Morning Thoughts - Company We Keep

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. (Proverbs 13:20 NIV)

We might think we’re not affected by people we live with but we are heavily influenced by these people. Those with us in the trials of life affect how we view those trials. If we’re with the misunderstanding, party-pooping, types then we’ll mourn the situation, seeing how bad the thing is and always wondering why it happened and the ‘if only’s’.

Whereas if we’re with encouragers we won’t ignore the circumstance, but tend to have a brighter outlook. We’ll see a bigger picture contrasting the situation with the blessings we experience chief of which is being with a God who is significantly greater than our problems, who cares for us and is with us. Be encouraged – and an encourager!

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom

da man cd

Morning Thoughts - Marketing Jesus

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. (John 12:24)

If a marketing executive was to suggest a strategy to market Jesus he would definitely promote the following:

o Jesus as Bob Geldof going out to save the starving and needy in the world
o Jesus as Bono challenging the rulers of the day to put their money where their mouth is and care for the people
o Jesus as Lenny Henry bringing cheer and life to those destitute and without hope and marginalised in society

All these images we can imagine being projected in a fast moving advert portraying Him as the man of the people, real, intimate, caring and compassionate – who just wants to be the same to you.

One thing our marketing executive would not want to promote is Jesus’ talks about sacrifice, self-denial on a consistent basis, death of self to produce life for others, giving up of rights to do the right by God. That image would be off-putting, no one wants to lose their life and such a marketing ploy would be bound for disaster – no one buys that. Yet Jesus is clear that this is a fundamental part of the package – indeed without it all the other marketing gimmicks are incomplete, shallow and deceiving.

The way to God is through obedience – and an obedience that will allow us to be like Christ in everything – and that must involve denying ourselves, dying to ourselves to follow Him.

4 His Name's Sake

Shalom

da man cd

Morning Thoughts: Dubious Honours

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22 NIV)

When I was at school I had a great idea. We would run our own student newspaper! It was such a great idea and I was so excited about it and eager to see it work that I took it upon myself – without bothering to get anyone else’s opinion on it – to give it a go. I announced to people that we’ll meet together and I’ll share with everyone what my idea was and then we’ll go ahead and run the newspaper! The meeting took place and fair number of people turned up. However after a few weeks as the excitement died down … nothing happened. And so I have the dubious honour of being the editor of a student newspaper that has yet to publish an issue! The sobering lesson learnt from the experience is the importance of taking advice – whatever the idea, situation, problem or challenge maybe it pays to get good advice before making decisions. Unless of course you’re up for getting dubious honours!

4 His Name's Sake

Shalom

da man cd

Thoughts for the Day - My Style!

As you may already know, I'm working now! That's right, I earning an honest wage, I'm bringing in the corn, I'm putting the bread on the table, I'm providing for my family, etc. etc.

Anyway, the job that I have affords me the opportunity to distribute daily thoughts - almost devotional type things and it occurred to me today that it made sense that I stick these up on this here blog for a number of reasons.

One, it assures more regular entries and thereby allowing me to be more disciplined in me writing. Two, it allows me to engage more with the Word and share with you what's going on with me in terms of word development. Three, unlike the work scenario, I can afford to go into more detail and be more frank in sharing what I have to share. Four, I hope people will be encouraged as a result of what I share.

So with that in mind, I'll slap today's thought as a separate entry, but before I get into it let me give you some insight into the making of it.

Whilst completing the reading book of Joshua today I did come across something interesting. In Joshua 9 I read about the Gibeonite deception – an ingenius plan of a group of people to get themselves away from the annihilating machine that was the Israelite army. In any case the key to the deception is found in verse 14 where the people check out the envoy that’s turned up, but don’t ask God. In a sense, as ever, it’s understandable. After going on a great unbeaten stretch that’s seen Jericho demolished and Ai soundly defeated, the people would be feeling their oats a bit. So when they get the full flattery treatment, they don’t necessarily feel the need to check with God – but therein is the downfall. As a result of not checking with God, the people are hood-winked and have to resort to sticking to a peace agreement struck with the Gibeonites and instead turn them into servants. It’s a salutary lesson in terms of the importance of getting the thumbs-up from God in what we’re doing and not just leaving it to ourselves.

4 His Name's Sake

Shalom

da man cd

We're All Going On A ...

This morning we be going to Birmingham for a meeting, then onto London for most of the week and in a way I'm looking forward to it. I've got some precious, precious people (that sounds a bit contrived so let me try that again). I've got some truly dear friends who I consider as good as family for what they've done for me. I hope to see them. Most importantly, however, I get to see my beloved mother again! It's odd being with a wife and children and not being in regular contact with me mum, so for her to be around and have a chance to see her latest granddaughter for the first time will be great! Look out for photos in the coming weeks! Anyhow, following yesterday's inspirational devotional by F.B. Meyer, he came up with the goods again, so not being a greedy person (don't listen to what the wife says, I do let her have some bakewell tarts ... eventually) I thought I'd share it with you. Have a great day 4 His Name's Sake Shalom da man cd ------------------------------------ DIGGING WELLS "He removed from thence, and digged another well... and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the Lord hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land." -- Gen_26:22. ISAAC SEEMS to be rather a disappointing character, and we sometimes wonder that he should be classed with Abraham, the father of all who believe; and Jacob, who prevailed with the Angel and became a Prince! He was passive, quiet, given to thoughtful meditation (Gen_24:63). God's purpose includes all sorts and types of men, and Isaac dug wells of which men have drunk for thousands of years. He was constantly pursued by enmity, jealousy, and strife, as the names of his wells attest. But each time he consistently retired from the conflict, and yielded his well to dig another. Finally, his enemies had to confess that he was mightier than they (Gen_26:16). Best of all, God appeared to him "the same night," and promised that He would be with Him and bless him. Let us learn to sublimate our resistance to evil, and lift it from the physical to the moral and spiritual level. "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty" (Pro_16:32). Go on digging wells--the wells of Family Prayer, of love for the Bible, of holy exercises and habits! You will find spring water (Gen_26:19). That is God's side of your life. You are called to dig wells, but God's Holy Spirit will rise up in your soul, and in the souls of others, like the geyser-springs in Arctic regions (Joh_4:14). Let us present to Him ourselves---our souls and bodies, to be the wells and channels, along and through which His eternal God-Head and Power, arising from the fathomless depths of His own nature, may reach this thirsty and parched world! God is Love: Love is Self-Giving: but God depends on the co-operation of us, the well-diggers, to make outlets for the outflow of His Love and Goodness. PRAYER Most Merciful Father, give us grace that we may never be drawn to do anything that may dishonour Thy Name; but may persevere in all good purposes, and in Thy holy service, unto our lives' end. AMEN.

Closed Doors - Open Windows

Ho hum: I'm going to miss the deadline for the late, late, late World Cup Review, which means it'll be a whole heap later than scheduled. Still, I'm sure you'll be able to cope with that in life without drugs or therapy so I'll soldier on. This one is really for you, I woke up this morning and read this devotional by F.B. Meyer and I thought of you. I hope you enjoy it and take on board what it's saying! Have a great day 4 His Name's Sake Shalom da man cd ------------------------------------------------------------ THE VALUE OF FRIENDSHIP "Two are better than one.., for if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow."-- Ecc_4:9-10. WE CANNOT have many inner friends, but sad is the life that has not its other self. The friendship of David and Jonathan, of Damon and Pythias, has passed into the current talk of the world. It is especially good for the Christian disciple to travel to heaven with a comrade, Hopeful with Christian, and Mercy with Christiana. A friend is invaluable if we stumble or fall on the path of life. "Woe to him that is alone when he falleth." "Brethren," says the Apostle, "if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself lest thou also be tempted.'" Let us watch for each other's souls; if any is falling away from the truth, or into some insidious trap, let us lift him up. Let us exercise the brotherly solicitude that Barnabas did for Paul. Friendship ought to make our spirits glow. "How can one be warm alone?" Of course, in a spiritual sense there are divine sources of caloric. The love of Christ kindleth to vehement heat. But it is certainly easier to keep up the temperature when we have a kindred heart beside us. Perhaps this was one reason why our Lord sent forth His disciples by two and two (Mar_6:7). Without companionship material things cannot satisfy. The ties of nature, friendship, and religious communion give a zest to a poor man's life, which the miser with all his wealth forfeits. It is all-important, not only in ordinary life, but pre-eminently in the pilgrimage of the spirit, to have fellowship with some kindred soul. In temptation a true friend makes us more able to withstand the devil. It is a real help in the hour of trial to have a friend who will appropriate the words of our Lord, saying: "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." There is no fellowship like that of Jesus, our Faithful Friend, who lifts us when we fall, chafes us when chilled with cold, and succours us against the Tempter. Does He not make the third in the threefold cord--"Where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them" (Mat_18:20). PRAYER We pray for our companions in life's pilgrimage. Help us to hearten them with our courage, cheer them with our love, and bear their burdens so far as we may. For ourselves may we find in Jesus the Friend that sticketh closer than a brother. AMEN.

Hip-Hop-Hap

I should be shot really - although I mean that in the figurative sense before I get a bunch of my friends coming to answer my request. I should be shot for not introducing you to this guy's work sooner. One of the most influential encouragers in my life and someone who brings out a lot of the Word is saying in relevant ways is a dude who calls himself Hap. I've known of him for a couple of years now and at first he was prolific and making cartoons with spiritual messages, now he's branched out to bring out spiritual/biblical principles for application in regular cartoons/comic strips that he comes across which I can imagine saves some time on the ol' drawing! Needless to say I think he's the business when it comes to this kind of thing and it is only a matter of time before his gift is recognised with the appropriate financial backing. I'm still praying that Rupert Murdoch's heart will be turned to the LORD and reflected in a healthy injection of funds into Hap's ministry. It may seem like a far way off, but you might as well pray for something that only God can do! Click the cartoon and check the brother's web-site for yourself and whatever you can afford to give in support - in finances or in encouragement - give generously. 4 His Name’s Sake Shalom da man cd

Audience One, KICC And More Updates

I am blessed. I’m in a job that requires of me to understand the gospel of Jesus and effectively communicate it to people who may have rejected church or who don’t have a clue about it. Part of that is research – which of course I love; and the other part is relating to people and their situations and developing relationship – whish is cool as well.

Part of today’s research brought me across this really good site called Audience One which is headed by among other people Steve Camp, passionate for a reformation in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) scene. I’m not going to give info on the site, I’ll let it speak for itself. Anyway, on the site today was this really interesting article on a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon on being enmity with God – some really deep stuff in terms of the general human condition. So it’s well worth checking.

Now I’m on a really tight deadline with regards to the other promised stuff that I said I’d post. For example with the Premiership season starting in just three days time, it makes sense that I get this Late, Late, Late World Cup review done and out of the way before then. So there you go – I’ll get it done before midday on Saturday when Liverpool go to Bramall Lane for the start of the season.

Of course speaking of Liverpool, I was satisfied with the collection of the first piece of silverware for the season. I’m confident that Liverpool can … well, I’ll leave that for the CD Premiership Preview entry that I’ll be slapping on here within the next fortnight should the LORD spare me life.

Speaking of sparing as well, next week, God willing, the Dryden Family are invading London for the International Gathering of Champions at the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) where the founder and pastor is Matthew Ashimolowo – a name that’s not that difficult to pronounce when you take the time.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not as though all the speakers talk my kinda Christianity, but I go looking forward to an encounter with God and developing more in my relationship with Him. It will also be a good opportunity to link with one or two of my hombres from that part of the world. Therefore there are unlikely to be more entries on this blog for at least a whole week before I return. Don’t cry now, I know you’ll get over it.

In the meantime, look out for that Late, Late, Late World Cup review and remember that we’re made in the image of God and so are precious in His sight.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Fun Run - SPECIAL

This is a special entry based on an event taking place on 28th August. I could say a lot more, but I’ll let the press release speak for itself

4 His Name's Sake

Shalom

da man cd

‘Building 4 Life’ Longsight Fun Run

Get ready to dig out your running shoes for a brand new fun event in Manchester this Bank Holiday Monday.

‘Building 4 Life’ is organising a Fun Run (5k and 1.5k routes) around Birchfields Park, Birchfields Road, Longsight, to raise money for charity and get people all over Manchester Up and Running!!

The idea was inspired by the recent Manchester 10K BUPA Run which attracted over 25,000 entrants from across the city. Organisers are hoping the people of Longsight, Rusholme and surrounding areas will also turn out in their hundreds to support this worthwhile event.

Spokesperson Evonne Williams from Building 4 Life based in Longsight is organising the Fun Run. Evonne said “We hope this event captures the imagination and will be a kick start to anyone thinking of adopting a healthier lifestyle. The whole idea is to bring people together, to have fun and get fit. The Fun Run will be available to everyone no matter their age or physical ability. They will also be able to choose the way in which they take part – they can run, walk, jog or even push a pram or buggy! It will also be a great opportunity for local community groups and charities to raise funds through sponsorship.”

Local Celebrities have added their support to this worthwhile event. Dr Chris Steele of ITV’s “This Morning” said, “This is a fabulous initiative which I am happy to support. I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved in any activity which promotes healthy lifestyles.”

Charlie Walduck, the super slimmer featured on ITV’s “This Morning” has also lent his support to the Fun Run. Charlie weighed 44st, lost 20 stones in 12 months (a UK record!), and then a further 10 stones. He’s now lost a total of 30 stones, has run the London Marathon, and is running in the New York Marathon in November.

Charlie will officially start the Run. Dr Chris from ITV's This Morning is hoping to be there with Charlie to launch the event.

The Longsight Fun Run will be held on Bank Holiday Monday 28th August, at 10.30 am, with other fun activities taking place throughout the day.

Individual participants must be aged 12 or over. Anyone under 12 taking part must be accompanied by an adult. Entrants under the age of 16 must have the registration form signed by a parent or guardian.

The proposed route will start near Birchfields park’s prominent feature, The Boulder, that weighs a colossal 13 tons! The route will run alongside the playing fields, play facilities and nature trail, past the stone garden and natural habitat, along the lime tree avenue by the side of Gore Brook and finish back at The Boulder.

To find out more about how to get involved in the event, contact Evonne Williams at Longsight Fun Run on 0791 636 7455. Alternatively you can email her at longsightfunrun@hotmail.co.uk or check out the website: www.longsightfunrun.quickonthenet.com.

Thank God For ... Kim Burrell

I’m not usually going to slap so many TGF’s in a row like this. But when you’re on a good thing there’s no need to come off it. On this occasion my heart of thanksgiving to the Almighty is for an awesome singer. I came across Kim very late in life. Before that female singers in my repertoire were a bit low in number. I appreciated the talents of ladies like Ella Fitzgerald, Chaka Khan, Deniece Williams, Tramaine Hawkins, Yolanda Adams, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and the Clark Sisters. I guess I acknowledged the talent in voices like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston but there was something even in their delivery that didn’t grip me in the gut so they’re not in the list. It was the Clark Sisters who helped inspire Kim to the vocal ministry, or more accurately their mother Mattie Moss Clark. So I’ve got to be grateful for that because Kim’s voice just blew me away when I heard it. Mixing the best of a variety of genres – jazz, soul and gospel among others – Kim could weave her way through a song in such a way that mesmerised me. It’s not just the vocal whirls and twirls that are impressive, it’s the way that it elaborates a vocal story or message being conveyed. When that is layered onto the gospel message and appeals to believers to live up to the standard God has called us to, then there is the complete package of a music minister. I highly recommend the Live in Concert album to get a good flavour of what this sister has in the locker – not your conventional gospel singer with a straight delivery of orthodox songs, but a creative talent dishing out a superb array of songs for the edification of the listener. As if that’s not enough, online you can also check her out on our old friend YouTube.com. There’s a terrific off-the-cuff performance of Walter Hawkins’ Thank You (that you may remember from the last entry!). You can also check her deliver a track I’d never heard before called Only What You Do For Christ Will Last, on that one she also plays the keys so that highlights the versatility of the woman. And if that’s not enough, hear her share part of her testimony and have a chinwag with the likes of Donnie McClurkin and the Clark Sisters on a TBN special. Whatever you do leave yourself open to be blessed by this tremendous talent. 4 His Name’s Sake Shalom da man cd

Thank God For Update

I was so excited by the post yesterday that I forgot to give a link to the song yesterday, so to see Walter Hawkins crew perform the song LIVE (as opposed to DEAD) just click here. Another reason to be grateful for YouTube. In all of this overnight the song has really seeped into my consciousness in a major way to the extent that I think I'm going to have to go into a whole bible study on the power of thanksgiving. I'm convinced when we're motivated by that it will radically alter our perspective on life. But don't take my word for it - take God's Word for it. So once more to God I say - Thank You!! 4 His Name's Sake Shalom da man cd

Thank God For ... My Wife

Ho hum.

Another day and so much to give God thanks for. I had a great conversation with my friend Lorna and I believe God is really working in her life to transform her into His image. It’s wonderful to witness and I’m grateful to be able to hear it happen.

Sure I’ve got tons of stuff to be putting on this blog, but today has been special because my beloved wife celebrated her birthday. As I retired from the day’s work I checked out the web and came across the Walter Hawkins song ‘Thank You’, and I listened to it and it really summed up the attitude to have for life. So on this my beloved wife’s birthday I say to the LORD thank You for all you’ve done for me, especially for giving me such a beautiful woman to be my wife!

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Old Friends: Ten Years On

So how do you celebrate your 28th birthday? Romantic meal at a restaurant? Trip to the cinema to catch a favourite movie with your loved one? How about a night out with your mates to a quality gig featuring your favourite band? How about ten-pin bowling with your girlfriend and a bloke you ain’t seen in three years and haven’t properly talked to in longer than that?

Lloyd Clarke was the first person I met when I started university in 1996. He was staying in the same dorm as I was and he welcomed me warmly. It was a very peculiar time cos it was the first time I was staying away from home for an extended time and was part of this new ‘adult’ stage of life, or so I thought. Lloyd was a friendly face with the attitude to match to welcome me into this new world. He too was a new guy at university and so like the humble dog trotting with the master, I knocked around with him in those early months.

It was Lloyd who introduced me to the wonders of radio and the wide variety of music that was ‘out there’. I developed something of an appreciation for dance music and other stuff that my upbringing would have been opposed to. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t become a fan of the music and bought it all overnight, but at least I wasn’t ignorant to it and could see that there was some quality stuff among the vast arena of music genres available. Lloyd was a walking music encyclopaedia especially on his favourite types. The guy was dedicated to music and to the student radio station, rising through the ranks to become the Music Co-ordinator, which was a powerful position in the scheme of things especially as the station was growing in ambition and reach – Lloyd was an integral part of that, yet he wasn’t condescending or particularly arrogant, just committed and devoted in a way that makes me ashamed in comparison to my alleged commitment to Christ, especially at that time. I developed a love of radio – presenting, producing, writing, researching, etc. thanks to Lloyd, and even today I’d love to be a part of something on radio in these areas.

As well as that I’m grateful to Lloyd for the friendship that he extended in those university days. It wasn’t all rosy, the second year of uni was particularly fraught with ‘differences of opinion’, but I’m happy to say it didn’t put me off Lloyd completely, and I’m glad Lloyd wasn’t put off me completely so that he attended my wedding three years ago. Even though we didn’t talk or e-mail for ages, he still remembered me, which made his request to spend his 28th birthday with me all the more touching.

It was weird seeing him again ten years on. I was apprehensive of how things would be, but it was a great time spent at the local ten-pin bowling alley. In some ways he’s changed and matured, in others he remains the same witty, dry, assertive, thoughtful Lloyd. It was also great seeing his girlfriend Kate and analysing what level of hypnosis was used by Lloyd to persuade her to be with him. They seem alright though, so I won’t be calling the psychiatric authorities to treat her for insanity. The bowling really did take second place to catching up with what Lloyd’s up to – him and his insane ginger beard. He got on really well with Authrine, and the wife really likes him, which is typical Lloyd – pulling the wool over people’s eyes! Even more commendable was the way that he got on with Deborah, I only wish I could have had the photos to show him and Debbie dancing to the music, it was brilliant. And although Kate suggested otherwise, it looked like she was a natural in the maternal department when she held Abigail, so on that score at least I know that there is an indication that Lloyd may have what it takes to cope should they choose to have babies together.

For all that, it was brilliant getting together. It is something I hope we do again sooner rather than later – hopefully before the end of the year. It reminded me of what a good friend Lloyd was, and it highlights what a top bloke Lloyd is.

4 His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Time and Timelessness

One of the things that I’ve been reminded about recently is that wisdom is timeless. I’ve got to confess, when it comes to reading, I’m not usually the quickest to go to older books or the classics. I’ll tend to look out for contemporary books written in a time in which I can relate, and the more current the better. This is particularly the case when it comes to biographies and autobiographies. If the subject is not dead yet, or hasn’t finished their career, I’m less likely to pick up the book because it’s not modern enough yet to capture all their life. I don’t look at older books written years and years ago – it’s either the latest release in hardback or an attractive looking paperback. As a result I miss out on the timeless wisdom noted in the ages by writers past, and that’s not a good thing. Therefore I’m looking to appreciate a few more of the ‘classics’ and brush up a bit on my history. C.S. Lewis, for example, is a guy I want to get into – his non-fiction work in particular. Due to recent studies as well my eye has been attracted to the fundamental shift that took place in the Reformation era, so eventually I might dive into some stuff from Luther, Calvin and those other long-dead heroes of the era. The irony is, I shouldn’t really have a problem doing this, because the book that I’ve read and enjoyed the most in my life – the Bible – is seriously dated. Ho hum. I write all that to write this that I remain tremendously encouraged by the devotionals that I come across every day that are evidently written years and years ago, yet still have a profound impact on my thinking and attitude. The one today about the wise use of time is such an example, and I pray that you’re similarly blessed by this as I was. So much more stuff is lined up on this blog, I could bust with the excitement, but I’m learning to be diligent, persistent, patient and vigilant in the output here. Among other developments in me life, for example, I’ve started work at the YMCA and there are so many opportunities and possibilities there that I really do need the wisdom of God to make wise use of my time and maximise for His glory so that great things can happen there. More on this in a future blog. In the meantime, fear not, the late, late, late World Cup review is on its way, then hopefully soon will be the preview for the coming Premiership season. Some interesting book reviews on the way as well from the works of such opposing forces as Philip Yancey and Terry Butcher!! See, there’s a lot going on … 4 His Name’s Sake Shalom da man cd -------------------- August 1 - Our Daily Walk by F.B. Meyer THE WISE USE OF TIME "Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise redeeming the time, because the days are evil."-- Eph_5:15-16 (R.V.). GOD DESIRES to give each life its full development. Of course, there are exceptions; for instance, in some cases the lessons and discipline of life are crowded into a very brief space of time, and the soul is summoned to the Presence-chamber of eternity. But, on the whole, each human life is intended to touch all the notes of life's organ. There is an appointed time when it shall be born or die, shall weep or laugh, shall get or lose, shall have halcyon peace or storm cast skies. These times have been fixed for you in God's plan; do not try and anticipate them, or force the pace, but wait thou the Lord's leisure. In due time all will work out for thy good and for His glory. Say to Him" "All my times are in Thy hand." Times and seasons succeed one another very quickly. Milton, in his glorious sonnet on the Flight of Time, bids her call on the leaden-stepping hours, referring to the swing of the pendulum; and, indeed, as we look back on our past life it will seem as though each experience was only for a moment, and then had vanished, never to return. We are reminded of the cobbler, who, as he sat in his kitchen, thought that the pendulum of his clock, when it swing to the left, said For ever; and to the right, Where? For ever--where? For ever--where? He got up and stopped it, but found that, although he had stopped the questioner, he had not answered the question. Nor could he find rest until, on his knees, he had been able to face the question of the Eternal, and reply to it. We must be on the alert to meet the demand of every hour. "Mine hour is not yet come," said our Lord. He waited patiently until He heard the hours strike in heaven, and then drawing the strength appropriate to its demand, He went forth to meet it. Each time and season is kept by the Father in His own hand. He opens and none shuts; He shuts and none opens. But in that same hand are the needed supplies of wisdom, grace, and power. As the time, so is the strength. No time of sighing, trial, temptation, or bereavement is without its special and adapted supplies. Take what is needed from His hand, and go forth to play the part for which the hour calls. PRAYER Oh, that Thou wouldst bless us indeed and enlarge our coasts of useful service. Let Thine hand be with us, and keep us from all evil that would grieve Thee. AMEN.