clared, “A man’s life eonsisteth not in the abundance of things which he possesseth.” There is no peace or joy apart from the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. Everything you own could be stripped from you tomorrow, but even man’s final enemy, death itself, can never rob us of the promise of eternal life when we have placed our faith and trust in the Lord. Only in His love are we safe and se cure. Do not be fooled by the passing fancies of this world. The Psalmist said, “Nevertheless, I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory” (Psa. 73:23-24). * The person whois always finding fault will seldom find anything else. * * * CONSCIENCE CURE Many years ago, before doctors learned how to take stitches, a cut was much more serious than it is today. Now bleeding is stopped quite easily when an accident occurs. The old meth od of closing a wound was not only very crude but also extremely painful. A piece of metal was heated until it became red-hot. The injured spot was touched or seared with the iron. As a result, a heavy crust formed. The nerve endings were thus kept from being sensitive to bumps and shocks. It is well to consider that what nerve endings are to our body, the conscience is to our spirit. Our conscience can be extremely sensitive when we do wrong. The sensation is picked up and we are reminded of our sin. Since no one enjoy8 having his conscience prick him with a reminder of how sinful he is, many people try to convince themselves, and others, that their ac tions are good and right. An individual may even lie to protect himself and to save face. If we get by with one false hood, we may go on to use another, and another, until finally our conscience doesn’t bother us any more. The Apos tle Paul spoke of those who had their conscience seared as with a “hot iron” so that they became insensitive to God’s will and way. The only cure is to admit our wrong, asking the Lord Jesus Christ for His promised forgiveness. * *
He suffered the pain already for our sins so that we may have the promise of restoration. Let us pray that our conscience may be guided by God’s Holy Spirit and by the illuminating word of Scripture. Remember the im portant fact that, “If we confess our sins" the Lord Jesus Christ “is faith ful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous ness.” * What you say in a hurry may cost you a great deal of worry. * * * LOST TREASURES There are vast fortunes amassed in banks which have gone unclaimed. It has been estimated that some 15 billion dollars are in savings deposits, stocks and bonds, and other securities. This staggering sum has accumulated from owners who moved away without tell ing anyone, or from those who died without leaving wills, not informing their families of money they had saved. The 15 billion dollars is there, waiting to be claimed. Banking officials go to a great deal of expense trying to find rightful owners. There are at least 25 full-time “tracing” firms with agents across the nation seeking out those who have a legal right to the treasure. Over the years, one of these tracers alone has distributed more than 250 million dollars to about half-a-million people. This interesting situation re minds us that God, too, has many un claimed accounts. By His death on Calvary’s cross, the Lord Jesus Christ obtained forgiveness for our sins. All God requires of us is that we believe in His finished work and atoning grace. Yet, throughout the world there are those who suffer the poverty of unfor given sin; they have never by faith accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and have never known the joy of receiving God’s forgiveness. Still on deposit is God?8 priceless redemption. This is why we send missionaries to tell the un reached around the world the glad sto ry, the good news of salvation. The Saviour said, “As the Father sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21). Have you told someone else about this price less treasure? You are the only Chris tian somebody knowsl 29 * *
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