Chapter One
January
* * *
You cannot think your way to God,
or use wisdom alone.
You must use your heart.
JANUARY 1
In Tune with the Master
You shall surround me
with songs of deliverance.
PSALM 32:7
* Out West an old sheepherder had a violin, but
it was out of tune. He had no way of tuning it, so in
desperation he wrote to one of the radio stations and
asked them at a certain hour on a certain day to strike
the tone "A." The officials of the station decided they
would accommodate the old fellow, and on that particular
day the true tone of "A" was broadcast. His
fiddle was thus tuned, and once more his cabin
echoed with joyful music.
When we live apart from God, our lives get out
of tune-out of harmony with others and with God.
But if we live in tune with the Master, we, too, will
find ourselves surrounded by His beautiful music.
As this new year begin, ask God to help you
tune your life every day to His Word, so you can
bring harmony and joy to those around you.
JANUARY 2
The Sun Still Shining
They looked . and behold,
the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.
EXODUS 16:10
* Without the clouds we wouldn't be shielded from
the burning sun. Without the clouds there would be
no lavish sunsets, no beneficial rain, no beautiful
landscapes.
The same is true with life's clouds. When hard
times come we easily get discouraged. But behind the
clouds God is still present, and can even use them
to water our souls with unexpected blessings.
Longfellow once wrote: "Be still, sad heart, and cease
Repining, behind the clouds is the sun still shining."
As God's people wandered in the wilderness, He
declared, "Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud"
(Exod. 19:9).
Each of us experiences clouds in life-sometimes
slight, but sometimes dark and frightening.
Whatever clouds you face today, ask Jesus, the light
of the world, to helps look behind the cloud to see
His glory and His plans for you.
JANUARY 3
A Spring for the Soul
With You is the fountain of life;
in Your light we see light.
PSALM 36:9
* Sadly, many people get their happiness only from
outward circumstances. As long as their lives are
untroubled, they feel happy. But when illness strikes,
or a relationship breaks down, or any of a thousand
other unexpected troubles engulf them, then happiness
flees.
Near my home is a spring that never varies its
flow. Floods may rage, but its output doesn't increase.
A long summer's drought may come, but it won't
decrease. Its flow is steady, reliable, and unending.
Such is the peace we all yearn for-and such is
the peace Jesus promises to all who trust in Him:
"The water that I shall give him will become in him
a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.
. My peace I give to you" (John 4:14; 14:.27).
Have you come to that unending spring-which
is Christ? Are you coming to Him each day?
JANUARY 4
The Promise Is Ours
I am with you always,
even to the end of the age.
MATTHEW 28:20
* When David Livingstone returned to his native
Scotland after sixteen difficult years as a missionary
and explorer in Africa, his body was emaciated by the
ravages of some twenty-seven fevers that had coursed
through his veins during the years of his service. His
left arm hung useless at his side, the result of his being
mangled by a lion.
Speaking to the students at Glasgow University,
he said, "Shall I tell you what sustained me during the
hardship and loneliness of my exile? It was Christ's
promise, `Lo, I am with you always, even to the end
of the age.'"
That promise is ours as well. No matter what
trials we face, Christ never leaves us. He is with us
every step of the way! Keep that promise before you
today-and always.
JANUARY 5
He Is Here to Help
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
ROMANS 8:35
* After His resurrection Jesus came to His disciples,
meeting them between the garden with its
empty tomb and the city with its mob still passionate
with hate. He said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go
and tell My brethren" (Matt. 28:10).
In the midst of a world filled with danger,
hatred, and war, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ
are just as relevant as when He spoke them. He still
says to all who love Him, "Do not be afraid."
He comes to you in the hospital room or in the
midst of a family tragedy. He comes to you in the
midst of an unexpected business reversal or physical
crisis. And He says, "Don't be afraid. I'm alive, and
I'm here to help you. The Cross shows the depth of
My power. Nothing can ever separate you from Me!"
