leads us into the divine path. Paul reminds us, "If ye be led of the Spirit then are ye the sons of God." He is also the One who can open the Word of truth to us. He gives us the necessary understanding. Peter needed power not only to stand but he also needed power to serve. The pathway is never prom ised to be easy. The same must be realized in our lives, too. Peter was no weak-kneed preacher. He had a congregation of murderers who had crucified the Lord of glory be fore his eyes. His first message was convicting. Grown men cried, "What shall we do?" Peter had the answer, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." We are told that on this occasion, three thou sand were saved. His message was an exhortation to these people concerning Christ. People were saved and taken away from sin. Men were brought out of nature's darkness into the marvelous light of the Gospel. Yes, Peter is a different man. He is now strong and stalwart for the cause of Christ. This is exactly what the Lord does for a person. He can lift you out of your failure, weak ness and sin, bringing you into a new relationship with Himself which is the only place of blessing and power. Let Christ come into your heart and make a Simon Peter out of you. God help us to stand, and having done all, to keep standing.
AT CHRISTMASTIDE When, as a child, I stood at Christmastide In breathless eagerness before the door That closed upon a vast mysterious store Of gifts, and fragrant tree so beautiful With candle-light and color, I relied Upon what I had known and felt before Of generous, unfailing love, to pour Into my hand the joy for which I sighed. So let it be, when afterwhile I wait Before earth's final door. The mystery It hides, my inner eye shall contemplate Serenely, in deep confidence that He, Owner of worlds and Friend compassionate, Will not let this life end His love for me. —Marie Strachan
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