Time Past—Time Remaining

"Live the rest of time … to the will of God"
(1 Peter 4:2)

In looking back upon the year now past,
We think how short a time it seemed to last;
And in our retrospect regrets are keen,
To feel how poor and cold our lives have been!

Let the time past suffice for earth born things,
Let pure desire now rise on Faith's bright wings,
That, armed with Christ-like mind, we may fulfill,
In the New Year, more of God's work and will.

—Selected

One Thing They Cannot Do

Men may shut us out from their fellowship, slanderous tongues may separate us from friends. The devil and men may build a wall around us and imprison us from many a joy and fair prospect, but there is one things they cannot do—they cannot put a roof on the prison to keep out the sweet influences from above, or hinder us from looking up to our God, from whose love none can separate us.

"Wherefore we labor, that whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto Him" (2 Corinthians 5:9, R.V.)

The principle of seeking, at all times, in all things, to be well-pleasing unto Him, makes plain the path of duty, and glorifies the commonest actions of every day life. It solves the perplexing questions constantly arising and enables us to choose the proper means to effect our purposes. It delivers completely, from the tormenting anxieties about our circumstances, that otherwise would disturb our peace.

If we are willing to let God choose for us and to accept what He gives, we shall never fail to receive the best; perhaps not what earth calls the best, but always God's best.

—Selected

An aged pair known for their contentment, affection and happy Christian lives, were asked, as they spoke of many joys that had been their portion, "Have you, then, had no clouds in your sky?" Why, yes! Where else could all the blessed showers come from?"

—Unknown

There are three ways of meeting Divine chastening. We may despise it, as something commonplace—something that may happen to anyone; we do not see the hand of God in it. Again, we may faint under it, as something too heavy for us to bear—something entirely beyond endurance; we do not see the Father's heart in it, or recognize His gracious object it is; namely, to make us partakers of His holiness. Lastly, we may be exercised by it. This is the way to reap "the peaceable fruits of righteousness" afterward. Every stroke of His rod is proof of His love.

—C.H. Macintosh