, "And your life is hid with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:3).  

How safe!  How secure!  "With Christ in God."  Could our old nature, or anything that belongs to it, be hidden there?  Ah, no; All that is gone--gone forever; all that is Christ's remains--remains in all its changeless perfection in the best place in all heaven.  By the cross we got rid of that which is ours--in resurrection we are put in possession of that which is Christ's.  Not a particle of the old creation shall ever be found in the new.  Song of Solomon - Andrew Miller

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January 30

Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13,14

Some people are always worrying as to whether they have done the right thing.  As soon as they have acted they begin to wish they had acted differently.  Such people require to learn that it perhaps does not matter so very much after all.  Let us learn to leave things with God.  He can make them fit in in a wonderful way, and He makes all things work together for good to them that love Him.  Romans 8:28.

There is the care, too, that arises from persecution, opposition, or from being misunderstood.  The anxiety this brings is known only to those who have passed through the ordeal.  The injustice, apart from every other consideration,  is sufficiently galling, and when, as is almost invariably the case, your efforts to put things right only increase your difficulties, the situation becomes well - nigh unbearable.

But if you are persuaded of the justness of your cause, and that God is on your side, you may safely leave your character, as well as  your comfort, in His hands.  He will use all to teach you many a needed lesson, to fit you for nobler ends, and at last "He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noon day."  Psalm 37:6  Angels in White - Russell Elliot

The little sharp vexations, and the briars that catch and and fret--
Why not take them to the Helper who never failed us yet?

Tell Him about the heartache, and tell Him the longing, too;
Tell Him the baffled purpose, when we scarce know what to do;

Then, leaving all our weakness, with the One divinely strong,
Forget that we bore the burden, and carry away the song."  Phillips Brooks

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January 31

And He saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them.    Mark 6:48 

In perplexities: when we cannot understand what is going on around us, cannot tell whither events are tending, cannot tell what to do, because we cannot see into or through the matter before us, let us be calmed and steadied and made patient by the thought that what is hidden from us is not hidden from Him.

If He chooses to guide us blindfold, let Him do it!  It will not make the least difference to the reality and rightness of the guidance.  In mysteries: when we see no clue, when we cannot understand God's partial revelation, when we cannot lift the veil that hangs before His secret counsel, when we cannot pierce the holy darkness that enshrouds His ways, or tread the great deep of His judgments where His footsteps are not known, is it not enough that even these matters are not hid from our Lord?

"My father will do nothing, either great or small, for he will show it me." (1 Samuel 20:2) "For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth Him all things that Himself doeth." (John 5:20)  Our Lord could so easily reveal everything to us,  make everything so clear!  It would be nothing to Him to tell us all our questions.

When He does not, can we not trust Him, and just be satisfied that He knows, and would tell us if it were best?  He has many things to say unto us, but He waits till we can bear them.

May we be glad that even our sins are not hid from Him?  Yes, surely, for He who knows all, can and will cleanse all.  He has searched us and known us, as we should shrink from knowing ourselves, and yet He has pardoned and yet He loves!   Opened Treasures - Frances Ridley Havergal

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February 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning  with God.  All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.  In Him was life and the life was the light of men.  John 1:1-4

Why is the Lord designated as the Word?  Just as the spoken word reveals a man's mind and personality, so God has revealed Himself in and by a Person, who came near to man, living a perfect life before them, and above all dying a sacrificial death upon the cross in order that this revelation of God might be one of infinite grace and eternal blessing. 

In these verses we read that Jesus from all eternity was God, that He was a distinct Person in the Godhead, the eternal Word; that as distinct in the Godhead, He was eternally so; that He was the Creator of all things; that in Him was life inherently, that is to say not conferred, but that He was the eternal Source.  This life was the light of men.

Then comes the stupendous statement that  "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

There came a moment when the Son of God became flesh in Bethlehem, born of a virgin in a stable, and cradled in a manger.  He was the eternal Son of God, who became Man, who died on the cross to satisfy the claims of Divine righteousness and enable God in all His holiness justly to save guilty sinners, as we are.  Why I Believe the Bible - A, J Pollock

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February 2

They which have believed in God . . . be careful to maintain good works.  Titus 3:8  When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth that thine alms may be in secret: and  thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly."  Matthew 6:3,4 

Put a seal upon your lips and forget what you have done.  After you have been kind, after love has stolen forth into the world and done its beautiful work, go back into the shade, and say nothing about it.  Love hides even from itself.

Oberlin was travelling on one occasion from Strasbourg.  It was in winter.  The ground was deeply covered with snow and the roads were almost impassable.  He had reached the middle of his journey, and was so exhausted that he could stand up no longer.  He commended himself to God, and yielded to what he felt to be the sleep of death.

He knew not how long he slept, but suddenly became conscious of someone rousing him up.  Before him stood a wagon driver, the wagon not far away.  He gave him a little wine and food, and the spirit of life returned. He then helped him on to the wagon, and brought him to the next village.  The rescued man was profuse in his thanks, and offered money, which his benefactor refused.  "It is only a duty to help one another," said the wagoner, and it is next thing to an insult  to offer a reward for such a service". 

"Then," replied Oberlin, "at least tell me your name, that I may  have you in thankful remembrance before God". "I see," said the wagoner, "that you are a minister of the Gospel; please tell me the name of the good Samaritan". "That," said Oberlin,  "l cannot do, for it was not put on record".  "Then" replied the wagoner, "until you can tell me his name, permit me to withhold mine". Service thus rendered will bring glory to God.  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify"--not you (no true Christian should desire that)-but "your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16)  
Winsome Christianity 
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February 3

Now thanks be unto God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.  2 Corinthians 2:14 

The supreme witness for God in this world is the one whose life is Christlike in spirit and conduct.  Just as glass may be considered as brilliantly beautiful until we see the fascinating radiance of a diamond, so, when we behold our all-glorious Lord, we cry out with one of old: "He is altogether lovely".

The Lord Jesus ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.  "The officers took knowledge of Peter and John that they had been with Jesus," because these two men of God carried with them the fragrance of the One in Whose presence they had been dwelling.

For us today who have not access to His physical presence, the whole secret is enshrined in 2 Corinthians 3:18 "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."  

Long ago the first protestant missionary to Japan was once brought into touch with members of the royal house of that country.   During his furlough in England, he was visited in his room one day by some members of the Emperor's family who were touring Europe.  They chatted for an hour and then left.  Later in the day another group of Japanese officials called in.  "Oh!"  one of them exclaimed, "You have have been entertaining royalty here today!" "What makes you think so?" the missionary asked.  "Why, there is perfume manufactured in our country for the exclusive use of royalty.  No one else is allowed to use it, and its fragrant odour is in evidence in this apartment, so that we know you have had royal visitors today!"

Our Lord has promised not only to visit us, but also to abide with us .  Is the fragrance of His presence diffused from us day by day?  Henry Durbanville

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February 4

Gems from January 10- 20, 2021

 January 10

CAPTIVE THOUGHTS

Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.   
2 Corinthians 10:5

Are there any tyrants more harassing than our own thoughts?  Control of deeds and words seems a small thing in comparison; but have we not been apt to fancy that we really can't help our thoughts?  Instead of our dominating them, they have dominated us; and we have not expected, or even thought it possible, to be set free from the manifold tyranny of vain thoughts, and still less of wandering thoughts.  Yet, all the time, here has been God's word about this hopeless, helpless matter, only where has been our faith?   

Must it not be glorious rest to have every thought of day and night brought into sweet, quiet, complete captivity to Jesus.  We say, "of course, it stands to reason it could not be!"  To reason perhaps, but not to faith; for words cannot be plainer than these in which Paul sets forth this marvellous privilege of all God's children, if they are only willing and simply believing in the matter.  For while "the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus" is the measure of the fullness of His promises, "according to your faith" is the appointed measure of their reception and benefit by ourselves. "Lord, increase our faith."   (Matthew 9:29)

But there is an order in their effectual working, and we must not begin at the wrong end.  Before this triumph-leading of every thought can take place, there is the "casting down imaginations" (2 Corinthians 10:5), or, "reasonings".  As long as we are reasoning about a promise, we never know its reality.  It is not God's way. It is "the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.  (Psalm 34:2)  Has it not always been, that we had to lay down our arms and accept God's thought and God's way instead of our own ideas, and be willing that He should "speak the word only," and believe it as little children believe our promises?  Then He will "keep (garrison) your hearts with the peace of God which passeth all understanding".    Frances Ridley Havergal

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January 11

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 
Romans 15:13 

For Thou art my hope, O Lord God: Thou art my trust from my youth. 
Psalm 71:5 

Hope is the handkerchief that God puts into His people's hands, to wipe the tears from their eyes, which their present troubles, and long stay of expected mercies, draw from them: "Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord . . . and there is hope in thine end."  Jeremiah 31:16-17

"The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ"  (2 Thessalonians 3:5).  It is a way you will never find, a work you will never be able to do of yourselves thus to wait patiently till Christ come, "The Lord," therefore, "direct your hearts" into it.  Love Him, and you will wait for Him.  "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 21 
The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall.  

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, 
Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home!

O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come;
Be Thou our guide while troubles last, and our eternal home.
Isaac Watts
 
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January 12

Thou art my hiding place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.  Selah.   Psalm 32:7

Some years ago, as I was passing along one of our streets one afternoon, I heard a fluttering of birds over my head and, looking up, saw a little bird flying wildly about in circles, chased by a hawk!

The bird flew down lower and lower, and then darted into my bosom, under my coat.  I cannot express to you, the feeling which filled my heart at that moment--the little bird, chased by an enemy, had come to me for refuge, trusting me in time of danger.

I laid my hand over the bird, which nestled as quietly and confidently under my coat, as a baby would in a mother's bosom.  

I carried the little thing along for several blocks until I thought the way was clear of danger, and then let it out.  It flew away into the air again, but showed no fear of me.  Ever since that experience, I have understood better what it is to fly into the bosom of Christ for refuge and safety in time of danger, or in time of distress.
Anonymous - With thanks to Dan Hopkins   

Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high:
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide, till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, oh, leave me not alone, still support and comfort me,
All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenceless head with the shadow of Thy wing.
Charles Wesley

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January 13

I know their sorrows!  Exodus 3:7

Man cannot say so. There are many sensitive fibres in the soul, which the best and most tender human sympathy cannot touch.  But the Man of Sorrows, He who led the way in the path of sorrow, "Knows our frame." (Psalm 103:14).  When crushing bereavement lies like ice on the heart, when the dearest earthly friend cannot enter into the peculiarities of our grief--Jesus can, Jesus does!  He who once bore my sins--also carried my sorrows.  That eye, now on the throne, was once dim with weeping!  I can think in all my afflictions--"He was afflicted;" in all my tears "Jesus wept"  (John 11:35).

'I know their sorrows!"  He may seem at times thus to forget and forsake us; leaving us to utter the plaintive cry, "Has God forgotten to be gracious?" when all the while He is bending over us in the most tender love!  He often allows our needs to attain their extremity, that He may stretch forth His succouring hand, and reveal the plentitude of His grace!  "The Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy" (James 5:11). 

Knowing our sorrows, is a guarantee that none will be sent--but only what He sees to be needful.  All that He sends is precisely meted out--wisely apportioned.  There is nothing accidental--no unneeded thorn; no superfluous pang.  He "puts our tears in a bottle" (Psalm 56:8).  Each one is counted, drop by drop, tear by tear--they are sacred things among the treasures of God!

Suffering believer, the iron may have entered deeply into your soul. Jesus--a sorrowing, sympathizing Jesus--"knows" your aching pangs and burning tears, and He will "come down to deliver you! " Exodus 3:8

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."  (Hebrews 4:15)   Thanks R. Lucas

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January 14

THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK  

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, peace be unto you.  And when He had so said, He showed unto them His hands and His side.  Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord.  Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you.   John 20:19-21 

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread . . .  Acts 20:7

Remembering Thee! how blessed so to be:
With every alien though aside the mind and memory occupied
Alone with Thee.

Whilst thus we meet in holy, calm retreat
Not only see we Wine and Bread -- our risen Lord, our living Head,
With Thee we meet.  (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

Yes, Thou art here.  We know, we feel Thee near.
As surely as of old Thou didst appear, peace-speaking, in the midst,
The Lord is here!  (Matthew 18:20)

Thy hands, Thy side, O Christ, the Crucified,
Once more let us in spirit view, and draw our melted hearts anew,
Close to Thy side.

There would we rest; yea, even on Thy breast:
To prove the sweetness of Thy grace the heart-beats of Thy love to trace --
Supremely Blest    James M. S. Tait   

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January 15

Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.  And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.  And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to take Peter also.    Acts 12:1-3 

Herod judged that he had made a grand step when he took Peter, and he put sixteen soldiers to guard one solitary man!  Peter had escaped from prison once before, and no one knew how he got out (Acts 5).  But Peter knew, and that is why here he went to sleep so quietly, for he knew the Lord could take him out again, if He so willed.

It is a grand thing to know God, and an awful thing not to know Him.  Peter knew God, and slept peacefully.  Of these soldiers two were changed to him, one stationed at the door of the dungeon, and one a little farther off, at the prison door outside.  Herod's excessive precautions were evidently designed to make a second escape impossible.  But Herod was leaving God out of his reckoning.  What availed all his bolts, bars, sentinels, and "two chains" upon his prisoner, if God stepped in?

Peter had unbound his sandals, loosed his girdle, cast off his garment and lay down to sleep.  All this spoke sweet confidence in the Lord, an easy conscience, and a restful heart.  An angel of the Lord entered the cell of a soundly sleeping Peter. "And, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison." Aroused by the angel's touch, he obeys the call to rise, "his chains fell off from his hands.  Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals, cast thy garment about thee and follow me." is the next command.

The first and second guards are safely passed without interruption, "they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord; and they went out, and the angel departed from him."

When God sets Himself to unlock man's fetters how noiseless, rapid, and effectual is the work.  Simon Peter - W. T. P. Wolston

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January 16

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.  Acts 12:5

God has ever been the help of His people.  The case seemed very hopeless.  "Many were gathered together praying." (v.12).  The prayer of faith on earth, had moved the hand of God on high, and the time was now come for Him to step in, and do His will.

Peter had lain down only expecting to wake and go forth to die, and then to see and hear an angel bidding him--chained man that the was--to arise, clothe himself, and walk out of prison and suddenly to find himself on the pavement of a well-known street, a free man, might well be accompanied by considerable bewilderment.  "When he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary, where many were together praying." (v.12)

The deep earnestness of the saints in prayer is strikingly marked, their being thus before God at the untimely hour of Peter's arrival on the scene. Alas! faith and fervour are not always combined. "Thou art mad" was the first response that the supplicants at the throne of grace made to the messenger (Rhoda) who simply told them that their prayers were heard, and answered by God.  "And when they had opened the door, and saw Peter, they were astonished."

"But Peter, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of prison." (v.17)

That is the moral that adorns this striking tale of human plans, and Divine intervention while the lesson it teaches us, as to the efficacy, and all prevailing power of prayer, is most blessed.  It should indeed encourage us to wait on God in united, persevering, believing prayer.  No case could seem more hopeless.  God sufficed for it.  Is He changed?  Not one whit.  What we want is more faith in Him.  "Lord teach us to pray."  Simon Peter - W. T. P. Wolston

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January 17

He said unto them, come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while.  Mark 6:31

There is no music in a rest, but there is the making of music in it.  In our whole life-melody the music is broken off here and there by "rests," and we foolishly think we have come to the end of the tune. 

God sends a time of forced leisure, sickness, disappointed plans, frustrated efforts, and, makes a sudden pause in the choral hymn of our lives.  We lament that our voices must be silent, and our part missing in the music which ever goes up to the ear of the Creator. How does the musician read the "rest"?  See him beat the time with unvarying count, and catch up the next note true and steady, as if no breaking place had come between.

Not without design does God write the music of our lives.  Be it ours to learn the tune, and not be dismayed at the "rests."  They are not to be slurred over, not to be omitted, not to destroy the melody, not to change the keynote.  If we look up, God Himself will beat the time for us.  With the eye on Him, we shall strike the next note full and clear.

If we sadly say to ourselves, "There is no music in a "rest," let us not forget "there is the making of music in it."  The making of music is often a slow and painful process in this life.  How patiently God works to teach us!  How long He waits for us to learn the lesson  Ruskin  

"Called aside--Oh, restful thought--He doeth all things well;
Oh, blessed sense, with Christ alone to dwell;
So in the shadow of Thy cross to hide,
We thank Thee, Lord, to have been called aside."

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January 18

" . . . He [Jesus]. . .Himself. . . through death. . . might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.  Hebrews 2:14.

A traveler in South America witnessed a curious but deadly battle between a peccary and a snake.  The snake was much larger than the peccary which is the size of a small pig.  The little animal seemed no match for the huge reptile that threatened to destroy it.  However, the peccary was guarding her nest where her new born babies were hidden.  The snake had found her home and intended to have a good meal.  It was not prepared what happened next.

The brave little peccary suddenly rushed upon the huge reptile, striking with several fierce and surprisingly powerful blows. The snake, though obviously injured and momentarily surprised by the attack, still had been able to strike a deep and seemingly fatal wound with its fangs which angrily flashed and sunk deep into the flesh of the smaller animal.

Just when it seemed as though all was over for the brave little peccary, it turned and ran back to its home.  There it quickly ate some leaves from a nearby plantain tree.  Apparently reinvigorated from these leaves it once again rushed back and began again to attack its huge adversary. 

Over and over this strange scene was repeated.  The snake, although showing signs of great exhaustion, continued its ferocious attack, again and again striking and wounding its little enemy--so much so that the observer was convinced the brave little peccary could not survive much longer. But after each vicious battle, the severely wounded peccary ran to the plantain tree, ate more leaves and rushed back with renewed energy and determination to continue its deadly struggle with the huge snake. The traveler witnessed this remorseless battle to the death between the peccary and the snake for over an hour.  Then came the moment when the final battle was waged and the deadly combat came to an end.  The huge snake lay still and dead no longer a danger to the peccary and her young.  The peccary, though displaying a variety of wounds, appeared surprisingly healthy as she energetically made her way back to the midst of her little ones.

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me Philippians 4:13.  
The Christian Shepherd - February 2010

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January 19

And this is Life Eternal that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.  John 17:3

No, it is not some special grace, reserved for certain special people, that they should "know Him." (Philippians 3:10)   All who have Eternal Life "know Him," they know God, and Jesus Christ, whom God hath sent,-- Yes, even the babes know Him: and yet Paul who knew Him best, could cry,-- Oh, "To know Him!"  It is like the child, who had always lived in an inland town, when first he went to the seaside: he kept telling all his friends on his return "I have seen the sea!"  And it was true, even though he had seen only a few miles of it; and of all the length and breadth and depth of it; he knew little or nothing.  And so the babe in Christ can say with truth: "I know Him!"

Down here that craving will never be satisfied: the better we know Him, the more we long to know Him better still.  For while in the body down here, it must ever be: "Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." 1 Corinthians 13:12. Lord, haste the day! 

However remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God; "No man knoweth the Son, but the Father." (Matthew 11:27)  The finite can never fathom the Infinite: and so there are ways in which "no man knoweth the Son, but the Father."  I suppose no one on earth knows the Queen as Prince Charles knows her: for he knows her as "mother".  And no one knows Prince Charles as Her Majesty knows him, for she knows him as "son". This is a very feeble illustration, but it will perhaps help us to understand that it is perfectly true when we say, "I know Christ, the Son of God," and it is also true that "no man knoweth the Son, but the Father."   Let us humbly, reverently bow before Him without seeking to pry into those relationships which are beyond us.
G. C. Willis -  Philippians 

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January 20

I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.  Psalm 57:2

A simple-hearted man was once asked how he managed to live in such a state of constant tranquility even though surrounded by circumstances anything but pleasant. 

His answer was as profound as it was simple: "I have learned to cooperate with the inevitable!"

The idea here set forth is so wise and practical that it is hard to see how we Christians have managed to overlook it so completely in our everyday living.  That we do overlook it is shown by our conduct and conversation.  Some of us "kick against the pricks"  (Acts 9:5) for a lifetime, all the while believing, that we are surrendered to the will of God.

What wicked men do should not disturb the good man's tranquility.  The inner world consists of our thoughts and emotions, presided over by our will.  While we cannot determine circumstances we can determine our reaction to them.  And that is where the battle is to be fought and victory won!

This is not to teach fatalism or to deny the freedom of the human will.  Quite the contrary, it is to assert that freedom unequivocally.  

Though we cannot control the universe, we can determine our attitude toward it.  We can accept God's will wherever it is expressed.  If my will is to do God's will, then there will be no controversy with anything that comes in the course of my daily walk.  Let God make the alterations as He may see fit, either by His own sovereign providence or in answer to believing prayer!
Renewed Day by Day - A. W. Tozer        

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January 21

Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it. Ephesians 5:25 

The spring here is, not our love to Him, feeble at best, but His--"He first loved us." (1 John 4:19).  Nor does this divine spring of love have its source in time.  He did not begin to love the Church after he came to earth.  "Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor" (2 Corinthians 8:9). 

He was rich in glory, the glory He had with the Father before the world was, and we trace to its eternal source the love that was in the Lord's heart for His church.  How amazing, how sweetly solemn is this truth.  Let our souls drink it in that we may realize more fully that which "passeth knowledge."  (Ephesians 3:19).  A love that had its source in heaven and in eternity cannot rest till it has its objects with itself in heaven for all eternity.

"He gave Himself for us."  He delivered Himself up.  It was no martyr's death, but it stands out in its unique, solemn and divine fullness--the death of the cross.  Here He bore all the guilt, entered into all the distance, endured all the wrath of God's forsaking. 

Mingled with the groans of Gethsemane, the "strong crying and tears," with the sweat falling in great blood-drops to the ground; accompanying the meek relinquishment to the arrest by the betrayer's treachery, arrayed in mockery and royal robes, smitten, spit upon and crowned with thorns; nailed to the cursed tree, mocked, railed upon and blasphemed; we hear the breathings of divine, eternal love; "Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it."  S. Ridout

Oh my Saviour crucified, near Thy cross would I abide,
Gazing with adoring eye on Thy dying agony. 

Yet in sight of Calvary, contrite should my spirit be,
Rest and holiness there find, fashioned like my Saviour's mind, R. Chapman

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January 22

Gems from January 1- 10, 2021

January 1

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved.  Psalm 62:5-6.

In considering the power and majesty of God we are made to realize that whatever His purpose is, He is able to carry it through, and there is no creature power that can prevent His doing so.  It is sheer folly to think one can go against His purpose with any success.

So the realization in our souls of God's invincible power should have a wholesome effect upon us to restrain us from any course of self-will.  Whenever a child of God sets aside God's will to pursue a course of his own, he does so to his own hurt; for he has, in fact, plunged into a battle against Omnipotence with nothing on his side but creature strength, and he is certain to lose in the end.

But on the other hand, what a source of peace and comfort for the believer who has surrendered his will to God!  He knows he is a child of God.  God who is over all, blessed forever, is his Father, and he an object of His special love and care.  God's thoughts are always thoughts of peace towards His children.  What a solid rock for His children to rest upon in all the circumstances of life, however monotonous or changing they may otherwise be.   

Ever remind yourself then of this great fact.  Your Father's hand, guided by His thoughts of peace, is acting for you in every circumstance as the moving power behind the scene, working all things together for your good.  You can't remind yourself too often of this blessed peace-giving, soul-steadying fact; for it is as a bright rainbow in the clouds and an anchor that holds you fast and keeps you from being driven by the storm.   E. C. Hadley

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January 2

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.   1 John 1:9

Joseph's brethren have condemned themselves out of their own lips. They have protested that they are true men, (Genesis 42:11) and in the same breath they say, "one is not," (Genesis  42:13), knowing full well that if Joseph has passed out  of their existence it is entirely owing to their own wickedness.  They stand in the presence of the one that they had rejected with unrepentant hearts, and yet protest they are honest men.

Joseph now takes the first step to convict them of their sin, by putting them into prison.  The fear of losing their lives had brought them into Egypt, with the result that they lose their liberty.  For three days they are left in prison that they may learn in some measure what their sins merit. (v.17).

Joseph had been thrown into prison unjustly, but they are justly brought into the same condemnation.  The result is conscience begins to work.  Conscience connects their present trouble with their past sin. The prison has so far done its work.  They not only say, "we are verily guilty," but "we are verily guilty concerning our brother."  We saw the anguish of his soul, but we hardened our hearts.  He besought us but we stopped our ears to all his entreaties, "Therefore is this distress come upon us."  They rightly connect their present distress with the past sin of twenty years ago.  Hamilton Smith

Listen, oh, listen, my Father, all holy - humble and sorrowful, owning my sin,
Hear me confess in my penitence lowly - how in my weakness temptation came in.

Pity me now, for, my Father, no sorrow -  weighs on my soul like the pain that I know,
Trembling and fearing that all thro' the morrow - missing the light of Thy love I may go.

Father, I know for the grace I am seeking - nothing of mine can I offer to Thee;
Thou to my sinful and sad spirit speaking - giving forgiveness--gives all things to me.  Anon

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January 3

Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.  Titus 2:10

I was recently asked to give a short gospel message to a large company of men who had gathered at the graveside of their foreman.  For some years I had known the one who had answered his home-call as a happy consistent Christian.  I had visited him a few days before his death, and though he was suffering much, no murmurs escaped his lips.  Instead he was full of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord, and insisted on singing a verse of a hymn that had been running through his mind.  It was:

Thy death has brought to light the Father's heart, and mine has won;
And now I contemplate Thee as Thou art, God's glorious Son!
And know that I am loved with that great love,
That rests on Thee in those bright courts above.

I had confidence in speaking of the power of the Lord Jesus to save and sustain because I could cite my friend as one who in the very presence of death had proved that power.

But I had another ground of confidence also.  Sitting by my side on our way to the cemetery was my friend's employer.  He said to me: "We never had a more faithful employee.  He was most conscientious and honest.  All the men who attend his funeral today will be there out of regard for him."  And he gave me instances of his thoughtfulness  and kindness to others which made me feel that in preaching the gospel to his fellow-workmen I should have their attentive interest because they had seen the effect of the gospel in his life.  Not only on a bed of sickness and suffering, but in the humdrum duties of his daily toil he had adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour.  Lives such as his often make men ready to listen to the gospel because with their own eyes they have seen it reduced to practice.   The Lord is Near   

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January 4

THE CROWNING DAY

The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy.     Revelation 4:10-11

One year at a Bible school graduation, they sang the hymn  "Is it the Crowning Day?"  Unfortunately, a typing error was made in preparing the program and the hymn appeared as "Is it the CROWING DAY?" 

Isn't it great to know that when we adoringly bow before the Lord in that day of glory there will be no crowing (boasting)?  Christ will fill our gaze; His praises will fill our lips; His worthiness shall fill our hearts.  We will cast our crowns before Him, realizing that whatever service was done for Him upon earth was done through His grace and strength alone.  And yet the Word of God does set before us various crowns to be given to the saints:
The incorruptible crown -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
The crown of joy - 1 Thessalonians 2:19
The crown righteousness - 2 Timothy 4:8
The crown of life - James 1:12
The crown of glory - 1 Peter 5:4
 
Let's set our hearts upon gaining these crowns that we may cast them at His blessed feet.  And let's forget about doing any crowing now.  We certainly won't do any crowing then!    Grant W. Steidl 

This song be ours, and this alone, 
To celebrate the name of Him that sits upon the throne,
And to exalt the Lamb.
To Him whom men despise and slight to Him be glory given;
The crown is His, and His by right
The highest place in heaven.     T. Kelly 

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January 5

Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them.  Luke 24:15

The New Year is not present with us. Only a new day!  So it will be continually.  We shall see but one day at a time.  Each day is a white page to be written.

Lord, Thou hast given me a clean, new year.
Help me to keep its pages pure, unspoiled;
To write upon its scroll but kindly thoughts,
With no unsightly blots to have it soiled.

Let me not mar, in thought or word or deed, 
This page, so white, so pure, unsullied, fair.
Help me to know that when I stand in need
Of help from Thee, thou'rt always standing there.

When duty calls me, Lord, let pleasure wait.
Let me fulfill my calling.  Let Thy will, 
Not mine, be done.  Oh, let me ever hear
Thy calm, approving voice, Thy guidance still.

Lead me, O Lord, in paths of peacefulness.
But if, perchance, Thy paths should ever lie
O'er mountain trails, though they be rough and bleak,
Then may I answer, "Master, here am I." 
I. S. Ellis

An artist who was asked, "What is your best picture?" answered, "My next."  Make tomorrow your best day!
"Yesterday ended last night."
Mountain Trailways

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January 6

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.  Proverbs 3:27

"Jeff, what have you done?"  angrily demanded the six year old's mother as he sat down at the breakfast table, placing a branch full of beautiful pink flowers by his plate.  They had been broken off his mom's favourite Azalea bush.Though harshly reprimanding his thoughtlessness, her angry words had little effect on him.  There was no apology  for ruining her favourite Azalea bush. 

That afternoon, late picking Jeff up from school, she hurried to his classroom.  The teacher, seeing her, motioned to her to stay in the hall.  Jeff and two other students were sitting at their desks busily working with paper and crayons.  His mom wondered what else Jeff had done.  In the hall the teacher said, "I want to talk to you about Jeff".  Fearing the worst his mom nodded her head. 

Jeff's teacher asked, "Did you know Jeff brought flowers today? See that little girl sitting by Jeff?  Yesterday Stacy was almost hysterical.  Her mother and father are going through a nasty divorce and she told me she didn't want to live.  She buried her face in her hands and said loud enough for the whole class to hear, 'Nobody loves me' ".  The teacher continued, I did all I could to comfort her, but it only seemed to make matters worse. Today when your son came to school he walked straight over to that child, handed her those beautiful pink flowers and whispered, "I love you."

That evening when Jeff's dad pulled into the driveway, his wife met him with another branch of Azaleas.  Handing them to him she said, "I love you".

- Love one another; as I have loved you. (John 13:34).  - Charity...is kind...but the greatest of these is charity.  (1 Corinthians 13:4,13). - I will very gladly spend and be spent for you. (2 Corinthians 12:15).  - Walk in love.  (Ephesians 5:2).- Charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8).   TCS - Doug Nicolet 

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January 7

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word.  Psalm 119:9

Mr. Harold St John, to a group of young people, uttered this solemn warning regarding their Bible study:  remember, the Bible is never the end in itself.  It is not the home of the heart, but it's the official highway that leads to it. It's the path by which you reach Christ, and it is that which tells you all you know of Him historically.  But is that all you want?  Will a historical Christ satisfy you?  Do you want simply to know facts about Him, or to keep company with Christ, to have Him show things to your heart that are in the Bible, but which come fresh from Him to you?

I'm sure that even in the use of it there's a danger lest we should stop short of reaching the One to whom this Book bears witness.  If your mind's been merely engaged with texts, or you've merely been considered passages out of the Bible, you've lacked something.  You haven't gone all the way, for all the way is this: that the Lord Jesus Christ should present Himself to you as the only  safe Guide on the dangerous road of life and the only way by which you can keep your pathway shining; that is, that the face of Christ should shine upon you, and you should behold as in a mirror the glory of the Lord.  The Word, yes; but not the Word only, always the Word with the Spirit.

There are scholars who have devoted forty years to the most painstaking study of every preposition and word in the Old Testament, but some of them are still a million leagues away from Christ. How can youth keep its way shining through a dark world? How can you reach the goal--Christ?  By taking heed thereto, by stepping carefully and guiding your life by what your soul is learning of God in the text of Holy Scripture, and by keeping company with Christ as your best Friend--never ceasing until you are on such terms with Him that you talk to Him more intimately than to wife or child, lover or friend, and He talks with you.  That does not only mean you have a Bible in your pocket--thank God if you have--but it means that you have Christ in your heart.  Harold St. John 

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January 8

NEVERTHELESS

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure.  2 Timothy 2:19

You have only to check your Bible concordance to discover how often that word nevertheless shows up.  Often against the dark background of conditions in this word, it turns the picture to say, "Notwithstanding, however, still, on the other hand, there is another side. . . ."

In our text, Paul is writing to Timothy about false teachers, and, against their errors, he says God's foundation stands sure.  He makes two observations: God knows them that are His, but His children are not to settle in complacency because of that security but rather depart from iniquity.  Our blessed assurance is no excuse for careless living. 

THE "NEVERTHELESS" THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE 

Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net.  Luke 5:5. 

After a night of failure came the turn when they passed from defeat to victory, and they did it when they crossed the bridge marked Nevertheless.  "We have toiled," Peter said, but now "at Thy word, I will let down the net."  

When we move from we to Thy,  we have have crossed the bridge.  After they caught a superabundance of fish, Jesus said, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men" (5:10).  When we cross the bridge called Nevertheless, the next sign reads HENCEFORTH.  This is success.   Vance Havner 

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January 9

Lift up your heads, O ye gates . . . and the King of glory shall come in.  Who is this King of glory?  The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.  Psalm 24:9-10.

It is told of Mr. Hyde of India that one day he was traveling to a distant village with a beloved Pujabi evangelist and his two children. The men were speaking sadly about the village,--how long the Gospel had been preached there, and how little interest the people showed.

The children had no such sad thoughts: they were so happy that they sang, and went on singing Psalms and Hymns one after another, till the two men were constrained to join in.  They were so carried away with the spirit of praise that they continued singing till they reached the village.  Imagine their amazement when they found the people full of interest, and eager to confess Christ and follow Him.  Over a dozen showed such a living faith, that they were baptized before they left.  This was the first Gospel triumph in that village, heralded and brought about by the spirit of praise from the children.

In another village they were so discouraged, they decided to leave early next morning, but that night someone suggested that they should all go to the village and sing the Gospel in it.  This they did, and sang on and on, till after midnight.  Next morning they were preparing to leave, when a young man came running from the village, to beg them not to go, for not one, he told them, had gone to work that morning, but were even then considering if they should not at once decide for Christ.  

They waited, and found some fifteen men, mostly heads of family, quite ready to be baptized.  The young man who brought the message said to Mr. Hyde: This is the result of your singing last night.  You sang--
"Lift up your heads, O ye gates,
And let the King of Glory enter in !"
Has He not entered in this morning?      Philippians  -  G.Christopher Willis

N.J. Hiebert - 8356

January 10

CAPTIVE THOUGHTS

Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.   
2 Corinthians 10:5

Are there any tyrants more harassing than our own thoughts?  Control of deeds and words seems a small thing in comparison; but have we not been apt to fancy that we really can't help our thoughts?  Instead of our dominating them, they have dominated us; and we have not expected, or even thought it possible, to be set free from the manifold tyranny of vain thoughts, and still less of wandering thoughts.  Yet, all the time, here has been God's word about this hopeless, helpless matter, only where has been our faith?   

Must it not be glorious rest to have every thought of day and night brought into sweet, quiet, complete captivity to Jesus.  We say, "of course, it stands to reason it could not be!"  To reason perhaps, but not to faith; for words cannot be plainer than these in which Paul sets forth this marvellous privilege of all God's children, if they are only willing and simply believing in the matter.  For while "the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus" is the measure of the fullness of His promises, "according to your faith" is the appointed measure of their reception and benefit by ourselves. "Lord, increase our faith."   (Matthew 9:29)

But there is an order in their effectual working, and we must not begin at the wrong end.  Before this triumph-leading of every thought can take place, there is the "casting down imaginations" (2 Corinthians 10:5), or, "reasonings".  As long as we are reasoning about a promise, we never know its reality.  It is not God's way. It is "the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.  (Psalm 34:2)  Has it not always been, that we had to lay down our arms and accept God's thought and God's way instead of our own ideas, and be willing that He should "speak the word only," and believe it as little children believe our promises?  Then He will "keep (garrison) your hearts with the peace of God which passeth all understanding".    Frances Ridley Havergal

N.J. Hiebert - 8357

January 11

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 
Romans 15:13 

For Thou art my hope, O Lord God: Thou art my trust from my youth. 
Psalm 71:5 

Hope is the handkerchief that God puts into His people's hands, to wipe the tears from their eyes, which their present troubles, and long stay of expected mercies, draw from them: "Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord . . . and there is hope in thine end."  Jeremiah 31:16-17

"The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ"  (2 Thessalonians 3:5).  It is a way you will never find, a work you will never be able to do of yourselves thus to wait patiently till Christ come, "The Lord," therefore, "direct your hearts" into it.  Love Him, and you will wait for Him.  "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 21 
The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall.  

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, 
Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home!

O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come;
Be Thou our guide while troubles last, and our eternal home.
Isaac Watts
 
N.J. Hiebert - 8358  

January 12