Devotional Column

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 9, 11 January 1936, Page 9

Devotional Column

HOW TO SUCCEED IN THE NEW YEAR. PRAYER AND POWER. Only spiritual causes produco spiritual effects.- A life in a stato of prayer is certain to bo in a stato of blessing. These two states go together like sunshine and rain. Our Lord by His life of prayer teaches its meaning and relation to extraordinary blessing. Prayer is a mode of life, a looking to God in everything and for everything and doing nothing apart from Him. Prayer is connected with tho extraordinary blessings of divine goodness. In His humiliation our Lord Jesus made use of tho Father's appointed means of blessing—prayer. He lived prayer. We want to acquire things ourselves — He wanted only what tho Father gave upon request; we want to be independent —H© wanted to be always dependent upon the Father. Prayer and power are inseparable. Those who are much with God an tho closet will find God much with them in life and service.

A MEMORIAL PEAST. Matthew 26: 26-29. And as they wore eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27. And he took tho cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28. For this is my blood of the new testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29. But I say unto you, [ will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until the day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

RESOLVES, AND HOW TO ACCOMPLISH THEM. EZRA’S COVENANT. (Ezra 10: 1-S). (‘Make a covenant with . . * God.” The Holy Spirit influences holy purposes. The will to do God’s will is his impartation. Holy resolves are right, but they are useloss of themselves. They are good as waymarks, but only Christ can give ability to keep the pathway with joyful victory. ‘‘Without Me ye can do nothing.” “WRECKED.” “Wrecked outright on Jesus’ breast”; Only “wrecked” souls thus can sing, Littlo boats that hug tho shore, Fearing what the, storm may bring, Never find on Jesus’ breast Ml that “wrecked” souls mean by • rest.

“Wrecked outright.” So we lament: But when storms have done their - -orst. Then the soul, surviving all, In Eternal arms is nursed: There to find that nought can move One, embosomed in such love.

“Wrecked outright.” No more to own E’en a craft to sail the sea; Still a voyager, yet now Anchored to Infinity: Nothing left to do but fling Care aside, and simply cling. “Wrecked oulright.” ’Twas purest gain, Henceforth other craft can sec That the storm may be a boon, That, however rough the sea, God Himself doth watchful stand For the “wreck” is in His hand. —M. E. Barber,

PAUL’S TWO DATES. It has been said that Paul knew only two dates in his calendar. They wore “to-day” and “that day.” “Today” to be passed and packed full of blessed service and worship; and “that day,” tho appointed time for giving account, toward which all his

energies were bent.—Dr. Northcote Deck.

A SECOND; ADVENT HYMN.

(By Anna R. Gadsden).

Come, quickly come, O blessed Lord, We yearn to-see Thy face; We turn our eyes in faith and hope To heaven Thy dwelling place; Creation groans in patience long, The sons of God to view; O rond the heavens Almighty Lord,. And Satan’s hosts subdue.

Thy saints aro resting on Thy word, Thy promise is their plea; Thy word is pledged that where Thou art, There shall Thy people be; Though hell’s devices round us press, Our hearts need feel no fear; Soon on the world’s dark night of shame - Thy glory shall appear.

Come, quickly come, great Judge of all, Avenge the righteous slain; Jehovah-Jesus cleave the gloom With all thy shining train: Release the prisoners of hope, And bid Thy sleepers rise; Fuliil Thy word that all Thy saints Shall meet Thee in the skies.