Dailj) Devotional Home Readings Connected with International Sunday School Lessons • - Bj) FREDERIC W. FARR, D. D. l
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WEDNESDAY, Nov. 8. Mark 10:23-81. Leaving All The departure of the young ruler from Christ shows how fierce and strong the foes and forces are that come between a man and life eternal. The comment of Jesus on the reason for the young ruler’s withdrawal, overturned the ideas of wealth that the disciples had previously cherished. They were in the Old Testament at mosphere where wealth was regarded as a sign of Divine favor. They were looking forward to material rewards themselves. Christ told them plainly that wealth was more of a hindrance than a help, if indeed it was not an insurmountable obstacle in the way of entering the kingdom. If it depended upon men themselves and their own unaided efforts, they would never gain the kingdom, but with God to help, the impossible becomes actual and even rich men may enter the kingdom of God. THURSDAY, Nov. 4. Luke 12:22-32, God’s Care God has an eye to see, a heart to pity and an arm to save. He cares for each and all of His creatures. He call- eth them by name. He numbers the hairs of their heads. He is no respecter, of persons. He knows no difference between royal purple and plain home- spun. The“ poorest peasant is as preci ous in His sight as a Rothschild o r' a Rockefeller. It is rash and insane pre sumption to say that “ God’s ways are not equal.” We see only the tiniest arc of the great circle. When the state se crets of the Divine government are re vealed together with the compensations of eternity, we may well believe that the God of Providence will be fully vindicated. There is an equable dis tribution of air, sunshine and other necessaries and He giveth to all their meat in due season. “ Thou openest thy hand, they are filled with good.” FRIDAY, Nov. 5. Luke 18:9-4.4. Humble, Prayer Our Saviour told us to go into the inner chamber and pray to our Father
MONDAY, Nov. 1. Matt. 6:19-84. How to Dive Treasure represents-anything that is of value to the individual. It may be wealth or talent or reputation or friend ship or anything else. It is not limited to earthly possessions, although that is the common meaning. We are for bidden in the Scriptures to hoard up money and to set our heart upon earth ly things. Treasure in heaven has ref erence to spiritual good. Laying up treasure in heaven is to acquire those Christian graces and virtues that sur vive and outlast the present life. Faith, hope, love,.truth, peace and joy may be reckoned among them. There is no danger of having too much. Moths that destroy clothing, rust that defaces metal, and thieves that steal jewels, have no power over these heav enly riches. Our hearts follow our treasures. Character is conformed to the object of its desire and love. TUESDAY, Nov. 2. Matt: 7:1-11. Golden Rules We are under a rule of stewardship. Life is a trust. We are to hold and use it under the law of trusteeship. It is not enough to give God a fraction of our time, talents and money. We must acknowledge His sovereignty over the whole. The Christian does not ask, “ How much of my property shall I give to God?” But, “How much of God’s property can I use for myself?” We are under a rule of loyalty. There is no neutral ground. We are either for Christ or against Him. Heart loy alty to Christ carries with it every thing else. With reference to ' our country, one may be an alien, a slacker or a patriot. The same conditions ob tain in the kingdom of God. We are under. a rule of trust. Life is full of hazards. The child' of God runs no risk and faces no uncertainty. He is sure of the goal when he begins the race. The outcome ig a foregone con clusion. “ Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways ac knowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”
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