Evening Thoughts

The beggar died!

"The beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom." Luke 16:22

There is a picture which in the ordinary light, shows only the figure of a weary dying pilgrim lying on a straw pallet, in a wretched city garret. But in another light, one sees above the head of that outcast and dying man, a throng of angels, and a pathway of heavenly light stretches from the sufferer's cot to the gate of the celestial city.

The first view is the closing of the earthly side of the life of many a child of God.
The other is the way the same scene looks as seen from Heaven.

Precisely these two scenes were witnessed when poor Lazarus was dying. The passer-by saw only the wretchedest of beggars, spurned, neglected, suffering, unwept for. But meanwhile there were angels hovering around him with pity in their hearts; and there was a celestial gate standing open, through which the angels would shortly take him.

Despised on earth — Lazarus was loved in Heaven.
Neglected by man — God's angels cared for him.
Denied admittance to homes of earthly splendor — a place was prepared for him in the Father's house, and a joyous welcome awaited him!

"Remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. Luke 16:25

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She was taking the flowers to Jesus!

"Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me!" Matthew 25:40

A mother read to her little girl those verses with the "inasmuch" in them, and the child was soon off to carry some flowers to a poor sick Christian woman who lived near by, saying that she was taking the flowers to Jesus. She was right.

We may so set Christ before us, that even our drudgeries shall be made divine — we may transform them by doing them all for Him!

If one angel were sent to carry a cup of water to a sick child, and another to guide a nation through some peril — their tasks would be regarded as alike honorable.

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In nothing do we more frequently act recklessly and foolishly

"The tongue has the power of life and death!" Proverbs 18:21

"I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue!" Psalm 39:1

Some people take no heed to their ways. They go stumbling on, without seeking to know the way, never thinking where they are going.

In nothing do we more frequently act recklessly and foolishly, than in our speech. Very wise, therefore, is the resolve not to sin with the tongue. To do this we need to keep our mouth as with a bridle.

It is not easy to control one's speech. James tells us that the tongue cannot be tamed. Even the wildest and most savage beasts can be tamed, he says — but the tongue, "can no man tame; it is a restless evil, it is full of deadly poison!"

No member of our body needs more careful watching and more constant curbing, than our tongue. In it there is vast power of help and blessing — but in it also there is measureless power of hurt and evil. Whatever else we do, we should learn to control our tongues, so that with them we may honor God and bless our fellow-men.

"Keep your tongue from evil!" Psalm 34:13

"Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips!" Psalm 141:3

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A serious blemish on one's character!

"Love is not easily provoked." 1 Corinthians 13:5

Irritability and hasty temper are so common, that people do not think much of them. We talk about them as a kind of harmless weakness, so common as to be almost permissible. Men apologize for their friends who are bad-tempered, as if it made little difference.

But really, irritability is a serious blemish on one's character. Think of the hurt an ungoverned temper produces in homes where angry words fly like arrows, wounding gentle hearts. Think how an ill-tempered father or mother hurts the lives of children.

The time to get a sweet temperament is in youth. We have no right to say a harsh word anywhere, especially in our own home!

It was the custom of two particular sisters, that when one of them felt out of sorts, moody, or ill-tempered — she would go away by herself until the ugly mood had passed off.

This would be a good rule to adopt in every home. In place of sulking or showing sullenness, when we feel this miserable demon getting possession of us — we had better go away and fight the battle out alone where our harsh speech will hurt no other one!

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Christ's great pasture land!

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!" Psalm 23

The shepherd looks well to the feeding of his sheep. He leads them into green pastures.

The Bible is Christ's great pasture land. Every chapter is a field of rich grass. There are also trees, with abundance of fruits. If any Christians are not well fed, it is because they do not hunger for the food which the Good Shepherd provides.

In the common ways of life, God's sheep find food waiting for them. Sometimes the shepherd leads his flock through dark valleys, to get to a bit of pasture on some hillside. Sometimes Christ leads his people through sorrow, struggle, trial; but it is because on the other side of these rough and hard ways, there is rich pasture to which He would take them.

Wherever a Christian is led in God's providence, he will always find nourishing spiritual food somewhere. Christ never allows His people to suffer hunger.

"Where streams of living waters flow,
My ransomed soul He leads,
And where the verdant pastures grow
With celestial food He feeds!"

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We would not be so perplexed by the mysteries of our lives!

"God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11

We are not in this world merely to do a certain work — but to be fashioned into beauty of Christly character. If we would always remember this, we would not be so perplexed by the mysteries of our lives.

If joy is ours — it is to make us a greater blessing to others.

If sorrow is ours — it is to bring out Christ's image in us more clearly.

If our hopes are disappointed — it is because God has some better thing for us than that which we so earnestly desire.

If we are called to endure pain — it is because the best in us can be called out only by pain.

If bereavement comes and we are left without the human arm we have leaned upon — it is because there are elements of strength in our life which never could be developed unless the human support were removed.

If our burdens are heavy — it is because we grow best under burdens.

If we suffer wrong — it is to teach us better the great lessons of meekness, patience and sweet temper.

Always the Master is making us into the beauty of the holy pattern He has set for us, and preparing us for greater usefulness and better service.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

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We have to paint the pictures ourselves!

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:11-12

We are always at school. Our business here on earth, is to learn.

The Christian virtues and graces are not put into our lives, as one hangs up pictures on the wall of a room — finished and perfect in their beauty. Rather, we have to paint the pictures ourselves!

Paul tells us that he had learned contentment. It did not come into his life at his conversion, as a gift from his new Master.

The word he uses indicates, too, that the learning was not easy. He says he knew both how to be filled and to be hungry. That is, his contentment did not depend on circumstances. He had the secret in his own heart, and he was content through all manner of experiences.

But it was not always so with him. His contentment was not a matter of temperament, nor was it a divine gift — he had learned it! Nor was he a young man when he said this — it had taken him years to learn the lesson.

It is the same with all the beautiful things in character — we have to learn them! We have to learn to be patient, to be thoughtful, to be at peace, to be loving, to be kind, to be humble and meek.

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God's divine wings!

"How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of Your wings!" Psalm 36:7

The figure of a bird sheltering her young, is a favorite one in the Scriptures, as an illustration of the divine love and grace. We have it in this verse: "The children of men take refuge under the shadow of Your wings!"

God is a refuge to all those who will flee to Him. We find . . .
refuge from sin in the mercy of God;
refuge from danger in the strength of God;
refuge from the world's cruelty and injustice in the gentleness of God;
refuge from the world's sorrow in the comfort of God.

It is interesting to read what those who flee to God, find under His wings:
They find abundant satisfaction in the fatness of God's house.
They drink of the river of God's pleasures.
Every need is met, every hunger is satisfied in the love of God.
They find there also the fountain of life.

This divine loving-kindness shall continue forever to those who know God. God's divine wings will make our eternal home!

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The fragrance of Mary's act of love

"Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." John 12:3

Mary is always seen at the feet of Jesus.

First, we see her there as a learner, listening to His words.
The next time, she is in great sorrow. Her brother has died. Again she is at her Master's feet.
The third time, Jesus is at a feast, and Mary is at her old place, this time anointing Him with ointment.
If she had not gone to the feet of Christ first as a learner, she would not have been able to find comfort there in her sorrow.

In the same way, we should seek Christ in the bright, happy days — and then when the dark days come we shall easily find our way to Him.

The world has been filled ever since with the fragrance of Mary's act of love. Just so, we should fill our homes with the fragrances of love. While we have our dear ones, we should seek every opportunity to give them the comfort of love. A home is made sweet, not by pictures on the walls, by rich carpets on the floors, by costly furniture — but by sacrificial love, showing itself in humility, gentleness, kindness, patience.

"Therefore, as God's elect people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

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Complaints about the weather!

"This is the day the LORD has made! We will rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24

People speak of different days in different tones. One is said to be a bad day, another a lovely day. There are many complaints about the weather. Some find almost nothing else to talk about, and most that they have to say is in criticism.

The writer of this Psalm gives us a hint concerning the days, which we should remember. "This is the day which the Lord has made."

The rough days are as really made by Him, as the days that are fair days. It scarcely seems reverent to speak of any day which the Lord has made, as bad or nasty or horrible — words that some people use. The days are all sacred, whatever they are meteorologically.

"All things are in the hands of God, have Him for their Author, and are directed and governed by Him to such ends as are most suitable to His wise providence. Whoever complains of the weather — complains of the God who ordains the weather!" William Law

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God's chastening hand

"Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bring forth more fruit." John 15:2

Sometimes there are too many branches. There is not life enough to nourish them all. Some of them must be cut off, that what remain may receive full nourishment. It is the fruitful branches only that are pruned. The gardener does not trouble to prune the unfruitful branches.

The object of the pruning is that the branch may bear more fruit. It sometimes seems as if the pruning were destructive. Great branches are cut off and the very life of the vine seems to be endangered. But he who holds the knife knows that what he is doing will make the vine in a little time, more luxuriant and its fruit sweeter and more abundant.

In the same way, it is the true Christian that the Father chastens. If only we would keep this in mind, it would help us to bear God's chastening hand in patience, and also to submit to God in His design to make us more fruitful.

Earthly prosperity is often to a Christian like the too great luxuriance in the vine, which must be cut away with relentless hand to save the vine's life.

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We need to take the lesson to ourselves

"In the LORD I put my trust! How can you say to my soul: Flee as a bird to your mountain"? Psalm 11:1

When we have God, we do not need to flee to any other refuge.

David's friends had counseled him to flee as a bird to the mountain, to find safety there from his enemies. From this suggestion David recoils with amazement, "I take refuge in Jehovah; why should I flee to any of earth's strongholds?"

We need to take the lesson to ourselves. We say our trust is in Christ. We profess to have committed ourselves to Him, and we sing of our confidence in Him. Yet when troubles come — do we not often begin to seek other refuges and sources of help? It is in such times that we should trust in Christ. There is no fear that the foundations of Christian faith shall be destroyed. We quote the poet's words:
"God's in His Heaven —
All's right with the world!"

This is true — God is ever looking down upon us out of Heaven. But this is not all the truth. God is also on the earth, with His people, to guide, to shelter, to keep them. We need no other refuge when we have Him!

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

"I will say of the LORD: He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Psalm 91:2

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A picture of peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Our hearts hunger for peace. Everywhere men search for it. But peace is not got by finding a quiet place to hide in, away from the world's storms. The peace a Christian has must be a peace that will hold the heart quiet, in the midst of the world's storms.

Two artists each went out to paint a picture of peace.

One painted a silvery lake, embosomed deep amid the hills, where no storm could touch it.

The other painted a sea swept by tempests, strewn with wrecks. Rising up out of the sea was a great rock, and in the rock, high up, a cleft with herbage and flowers, amid which, on her nest, a dove was sitting calmly.

The latter is the true picture of peace.

In the same way, the peace of Christ is a peace that holds the heart quiet in the heart of the world's trials. This peace is offered to us here as Christ's legacy to us. We can get it only by close fellowship with Christ Himself.

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows." John 16:33

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The Bible rarely pays compliments

"Barnabas was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith." Acts 11:24

The Bible rarely pays compliments. It tells the goods things men do — but it says very little about the men themselves in the way of praise or commendation.

Here is an exception, however. The record says that Barnabas was a good man. It is a fine commendation. Goodness is better than greatness. When Walter Scott was dying, he said to a friend who stood by him, "Be a good man." Many men are great — and not good. Their fame is widespread, and their name is praised everywhere — but they are not good. Some are winsome and attractive — but not a blessing to others.

Goodness means excellence of character. The name God is simply a contraction of the word good. Goodness is Godlikeness. A good man is patient, gentle, kindly, humble. All the Beatitudes live in him and work out their beauty in him. He is full of gentle ministries. Jesus Himself went about doing good.

Whatever else we may be or may not be in this world, we should all try to be good in our character. Thus we shall please God and bless the world.

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A picture of the great castle of divine love!

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart!" Psalm 91:4

It is a wonderful shelter which God makes for us under His wings. We are reminded of what Jesus said about His love for His own people — that He would have gathered them as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. The words seem very rustic — but there is an exquisite tenderness in them. This wonderful Psalm describes the blessings which those enjoy who dwell thus in the secret place of the Most High.

God is their refuge. He delivers them from the snares and the dangers of the world. They need not be afraid of the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday!

The Psalm gives us a picture of the great castle of divine love into which all who love God may flee to find refuge. Of course the protection promised must not be understood as always from physical harm. But though the body is hurt or destroyed, the life that is sheltered under the wings of God is ever absolutely safe!

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As we enter a new day, a new experience, or some tangled path

"Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk." Psalm 143:8

With all our wisdom, we cannot ourselves find the way through this world. It is a privilege then to pray, as we enter a new day, a new experience, or some tangled path, "Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk!"

But will God show us the way?
Will He condescend to tell us the road through some painful uncertainty?
Will He mark out our duty for us in some time of perplexity?
Will He be interested in the guidance of His child through a dark path?

Yes! He is ready to cause the lowliest Christian to know the way wherein he should walk. God has a plan for every believer; and if He has a plan for us, He certainly would not hide it from us so that we cannot discover what it is. We shall always find the way, if we go on obediently. We have nothing to do but to obey; God will then take care that the way is opened to our feet. Wherever we go, we may go confidently, for God will cause us to know the way.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

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In most of our lives there are some bleating sheep and lowing oxen!

"But Samuel said: What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?" 1 Samuel 15:14

We cannot hide our sins! We may think we have covered up our evils so that detection will be impossible. Suddenly something tears away the veil, and then we are exposed to the gaze of the world!

A man carries on a series of dishonesties and covers them up by expert book-keeping, thinking he is safe. But some morning he is startled to find that the stolen sheep have been bleating, and all the world knows of his thefts and embezzlements!

It is the nature of sheep to bleat and of oxen to low, and they have not sense enough to keep quiet when they are expected to. Indeed, they are almost sure to make a noise just when they are expected to keep perfectly still.

It is the same with sin. It is an unsafe friend. It professes well when it offers its solicitations — but when it has been committed it is a poor confidant. It cannot keep a secret! It is sure to betray a man who depends upon it for prudent silence. In most of our lives there are some bleating sheep and lowing oxen, telling of our sins.

"Be sure your sin will find you out!" Numbers 32:23

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account!" Hebrews 4:13

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He was only stunned, not killed!

"Then David ran over and pulled Goliath's sword from its sheath. David used it to kill him and cut off his head!" 1 Samuel 17:51

David was not satisfied with seeing the giant fall to the earth — but he ran and cut off his head. If he had not done this, the old champion would probably have got up by and by and walked away, for he was only stunned, not killed, by the stone.

Just so, a great many of our attacks upon sin in our own hearts and in the world only temporarily disable, and do not kill the evil. We walk away, thinking we have done a fine thing, and presently we meet the old giant again, stalking abroad as before. We have then to fight the battle over again, and perhaps we fight it in the same half-way, and thus on and on to the end of life.

Most of us have had just such an experience as this. We think we are through with our old temptations — but they are soon as active as ever again. We need to learn to finish our victories by cutting off the head of every giant we strike down. The life is in the head, and the head must come off, or the enemy will be facing us again in a day or two, with but a scar on his forehead!

The only way to get a real victory over vices—is to decapitate them! Bruises and wounds are not enough. There must be thorough work done, in the name of the Lord. Half-way measures will not avail.

"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." Colossians 3:5

"Samuel hewed Agag to pieces before the Lord." 1 Samuel 15:33. Like Samuel, we must hew our Agags to pieces!

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We are only so far christianized

"Leaving us an example, that we should follow His steps." 1 Peter 2:21

"For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." John 13:15

Christianity is constantly suffering from the conduct of its professors. They profess to look to Christ as a Savior — but they do not take Christ for their Example. But these things must not be divided. He who died for our sins — also set us an example that we should follow in His steps. Christ alone should be our standard, and likeness to Him should be our aim. We are only so far christianized, as we are like Christ.

Jesus says, "Learn of Me." We are not only learn His teaching — but learn His life.

The life of Jesus is the model after which the Holy Spirit works. As the Spirit of Christ, His work is to conform us to Christ. And under His teaching and assistance, it should be our daily aim to resemble Jesus in our temper, disposition, and general deportment.

My life should be somewhat a reflection of the life of Christ. In my conduct, I may in some degree reproduce the conduct of the Lord Jesus. No one can tell how nearly he may be conformed to the life of Jesus, if he makes this his constant prayer and habitual aim.

"He who says he abides in Him, ought himself also to walk just as He walked." 1 John 2:6

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A pattern for us of heroic, happy-hearted devotion to duty

"As He went to Jerusalem." Luke 17:11

This was the beginning of the last journey, at the end of which Jesus saw His cross waiting. Yet He did not shrink from entering upon that dreadful journey.

We go on through life, not knowing what lies before us, and thus are saved the prolonged anguish of anticipation which would be ours if we knew our future afflictions.

Jesus knew all that lay before Him. He never turned aside, hesitated, nor parleyed, never sought to delay and thus keep the anguish off longer. He even hastened onward, sometimes pressing on far in advance of His disciples, moving so fast that they could not keep up with Him.

Nor did the anguish which Jesus knew lay before Him, darken His life. He lost none of His cheerfulness as He moved toward Calvary.

Some people are rendered almost useless by approaching grief. They lose heart for duty. They drop their tasks out of their hands. But Jesus went on with His work, doing good to all He met with gentle, loving, sunny spirit — just as if He were going forward to a great joy! He is surely a pattern for us of heroic, happy-hearted devotion to duty, no matter what shadow may be looming before us.

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The absolute Ruler, Governor, and Disposer of all things!

The Lord Jesus is the absolute Ruler, Governor, and Disposer of all things!
Everything lies open before His eye,
everything is sustained by His power, and
everything is disposed of by His wisdom.

Not a sparrow can fall to the ground without His notice and permission.

O to see Jesus in all things!

O to see everything at the disposal of Jesus!

O to see that all things are directed, controlled, and overruled, by Christ alone! This will . . .
calm my mind,
compose my spirit, and
produce holy resignation in my soul.

If Jesus arranges all, sends all, directs all, overrules all — then "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" O to see that all things are working out God's will! O to love the will of God, and consequently prefer it to all besides! May my will be swallowed up in your will, O Jesus!

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The two thieves!

"At that time two thieves were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left." Matthew 27:38

There are many striking suggestions in the picture of the three crosses, as they rise before our eyes.

Jesus was of the very cross which Barabbas should have occupied as chief of the band of thieves. Barabbas had been liberated — and Jesus died in his place. The innocent one died — and the guilty one was set free.

In the two thieves, we see the twofold effect of Christ's cross on men. One of the thieves continued mocking, only hardened by what he saw, and perished close by Jesus' cross. The other thief saw his sins, became penitent, and was saved.

So it is always — the cross has a twofold effect upon those who see it. Some are touched and cry out in the prayer of faith for mercy. Others, just as close, see the same exhibition of the dying love of Jesus, hear the same words of grace — but are unaffected, and go on in sin, only the more hopeless in their impenitence.

It is possible to perish in the very sight of the cross!

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We run outside the castle of divine love!

"Keep yourselves in the love of God." Jude 21

The night the firstborn of Egypt were to be slain, the people of Israel were commanded to gather in their homes. They were to keep within the door which was marked by the blood of the paschal lamb. There they would be safe. But if they ventured outside they would have no protection.

In the same way, Christians are to keep themselves in the love of God, and there no harm can touch them. This does not mean that we are to keep ourselves loving God — but keep ourselves in the love of God for us. Our love is too feeble and too inconstant, to make a sure refuge for us. We are not saved because we love God — but because God loves us! "We love Him — because He first loved us."

We may keep ourselves in the love of God, by always remembering that He loves us, that He is our Father, loving us tenderly, then by always being obedient to His commandments. Christ tells us that if we keep His words, we shall abide in His love. The moment we disobey, we run outside the castle of divine love and no longer have its protection.

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Pessimists add greatly to the world's sorrows

"Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Joshua, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the LORD Almighty." Haggai 2:1,4

There were many things to discourage the builders. The people lacked resources. There were great difficulties. It was a noble mission on which the prophet came — as an encourager.

Every one of us should seek to be an encourager. We certainly never should be discouragers. Life is hard enough, and he who makes it harder for anyone, sins against his brother.

Yet too many people do this continually. They are hinderers. They always find some way . . .
to dampen ardor,
to chill enthusiasm,
to put clouds into clear skies.
When they find anyone happy, they must say something to spoil the happiness. When they meet a person in trouble, they must make the trouble seem greater by their gloomy talk about it.

Pessimists add greatly to the world's sorrows. We all need to watch ourselves lest we join the ranks of discouragers. As God sent Haggai to cheer these discouraged builders — so He sends us to overburdened people, to those fighting battles, or enduring sorrows — to cheer them, to make them braver. Often this is the best service love can render.

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God's chisel and hammer!

"Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name. 'These shall be Mine,' says the Lord Almighty, 'in that day when I make up My jewels!'" Malachi 3:16-17

In the days when nearly all the people had forsaken God, there were a few who were faithful. These met together and spoke one to another. They became very dear to God, and a book of remembrance was kept in which their names and their faithfulness were recorded. "These shall be Mine in that day when I make up my jewels!"

Jewels are valuable. God gave His Son for the redemption of His chosen people.

Jewels are prepared by cutting, grinding, and polishing, until they shine in brilliant beauty. God's chosen people are subjected to many painful experiences in preparing them for their heavenly home.

Jewels are used for adornment and for honor. They shine in the king's crown. The saints in Heaven shall shine as jewels in their Jesus' crown!

If only we knew how precious we are to God, and what hidden glory shall be ours, waiting to shine out at last — we would rejoice with unspeakable joy!

What do a few troubles and pains matter now, if it is only the work of God's chisel and hammer cutting away the hindering crust, to reveal the precious diamond!

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We are like foolish sheep

"To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without blemish and in exceeding joy — to the only God our Savior." Jude 1:24-25

Every step of the way between conversion and Heaven, is full of dangers for the believer. There are temptations at every corner. We are like foolish sheep, easily going astray. There are a thousand bypaths leading away from the right road, and we cannot know which way to take. Merely to promise to be faithful unto death, would not assure us of reaching Heaven. If there were no provision made . . .
for keeping us,
for sheltering and protecting us,
and for showing us the way —
we would never get safely home.

But Christ is our Keeper as well as our Savior. He is able to guard us ever from stumbling, until at last He sets us before His glorious presence without blemish in exceeding joy!

This does not mean that we have nothing to do ourselves in getting safely through all life's perils. Our duty is to be true to our Master. We are bidden to be faithful unto death, and then the promise is that we shall receive the crown of life. Revelation 2:10

"The LORD is your keeper!" Psalm 121:5

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Her friends wondered what the secret could be!

"Whom having not seen, you love." 1 Peter 1:8

One tells of a young girl who became wondrously beautiful in her life, growing into a rare Christ-likeness. Her friends wondered what the secret could be. She wore upon her bosom a little locket which she always kept closed, refusing to allow anyone to see within it. Once, however, when she was very ill, a friend was permitted to open it, and found there only a little piece of paper, bearing the words, "Whom not having seen, I love."

This told the whole lovely story. Her love for the unseen Christ was the secret of that beautiful spiritual life which had so impressed itself upon her friends.

If we love the unseen Friend, our life will be steadfast in all trial, and will be transformed little by little into the beauty of Christ!

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The true way to use the Bible!

"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!" Psalm 119:11

People use God's Word in different ways. Some have a handsome Bible which they keep on the table — but they do not read it. Some treat the Bible superstitiously; for example, opening it at random to find a verse that will answer some question for them, or decide some perplexity.

But the true way to use the Bible, is to have it laid up in our heart! We can do this only by studying its words until they have become part of our thought. The divine word thus hidden in our heart will transform our life, changing our feelings, our desires, our thoughts, making us like God Himself!

If the Word of God dwells in us richly — it will order our steps. It is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. It puts into our minds new thoughts, which inspire in us all beautiful things. It . . .
comforts us in sorrow,
strengthens us in weakness,
and delivers us in temptation.
It brings Heaven down into our hearts!

"I delight in Your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to Your commands, which I love, and I meditate on Your decrees!" Psalm 119:47-48

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One of the most unlovely of the human heart's unlovely things

"Jesus asked: Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give thanks to God except this foreigner?" Luke 17:17-18

It is evident that Jesus was deeply pained by the failure of the nine to come again to show their gratitude. The pleasure He received from the gratitude of the one, was sadly marred by the pain which the ingratitude of the nine gave Him.

Ingratitude is one of the most unlovely of the human heart's unlovely things.

Christ's further question, "Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give thanks to God except this foreigner?" shows that He felt most, not the wrong done to Himself — but the hurt to the heart of God which their ingratitude gave.

Many of us are pained by ingratitude shown to us, who do not think of the deeper wrong that God bears silently. All of us receive help in countless ways from others — sometimes large help, friendship that blesses our life in countless ways. We should be grateful to those to whom we owe so much. But we should first of all show gratitude to God for every blessing He has given us.

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The only Bible we can really get others to read

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35

One reason why Christians should love one another, is because God would have them interpret His love to the world. This they can do only by love, by showing love's meaning. Anything unloving is not of God.

A great many people do not know God — do not know what His character is. We know Him, and we are to make Him known to others. The Bible is full of revealings of God — but it is not enough for us to read the Bible to people. It does little good to quote texts which tell of God's goodness, kindness, and holiness — if we cannot show the goodness, kindness, and holiness in our own life.

The only Bible we can really get others to read, is the one we write in our own conduct, disposition, and character. People must see God's love in us. We must manifest our teaching in life!

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Who will show us any good?

"There are many who say: Who will show us any good?" Psalm 4:6

All people desire happiness — but few really enjoy it.
Human nature cannot find it.
Effort cannot produce it.
Wealth cannot buy it.
Wisdom cannot discover it.

Jesus will take from His redeemed people all that troubles us — and give to us all that is needed by us. He offers to take . . .
our guilt — and pardon it;
our cares — and provide all for us;
our various concerns — and overrule all for our good.

If we have . . .
no guilt to torment us,
no cares to harass us,
no anxieties to pain us;
if the present is provided for, and
the future left entirely to His wisdom, His wealth, and His love
— should we not be happy?

Jesus would have us . . .
cast every care on him,
leave the management of all our concerns to Him,
and expect every necessary good thing from Him.

This is happiness, to have . . .
One to love us,
One to care for us,
One to provide for us —
One who is at once wise, wealthy, kind, and powerful!

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The real battle was fought under the olive trees!

"When He had finished praying, Jesus left with His disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and He and His disciples went into it." John 18:1

The gardens of the Bible make an interesting study.
The human race began its history in a garden.
Jesus' agony occurred in a garden.

Note the contrast in the experiences of that night. Until midnight the Master was with His disciples in the upper room, opening His heart to them in wonderful words of love, and then lifting them up to God in prayer. Right from this scene of peace, He went to Gethsemane. He was about to go to the cross, and went to the garden first to prepare Himself for it. He wanted the lamps of comfort lighted that they might shine in the deep gloom. He sought strength in prayer for enduring the suffering of the cross.

"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death!" The wrestling of Gethsemane made the darkness of Calvary less dark. The real battle was fought under the olive trees, and when the next day came with its anguish He was ready for it, and met it with unbroken peace.

In the same way, the best way for us to prepare for sorrow is in prayer. The season spent in communion with God will make us strong for any struggle or duty.

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What that meant, we never can know!

"Then He said to them: My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death!" Matthew 26:38

We need not try to understand the sorrow and anguish of Jesus, for it is too deep. The heart of Christ was more sensitive to pain than any other heart that ever beat. Think how any refined, gentle-spirited man would suffer if he were betrayed by a professed friend, arrested by crude officers, his hands tied, a rope put about his neck, and if he were then led away to be tried as Jesus was that night. The mere physical indignities He suffered were terrible.

But we know there were other elements in His sorrow. He was the Lamb of God bearing the sin of the world. What that meant, we never can know! We have seen mothers and fathers broken-hearted as they have suffered from the sins of their children. This gives us a hint only.

It was His bearing his people's sin that caused the sorest part of Christ's mysterious anguish in the garden. It had a meaning, therefore, for us. Because He bore our sins — we have peace through His grace.

May the remembrance of Gethsemane help to keep us from sinning against our Savior!

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Conquering other men's evil with our kindness

"While being reviled, He did not revile in return. While suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously." 1 Peter 2:23

Peter tells us that when people injure us, we are to be like Christ, who committed Himself to Him that judges righteously. He left all His wrongs in the hands of His Father, keeping His own heart sweet and loving, meanwhile even suffering Himself for the sins of those who were inflicting such wrongs upon Him!

Thus we are to endure evil. Leaving in God's hands the righting of our wrongs — we are to do only good to those who may injure us. We are not to be overcome of evil — but are to overcome evil with good, never allowing ourselves to be driven into sin by other men's injustice — but conquering other men's evil with our kindness.

"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you!" Luke 6:27-28

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I want to live so that when I am gone

"I will bless you . . . and you shall be a blessing." Genesis 12:2

God wants every one of His redeemed children to be a blessing in this world. The deepest desire of my heart for myself, is that I may be a blessing to many people.

I want to live so that when I am gone, the world will be little holier, a little sweeter, and a little more beautiful because I have lived in it.

I want to make my own life a blessing to all whom I touch with my love or with my influence.

It is my wish and my prayer that I may never give a hurt to any life, nor start any influence which I shall ever wish I could withdraw.

I want to make every day a little garden-plot in which my hand shall drop seeds that will grow into beauty, fragrance, and fruitfulness.

I want so to live that people will thank God for me, and think of me as having helped them with all gentle cheer and inspiration.

I want to be ever an encourager, never a discourager, of others — for many people have heavy burdens, and life is made harder for them by even one hopeless word.

I want to be in my little measure, just the kind of blessing my Master was!

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We have nothing to do with life in the aggregate!

"Then the LORD said to Moses: Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not." Exodus 16:4

The bread came down from Heaven — but the people had to gather it. Then they were not to lay by in store — but were taught to simply live by the day. When night came they had no food left over — but were entirely dependent upon God's new supply to come in the morning.

By this method God was teaching all after generations a lesson. When Jesus gave the Lord's Prayer, He put this same lesson into it, for He taught us to say, "Give us this day our daily bread."

We cannot get grace today, for tomorrow's duties; and if we try to bear tomorrow's cares and burdens today, we shall break down in the attempt.

We have nothing to do with life in the aggregate — that great bulk of duties, anxieties, struggles and needs, which belong to the future. Our sole business is with the one little day now passing — and the one day's burdens will never crush us; we can easily carry them until the sun goes down.

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This old priest and his wife!

"In the time of King Herod, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly." Luke 1:5-6

"In the time of King Herod." The time was not favorable to piety.

It is not hard to live a beautiful life in favorable circumstances. If a child has a sweet home with only gentle influences — an atmosphere of love — it is not strange that the child's life grows up into beauty. But if the home is cold and unkindly, without love and godliness, it seems almost a miracle if a child grows up loving God and with a worthy character.

"In the time of King Herod" were not days when it was easy to be godly and devout. The times were ungodly, and the prevailing spirit was unrighteous. The holy lives of Zacharias and Elizabeth are like lamps shining in the darkness. Amid the almost universal corruption of the priesthood, and the hypocrisy of the Pharisees — this old priest and his wife lived in godly simplicity.

In the same way, it is possible for us to be godly though all around us are evil. We need not be like those among whom we live. No matter how corrupt the times or unholy the influences — we ought always to strive to be holy and pure.

"So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe!" Philippians 2:15

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We find the same red cord running!

"Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures!" 1 Corinthians 15:3

The scarlet line of the Redeemer's blood runs through all the Scriptures.

We find it in the sacrifices.

We find it in the Prophets and in the Psalms, where the sufferings of the Messiah for His people are foretold.

We find it in the Gospels, for the shadow of the cross fell back over all the life of Jesus. He spoke of His death, and said that He had come to give His life a ransom for many.

In the Acts and the Epistles we find the same red cord running, for we read continually . . .
of redemption through the blood of Christ;
of His suffering, the just for the unjust;
of our being redeemed by His precious blood;
of His blood, which cleanses us from all sin.

Nothing could be clearer than the declarations of the Scriptures, that Christ died for our sins. This tells us what a terrible thing sin is, to require such a costly atoning sacrifice. It reminds us, too, of the greatness of Christ's love for us, to take away our sins.

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Reasons for loving God

"For you, O LORD, have delivered . . .
my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling!"
Psalm 116:8

We can find many reasons for loving God. One is, that God loves us. "We love Him — because He first loved us." The Psalmist says, "I love the Lord — because He has heard my voice and my supplications."

Another reason for loving God, is because of what God has done for us. "For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling!"

"You have delivered my soul from death." This Christ did by dying for us. We believers do not die, we only fall asleep. Jesus says, "Whoever lives and believes in Me, shall never die."

"You have delivered my eyes from tears." Not always at once. We may have sorrows here in this poor world. But there is blessing in the believer's tears. Then, some day God shall wipe away all our tears, and it will be found, too, that they have enriched our lives!

"You have delivered my feet from stumbling." The world's paths are rough, and we are in danger of stumbling. But the Lord will keep our feet, so that we shall not fall, and that at last we shall reach our eternal heavenly home!

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What the last act of each day should be

"Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." Ephesians 4:26

This is a counsel for the closing of the day which we should never forget. Some of us have to spend our days among people who try us exceedingly. Their conduct irritates us. Almost no one passes through a day without having to experience things that are hard to endure.

When evening comes the heart often has lost its peace, and is disturbed. Things have happened during the day which have stirred resentments and bitter feelings. We feel bitter, angry and unforgiving. Is that the spirit in which we should end our day?

Each day is a miniature life, complete at nightfall. We should finish up all its affairs, leaving them ready for judgment. Paul tells us what the last act of each day should be: "Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." If there are irritations and resentments in your heart, when you offer your evening prayer, be sure that all is forgiven as you say, "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."

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This is the Master's program for life

"If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Luke 9:23

There are three things that we must do if we would follow Christ:

1. We must deny self. Some people think that denying self is doing without something they want, and that if they give up some luxury, they have done what Jesus requires. But the self-denial meant here is the giving up of self altogether, and the putting of Christ in the place as Lord of our life.

2. The second thing is to take up our cross daily. We are not to make crosses for ourselves — there is no virtue in being miserable. We must give up our own will — and take Christ's. All these are crosses — our crosses, and we must take them up cheerfully. The word "daily" suggests that some cross is likely to come into every day's life. We must learn to take up every one that comes, always keeping sweet.

3. The third thing is to follow Christ. We must always follow Him, never let Him get out of sight, ever cleaving to Him.

This is the Master's program for life.

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The quickest way to conquer an enemy

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink." Romans 12:20

We are apt to resent insults, and retaliate when others say or do evil things to us. The Christian way is either not to speak at all — or to give the soft answer that turns away wrath.

Not only is this the Christian way — but it is also the way of wisdom. The quickest way to conquer an enemy, is to treat him with kindness!

Resenting every insult, keeps one continually in turmoil; whereas ignoring slights and going on with our own duty, is the way to peacefulness. The best answer to sneers, is a quiet life of patience and gentleness.

"But I say to you,
love your enemies,
bless those who curse you,
do good to those who hate you, and
pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you!"
Matthew 5:44

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13

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We are immortal until our work is done!

"Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar" Acts 27:24

If Paul must stand before Caesar in Rome — then he could not perish in the storm on the voyage to Rome.

In the same way, everyone, doing God's will, is immortal until his work is done. If God has something for us to do next year — He will not allow us to die this year.

It ought to be a great comfort to us amid the sicknesses and dangers of this world, to know that each life is in the care of God, that no disease or accident can reach one of God's children without God's permission. Even a sparrow shall not fall to the ground without our Father.

Our only care should be to be true to God, and faithful in duty. Then death cannot touch us until our work on earth is finished.

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Silently, secretly, always grace sufficient

"Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day." Acts 26:22.

Paul had now been a Christian for twenty-five years, and they had been years of strenuous life. But he had never faltered, never turned aside. The help came from God, for all these years of Christian labor. He obtained help from God for every duty, for every hour of danger, for every struggle. The help came from Him — silently, secretly, always grace sufficient — so that was able to stand year after year.

In the same way, God never puts a burden on us without giving us the strength we need to carry it. The way to obtain help of God is to go faithfully and promptly forward in the way of duty, asking for His help and sure of getting it. It will not come if we wait to get it before we set out to obey God. It will come only as we do God's will.

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The hard things in life

"O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away, and be at rest!" Psalm 4:6.

These lines make quite a poetic gem, and often they are quoted in sermons and books, and their sentiment commended as something very worthy.

But really, the words are not to be praised as expressing a noble and lofty spirit. The writer was in the midst of trouble, and he longed for a bird's wings that he might flee from it all. It would have been nobler, if he had prayed for strength to endure his troubles victoriously.

It is not heroic for us to desire to fly away from the place where our duty is, however full it may be of difficulty or of peril. We should rather pray for strength to be true and loyal to our Master, wherever He may place us.

The hard things in life are not meant to discourage us and cause us to falter; they are intended rather to put new courage into our hearts, that we may grow strong.

"Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11

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We forget that there is such a hand!

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all His benefits!" Psalm 103:2

It is easy for us to forget the benefits we receive from God. We see no divine hand giving us the good things we need — and we forget that there is such a hand! Our common blessings come to us in what we call natural ways, and we fail to remember that every good gift is from above.

Life would be wonderfully changed for us, if we could keep ourselves always aware that it is God who gives us everything we receive. It would give a new sacredness to all our common blessings. It would make us conscious of the divine love that . . .
thinks about us continually,
hears all our prayers, and
provides all that we truly need.

Then it would help us to endure the things that seem hard. If our heavenly Father gives difficult things to us — then they must be good, though they are painful.

Some of God's greatest kindnesses to us, are His withholdings from us of certain things which we greatly desire and which we think would be good.

Many of His best kindnesses to us, are things which we even think unkindnesses. We should never forget that God is always giving us the blessings we need.

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits!" Psalm 68:19

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Why are you cast down, O my soul?

"Why are you cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me?" Psalm 43:5.

It is well when we are disposed to be discouraged — to find the real cause of the depression. Some good people let the habit of complaining so gain the mastery over them, that their troubles seem far worse than they are.

It is well to ask then the question to ourselves, "Why are you cast down, O my soul?" Is there any real reason for the depression we have allowed to get hold upon us? Are things as bad with us as we think they are?

Then, even if there are discouragements, troubles — is there nothing in God to meet them or to dispel our anxiety? Is it nothing to us that we have God, that we are God's children, that God is caring for us?

The Psalmist found the answer to his "Why?" in the words, "Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the help of my countenance, and my God."

Suppose we really do have pain, sorrow, and trial — we have God, too, and God should suffice. A Christian never should complain, and never should be discouraged. If he has the faith he may have, nothing should ever dismay him.

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God has given us two books!

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge." Psalm 19:1-2

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul." Psalm 19:7

God has given us two books — one in nature, the other in the Holy Scriptures.

The serious believer is amazed at the vastness of the universe, and sees glory everywhere. He who knows God, sees the divine glory in every common bush, in every flower that blooms, in everything in God's book of nature.

But it is in the divine Word that the love of God is most clearly revealed. This Word has the power of God in it. It restores the soul, putting back upon it its lost beauty, its dimmed luster. This work of transformation goes on in every life of trust and obedience, until it bears the full image of Christ.

Nothing in this world is so precious, as are the divine Scriptures. To have them is better than to have all riches. Gold serves only a temporary need in but a transient way — but the Word of God blesses the inner life. It is faithful in its warnings. It shows us our dangers that we may escape from them. It searches our hearts, finding every secret flaw and hidden fault, and makes our lives pure and holy.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The alabaster box of our heart's deepest love!

"They presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." Matthew 2:11.

The magi were not content merely to worship the King, showing Him homage in word or posture — but they also laid their gifts at His feet.

In the same way, it is not enough for us . . .
to sing our songs of praise to Christ,
to look up adoringly into His face,
to bow before Him in reverent worship,
and to speak our heart's homage in words.
We should bring our gifts, too, to lay at His feet.

There is a great deal of mere sentiment in the consecration of many people. It is sentiment only, and when there is a call for gifts, for sacrifice, or for real and costly services — the sentiment instantly vanishes! People sing missionary hymns with great warmth — but when the collection box comes to them, they still continue singing so robustly that they do not see it and allow it to pass by!

Not only did these magi bring gifts — but they brought rich and costly gifts. We should bring our best — our gold and frankincense and myrrh, the alabaster box of our heart's deepest love, and the best of all our life and service. Only our best is worthy of our King.

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The question rather is

"Confess your faults one to another." James 5:16.

Perhaps there is not enough of mutual confession between Christian people. Many of us are ready enough to confess the faults and sins of others. Fault-finding is not uncommon, even in homes where family prayers are said, and where the motto, "God Bless Our Home," hangs conspicuously on the wall. We do not need to be exhorted to tell others of their faults, as if that were the duty. But the confession which we are to make is different.

"Confess your faults one to another." The question is not,
"What have my friends done today that was unkind to me?
How have they annoyed or hurt me?
How have they added to my burdens and made life harder for me?"
Love is to cover up all these faults, forget them, forgive them.

The question rather is,
"What have I done today to pain or harm my friends?
What duties of love to them have I neglected?
In what have I been unkind to them?
What words have I spoken that caused them pain?"
Then our duty is to confess to them these faults and sins, and seek their forgiveness.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Where does my help come from?

"I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of Heaven and earth! He will not let your foot slip — He who watches over you will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you — the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm — He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore!" Psalm 121

The most faithful human guarding does not assure us of absolute safety, for everything human is fallible.

But when we have God for our keeper, we know that no harm can befall us. He made all things, is stronger than all evil, and therefore is able to keep us. His care extends to the smallest matters — He will not even let our foot slip. He will guard us from all missteps and stumblings. His guardianship is constant.

The most vigilant human watchfulness is intermittent; the most devoted mother must sleep. Yet He who is keeping us, never slumbers or sleeps. There is never an instant when He is not ready to defend us. God does not merely build a refuge for us — but He Himself is our shade, so that the sun will not smite us by day, nor the moon by night.

If we are under this divine guardianship, we shall be kept from all evil. When we go out and when we come in, God is ever guarding us, and His care of us will never end nor grow weary!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We would wreck everything!

"The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice!" Psalm 97:1

There is reason for the greatest joy in knowing that God reigns. If the world were under the rule of 'chance' — what confidence could we ever have, what assurance of good?

But God rules in ALL events and circumstances! God is wise and powerful and loving in all that He does.

This is our Father's world! It belongs to Him. He controls it, and directs all its forces.

We have nothing to fear from the elements, from nature's great convulsions, from storms or earthquakes — for the Lord reigns in nature!

It is said that at the center of the cyclone is a spot of perfect quiet, where a baby might sleep in safety in its cradle. Just so, at the center of the most perilous experiences of life, is a place of perfect peace.

God's reigning is a reason for rejoicing, also, because He rules in wisdom, in truth, and in love. If we had our lives in our own hands for one day — we would wreck everything! But there are no mistakes in God's government. Good comes out of all that He does. The foundations of His throne are righteousness and justice.

"Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!" Revelation 19:6-7

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God's best blessings

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4

Who would think of selecting mourners as blessed or happy ones? We think their condition is most unenviable. Yet here Jesus says that the mourners are blessed.

In all this poor world there is nothing so precious before God as tears of contrition — no gems shine with such brilliance in His sight. There is joy in the presence of the angels over one penitent sinner. Those who grieve over their sins, are comforted with the comfort of God's peace.

The Beatitude refers also to God's children who are in sorrow. Some day we shall see that we have received God's best blessings, not in the days of our joy and gladness — but in the days of affliction.

Tears are lenses through which our dim eyes see more deeply into Heaven and look more fully upon God's face than in any other way. We grow best when clouds are hanging over us, because clouds bring refreshing rain. God's comfort is such a rich experience, that it is well worth while to suffer that we may enjoy the blessing to be received only through pain.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Great hobgoblins of terror!

"There we saw the giants; and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight!" Numbers 13:33

There are some people who are afraid of undertaking a Christian life. They look over into it and cannot help confessing that it is a good thing to be a follower of Christ, that there are many blessings for those who believe on Him. But they see giants, too, stalking over the country!

There are enemies to fight, too, strongholds to conquer, evils to overcome. There are giants — giants of temptation — and these seem terrible to the timid people. Too many see only this warlike side of Christian life, the dark side, the side of trial and hardship, of sacrifice and cost — and do not see or think of the divine side — the side of help, of hope, of promise, of victory. They magnify all the difficulties — so the commonest forms of opposition become great hobgoblins of terror to them. It is a poor, cowardly way to live, unworthy of those who are God's children.

Of course we must have our battles — every noble thing in life has to be won.

Of course there are giants to meet. But if God is with us we need not fear any enemies.

"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; You are mine! When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!" Isaiah 43:1-3

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Ten frightened men!

"There we saw the giants; and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight! So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night!" Numbers 13:33-14:1

Ten frightened men spread discouragement among and brought disaster upon a whole nation. They started a panic of fear among the people, the result of which was a revolt. The people even went so far as to organize for a return to Egypt, intending to depose Moses!

The penalty for this sin was the shutting of the gates of the promised land upon all that generation. For forty years the people wandered in the wilderness, until all the men who rebelled that day had died!

The lesson should not be lost. We never should be discouragers; we should always be encouragers.

Emerson says, "It is cheap and easy to destroy. There is not a joyful boy or an innocent girl, buoyant with fine purpose of duty, full of eager and rosy faces — but a cynic can chill and dishearten with a single word! Yes, this is easy; but to help the young soul, add energy, inspire hopes, and blow the coals into a useful flame; to redeem defeat by new thought, by firm action — that is not easy; that is the work of holy men."

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The influence of the beautiful life!

"They have refreshed my spirit and yours." 1 Corinthians 16:18

One of the best tests of our life, is that others are helped, cheered, strengthened, or comforted — by the things in us which are beautiful and holy.

There are some people whose lives are blessings wherever they go. The peace, joy, and love of their hearts — make others happier and holier.

One of the old legends tells of the visits of a goddess to ancient Thebes, and relates that the people always knew when she had been there, although no eye ever saw her — by the blessings she left behind. She would pause before a lightning-blackened tree — and the tree would be covered with beautiful vines. She would sit down to rest upon a decaying log — and the decay would be hidden under lovely moss. When she stepped on the muddy shores of the sea — violets would spring up in her footsteps.

This is only a legend — but it illustrates the influence of the beautiful life in which the fruits of the Spirit have full and rich growth. There are lives so full of grace and goodness, that every influence they give forth is toward cheer and hope and purity, that every word they speak is the seed of a new blessing!

"May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me." 2 Timothy 1:16

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The way God's will is made known to us!

It is not hidden from you, neither is it far off. Deuteronomy 30:11

"For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach." Deuteronomy 30:11

An artist wished to leave behind him some noble work which would make him famous for all time. Despising the common clay which was easily found, in which he had always wrought as an apprentice — he went far and near in search of fine material, fit for the beautiful form he wished to fashion. After journeying over all lands in vain quest for what he wanted, he came home at length, weary and disappointed, only to find in the clay by his own doorstep, that from which he molded the masterpiece of his dream.

In the same way, the common tasks of our everydays furnish us the elements which go to make the divinest deeds.
To be kind to a poor woman, to a sick man, or to a little child;
to visit one who needs our sympathy;
to minister to one who is in need —
is fit work for a child of God to do.

We may always seek our work for the Master close at our hand. We may begin with the common tasks that await us as we go out any morning; and then go on doing always the next thing, however simple it may be. That is the way God's will is made known to us!

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The moment there is a break in the current of pleasant things!

"You shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness — to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not." Deuteronomy 8:2

When we are called to remember the way by which the Lord has led us, it is intended that we should think of the goodness and mercy of the way.

Many people have an unfailing memory for the unpleasant things — the losses, the sorrows, the difficulties of the way; while they are most forgetful of the divine love that attends them at every step. They will take blessings from God as they come in continuous flow — with scarcely a thought of thanksgiving. But the moment there is a break in the current of pleasant things, they cry out in complaint!

Believers are God's children, and we should have eyes for the divine goodness in all the way in which He leads us.

There are some people who never see the lovely things in nature. They walk through scenes of inimitable beauty — and see nothing to admire.

In the same way, there are those who partake of God's goodness for a lifetime — and yet never think gratefully of God.

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Blessed is he who considers the poor

"Blessed is he who considers the poor." Psalm 41:1

We ought not to forget the poor. If we have plenty, and our neighbor lacks — then we cannot ask God to bless our own daily bread, while we are not ready to share with our poor brother.

It is not enough, either, just to give to the poor. The blessing is upon the man who "considers the poor." To consider is to think of, to have an interest in, to show compassion upon. We must give love as well as alms — or our almsgiving counts for nothing.

We are to "consider" the poor. This may not be giving alms at all. Perhaps money is not the best help for him. Giving money is often the last thing to do — perhaps we ought not to give money at all.

Our poor neighbor may be more in need of encouragement and cheer, or of sympathy and kindness — than he is of alms. Anyway, if we give money it should be only after we have considered the case of the person in need. We must "consider" people. . .
love them,
sympathize with them,
pray for them — and
then thoughtfully and carefully decide how best to help them.

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The most sacred and precious household treasure!

"In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil." Job 1:1

Job was not perfect — but blameless.

Someone has said that no doubt many of the most beautiful things in Heaven, are the outcome of earth's blunders — things which God's children, with loving hearts, tried to do to please God. Our blunders tell of our love, and are dear to God.

There is a rich home that I visit in which the most sacred and precious household treasure is a piece of puckered sewing. The little girl of the home one day picked up the mother's sewing — some simple thing she had been working on — and after half an hour's quiet, brought it to her and gave it to her, saying, "Mother, I's been helping you, 'cause I love you so." The stitches were long and the sewing was puckered — but the mother saw only beauty in it all, for it told of her child's love and eagerness to please her. That night the little one sickened, and in a few hours was dead. No wonder the mother keeps that piece of puckered sewing among her rarest treasures. Nothing that the most skillful hands have wrought, among all her household possessions, means half so much to her as that handkerchief with the child's unskillful work on it.

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Peace is their pillow!

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands" 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Evidently God loves the quiet life. Quietness is a secret of spiritual power. In times of public excitement, it is the quiet man who speaks thoughtfully and temperately, and never rashly — who is the benefactor of society.

The lesson has its application also to the times of suffering. The moment one has learned to acquiesce cheerfully and uncomplainingly in any pain or trouble — half the battle is fought.

"Does it hurt you much?" one asked of a friend who lay with a broken arm. "Not when I keep still," was the answer.

The secret of much of the victoriousness of Christian life is told in this answer. Christian people conquer pain and bitterness, by keeping still. They are so assured of God's infinite love and wisdom, that they are pained by no doubt, and are disturbed by no fear or uncertainty. Peace is their pillow, because they have learned to be still. Quietness robs . . .
trial of its sharpness,
sorrow of its bitterness,
death of its sting, and
the grave of its victory!

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The Christliest life!

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Thanksgiving should never be lacking in a Christian's life. It is not enough to observe one day in the year for thanksgiving, although that is a beautiful thing to do. Nor is it enough to put a sentence of thanksgiving into our daily prayers, although this also is proper. It is the grateful spirit which pleases God — the spirit that is always full of praise.

Too many of us go to God only with requests, our burdens, our worries — while we but rarely go to Him with thanksgiving and praise.

We are not to be thankful only for the pleasant things that come into our days — we are to be thankful, too, for the things that appear to us to be adversities. "In everything give thanks." That means, in the sad days — as well as in the glad days; when clouds are in the sky — as well as when the sunshine is pouring everywhere.

It is especially said here that thanksgiving is the will of God for us. This is the way that God would have us to live. A rabbinic teaching says that the highest angel in Heaven, is the angel of praise. The Christliest life is one that is always keyed to the note of praise and thanksgiving!

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It seemed a strange time and place to be holding a prayer-meeting!

"The jailer put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God!" Acts 16:24-25

It seemed a strange time and place to be holding a prayer-meeting, down there in the dungeon, about midnight. It is not so surprising to hear of men praying to God in such circumstances — but it certainly was unusual to hear hymns sung in such a place.

Most people are in the singing mood, only when their circumstances are pleasant. But here were men singing in the midst of greatest pain and trouble!

What was the secret? It was their strong faith in God. They had learned to rejoice even in tribulations. Christ was with them, and instead of being cast down, they rejoiced.

In the same way, we should learn to rejoice in our tribulations. If we are true Christians, there can come to us no experience that ought to stop our singing. We know that our Father's loving hand is in every trial; and we know also that whatever He sends or allows, must have in it some real blessing.

It will be well to take a lesson from these singing prisoners. The best thing we can do with pain and anguish, is to pray and sing hymns to God.

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God buries the worker — but carries on the work!

"So Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab, just as the LORD had said." Deuteronomy 34:5

"Now Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom. So the people of Israel obeyed him, doing just as the LORD had commanded Moses." Deuteronomy 34:9

We sometimes think when a godly man dies, that the loss is irreparable. But God is not dependent on any one man for the carrying on of His work. The dying of Moses did not interfere with the fulfillment of the divine purpose for the people of Israel. The great leader was removed — but the work was not allowed to suffer or even to pause. Already another man was ready to take it up.

We think the that taking away of this or that person is an irreparable loss. So it may be in the inner personal relations. Yet in the larger sense, "God buries the worker — but carries on the work."

Moses is gone — but Joshua is ready and takes up his unfinished tasks. The people are led across the Jordan into the promised land by him. One person sows and then dies — and another comes and reaps the harvest. One lays the foundation of a great building and then dies — and then another comes and builds up the walls.

Let us learn to trust God more perfectly when death takes away those we have leaned upon.

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There is a lesson here!

"After the death of Moses the LORD's servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' assistant. He said: Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them." Joshua 1:1-2

Moses was dead and the people were mourning for him. It was right to mourn for so good and great a man — but possibly Joshua and the people were allowing their grief so to absorb them that they were neglecting their duty. Hence this call from God came to arouse them. Sorrow was not a duty of many days — the Lord's work was waiting meanwhile.

There is a lesson here for all who are called to mourn the death of loved ones. They are not to sit down in inconsolable grief and tears. They are to arise and take up the work that waits for them. Our duties do not fall out of our hands when our friends die. Our grief is not to be allowed to break up our work.

Often, indeed, the death of a friend puts upon us new responsibilities. When a father dies, the son is called to take up the burden that the father has carried heretofore. The death of a husband lays new responsibilities on the wife, which she must now assume. There is a very important lesson in the ringing call, "Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise!"

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Can such faith save him?

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?" James 2:14

That is, a faith without works — faith which is only of the intellect, having no influence on the life.

We are saved by faith, because the faith unites us to Christ. There is no virtue in faith itself, but as it brings us into union with Jesus, the source of all blessing.

One of the figures Jesus Himself uses is the vine and its branches. As the life of the vine flows into the branches, so the life of Christ flows into those who believe on Him. They do the same kind of works that Jesus did, because He lives in them.

It is obvious that the faith which saves, produces holy life. Hence any faith which does not produce good works, is not saving faith.

There are many people whose creed is excellent — they believe all the great truths in the Bible. Yet they do not keep God's commandments — they do not live the Christian life. "Can such faith save them?"

Nothing is more clearly taught than that only those who are holy, can enter into the kingdom of Heaven. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" — they, and they alone!

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Unless you forgive your brother from your heart

"This is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you, unless you forgive your brother from your heart." Matthew 18:35

One says, "If you receive pardon from God — you will give pardon to your brother. If you withhold pardon from your brother — you thereby make it manifest that you have not got pardon from God."

An unforgiving spirit is a root of bitterness, from which there springs a tree whose leaves are poisonous, and whose fruit, carrying in it the seeds of evil — is death to all who taste it!

"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us." Matthew 6:12

"Forgive — and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37

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There was no funeral that day!

"Jesus came near and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said: 'Young man, I say to you, arise!' The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother." Luke 7:15

"Jesus came near." He always comes near to His children who are distressed. He does not stand far off and speak His words of comfort through chilling air. We should learn a lesson here. If we would do people good, we must get near to them.

Jesus touched the coffin. He was not afraid of being defiled. There is wondrous power in His touch. The bearers let their burden down on the ground and did not have to lift it again.

There was no funeral that day! Death on his triumphal march, carrying another captive to his dark prison, was met by the Prince of life, and was compelled to yield up his prey!

Jesus spoke to the dead. Can the dead hear? Yes, there is one voice they can hear, and that all the dead must some day hear. Here at Nain that day the voice called, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" Then, strange wonder! "The dead man sat up and began to talk!"

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The good Samaritan

"But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him." Luke 10:33-34

The sympathy of this good Samaritan took the practical form of doing something — something, too, which cost. He bound up the man's wounds — that was practical loving. He stanched the bleeding of the sufferer. He set him on his own donkey. He did not leave him there on the roadside, but rested not until he had him safe in a warm shelter. He did not even content himself with getting the man into an inn. After doing so much, he might have said, "I have done my share; let someone else look after him now." But he was in no hurry to get the case off his hands. He took care of the man for a time, and then, when he had to go on his way, provided for the continuation of the care as long as it would be needed.

The good Samaritan is Christ's own picture of what Christian love should be in every one of His disciples.

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The unconscious influences of our lives

"After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19:12

It is not in noise that God usually reveals Himself in greatest power. He works silently, without noise. It is the silent things, the unconscious influences of our lives, which make the deepest and most lasting impressions — and not the things which get advertised in the papers, and are most talked about.

Jesus was a still small voice in this world. He did not strive nor cry out; neither was His voice heard in the streets. He did not break a bruised reed, so gentle was He in His goings and in His workings. Yet that one sweet, quiet life, pouring forth its spirit of love and tenderness, wrought more than has been wrought by all the armies of conquerors since the world began!

If we would be effective in our work, we must learn to work quietly.

The greatest preacher is the one who most deeply impresses men, in matters that affect their living and serving, inciting and inspiring them to worthy deeds and beautiful godly living. The best Christian workers are those who make the least noise. We never can do our best work if we have not learned to work quietly, for Christ and not for ourselves.

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We all live in glass houses!

"Don't grumble against each other, brothers!" James 5:9

Perhaps few faults are more common, than grumbling against one another.

Some people seem absolutely unwilling ever to say a kind, generous thing of another. They will listen to your praises of one you admire very much and appear to admit all you say, yet they cannot let it pass without putting in a "But" to qualify your enthusiastic approval. Even their most intimate friends are not allowed to escape the bit of damaging criticism which they think ought to mar every fair picture!

Our lesson sets another rule for us, "Don't grumble against each other." If we insist on being judges of others and condemning them — then we are inviting others to look into our lives to find faults, foibles, blemishes. We all live in glass houses — and should never throw stones at another!

Then it is true also that in judging others, we are condemning ourselves. The blot we see in another is, after all — but a reflection of the blot in ourselves!

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Difficult people!

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

It costs to live congenially with people. We have to give up many of our own preferences to please them. We have to deny ourselves many enjoyments, so as not to irritate and give them pain. The price of living with others sweetly and harmoniously, is always self-forgetfulness, self-effacement.

But this cost is the very gold of life!
It is the only antidote for selfishness!
It is the way of Christlikeness!

Difficult people are means of grace to us in many ways, and not in the smallest measure, through the self-denials which we are required to make in living with them. It is the self-discipline of friendship and home and human fellowship — which makes us men and women of strong character, which makes us at last like Christ. We may thank God, therefore, for what difficult people do for us in life's contacts.

Sometimes we say certain people are hard to live with. Possibly they find us hard to live with, too! We do not know how many quirks there are in our disposition and temper, nor how we try our friends by our selfish and thoughtless ways. Yet living with others is our only hope. If we lived alone, we would harden into selfishness and worthlessness.

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It is because God loves us, that we are permitted to suffer!

"You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand!" John 13:7

Sorrow sometimes staggers us. There is a mystery about it which we cannot solve.

One was speaking of the intense suffering of a father in a long illness. At times his pain was almost unendurable. "I cannot understand why God permits it," said his daughter. "He has always been such a godly man — so gentle, so kindly, so patient, so unselfish, so faithful! Why is it that now he has to endure such suffering?"

No one can answer this question, to say exactly why this godly man suffers so, yet we know that blessing and good will surely come out of the experience in the end. Possibly he is suffering, that his own life may be made more radiant. Possibly he is permitted to suffer as a witness for Christ — his patience, trust, and joy being the fruit of the Spirit in him. In some way at least, we know that pain is meant to yield blessing to him who endures it, or to those who look on and note the courage and victoriousness with which it is borne. Of one thing we may always be sure — it is because God loves us, that we are permitted to suffer!

"God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it!" Hebrews 12:10-11

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We may trust our Master to choose our every situation, place, and work!

"He has done all things well!" Mark 7:37

In preparing for a great battle, one of the most able and successful generals was assigned by the commander to the guarding of a certain bridge which seemed entirely out of the field of conflict. The general thought himself dishonored in being thus kept out of the battle. He heard the noise of the engagement far away, and fretted at being kept in his obscure place, with his command absolutely idle. But at length the line of battle swerved and moved toward him. The enemy was falling back, and the bridge he was guarding became the very key to the situation. So it came about that this brave and valiant soldier was in the end the hero of the battle. The commander had foreseen the importance of this bridge, and had assigned his ablest general to defend it.

In the same way, we do not know the importance in the Master's eye, of the obscure position we are set to occupy, or of the inconspicuous work we are set to do. It may be the vital element in some great providential movement. We may trust our Master to choose our every situation, place, and work!

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

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There is no other secret of Christian joy

"When the burnt offering began, the song to the LORD also began!" 2 Chronicles 29:27

The offering was on the altar, and the great choir was waiting. The moment the smoke began to rise, the choir began to sing. The burnt offering meant the consecration of the offerer to God. The song could not begin until the offering began.

The teaching is, that true spiritual joy and growth comes only from devotion to duty. We must lay ourselves on the altar, before we can know what Christian joy is. We shrink from hard tasks, from duties that involve self-denial, from self-sacrifice — thinking that we are making happiness for ourselves by avoiding the hardness and the cost. Really, however, we are missing true joy, which can come to us only through the surrender of self.

No one ever found joy in doing a selfish thing. Doing a base act never yet made anyone happy. The priest and the Levite were not made glad by sparing themselves trouble and cost when they passed on and did not help the wounded man. It was the good Samaritan who had a song in his heart after his helping of the poor sufferer. There is no other secret of Christian joy.

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Meekness is weakness

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5

The world calls that a cowardly spirit, which leads a man to be patient and quiet under insult, to endure wrong without resentment. Men of the world say that meekness is weakness.

But the truest example of manliness the world ever saw was that of Jesus Christ, and when we turn to His life we see that meekness was one of the noblest qualities of His character. When He was reviled He reviled not again, when He suffered He threatened not. Having all power, He never lifted a finger to avenge a personal affront. He answered men's bitterest wrath with tender love; and upon His cross, when the blood was flowing from His wounds, He prayed for His murderers.

We are not poorer for quietly accepting wrong and injury. "The meek shall inherit the earth." Those who commit their life to Him who judges righteously, leaving to Him the adjustment of the inequalities of human treatment — will be great gainers in the end. God takes into His care those who suffer for righteousness' sake, and their loss becomes gain.

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The wicked man's prosperity

"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away." Psalm 37:1-2

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." Psalm 37:7

Some good people envy others who are not Christians, who seem to have less trouble than they have who obey God. They vex themselves because unbelievers appear to have fewer difficulties and greater prosperity than believers. This Psalm throws light upon such experiences.

The wicked do not always have prosperity. They are soon cut down like the grass.

Those who are God's children need only to trust in the Lord and do good, to be diligent in duty, delighting themselves in God, feeding upon His faithfulness — for His promise is, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

We need never fret because of the wicked man's prosperity. It is short-lived at the best, while he who does the will of God abides forever.

One godly man put it thus: "God does not settle His accounts every December."

One blessing out of all this for those who trust in God, is the disciplining of their faith. The difficulty is to believe that God is in control of His world, even when all appearances are against it.

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Each little life is long enough

"As long as it is day, I must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." John 9:4

As Christians, we must do the work of God each day. To do this work we have just a "day" of time. Each one's day, is his lifetime. A day is brief — it is not long from the rising to the setting of the sun. A day is a fixed time — when the sun comes to his going down, no power can prolong his stay for one minute. Yet the day is long enough for the accomplishing of God's work. The sun never sets too soon for His purpose.

Each little life is long enough for the work God allots to it. This is true even of the infant that lives but an hour, merely coming, smiling its blessing and flying away. It is true of the child, of the young man, of him who dies in the maturity of his life, with his hands yet full of unfinished tasks.

To have our work completed at the end, we must do it while the day lasts, for there will be no opportunity afterward.

"Today is ours only;
Work, work while you may;
There is no tomorrow,
But only today."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We must prove our love by our life

"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." John 14:15

We must prove our love by our life. In one of his epistles, the disciple of love writes, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:16-18

John is speaking of the proving of love to our fellow men — but the same principle applies to our profession of love to Christ. It is not enough that we sing about love in our hymns, affirm love in our prayers, and recite love in our creeds; we must show it in our everyday life by obedience to His commandments.

A fruit-tree proves its usefulness, by bearing fruit. The rose-bush proves its right to the distinction, by producing beautiful flowers. When we claim to be Christ's friends, we must show it by doing continually what He bids us do.

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It is not easy to keep the Pharisaic feeling out of our hearts!

"Jesus told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt." Luke 18:9.

Most of us think well of ourselves. We condemn the Pharisee as the great Teacher depicts him in the parable — but we are in danger of growing like him!

If we are good in character, and are doing good in the world — it is not easy to keep the Pharisaic feeling out of our hearts. The sin is not only in thinking too highly of ourselves — but in thinking of ourselves at all.

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If the Son shall set you free

"If the Son shall set you free — you shall be free indeed!" John 8:36.

The way to become free from all other masters, is to become Christ's slave. Paul delighted to call himself a slave of Christ. He who knows no master but Christ, is free indeed. We are never free until we accept Christ's yoke. When we do this, Christ breaks every other chain and sets us free.

There is a story of a stranger who entered an Oriental city, and as he walked through the market-place he saw many birds in cages. He asked the price of one bird and cage, and, paying for it, opened the door. The bird flew out, and, rising a little way in the air, it caught a glimpse of its native mountains far away, and then flew swiftly toward them, dropping sweet songs as it hastened toward home. The traveler then bought the other cages, one by one, and set the birds free, until all had been liberated.

That is what Jesus would do for us in our captivity. He would set us all free, breaking our chains, opening our prison doors, that we may fly away toward our eternal home!

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Our daily bread

"Give us day by day our daily bread." Luke 11:3

"But," someone says, "why should we pray for bread, when we have it already in our house?" Even if we have it in our house, it is not ours until God gives it to us. The reverent heart that seeks God's blessing at the table gets a double blessing — the blessing of physical nourishment and the blessing of grace.

We are dependent upon God even for daily bread. Harvests do not come through our labor alone; we must wait for God's rain and sunshine.

The word "our" teaches that the bread for which we ask has become ours through our own effort. We must work for what we eat. We must procure it honestly, otherwise it will not have a blessing with it. A man who gets bread by any wrong or dishonest means, cannot ask God to give his blessing with it.

The word "our" teaches us also that it is not enough to pray for bread for ourselves; we must remember others who need the same blessing.

The words "day by day" remind us that we need to ask only for bread for one day. We are not to worry about food for tomorrow.

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This is a very bad character flaw!

"When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." Acts 11:23

Barnabas was glad because he saw that God was working in the Christians in Antioch. Just so, it should always make us glad to see other Christians listening to the Scripture and obeying its message.

We should notice here that the work which pleased Barnabas was not his own — but that which others had been doing. Sometimes people who are pleased when what they do themselves is successful — do not rejoice when they find the work of others favored and prospering. It makes them very envious. This is a very bad character flaw!

Barnabas rejoiced when he saw that the blessing of God attended the work of other preachers, even of plain, common men.

It is not easy to do this. Some people seek always to belittle others. Boys and girls in school should be glad when other members of their class succeed, and should never be envious of them. Teachers should rejoice when they see the class of another teacher growing interested and prosperous. The success of others, should never make us envious. It should but stimulate us to better, nobler efforts.

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Many of us fail to appreciate the value of single days

"Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." Ephesians 5:15-16

Many of us fail to appreciate the value of single days. A day is so short a space, we say, that it cannot make much difference if one, just one, is dropped, or idled away in pleasure. Yet the days are links in a chain — and if one link is broken, the chain is broken.
In God's plan for our life, each little day has its own burden of duty, its own record to make.

Then, we never know the sacredness of any particular day — what it may have amid its treasures for us. Its sunshine may be no brighter than that of other days, there may be no peculiar feature in it to mark it among a thousand common days — and yet it may be to us a day of destiny. Often we see afterward, that certain past days were bearers to us of heavenly gifts which we had not the wisdom to recognize, nor the grace to accept. When they have gone beyond recall, then we see what we missed in disregarding them!

"So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

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God has two homes

"For this is what the high and lofty One says — He who lives forever, whose name is holy: I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit!" Isaiah 57:15

God has two homes — one in Heaven, and the other in humble hearts.

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We grow like the things we love

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth!" Colossians 3:2

We grow like the things we love. Our affections change us into their own color. If we love pure things — we shall grow pure. If we love heavenly things — we shall become heavenly-minded. If we love the Bible — its words will sink into our hearts and run through all our life, and make us like the things the words mean or describe. If we love the Father's house in this world — we shall be prepared for the Father's house in the other world.

Many people, however, who want to go to Heaven when they die — show very little affection for heavenly things in this life. The puzzling question is: how they will enjoy Heaven in all its purity — when they cannot enjoy heavenly communion and service here on earth.

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The mysteries of life!

"The secret things belong to the LORD our God." Deuteronomy 29:29

Many people perplex themselves a great deal over the mysteries of life. Of course there are mysteries — it cannot be expected that we shall understand all that God does.

There are mysteries in God's providences. We do not know what certain difficult things in our lives mean. We are told that God is our Father, and when we have great sorrows, or are taken into dark ways — we wonder why all these things happen to us, if we are really God's children.

We have here a key to the solution of such mysteries as these. The secret things do not belong to us — but to God. The fact that they belong to Him, assures us that they are not mysteries to Him. Enough is revealed to us to make our duty plain. In eternity, the things that are now hidden will be revealed. Then we shall know that all things that God does are right, that even the deepest mysteries are full of divine wisdom.

For years Joseph suffered wrongs — but at last it became known that all the difficult events were in the hands of divine love. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20

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Practicing the presence of God

"Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord." 2 Chronicles 14:2

We sometimes speak of "practicing the presence of God." The phrase is very suggestive. Asa seems to have understood something about this.

It would be good for all of us if we always realized the truth — that the eyes of the Lord are upon us and upon all our work. We believe it — at least, we claim to do so. "You O God see me!" is part of every Christian's belief. There is not a moment when God is not looking upon us!

Now practice this truth! Live as if God were indeed always standing visibly close beside you. It ought not to embarrass or frighten you, for the kindliest eyes in the world are the eyes of God. He does not watch us critically, as a stern master might watch a pupil, or as the Pharisees watched Jesus, to find some fault with Him. He watches us in love — to cheer, to encourage, to inspire, and to help.

We should always do the things we know will please Him whose eyes are upon us by day and by night. It is a fine record of anyone, that he did what was right in God's eyes!

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Then the tone changes

"I will remember the works of the LORD. Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your mighty deeds." Psalm 77:11-12

God is the only resource in trouble.

This Psalm opens sadly. It is a story of sorrow, and there seems to be no comfort. The writer cries to God — but is not helped. His heart makes diligent search, but seems to find no hope. "Will the Lord cast off forever? Is His loving-kindness clean gone forever? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?"

Then the tone changes. The Psalmist checks himself in his complaining. "This is my infirmity." Many good men have their weak hours when they give way to fear. But now the writer begins to think of God's goodness — and that saves him. The memory of a happy past, full of God's love, breaks in upon him and comforts him.

There is a lesson here for those who are in danger of growing disheartened. Always God is good, always He is our Father and cares for us. What He was to us in the past — He is to us today, though the clouds may hide His face. We should never yield to discouragement.

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The gates of prayer are never shut!

"O God, do not be silent!" Psalm 83:1

No trouble could be so great as that God should be silent to us. Dark indeed and desolate would be our state, if there were . . .
no love in Heaven to care for us,
no one there to hear our pleading when we are in trouble,
no hand to help us in our need.

But we know that God never is silent to those who love Him. Come to Him when and where we will, in whatever need — we shall always find Him ready to hear and help. The gates of prayer are never shut! God is never indifferent.

Sometimes people think that God does not answer their prayers, because the answer does not come in the form they sought. But He is silent to us today — that He may give us a far better answer tomorrow. Then, the answer may not be in just the manner we desired, and yet may be an infinitely better answer than we hoped to receive!

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We like to have people praise us

"The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all: One mightier than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie!" Luke 3:15-16

John might have let the people think He was the Messiah and have received the honor they were ready to give him.

Many of us are willing to accept honors for ourselves when we are doing Christ's work. We like to have people praise us. Sometimes we are in danger of striving to get honor for ourselves, rather than to put honor upon Christ. How much more beautiful was John's self-renunciation! Always there is One coming after us, yes, standing unseen beside us, while we do our work, who is far mightier than we — and we should strive always to put the honor upon Him, forgetting ourselves. He will honor us if only we will seek always His honor and never our own.

We are in the habit of saying that we do things in Christ's name. To do anything in Christ's name is to do it for Him, and all the glory should be given to Him. We should take care, therefore, that He receives the commendation when we have done any work for Him.

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The application may be made to all departments of life

"What are you doing more than others?" Matthew 5:47

It is not enough for us to be as good as others. We are not to take any other person as our model, or anyone's life as our standard. The only model life is Jesus Christ's! He came to show us how to live.

It is not enough either for Christian people to live just as well as unbelievers live. Anybody may be polite to those they like — the Christian must be polite to people he does not like! What are you doing more than others — when you are only kind to those who are kind to you?

The application may be made to all departments of life. The Christian carpenter should do better carpentering than the man who is not a Christian. The plumber who confesses Christ, should do more careful and conscientious plumbing than the plumber who does not love Christ. The Christian businessman should do business more honestly than the businessman who does not know Christ. The Christian home should be sweeter, kindlier, happier in every way — than the home where Christ is not a guest.

Always the question comes, "What are you doing more than others?"

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What should the difference be?

"And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God, should love his brother also." 1 John 4:21

Do people see Christ in us in so marked a way, that they know we must be His followers? Are we so different from people who are not Christians, that no one needs to ask if we are Christians? Do we show by our lives that, though in the world, we are not of the world? Do we do more deeds of kindness?

What should the difference be? "That the one who loves God, should love his brother also." Christian love means a great deal. It means gentleness, kindness, charity, thoughtfulness, helpfulness, patience, forbearance. Does the world see this Christian love in us who call ourselves His followers? Is our love so unselfish, that its influence pervades the neighborhood where we live like a sweet fragrance?

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples — if you love one another!" John 13:35

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What had been regarded as a misfortune!

"He led them forth by the right way" Psalm 107:7

The breaking up and setting aside of our ambitions and plans, is often the greatest blessing that can come to us.

A young woman who had been an intense student of music for several years, devoting herself with great enthusiasm and with distinct success to her art, found it necessary to give up her work and rest for a year. She accepted the disappointment cheerfully, and turned quietly to other occupations. The result was that her lost year proved the very best year of her life. It gave her time for quiet heart-culture, and for reading and thought on lines neglected before. The influence on her character was enriching and sweetening. She was also led into new experiences which proved gateways into treasure-houses of blessing and good, which she never could have found in her eager, unresting life. She learned more of the sweetness of friendship than she had ever dreamed of before, more too of the reality, the tenderness, the infinite satisfaction of God's divine friendship. What had been regarded as a misfortune, proved to have been divine leading in most gracious ways.

"He has done all things well!" Mark 7:37

"We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

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Like tearing the flesh off my bones!

"Do not fret." Psalm 37:1

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret." Psalm 37:7

Some people make life hard for themselves by their habit of fretfulness. They see something to find fault with in every condition and situation.
They fret about their work.
They fret about their food.
They fret the government.
They fret about the weather.
They fret about their health.
They fret about other people's lack of faithfulness and diligence.
They fret about the way this neighbor or that one annoys them.
Sometimes it is a barking dog that distresses them.
Or a child next door is learning to play the piano or the violin.

The truest Christian never frets. We shall add greatly to the beauty of our life, if we avoid fretting forever.

"By the grace of God, I never fret," said Wesley. "I am discontented with nothing. And to have people at my ear fretting and murmuring at everything, is like tearing the flesh off my bones!"

"Do not fret — it leads only to evil." Psalm 37:8

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus!" Philippians 4:6-7

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We must come always as children

"This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in Heaven . . ." Matthew 6:9

That is the way we are always to begin when we pray. The words need not always be precisely these — but we must come always as children. God is our Father. This name assures us of welcome when we pray. We cannot think of a true human father shutting his door on his children when they come to him with needs or questions. He may not always give them what they ask for. Sometimes it would be greatest unkindness to do this. But he will always consider their requests, and then if what they desire would be a real blessing to them — he will grant it. If it is something that they had better not have, which would do them harm rather than good — he will withhold it.

If God is our Father, then He will deal with us as a Father. He will patiently listen to our requests and will do for us what is right and good. We must trust Him to decide whether our requests should be granted or not.

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" Matthew 7:11

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The Lord hears your grumblings which you grumble against Him!

"The Lord hears your grumblings which you grumble against Him!" Exodus 16:8

The fact that God hears all we say ought to make us guard our words. But does God really hear every fretful word we say? Does He hear when we grumble about the weather, about the hard winter, about the late spring, about the dry summer, about the wet harvest, and about the grub-worm? Does He hear when we grumble about the drought, about the high winds, about the storms?

Does He hear when we complain about the hardness of our lot?

If we could get into our hearts and keep there continually, the consciousness that every word we speak is heard in Heaven, and falls upon God's ears before it falls upon any other ear — would we grumble as we now do?

We are always on our guard when we think anyone is within hearing. Are we as careful concerning what we say in the hearing of our heavenly Father?

We are careful, too, never to speak words which would give pain to the hearts of those we love dearly. Are we as careful not to say anything that will give pain to the heart of Christ?

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There is a great lack in affectionateness in many Christian homes

"Be kindly affectioned to one another in brotherly love." Romans 12:10

Perhaps the Church has never yet made enough of love, as the law of Christian life. It is well to be sound in the creed — but it is quite as essential to be sound in love. Men have thought Paul the apostle of orthodoxy and John the apostle of love — a sort of lower apostleship. But really Paul has far more to say about love than has John.

This one little part of a verse is matchless in its portraiture. Christians are brethren, members of the same spiritual household. They are to love as brethren — not as brothers sometimes do, with strifes, bickerings, and quarrels — but with all gentleness, patience, thoughtfulness, and tenderness.

"Kindly affectioned" suggests not only love that does no ill to another — but love that is positive and practical in its tenderness.

There is a great lack in affectionateness in many Christian homes. There may be love that would die for one another — but which utterly fails in its affectionateness. It is formal, cold, reserved. Its flowers are under the snow. We need a love that will melt the snow.

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We never can hope to get out of love's debt

"Owe no man anything — but to love one another." Romans 13:8

We ought to be able to say every night before we sleep, that we have left no duty of love undone.

But even if this is true at the end of a day, we shall awake next morning to find the whole debt standing against us large as ever, and we shall have to begin again to pay it off as before. We never can hope to get out of love's debt.

The Master in judgment will charge us with many neglects of love's duty. We shall be condemned then, not for unloving things we have done — but for the not doing of things of love which we ought to have done.

It will be well, then, if we test ourselves each night before we sleep, by asking whether we have paid all of love's debt for that day.

Do we still owe a kindness, overlooked in the day's hustle and bustle? Has a letter been left unwritten, a kindness not paid? Let us go quickly and pay what we owe before the sun goes down.

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Analogy between manna and Christ

"This is the bread which the Lord has given you to eat." Exodus 16:15

There are many interesting points of analogy between manna and Christ.

Manna is called "bread from Heaven," and Christ is "the Bread out of Heaven," "which comes down out of Heaven, and gives life unto the world."

Manna was indispensable — without it the people would have perished. Without Christ our souls must perish.

Manna was a free gift from God — there was nothing to pay for it. Christ is God's gift, without money and without price.

Yet manna had to be gathered by the people; Christ must be received and appropriated by personal faith.

Manna came in great abundance. There is such abundance in Christ that He can supply all the needs of all souls that will feed upon Him.

Manna had to be gathered each day. We must feed upon Christ daily. We cannot feed tomorrow on today's bread.

Manna had to be gathered early, before the heat of the sun melted it. We should seek the blessings of Christ's grace in life's early morning, before the hot suns of care and trial beat upon us.

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You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain!

"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain!" Exodus 20:7

We cherish every memento of a precious friend — the book he reads, the picture he paints, the letter he writes.

So we hallow in our hearts anything that suggests God or any thought of Him.

No wonder we have a commandment against any dishonoring of God's name. There are many ways of taking His name in vain.

One is, to use it without reverence and love. One tells of seeing a miner, with grimy hand, plucking a pure, sweet flower. It seemed unfit, almost a desecration, for the lovely flower to be held in the soiled hand. How infinitely more of a desecration is it when in trivial speech we speak the name of God!

The ancient Jews would never utter the sacred name of Jehovah; they said it was too holy to be taken upon human lips. If only we thought more of the holiness and majesty of God, we would surely honor His name more.

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Incense was an emblem of prayer

"The fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you." Exodus 31:11

Incense was an emblem of prayer. There was a divine prescription for it. Any compound different from that prescribed in the law of Moses was not acceptable.

Just so, we are clearly taught how we must pray — of what ingredients we must mix our incense.

The fire used for incense must be holy fire from the altar of burnt offering. Prayer is not a sweet savor unto God, unless it is kindled by the fire from the altar of Christ's sacrifice, the fire of God's love, and by the Holy Spirit.

Burning incense was fragrant; true prayer is sweet perfume before God. As the fragrance of flowers is pleasing to us — so is the prayer of earth which ascends from homes and sanctuaries, from secret closets and from supplicating hearts.

The incense was offered by the priest within the holy place while the people were praying outside. Christ in Heaven offers our prayers before God, purifying them and adding to them the incense of His own sacrifice, the intercessions of His love.

Of the most ancient offerings of sacrifices, it is said the Lord smelled a sweet savor. So it is with our prayers.

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He is always testing us!

"Then the LORD said to Moses: Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not." Exodus 16:4

We are here at school. God's purpose in all His providences is to teach us to do His will, and to live a holy and beautiful life. He is always testing us!

Trials test us, whether we will submit with humility and obedience to the experiences that are sore and painful — or rebel and murmur.

Life's needs test us, whether we will trust God in the time of extremity or not — or whether we will fear and chafe when we think of tomorrow's needs.

None the less, do the gifts and favors of God test us:

They test our gratitude. Do we remember God always as the Giver of each new blessing? Are we grateful to Him for all that we receive?

These favors also test our faith. Do we still lean on Him while we have plenty? Often one who turns to God when help is needed — fails to look to Him when the hand is full.

The divine mercies also test our obedience. Do we obey God as carefully, as closely and trustingly, when our tables are full — as when the pressure of poverty or need drives us to Him? Every day is a test for us!

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It is a window in Christ's bosom, showing us His very heart!

"Jesus wept." John 11:35

That was part of Jesus' way of comforting Mary — He wept with her. He entered into full, deep sympathy with her in her grief.

This is the shortest verse in the Bible — but few verses, however long, reveal so much. It is a window in Christ's bosom, showing us His very heart. This is the way the risen, glorified Christ feels for us and sympathizes with us in our griefs. We must not think that He has changed in passing from earth into Heaven, so that these tender qualities have been lost out of His heart. He is the same now in Heaven, that He was that day when Mary lay at His feet and He wept with her.

He is with us in our sorrows, and sympathizes with us in every grief we have.

It is a great deal to have even a human friend enter into our experience and weep with us in our sorrow. It brings into our loneliness, a sense of companionship. It puts another shoulder under our load. But when it is Christ Himself who cares, is touched, sympathizes with us, and comes up close beside us in tender affection, it is comfort indeed!

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses" Hebrews 4:15

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The story of the chest is interesting

"All the officials and all the people brought their contributions gladly, dropping them into the chest until it was full." 2 Chronicles 24:10

The story of the chest is interesting. All the people gave. Princes and people alike came with their offerings.

There is a good suggestion, too, in the way they gave. They set a chest in a convenient place and asked all to drop their contributions into that. No one knew what any other one gave. Thus even the poorest would not be made to feel ashamed by the smallness of the gift. The money was given to the Lord, and He understood the circumstances of each.

In the temple, our Lord sat near the treasury, watching how the people gave, and commended as the most liberal of all, the poor widow who gave only a farthing. So the Lord always watches, honoring what the heart does.

These people rejoiced as they gave. There was no reluctant giving, no giving merely through a sense of duty. The Lord loves a cheerful giver. God may use what men give reluctantly, and it may do good — but the giver gets no blessing from it. We only receive when we give with love and gladness.

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Life's experiences cannot be transferred

"Every man shall bear his own burden." Galatians 6:5

This seems to contradict the teaching that we are to: "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" Galatians 6:2. But there is no contradiction. Love cannot but share the burdens of others.

At the same time no one really can bear the burden of another. If your friend is sick, you cannot come in and take his sickness. If he is in sorrow, you cannot make the sorrow yours in such a way that it will be his no longer.

Life's experiences cannot be transferred. A mother cannot take her child's pain. No one can learn a lesson for another; each pupil must work out his own problems, do his own tasks, master his own difficulties. A rich student can pay for services and luxuries of many kinds — but he cannot pay for the mental culture of another.

In moral life, too, each must bear his own burden.
No one can choose for us,
no one can make our decisions,
no one can believe in Christ for us,
no one can obey God's commandments for us.

Each one must live his own life, and must answer in judgment for himself.

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The lesson applies to other things besides bread!

"Gather the fragments that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." John 6:12

"Waste not, want not," says the proverb.

It seems remarkable that He who could so easily multiply the few loaves into an abundant meal, should be so particular about saving the fragments that remained left over. But He would teach us economy by His own example.

The lesson applies to other things besides bread. We should never waste anything! Many people waste whole years of time in the little fragments which they lose every day. If, at the end of a year, they could gather up all these fragments, they would have many basketfuls of precious pieces of golden time.

In mints where gold is coined, the sweepings of the floor, the settlings of the water in which the men wash their hands, the very smoke from the furnaces, are all carefully swept through for fine particles of precious gold; and during the years large sums are recovered in this way.

If only we would learn to care as scrupulously for the fragments of the precious things which pass through our hands, we would be far richer at the end of our life.

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There is a wonderful secret of beautiful life in these words

"In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." Isaiah 30:15

That is God's plan for our lives. That was God's thought for His people in those olden days. Instead of looking to human strength and human defences, He wanted them to trust Him, leave to Him their deliverance and protection, and settle down to a life of peace.

There is a wonderful secret of beautiful life in these words. We are too noisy. We talk too much. We had better aim to be quiet. We had better keep our boastings, and also our frets and anxieties, to ourselves. "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you." 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Much harm comes every way of unbridled speech. Our untamed tongues are often the foes of our own households which make most trouble for us and others, and most work our undoing. We are weak while we cannot master our speech. We shall find strength in quietness. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19

Another element of strength is in confidence. Those who are always doubting and fearing, are weak. Every alarm disturbs them. Confidence makes us strong. When we are trusting in God, the Rock of Ages is under us. Then we are strong.

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It is the little word "my" that is the key to it all

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need." Psalm 23:1

This psalm has been going through the world for three thousand years. It is the children's psalm — but no less is it the song of the elderly. Nothing else in all literature has touched so many lives with blessing.

It comes fitly after the twenty-second — the Psalm of the Cross — it could not have come before. Only those who know the redeeming, sheltering love of God can truly sing it.

Its first line holds the secret of all that follows. If we can say "The Lord is my Shepherd" — then we can say
"I have all that I need,"
"He makes me lie down in green pastures,"
"He leads me in the paths of righteousness,"
down to the last word, "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

It is the little word "my" that is the key to it all. It is not "The Lord is a Shepherd," but "The Lord is my Shepherd." Until we can say "my" the psalm means nothing to us. When we can, it means everything.

If the Lord is my Shepherd, then the world is changed from a wilderness, with its danger — to a place of peace, with safety. Every spot is a place of green pasture. In every dark valley, the Shepherd is with us.

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God knows all about our griefs!

"Comfort, comfort My people, says your God." Isaiah 40:1

God is a comforter. There are many in every church community who are sorrowing. In many homes is the empty chair. But there are many other troubles besides bereavements.

God knows all about our griefs. He sympathizes with us. He sends out His messengers with the bidding, "Comfort, comfort My people."

The very words, "My people," reveal a Father's heart. As believers, we belong to God. He calls us His. It is comforting to us when a noble human friend calls us his, as if we belonged to him. It is infinitely more comforting when God calls us His own!

Then it is "your God" who sends us the message. Some will read this page on a sad night, just after a great sorrow, and will find wonderful uplifting in the words, "Comfort, comfort My people, says your God." It will be sweet then to listen to God's comfort and accept it. Elsewhere He says this also: "As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you."

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The influence of such a habitual encourager never can be measured!

"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Like the apostle Paul, we should strive to be encouragers. He who makes it harder for a brother to live nobly and do his work well, has sinned against one of Christ's little ones.

We dare not go about among our fellows saying discouraging things, dispiriting things — for if we do, we are imperiling those whose burdens are already as heavy as they can bear. One disheartening word may cause them to weaken and sink down in despair.

The law of love bids us bear one another's burdens, and there is no other way in which we can do this so effectively, as by living a life of joy. He who goes among men throughout the day with glad heart and cheerful face, speaking to everyone he meets some encouraging words, saying something uplifting in every ear — is a wonderful inspirer of strength, courage, and hope, in others. His is a divine ministry of good to others. He makes every one a little braver and stronger. Weary plodders pluck up fresh energy after meeting him. Fainting ones awake to new courage when his hopeful words have fallen upon their ears. The influence of such a habitual encourager never can be measured!

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

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This is our Father's world!

"These all look to You to give them their food at the proper time. When You give it to them — they gather it up. When You open your hand — they are satisfied with good things. When You take away their breath — they die and return to the dust." Psalm 104:27-29

The Bible that God is ruling in His world. This psalm, for instance, speaks of God . . .
arresting the floods by His rebuke,
sending the springs into the valleys,
causing the grass to grow for the cattle,
giving food to all His creatures in due season.

Unsaved people do not speak in just this way about God's relation to the world. They speak of the "laws of nature". But God really . . .
feeds the birds,
hears the cries of the ravens,
stretches out the heavens like a tent,
sends the rain,
makes the winds His messengers,
sends the rivulets to water the valleys,
and checks the storms by His word.

It is a joy to us to know that this is our Father's world, that all things are in His hands. We need not be afraid of anything that happens in God's world. He is our Friend, and nothing can harm us when He is watching!

"How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures!" Psalm 104:24

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The thousand little kind things

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

"Be kind to one another." Kindness is love in exercise.

We can think of some who love — yet are not kind. There are fathers who would give their lives for their children — but who are not kind to them. They are ready to do large things for them, to make great sacrifices for them — but they lack in the thousand little kind things which mean so much to young lives.

When we are exhorted to be kind one to another, the meaning is that we shall always be loving. We may show kindness to one another not only in the things we do — but in the things we refrain from doing. There is much lack of kindness which leaves uncheered, those to whom by simply being kind, we might prove great blessings.

The word "tender-hearted" suggests sympathy, patience, and gentleness like a mother's, in all our relations with others.

The words about "forgiving each other" remind us that we are not to hold grudges, nor cherish bitterness and resentment, nor be kind merely to those who are so to us; but are to show the best of our love even to our enemies.

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What then shall I pray for?

"Pray one for another." James 5:16

Some good people never go outside the circle of self in their prayers. Yet the last place in the world where we should be selfish, is when we are on our knees.

A minister made a strange request of a parishioner — that for a month he should not offer a single word of prayer for himself, or for any of his family, nor bring any of his own affairs to God.

"What then shall I pray for?" asked the friend.

"Anything that is in your heart, only not once for yourself."

When the man came to his first season of prayer it seemed that he could find nothing to pray for. He would begin a familiar petition — but had to drop it, for it was something for himself.

It was a serious month for him — but he learned his lesson. He found that he had been praying only for himself and his own household, and had not been taking the interests of any others to God.

The Lord's Prayer teaches us to pray for others with ourselves. It is not, "Give me this day my daily bread," but, "Give us our bread today," leaving out no other hungry one.

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God is not kind to me any more!

"Though the mountains are shaken and the hills are removed — yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you!" Isaiah 54:10

Everything else shall depart from us. We have nothing material that we can keep forever. Earthly things are all temporal.

The mountains are regarded as the firmest and most enduring things on earth, and yet even these symbols of perpetuity shall crumble and pass away.

God's unfailing love of God, however, shall never depart from His children. If the earth were destroyed, leaving no place for us to stand upon — the unfailing love of God would remain, and we would be safe in its shelter and its care.

But does God's loving-kindness really never depart from us? Is there never a day when He is not loving towards His redeemed children?

There are days when it seems to us He is unkind. He allows us to be bereft and left lonely. "God is not kind to me any more!" we complain. But if the physicians say that the only way to save your friend's life is to amputate the blood-poisoned limb, do you call it unkindness when the sufferer is carried to the operating-room?

Is God unkind when to sanctify us, He lets us suffer?

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11

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Only be strong and courageous!

"Only be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them!" Joshua 1:6

This vision must have been very cheering to Joshua as he set out. It was no mere experiment to which he was going. His dream of conquest was no vague, uncertain thing. God had pledged him full success, if he would do his part faithfully. It must have been a great inspiration to Joshua in times of discouragement, to remember that he was destined to finish the work. He could not fail.

Every Christian has the same assurance for Heaven's promised land. There are hardships, obstacles, and enemies. But he has the assurance, at the very beginning, that he will not fail in the end, if only he is faithful. "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life!" This should be a strong inspiration to every Christian. The way may be hard — but the promise is sure that he cannot fail.

Each one of us has a mission in life, a mission on which God Himself sends us. If we accept this mission and go forth on it in faith, and with earnestness and fidelity, we cannot fail.

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He was nothing but a big body!

"Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go." Joshua 1:7

A great many times in the Bible we are urged to be strong. It is not mere strength of body that is meant. Of course, we should take care of our health, so as to keep well and to be physically as strong as possible.

But Goliath was not God's ideal of manly strength; he was nothing but a big body, with neither intellectual nor spiritual strength.

The strength the Bible makes so much of, is . . .
strength of character,
firmness of purpose,
steadfastness of principle,
and moral strength.

The secret of it is faith in Christ. If we are in Him, His strength is assured to us. Paul said he was strongest when he was weakest — that is, he had most strength from Christ then.

Henry of Navarre, riding in front of his troops before a battle, said, "You are Frenchmen; yonder is the enemy; I am your king." Then, pointing to the white plume in his helmet, he said, "Soldiers, if your standard falls, rally round the white plume — it will lead you to victory!"

Just so, we may always be sure of victory if we rely on Christ's strength.

"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me!" 2 Corinthians 12:9

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We have not passed this way before

"You have not passed this way before!"
"See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you." Joshua 3:4,11

The ark was a symbol of God's presence, and the meaning was that God Himself would lead them that day as they went over the Jordan into the promised land.

In the same way, God is always ready to go before us. Indeed, we never can go anywhere victoriously, unless He leads us. To go without Him into any of life's experiences — struggles, dangers, or duties — is to utterly fail.

When Joshua gave the people their instructions about crossing, he said, "You have not passed this way before!" Therefore he charged them to keep in sight of the ark, which would be carried in advance.

The same may be said of our every day's experiences. We have not passed this way before. We have lived thousands of other days, yet each new day presents an unknown path to us. We know not what new experiences it may bring to us. We may meet bitter sorrows, sore temptations, sudden trials. The only safe thing to do is always to keep the ark (God's presence) in sight and to follow it. Then whatever may come, we shall be ready for it.

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What is it to wash one another's feet?

"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." John 13:14-15

What is it to wash one another's feet? It means that we should have in our hearts the spirit of service, and be ready to show kindness to all with whom we come in contact. We are not to go about seeking opportunities for a display of humility — this is mockery. But we are to have in our hearts the love which will lead us into the lowliest service. That is what washing the feet meant — it was the task of the most menial servant.

The beggar we meet on the street, should at least receive kindly treatment from us.

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The strongest wall yields at length to the pounding that never ceases

"Then on the seventh day they rose early at the dawning of the day and marched around the city in the same manner seven times; only on that day they marched around the city seven times." Joshua 6:15

"So the people shouted, and priests blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout and the wall fell down flat!" Joshua 6:20

For six days the little procession had gone daily round the wall. How useless it seemed! At last patience had its reward.

Just so, there is a great deal of dull monotony in all duty. It is the same routine over and over again, day after day; not for days only, or weeks, or years — but for a lifetime!

Many good things can be accomplished only by long continuance. At first there was no impression made, no result achieved, and it seemed utterly vain to try any longer. But perseverance wins at length. Had the people of Israel wearied of the monotonous and unavailing marches around Jericho, and at the close of the fifth or sixth day given up — all would have been lost.

Success depends upon continuance to the very end. Many things fail in our hands because we tire and give up too soon. "He who endures to the end, the same shall be saved." Spurts amount to but little. The strongest wall yields at length to the pounding that never ceases.

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They do not stop to consider the cost of faithfulness!

"But Ruth replied: Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God!" Ruth 1:16

Ruth illustrates truest human friendship. Her strong and faithful love for Naomi, caused her to cleave to her with an unwavering and unalterable attachment. She did not look forward to ask where her devotion to Naomi would lead her — into what sacrifice or loss. Her love for Naomi was such that she would cleave to her though it should lead her to death.

All love is measured by what it will do, or give, or suffer, or sacrifice, for its object.

Orpah went back to her home. Ruth clung to Naomi. Ruth's love stood the sorest test. Ruth illustrates both human friendship and friendship for Christ.

Christ's true followers cling to Him, though He leads them into paths of poverty, trial, suffering, and cross-bearing. They do not stop to consider the cost of faithfulness. They make choice of Christ without conditions, and where He goes they follow Him.

Christian history is resplendent with the names and stories of countless friends of Christ who, through the centuries, have followed Him at the cost of personal suffering, trials and afflictions.

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