Paul wants us to be assured of the fact that the Lord keeps what we commit. If you choose to worry your way through a situation with anxious care and distress, no one will stop you. If, on the other hand, you turn it over to Him, then it be comes His concern. In a friend’s house, the other day I saw a little whimsical motto card, which bore the legend, “Why pray when you can worry?” It’s supposed to be humor ous, and yet it seems to be the way many Christians live. Actually, it’s not a case of worrying as opposed to praying, or vice versa, but of committing everything to the Lord. This is the only way you can rid yourself of the future’s fears. Just pray, “Lord, there’s nothing I can do about this situation. I’m not go ing to fight or struggle, anxiously worried and distressed. Here and now I am going to commit this mat ter to you. You have promised that you are able to keep that which I turn over to You. In childlike faith, while I may not fully understand it, yet I simply trust You.” Can you say with the Apostle Paul, “I know, I am not ashamed, I am absolutely confident” ? May it be the joyous realization of each of our hearts un til the Lord Jesus Christ comes again and all these earthly shadows flee away. FAITH CAME FROM SINGING ("He hath put a new song in my mouth." Psa. 40:3) Faith came singing into my room, And other guests took flight; Fear and anxiety, grief and gloom. Sped out into the night. I wondered that such peace could be, But faith said gently, "Don't you see, They cannot really live with me!" Grant me this faith, 0 Lord, I pray, Leading to vict'ry day by day, Opening wide heaven's gate to me, Flooding the soul with melody.
* * The man who lives it up, will soon find out that he must also live it down! * * * Too many people are trying to shine for Christ without first of all burning for Him. * * * LOVE IN ACTION Many years ago, Samuel Stokes, an American missionary, walked through the villages in the darkest part of India. He carried only a water bottle and a blanket. He wholly trusted the native hospitality through the gracious providence of God. In one particular area, the people were not receptive to his message. Instead of the usual will ingness to share their food and furni ture, no matter how primitive, these people were just plain rude and un thinking. Stokes was left to eat their garbage. When he kindly asked if he might nurse their sick, teaching them of Christ, they hurled horrible insults, and scorned him contemptuously. Still he persisted, for he had felt God’s di rection for service. The food they grudgingly gave him was not really fit for animals. Still he thanked them courteously. A fter about three days of such treatment the chief came forward, and without any hesitation, placed his turban at the feet of Samuel Stokes. He explained that the members of his tribe has been interested in knowing whether or not Christianity was really practical. They had read the Bible’s exhortation that when a believer was reviled, he was not to turn around and strike back, but rather give a silent witness of the Saviour. The hearts of these men had been so touched by the exemplary witness of the missionary that they came to know Jesus Christ as Saviour. It may be that no one will give you a few stale crusts today, nor spit in your face, but just the same, the world’s watching y o u intently. Scripture says that we are to be “living epistles known and read of all men.” * The chip on an angry man's shoulder is often no more than merely bark. * * * A person who kicks continually will soon lose his balance. * * * 12 * * *
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